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Some new academic papers on development issues in Vietnam

Contents
2012 August 1 issue ..................................................................................................................................................... 1 2012 July 15 issue....................................................................................................................................................... 11 2012 July 1 issue ......................................................................................................................................................... 22 2012 June 15 issue ..................................................................................................................................................... 34 2012 June 1 issue ....................................................................................................................................................... 42 2012 May 15 issue ...................................................................................................................................................... 63 2012 May 1 issue ........................................................................................................................................................ 69 2012 April 15 issue ...................................................................................................................................................... 85 2012 April 1 issue ........................................................................................................................................................ 95 2012 March 15 issue ................................................................................................................................................ 107 2012 March 1 issue .................................................................................................................................................. 116 2012 February15 issue ............................................................................................................................................ 131 2012 February1 issue .............................................................................................................................................. 141 2012 January15 issue.............................................................................................................................................. 151 2012 January1 issue ................................................................................................................................................ 163

Some new academic papers on development issues in Vietnam

2012 August 1 issue
Links provided hereunder are accessible on WB intranet only, except otherwise specified. Please contact VDIC librarian at nvu2@worldbank.org if you need full text of the article/s listed below, for private study, scholarship or research purposes. We can only provide full text of those without the note Fee may apply. Alien and invasive plant species and their risk in National Parks of Vietnam. Dang Thanh Tan, Pham Quang Thu, Bernie Dell. 2012. Abstract: Invasive species cause economic, or environment harm or harm to human health. They have identified elsewhere in the world, yet their introduction and effect have not documented in Vietnam yet. Of 134 alien species, 25 invasive plants species were discovered at 10 nation parks scattered through-out Vietnam. The risk of invasive species was assessed for three national parks, and their risks were different. For examples, Chromolaena odorata and Mimosa diplotricha are highest risk at Cat Ba National Park. However, Mikania micrantha Kunth., Chromolaena odorata, and Mimosa diplotricha cause more risk at Son Tra natural conservation area. Whilst Mimosa pigra, Panicum repens, and Eichhornia crassipes are significantly impact at Tram Chim National Park. Free full text http://hyoka.nenv.k.utokyo.ac.jp/alien2012/alien_report/P22_Tan.pdf. Assessing decentralised policy implementation in Vietnam: The case of land recovery and resettlement in the Vung Ang Economic Zone. Joop de Wit, Luong Viet Sang, Le Van Chien, Luong Thu Hien, Ha Viet Hung, Dang Thi Anh Tuyet, Dao Ngoc Bau, Quang Hoa and Mai Thi Thanh Tam. International Institute of Social Studies, Working Paper No. 546, July 2012. ABSTRACT: From 2006 plans were implemented to create a deep-sea water port linked to an Economic Zone in the coastal Province of Ha Tinh, located in north central Vietnam. The multi-purpose Zone entitled Vung Ang, was to attract foreign investors, while the port would provide a link to nearby Laos and Thailand. The project obviously had large implications for the administrations at various levels of governance from Hanoi to the coastal communes and villages, but even more serious impacts on the people living in the affected areas. A large area of about 23,000 hectares was to be cleared, affecting the people of 9 communes, in some of which all inhabitants had to leave their houses and homesteads, to be relocated to completely new settlements about 10 miles inland. These tightly knit communities were not too happy with the prospect to leave their homes and land, the burial places of their ancestors, and the long term comforts of community support networks. While initial decision making process started at the highest levels of Vietnam Governance, the implementation of port and industrial park construction and the related relocation policy was delegated to Ha Tinh province, which is consistent with current decentralisation policies in Vietnam. Actual implementation was carried out by the affected District and Commune level officials with support from the Communist Party led Mass Organisations who were in charge of the planning and implementation of the relocation process. This entailed a complex and sensitive series of steps to inform affected households, prepare relocation areas and allocate compensation and alternative housing. -- This paper describes the implementation dynamics of relocation by depicting and assessing the roles of all stakeholders involved, including the impacts - for better or for worse of the relocated households. It brings out the way local authorities dealt with affected people, including efforts linked to the ideal of grass-roots democracy. Key areas of contestation are uncovered, such as inadequate infrastructure and low compensation rates. The paper has a

second objective to assess the degree to which decentralisation in Vietnam has been actually implemented, and how this affects policy making processes such as the Vung Ang port/industrial zone project. The paper concludes that the relocation policy was implemented in a fairly efficient and harmonious way with a very intensive engagement of the entire provincial administrative machinery, but that it is too early to assess the livelihood opportunities of the relocated households. Free full text http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/32910/wp546.pdf. Basic water requirement and water budget study of Bac Ninh province (Vietnam). Kuldeep Pareta. ZENITH International Journal of Business Economics & Management Research, Vol.2 Issue 7, July 2012. ABSTRACT: Careful use of the limited fresh water resources is the need of the hour. If sufficient measures are not taken up immediately, we will face a crisis which will be detrimental to the very survival of mankind. The Bac Ninh Province of Vietnam is facing a similar problem of acute shortage of drinking water. The water resources in this study area have been estimated by water balance assessment approach. The water balance study using the Thornthwaite and Mather (TM) models with the help of remote sensing and GIS is very helpful in finding out the moisture deficit and moisture surplus for an entire province. The water balance calculation shows that the maximum annual runoff results from the built-up areas/water body followed by agricultural land, and minimum for the barren land and open forest. The annual deficit in the Bac Ninh Province is 1362.2 mm and the annual surplus is 552.7 mm. The total runoff of Bac Ninh Province was calculated as 564.2 mm from the total precipitation of 1384.2 mm. The annual surface water availability for Bac Ninh Province works out at 564.23 mcm. Deducing 5%, which is usually regarded as natural discharge during non-monsoon months, thus region as 536.02 mcm as surface water availability. The current gross demand as drinking & domestic, irrigation purpose / agricultural used, and industrial used is 347.52 mcm (64.83%). The balance surface water availability for future development in the Bac Ninh Province is 188.50 mcm. Free full text http://zenithresearch.org.in/images/stories/pdf/2012/JULY/ZIBEMR/6__ZIBEMR_vol2_issue7_july2012.pdf. Estimation of the Impact of Rural Roads on Household Welfare in Viet Nam. Nguyen, Viet Cuong. Asia-Pacific Development Journal, December 2011, v. 18, iss. 2, pp. 105-35. Abstract: There is a consensus on the importance of rural roads when increasing economic growth and household welfare. However, little is known regarding the positive effect these roads will have on the welfare of households in Viet Nam. This paper aims to measure that effect. It is known that rural roads help households increase per capita income and working hours. The estimated impact of these roads on expenditure, the share of non-farm income, and children's schooling rate is not statistically significant. Free full text http://www.unescap.org/pdd/publications/apdj18-2/index.asp. Export markets and labor allocation in a poor country. Brian McCaig, Nina Pavcnik. Paper prepared for the 2012 Research Workshop on Vietnam, Australian National University (ANU), 31 July 2012. Abstract: Labor allocation plays a key role in how international trade affects worker earnings and for understanding the distributional impacts of international trade. We study labor allocation in response to new export opportunities in a setting where a majority of workers work in small, often household-owned businesses. We examine the effects of the 2001 U.S.-Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) on the allocation of employment across industries and employers in Vietnam. Net employment expands in comparative advantage industries with greater increases in export opportunities. These shifts in the structure of industry employment toward industries facing new export opportunities are more pronounced in provinces closer to major seaports and among formal employers. The aggregate share of employment in household businesses declines, as workers reallocate away from household businesses toward larger, more formal employers. We find that the incidence of employment in household businesses declines more in industries that face larger U.S. tariff cuts. These effects are stronger for younger cohorts and in more internationally integrated provinces. Free full text http://rse.anu.edu.au/news_events/vietnam_workshop_pdfs/mccaig.pdf.

