bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sales Control Systems and Salesperson Commitment: The Moderating Role of Behavior Uncertainty
Authors: Li Miao , Peng Luluo , Zhuang Guijun
Published: March 2020

Although sales control has been identified by previous literature as an effective tool to promote salesperson commitment, unclear categorization of the focal variables makes existing findings confounding. This paper aims to provide more nuanced understanding about the relation between sales control systems and salesperson commitment by categorizing sales control into outcome control, activity control, and capability control. Moreover, we explore the moderating role of behavioral uncertainty, which includes sales cycle uncertainty and behavioral content uncertainty. Using a sample of 208 salespersons in China, we find the following results: (1) sales cycle uncertainty weakens the positive impact of outcome control on salesperson commitment and the negative relationship between activity control and salesperson commitment; (2) behavioral content uncertainty strengthens the positive link between outcome control and salesperson commitment and the negative impact of activity control on salesperson commitment; and (3) both sales cycle uncertainty and behavioral content uncertainty strengthen the positive relationship between capability control and salesperson commitment. This research enriches knowledge about sales control systems and offers insights into the important contextual role of behavior uncertainty that has been largely ignored by prior research in the sales force control literature.
Constructive Leadership and Employee Innovative Behaviors: A Serial Mediation Model
Authors: Arasli Huseyin , Arici Hasan Evrim , Kole Ezel
Published: March 2020

This study aims to examine the influence of constructive leadership practices on the service innovative behaviors of hotel employees by a serial mediation system that treats employee psychological safety and employee creativity as mediators. Empirical data were collected from full-time frontline hotel employees in Antalya, Turkey. By using both convenience and judgmental sampling methods, this study included 357 hotel employees. The results provide empirical evidence for all suggested hypothesized associations. In particular, the findings display that psychological safety and engagement in creative work tasks play intervening roles (in the form of a chain) in the indirect influence of constructive leadership on employee perceptions regarding their service innovative culture. The current work provides practical contributions for hotel industry professionals who are in the treatment of implementing psychological safety and employee creativity, in order to establish innovative service culture in the hotel setting. The paper is among the first studies to investigate a serial mediation model to analyze which constructive leadership practices influence their innovative service culture.
Spatial–Temporal Evolution of Urban Resilience and Its Influencing Factors: Evidence from the Guanzhong Plain Urban Agglomeration
Authors: Ma Fei , Wang Zuohang , Sun Qipeng , Yuen Kum Fai , Zhang Yanxia , Xue Huifeng , Zhao Shumei
Published: March 2020

Rapid urbanization places great pressure on the ecological environment and the carrying capacity of cities. Improving urban resilience has become an inherent requirement for the sustainable development of modern cities and urban agglomerations. This study constructed a comprehensive system to evaluate urban resilience from four perspectives: The ecological environment, economic level, social environment, and infrastructure services. As a case study, the extreme entropy method and panel data from about 16 cities from 2009 to 2016 were used to calculate resilience levels in the Guanzhong plain urban agglomeration (GPUA) in China. The spatial and temporal evolution of urban resilience characteristics in the GPUA were analyzed using ArcGIS. The influencing factors were further explored using a grey correlation analysis. The results showed that the urban resilience of GPUA experienced geographical differentiation in the “East-Central-Western” area and a “circle type” evolution process. Most urban resilience levels were low. The resilience of the infrastructure and the ecological environment significantly impacted the city and became its development weaknesses. Economic considerations have become one of the main factors influencing fluctuations in urban resilience. In summary, this study explored the differences in resilience in the GPUA and provided a reference for improving the urban resilience of other cities located in underdeveloped regions. The study also provided a useful theoretical basis for sustainable urban development.
Knowledge Management and Performance Measurement Systems for SMEs’ Economic Sustainability
Authors: Cardoni Andrea , Zanin Filippo , Corazza Giulio , Paradisi Alessio
Published: March 2020

This paper aims to explore the relationships between knowledge management (KM), performance measurement systems (PMSs), and small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs) economic sustainability in knowledge-intensive sectors. The literature demonstrates that SMEs are often characterized by unstructured KM approaches and limited PMS implementation, being at the same time affected by scarce profitability and financial issues. Adopting the knowledge-based view of the firm and the contingency theory of PMSs, we tested the impact of two alternative KM approaches (exploitation and exploration) on SMEs’ economic sustainability, measuring the moderating effect of PMS use (diagnostic and interactive). Through an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression of data collected for 219 Italian medium firms operating in knowledge-intensive sectors, this study provides evidence on how a specific KM approach supports the SME economic sustainability and how a consistent implementation and use of PMS amplify the relationship between KM and economic sustainability. Data analysis confirms the relevance of some key concepts of the knowledge-based view of the firm, especially the positive impact of the KM exploration approach on economic sustainability. Additionally, the paper extends empirical evidence for the PMS moderating effect on the KM–performance relationship. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a study provides evidence for the relationships among KM, PMSs, and economic sustainability in the SME setting. Moreover, our findings lead to some managerial implications, especially they encourage SME entrepreneurs and managers to design a coherent KM approach and to implement an adequate PMS in order to support economic sustainability.
Explaining Consumer Heterogeneity in Structural State-Dependence
Authors: Wang Xiaoyuan , Liu Yan
Published: March 2020

