Cigarette Smoking among Adolescents aged 13-15 in Viet Nam and Correlates of Current Cigarette Smoking: Results from GYTS 2014 Data

Le, Thi Huong,Nga, Thi Thu Vu,Nguyen, Ngoc Dung,Le, Thi Thanh Xuan,Kim, Bao Giang,Phan, Thi Hai,Doan, Thu Huyen,Luong, Ngoc Khue,Nguyen, Tuan Lam,Hoang, Van Minh,Pham, Thi Quynh Nga Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.no.sup1

The aim of this paper is to report the rate of current and ever cigarette smoking and explore correlates of current cigarette smoking among adolescents aged 13-15 in Viet Nam. This analysis was derived from GYTS survey, which comprised of 3,430 adolescents aged 13-15, conducted in 2014 in 13 cities and provinces of Viet Nam. We calculated the weighted rates of current and ever cigarette smoking and reported patterns of smoking behavior. We also performed logistic regression to explore correlates of current cigarette smoking behavior. The weighted rate of ever cigarette smoking was 9.5% (95% confidence interval (CI): 8.5 %-10.5%), in which the weighted rate among males (15.4%; 95% CI: 13.6%-17.0%) was higher than that among females (4.2%; 95% CI: 3.3%-5.1%). The weighted rate of current cigarette smoking was relatively low at 2.5% (95%CI: 2.0%-3.0%) with higher weighted rate among males (4.9%; 95% CI: 3.8%-5.9%) compared to the corresponding figure among females (0.2%; 95% CI: 0.0 %-0.5%). Current cigarette smoking was significantly higher among males than females, in students aged 15 versus 13 years old, and in students who had several or all close friends smoking and students with daily observation of smoking at school. For greater smoking reduction outcomes, we recommend that tobacco interventions for adolescents should consider targeting more male students at older ages, establish stricter adherence to school-based banning of cigarette smoking, engage both smoking and nonsmoking adolescents and empower adolescents to resist peer smoking influence as well as changing their norms or beliefs towards smoking benefits.

Internal Factors Influencing Firm Profitability in the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Empirical Evidence from Vietnam

HUYEN, Le Thanh Korea Distribution Science Association 2022 The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Busine Vol.9 No.8

For each country, the growth of the country is significantly associated with the growth of the manufacturing industry. Especially in the early stages of development, the manufacturing industry has greatly played a great role in creating great added value for society and economic development in that country. Starting from a country with a weak manufacturing background, Vietnam is gradually opening up and integrating into the global economy, which has brought many opportunities for manufacturing enterprises in particular and the enterprise community in general, making Vietnam one of the countries with large production activities in Southeast Asia and Asia. The study evaluates the factors affecting the financial performance of manufacturing enterprises through a case study in Hanoi, Vietnam. Using a survey sample of 235 enterprises operating in production and using quantitative analysis methods, the research results show that: Enterprises with high governance quality are enterprises with high economic efficiency or enterprises with low management capacity have low business efficiency. Moreover, large-scale enterprises often have many advantages in seeking profits and improving business efficiency. Finally, the study has some recommendations to improve corporate governance and growth, create a stronger business community and contribute more to Vietnam's economic development.

Impact of Destination Image and Satisfaction on Tourist Loyalty: Mountain Destinations in Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam

LE, Hoang Ba Huyen,LE, Thi Binh Korea Distribution Science Association 2020 The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Busine Vol.7 No.4

The study aims to assess the impact of destination image, satisfaction and loyalty of tourists at mountain destinations in Thanh Hoa province, Vietnam. The study involves questionnaire surveys and multivariate data analysis methods (Cronbach Alpha test, EFA, CFA, SEM). Research results from 500 tourists in the mountain destinations of Thanh Hoa province demonstrate that all factors have imposed a positive impact on tourist satisfaction, specifically: The most influential factor is Natural features, followed by Human factors while the least influential factor is Infrastructure; On the other hand, research results also demonstrate that satisfaction has a substantial impact on tourist loyalty. Based on the research results, we also proposed some key solutions to enhance the destination image, thereby contributing to increased satisfaction and loyalty of tourists, including: (i) Promoting Natural Tourism Resources. (ii) Raising Awareness of Environmental Protection. (iii) Building Local Cultural Identity. (iv) Building Exclusive Tourist Products. (5) Strengthening the Support of Local Authorities for Tourism Activities. (vi) Developing a Price Policy.