FDI and Economic Growth: Does WTO Accession and Law Matter Play Important Role in Attracting FDI? The Case of Viet Nam. Nguyen Dinh Chien, Zhang Ke Zhong & Tran Thi Giang. International Business Research; Vol. 5, No. 8; 2012. Abstract: This study focused on the impact of FDI on economic growth in the entire of Vietnam and in the provinces which are ranked differently on socio - economic conditions. Based on a panel dataset of 64 provinces and cities in Vietnam and used the fixed - effects estimation method for econometric models, the empirical results show that FDI has a positive impact on economic growth of Vietnam in the period 2000 - 2010. This effect in the provinces with better socio - economic conditions was stronger than in the provinces with worse socio- economic conditions. Promulgating Unified Enterprises and amending Investment Law in 2005 as well as accessing to WTO in 2007 have affected positively in attracting FDI in the period 2006 - 2010. However Law factor has a more positive and stronger impact on FDI attraction of Vietnam than WTO accession. In addition, the study examines the mpact of FDI on economic growth by different regions in Vietnam. The results show that FDI has a positive impact on economic growth only exists in 4 of 6 regions of Vietnam in the period 2000 - 2010. Free full text http://ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ibr/article/view/19048. Globalization Crises, Trade and Development in Vietnam. Abbott, Philip; Tarp, Finn. Journal of International Commerce, Economics and Policy, February 2012, v. 3, iss. 1, pp. 1-23. Abstract: Vietnam has been among the most successful East Asian economies, especially in weathering the external shocks of recent globalization crises. Examination of economic performance and policy responses shows rising dependence on foreign finance around each crisis, and actions by the government to counteract that dependence and bolster the domestic economy while continuing to restructure the economy toward greater emphasis on the private sector. Growth, employment and poverty alleviation have been maintained at the expense of renewed inflation, larger budget deficits, and currency depreciation. The "stop-go" nature of present macroeconomic policy is the consequence of balancing growth versus inflation, responding to severe external shocks and holding to a growth objective in the face of substantial internal and external criticism. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. High Household Economic Burden Caused by Hospitalization of Patients with Severe Dengue Fever Cases in Can Tho Province, Vietnam. Pham Thi Tam, Nguyen Tan Dat, Le Minh Huu, Xuan Cuc Pham Thi, Hoang Minh Duc, Tran Cong Tu, Simon Kutcher, Peter A. Ryan and Brian H Kay. Am J Trop Med Hyg, Published online July 23, 2012. Abstract: During 20062007, a cohort of 144 confirmed dengue cases in Can Tho Province, Vietnam were compared with a matching set of 144 households that had no dengue cases. Approximately 69 months after sickness, there were no significant differences in terms of knowledge of the etiology of dengue, mosquito breeding habitats, and prevention measures in respondents from both sets of households. There was also no difference in the abundance of Aedes aegypti (Linn.) adults but the average numbers of late instar and pupal Ae. aegypti per household were greater in the negative control houses. Thus, the risk seemed to be no higher in case households, although it is conceivable that changes may have occurred in either group over the intervening period. The average cost for a dengue patient was 2,798,000 Vietnamese Dong (VND) (US$167.77), 2,154,000 VND for direct costs, and 644,000 VND for indirect costs. There was a 22% difference in cost for those with and without health insurance. In terms of impact on family economies, 47.2% had to borrow money for treatment, and after 6 months, 71.7% had not begun or had only managed part repayments. Approximately 72.9% indicated that the cost of supporting a dengue patient had impacted on the family economy, with the loss averaging 36% of the annual income in the lowest economic quartile. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Horticultural Organic Production in Northern Vietnam: Technical or Economic Questions? de Bon, H. Langlais, C. To, H.T.T. Buy, T.K. Nguyen, M.T. Nguyen, T.T.H. Moustier, P. ACTA HORTICULTURAE 2012 NUMB 933, page(s) 641-644.

