Acupuncture as an adjunct therapy to Counselling for Refugee Survivors at NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS)

University of Technology Sydney. Faculty of Science.Exposure to high levels of cumulative trauma such as war, torture and human rights violations places refugees at significant risk of psychological complications. In addition, subsequent refugee and resettlement experiences have a substantial impact on the physical and psychological health and wellbeing of those affected. This study used a randomised, repeated measure design in a pragmatic setting to evaluate the effectiveness of Acupuncture as an adjunct therapy to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for refugees attending NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS). Participants were randomised into three treatment groups: Acupuncture, CBT, and Combined (Acupuncture and CBT). Participants received treatment in eight weekly sessions, at STARTTS, by experienced counsellors and/or an acupuncturist. Primary outcome measures from Hopkins Symptoms Check List 25 (HSCL-25), Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ), Credibility and Expectancy Questionnaire and a Numeric Pain Scale (NRS) as a secondary measure were applied at baseline pre-treatment, post-treatment assessment and a two-month follow-up. The HSCL-25 was used for measuring anxiety and depression in refugee participants. The HTQ was used for measuring degrees of trauma in refugee participants. The Credibility and Expectancy Questionnaire was used for measuring beliefs and expectancy each refugee participant had for the treatment therapy they were receiving. As indiscriminate pain was a common presentation amongst refugees suffering with PTSD, the NRS was used to score the participants level of pain during the study. The study found that on average there were signs of improvements in PTSD, anxiety and depression within each treatment groups – Acupuncture, CBT and Combined. CBT group showed significant improvements in PTSD. Both Acupuncture and Combined groups showed significant improvements not only in PTSD but also in anxiety, depression and pain. Psychometric measures (PTSD, anxiety and depression) improvements were significant in the Combined group occurred at 2-month follow-up. The data from this study show initial trends that indicate acupuncture may be an effective standalone therapy or adjunct therapy to CBT, particularly in respect of the treatment of pain, retention of participants in CBT when combined with acupuncture and may be a more culturally acceptable practice for segments of the sub-population of refugee clients at STARTTS. Results indicated that a combination of modalities yielded significant results and improved treatment compliance, suggesting the value of integrating alternative and conventional treatment modalities to maximise psychological gain and pain reduction. Larger studies of refugee populations are required to determine definitive results

Antidepressive and anxiolytic effects of ostruthin, a TREK-1 channel activator

We screened a library of botanical compounds purified from plants of Vietnam for modulators of the activity of a two-pore domain K+ channel, TREK-1, and we identified a hydroxycoumarin-related compound, ostruthin, as an activator of this channel. Ostruthin increased whole-cell TREK-1 channel currents in 293T cells at a low concentration (EC50 = 5.3 μM), and also activity of the TREK-2 channel (EC50 = 3.7 mM). In contrast, ostruthin inhibited other K+ channels, e.g. human ether-à-go-go-related gene (HERG1), inward-rectifier (Kir2.1), voltage-gated (Kv1.4), and two-pore domain (TASK-1) at higher concentrations, without affecting voltage-gated potassium channel (KCNQ1 and 3). We tested the effect of this compound on mouse anxiety- and depression-like behaviors and found anxiolytic activity in the open-field, elevated plus maze, and light/dark box tests. Of note, ostruthin also showed antidepressive effects in the forced swim and tail suspension tests, although previous studies reported that inhibition of TREK-1 channels resulted in an antidepressive effect. The anxiolytic and antidepressive effect was diminished by co-administration of a TREK-1 blocker, amlodipine, indicating the involvement of TREK-1 channels. Administration of ostruthin suppressed the stress-induced increase in anti-c-Fos immunoreactivity in the lateral septum, without affecting immunoreactivity in other mood disorder-related nuclei, e.g. the amygdala, paraventricular nuclei, and dorsal raphe nucleus. Ostruthin may exert its anxiolytic and antidepressive effects through a different mechanism from current drugs

COMPARATIVE STUDY ON VOLATILE COMPOUNDS OF AGARWOOD FROM KHANH HOA PROVINCE EXTRACTED BY DIFFERENT METHODS

Agarwood from Aquilaria crassna cultivated in Khanh Hoa province was extracted by 5 methods, including simple, enzyme-assited, and microwave-assisted hydrodistillation, extraction with solvent and supercritical carbon dioxide. The volatile compounds of the products were analyzed by GC-MS. Almost all samples contain some common characteristic components, such as Valerianol, Agarospirol, Eudesmol b-, Eudesmol 10-epi-g-, 2-Allyl-4-methylphenol, Guaiol and Neopetasone. However, there were obvious differences in yields, composition, and number of identified components. The application of the more advanced methods for the extraction of agarwood resulted in saving of time and energy, and some improvement of product yield. However, these methods also lead to unconventional products with many unknown components, what requires further investigations