Consumers are heterogeneous in their inertial responses to previous consumptions. Information on consumers’ structural state-dependence is valuable for evaluating consumers’ habit-forming strength and thus can be used for encouraging more sustainable consumption. Conventional methods of estimating such effects are complex and require repeated purchase data, which is difficult to obtain when consumers are inexperienced in buying sustainable products. In this paper, we utilize consumers’ previous switch behaviour data and investigate whether it can explain heterogeneous state-dependence effects. We demonstrate this in consumer-packaged goods markets using scanner datasets. Consumers’ normalized brand switches in a different product category several years ago are used to measure inter-temporal preference variations that are stable and are independent of products and markets. Accounting for household characteristics, we find that some variation in switch behaviour is highly stable: it explains a significant portion of consumers’ structural state-dependence in the market under investigation. Therefore, consumers’ switch tendencies can be structural to their preference. The finding suggests that incorporating consumers’ switch behaviour from other choice domains can be a simple and effective method of understanding the heterogeneous effects behind habit formation. Our constructed measure has broad implications in shifting consumer behaviour to be more sustainable.
Prediction of the Number of and Care Costs for Disabled Elderly from 2020 to 2050: A Comparison between Urban and Rural Areas in China
Authors: Zhang Liangwen , Fu Sijia , Fang Ya
Published: March 2020

An aging population and an increase in the proportion of elderly people who are disabled have created an unprecedented global challenge, especially in China. This study aimed to predict the number of, and the care costs for, disabled elderly from 2020 to 2050 in China. A comparison was made between urban and rural areas, and we analyzed what must be done to maintain the sustainable development of China’s long-term care insurance (LTCI) system. An overall simulation model and a Monte Carlo simulation were used to estimate the number of disabled elderly and their related care costs, in both urban and rural areas. According to the forecast, the total disabled population will increase rapidly, rising from 43.75 million in 2020 to 91.4 million in 2050. Of that total, 69.7% are expected to be urban elderly. Starting in 2020, the growth rates of the elderly with mild, moderate, and severe disabilities will be 108%, 104%, and 120%, respectively, by 2050. Accordingly, the total care costs will increase from 538.0 billion yuan in 2020 to 8530.8 billion yuan in 2050, of which 80.2% will be required in urban areas. In addition, the per capita costs of care in urban and rural areas in 2050 will be 6 times and 11 times higher than in 2020, respectively. The predicted results show that the number of disabled elderly and the related care costs will increase sharply from 2020 to 2050, especially the growth rate of the number of severely disabled elderly. This study provides strong evidence of the need for the establishment of a unified national LTCI system in China.
Dynamics of Biochar-Silty Clay Interaction Using In-House Fabricated Cyclic Loading Apparatus: A Case Study of Coastal Clay and Novel Peach Biochar from the Qingdao Region of China
Authors: Liu Junwei , Ganesan Suriya Prakash , Li Xin , Garg Ankit , Singhal Aman , Dosetti Karthik Datta , Feng Haibao
Published: March 2020

Biochar has been recently investigated as an eco-friendly material in bio-engineered slopes/landfill covers. A majority of recent studies have focused on analyzing water retention behavior while very few have examined dynamic behavior (i.e., cyclic loading due to earthquake, wind, or wave) of biochar amended soil. As far as the authors are aware, there is no study on the dynamic behavior of biochar amended soils. Considering the above mentioned study as a major objective, field excavated soil was collected and mixed with in-house produced biochar from peach endocarps, at three amendment rates (5%, 10%, and 15%). The un-amended bare soil and biochar amended soil were imposed to a cyclic load in a self-designed apparatus and the corresponding stress-strain parameters were measured. Dynamic parameters such as shear modulus and damping ratio were computed and the results were compared between bare and biochar amended soil. Furthermore, the residual cyclic strength of each soil types were correlated with an estimated void ratio to understand the interrelation between dynamic loading responses and biochar amended soils. The major outcomes of this study show that the addition of biochar decreases the void ratio, thereby increasing the shear modulus and residual cyclic strength. However, the modulus and strength values attenuates after 15 cycles due to an increase in pore water pressure. In contrary, at higher amendment rates, Biochar Amended Soils (BAS) forms clay-carbon complex and decreases both shear modulus and residual cyclic strength.
A Literature Review of the Concepts of Resilience and Sustainability in Group Decision-Making
Authors: Aghazadeh Ardebili Ali , Padoano Elio
Published: March 2020

The most critical decisions usually involve several decision makers with different roles and opportunities to commit key resources. Several group decision-making (GDM) approaches can support the identification of a joint or compromise decision in less conflicting settings, where there is a group of subjects (e.g’, partners) who pursue a common overall objective. However, considering the uncertainty in future events and complexity of modern-day systems, decision processes do not always produce beneficial results or give the participants a positive perception of their role in the process. Group decision-making should then take into consideration some aspects that might insure future resilience and sustainability, particularly the achievement of the objectives in view of future risks and the transparency and participation that are needed to limit problems in the implementation phase of the decision. The literature survey presented in this study identified a research gap regarding GDM. Differently from traditional GDM, which was first discussed in the early 1980s and whose body of knowledge is pretty defined, resilient and sustainable GDM (R&S GDM) is fairly new. The main objective of this study is then identifying the main attributes for supporting sustainable and resilient group decisions. To this aim, a preliminary focused systematic review was conducted to study the existing group decision-making methods in the literature and how the concepts of sustainability and resilience have been employed. After defining the search keywords and exclusion criteria for the individuation of the articles, the first screening process was carried out and the most relevant articles were selected. The last steps of the systematic review were the classification of the articles and the full paper examination to extract the main factors of R&S GDM. Seven attributes were listed as the key factors of R&S GDM. In light of those factors, a group decision process concerning an injection moulding line in Tajikistan was investigated. The case study highlighted that over self-confidence, information flow and transparency were the main reasons for faulty decisions, thus suggesting that information system and information fluidity play an important role in R&S GDM. Finally, the most important managerial implications of R&S GDM are reported.
Effect of Forestland Property Rights and Village Off-Farm Environment on Off-Farm Employment in Southern China
Authors: Yang Yang , Li Hua , Liu Zhen , Cheng Long , Abu Hatab Assem , Lan Jing
Published: March 2020