Abstract: In Vietnam the development of vegetable production has followed the growth of population and income. The increase had been associated with increase in conventional systems whereas organic production techniques have not progressed very much. Efforts have been made by research institutions, farmers and marketers, but the fruit and vegetable organic industry remains weak. Two main questions are raised by the stakeholders: (1) Can we achieve the same yield and quality levels with no chemical input? (2) How to valorise the organic production? In the peri-urban area of Hanoi (Vietnam), the following experiments and surveys were done to assess the agronomic and economic potential for organic vegetable production: 1) experiments at the Fruit and Vegetable Research Institute (FAVRI) to compare organic and conventional production techniques on vegetable soybean (Glycine max L.), cabbage (Brassica oleracea convar. capitata), and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), 2) surveys with farmers on leafy vegetables to compare organic and conventional techniques, 3) inventory of organic production initiatives and vegetable points of sale with collection of price data. The experiments showed that crop yields and farmer incomes could be lower in organic production than in conventional system. Similar results were obtained from the surveys with organic and conventional leafy vegetables producers. In 2004, an organic vegetable organization in Hanoi set up shop which stopped operating in 2005. From 2008 onwards, a direct sale system from farmers to consumers has been organized. This is a promising system because the direct contacts between consumers and farmers increase buyer confidence. Another way to increase economic returns is to improve the organic techniques for fertilization (green manure, compost) and pest management (agroecological approach). Then, certification is one method to valorise the production, and the farmers income, for export or local market. But, at the moment, only the export market can support the cost of individual certification; other methods like participatory certification have to be tested. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Impact of Perinatal Dioxin Exposure on Infant Growth: A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Studies in DioxinContaminated Areas in Vietnam. Muneko Nishijo, Pham The Tai, Hideaki Nakagawa, Shoko Maruzeni, Nguyen Thi Nguyet Anh, Hoang Van Luong, Tran Hai Anh, Ryumon Honda, Yuko Morikawa, Teruhiko Kido, Hisao Nishijo. PlosOne, 7(7) 2012. Abstract: Dioxin exposure levels remain elevated in residents living around former US Air Force bases in Vietnam, indicating potential adverse impacts on infant growth. In this study, 210 motherinfant pairs in dioxin-contaminated areas in Vietnam were recruited at the infants birth and followed up for 4 months. Perinatal dioxin exposure levels were estimated by measurement of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans toxic equivalent (PCDDs/Fs-TEQ) in breast milk. The infants size was measured at birth and 1 and 4 months after birth, and neurodevelopment was evaluated using the Bayley Scales III at 4 months of age. Among 4 dioxin groups (<25, 2550, 5075, 75 percentile of PCDDs/Fs-TEQ), cross-sectional comparisons of body size and neurodevelopment scales and comparisons of longitudinally assessed body size were performed respectively. At birth, head circumference of girls in the 75 percentile group was significantly larger than those in the <25 and 5075 percentile groups. At 4 months of age, the weight and body mass index (BMI) of boys in the 75 percentile group were significantly lower than those in the other groups. Increase in weight was significantly lower in the 75 percentile group in both sexes from birth to 1 month but only in boys at 14 months of age. Estimated marginal mean values in a mixed model of weight and BMI during the first 4 months of life were significantly lower in the 75 percentile group in boys. In girls, marginal mean values for head circumference were increased with increase in dioxin levels. Only in boys, cognitive, language, and fine motor scores in the 75 percentile group were significantly lower than those in the other groups. These results suggested a considerable impact of perinatal dioxin exposure on infant growth, particularly in boys exposed to dioxins at high level of PCDDs/Fs-TEQ. Free full text http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0040273. In Vietnam, there's space to fill. Journal of Commerce (15307557); 6/25/2012, Vol. 13 Issue 23, p26-28, 2p. Abstract: The article discusses the excess container handling capacity at the deep-water port of Cai Mep in Vietnam. It notes that Cai Mep's overcapacity has created extreme competition and pushed rate levels and investment returns lower than expected. The reasons for Cai Mep's excess capacity include the additional cost and time concerns

involved for shipments via the port and shippers' preference to use Ho Chi Minh ports. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Interactions between the Surface Water and Groundwater of the Red River in Hanoi, Vietnam. Thuy Thanh Nguyen; Akira Kawamura; Cat Minh Vu; Duong Du Bui; Hideo Amaguchi; and Naoko Nakagawa. Paper prepared for the World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2012 : Crossing Boundaries, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States, May 20-24, 2012. Abstract: Understanding the interactions between surface water and groundwater is critical for effective water management and conjunctive water use planning as these are intimately linked in the hydrologic cycle. This study is the first attempt to determine the spatio-temporal patterns of the interactions between the surface water of the Red River in Hanoi, Vietnam and the groundwater of two main adjacent aquifers, the Holocene unconfined aquifer (HUA) and Pleistocene confined aquifer (PCA). In this study, an integrated surface-groundwater model was developed by coupling two commercial modeling packages: the river flow routing model (MIKE 11) and the ground flow model (MODFLOW). As for the results, this study revealed that there was very high correlation between the river water levels and HUA groundwater levels. The correlation was found decreasing not only with the distance from the river, but also from the upstream to downstream along the river. Upper parts of the river exhibited seasonal interactions of recharge and discharge between the river and aquifer, while the lower parts of the river recharged groundwater almost throughout the year. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. (nguyen-thanhthuy@ed.tmu.ac.jp, vuminhcat@wru.edu.vn, sdwbdd@nus.edu.sg) Monetary transfers from children and the labour supply of elderly parents: evidence from Vietnam. Ha Trong Nguyen, Amy Y.C. Liu, Alison L. Booth. Research School of Economics, the Australian National University, discussion paper no. 664, July, 2012. Abstract: In the absence of a broad-based pension scheme, the elderly in developing countries may rely on monetary transfers made by their children and on their own labour supply. This paper examines whether monetary transfers from children help to reduce elderly parents need to work. Taking the possible endogeneity of childrens transfers in the parents labour supply into account and using maximum likelihood methods and Vietnamese data, we find that monetary transfers help the elderly cope with risks associated with old age or illness. At the same time, however, monetary transfers are not sufficient to fully substitute for parents labour supply. Free full text http://cbe.anu.edu.au/media/13172/664.pdf. On the sources of risk preferences in rural Vietnam. Anh Duc Dang. Paper prepared for the 2012 Research Workshop on Vietnam, Australian National University (ANU), 31 July 2012. Abstract: In this paper, I provide a new empirical evidence that natural environment can shape individual risk preferences. By combining historical data on climate variation and contemporary survey questions on risk aversion, I find that risk aversion is significantly different for people who live in areas that have suffered high frequency of natural disasters. In particular, households highly affected by climate volatility show a long term risk aversion and are more willing to buy insurance. The finding also supports the hypothesis that when people used to live in risky environment, an incremental increase in risk affects their risk preferences less. Free full text http://rse.anu.edu.au/news_events/vietnam_workshop_pdfs/risk.pdf. Open-access fishing rent and efficiency-The case of gillnet vessels in Nha Trang, Vietnam. Nguyen Ngoc Duy, Ola Flaaten, Nguyen Thi Kim Anh, Quach Thi Khanh Ngoc. Fisheries Research, Volumes 127 128, September 2012, Pages 98108. Abstract: This paper first discusses vessel behaviour and efficiency theoretically and then applies this knowledge to evaluate the economic performance of an open-access fishery. The case of the NhaTrang, Vietnam, gillnet fishery is

