Science and Technology Development Journal

Welcome to the New Editor-in-Chief

Phuc Van Pham — 2025-03-31

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.

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

Hang Nguyen — 2025-03-31

Introduction: 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.

Methods: Molecular dynamics simulations were employed to simulate thermal effects on the ZBNNR and hybrid g/h-BN/g heterostructure. These simulations tracked structural changes, bond dynamics, and phase transitions across varying temperatures to assess boundary-driven modifications in h-BN stability.

Results: Both systems exhibited first-order phase transitions. The melting temperature of ZBNNR was 3800 K, significantly lower than the 6150 K observed for the g/h-BN/g heterostructure. At melting, B–B and N–N bonds in ZBNNR contracted, whereas these bonds remained stable in the heterostructure. Coordination analysis revealed that 5.9% of atoms in ZBNNR retained a coordination number of three, compared to only 2.6% in the h-BN layer of the heterostructure, highlighting graphene’s stabilizing effect.

Conclusion: The presence of graphene layers in the hybrid heterostructure substantially enhances the thermal stability of h-BN, elevating its melting temperature and suppressing bond distortion. This work underscores the critical role of boundary conditions in tailoring nanoscale material properties for high-temperature applications.

GAMILY TO AMPLIFY: Enhancing Grade 11 Students’ Learning Outcomes through Quizventures

SHERWIN REY CANTUTAY RESULTA — 2025-03-31

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.

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

Chau-Huynh Dao Minh — 2025-03-31

This study explored the effects of cobalt chloride (CoCl₂), a hypoxia-mimicking agent, on HepG2 cells, with a focus on cell survival, gene expression, chemotherapy sensitivity, and drug efflux capacity. HepG2 cells were treated with various concentrations of CoCl₂ (50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 µM) and observed over different time periods (12, 24, and 48 hours). The results indicated that lower concentrations (50 and 100 µM) did not significantly impact cell viability, whereas higher concentrations (150, 200, and 250 µM) led to notable cytotoxicity, demonstrating a concentration-dependent effect. CoCl₂ treatment significantly increased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) at 72 and 96 hours, despite stable levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α). These findings suggest an increase in angiogenesis and metabolic adaptation. Additionally, CoCl₂-treated cells exhibited reduced sensitivity to the chemical drug doxorubicin, with increased IC50 values, indicating increased drug resistance. Furthermore, CoCl₂ treatment doubled the subpopulation of cells capable of effluxing rhodamine 123, suggesting increased drug efflux capacity. These findings underscore the effectiveness of CoCl₂ in mimicking hypoxia and its utility in studying hypoxia-related cellular responses and drug resistance in liver cancer cells. However, the results emphasize the necessity of carefully considering the CoCl₂ concentration and exposure time to ensure accurate and relevant experimental outcomes.

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

Minh Thanh Nguyen — 2025-03-31

Introduction: 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.

Materials and methods: A retrospective study was conducted to collect prescriptions of T2DM outpatients at District hospital’s internal clinic at Ho Chi Minh city, from October 1st to December 31st, 2022. DRPs were determined using the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) classification, version 9.1. Factors associated with DRPs were analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model.

Results: A total of 380 prescriptions were included in the analysis. The mean age of the patients was 62.4 years (± 10.4). More than half of the patients were female (59.7%). In total, 636 drug-related problems (DRPs) were identified, with 82.4% of patients experiencing at least one DRP, averaging 1.68 ± 1.38 problems per patient. The most common prevalent DRP was related to dose timing, accounting for 78.9% of the cases. (78.9%). Other types of DRPs were observed at lower frequencies. The drug classes most commonly associated with DRPs were anti-diabetic agents (A10) and cardiac therapy (C01). Polypharmacy, defined as the presence of five or more concurrent medications, was significantly associated with the occurrence of DRPs (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The proportion of prescriptions with DRP in this study setting was quite notably high. Early identification of the types of DRPs along with related associated factors, is essential. Providing physicians with information about common DRPs may aid in preventing these issues in outpatients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).