Reasonably promoting the off-farm employment of rural surplus labor in China’s collective forest areas is an important way to increase forest resources and increase farmers’ income. China’s new round of collective forest tenure reform (CFTR) aims to optimize forest area labor allocation by strengthening forestland property rights. Therefore, in different village off-farm environments, it is necessary to explore how forestland property rights affect off-farm employment in forest areas. Based on survey data from 742 households in Zhejiang and Jiangxi provinces, this paper examines this effect using the double-hurdle model. The results indicate that forestland transfer rights promote decision-making about, and the supply of, off-farm labor, while forest harvesting rights significantly increase the supply of off-farm labor. The villages’ off-farm income ratio also affected the supply of off-farm labor. Moreover, under the regulation of the village off-farm income ratio, the positive incentives of forestland transfer rights on decision-making about, and the supply of, off-farm labor gradually weakened, but the incentive effect of forest harvesting rights on the supply of off-farm labor gradually increased. It is proposed that the CFTR should be further promoted, the forestland circulation mechanism and regulating forest harvest quota system should be improved, and implementation of forestry property mortgages should be strengthened.
Developing a Sustainable Management Strategy for Quantitative Estimation of Optimum Nitrogen Fertilizer Recommendation Rates for Maize in Northeast China
Authors: Jiang Wenting , Xing Yingying , Wang Xiukang , Liu Xiaohu , Cui Zhigang
Published: March 2020

Excessive application of chemical fertilizers has caused a series of environmental problems, including environmental pollution. Quantitative estimation of a sustainable fertilizer recommendation rate is paramount for formulating fertilizer management strategies to improve productivity of low-yield regions and to prevent environmental damage. In this study, the database was drawn from 31 experimental sites in the main maize production region of Northeast China, during the period 2009 to 2013, to study the relationships between yield factors and nitrogen application rates, and to explore sustainable nitrogen (N) fertilizer recommendation rates based on analysis using the fertilizer response model. The fertilizer response model method is a technique that can provide effective performance predictions for the estimation of the optimum crop balanced fertilizer rates in varied agricultural regions. Results revealed that the average grain yield in treatment of N180 (the amount of nitrogen application rate was 90 kg ha −1) was highest, and the yield increase rate ranged from 4.77% to 58.53%, with an average of 25.89%. The sequence of grain yields in each treatment receiving N fertilizer management from high to low was: N180 > N270 > N90 in all the regions. The agronomic efficiency for applied N in N90, N180, N270 treatments was 11.8, 10.8, and 4.6 kg kg −1, respectively. The average optimum N fertilizer recommendation rate in Liaoning province was 180.4 kg ha −1, and the predicted optimum yield ranged between 7908.7 and 12,153.9 kg ha −1, with an average of 9699.1 kg ha −1. The mean optimum N fertilizer recommendation rate in western (WL), central and southern (SCL), eastern (EL), and northern (NL) of Liaoning province were 184.2, 177.2, 163.5, and 192.5 kg ha −1, and the average predicted optimum yields were 8785.3, 10,630.3, 9347, and 9942.4 kg ha −1. This study analyzed the spatial distribution of optimum fertilizer recommendation rates and the corresponding theoretical yield based on a large database, which helped to develop effective and environment-friendly N management strategies for sustainable production systems.
Life Cycle Environmental and Cost Performance of Prefabricated Buildings
Authors: Wang He , Zhang Yinqi , Gao Weijun , Kuroki Soichiro
Published: March 2020

Global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the construction industry continue to increase at an annual rate of 1.5%. It is particularly important to understand the characteristics of the building life cycle to reduce its environmental impact. This paper aims to assess the environmental impact of prefabricated buildings and traditional cast-in-situ buildings over the building life cycle using a hybrid model. A case study of a building with a 40% assembly rate in Japan was employed for evaluation. It concluded that the total energy consumption, and carbon emissions of the prefabricated building was 7.54%, and 7.17%, respectively, less than that of the traditional cast-in-situ building throughout the whole life cycle. The carbon emissions reduction in the operation phase reached a peak of 4.05 kg CO2/year∙m2. The prefabricated building was found to cost less than the traditional cast-in-situ building, reducing the price per square meter by 10.62%. The prefabricated building has advantages in terms of reducing global warming, acid rain, and health damage by 15% reduction. With the addition of the assembly rate, the carbon emissions and cost dropped, bottoming out when the assembly rate was 60%. After that, an upward trend was shown with the assembly rate increasing. Additionally, this study outlined that the prefabricated pile foundations is not applicable due to its high construction cost and environmental impact.
Energy and Emission Efficiency of the Slovak Regions
Authors: Baláž Vladimír , Nežinský Eduard , Jeck Tomáš , Filčák Richard
Published: March 2020