surveyed with respect to the earnings, costs and technical characteristics and efficiency of 58 offshore vessels in 2008. On average, these vessels proved to be heterogeneous with a gross profit margin of 17.3% and a profit margin of 3.8% despite the open-access characteristics of this fishery. However, adding the calculated interest of 9% per annum on the owner's capital to the costs significantly worsens the economic results. Engine capacity (HP), gear size and days of fishing best reflect the fishing effort of vessels in the production function, and these were used to compute standardised effort and cost efficiency. An application of the Salter diagram shows that a large number of vessels with high relative standardised effort are the most cost-efficient, but not without exception. The majority of these vessels earned intra-marginal rent, while the smallest vessels are most dependent on the government's 2008 quasi-lump-sum fuel subsidy scheme. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Free conference paper version http://www.eaaere2012.org/FP/0103%20-%20Nguyen,%20Flaaten,%20Nguyen,%20Quanch.pdf. Remittances and Household Business Start-Ups in Vietnam: Evidence from Vietnam Household Living Standard Surveys. Van Phuong Hoang, Elisabetta Magnani. ABSTRACT: This paper empirically examines the determinants of micro business start-up in Vietnam, with the emphasis on the role of remittances, using rich household survey data from 2002, 2004 and 2006. Using probit regression, this paper documents the positive and significant role of domestic remittances on the propensity to start up a new business. In addition, hhousehold and community characteristics also play a significant role in the entrepreneurial start-up process. Furthermore, we examine the role of remittances from the perspective of relaxing liquidity constraints for existing household businesses, finding that domestic remittances have played a role in boosting revenue growth between 2004 and 2006. In contrast, overseas remittances have neither role in stimulating the transition to entrepreneurship nor business growth. The findings are robust under various model specifications and estimation methods. Free full text http://research.economics.unsw.edu.au/scho/WEE/papers/Phuong%2520Hoang.doc. Rice Land Designation Policy in Vietnam and the Implications of Policy Reform for Food Security and Economic Welfare. James A. Giesecke, Nhi Hoang Tran, Erwin L. Corong, Steven Jaffee. Paper prepared for the 2012 Research Workshop on Vietnam, Australian National University (ANU), 31 July 2012. Abstract: With the aim of promoting national food security, the Vietnamese government enforces the designation of around 40 percent of agricultural land strictly for paddy rice cultivation. We investigate the economic effects of adjusting this policy, using an economy-wide model of Vietnam with detailed modelling of region-specific land use, agricultural activity, poverty, and food security measures. Our results show that the removal of the rice land designation policy would increase real private consumption by an average of 0.4 percent per annum over 2011-2030, while also reducing poverty, improving food security, and contributing to more nutritionally balanced diets among Vietnamese households. Free full text http://rse.anu.edu.au/news_events/vietnam_workshop_pdfs/paddy.pdf. Situation of wastewater treatment of natural rubber latex processing in the Southeastern region, Vietnam. Nguyen, Nhu Hien; Luong, Thanh Thao. Journal of Vietnamese Environment, 2012, Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 58-64. Abstract: Rubber tree is one of the main plants which play an important role in the economy of Southeastern region, Vietnam. Approximately 90% of Vietnamese natural rubber latex is exported as raw products. The preliminary process of natural rubber latex discharges a large amount of wastewater to the environment. In Vietnam, there are many available technologies set up and operated for treatment wastewater of rubber latex processing. However, the effluent quality is still poor and the concentration of pollutants is higher than the required national technical regulation on the effluent of the natural rubber processing industry (QCVN 01:2008/BTNMT). Thus, this paper summarizes various technologies and methods currently applied for the treatment of latex processing wastewater in Vietnam. Additionally, the new effective methods being researched and applied in Thailand and Malaysia are also mentioned (countries with the highest production of natural rubber in the world). This paper also provides a screening of treatment technologies for reducing environmental pollution and contributing to high-quality effluent for meeting the required standard. Full text is available upon request. [Hien-Thao 2012.pdf]

Social Contexts of Risk Behaviors for HIV Among Male, Unskilled, Unregistered Laborers in Urban Vietnam. Nguyen Van Huy, Michael P Dunne, Joseph Debattista, Nguyen Tran Hien, Dao Thi Minh An. Qualitative Health Research. Thousand Oaks: Jul 2012. Vol. 22, Iss. 7; pg. 871. Abstract: In Vietnam there has been relatively little success in controlling the HIV epidemic, in part because the subpopulations most exposed to the virus are often difficult to engage in prevention research and programs. In this qualitative study we explored social contexts shaping HIV risk behaviors among Vietnamese men involved in unskilled, unregistered, and low-income labor in urban settings. Based on self-disclosed behaviors, it is clear that these men were at high risk of sexually transmitted infection (STI). Evidence emerged from the interview data highlighting equivalent influences of individual psychological factors, social integration, social barriers, and accessibility regarding drug use and sexual risk behavior. Psychological influences such as tedium, distress, fatalism and revenge, and the strong effects of collective decision making and fear of social isolation appeared important for these men living on the economic and social margins of this rapidly urbanizing society. The study findings suggest directions for research and culturally appropriate HIV preventive education and services for these men. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Son Preference, Sex Selection, and Kinship in Vietnam. Guilmoto, Christophe Z. Population and Development Review, March 2012, v. 38, iss. 1, pp. 31-54. Abstract: This article examines the recent rise in the sex ratio at birth in Vietnam and relates its emergence to kinship systems and ethnic composition using 2009 census micro-data. Presentation of the main socioeconomic and ethnic differentials in birth masculinity is followed by a review of the three intermediate factors leading to increases in the sex ratio at birth: prenatal technology, declining fertility, and gender bias. An indirect measurement of fertility behavior is used to demonstrate the close association between levels of the sex ratio at birth and the intensity of son preference. Data on household composition indicate that Vietnam is characterized by the co-existence of kinship patterns typical of East and Southeast Asia. Son preference in Vietnam is found to be related to the prevalence of more traditional patrilineal systems. The article concludes by considering the implications of the cultural dimensions of prenatal sex selection for policy responses and for the likely future change in the sex ratio at birth. Full text is available upon request. [Guilmoto 2012.pdf]. Stigma and restriction on the social life of families of children with intellectual disabilities in Vietnam. H Ngo, JY Shin, NV Nhan, and LH Yang. Singapore Med J, July 1, 2012; 53(7): 451-7. Abstract: -- Introduction: Intellectual disabilities are as prevalent in East Asian countries as in the West (0.06%-1.3%). Widespread discrimination against intellectual disabilities in Asia may initiate stigma that places unfair restrictions on the social life of these individuals and their caregivers. We utilised established stigma frameworks to assess the extent to which a child's intellectual disability contributes to the social exclusion of caregivers in Vietnam. -- Methods: A mixed quantitative and qualitative approach was employed to examine the experience of social life restriction among parents of children with intellectual disabilities. The child's disability level and restrictions on caregivers' social experiences were assessed among 70 mothers and fathers recruited from schools in Hue City, Vietnam. Qualitative responses describing social exclusion were also recorded. -- Results: Caregivers reported elevated levels of social exclusion. As hypothesised, parents of children with greater intellectual disability experienced more restrictions on their social life (Beta = 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.271.30, standard error = 0.26, p < 0.01). Qualitative analyses indicated that the threatening of core cultural norms (inability to be employed or married upsets community harmony) initiated labelling, social exclusion and efforts to keep the condition secret or withdraw from others.

-- Conclusion: This study is among the first to demonstrate the impacts of intellectual disabilities on caregivers' social functioning in Asia. The findings illustrate how traditional Asian norms initiate stigma, which in turn restricts key social interactions among caregivers. Psycho-educational interventions may address the social domains in which caregivers are impacted and encourage sustained help-seeking among caregivers for their children. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. The Economic Impact of Recentralization: A Quasi-Experiment on Abolishing Elected Councils in Vietnam. Edmund J. Malesky, Cuong Viet Nguyen, Anh Tran. Paper prepared for the 2012 Research Workshop on Vietnam, Australian National University (ANU), 31 July 2012. Abstract: Comparative political economy offers a wealth of intriguing hypotheses connecting political decentralization to better public service delivery, improved governance, and reduced corruption. Although highly influential, recent formal and experimental work has begun to question the underlying theory and empirical analyses of previous findings. At the same time, many countries have grown dissatisfied with the results of their decentralization efforts and have begun to reverse them. Vietnam is particularly intriguing for researchers, because of the unique way it initiated its recentralization piloting a removal of elected Peoples Councils in ninety-nine districts throughout the country, and stratifying the selection by region, type of province, and urban versus rural settings. We take advantage of the opportunity provided by this quasiexperiment to test the core hypotheses beyond the decision to shift political and fiscal authority to local governments. We find that recentralization significantly improved a spectrum of public services, ranging from quality of roads to healthcare to agricultural extension. Surprisingly, however, recentralization also dramatically improved the quality of governance, especially impacting the amount of corruption experienced by Vietnamese citizens. These treatment effects offer a useful corrective to the extant literature and point to new avenues for research and policy interventions. Free full text http://rse.anu.edu.au/news_events/vietnam_workshop_pdfs/malesky.pdf. The impact of voluntary health insurance on health care utilization and out-of-pocket payments: New evidence for Vietnam. Cuong Viet Nguyen. Health Economics. York: Aug 2012. Vol. 21, Iss. 8; pg. 946. Abstract: Vietnam aims to achieve full coverage of health insurance in 2015. An increasing type of health insurance in Vietnam is voluntary health insurance. Although there are many studies on the implementation of voluntary health insurance in Vietnam, little is known on the causal impact of voluntary health insurance. This paper measures the impact of voluntary health insurance on health care utilization and out-of-pocket payments using Vietnam Household Living Standard Surveys in 2004 and 2006. It was found out that voluntary health insurance helps the insured people increase the annual outpatient and inpatient visits by around 45% and 70%, respectively. However, the effect of voluntary health insurance on out-of-pocket expenses on health care services is not statistically significant. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. The risks of doing business in Vietnam. By: Prescott, Tom. International Tax Review. Jun2012, Vol. 23 Issue 5, p41-41. 1p. Abstract: The article explores risks that foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) should consider when doing business in Vietnam. Reports from local media have suggested that Vietnamese authorities believe that transfer pricing and tax evasion are synonymous. The real estate market in the country is also heavily regulated and has tax issues. Another challenge FIEs should consider is the heavy congestion in major cities in the country. The author explains that there is relatively little opportunity for taxpayers to appeal to authorities' decisions on additional tax payments or penalties, thus they need to prepare valid documentation. Full text http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bch&AN=77501840&site=ehost-live. [Prescott 2012.pdf] The Urban Health Transition Hypothesis: Empirical Evidence of an Avian Influenza Kuznets Curve in Vietnam? James Herbert Spencer. Journal of Urban Health, Published online: 14 July 2012.

Abstract: The literature on development has focused on the concept of transition in understanding the emergent challenges facing poor but rapidly developing countries. Scholars have focused extensively on the health and urban transitions associated with this change and, in particular, its use for understanding emerging infectious diseases. However, few have developed explicit empirical measures to quantify the extent to which a transitions focus is useful for theory, policy, and practice. Using open source data on avian influenza in 2004 and 2005 and the Vietnam Census of Population and Housing, this paper introduces the Kuznets curve as a tool for empirically estimating transition and disease. Findings suggest that the Kuznets curve is a viable tool for empirically assessing the role of transitional dynamics in the emergence of new infectious diseases. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Vietnam: Activities Targeting Marginalized Womens Groups for Gender Equality and Development. Van Nguyen Thi Bich. Curator: The Museum Journal, Volume 55, Issue 3, pages 301312, July 2012. Abstract: The Vietnamese Womens Museum (VWM) opened in 1995 with the mission to improve public knowledge of the historical and cultural heritage of Vietnamese women in the nations 54 ethnic community groups. The VWM aimed to be a center for cultural exchange with women from other nations with the goal of fostering equality, development, and peace. At the outset it honored the positive role played by women in general, and presented some typical individuals acclaimed for their contributions and sacrifices. After some visitor research, the museum is now using a gender-specific approach, playing the role of social critic, reflecting contemporary life, and targeting marginalized women groups. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Water Level Flux in Household Containers in Vietnam - A Key Determinant of Aedes aegypti Population Dynamics. JAL, Clements ACA, Nguyen YT, Nguyen LH, Tran SH, et al. (2012) PLoS ONE 7(7). Abstract: We examined changes in the abundance of immature Aedes aegypti at the household and water storage container level during the dry-season (June-July, 2008) in Tri Nguyen village, central Vietnam. We conducted quantitative immature mosquito surveys of 171 containers in the same 41 households, with replacement of samples, every two days during a 29-day period. We developed multi-level mixed effects regression models to investigate container and household variability in pupal abundance. The percentage of houses that were positive for I/II instars, III/IV instars and pupae during any one survey ranged from 19.543.9%, 48.875.6% and 17.153.7%, respectively. The mean numbers of Ae. aegypti pupae per house ranged between 1.912.6 over the study period. Estimates of absolute pupal abundance were highly variable over the 29-day period despite relatively stable weather conditions. Most variability in pupal abundance occurred at the container rather than the household level. A key determinant of Ae. aegypti production was the frequent filling of the containers with water, which caused asynchronous hatching of Ae. aegypti eggs and development of cohorts of immatures. We calculated the probability of the water volume of a large container (>500L) increasing or decreasing by 20% to be 0.05 and 0.07 per day, respectively, and for small containers (<500L) to be 0.11 and 0.13 per day, respectively. These human water-management behaviors are important determinants of Ae. aegypti production during the dry season. This has implications for choosing a suitable Wolbachia strain for release as it appears that prolonged egg desiccation does not occur in this village. Free full text http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0039067. Water Puppetry In The Red River Delta And Beyond: Tourism And The Commodification Of An Ancient Tradition. Sam Pack, Michael Eblin and Carrie Walther. ASIANetwork Exchange, Spring 2012, volume 19(2). Abstract: This article seeks to examine the interplay between the rise and development of the international tourism industry and the production of culture in the performance of Vietnamese water puppetry. Although tourism has indelibly altered this traditional art form, it is also responsible for the rejuvenation and continued existence of water puppetry. Rather than simply dismissing contemporary enactments as inauthentic representations, we problematize notions of cultural authenticity. Indeed, increasing global integration does not simply result in the elimination of

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cultural diversity but rather provides the context for the production of new cultural forms that are marked by local specificity. Free full text http://www.asianetworkexchange.org/index.php/ane/article/viewFile/24/54. Who Drives Economic Reform in Vietnams Provinces? Hubert Schmitz, Dau Anh Tuan, Pham Thi Thu Hang and Neil McCulloch. IDS Research Reports - 76 - 2012. Abstract: Vietnam keeps surprising the world with the speed and depth of its economic transformation. This research report suggests that the decentralisation of certain economic powers from central to provincial government has contributed to this success. Allowing provinces to find their own way forward was central to Vietnams progress in institutional and economic development. Decentralisation brought about a number of inefficiencies, but these are outweighed by the gains resulting from policy experimentation at the provincial level. The main question of the report is who drives the economic reform process in the provinces, exploring the role of business and government and alliances between the two. This is a difficult undertaking because it involves dipping into sensitive issues of statebusiness relations and because there are enormous variations between provinces and over time. Key to the feasibility of this project was the collaboration of IDS with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). VCCI is an influential organisation with strong connections to business, government and the Communist Party. These connections are essential for access to political and business leaders and for understanding the economic reform process from private and public perspectives. Provincial government is by necessity involved in the economic reform process, but who is actually driving it? The research shows that in those provinces which are making most progress in economic reform, the private sector played an important role. Not against government but with government. There was no formal public-private coalition but the dynamic was one of proactive government seeking the input from the private sector, and the latter lobbying for and contributing to responsive and effective government. Both national and foreign enterprises played a role but small enterprises tended to be marginalised from the process. Some of the best insights come from comparing provinces and observing how different alignments of interest influenced the reform process. Free full text http://www.ntd.co.uk/idsbookshop/details.asp?id=1284.

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Some new academic papers on development issues in Vietnam

2012 July 15 issue
Links provided hereunder are accessible on WB intranet only, except otherwise specified. Please contact VDIC librarian at nvu2@worldbank.org if you need full text of the article/s listed below, for private study, scholarship or research purposes. We can only provide full text of those without the note Fee may apply. A comparative study of HRM practices in Asian socialist countries: China, Vietnam and North Korea. Collins, N 2011, in Julian Teicher (ed.) HRM in Vietnam: The Road to 'Best Practice' and Sustainable Business Development Conference, Vietnam, 11-12 July 2011, pp. 1-38. Abstract: This chapter attempts to examines the relationship between economic reform and changes in peoplemanagement in three Asian Socialist Economies, China and Vietnam, both in the transitional stage, as compared with North Korea which has yet to open itself up to the forces of globalization. We explore their comparable and contrasting experiences. Where applicable, the analysis examines the employment relations and HRM systems of the respective countries. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Adequacy of policy and practices for small agricultural dam safety accountability and assurance in Vietnam. Tuyet Thi Dam, Roger L. Burritt, John D. Pisaniello. Agricultural Water Management, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 2 July 2012. Abstract: We examine safety data pertaining to ten dams in Vietnam and we conduct interviews with stakeholders to determine their perceptions of the adequacy of dam safety policy. All ten dams in our study were rated as high hazard and face a high risk of failure due to both physical and management inadequacies. The responsibility and accountability for dam safety has been poorly implemented, leading to low levels of assurance for the communities affected. The evidence suggests that policies pertaining to dam safety accountability and assurance in Vietnam do not yet satisfy international benchmarks. The established policy benchmarks and their key elements provide guidance on both aspirational and essential policy reform in Vietnam; the minimum practice benchmark representing a baseline expectation for developing countries. The original contribution of the paper is two-fold: (i) we assess for the first time the adequacy of dam safety policy and practices in Vietnam and (ii) our process of assessment can be replicated in other similar developing countries for testing the adequacy of dam safety policy against international standards and for identifying any necessary policy reforms. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Assessing the impact of harm reduction programs on law enforcement in Southeast Asia: A description of a regional research methodology. Nick Thomson, Tim Moore, Nick Crofts. Harm Reduction Journal 2012, 9:23. Abstract: For over 15 years the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) has been a leading donor for harm reduction projects in Southeast Asia. The recent AusAID-supported harm reduction projects of greatest significance have included the Asia Regional HIV Project (AHRP), from 2002 until 2007,1 and the HIV/AIDS Asia Regional Project (HAARP), from 2007 until 2015.2 Both projects included in their design specific strategies for engaging with law enforcement agencies at country level. The main focus of these strategies has been to develop law enforcement harm reduction policy and curriculum, and the design and implementation of specific harm reduction training for law enforcement officers. In July 2008, the Australian Development Research Awards (ADRA) funded the Nossal Institute for Global Health at the University of Melbourne to establish a research project created to assess the influence of harm reduction programs on the policy and operational practices of law enforcement agencies in

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Southeast Asia, known as the LEHRN Project (Law Enforcement, Harm Reduction, Nossal Institute Project). The ADRA is a unique grant research mechanism that specifically funds development research to improve the understanding and informed decision making of the implementation of Australian aid effectiveness. -- While the need to engage law enforcement when establishing harm reduction programs was well documented, little was known about the impact or influence of harm reduction programs on policy and practices of law enforcement agencies. The LEHRN Project provided the opportunity to assess the impact of harm reduction programs on law enforcement in Southeast Asia, with a focus on Vietnam, Cambodia and Lao PDR. Free full text http://www.harmreductionjournal.com/content/pdf/1477-7517-9-23.pdf. Changes in and Challenges for Intentional Injury in Vietnam : Evidence From 2 National Adolescent Health Surveys, 2004 and 2009. LC Le and RW Blum. Asia Pac J Public Health, June 28, 2012. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To describe the current situation of intentional injury among Vietnamese youth as well as risk and protective factors. METHOD: The Sample of Survey Assessment of Vietnamese Youth 2009 (SAVY2) involving 10 044 youth aged 14 to 25 in 2009 was used and compared with SAVY1 in this study. The data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate statistical techniques. RESULTS: Of the sample in 2009, 3% of the young people reported that they had been injured by a family member. The proportion who were intentionally injured by others outside their home was 7.6%. Youth who were most likely to hurt others included urban males, those who had ever been drunk, those who had been intentionally injured by others, and those who had weak family connectedness. Having suicidal thoughts (both sexes) is related to alcohol consumption. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of violent behaviors was low, but several risk and protective factors were found and confirmed. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Contamination by perfluorinated compounds in water near waste recycling and disposal sites in Vietnam. Joon-Woo Kim, Nguyen Minh Tue, Tomohiko Isobe, Kentaro Misaki, Shin Takahashi, Pham Hung Viet and Shinsuke Tanabe. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 2012. Abstract: There are very few reports on the contamination by perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) in the environment of developing countries, especially regarding their emission from waste recycling and disposal sites. This is the first study on the occurrence of a wide range of PFCs (17 compounds) in ambient water in Vietnam, including samples collected from a municipal dumping site (MD), an e-waste recycling site (ER), a battery recycling site (BR) and a rural control site. The highest PFC concentration was found in a leachate sample from MD (360 ng/L). The PFC concentrations in ER and BR (mean, 57 and 16 ng/L, respectively) were also significantly higher than those detected in the rural control site (mean, 9.4 ng/L), suggesting that municipal solid waste and waste electrical and electronic equipment are potential contamination sources of PFCs in Vietnam. In general, the most abundant PFCs were perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUDA; <1.4100, <1.2100, and <0.520 ng/L, respectively). Interestingly, there were specific PFC profiles: perfluoroheptanoic acid and perfluorohexanoic acid (88 and 77 ng/L, respectively) were almost as abundant as PFOA in MD leachate (100 ng/L), whereas PFNA was prevalent in ER and BR (mean, 17 and 6.2 ng/L, respectively) and PFUDA was the most abundant in municipal wastewater (mean, 5.6 ng/L), indicating differences in PFC contents in different waste materials. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Corporate Social Responsibility in Vietnam: Integration or Mere Adaptation? Brigitte Hamm. Pacific News, no. 4, July/August 2012, pp. 38-41.

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Abstract: Initially, corporate social responsibility (CSR) had been a movement of businesses emphasising the willingness to behave ethically and simultaneously drawing a profit from this. Increasingly however, the topic became integrated into the broader concern of how to govern the global economy. In this article, CSR is understood as an institution of transnational governance. CSR has been exported by Western actors to production countries of the Global South. Against this background one of the questions raised revolves around the relevance of the domestic embeddedness of CSR. In Vietnam transnational corporations, development agencies of Western donor countries and international organisations have been drivers of CSR. The concept is taken up in a pragmatic way using the term in regard to varying issues, thereby emphasising the competitive advantage for the country. Until today, a public CSR policy is lacking in Vietnam, and also the responsibility within the government needs to be further clarified. Free full text http://www.pacific-news.de/pn38/PN38_BH.pdf. Environmental Tax Reform: Principles from Theory and Practice to Date. Heine, Dirk ; Norregaard, John ; Parry, Ian W.H. IMF Working Paper No. 12/180, July 01, 2012. Summary: This paper recommends a system of upstream taxes on fossil fuels, combined with refunds for downstream emissions capture, to reduce carbon and local pollution emissions. Motor fuel taxes should also account for congestion and other externalities associated with vehicle use, at least until mileage-based taxes are widely introduced. An examination of existing energy/environmental tax systems in Germany, Sweden, Turkey, and Vietnam suggests that there is substantial scope for policy reform. This includes harmonizing taxes for pollution content across different fuels and end-users, better aligning tax rates with values for externalities, and scaling back taxes on vehicle ownership and electricity use that are redundant (on environmental grounds) in the presence of more targeted taxes. Free full text http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/cat/longres.aspx?sk=26049.0. Estimating the welfare loss to households from natural disasters in developing countries: a contingent valuation study of flooding in Vietnam. Stale Navrud, Tran Huu Tuan and Bui Duc Tinh. Global health action, Vol 5 (2012) incl Supplements. Abstract: -- Background: Natural disasters have severe impacts on the health and well-being of affected households. However, we find evidence that official damage cost assessments for floods and other natural disasters in Vietnam, where households have little or no insurance, clearly underestimate the total economic damage costs of these events as they do not include the welfare loss from mortality, morbidity and reduced well-being experienced by the households affected by the floods. This should send a message to the local communities and national authorities that higher investments in flood alleviation, reduction and adaptive measures can be justified since the social benefits of these measures in terms of avoided damage costs are higher than previously thought. -- Methods: We pioneer the use of the contingent valuation (CV) approach of willingness-to-contribute (WTC) labour to a flood prevention program, as a measure of the welfare loss experienced by household due to a flooding event. In a face-to-face household survey of 706 households in the Quang Nam province in Central Vietnam, we applied this approach together with reported direct physical damage in order to shed light of the welfare loss experienced by the households. We asked about households WTC labour and multiplied their WTC person-days of labour by an estimate for their opportunity cost of time in order to estimate the welfare loss to households from the 2007 floods. -- Results: The results showed that this contingent valuation (CV) approach of asking about willingness-to-pay inkind avoided the main problems associated with applying CV in developing countries. -- Conclusion: Thus, the CV approach of WTC labour instead of money is promising in terms of capturing the total welfare loss of natural disasters to households, and promising in terms of further application in other developing countries and for other types of natural disasters. Free full text http://www.globalhealthaction.net/index.php/gha/article/view/17609/html.

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Examine the Agriculture, Poverty, and Climate Change Nexus in Vietnam. Yu, Bingxin; Zhu, Tingju; Breisinger, Clemens; Manh Hai, Nguyen. Paper prepared for the International Association of Agricultural Economists Conference, August 18-24, 2012, Foz do Iguau, Brazil. Abstract: Vietnam is likely to be among the hardest hit countries by climate change, which may threaten the recent progress it has made in accelerating agricultural growth and poverty reduction. To examine how agriculture and the rural poor may be affected by a changing climate, this paper measures Vietnamese farmers adaptation behavior in terms of adjustments to the production portfolio and input usage. Specifically, the paper estimates a rice yield function based on household-level crop production, long-term climate measurements and recent weather shocks. The results suggest that rice production will suffer from climate change. However, Vietnamese farmers are likely to respond to changes in rainfall and temperature by adjusting input usage. While this will help maintaining productivity levels, expanding irrigation and agricultural intensification will be key components of climate change adaptation strategies at farm and national level. Localized policy packages aiming at increasing yield by focusing on vulnerable groups (ethnic-minority and/or the poor) can help achieve multiple development goals of poverty reduction, food security and climate change adaptation. Free full text http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/126876. Facilitators and barriers to accessing reproductive health care for migrant beer promoters in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam: A mixed methods study. Gail Webber, Denise Spitzer, Ratana Somrongthong, Truong Cong Dat, Somphone Kounnavongsa. Globalization and Health 2012, 8:21. Abstract: -- Background: The purpose of the research was to assess access to sexual and reproductive health services for migrant women who work as beer promoters. This mixed methods research was conducted in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Bangkok, Thailand, Vientiane, Laos, and Hanoi, Vietnam during 2010 to 2011. -- Methods: Focus groups were held with beer promoters and separate focus groups or interviews with key informants to explore the factors affecting beer promoters access to health care institutions for reproductive health care. The findings of the focus groups were used to develop a survey for beer promoters. This survey was conducted in popular health institutions for these women in each of the four Asian cities. -- Results: Several common themes were evident. Work demands prevented beer promoters from accessing health care. Institutional factors affecting care included cost, location, environmental factors (e.g. waiting times, cleanliness and confidentiality) and service factors (e.g. staff attitudes, clinic hours, and availability of medications). Personal factors affecting access were shyness and fear, lack of knowledge, and support from family and friends. The survey of the beer promoters confirmed that cost, location and both environmental and service factors impact on access to health care services for beer promoters. Many beer promoters are sexually active, and a significant proportion of those surveyed rely on sex work to supplement their income. Many also drink with their clients. Despite a few differences amongst the surveyed population, the findings were remarkably similar across the four research sites. -- Conclusions: Recommendations from the research include the provision of evening and weekend clinic hours to facilitate access, free or low cost clinics, and health insurance through employer or government plans which are easy to access for migrants. Other improvements that would facilitate the access of beer promoters to these services include increased funding to hire more staff (reducing waiting times) and to stock more needed medications, mobile clinics to come to the workplace or free transportation for beer promoters to the clinics, improved training to reduce health care provider stigma against beer promoters, and public education about the importance of reproductive health care, including preventative services. Free full text http://www.globalizationandhealth.com/content/pdf/1744-8603-821.pdf. Gender Issues in the Fishery Communities of the Central Coastal Provinces of Vietnam.

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Nguyen Dang Hao. Gender in Aquaculture and Fisheries: Moving the Agenda Forward. Asian Fisheries Science Special Issue Vol. 25S (2012):129-143, Asian Fisheries Society. Abstract: Under the Regional Fisheries Livelihoods Programme (RFLP), a baseline survey of 601 fishery households was conducted in the Central Coastal Vietnam provinces of Quang Tri, Thua Thien Hue and Quang Nam. The survey used a participatory approach to explore gender issues in fishery communities in 16 communes. This region presents economic challenges, especially for women who depend on rapidly depleting fisheries resources. On average, women in these provinces bear more children than the national average and work 12 to 14 hour days, three to four hours longer than the men. Education levels, especially of women, are low. Women have almost no voice in natural resource management because they have subordinate status due to traditional beliefs and prejudicial stereotypes. Women have fewer opportunities than men except in raising livestock, fish processing and trading fish. