Tobacco Control Policies in Vietnam: Review on MPOWER Implementation Progress and Challenges

Hoang, Van Minh,Tran, Thu Ngan,Vu, Quynh Mai,Nguyen, Thi Tuyet My,Le, Hong Chung,Vu, Duy Kien,Tran, Tuan Anh,Nguyen, Bao Ngoc,Vu, Van Giap,Nguyen, Manh Cuong,Pham, Duc Manh,Kim, Bao Giang Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.no.sup1

In Vietnam, the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) took effect in March 2005 while MPOWER has been implemented since 2008. This paper describes the progress and challenges of implementation of the MPOWER package in Vietnam. We can report that, in term of monitoring, Vietnam is very active in the Global Tobacco Surveillance System, completing two rounds of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) and three rounds of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS). To protect people from tobacco smoke, Vietnam has issued and enforced a law requiring comprehensive smoking bans at workplaces and public places since 2013. Tobacco advertising and promotion are also prohibited with the exception of points of sale displays of tobacco products. Violations come in the form of promotion girls, corporate social responsibility activities from tobacco manufacturers and packages displayed by retail vendors. Vietnam is one of the 77 countries that require pictorial health warnings to be printed on cigarette packages to warn about the danger of tobacco and the warnings have been implemented effectively. Cigarette tax is 70% of factory price which is equal to less than 45% of retail price and much lower than the recommendation of WHO. However, Vietnam is one of the very few countries that require manufacturers and importers to make "compulsory contributions" at 1-2% of the factory price of cigarettes sold in Vietnam for the establishment of a Tobacco Control Fund (TCF). The TCF is being operated well. In 2015, 67 units of 63 provinces/cities, 22 ministries and political-social organizations and 6 hospitals received funding from TCF to implement a wide range of tobacco control activities. Cessation services have been starting with a a toll-free quit-line but need to be further strengthened. In conclusion, Vietnam has constantly put efforts into the tobacco control field with high commitment from the government, scientists and activists. Though several remarkable achievements have been gained, many challenges remain. To overcome those challenges, implementation strategies that take into account the contextual factors and social determinants of tobacco use in Vietnam are needed.

Effects of Injection Molding Parameters and their Interactions on Mechanical Properties of PMMA/PC Blend

Hoang, Van Thanh,Luu, Duc Binh,Toan Do, Le Hung,Tran, Ngoc Hai,Nguyen, Pham The Nhan,Tran, Minh Sang,Tran, Minh Thong Materials Research Society of Korea 2020 한국재료학회지 Vol.30 No.12

A combination of Polycarbonate (PC) material and Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), fabricated using an injection molding machine, has been investigated to determine its advantages, as studied in Ref. 1). This paper aims to investigate the optimization of PMMA/PC blend for both tensile yield strength and impact strength. Furthermore, interaction effects of process conditions on mechanical properties including tensile yield strength and impact strength of PMMA/PC blend by injection molding process are interpreted in this study. Tensile and impact specimens are designed following ASTM, type V, and are fabricated by injection molding process. The processing conditions such as melt temperature, mold temperature, packing pressure, and cooling time are applied; each factor has three levels. As a result, in comparison with optimization of separated responses, mechanical properties of PMMA/PC are found to decrease when optimizing both tensile and impact strengths simultaneously. The melt temperature is found to be the most significant interaction parameter with the mold temperature and packing pressure. In addition, there is more interaction between the mold temperature and cooling time. This investigation provides a useful understanding of the control of injection molding processing of polymer blends in optical application.

The Analysis and Principle Setting of High-Voltage Relaying Systems

Tran Hoang Quang Minh,Nguyen Doan Quoc Anh,Nguyen Quang Dung,Shmoilov A.V 보안공학연구지원센터 2016 International Journal of u- and e- Service, Scienc Vol.9 No.11

In this paper, the analysis of the relay devices and systems performance (and another monitoring, controlling systems) to properties of the automatic power system objects is represented. The paradoxes of using a number of relaying are considered. Some events graduated from the current such as: prevention of violation of stability, liquid on of an asynchronous regime, differential guards of transformers and auto transformers are proposed and analyzed. The recommendations for operation increasing, selectivity and sensitivity of systems properties improving are given.

