VNUHCM Journal of Science and Technology Development

Latest Articles

1. Editorials

   Welcome to the New Editor-in-Chief

   Pham P.

   It has been my great honor to serve as Editor-in-Chief of the Science and Technology Development Journal at Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM) from March 9, 2021, through April 1, 2025. During these four years, I have been enriched by many inspiring and deeply meaningful experiences, contributing to the journal’s transformation into a prominent publication both domestically and internationally. Our accomplishments thus far reflect the tireless efforts of the editorial team, editorial board members, authors, and the entire VNU-HCM community, building on the strong foundation established by generations of editors and editors-in-chief over the past 25 years. I am delighted to announce that Professor Phan Bach Thang will succeed me as the next Editor-in-Chief. Given his profound research expertise and outstanding leadership, I am confident the Science and Technology Development Journal (STDJ) will continue to flourish, ultimately earning its place in the Scopus and Web of Science databases.

   Published: 2025-03-313711
2. Engineering and Technology - Research article

   Influence of Boundary Conditions on the Structural Evolution of Hexagonal Boron Nitride upon Heating

   Nguyen H., Tran Van L.

   In this study, we investigate how boundary conditions influence the structural evolution of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) under thermal stress. Specifically, we analyze two configurations: a zigzag h-BN nanoribbon (ZBNNR) and an in-plane graphene/h-BN/graphene (g/h-BN/g) heterostructure, focusing on the role of graphene layers in modulating h-BN's behavior during heating.

   Published: 2025-03-313734-3741
3. Social Sciences and Humanities - Research article

   LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM: Enhancing Grade 11 Students’ Learning Outcomes through Quizventures

   RESULTA S. R.

   This action research study aims to investigate the effectiveness of QuizVenture as an intervention tool to enhance Grade 11 student learning outcomes in World Religions. QuizVenture is a mobile-based game that uses gamification elements to engage students in learning activities outside the classroom. A total of 26 Grade 11 students from Lapinigan National High School participated in the study. The intervention was implemented over a period of four weeks, and data were collected through pre- and postintervention quizzes and focus group discussions. The results of the study revealed that the use of QuizVentures significantly improved students' learning outcomes, with a mean score increase of 10.20 points in the postintervention quiz compared with the preintervention quiz. Additionally, the data shown in the Results and Discussion section revealed that the intervention or treatment that was applied between the pretest and posttest effectively improved the participants' scores on the second cycle posttest compared with the data gathered via the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS Tool) during the pretest and posttest of cycle 1. Moreover, the students reported high levels of engagement and motivation in using QuizVenture for learning. Focus group discussions revealed that QuizVenture helped students develop a deeper understanding of the concepts and principles of world religion and improved their critical thinking skills. These findings suggest that QuizVenture is an effective intervention tool that can enhance student learning outcomes within and beyond the classroom.

   Published: 2025-03-313742-3758
4. Section: NATURAL SCIENCES

   Effects of CoCl2-Induced Hypoxia on HepG2 Cells: Increased VEGF and GLUT1 Gene Expression and Enhanced Doxorubicin Resistance

   Minh C.,-H., Anh T.,-D., Nguyen S.

   This study investigates the effects of cobalt chloride (CoCl₂), a hypoxia-mimicking agent, on HepG2 liver cancer cells, focusing on cell survival, hypoxia-related gene expression, chemotherapy sensitivity, and drug efflux capacity. Hypoxia is a critical feature of tumor microenvironments linked to cancer progression and therapy resistance, and CoCl₂ is widely used to simulate these conditions in vitro. The aim was to evaluate how varying concentrations and exposure times of CoCl₂ influence cellular responses, providing insights into hypoxia-driven mechanisms in liver cancer.

   Published: 2025-03-313723-3733
5. Section: HEALTH SCIENCES

   Unlocking the Regenerative Potential of Antler Stem Cells: A Promising Frontier in Wound Healing and Tissue Repair

   Huynh P.

