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Effects of Caffeine on In Vitro Fertilization of Pig Follicular Oocytes

Thuong Thi Nguyen, Dat Tien Nguyen, Hanh Van Nguyen, Duc Huu Nguyen, Linh Viet Nguyen

Received: Oct 19, 2018 / Accepted: Oct 22, 2018 / Published: Oct 22, 2018
In the present study, experiments were conducted to assess the effects of caffeine on in vitro fertilization of pig follicular oocytes. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected from porcine ovaries from slaughterhouses, cultured in in vitro maturation medium 1 (IVM1) at 38.5oC for 20-22 hours and then in in vitro maturation medium 2 (IVM2) for the next 24 hours. Only the oocytes with expanded cumulus cells were selected for in vitro fertilization. Boar frozen semen was used for the porcine IVF procedure. The spermatozoa were pre-incubated in modified TCM 199 medium and subsequently incubated for 3 hours in porcine fertilization medium (pig FM) supplemented with either 2 mM or 5 mM of caffeine. They were cultured in IVC1 medium supplemented with pyruvate and lactate from day 0 to day 2, and then in IVC2 medium supplemented with glucose from day 2 to day 6. The results indicate that pig FM containing 5 mM caffeine gave a higher penetration rate than 2 mM caffeine (33.4% vs. 11.4%, respectively). The blastocyst rates of the two groups were not significantly different (8.4% and 8.0%). In conclusion, a higher caffeine concentration in the fertilization medium may ensure the production of in vitro porcine embryos with acceptable productivity utilizable for further studies on this subject.
Effects of Baby Corn Density on the Crop and Weed Performance under Different Maize-Soybean Intercropping Systems

Thieu Thi Phong Thu, Tran Thi Thiem, Nguyen Thi Loan, Pham Van An

Received: Nov 25, 2020 / Published: Aug 10, 2021
This study was conducted to examine the effects of baby corn density on the crop and weed performance under two different maize-soybean intercropping systems. Treatments included four baby corn densities (D1= 138,888 plants ha-1, D2 = 111,111 plants ha-1, D3 = 92,592 plants ha-1, and D4 = 79,365 plants ha-1), and three intercropping methods (P0 = a sole cropping of baby corn, P1 = 1 row of soybean + 1 row of baby corn (density of soybean, 10 plant m-2), and P2 = 2 rows of soybean + 1 row of baby corn (density of soybean, 20 plants m-2)). Physiological characteristics and yield were measured for the baby corn and soybean. The weed species, weed frequency, and the growth of the weeds were recorded at the final harvesting time of the baby corn. The results showed that the yield of soybean and the growth of the weeds were statistically different under the different maize-soybean intercropping systems. Increasing the baby corn density increased the leaf area index, dry matter accumulation, and cob yield, but did not have a clear effect on the soybean yield under both intercropping methods. In addition, the P2 intercropping method produced significantly higher soybean yield and gave better results of weed growth reduction in comparison with the P1 intercropping method. In the P2 intercropping method, baby corn should be grown at a density of 111,111 plants ha-1 to optimize the population productivity and achieve reasonable weed control for the sustainability of agriculture.
Evaluating the Knowledge of Small and Medium Enteprises’ Managers in Presenting the Information on Financial Statements toward International Integration

Phi Thi Diem Hong, Phan Le Trang, Nguyen Thi Hai Binh, Tran Nguyen Thi Yen

Received: Jun 11, 2020 / Published: Mar 05, 2021
In the context of international integration, managers’ knowledge plays an important role as a valuable organizational resource from a strategic perspective and a foundation for competitive advantage in business environment. The aim of this paper was to build assessment model and attest it in the case of Vietnam’s Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) regarding manager’s knowledge in preparing the information on financial statements. By analyzing current relative standards (including international and national systems) and two basic assessment models (ASK by Bloom et al. (1956) and BKD by Shinseki (1999)), the study developed to identify the assessment criteria of the manager’s knowledge as one main research objective. The research data of 71 SMEs in the sample showed that: (i)The relationship between managers’ background and their understanding about information on their financial statements was a negative linkage; (ii) The number of managers using their financial statements to make a business decision was very low; and (iii) The most important criteria on the financial statement in their views were profits and revenues.
Morphological Characteristics, Yield Performance, and Medicinal Value of Some Lingzhi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) Strains Cultivated in Tam Dao, Vietnam