This paper examines changing regional patterns of energy and emission efficiency in the Slovak regions in the period of 2008–18. Firstly; we review literature on key approaches to evaluating energy and emission efficiency; followed by discussing the pros and cons of specific methods. A slacks-based model of data envelopment analysis is applied in order to investigate changing patterns of energy and emission efficiency in 79 Slovak regions (LAU 1). Thereafter; changes in energy and emission efficiency are associated with policy interventions supported by the European Structural and Cohesion Funds (ESCF) in the period of 2011–15. The evaluation found no support for the hypothesis with regard to the positive impact of the ESCF on the increase in energy and emission efficiency. Combined support from three ESCF policy measures (€606.44m) was substantial; but accounted for a mere 6.3% of the total firm expenditure on product and process innovations in the period of 2007–15 (€9,573m). Productivity-boosting technological innovations and structural changes in the Slovak economy (a shift towards industries with a lower consumption of energy but a higher production of gross value added GVA) were major drivers of trends in energy and emission efficiency. If an increase in energy (emission) efficiency; rather than energy savings (a decrease in pollution), is a major objective of sustainable development policies; then innovation-oriented policies and changes in the structure of economic activities should be preferred to schemes supporting simple energy-saving (emission-cutting) projects
Risk Perception Sensitivity of Cyclists Based on the Cox Risk Perception Model
Authors: Zhao Dan , Zhang Shengrui , Zhou Bei , Jiao Shuaiyang , Yang Ling
Published: March 2020

To promote the sustainable development and safety of bicycle traffic, survival analysis of the risk perception sensitivity of cyclists is proposed. The cumulative probability of survival serves as an index of risk perception sensitivity, and a Cox regression model is established. The proposed method is applied to middle school cyclists, and the factors of their risk perception are analyzed. Data are collected by questionnaire and traffic conflict survey and are quantified by factor analysis. The model results show that active and extroverted personality, negative peer influence, unsafe riding behavior intention, non-motor vehicle flow and speed, and a lack of separation facilities have negative correlations with risk perception sensitivity. Positive attitude towards traffic rules, good family education, heightened traffic safety awareness, motor vehicle flow and speed, pedestrian flow, and non-motorized lane width have positive correlations with risk perception sensitivity. The conflict type has no correlation with risk perception sensitivity. This study aims to improve the sensitivity of risk perception, prevent traffic conflicts and provide a theoretical basis for risk perception research on vulnerable traffic participants.
Application of the Modified College Impact Model to Understand Chinese Engineering Undergraduates’ Sustainability Consciousness
Authors: Zhao Qiudi , Liu Xianwei , Ma Yonghong , Zheng Xiaoqi , Yu Miaomiao , Wu Dongjiao
Published: March 2020

The college impact model provides a valuable framework for explaining various college student learning outcomes. However, few quantitative studies have examined the effectiveness of college impact model in explaining engineering undergraduates’ sustainability consciousness, a critical learning outcome in engineering education. This study proposes a modified college impact model to test the structural links among curriculum experiences, sustainable agency beliefs, and engineering undergraduates’ sustainability consciousness, and to explore the moderating effect of gender on the structural model. Data are collected from 1804 senior engineering students enrolled in five traditional engineering disciplines at 14 first-class engineering universities in China. Structural equation modeling was used for testing the research model. The results demonstrate that (1) curricular emphasis has a significant direct impact on all three dimensions of students’ sustainability consciousness, while instructional practice has a significant direct influence on the sustainability knowingness dimension; (2) both curricular emphasis and instructional practice have a significant indirect influence on sustainability consciousness through the full or partial mediation of sustainable agency beliefs; and (3) gender moderates several paths in the structural model. Theoretical and practical implications are provided, and suggestions for future research are offered.
STUDY ON THE SUITABILITY OF THE PEDIATRIC OBJECTIVE TESTS FOR 4TH YEAR STUDENTS (6 YEARS TRAINING PROGRAM) AT PEDIATRIC DEPARTMENT FROM 2005 TO 2008
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Long
Published: March 2020

Background: Objective test with a lot of advantages becomes more and more popular in evaluating students’ knowledge. The assessment for the suitability of the question set based on the difficulty level and the differentiating level is very necessary for composing good questions. Methods: The results of pediatric objective tests (MCQ type) of fourth year students in 3 successive years (2005-2008) were collected. The assessment of difficulty level was based on the comparison between the arithmetic mean and ideal mean. The assessment of differentiating level was based on the test for normal distribution of the marks. Result&Conclusion: In school year 2005-2006: There was only one question set having suitable difficulty level and two question sets having siutable differentiating level. In school year 2006-2007: There was no question set having suitable difficulty level and only one question set having suitable differentiating level. In school year 2007-2008: There was no question set having suitable difficulty level or suitable differentiating level.
EVALUATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ONDANSETRON IN TREATING THE VOMMITING FOR CHILDREN < 5 YEARS OLD WITH ACUTE GASTROENTERITIS AT PEDIATRICS DEPARTMENT, HUE CENTRAL HOSPITAL
Authors: Nguyen Thi Cu , Uong Dinh Thai
Published: March 2020

