Exploration of the Optimum Rice Husk Biochar for Atrazine and 2,4-D Removal: Different Pyrolysis and Modification Conditions

In this study, the best RHB (rice husk biochar) was investigated through the effect of pyrolysis synthesis processes and modifications. Five biochars were synthesized from rice husk waste materials at different pyrolysis temperatures (400 to 600 °C) in oxygen-limited conditions. The biochars were modified by acids to remove minerals on the surface area. The characteristics of the biochars were determined including surface morphology, specific surface area, and functional groups. The herbicide adsorption was accomplished by the batch equilibration method. The result indicated that the biochar that synthesized 500 °C for 6 h had the highest maximum adsorption capacity. The optimum RHB was biochar modified with HF acid. The optimum biochar had less or no minerals and it achieved abundant functional groups on the surface areas. The pore volume distributions in pore sizes of micropores and narrow mesopores played an important role to perform the uptake of the herbicides, they were in the range of 7.90 % and 59.26 %, respectively. The high-efficiency removals of atrazine and 2,4-D by optimum biochar were 82.70 % and 95.10 %, respectively. The rice husk biochar is a suitable adsorbent to remove herbicides from the aqueous environment.Ostrav

Lay provider HIV testing: A promising strategy to reach the undiagnosed key populations in Vietnam.

BackgroundIn Vietnam, reaching the remaining one-third of undiagnosed people living with HIV and facilitating their antiretroviral therapy (ART) enrollment requires breakthrough approaches. We piloted lay provider HIV testing as an innovative approach to reach at-risk populations that never or infrequently HIV test at facility-based services.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey and analysis of routine program data in two urban provinces (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City) and two rural mountainous provinces (Nghe An and Dien Bien) from October 2015 through September 2017. Acceptability of lay provider testing was defined as the proportion of first-time HIV testers utilizing the service, and effectiveness was measured by HIV positivity and ART initiation rates. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine lay provider testing preference and factors associated with that preference.ResultsAmong 1,230 individuals recruited for face-to-face interviews, 74% belonged to key populations: people who inject drugs accounted for 31.4%; men who have sex with men, 60.4%; and female sex workers, 8.2%. Most clients (67%) reported being first-time HIV testers, and the majority (85.8%) preferred lay provider testing to facility-based testing. Multivariate analysis found that clients in urban areas (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.50; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.30-4.90) and those who had a university or higher education (aOR = 1.83; 95% CI: 1.05-3.20) were more likely to prefer lay provider testing. Lay provider testing yielded a higher HIV positivity rate (4.1%), particularly among first-time testers (6.8%), compared to facility-based testing (nationally estimated at 1.6% in 2016) and had a high ART initiation rate (91%).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that lay provider HIV testing is an effective approach to reach previously unreached at-risk populations, and, therefore, a critical addition to accelerating Vietnam's attainment of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS 90-90-90 goals

Sharing ideas and practice: institutional partnership influences change in approaches to teaching to enhance veterinary education in Vietnam in conjunction with an OIE Veterinary Education Twinning Project

A World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Veterinary Education Twinning Project was established between the veterinary schools at Nong Lam University (NLU) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and the University of Queensland, Gatton, Australia, as part of the scheme established to promote high-quality veterinary services through improved veterinary education. Included in the partnership's primary aims were building the capacity of veterinary teaching staff with respect to general teaching practice and also in response to identified deficiency areas, and to develop outcome assessment processes. One challenge facing the project was the different approaches and experiences of teaching and learning for the faculty and students between the two widely different historical and cultural contexts of Australia and Vietnam. The project enhanced the pedagogy capability in NLU faculty and introduced student-focused approaches to teaching. The NLU staff involved in the project strongly embraced a student-centered approach to learning and case-based teaching in particular, adopting these strategies in their own teaching. An analysis of students' approach to learning demonstrates that the majority preferred a deep approach to learning and that these students valued case studies, problem-solving exercises, and working in small groups during teaching sessions more than students who took a surface approach to learning. An improved recognition of the ways the Vietnamese students approach their learning in their home country will guide future teaching design, as well as give insight into the approaches to teaching for Southeast Asian students within the Australian veterinary science programs