Ngo Xuan Nghien, Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy, Le Van Ve, Nguyen Thi Luyen, Nguyen Thi Thu, Nguyen Dinh Quan

Received: Sep 17, 2018 / Published: Jun 07, 2019
The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological efficiency and main bioactive components of three G. lucidum strains, viz. GA1, GA2, and GA3, cultivated in Tam Dao town. The results demonstrated that all strains were capable of growing well on PDA medium supplemented with rice bran. The time required for complete colonization was 9 days. All tested strains of G. lucidum were able to adapt to climate conditions and produce fruiting bodies with satisfactory yield (13-17%), and therefore, they could be considered suitable candidates for commercial cultivation of G. lucidum in Tam Dao. No significant differences in polysaccharide content were observed among all strains. High concentrations of lucidenic N acid (0.33 mg g-1) and ganoderic acid (2.38 mg g-1) were determined in strain GA3. However, the highest ganodermanontriol content was detected in the strain GA1 with 0.3 mg g-1.
An Integrated Wireless Sensing System for Monitoring Environmental Parameters in Mushroom Houses

Nguyen Kim Dung, Dang Thi Thuy Huyen, Nguyen Van Dieu, Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy

Received: Aug 21, 2018 / Accepted: Aug 21, 2018 / Published: Aug 21, 2018
The paper presents an integrated wireless sensing system for monitoring environmental parameters, including temperature, relative humidity, and light intensity in mushroom houses. The developed system not only collects spatial environmental data but also enables end-users to remotely observe them via smart devices. Assembly of five sensornodes with a wireless sensor network was used to gather data. The results have shown relatively accurate measurements in terms of environmental parameters. The system is low cost, simple and easy to operate by displaying the native language in interface monitoring software. Therefore, the generated system should be applied in monitoring air temperature, humidity, and light intensity in mushroom houses. Additionally, this study has provided good opportunities for Vietnamese farmers to approach the high technology application in agriculture.
Factors affecting members’ satisfaction with the quality of support activities of cooperatives: A case of horticultural cooperatives in Son La province, Vietnam

Le Thi Minh Chau, Nguyen Dang Hoc, Ngo Thi Thu Hang, Tran Quang Trung

Received: Sep 08, 2023 / Published: Jun 28, 2024
This study explored the factors affecting members’ satisfaction with the quality of support activities of cooperatives using data collected from 301 members of horticultural cooperatives in Son La province. The study applied the SEVERQUAL concept and cooperative principles to develop the research model. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and the regression model were used for data analyses. Members’ satisfaction with the quality of the support activities of the cooperatives was specifically evaluated by measuring members’ satisfaction with collective input purchasing; collective marketing; self-help activities; support activities for directly receiving government support; and capacity-building activities. It was found that “Responsiveness” was the prominent factor, followed by the “Assurance and Reliability”, “Empathy”, “Competency of cooperative managers”, and “Tangibles” factors, which were found to positively affect the members’ satisfaction with the quality of the support activities of the cooperatives. To enhance the members’ satisfaction with the quality of the support activities of the cooperatives, the responsiveness of cooperative managers to market risks; social relationships among members; members’ awareness about voluntary participation opportunities in the cooperatives; competency of managers in management and negotiation; internal control systems of the cooperatives; involvement of members in the decision-making process; investment of equipment with internet connections; and the number of members should be improved.
Exploitation of Catechin Extract from Pruned Tea Leaves as a Promising Food Preservative Against Lipid Oxidation

Lai Thi Ngoc Ha, Tran Thi Hoai, Hoang Lan Phuong, Nguyen Van Lam

Received: Jun 19, 2023 / Published: Mar 29, 2024
In Vietnam, a tea-producing country, the tea buds and top three leaves are normally used for tea production while older leaves are pruned and discarded as agricultural waste in the winter. The present study aimed to exploit catechins from pruned tea leaves and use them as natural antioxidants for applications in the food industry. Catechins were analyzed using the guideline of ISO 14502-2-2005 by HPLC-MWD. The contents of catechins in pruned tea leaves of ten popular tea varieties were relatively high, ranging from 65.57 to 136.88 mg/g dry weight. The optimized conditions for catechin extraction from Phuc Van Tien pruned tea leaves (one of the varieties with a high catechin content) were found using response surface methodology as follows: a liquid-to-solid ratio of 21.6/1 at 70oC for 31 minutes. The catechin-rich extract powder was added to sesame oil to inhibit lipid oxidation. During oil accelerated oxidation at 60oC, the catechin-rich extract powder inhibited the increase of the peroxide value compared with the negative and positive controls (no preservative and added tert-butylhydroquinone, respectively). Significant positive correlations between the decrease of catechin content and the inhibition of peroxide formation (r = 0.91, 0.94, 0.95, 0.97, and 0.96 for catechin, epigallocatechin gallate, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, and epicatechin, respectively, P <0.05) proved that the inhibition of peroxide formation in the sesame oil was essentially due to the antioxidant capacity of the catechins in the pruned tea leaf extract. Catechin extracts from pruned tea leaves are potential sources of natural antioxidants for oil preservation.
Ethnic Minority Farmers’ Perceptions of Climate Change and Its Effects on Crop Production in Northwest Vietnam: A Case Study of H’mong Farmers in Pa Lau Commune, Tram Tau District, Yen Bai Province