Background: To control the vommit symptom give more successful and easier to oral fluid infusion, reduce the cost and work if using IV infusion. All over the world there are many studies on using Ondansetron for vommint preventing in gastroenteritis in children and show the effectiveness and safety. At Hue, Ondansetron mainly use for vommit preventing for children patients treated by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. There was no study about using Ondansetron to vommit preventing and treating for children patients with acute gastroenteritis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Ondansetron in vommit treating for children with acute gastroenteritis. Population and study methods: children from 6 mths to 5yrs with acute gastroenteritis at Pediatric department of Hue Central Hospital. Using the method of clinical intervention with control group. 2 groups had the similarity of age, gender, onset duration of vommit, dehydration situation. Sample size: 86 children in control group and 41 children for study group. Study group with intervention) : only one shoot Ondansetron 0,2mg/kg + treatment plan fordedration + Zinc suppement as IMCI guidelines. Control group: treating by treatment plan for dehydration + Zinc suppement as IMCI guidelines. Both two groups will follow up about the situation of vommit, watery stools and the amount of ORS, the amount of IV fluid. Result: The rate of patient without vommit in the time from intervention to hospital discharge: Group having Ondansetron was 56,1% in comparision with 5,8% in control group (p<0,01). The study group had the rate of patient with vommit ≥ 3 times was 7,3% lower than the rate of 54,7% in control group (p < 0,05). The avarage time of vommit in control group was higher than study group (0,71 ± 0,96 vs 2,45 ± 1,12, p<0,05). The rate of patiend need IV infusion in study group was 9,8%, control group was 37,2% (p < 0,05; RR = 0,33). Conclusion: In our study, Ondansetron had good result in vommit treating for children with acute gastroenteritis. It help to reduce vommit symptom, made patients easier in oral fluid and electrolyte providing, limited the IV fluid. We followed up carefully but it’s still no see the the side effects in patients having Ondansetron injection. However, it was just the primary study with small sample size and need more studies to evaluate accurately the effectiveness of Ondansetron in patients with acute gastroenteritis.
ROLE OF FETAL MONITORING IN THE SECOND STAGE OF LABOR
Authors: Dang Van Phap , Truong Quang Vinh , Nguyen Vu Quoc Huy , Bach Cam An , Pham Dinh Hung , Hoang Thanh Tuan
Published: March 2020

Objectives: (1) to investigate the progression of the second stage of labor, (2) to evaluation of outcome of labor base on the form of the fetal monitoring. Materials and methods: Crosse sectional describe of 379 pregnant women with vertex presentation, singleton pregnancy, at term, normal pelvis, and the fetal weight was estimated to be medium according to Vietnamese size, applying the distribution in fetal heart form according to Melchior and the distribution in stage of labor according to PEOPLE. Study period: from June 2009 to December 2009. Results: The average of the age was 27.2 ± 12 years. Gestation age (weeks) was 39.1 ± 1.2. Nulliparous women was 55.67% (211 women), and multiparous women was 44.3% (168 women). 58.4% of those whose fetus was at 0 position according to Delle’s distribution. The position of the fetus was left occiput anterior which was majority, 68%. The total duration of second stage was 88 ± 25 minutes. Fetal heart rate: Type 1 was 33.7%, type 2 was 45.5%. In the type 1, when the active phase stretch to 90 minutes, the fetus was well response. In the type 2, the second stage cannot stretch as long as these, if it lasts longer then 60minutes, not even 83.37% but just also 28.5% was at good condition, should stopped labor immediately. The mean Apgar score will < 7 at 1st minutes, 40 % and 50% in type 3 and 4 respectively. Conclusions: Left occiput anterior was 68%. Total duration of the second stage of labor was 88 ± 25 minutes. Type 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 of fetal heart rate were 3.3%; 33.7%; 45.5%; 12.1% and 7.4% respectively. Apgar score < 7 at 1st minutes with type 0, 3 and 4 after 30 minutes for the forceful, and with type 1 after 90 minutes for that.
A STUDY ON THE CORRELATION BETWEEN MORPHOLOGIC ANORMALIES AND LEFT VENTRICULAR DIASTOLIC FUNCTION IN DILATED CARDIO-MYOPATHY
Authors: Hoang Thi Ngoc Ha , Nguyen Anh Vu , Hoang Minh Loi , Nguyen Cuu Long , Nguyen Thi Thuy Hang
Published: March 2020

Purposes: Describe the morphological and diastolic function of left ventricular changes in the patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) on US, X-ray findings, and Evaluate the correlation between morphology and diastolic function of left ventricular. Materials and method: Cross sectional study from Dec 2009 to Aug 2010, on 39 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy were evaluated at the University Hospital of Hue College of Medical and Pharmaceutical. Results: 1. X-ray and US findings characteristics of DCM is significantly increased in diameter of L, H and mG; LVM, LVMI, LVDd and LAD. 2. The pression of pulmonary artery has been significantly increased with redistribution pulmonary arteries in 61.5% cases and 23.1% have reversed pulmonary artery distribution. 3. DCM have diastolic dysfunction in 100% patients, including severe disorders to 61.5%; the restrictive dysfunction has ratio E/A>2 and E/Em average was 23.89± 17.23. 4.The correlation between the morphology and function in DCM: the diameter of H and L on the X-ray, LAD and ratio LA/AO on US correlated with the level of diastolic dysfunction (p< 0.05). All three radiographic parameters on the radio standard (H, L, the index Cardio/Thoracic) and LVDd on US have negative correlated with EF and FS with p <0.05.
Key words: dilated cardiomyopathy, diastolic dysfunction, cardiac tissue Doppler, reversed pulmonary artery distribution
SERUM ESTRADIOL AND TESTOSTERONE CONCENTRATION IN ENOPAUSAL WOMEN
Authors: Cao Ngoc Thanh , Le Van Chi
Published: March 2020