   Stem cells have been playing an important role in regenerative medicine. Recently, deer antler stem cells have received more attention because of their unique regenerative abilities. Deer velvet is regenerated every year at a complete level and leaves absolutely no scars. It is a rare phenomenon in mammals at present. Thus, deer antler stem cells can be a potential agent of biomolecular, metabolic, and regenerative pathways. This review evaluated deer antler stem cells' wound healing and regenerative potential. Although mesenchymal stem cells have been studied extensively, studies on antler stem cells (ASCs) are still in their infancy. Due to ethical barriers, there is still few applications of ASCs in clinical. A more comprehensive understanding of deer antler stem cells will lay the groundwork for further studies to approach their applications in future.

   Published: 2025-03-313759-3769
6. Section: HEALTH SCIENCES

   Investigation of drug-related problems (DRPs) in type 2 diabetes mellitus outpatients at district hospital’s internal clinic at Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

   Nguyen M., Le N., Nguyen H., Pham D., Nguyen T., A., T., Nguyen M., T., Mai H., N., Nguyen N. P.

   Drug-related problems (DRPs) are prevalent among outpatients and may lead to suboptimal treatment outcomes. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasingly common and poses significant challenges to global health and the economy. Patients with T2DM have multiple risk factors for DRPs. This study aimed to determine the types, frequency, and associated factors of DRPs in prescriptions for T2DM outpatients.

   Published: 2025-03-313712-3722
7. Engineering and Technology - Research article

   Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Phlogacanthus turgidus Leaf Extract: Catalytic Activity in TMB-H2O2 Redox Reactions and their Application in Hydrogen Peroxide Sensing

   Dang S., Phan D., Nguyen T., Nguyen D.

   Based on the results of optimal conditions for TMB oxidation in the presence of AgNPs, we can evaluate the applicability as a H₂O₂ sensor.

   Published: 2024-12-313672-3680
8. Article

   English academic writing through the lens of culture: Implications for current practices in Vietnam

   Trinh K., N., Pho P. D.

   Academic writing is a crucial skill for language learners, especially at tertiary education level. Various studies have pointed out several setbacks and difficulties faced by learners of English. However, when it comes to the essential reasons behind these, the writer’s cultural identity and the hegemonic nature of writing conventions may cause dilemmas for both teachers and learners. This paper situates the discussion of English academic writing conventions as perceived in Vietnam, problematizing how Vietnamese EFL (English as a foreign language) learners are culturally informed and engaged in the process of acquiring skills and knowledge and whether relevant “local” stakeholders are aware of the long-standing difficulties that the students face in their very own academic territory.

   Published: 2024-12-3156-63
9. Article

   Teaching english pronunciation for international intelligibility

   Di D. T. V.

   English has become the language for global communication in this 21st century with non-native speakers outnumbering native speakers. Pronunciation is among the key factors for successful and effective communication in this era of globalization. The learning and teaching of pronunciation, therefore, has been aiming at mutual intelligibility, or international intelligibility, rather than at native-like accents formerly. This paper reviewed the most recent transformations in the practice of pronunciation teaching towards international intelligibility in light of English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) (with the Lingua Franca Core (LFC)) and Global Englishes Language Teaching (GELT) in order to help learners be better prepared for global communication. Recommendations were also presented for the instruction and assessment of English pronunciation aiming at an internationally intelligible model.

   Published: 2024-12-311-7
10. Article

    Applying wordnet in teaching the lexical semantics of english nouns

    Phan T. T. M.

    This paper addressed the practical application and potential impact of WordNet as an educational tool for teaching the lexical semantics of English nouns. WordNet, an extensive English lexical database, systematically organizes words into semantically interconnected groups and hierarchical classifications, providing a promising resource for utilizing a computational semantics approach in language education. Using the descriptive research method and the comparative method, the study explored the network of semantic relationships within English nouns, specifically focusing on synonymy, polysemy, hyponymy, and hypernymy. Based on the WordNet description, the paper suggested some practical techniques for teaching and learning lexical semantics within English nouns. These approaches aim to enhance the educational experience for both teachers and students by fostering a deeper understanding of the semantic relationships of English nouns through addressing readability, contextual meanings, and conceptual structures.

    Published: 2024-12-3164-72