Nguyen Thi Bich Yen, Tran Nguyen Bang, Pham Thi Hai Luyen, Giang A Tu, Tran Duc Vien

Received: Feb 09, 2023 / Published: Jun 30, 2023
This study aimed to assess the perception of H'mong farmers in the northwest mountainous region on climate change, its impacts on crop production, and their adaptation strategies. Reports on natural disaster events and their damages for the period ranging from 2012-2021, together with meteorological data including daily temperature and precipitation for 1991-2021, were collected. Fifty households among the H’mong farmers were randomly selected from four villages of Pa Lau commune for interviews based on structured questionnaires. The results showed that most H’mong farmers know that the climate is changing. However, their perceptions of the trends of these changes in terms of rainfall, temperature, and extreme weather events were not consistent with the analysis of meteorological data. The results also revealed that this is because the farmers evaluated the changes mainly based on their observations of short-term climate changes and the associated impacts that directly affect their livelihoods. The farmers perceived that soil erosion and hot and extreme cold weather have tended to increase their impacts on the production of some major local crops. Other types of natural disasters such as droughts, floods, landslides, pests, and strong winds have tended to have more or less impacts depending on the crop type. Adaptation measures taken by farmers to mitigate the effects of climate change are mainly simple, flexible, seasonal and low-cost measures. This study provides basic information for authorities at all levels to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change.
The Impact of Capital Investments on Firm Financial Performance – Empirical Evidence from the Listed Food and Agriculture Companies in Vietnam

Dang Thi Hai Yen, Nguyen Thi Huong, Dao Thi Hoang Anh

Received: May 11, 2022 / Published: Mar 29, 2023
Capital investment is one of the most important financial decisions of a firm, which effects the business survival. This paper investigates the impact of capital investments on firm performance to provide an insight for future capital investment decisions of companies. The study uses unbalance panel data gathered from 62 companies which covered 688 observations of listed food and agriculture sector in Vietnam stock exchange during the period 2009 – 2020. To control for unobserved individual effects, the random effect estimator was employed. Profit margin (PM) is used as a proxy for firm performance, while independent variables are capital investment rate in both short-term and long-term effect, equity to total assets ratio, firm size and tangible to fixed assets ratio. The results indicate that capital investments have statistically significant positive impact on long-term performance of the analyzed enterprises. This outcome is in accordant with many previous studies. Especially in the context of Vietnam listed food and agriculture companies have high level of capital investment, a portion increase in capital investment rate will increase the company profit margin. Other variables also have statistically significant relationship with profit margin, in details, equity ratio and size have positive effect while tangible assets ratio has negative effect on firm performance. Therefore, the research suggest firm managers should choose the appropriate capital investment strategies in long-term perspective, within the consideration of equity ratio, economics of scale and tangible assets investment ratio to get the most efficient performance.
Assessing the Status of Information Technology Applications to Accounting Work by SMEs in Hanoi: Implications for E-accounting

Phan Le Trang, Phi Thi Diem Hong, Tran Nguyen Thi Yen, Nguyen Thi Hai Binh

Received: May 13, 2022 / Published: Dec 30, 2022
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which make up over 90% of the total number of enterprises in Vietnam, play important roles in economic development not only in Hanoi but also in the whole country. As an effective tool in business management, accounting supplies important information for making decisions. Recently, information technology in business, especially in accounting work or e-accounting, has increased, and along with many advantages in terms of job productivity, has also been considered as the source of changing the roles of accountants in business. In order to show evidence of these changes as being the background for issuing solutions to improve information technology applications in accounting areas of enterprises, this study conducted a survey of 186 small and medium-sized enterprises in Hanoi. The research results showed that the lack of knowledge of current accounting staff is one of the two biggest obstacles to improving the application of information technology or developing e-accounting in accounting areas of small and medium-sized enterprises. Almost all the enterprises accepted the positive features of information technology for accounting work, however they still strongly considered the dynamics as well as the satisfaction of specific information technology products in their accounting work, especially in dealing with new business transactions.
Study on Stem Cutting Propagation of Gynostemma Pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino in Hoa Binh Province