Background: 1. To evaluate the serum estradiol and testosterone concentration in different menopausal periods. 2. To evaluate some anthropometric features and serum lipid profile in different menopausal periods. Methods: A cross-sectional stu:d:tin 350 menopausal women in 2 wards of H�e City. Results: 1. The serum· estracliof and testosteroneconcentration in menopausal women were 19.05 ± 11.95 pg/ml anq 0'.152 ± 0.081.ng/ml, respectively . In women with menopausal period more than 5 ye.ars, the serum estradiol remained unchanged afterwards and the serum testosterone was also constant during· the menopausal period. 2. The prevalence of overweight, mild obesity and severe obesity were 51.2%, 43.3% and 5.5%, respectively. Abdominal obesity was encountered in 62.9%. The serum concentration of total cholesterol was 6.0 ± 1.05 mmol/1, of triglyceride 2.11 ± 1.3·9 mmol/1, of HDL-C 1.37 ± 0.29 mmol/1, and of LDL-C 3.68 ± 0.97 mmol/1. Serum lipid profile was almost unchanged during menopausal periods. There was a high prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia as well as increased serum LDL-cholesterol. The prevalence of decreased serum HDL-cholesterol was less common. Conclusions: The serum concentration of estradiol and testosterone in menopausal period was not chaq.ged significantly, especially the concentration of testosterone. There was a high prevalence of obesity as well as dyslipidemia in menopausal women.
Key words: Menopause; serum estradiol, serum testosterone; dyslipidemia.
SHORT –TERM RESULT OF STUDY LEFT VENTRICULAR DIASTOLIC FUNCTION IN ADROID OBESITY PATIENTS BY TISSUE DOPPLER IMAGING
Authors: Nguyen Cuu Long
Published: March 2020

Aim of study: To study changes of left ventricular diastolic function and morphology in adroid obesity patients by standard doppler echocardiography and tissue doppler imaging. In that, evaluate the role of Tissue Doppler Imaging(TDI) in studying the left ventricular diastolic function. Patients and methods: We studied 30 obese patients (12 men have waist circumference ≥90cm and 18 women have waist circumference ≥80 cm), mean age 49.33±7.16 years , non hypertension and non diabetic, by conventional doppler echocardiography and tissue doppler imaging. Results: Mean BMI of obese patients: 25,35±2,87kg/m2. Waist circumference: 91,03±6,29cm. Left ventricular end- diastolic diameter: 45,9±4,05mm. Left ventricular mass: 143,47±35,56g. Left ventricular mass index: 85,69±19,55g/m2. Left atrial diameter: 36,34±4,33mm. The early diastolic wave of the transmitral flow velocity(E): 75,2±17,5 cm/s; the atrial systolic wave of the transmitral flow velocity: 76,2±16,5cm/s; the ratio of early diastolic wave to atrial systolic wave of the transmitral flow velocity: 0,99±0,29. The early diastolic wave of mitral annu-lus using pulsed TDI(Em): 12,1±3,3cm/s. The atrial systolic wave of mitral annu-lus using pulsed TDI(Am): 12,7±2,9cm/s. E to Em wave ratio: 6,76±2,19. Conclusion: In adroid obesity patients, the morphology of diastolic left ventricular changes earlier than the one’s function. Key word: Left ventricular function; Obesity; Tissue Doppler Echocardiography
STUDY OF THE CHANGING OF AXILARY AND ORAL TEMPERATURE ON INFECTIOUS PATIENTS AT HUE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Authors: Le Van An , Trinh Thi Đao
Published: March 2020

Infection is a very common disease in our country. In clinical setting, infection express many manifestations, and fever is one of common expression. However, in many cases the infectious status did not go well with fever. We conduct a research on 51 patients over 18 yrs old with the diagnosis of infection. The result was average axillary temperature was 38,68±2,78 and average oral temperature was 39,36±2,85 (p<0,05). The patient group over 60 yrs old had the difference between axillary temperature (38,76±2,65) and oral temperature (39,36± 2,85), with p<0,05. In the patient group had BMI < 18,5, there was the difference between axillary temperature (38,31± 3,26) and oral temperature (38,96± 2,75).
EVALUATION OF AORTIC ELASTICITY ON THE PRIMARY HYPERTENSIVES BY ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY
Authors: Nguyen Thi Hieu Dung , Nguyen Thi Thuy Hang
Published: March 2020