ASSESSMENT OF THE POTENTIAL FOR DEVELOPMENT OF AGRITOURISM IN BINH DINH PROVINCE, VIETNAM

This study evaluates the potential for agritourism development in Binh Dinh Province, Central Vietnam. The analytical hierarchical process is used to determine the weights of four factors with 25 measurement criteria to assess agritourism potential. The research results show that Binh Dinh Province has great agritourism potential based on four evaluation factors, including (1) local agricultural tourism resources, (2) the trend for agritourism development and the agritourism market, (3) the local community’s willingness, and (4) the supporting activities of the local government. In particular, the local agricultural tourism resources factor received the highest score, followed by the local community’s willingness and the supporting activities of the local government. The trend for agritourism development and the agritourism market was rated the lowest. Therefore, Binh Dinh has viable opportunities to encourage the growth of agritourism to improve farmers’ livelihoodsDu lịch nông nghiệp đem lại nhiều cơ hội cho phát triển kinh tế cũng như đa dạng hóa các loại hình du lịch và cải thiện đời sống sinh kế của người dân. Nghiên cứu sử dụng phương pháp phân tích thứ bậc (AHP) để tính các trọng số của các tiêu chí đánh giá tiềm năng phát triển du lịch nông nghiệp tại các huyện, thị xã phía bắc tỉnh Bình Định. Tiếp theo, kết quả mô hình hóa sơ đồ mạng cho thấy cả 4 địa phương An Lão, Hoài Ân, Phù Mỹ, thị xã Hoài Nhơn đều được đánh giá ở mức điểm cao về tiềm năng phát triển du lịch nông nghiệp trên các khía cạnh tài nguyên du lịch, xu hướng phát triển du lịch, sự ủng hộ của người dân địa phương và sự quan tâm của chính quyền địa phương. Tuy nhiên, yếu tố xu hướng phát triển thị trường du lịch nông nghiệp được đánh giá ở mức điểm thấp hơn. Điều này cũng xuất phát từ việc phát triển du lịch nông nghiệp tại các huyện, thị xã phía Bắc tỉnh Bình Định cũng mới bắt đầu nhận được sự quan tâm trong vài năm gần đây, số lượt khách tham quan các huyện, thị xã phía Bắc tỉnh Bình Định còn ít so với tiềm năng du lịch của địa bàn

Musculoskeletal Pain and Work-related Risk Factors among Waste Collectors in Hanoi, Vietnam: A Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are prevalent among waste collectors (WCs) in developing countries. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of MSDs and the factors associated with the risk of persistent musculoskeletal pain among WCs in Hanoi, Vietnam. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was utilized to study 468 WCs in 2017. The Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire and a questionnaire on demographic and work conditions were used to collect data. Descriptive and multivariate logistics regression analyzes were applied at a significance level of 0.05 to examine the factors related to the risk of persistent pain. FINDINGS: About 74.4% of the participants of this study experienced MSDs in at least one body region and 9.4% reported MSDs in all 10 body sites. The lower back was reported to be the most affected followed by the neck and shoulders. The risk of persistent musculoskeletal pain was significantly associated with age (odds ratio (OR) = 2.31, confidence interval (CI) = 1.05–5.09), gender (OR = 3.29, CI = 1.28–8.44), work hours (OR = 2.35, CI = 1.12–4.92), work shift (OR = 0.48, CI = 0.26–0.92), duration of poor postures of the neck (OR = 0.31, CI = 0.13–0.76), bent back (OR = 0.4 CI = 0.18–0.92) and for medial rotation (OR = 3.01, CI = 1.42–6.36), carrying heavy objects (OR = 2.94, CI = 1.15–7.48), and experience of work dissatisfaction (OR = 3.31, CI = 1.46-7.52), stress (OR = 7.14, CI = 3.14–16.24), or anxiety (OR = 6.37, CI = 3.07–13.21). CONCLUSIONS: High prevalence of MSDs among WCs and its association with self-assessed unfavorable work postures and work-related stress implies the need of mechanical and social support at work for WC to prevent the development of MSDs and persistent pain

Factors affecting intention to purchase organic agriculture products among Vietnamese

