Vietnamese University Students’ Perceptions of ChatGPT for Homework Assistance

Since its emergence, the novel ChatGPT has attracted lots of users. In education, the use of Chat GPT might provide both advantages and disadvantages for students. Likewise, the intention to use ChatGPT for learning is controversial in different contexts. In some contexts, students perceived ChatGPT as useful and easy to use, expressing their inclination to use this learning tool. Meanwhile, in other contexts, students were doubtful about ChatGPT’s benefits, leaning toward not using the tool for their learning. Therefore, it is worth gaining insight into students’ perceptions of ChatGPT in the current context. Drawing from the technology acceptance model (TAM), we explored how students perceived ChatGPT for their homework assignments. Data from mixed methods revealed that students have a moderately positive perception of using ChatGPT. Specifically, students have a positive attitude toward the use of ChatGPT and perceive it as useful and easy to use. More importantly, students have the intention of employing this tool for their future learning, despite several concerns. Data from structural equation modeling analyses demonstrated that perceived ease of use directly influences perceived usefulness. Perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are predictors of students’ attitudes, which directly affect students’ intentions to use ChatGPT. The study provides empirical evidence to support the use of ChatGPT in education. Recommendations for using ChatGPT are discussed

Fabrication of Electrochemical Electrodes Based on Platinum and ZnO\text{ZnO} Nanofibers for Biosensing Applications

Platinum (Pt) electrodes were designed in imitation of screen-printed electrodes, and prepared by microelectronic techniques. These electrodes were then modified with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofibers for biosensing applications. ZnO nanofibers with average length $\sim 20-30\; \mu$ m and diameter $\sim 150$ nm in hexagonal crystalline structure are prepared using electrospinning method. Their surface characteristics were analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Electrochemical properties of modified Pt electrodes were investigated in comparison with commercial carbon screen-printed electrodes. The results showed that the cyclic voltammogram of modified Pt electrodes was stable, but has much lower resistance compared to that of carbon screen-printed electrodes

Sex differences in total cholesterol of Vietnamese adults

Background The mid-life emergence of higher levels of total cholesterol (TC) for women than for men has been observed in different Western and Asian populations. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is evidence of this in Vietnam and, if so, whether it can be explained by ageing, by body size and fatness, or by socio-demographic characteristics and behavioural factors.Methods Participants (n = 14706, 50.9% females) aged 25-64 years were selected by multi-stage stratified cluster sampling from eight provinces each representing one of the eight geographical regions of Vietnam. Measurements were made using the World Health Organization STEPS protocols. Linear regression was used to assess the independent contributions of potential explanatory factors to mean levels of TC. Data were analysed using complex survey methods.Results Men and women had similar mean levels of body mass index (BMI), and men had modestly higher mean levels of waist circumference (WC), in each 5-year age category. The mean TC of women increased more or less continuously across the age range but with a step-up at age 50 years to reach higher concentrations on average than those of their male counterparts. The estimated step-up was not eliminated by adjustment for anthropometric indices including BMI or WC, or by adjustment for socio-demographic characteristics or behavioural factors. The estimated step-up was least for women with the greatest weight.Conclusion There is a marked step-up in TC at age 50 years for Vietnamese women that cannot be explained by their age, or by their body fatness or its distribution, or by their socio-demographic characteristics or behavioural factors, and which results in greater mean levels of TC for middle-aged women than for their male counterparts in Vietnam.</p

Physical therapy for sleep apnea: a smartphone application for home-based physical therapy for patients with obstructive sleep apnea

PurposeIn this study, we described “PT for Sleep Apnea”, a smartphone application for home-based physical therapy of patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).MethodsThe application was created in a joint program between the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City (UMP), Vietnam, and National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), Taiwan. Exercises maneuvers were derived from the exercise program previously published by the partner group at National Cheng Kung University. They included exercises for upper airway and respiratory muscle training and general endurance training.ResultsThe application provides video and in-text tutorials for users to follow at home and a schedule function to assist the user in organizing the training program, which may improve the efficacy of home-based physical therapy in patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.ConclusionIn the future, our group plans to conduct a user study and randomized-controlled trials to investigate whether our application can benefit patients with OSA

Echinacea purpurea: An overview of mechanism, efficacy, and safety in pediatric upper respiratory infections and otitis media

Pediatric upper respiratory infections (URIs) and otitis media (OM) significantly impact the health of children globally. Echinacea purpurea, known for its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, has been historically used to treat various ailments, suggesting its potential as an adjunctive treatment in pediatric respiratory conditions. This narrative review synthesizes literature from January 2000 to December 2023 on the efficacy and safety of E. purpurea in treating pediatric URIs, including OM. It focuses on clinical trials and empirical studies that explore the mechanisms of action, such as the modulation of cytokine production, inhibition of NF-κB signaling, and antimicrobial effects. The analysis reveals mixed outcomes regarding the efficacy of E. purpurea in pediatric populations, attributed partly to variability in study designs and lack of standardized treatment protocols. While some studies report reduced severity and duration of respiratory symptoms, others indicate minimal or no significant difference compared to placebo. The review also highlights the need for specifically designed products that cater to the unique physiological and metabolic needs of children. Rigorous, well-designed clinical trials are crucial for establishing clear guidelines on the use of E. purpurea in pediatric respiratory care, ensuring its safe and effective application in improving health outcomes for children

Awareness and preparedness of healthcare workers against the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional survey across 57 countries.