Polyglycerolated nanocarriers with increased ligand multivalency for enhanced <i>in vivo</i> therapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel

Le Kim, Trang Huyen,Yu, Jeong Heon,Jun, Hwiseok,Yang, Moon Young,Yang, Mi-Jin,Cho, Jae-Woo,Kim, Jin Woong,Kim, Jee Seon,Nam, Yoon Sung Elsevier 2017 Biomaterials Vol.145 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Despite the excellent biocompatibility and antifouling effect of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), the high steric hindrance, limited chemical functionality, and low ligand multivalency of PEGylated nanocarriers often lead to inefficient cell targeting and intracellular trafficking. Hence, a new structure of hydrophilic corona allowing a higher ligand density without loss of excellent biocompatibility is highly desirable. Here we introduce tumor-targeted polyglycerolated (PGylated) nanocarriers that dramatically enhance the <I>in vivo</I> therapeutic efficacy of incorporated paclitaxel simply by increasing the surface density of hydrophobic tumor-targeting ligands. Linear polyglycerol-poly (ε-caprolactone) block copolymer (PG-<I>b</I>-PCL) is used to prepare PGylated lipiodol nanoemulsions, where PG serves as a corona conjugated with a large number of folic acid (FA) for efficient tumor targeting. Unlike FA-PEGylated nanoemulsions, FA-PGylated nanoemulsions can display a larger number of FA without structural destabilization. This property enables excellent anti-cancer activities and effective tumor regression in a cervical cancer xenograft murine model at a cumulative drug dose of ∼5 mg kg<SUP>−1</SUP>, which is about four fold smaller than that of commercial Taxol formulation. This study highlights the importance of surface chemistry of nanocarriers that enable multivalent ligand functionalization and high tolerance to the conjugation of hydrophobic ligands, which make PG as a very effective hydrophilic corona for <I>in vivo</I> drug delivery.</P>

Factor Affecting Customers' Decision to Use Mobile Banking Service: A Case of Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam

LE, Hoang Ba Huyen,NGO, Chi Thanh,TRINH, Thi Thu Huyen,NGUYEN, Thi Thu Phuong Korea Distribution Science Association 2020 The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Busine Vol.7 No.2

The article aims to identify the main factors affecting customers' decision to use mobile banking service in Vietnam, a case study in Thanh Hoa province. Based on theoretical frameworks of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), the study has been conducted with 370 questionnaires to consumers who have not yet used and are currently using mobile banking in Thanh Hoa province. The research results indicates that several factors have been evaluated to be more important than others, of which, the social influence is the strongest, the second is the compatibility and some others factors such as perceived ease of use, perceived trust, etc., all affecting the intention to use mobile banking in Thanh Hoa. Based on these important results, the article propose a number of recommendations: (i) Exploiting the advantages of social influence on the increase of intention to use; (ii) Increasing compatibility and minimizing costs for customers when they use Mobile Banking; (iii) Developing a strategy to increase the users' perceived ease of using banking services; (iv) Issuing a policy on increasing the security of Mobile Banking system to meet customers' needs; and (v) Developing an individual customer management system to improve service quality.

Violation of Bans on Tobacco Advertising and Promotion at Points of Sale in Viet Nam: Trend from 2009 - 2015

Le, Thi Thanh Huong,Tran, Khanh Long,Phung, Xuan Son,Do, Phuc Huyen,Phan, Thuy Linh,Nguyen, Ngoc Bich,Nguyen, Xuan Lam,Le, Vu Anh,Tran, Thi Tuyet-Hanh Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.no.sup1

Comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising and promotion were introduced through tobacco control legislation in Viet Nam, but it has been established that violations of the bans are very common. This study was conducted to explore the trend in violations of bans on tobacco advertising and promotion at points of sale in Viet Nam in the past six years and to explore any differences in the violation situations before and after the Law on Tobacco Control came into effect on 1st May 2013. Quantitative data were collected through observation of violations of the bans on tobacco advertising and promotion at points of sale in 10 provinces throughout Viet Nam in four survey rounds (2009, 2010, 2011, and 2015). Variation in violation prevalence over time was examined by chi-square test using a Bonferini method. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify the factors that may have influences on different types of violation. A level of significance of p<0.05 was used for all tests in this article. The most common form of violation was the display of more than one pack/one carton of a cigarette brand. Violation of bans on tobacco advertising increased while violations on promotion ban and on displaying tobacco decreased through time. Some factors associated with the tobacco advertising and promotion bans included surveyed years, types of points of sale, regions and areas where the points of sale were located. The enforcement of the bans did not improve even after the issuance and the enactment of the Law on Tobacco Control. This suggests that the monitoring and enforcement of bans on tobacco advertising and promotion at points of sale should be strengthened. Penalties should be strictly applied for violators as indicated in the current tobacco control legislation.