Ninh Thi Phip, Nguyen Phuong Mai, Nguyen Thi Thanh Hai, Nguyen Mai Thom

Received: Oct 28, 2020 / Published: Aug 10, 2021
Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino is a medicinal plant distributed mostly in the mountainous areas of Vietnam. G. pentaphyllum contains more than 189 types of saponin which can be used for the treatment of various diseases. Currently, due to over-exploitation, this plant species is under threaten. Our research aimed to study a suitable method for plant propagation by stem cutting techniques to promote the growth and development of G. pentaphyllum. Six experiments were conducted to (i) evaluate the established seedling rates of different G. pentaphyllum varieties, and choose the best variety to (ii) evaluate the established seedling rate influenced by different factors, viz. stem cutting position, cutting season, growing in the selected substrates, stem cutting length, number of buds per stem, and application of α-NAA. The results showed that among five varieties, G2 which was collected in Mai Chau district disclosed the highest ability to shooting, the highest number of roots per stem cutting, the shortest nursery days, the highest shooting rate, and the highestestablished seedling rate. We also determined that using middle-aged plants for stem cuttings, at 15-20cm in length, with 2 nodes and grown in Spring and Winter cropping seasons, using growing substrates with a mixture of 50% of black sand and 50% of soil, and plus α-NAA 50ppm in 3-5min produced the highest explant rate. The established seedlingsat the time of explant were 15-20cm in height, containing 4-5 leaves and at least 9-10 roots per cutting, and were 30-32 days.
Effects of Temperature on Population Growth and Resting Egg Production of Freshwater Rotifer (Brachionus calyciflorus)

Doan Thi Nhinh, Pham Thi Lam Hong, Truong Dinh Hoai, Kim Van Van

Received: Jun 10, 2020 / Published: Dec 31, 2020
Resting egg production of rotifers provides critical advantages in larviculture of most fish species due to the reduction in the costs of labour and algae production. The study was conducted to investigate the effects of temperature on population growth and resting egg production of a freshwater rotifer, Brachionus calyciflorus, collected in Northern Vietnam. The rotifer was pre-cultured at 27ºC before being transferred to the cultures at 15 and 35ºC while the control was maintained at 27ºC. One-liter beakers filled with 500mL culture medium were used with three replicates for each temperature group. Stock rotifers were inoculated at an initial density of 200 ind ml-1 and fed with concentrated fresh algae. The results indicated that population growth rate (r) of rotifers cultured at 27 and 35ºC were significantly higher than that of rotifers at 15ºC while the highest density was attained from the treatment of 27ºC, at 608.3 ind mL-1, compared to 468.3 and 360.5 ind mL-1 at 35 and 15ºC, respectively. Transferring the cultures from 27 to 35ºC significantly increased the rate of resting egg carrying females with the maximum rate of 31.5% compared to 21.2 and 13.5% of the rotifers at 27 and 15ºC, respectively. The resting egg densities of the cultures at 35ºC were also significantly higher than those at 15 and 27ºC. The resting egg carrying females appeared and increased their rates in concurrence with increases in the population density. The present results are important information for resting egg induction and production of rotifer in larviculture.
Factors Affecting the Capacity of Accounting Software in Controlling Frauds and Errors in Small and Medium Enterprises (Smes): A Case Study of SMEs in Hanoi, Vietnam

Ngo Thi Thu Hang, Vu Thi Hai, Tran Quang Trung, Vu Manh Chien, Nguyen Thi Hong Nga

Received: Jun 13, 2020 / Published: Mar 05, 2021
Financial accounting information has impacted the operation of enterprises, especially SMEs. With the development of technology, digital accounting applications are playing an increasingly important role in minimizing mistakes, and ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of accounting information. Using multiple discriminant analyses, this study confirmed the significance of accounting software in reducing frauds and errors in SMEs’ businesses despite some drawbacks. It showed that the managers’ ability to access the software and the decentralization of power in accessing the accounting software were the two key factors deciding the success/failure of applying accounting software to control frauds and errors. In addition, smart applications of the accounting software positively contributed to the elimination of frauds in enterprises. Based on these results, recommendations are drawn for SMEs, such as investing more in smart applications of accounting software, as well as updating knowledge about accounting for management, in order to get more advantages from accounting software applications for their business in the long term.
Polyphenols from Tropical Almond Leaves (Terminalia catappa L.): Optimized Extraction Conditions and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity

Nguyen Thi Thu Nga, Nguyen Xuan Bac, Vu Thi Hanh, Lai Thi Ngoc Ha

Received: Dec 17, 2022 / Published: Mar 29, 2024
The purpose of this study was to find the optimal conditions for extracting polyphenols from Vietnamese tropical almond leaves (Terminalia catappa L.) and to assess the anti-diabetic activities of the resulting extract. The polyphenol extraction from Vietnamese tropical almond leaves was optimized using the response surface methodology. A rotatable central composite design (RCCD) with three variables (ethanol concentration, temperature, and extraction time), consisting of 21 experimental runs with three replicates at the center, minimal, and maximal factorial points was applied to describe the experimental data. The experimental results properly confirmed the constructed model (R2 = 0.8337). The optimized conditions were as follows: ethanol concentration of 62.76%, a temperature of 62.2°C, and an extraction time of 70 minutes. Five extractions were performed in parallel at the optimized conditions to validate the model. The experimental values highly agreed with the predicted value. The extract powder has powerful effects against the α-glucosidase activity and can develop as a novel natural anti-diabetic agent.
Phenolic Extracts from Myrtaceae Leaves Improve the Quality and Shelf-life of Pacific Whiteleg Shrimp

Lai Thi Ngoc Ha, Tran Thi Hoai, Nguyen Van Lam, Hoang Lan Phuong

Received: Aug 04, 2022 / Published: Dec 30, 2022
This study aimed to quantify the phenolic contents and the antioxidant capacities of leaf extract powders from three Myrtaceae plants, namely Cleistocalyx operculatus (Vietnamese name: Vối), Psidium guajava (Ổi), and Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Sim), investigate their inhibitive activities on the growth of bacteria isolated from spoiled shrimps, and evaluate their values as preservative agents in the cold storage of Pacific whiteleg shrimps (Penaeus vannamei). The extract leaf powders from R. tomentosa, C. operculatus, and P. guajava had high phenolic contents of 281.25, 282.36, and 349.51 mg gallic acid equivalent/g leaf extract, respectively. Among the three plants, the extract powders of R. tomentosa and P. guajava leaves had the highest antioxidant capacities (about 4 mmol Trolox equivalent (TE)/g) followed by the one of C. operculatus (2.85 mmol TE/g). These three extract powders showed significant antibacterial activities against the seven bacteria isolated from cold-stored spoiled whiteleg shrimps with the inhibition zones ranging from 0.33 to 19.67mm depending on the extract concentration. Among the three leaf extracts, the one from P. guajava leaves showed the highest inhibitive activity. Aeromonas sp2 was the most sensible to Myrtaceae leaf extracts while Aeromonas sp4 was the least affected strain. All the extracts showed high inhibitive activities against melanosis, volatile nitrogen-containing compounds formation, lipid oxidation, and microbial growth in stored shrimps, thereby prolonging the shelf-life of the shrimps. The results suggested the potential application of these three Myrtaceae plants as sources of antioxidant and antimicrobial agents in the cold storage of shrimps.
Effects of Diet Composition on the Life-History Traits of Bactrocera Dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Than The Anh, Le Ngoc Anh, Pham Thi Hieu, Ho Thi Thu Giang

Received: Nov 03, 2021 / Published: Dec 30, 2022
Nutrient acquisition at the larval stage has significant impacts on the development, body weight, and fecundity of fruit flies. In this study, we examined the effects of diet composition on the life-history traits of the oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae). We reared the flies on four larval diets, namely three artificial diets, which had the main ingredients of sugar, brewer’s yeast, and preservatives; and one fruit-based diet, which had the main contents of ground guava, brewer’s yeast, and preservatives. The three artificial diets had varied yeast-to-sugar ratios (Y:S) of 5:1 in the protein-rich diet, 1.67:1 in the standard diet, and 1:3 in the sugar-rich diet. Differences in development time, pupal weight, adult weight, and fecundity of B. dorsalis were investigated. It was found that the development times of fruit flies on the protein-rich and fruit-based diets were shorter than those on the sugar-rich and standard diets. Pupae and adults in the fruit-based and standard diets were heavier than those from the protein-rich and sugar-rich diets. There was a strong effect of diet on the per-day fecundity whereby the flies in the fruit-based diet had the highest per-day fecundity, while the lowest per-day fecundity was in the sugar-rich diet. The per-day fecundity of the fruit flies on the standard and sugar-rich diets increased gradually from day 1 to day 15, while it decreased in the protein-rich and fruit-based diets.
Supplemental Effects of Self-extracted Organic Nutrient Solution on the Growth and Yied of Water Spinach (Ipomoea Aquatic F.) in an Aquaponic System

