This study seeks to investigate the relationship between quality management practices and sustainability performance as well as the moderating effects from quality management implementation timeline, type of industry, and firm size on this relationship. Data were collected from enterprises in Vietnam from July 2016 to March 2017. Based on a sample of 144 valid responses, empirical results indicate that quality management practices have mixed impacts on economic performance and environmental performance, while show positive impact on social performance. The results found four quality management practices that have significantly positive impact on sustainability performance: top management support for quality management, design for quality, quality data and reporting, and continuous improvement. These practices could be considered as critical quality management factors that significantly contribute to sustainability goals. Furthermore, the study found significant moderating effects of three contextual factors on the relationship between quality management practices and sustainability performance. The study enriches the literature on quality management and sustainability management, and offers some important insights into efficient allocation of resources to achieve sustainability goals.

Informed by sociocultural theory and previous research on peer scaffolding in second language (L2) learning, which largely focuses on collaborative writing in English as a second language (ESL) contexts, this study investigates the ways in which Vietnamese English as a foreign language (EFL) students provide peer scaffolding to each otherduring a collaborative presentation task and how they benefit from this experience. Data were collected from 12 participants through reflective reports and interviews. Content analysis of data suggests six categories of peer scaffolding behaviours among the students, namely workload sharing, pooling ideas and resources, technology support, peer feedback, support in answering the audience's questions, and affective support and the benefits that the students gained from them. The findings demonstrate that collaborative pair work creates learning conditions where peers provide mutual help, which supports previous research findings. The identified peer scaffolding behaviours also show important features suggested in the literature. Although peer scaffolding has been largely studied in L2 writing, it remains a new area of research in L2 speaking discourse. This study extends the literature to this under-researched area and offers a number of pedagogical and theoretical implications based on the findings.

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Background.Despite high levels of mental illness, Vietnamese youth have limited access to mental health care. Internet interventions, evidence-based psychotherapy treatments delivered through the internet, have the potential to increase access to mental health for youth in Vietnam. This study explored the perceptions of youths and parents toward internet interventions for youth mental health.Methods.Four focus groups were conducted with youths (n = 20) and parents (n = 20) in Danang, Vietnam. The Technology Acceptance Model was used a framework for focus group questions. The data were analyzed using direct content analysis.Results.Most youths and parents agreed that the internet serves well as a care delivery model. Participants expressed that the web would be useful for psychoeducation and sharing and receiving information with others. Both groups reported lack of awareness of web-based interventions and logistical concerns regarding access as main barriers. In addition, many parents were concerned about internet addiction. Specific adaptations in Vietnam such as standalone internet service centers and partnering with local organizations may benefit uptake of internet interventions.Conclusion.This study suggests that internet-based programs for youth mental health, particularly interventions incorporating psychoeducation and social networking components, will be well received in Vietnam. Barriers need to be addressed to successfully implement internet-based treatment. Future initiatives should incorporate acceptance models to improve development of internet interventions for youth.

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Silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) synthesized by the Stober method were used as drug delivery vehicles. Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX·HCl) is a chemo-drug absorbed onto the SiO2 NPs surfaces. The DOX·HCl loading onto and release from the SiO2 NPs was monitored via UV-VIS and fluorescence spectra. Alternatively, the zeta potential was also used to monitor and evaluate the DOX·HCl loading process. The results showed that nearly 98% of DOX·HCl was effectively loaded onto the SiO2 NPs’ surfaces by electrostatic interaction. The pH-dependence of the process wherein DOX·HCl release out of DOX·HCl-SiO2 NPs was investigated as well. For comparison, both the free DOX·HCl molecules and DOX·HCl-SiO2 NPs were used as the labels for cultured cancer cells. Confocal laser scanning microscopy images showed that the DOX·HCl-SiO2 NPs were better delivered to cancer cells which are more acidic than healthy cells. We propose that engineered DOX·HCl-SiO2 systems are good candidates for drug delivery and clinical applications.

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