Recommendations for Setting Backup Stages Line Distance Relay Protection

Tran Hoang Quang Minh 보안공학연구지원센터 2015 International Journal of Signal Processing, Image Vol.8 No.9

In this paper, main is analyzing the technical actions to limit and expand the characteristics numerical distance relay protection in order to reduce losses and improve functioning protection, and considering the specifications, efficiency and losses of the backup stages distance relay protection on high-voltage lines. Addition to this, criterion technical efficiency of back-up stage distance relay protection is presented. Based on these analysis and criterion, recommendations for designing and setting backup stages distance relay protection are proposed.

Recommendations for Main Stages Setting-up of Line Distance Relay Protection

Tran Hoang Quang Minh 보안공학연구지원센터 2015 International Journal of u- and e- Service, Scienc Vol.8 No.5

In this paper, the technical actions to reduce losses and improve functioning distance relay protection on high-voltage lines is analyzed. Addition to this, criterion technical efficiency of main stages distance relay protection is presented, analyzed and calculated. Based on these analysis and criterion, recommendations for designing and setting main stages distance relay protection are proposed.

Study Design for the 2016 Baseline Survey of a Health System Strengthening Project in Quoc Oai District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Van Minh Hoang,오주환,Bao Ngoc Nguyen,Le Minh Dat,이종구,Thi Giang Huong Tran,Van Huy Nguyen,이승표,방경숙,조영태,김선영,이화영,Quang Cuong Le,Narshil Choi,Thai Son Dinh,Ngoc Hoat Luu 대한의학회 2019 Journal of Korean medical science Vol.34 No.5

Background: In order to provide essential scientific evidence on the population's health status and social health determinants as well as the current capacity of the health care system in Vietnam to health policy makers and managers, Vietnam Ministry of Health, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, and Ho Chi Minh University of Medicine and Pharmacy collaborated with Seoul National University (Korea) and conducted a health system survey in the Quoc Oai district (of Hanoi capital) that represented northern rural Vietnam. Methods: The study design was a cross-sectional study. The survey covered different topics (more than 200 questions) and was administered in three separate questionnaires: 1) Basic information of all household members; 2) Household characteristics; and 3) Individual characteristics. Socio-demographic characteristics among the households and individuals were collected from 2,400 households sampled by multi-stage cluster sampling method: more than 200 questions. Results: The household size of Quoc Oai was larger than the national average and there was no significant difference in gender composition. In addition, the proportions of pre-elderly, age 55–64, and elderly group (65 years old and over) were higher than the national population statistics. In this context, demographic transition has begun in Quoc Oai. Conclusion: This study design description provides the basic information about a baseline survey of a future prospective cohort (as a part of a collaborative project on strengthening the health system in Vietnam) to the prospective data user of this survey.

Source apportionment of ambient PM2.5 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ngoc Tran,Yusuke Fujii,Md Firoz Khan,To Thi Hien,Tran Hoang Minh,Hiroshi Okochi,Norimichi Takenaka 한국대기환경학회 2024 Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment (AJAE) Vol.18 No.1

The emission sources of fine particulate matter ( PM2.5) have not yet been fully identified in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam, presenting difficulties to authorities in controlling air pollution efficiently. To address this issue, this study explores the source apportionment of PM2.5 by the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model and identifies potential regional sources through the weighted concentration-weighted trajectory (WCWT) model based on the field observation data of PM2.5 in HCMC. 24-h PM2.5 samples were collected in central HCMC for a year (September 2019–August 2020). Herein, inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy was used to analyze trace elements, in addition to identifying PM2.5 mass and other chemical species, such as water-soluble ions and carbonaceous species, reported in our former study. The PMF results showed that PM2.5 in HCMC was dominated by anthropogenic-rich sources comprising biomass burning, coal combustion, transportation, and crustal origins (36.4% of PM2.5 mass), followed by secondary ammonium sulfate (18.4%), sea salt (13.7%), road dust (9.6%), and coal and crude oil combustion (9.4%). WCWT results suggested that the geological sources of PM2.5 were mainly from local areas and scattered to the northeast/southwest of HCMC. In addition, the long-range transport of PM2.5 from surrounding countries was revealed during the assembly restriction and lockdown period in 2020.

