Themes, Topics, and Structure of Chivalrous Detective Novels in Southern Vietnam during the Early 20th Century

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This study examines the distinctive features of theme, content, and narrative structure in early 20th-century South Vietnamese knightly detective novels. The question posed is: how are theme, content, and narrative structure expressed? The study primarily employs a careful reading of texts, combined with systematic classification and analysis of relevant texts. Furthermore, a synthetic analysis method is applied to generalize key patterns and identify specific structural and thematic characteristics of the genre. The results show that South Vietnamese knightly detective novels exhibit a unique convergence of Western detective novel models and indigenous moral traditions, particularly the chivalrous and generous spirit of the South Vietnamese people in the early 20th century. Their themes and content often revolve around justice, morality, and social order, while the narrative structure integrates both traditional and modern elements. In short, this genre represents a fusion of indigenous and Western traditional genres and cultures. This demonstrates that the spirit of learning without hesitation is a recurring spirit throughout the Vietnamese tradition.

Integrating Social-Emotional Education (SEL) into Steam Education to Develop Empathy in 5-6 Years Old Preschool Children

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The rapid development of artificial intelligence and digital transformation is placing new demands on early childhood education; the goal of early childhood education is not only to develop cognitive abilities but also to comprehensively develop humanistic qualities and competencies in children, in which empathy is considered a core component of socio-emotional competence. However, in reality, the development of these competencies in early childhood education still faces many limitations and lacks systematic and effective integrated approaches. This article aims to analyze the theoretical basis and clarify the mechanism for developing empathy in 5-6 years old preschool children through the integration of socio-emotional education (SEL) in STEAM education. The study uses a method of analyzing and synthesizing literature from the fields of developmental psychology, socio-emotional education, and STEAM education to build an integrated theoretical framework. The research results show that empathy can be effectively formed and developed through three main mechanisms: experiential learning, social interaction, and human-centered problem-solving in STEAM activities. Simultaneously, the research also points to the strong link between SEL and STEAM in the holistic development of children’s abilities. This paper contributes to supplementing the theoretical basis for integrating SEL into STEAM education and proposes directions for organizing activities to enhance the effectiveness of empathy development in preschool children in the current educational context.

TRAINER – A Content-Based Recommender System of Training Workouts and Nutritional Diets for Fitness Enthusiasts

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The TRAINER system is a personalized health and fitness solution developed for the Fitness Zone Fitness Center in Antipolo, Philippines, to address the shortcomings of generic, “one-size-fits-all” training programs. By utilizing a content-based recommender system driven by machine learning, the platform integrates individual user profiles—including fitness levels, personal goals, and dietary preferences—with a curated repository of workouts and nutritional plans. The system features a web-based interface for real-time data collection and progress tracking, employing a continuous feedback loop to ensure recommendations remain dynamic and adaptive. Ultimately, TRAINER seeks to enhance client adherence and health outcomes by providing data-driven, context-aware guidance that bridges the gap between limited instructor availability and the diverse needs of fitness enthusiasts.

Exemplary Model of AI-Supported Adaptive Optimization Energy Flow Control in Smart City Microgrids: A Simulation-Based Scenarios

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The paper focuses on the possibilities for developing a model for adaptive control of electricity flows in urban microgrids using AI support into the Internet of Things networks.  The goal is the requirement for smarter, more adaptive and sustainable methods in controlling local energy systems. This is critical for distributed generation and the growing incorporation of renewable energy resources. The study is conceptual in nature and aims to develop an integrated model that combines physical energy infrastructure, IoT-based data acquisition, the analytical capabilities of artificial intelligence, and a logic for adaptive real-time decision-making. It is analyzed the theoretical foundations of adaptive management in microgrids, the design of model development of multilayered architecture, and the interaction between physical and information flows. Particular attention is given to the role of intelligent monitoring devices, forecasting and optimization algorithms, as well as the coordination between local generation, storage, consumption, and exchange with the main grid. The proposed model is analyzed through comparison with traditional, optimization-based, and AI-driven models discussed in the scientific literature, and it is argued that the integration of AI and IoT enables higher adaptability, improved load balancing, more efficient use of local energy resources, and better integration of renewable energy sources in the urban energy environment. The proposed model provides a conceptual framework for the intelligent management of electricity flows in urban microgrids, emphasizing its potential for further development and application in sustainable energy systems.

Decarbonization of the Cheese Making Industry on the Island of Crete, Greece

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Cheese making is a well-developed activity in the island of Crete, Greece since a long time ago. It is mainly based on local sheep’ and goats’ milk while the small-scale cheese making plants in Crete use conventional energy sources to meet their heat and electricity demand. However, solar energy and solid biomass are abundant in the island and they are currently used for heat and power generation. Elimination of carbon emissions in cheese making plants in Crete can be achieved with the replacement of grid electricity and fossil fuels used with local renewable energies such as solar energy and solid biomass. It has been estimated that complete elimination of the operational carbon emissions due to energy use in a small-size cheese making plant in Crete with annual capacity 120 tons cheese can be achieved with the installation of a solar photovoltaic system at 88 kWp for electricity generation and the annual use of 62.86 tons of olive kernel wood for heat production. Additionally, solar thermal systems and high efficiency heat pumps can be used for heat and cooling production. The abovementioned sustainable energy sources and technologies are mature, reliable, cost-efficient and they are currently used in Crete in various sectors. The results of the present study could be useful to all stakeholders of the cheese making industry in the island.

Hydrometallurgical Recovery of Rare Earth Elements from Metallurgical Slags (2020–2026): A Critical Review

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Metallurgical slags generated from ironmaking, steelmaking, ferroalloy production, and molten salt electrolysis are increasingly recognized as secondary resources for critical raw materials, particularly rare earth elements (REEs) such as scandium, yttrium, and light REEs, which are incorporated into complex silicate, aluminate, and fluoride phases formed at high temperatures. This review critically evaluates hydrometallurgical routes for REE recovery across a wide range of slag systems, including blast furnace, basic oxygen furnace, electric arc furnace, bauxite residue–derived, FCC catalyst, and molten salt electrolytic slags, covering direct leaching approaches (acidic, alkaline, and ammoniacal), hybrid roast–leach processes (sulfation, chlorination, and alkali roasting), and downstream separation techniques such as selective precipitation and solvent extraction. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of slag mineralogy, phase assemblage, and glassy matrices in controlling leaching kinetics, selectivity, and impurity co-dissolution, with silicate-rich slags identified as the most challenging systems due to their polymerized structure, which limits reagent accessibility and often requires thermal pretreatment to achieve recoveries above 80–90%, typically at high reagent consumption (>50–300 kg/t). Comparative evaluation reveals that reported performance is frequently dominated by recovery metrics, while key parameters such as selectivity, reagent intensity, and process integration remain underreported, such that high extraction efficiencies do not necessarily translate into industrial feasibility. The main limitations across existing approaches include silica gel formation, extensive co-dissolution of matrix elements, and the generation of secondary residues, all of which negatively impact process stability and economic viability; moreover, most reported systems remain constrained by poor selectivity, high reagent intensity, and lack of continuous pilot-scale validation, limiting their industrial transferability. Future progress, therefore, depends on shifting from isolated process optimization to integrated, mineralogy-driven process design, supported by reduced reagent consumption, simplified separation flowsheets, and validation under industrially relevant conditions, positioning metallurgical slags as strategic secondary resources capable of supporting diversified and resilient REE supply chains within circular economy systems.

Enhancing the Surrounding Environment Exploration Competency for Primary School Students Through the 5E Instructional Model: An Experimental Study in Vietnam

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This study focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of the 5E instructional model (Engage – Explore – Explain – Elaborate – Evaluate) in developing the surrounding environment exploration competency for primary school students. Through a mixed-methods research approach, we conducted a pedagogical experiment on 113 third-grade students in Da Nang city with the theme “School”. The initial survey indicated a significant gap: while teachers are still accustomed to one-way transmission teaching methods, students have a desire to interact and freely experience in their learning.

After the experimental process, the group of students learning under the 5E model not only achieved higher average scores, but the percentage of students reaching a “Good” competency level was also significantly higher compared to the group learning under traditional methods. Notably, the analysis of 12 specific cases (case study) helped us recognize an uneven development among the skills. The students progressed very quickly in their ability to observe and collect information, but required more time along with continuous support from the teacher to practice asking questions and critical thinking. From these results, the study affirms that the 5E model is a practical solution to overcome the limitations of the old teaching approach, helping students change their passive learning habits to confidently explore knowledge, while simultaneously providing a practical foundation to replicate this instructional method.

Improving Inter-Hospital Transfer Documentation Through Standardisation and Accountability: A Quality Improvement Study in a Resource-Limited Sri Lankan Hospital

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Background: Incomplete transfer documentation contributes to communication failures, delayed clinical decision-making, and increased patient safety risks during inter-hospital transfers. These risks are amplified in resource-limited settings due to system inefficiencies, high workload, and lack of standardisation.¹–³

Objective: To improve the completeness, accuracy, and accountability of inter-hospital transfer documentation through structured system-level interventions.

Methods: A single-centre quality improvement study using Plan–Do–Study–Act (PDSA) cycles was conducted at Base Hospital Kinniya, Sri Lanka from January to June 2019 for a period of 6 months. A retrospective audit of 436 inter-hospital transfer forms was conducted using predefined criteria derived from Ministry of Health standards and stakeholder consensus. Two PDSA cycles were implemented: the first introduced staff training and a structured documentation seal; the second introduced a “probable diagnosis” field and a checking officer system. Key indicators included documentation of diagnosis, reason for transfer, vital signs, treatment given, and time of transfer. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse changes in documentation completeness.

Results: Baseline assessment demonstrated major deficiencies in documentation, including diagnosis (61.5%), treatment given (42.2%), time of transfer (14.7%), and oxygen saturation (26.6%). Following PDSA cycle 1, improvements were observed across all parameters. After PDSA cycle 2, near-complete compliance was achieved in most domains, including diagnosis (99.1%), heart rate (100%), blood pressure (100%), and time of transfer (98.6%). Treatment documentation improved to 94.9%, and oxygen saturation to 98.6%. Documentation verification reached 100% following introduction of a checking officer.

Conclusion: System-level interventions incorporating standardisation, training, and accountability significantly improved transfer documentation completeness. This low-cost, scalable approach is potentially applicable to similar resource-limited healthcare settings.

Analysis of the Relationship between Duration of Diabetes Mellitus and HbA1c Levels in Type 2 DM Patients at Primary Health Center in Kupang City

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Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing global health challenge characterised by chronic hyperglycaemia and progressive metabolic dysfunction. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) serves as the gold standard for assessing long-term glycaemic control and is closely linked to the risk of diabetes-related complications. Disease duration has been hypothesised to influence glycaemic outcomes; however, findings from previous studies remain inconsistent, warranting further investigation.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the association between disease duration and glycaemic control, as measured by HbA1c levels, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods: An analytical observational study with cross-sectional design was conducted on 71 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at three primary health centres in Kupang City from July to August 2025. Disease duration data were obtained through interviews and medical records, categorised as less than one year, one to five years, and more than five years. HbA1c levels were measured using high performance liquid chromatography method. Data analysis used Spearman’s correlation test with significance level of α=0.05.

Results: Mean HbA1c levels demonstrated an ascending trend across duration categories: 8.25±3.15% for less than one year, 9.06±2.14% for one to five years, and 9.92±2.76% for more than five years. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between disease duration and HbA1c levels (r=0.247; p=0.038).

Conclusion: A significant positive correlation exists between type 2 diabetes mellitus duration and HbA1c levels, although with weak correlation strength. This finding emphasises the importance of regular glycaemic monitoring and comprehensive multifactorial management approaches, as glycaemic control is influenced not only by disease duration but also by modifiable factors including medication adherence, lifestyle modifications, and psychosocial support.

Educational Measures to Develop School Violence Prevention Skills for Junior High School Students

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School violence is becoming a pressing issue in the educational environment, negatively impacting the psychological development, personality, and learning process of junior high school students. Based on theoretical research on education in preventing school violence, this article clarifies the role of equipping students with the skills to identify, prevent, and respond to violent situations in school.Based on that theoretical foundation, the article proposes several measures to educate students in Ho Chi Minh City on skills to prevent school violence. These measures aim to contribute to building a safe and healthy school environment.