Nguyen Thi Ai Nghia, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Dinh, Nguyen Hong Hanh, Do Thi Huong

Received: Dec 06, 2021 / Accepted: Sep 22, 2022 / Published: Sep 30, 2022
Aquaponics combines two technologies, recirculating aquaculture systems and hydroponics in a closed system. The nutrients recycled from fish tanks supply nutrients for vegetables grown in hydroponics, however in some cases, the nutrient levels may not be sufficient for the optimal growth and yield of plants. In this study, two experiments were conducted to understand the effects of supplemental organic nutrient solutions on plant growth and yield in climbing perch-water spinach aquaponics. Experiment 1 (Exp.1) was conducted to evaluate the effects of three types of leaf-based organic fertilizers on the growth and yield of water spinach, namely self-extracted organic nutrient solution (OE), and two popular commercial foliar organic fertilizers, Hydro Fulvic (OF1) and TCN HUME (OF2), with the dose of 1%. Exp.1 showed that supplementation with the self-extracted solution significantly increased the growth and yield of water spinach but did not change the quality of water spinach in terms of the Brix values and nitrate residue content compared to the control. However, the self-extracted solution showed less effectiveness than the two commercial fertilizers in this experiment. Therefore, we conducted experiment 2 (Exp.2) to determine the suitable concentration and potential use of this extract for water spinach in aquaponics. The results of Exp.2 indicated that the concentration of 2% was the most economical and effective to provide supplemental nutrients for water spinach in the climbing perch-water spinach system. The study suggests that self-extracted organic nutrient solutions can be effectively used for growing water spinach in aquaponic systems.
Effects of Dietary Supplementation with a Mixed Powder of Medicinal Plants on the Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Chemical Composition, and Meat Quality of Pigs

Nguyen Cong Oanh, Nguyen Thi Huyen, Nguyen Dinh Tien, Vu Dinh Ton

Received: Jun 17, 2021 / Published: Dec 31, 2021
The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a medicinal plant mixture (MP) (60% Bindens pilosa L., 15% Urena lobata L., 15% Pseuderanthemum palatiferum, 5% Ramulus Cinnamomi, and 5% Illicium verum Hook. f.) as a feed additive to promote the growth performance and meat quality of grower-finisher pigs. Forty-eight crossbred pigs (Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire)), with initial live body weights of 30.3 ± 1.42kg, were randomly allocated to four dietary groups, with three replicates of each group and four animals per replicate. The experimental pigs were fed a basal diet supplemented with MP powder at 0, 20, 40, or 60 g kg-1 of feed (T0, T20, T40, and T60) for 15 weeks. The growth performance, carcass quality parameters, chemical composition, fatty acids, and cholesterol contents of the pig meat were measured. There were no statistical differences (P> 0.05) in the final live body weight, overall average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio among the control and MP treatments. MP supplementation significantly increased the protein content (P = 0.02) and decreased the cholesterol content (P = 0.04) of raw longissimus dorsi muscle. The obtained results indicate that the dietary MP supplementation tested could have the potential to improve meat quality and decrease the cholesterol content in pork with no adverse effects on the growth performance.
Application of the Internet of Things technology (IoT) in Designing an Automatic Water Quality Monitoring System for Aquaculture Ponds