Effective Elimination of Charge-associated Toxicity of Low Generation Polyamidoamine Dendrimer Eases Drug Delivery of Oxaliplatin

Vo Minh Hoang Do,Long Giang Bach,Diem-Huong Nguyen Tran,Van Du Cao,Thi Nhu Quynh Nguyen,Duc Thuan Hoang,Van Cuong Ngo,Dai Hai Nguyen,Thai Thanh Hoang Thi 한국생물공학회 2020 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.25 No.2

Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer is emerging as an effective nanocarrier for delivering anticancer drugs. Still, unmodified PAMAM dendrimer is hardly used in vivo because of unsatisfied drug release, high tendency of interfering with cellular membranes, and rapid clearance by reticuloendothelial system. In this study, low generation polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer G3.0 is developed and surface modified with methoxypolyethylene glycol (PAMAM G3.0-mPEG) to overcome its limitations. Specifically, PAMAM G3.0 conjugated with mPEG at different ratios are investigated to effectively eliminate its charge-associated toxicity, in which PAMAM G3.0-mPEG- 8 is chosen for oxaliplatin (OX) loading. Results reveal that OX-loaded PAMAM G3.0-mPEG-8 has desirable size, good entrapment efficiency, and sustained release with minimum drug leakage. In addition, Resazurin assay indicates that the toxicity of loaded OX is reduced as compared to free drug but still maintain substantially anticancer activity on HeLa cells, suggesting the potential application of PAMAM G3.0-mPEG-8 for OX delivery in cancer therapy.

Characteristics of Immunogenicity against SARS-CoV-2 in a Community-Based Model of Care during the Fourth Wave of COVID-19 Outbreak in Ho Chi Minh City

Lan Ngoc Vuong,Tu Hoang Kim Trinh,Tuan Diep Tran,Duy Le Pham,Vinh Nhu Nguyen,Quan Tran Thien Vu,Toan Duong Pham,Phong Hoai Nguyen,Minh Kieu Le,Diem Dinh Kieu Truong,Vu Anh Hoang,Nghia Huynh,Dat Quoc N 연세대학교의과대학 2024 Yonsei medical journal Vol.65 No.9

Purpose: Although some immune protection from close contact with individuals who have coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been documented, there is limited data on the seroprevalence of antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in individuals who were in lockdown with confirmed COVID-19 cases. This study investigated immunogenicity against SARS-CoV-2 in household members and people who lived near home-quarantined patients with COVID-19. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during the community-based care that took place during lockdowns in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from July to September 2021. SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels were determined in index cases of COVID-19, household contacts, and a no-contact group from the same area. Results: A total of 770 participants were included (355 index cases, 103 household contacts, and 312 no contacts). All index cases were unvaccinated, but >90% of individuals in the household and no-contact groups had received ≥1 vaccine dose. SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies (Nabs) were present in >77% of unvaccinated index cases versus 64%/65.4% in the household/no-contact groups (p=0.001). Antibody concentrations in unvaccinated index cases were significantly higher than those in household contacts and no contacts, with no difference between the latter groups. In all cases, antibody levels declined markedly ≥6 weeks after infection, and failed to persist beyond this time in the household and no-contact groups. Conclusion: Community-based care may have helped to create community immunogenicity, but Nabs did not persist, highlighting a need for vaccination for all individuals before, or from 6 weeks after, infection with SARS-CoV-2.

The Effects of Online Social Influencers on Purchasing Behavior of Generation Z: An Empirical Study in Vietnam

Minh PHAM,Thao Yen DANG,Thi Hong Yen HOANG,Thi Thanh Nga TRAN,Thi Huong Quynh NGO 한국유통과학회 2021 The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Busine Vol.8 No.11

The purpose of this study is to understand the impact of influencers on generation Z (Gen Z) in the online environment. This article has applied the theories of source credibility, TAM, IAM, and TPB to identify influencer characteristics that affect the purchasing behaviors of Gen Z customers. This research was conducted using a Google Form survey with 24 pre-designed questions. A total of 464 valid questionnaires from Gen Z Vietnamese were collected between November 2020 and January 2021. Data was analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 3 software. The analysis results confirmed that the components of influencer credibility have a positive impact on Gen Z’s purchasing behaviors under the mediated influence of argument quality, perceived usefulness, and social influence. Surprisingly, for Gen Z, the influencers’ attractiveness has the strongest impact on their online behavior. More specifically, attractiveness plays the most important role in the perceived usefulness and social influence of Gen Z customers, while influencers’ expertise has the strongest impact on argument quality delivered to customers. This study provides evidence of a change in the way Gen Z responds to marketing activities. They are more drawn by the attraction of influencers than their expertise.