Globally, customer intention to purchase has become the essential part of the product and organization's success in the market. More recently, the idea has captured the attention of academic and policymakers alike. Therefore, the current article analyses product quality features such as agreeableness, emotional stability conscientiousness, openness to experience and extroversion on the intention to purchase organic agricultural products in the context of Vietnam. The study also analyses the mediating role of customer satisfaction between the association of product quality features and intention to purchase organic products in Vietnam. The present study uses questionnaires to collect data pertaining to the health sector of Vietnam. The current study employs the smart-PLS to analyze the constructs and items' reliability as well as the association among constructs. The results show that product quality features except extroversion have a positive and significant association with intention to purchase organic products in Vietnam. The results also reveal that customer satisfaction significantly and positively mediates among the associations of product quality features and intention to purchase organic products in Vietnam. This study is suitable for policymakers while formulating policies that may directly or indirectly affect customers' intention to purchase organic agricultural products.Luong Thu Thuy (Faculty of Economics, Academy of Finance, Vietnam), Tran Thi Phuong Diu (Faculty of Economics, Academy of Finance, Vietnam), Nguyen Dinh Hoan (Faculty of Economics, Academy of Finance, Vietnam), Vu Viet Ninh (Faculty of Economics, Academy of Finance, Vietnam), Nguyen Thi Thuy Nga (Faculty of Economics, Academy of Finance, Vietnam)Includes bibliographical reference

Factors affecting career turnover intention after graduation among nursing students: A cross-sectional study in Central Vietnam

Background & Aim: Turnover intention can predict the actual turnover behavior of nurses. Previous studies identified a variety of factors influencing nurses' turnover intention. However, few studies investigate nursing students' career turnover intention. This study aimed to examine turnover intention and associated factors among nursing students in Central Vietnam. Methods & Materials: A cross-sectional study was implemented among 425 nursing students recruited through a multistage sampling technique from April to May 2022. Data were collected using a questionnaire including demographic characteristics, fear of COVID-19, perceived academic stress, and turnover intention. Descriptive statistics were used to describe demographic characteristics and study variables. Independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson's correlation coefficients were computed to examine the association between variables. Results: Approximately one-third (32.5%) of the respondents will look for jobs without patient contact, 32.2% would not study nursing if given a choice, and 31.1% often think of not staying in the nursing profession. The sum scores of turnover intention ranged from 3 to 15 with a mean of 9.19 (SD= 2.49). The turnover intention was associated with the year of study, the reason to study nursing, and preparation for nursing school (p<.05). Perceived academic stress had a moderate correlation with turnover intention (r= -.325, p<.05). In contrast, the association between fear of COVID-19 and turnover intention was not significant. Conclusion: A considerable number of nursing students had turnover intention upon graduation. Factors affecting turnover intention should be considered to retain students in educational programs and avoid a future nursing shortage

Using fly ash treated by NaOH and H2SO4 solutions for Hg2+ and Cd2+ ion adsorption.

This paper presents the results of adsorption ability of heavy metal ions (Hg2+ and Cd2+) by fly ash (FA) before and after treatment using NaOH and H2SO4 solutions.  Original- and treated FA were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Specific surface area of FA before and after treatment was calculated by Brunauer – Emmett – Teller (BET) isotherm equation. The obtained results indicated that the morphology and specific surface area of FA changed clearly after treatment by acid or alkaline solutions. Adsorption capacity the Hg2+ and Cd2+ ion by FA was determined from data of UV-Vis spectra. After treatment, the adsorption capacity of ions by FA increased remarkably in comparison with non-treated FA. The FA treated by NaOH solution has the adsorption capacity higher than FA treated by H2SO4 solution. The maximum adsorption capacity of the FA treated by NaOH solution for Cd2+ and Hg2+ ions at room temperature is 28.97 and 14.60 mg/g, respectively. The equilibrium adsorption data were described by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The results showed that equilibrium data were fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm. Keywords. Fly ash, treatment, adsorption capacity, heavy metal, Langmuir isotherm

Effect of Polypyrrole on the Electrical, Dielectric and Mechanical Properties of Waterborne Epoxy Coatings

In this context, conducting composite based on waterborne epoxy system and polypyrrole (PPy) was investigated. The polypyrrole was synthesized by chemical oxidation polymerization. Its morphology and chemical structure were confirmed by using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Then, PPy was well-dispersed in the epoxy coating and had a good compatibility with the matrix. The effects of PPy on dielectric, electrical and mechanical properties of epoxy/PPy composites was examined. The dielectric constant and electrical conductivity of the coatings increased with addition of PPy fillers. Over to 15 wt. % of PPy loading, the volume resistivity of samples slightly decreased from 6.7 × 1010 to 1.5 × 1010 Ω cm. In contrast, the presence of PPy diminished both impact and abrasion resistance of the epoxy/PPy composites, down to 160 kg cm and 10.2 L/mil, respectively, but they stayed acceptable for the coatings. The results reveal that the epoxy containing polypyrrole is suitable for various electrical and dielectric applications