Nguyen Quang Huy, Vu Thi Thu Giang, Le Vu Quan, Ho Vo The Cuong

Received: Apr 12, 2020 / Published: Nov 27, 2020
The current aims to apply the Internet of Things technology (IoT) in designing an automatic system for measuring and monitoring important parameters of aquaculture ponds such as temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen (DO). The system includes the Arduino Nano main microcontroller (the device that transmits and pushes data to the Raspberry Pi 3 Web server), the DS18B20 temperature sensor module, the pH sensor module V1.1, and the DO Sensor SKU SEN0237. The system is capable of continuously measuring the above parameters of aquaculture ponds. The measurement results are stored and transmitted wirelessly to smart devices such as computers and mobile phones. Farmers can continuously monitor water quality parameters of aquaculture ponds (pH, DO, temperature) through these smart devices. In addition, a warning message will be sent to the farmer's phone when the DO index of the aquaculture pond falls below the prescribed level. The results of the test evaluation also show the high accuracy of the system when compared with the sample measuring device. All relative errors are satisfied less than the limit value of 5%.
Expression of Zinc Finger Protein Zat12 from Arabidopsis thaliana in Escherichia coli

Le Thi Tuyet Cham, Vu Ngoc Thang, Tran Anh Tuan, Vu Thi Thuy Hang

Received: Oct 26, 2018 / Published: Jul 22, 2020
The C2H2 zinc finger protein ZAT12 has been classified as a plant core abiotic stress response gene in the early response to multiple stresses. ZAT12 links the iron deficiency and oxidative stress responses through the direct interaction with/and negative regulation of a central regulator - FIT. For further research on the regulation of the ZAT12 protein in planta, a huge quantity of ZAT12 proteins is required to inject into mice for the generation of ZAT12 antiserum. In this study, the gene encoding the ZAT12 protein from Arabidopsis thaliana was cloned into the expression vector - pETBlue-2 and then overexpressed in E. coli T7. A high expression level was indicated by SDS-PAGE. Immunoblot demonstrated successful expression using a bacterial expression system.
Growth and Physiological Responses of Sugarcane to Drought Stress at an Early Growth Stage

Bui The Khuynh, Vu Ngoc Thang, Vu Dinh Chinh, Pham Thi Thom

Received: May 14, 2020 / Published: May 15, 2020
A pot experiment was conducted in a net house to evaluate the effects of drought stress (a 20-day water withholding treatment from 100-120 days after planting) on the growth and physiology of five sugarcane cultivars. The results showed that water stress at an early stage significantly affected sugarcane growth and physiology. Water stress resulted in reductions in plant height, stalk diameter, and leaf number of sugarcane, in addition to reductions in the photosynthetic pigment content, Fv/Fm, and SPAD (Soil Plant Analysis Development) readings after the 20-day withholding water period (120 DAP), and in stem, root, and leaf fresh weights, and leaf area at 150 DAP. Besides, drought stress led to increases in stomata density and decreases in stomata length. Variation was also found among the cultivars in response to water stress. Significant genotypic differences in stem fresh weight and leaf area under water stress among the cultivars were observed. The highest value of stem fresh weight under stressed conditions was recorded in ROC22 (50.6 g), followed by QĐ159 (46.5g), ROC16 (46.2g), ROC10 (46.1g), and VL06 (44.4g). However, the highest DTI was recorded in ROC16, followed by VL06, ROC10, QĐ93-159, and ROC22, respectively.
Dietary Supplementation with Sesame Seed to Improve Semen Quality of Ho Cocks

Nguyen Thi Xuan, Nguyen Van Duy, Dang Thuy Nhung, Vu Dinh Ton

Received: Feb 21, 2019 / Published: Aug 30, 2019
High levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids in chicken spermatozoa make them susceptible to lipoperoxidation and reduce their fertility. This study was conducted to assess the effect of sesame seed suplementation in the diet on the semen quality of Ho cocks. Eighteen 13-14 month-old cocks were randomly divided into three groups and were assigned to one of the following treatments: 0% SS (control), 5% SS, or 7% sesame seeds per kg of diet for ten consecutive weeks after a two-week adaptation period. Semen characteristics were evaluated once a week. In the 7% sesame seed treatment group, seminal traits including semen ejaculate volume (1.02mL), sperm concentration (3.68 x 109 sperm), and abnormal spermatozoa (10.51% were improved (P <0.05) compared to the control group (0.82mL, 2.81 x 109 sperm, and 11.04% for semen ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, and abnormal spermatozoa, respectively). Supplementation with sesame seeds did not significantly affect sperm motility, mass movement, or semen pH. Our results demonstrate that sesame seed supplementation at 7% successfully improved the ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, and normal spermatozoa percentage of Ho cocks.
Effects of Fertilization Ratios on the Growth of Pinto Peanut (Arachis Pintoi) under Drought Stress Conditions

Vu Duy Hoang, Nguyen Thi Loan, Bui Thi Tam, Tran Thi Thiem

Received: Jan 23, 2019 / Published: Feb 16, 2019
The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of different fertilization ratios on the growth of pinto peanut (Arachis pintoi) propagated vegetatively under varying water regimes. The experiment was carried out in a net-house in a completely randomized design with three replicates. The N:P2O5:K2O ratios were applied at six levels: F1 (1:1:1), F2 (1:3:1), F3 (1:1:3), F4 (3:1:1), F5 (3:3:1), and F6 (3:3:3) while soil moisture included three different levels: 30% (W1), 60% (W2), and 100% (W3) field capacity. Water stress conditions were treated from 30-65 days after planting, and then the pots were irrigated to 100% field capacity. The results indicate that drought conditions significantly reduced (P<0.05) the growth of stolons, leaf appearance, number of secondary stolons, and dry matter, while the root/shoot ratio was higher compared to plants under well-watered conditions. There was no significant effect of the fertilization ratios on the number of secondary stolons. Higher-NP and NPK application ratios showed significant influences on the growth of A. pintoi under drought conditions by stimulating stolon lengths and the number of leaves, while the root/shoot ratio was decreased. Higher ratios of single fertilizers (N, P, or K) did not show a consistent effect on the growth of A. pintoi under drought conditions. The results suggest that a higher-NP fertilization ratio stimulates the growth of A. pintoi under both drought and well-irrigated conditions.
Effects of Aloe Vera Gel Coatings on the Postharvest Quality of Honeydew melons (Cucumis melo L.) Stored Under Atmospheric Condition

Nguyen Thi Hanh, Phan Thi Phuong Thao, Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy, Nguyen Thi Thu Nga

Received: Aug 20, 2018 / Accepted: Aug 20, 2018 / Published: Aug 20, 2018
Honeydew melon (Cucumis melo L.) is a highly nutritious fruit, but its climacteric respiration property leads to rapid quality degradation, a short shelf-life, and low marketability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Aloe vera gel coating on postharvest quality of honeydew melon cv. Ngan Huy under atmospheric conditions. The fresh fruits were completely immersed into Aloe vera gel solutions at different concentrations of 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, and 70% at room temperature for 5 minutes. Tween 80 0.05%, CMC 1%, and glycerol 2% were added in the coating solutions. Thirty-six fruits were used in each treatment. The weight loss, firmness, respiration, and ethylene production rates, total soluble solids (TSS) and vitamin C content, and the rate of fruit spoilage were measured during storage to determine the efficacy of the Aloe vera gel in maintaining the postharvest quality of the honeydew melon fruits and protecting them from deterioration. Uncoated fruits exhibited significantly greater changes (P<0.05) in weight loss, firmness, respiration, ethylene production rates, TSS, and vitamin C content compared to coated fruits. Fruits coated with 60% or 70% Aloe vera gel exhibited the smallest changes (P<0.05) in all the tested parameters. Based on the changes of the overall quality characteristics, application of an edible coating with 60% or 70% of Aloe vera gel were considered to be the most suitable practice to maintain the quality of honeydew melon.
Vietnamese Tea Exporting and Forecasting to 2030

To-The Nguyen, Nguyen-Anh Tuan, Le Phuong Thao

Received: Jul 03, 2020 / Published: Dec 01, 2020
This study aimed to determine the factors influencing Vietnamese tea export quantities, namely, the internal factors of national tea production, productivity, and cultivated areas, and the external factors of export price and world tea export quantity (excluding Vietnam). We employed a time-series linear model to estimate the magnitude as well as the sign of the aforementioned factors on Vietnam’s tea export quantity and two Box-Cox transformations called a simple back-transformed forecast and a bias-adjustment to forecast the growth rate of the Vietnamese tea export quantity until 2030. The results suggested that except for the total domestic tea production, all the proposed factors significantly affected the Vietnamese tea export quantity. The tea export quantity of other nations around the world had a significantly negative impact on Vietnamese tea that led to Vietnam’s tea exports dropping by 34 tons on average since the other countries exported 1,000 tons of tea. The forecasted outcome suggested an upward trend of Vietnamese tea exports up to 2030. In order to sustainably develop Vietnam’s tea industry, we recommend that the government should take supportive actions such as investing in in-depth tea processing to improve Vietnam’s tea export quality, focusing on post-harvest activities, investing in organic or high-value tea rather than conventional tea, continuing to accumulate land to support the growth of cultivated tea areas, and maintaining high productivity by using hybrid seeds.

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