Factors Affecting Electronic Tax Compliance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Vietnam

Huyen Thi Dieu LE,Men Thi BUI,Giang Thi Cam NGUYEN 한국유통과학회 2021 The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Busine Vol.8 No.1

In Vietnam, tax compliance has become an important goal in the tax reform strategy. In the context of technology 4.0, the application of the electronic tax system is of great significance to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The paper explores factors influencing electronic tax compliance of SMEs in Vietnam. Data from 402 SMEs, who are business taxpayers, was selected through a researcherdesigned questionnaire survey method. The results indicate that four groups of factors have significant effects on electronic tax compliance among Vietnamese SMEs. These groups include Taxpayer Awareness (TA), Perceived Ease of use (PTE), Vietnamese tax administration (VTA,) and Efficiency of Vietnamese tax policy (VTP). The factor analysis was adopted; Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were calculated, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used. The findings found that among these four groups, the most influencing factor is taxpayer awareness. It is suggested that the Vietnamese government should pay attention to promote and support SMEs to raise full awareness of tax obligations. This could be done through various methods such as conducting workshops for updating tax policies and short courses to business taxpayers of electronic tax compliance. The study is expected to provide some important implications for policy-makers and practitioners in tax policy reform in Vietnam.

Paclitaxel-loaded lipiodol nanoemulsions stabilized by polyglycerol-poly(ε-caprolactone) block copolymers

( Le Kim Huyen Trang ),남윤성 한국공업화학회 2015 한국공업화학회 연구논문 초록집 Vol.2015 No.0

Polyglycerol-based amphiphilic copolymers have gained much attention as a novel biomaterial in the biomedical field because of the biocompatibility and facile chemical modification capability of polyglycerol.Here, we fabricate cancer-targeted theranostic polymeric nanoemulsions composed of linear polyglycerol-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PG-PCL) diblock copolymer as a polymeric shell and CT contrast agent lipiodol as a core oil. PG-PCLs are synthesized through ring-opening polymerization,and folates are conjugated to the hydroxyl moieties of polyglycerol block with 19.2% degree of substitution. The incorporated lipiodol facilitates to encapsulate water-insoluble anticancer drug paclitaxel in the nanoemulsion due to its high solubility of paclitaxel. In vitro studies with HeLa ovarian cancer cells demonstrate excellent anti-cancer activities (LD50 < 3 ng mL-1) and the applicability as a contrast agent for CT imaging. We anticipate our PG-PCL amphiphilic polymer can be widely applied to drug delivery nanocarriers for cancer-targeting of therapeutic and imaging agents.

Synthesis gold nanoparticles in ionic liquid using sodium oleate as reducing agent

Le Kim Huyen Trang,김태영,서광석,홍승현 한국고분자학회 2009 한국고분자학회 학술대회 연구논문 초록집 Vol.2009 No.10

Lipiodol nanoemulsions stabilized with polyglycerol-polycaprolactone block copolymers for theranostic applications

Trang Huyen Le Kim,전휘석,김진호,박근칠,김지선,남윤성 한국생체재료학회 2017 생체재료학회지 Vol.21 No.4

Background: Polyglycerol is an attractive hydrophilic building block of amphiphilic copolymers for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications due to its biocompatibility, facile chemical modification, and anti-fouling activity. Herein we introduce theranostic nanoemulsions incorporating anti-cancer therapeutic and contrast agents using linear polyglycerol-poly(ε-caprolactone) diblock copolymers (PG-b-PCL). Lipiodol is used as a core oil that dissolves paclitaxel and serves as a contrast agent for computer tomography (CT). Methods: PG-b-PCL is synthesized by three-step processes: polymerization of ethoxyethyl glycerol ether; ringopening polymerization of ε-caprolactone; and deprotection of the PEEGE block. In vitro cytotoxicity of the polyglycerolated lipiodol nanoemulsions is demonstrated using HeLa ovarian cancer cells. The applicability of the prepared nanoemulsions as a contrast agent for CT imaging is also evaluated using micro-CT. Results: Three compositions of PG-b-PCL with different block lengths are synthesized to prepare nanoemulsions. The polyglycerolated lipiodol nanoemulsions exhibit excellent anti-cancer activities, while placebo nanoemulsions have no significant cytotoxicity under the same condition. Micro-CT imaging of the nanoemulsions confirms the ability of nanoemulsions as a contrast agent. Conclusions: This study suggests that PG-b-PCL is a promising polymeric emulsifier for effective stabilization and surface functionalization of drug delivery nanocarriers for therapeutic and imaging agents.