Hypertension, affecting directly cardiovascular structure and function, reduces aortic elasticity, which leads to early reflect wave in central aortic. Studying on aortic elasticity in the primary hypertensives by echocardiography contributes to evaluate cardiovascular changes. Aims: was to estimate the indexes of aortic elasticity in the primary hypertensives and the correlation between them and left ventricular mass index. Subjects and Methods: this study was carried on 30 primary hypertensives, mean age: 47,43 ± 5,83 and compared with normotensive control group. They are all under echocardiography to measure systolic aortic diameter and diastolic aortic diameter, left ventricular mass, and left ventricular mass index. Then, assess the indexes such as: aortic strain, aortic stiffness, aortic distensibility and correlation between them and left ventricular mass index. Results: Aortic stiffness is significantly higher and aortic strain and aortic distensibility are significantly lower in the hypertensives than the normotensive control group (p< 0,05). There are negative correlation between left ventricular mass index and both aortic strain and aortic distensibility. In contrast, there is positive correlation between aortic stiffness and left ventricular mass index (p < 0,05). Conclusion: Aortic elasticity in the primary hypertensives decreases, which has repercussions on left ventricular mass, so it is a predictor of cardiovascular risk factors.
A THEORY ON PATHOGENESIS AND NEW APPROACHES IN TREATMENT OF RECURRENT VULVOVAGINAL CANDIDIASIS (RVVC)
Authors: Le Minh Tam , C. Beikert Florian , Clad Andreas
Published: March 2020

Although as many as 75% women experience at least one episode of VVC during their lifetime and 5-10% will experience RVVC, diagnosis and treatment of RVVC continues to present a challenge. Based on our own theory on pathogenesis with the existing of Candida on vulval keratonizing epithelia proved by our histological findings, we desired to determine the impact of Candida cultures obtained from the external vulva on the diagnosis and the effectiveness of multi-dose of fluconazole in combination with ciclopiroxolamin cream in treatment of RVVC. Among 469 women with recurrent vulvovaginitis who refered to the outpatient clinic of the University Women’s hospital Freiburg, Germany, 156 (33%) women had a positive yeast culture, 120 (77%) of these with positive vulvar swabs. There was a significant association between acute RVVC and pruritus, vulvar erythema, vulvar edema, excoriation and fissure – specific signs of local infection other than contamination (OR were in turn 2,8; 2,4; 3,0; 1,7 and 2,0 times). After 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post-treatment with multi-dose fluconazole in combination with ciclopiroxolamin cream, symptomatic recurrences with positive Candida cultures occurred in 3,6%, 17%, 26%, 32% and 33%, respectively. In conclusion, persisting of Candida in the vulval keratinizing epithelium plays a role in the pathogenesis of RVVC. The treatment regimen with fluconazole 100mg orally per day in 3 weeks in combination with ciclopiroxolamina cream locally shown better long-term cure rates than other current recommended protocols. More controlled randomized trial should be conducted to determined the best doses and regimens.
LAPAROSCOPIC LEFT HEMICOLECTOMY FOR LEFT COLON CANCER AT HUE CENTRAL HOSPITAL
Authors: Le Manh Ha , Pham Trung Vy
Published: March 2020

Perpose: Evaluation of clinic, subclinic characteristics and results from laparoscopic left hemicolectomy for left colon cancer at Hue Central Hospital. Metholds: Consist of 45 patients with left colon cancer who were operated to laparoscopic left hemicolectomy, sigmoidectomy and lymphadectomy at Hue Centre Hospital from september 2007 to september 2010. Results: Age: average 57,2 ± 16,8, the most age range from 40 - 60, to take 51,1%. Sex: male 62,2%, female 37,8%, rate male/female 1,65/1. The most symptom was abdominal pain 93,3%, alimentary disorder 31,1%, blood stool 53,3%, touch up the tumors 13,3%. Colonoscopy: malignant ulcer tumors were highest rate 42,2%, tumor positions at sigmoid colon 60,9%. Laparoscopic sigmoidectomy 62,2%, left hemicolectomy 17,8%, size of the tumor upper 5 cm was 60,8%. Third stage of TNM 64,4% and adenocarcinoma was 97,8%. Elevation of CEA serum level upper 5ng/ml: Preoperative was 57,8%, postoperative of three months was 25,8%, postoperative of six months was 33,3%. Wound infection was 4,4%, anastomotic leakage 2,2%, and without reoperative case and without surgical mortality. Conclusions: Laparoscopic left hemicolectomy for left colon cancer is safe, feasible, few complications and its advantages.
IDENTIFYING THE C677T POLYMORPHISM OF MTHFR GENE BY PCR-RFLP TECHNIQUE
Authors:   Thi Minh Thi Ha, Thi Nguyet Minh Nguyen, Thanh Nha Uyen Le, Viet Nhan Nguyen
Published: March 2020

Background: The C677T polymorphism of MTHFR gene is a risk factor of many diseases. This study is aimed at: (1) Improving a PCR-RFLP process with the own designed primers to identify the C677T polymorphism of MTHFR gene. (2) Evaluating the prevalence of the C677T polymorphism of MTHFR gene in volunteer group. Materials and method: DNA samples was extracted from peripheral blood of 60 volunteers. Designing primers by using FastPCR software, then improving PCR technique. Standardizing the optimal conditions of restriction digest by HinfI. Confirming the results of polymorphism by DNA sequencing technique. Results: We designed successfully primers to amplify fragment of MTHFR gene including C677T polymorphism and an obligatory restriction site of HinfI (as internal control). 0.5 µl of HinfI enzyme (10 U/µl) is enough for restriction digest. The MTHFR genotype frequencies were: 71.67 % (677CC); 25% (677CT); and 3.33 % (677TT). Conclusion: We standardized successfully PCR-RFLP technique to identifying C677T polymorphism of MTHFR gene. Keywords: C677T polymorphism, MTHFR gene, PCR-RFLP
KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES OF CARETAKERS AND HEALTH PROFESSIONALS TOWARD TEETHING IN INFANTS
Authors: Bui Binh Bao Son
Published: March 2020

Objective and methods: a prospective questionnaire based study on 71 parents (caretakers) of consecutive children treated at the Pediatric Department, Hue Central Hospital and on 47 health professionals at the department was conducted from September until December 2009 to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practices of the caretakers, nurses and postgraduated doctors toward teething in infants. Results: Most responders believed that teething causes fever, irritability, feeding problems, drooling, biting, sleep disturbance, swollen gums, crying, lose of appetite for solids; and fever over 38oC was also believed to be associated with teething. The mean eruption time of the first tooth was from 6 months. Most caretakers had normal attitude to manifestations ascribed to teething (54.9%). The most common management to symptoms attributed to teething included increased breast-feeding, oral paracetamol, increased fluid supplying and physician consulting. Conclusion: Correct knowledge to teething in infants need to be educated for parents (caretakers) and even for health professionals. Key words: knowledge, attitude, practices, teething, infants.
HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND IMMUNOCHEMICAL EXPRESSING IN EXTRAGASTROINTESTINAL STROMAL TUMORS
Authors: Nguyen Van Mao
Published: March 2020

Background: Extragastrointestinal stromal tumors (EGISTs) are gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GISTs) that located in abdomen but outside the gastrointestinal tract. EGISTs is not common as GISTs with rate of 1-5%. Previously, EGISTs often diagnosed as gastrointestinal smooth muscle tumors, fibrous tumor or schwannomas. After the presence of the c-kit selective therapy administration(specified inhabition of CD117), the same as GIST, the EGIST are well responsed to this therapy, even when the tumors are at late stages such as invasion or metastasis. . Up to now immunohistochemistry has been indispensable for the diagnosis of EGIST in addition to the standard histopathology. Objectives: To classify the mesenchymal tumors in the abdomen outside the gastrointestinal tract. To study the Histopathological characteristics and Immunohistochemistrical expressing in EGIST. Materials and methods: discriptive research of 14 mesenchymal tumors in the abdomen outside the gastrointestianl tract. Using the inside and outside control for the immunohistochemistrical assessment. Results: 8/14 (57,1%) of these were GISTs, following the leiomyomas and leiomyosarcomas (21,3%). The others are less common including Schwannomas, fibromatosis and lipoma. The EGIST size: 10cm to 35cm, the average 19cm. The fusiform EGISTs accounting for 75%, the other types are less common, encompassing epithelioid and mixed tumors. Risk of Aggressive Behavior in EGIST: the high risk encompassing 100%. The positive proportion of the immunochemistrical markers: CD117 (100%), CD34 (62,5%), SMA (25%), S100 (12,5%). Desmin and CK negative in all cases.
INCRETIN AND DIABETES
Authors: Tran Huu Dang
Published: March 2020

The incretins are peptide hormones secreted from the gut in response to food. They increase the secretion of insulin. The incretin response is reduced in patients with type 2 diabetes so drugs acting on incretins may improve glycaemic control. Incretins are metabolised by dipeptidyl peptidase, so selectively inhibiting this enzyme increases the concentration of circulating incretins. A similar effect results from giving an incretin analogue that cannot be cleaved by dipeptidyl peptidase. Studies have identified other actions including improvement in pancreatic β cell glucose sensitivity and, in animal studies, promotion of pancreatic β cell proliferation and reduction in β cell apoptosis.
COMPARISON OF SALBUTAMOL ADMINISTERED BY METERED DOSE INHALER WITH SPACER VERSUS NEBULIZER IN CHILDREN WITH ACUTE MODERATE ASTHMA EXACERBATION
Authors: Bui Binh Bao Sơn , Nguyen Thi Thanh Tam
Published: March 2020

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of salbutamol administered by metered dose inhaler with spacer versus nebulizer in children with acute moderate asthma exacerbation. Materials and methods: A clinical trial was conducted in 106 children with acute moderate asthma exacerbations and who were admitted to the Pediatric Department in Hue Central Hospital from May 2009 to May 2010. Results: agitation, wheeze, accessory muscles retractions, mean respiratory rate, mean pulse in children aged 2-5 years and 6-15 years decreased gradually at 20, 40 and 60 minutes of assessment with no significant differences between two inhalation methods (p > 0.05). Mean SpO2 in children aged 2-5 years and 6-15 years increased gradually at 20, 40 and 60 minutes of assessment with no significant differences between two inhalation methods (p > 0.05). Responses to managements in children aged 2-5 years and 6-15 years improved gradually with no significant differences between two inhalation methods (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Salbutamol by metered dose inhaler with spacer provided similar clinical effectiveness to that achieved by nebulization in children with acute moderate asthma exacerbations.
Keywords: salbutamol, MDI with spacer, nebulizer, acute moderate asthma exacerbation, children.
INFECTED RATE OF DIABETES AND PREDIABETES IN RISK PEOPLE AT KRONG PAK DISTRICT, DAKLAK PROVINCE
Authors: Thai Quang Hung , Huynh The Xon
Published: March 2020

A cross-sectional study was carried out on 1455 subjects, aged 30-64, with the risk factors of diabetes in Krong Pak District, Dak Lak province, in 2010. The results were as following: The prevalences of diabetes and pre-diabetes were 3.2% and 12.4%, respectively. The prevalence of pre-diabetes in women was higher than that in men, and correlated with age and inversely correlated with education level. Higher blood pressure and waist hip ratio were associated with a greater risk of pre-diabetes.