BACKGROUND: Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, there have been concerns related to the preparedness of healthcare workers (HCWs). This study aimed to describe the level of awareness and preparedness of hospital HCWs at the time of the first wave. METHODS: This multinational, multicenter, cross-sectional survey was conducted among hospital HCWs from February to May 2020. We used a hierarchical logistic regression multivariate analysis to adjust the influence of variables based on awareness and preparedness. We then used association rule mining to identify relationships between HCW confidence in handling suspected COVID-19 patients and prior COVID-19 case-management training. RESULTS: We surveyed 24,653 HCWs from 371 hospitals across 57 countries and received 17,302 responses from 70.2% HCWs overall. The median COVID-19 preparedness score was 11.0 (interquartile range [IQR] = 6.0-14.0) and the median awareness score was 29.6 (IQR = 26.6-32.6). HCWs at COVID-19 designated facilities with previous outbreak experience, or HCWs who were trained for dealing with the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, had significantly higher levels of preparedness and awareness (p<0.001). Association rule mining suggests that nurses and doctors who had a 'great-extent-of-confidence' in handling suspected COVID-19 patients had participated in COVID-19 training courses. Male participants (mean difference = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.22, 0.46; p<0.001) and nurses (mean difference = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.53, 0.81; p<0.001) had higher preparedness scores compared to women participants and doctors. INTERPRETATION: There was an unsurprising high level of awareness and preparedness among HCWs who participated in COVID-19 training courses. However, disparity existed along the lines of gender and type of HCW. It is unknown whether the difference in COVID-19 preparedness that we detected early in the pandemic may have translated into disproportionate SARS-CoV-2 burden of disease by gender or HCW type

Associations of Underlying Health Conditions With Anxiety and Depression Among Outpatients: Modification Effects of Suspected COVID-19 Symptoms, Health-Related and Preventive Behaviors

Objectives: We explored the association of underlying health conditions (UHC) with depression and anxiety, and examined the modification effects of suspected COVID-19 symptoms (S-COVID-19-S), health-related behaviors (HB), and preventive behaviors (PB).Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 8,291 outpatients aged 18–85 years, in 18 hospitals and health centers across Vietnam from 14th February to May 31, 2020. We collected the data regarding participant's characteristics, UHC, HB, PB, depression, and anxiety.Results: People with UHC had higher odds of depression (OR = 2.11; p &lt; 0.001) and anxiety (OR = 2.86; p &lt; 0.001) than those without UHC. The odds of depression and anxiety were significantly higher for those with UHC and S-COVID-19-S (p &lt; 0.001); and were significantly lower for those had UHC and interacted with “unchanged/more” physical activity (p &lt; 0.001), or “unchanged/more” drinking (p &lt; 0.001 for only anxiety), or “unchanged/healthier” eating (p &lt; 0.001), and high PB score (p &lt; 0.001), as compared to those without UHC and without S-COVID-19-S, “never/stopped/less” physical activity, drinking, “less healthy” eating, and low PB score, respectively.Conclusion: S-COVID-19-S worsen psychological health in patients with UHC. Physical activity, drinking, healthier eating, and high PB score were protective factors

Static and Dynamic Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of Nickel-Titanium Rotary Instruments in a Double-Curved Stainless Steel Artificial Canal

The present study aims to measure the number of cycles leading to fracture (NCF) of instruments in static and dynamic cyclic fatigue situations under body temperature in stainless steel double-curved canals. The framework was constructed to establish the movement of instruments occurring at a stable body temperature. A step motor, a holding system for an endodontic handpiece, created the movement in and out of the artificial canal of the file mounted on the handpiece. A total of 30 instruments of ProTaper Universal and ProTaper Next (Dentsply Sirona, Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) were divided into three groups of 10 per group. For group 1 (10 PTU F2), files were rotated in static cycles. For groups 2 (10 PTU F2) and 3 (10 PTN X2), files were rotated in dynamic cycles. Files were rotated using proprietary programs, and the times the files were rotated before fracture were recorded. Data were analyzed using survival probabilities and regression with life data. The ProTaper Next in the dynamic cycles had the largest NCF, and the ProTaper Universal in the static condition had the least. New modes of rotation, material, and design have affected the cyclic fatigue resistance of the instrument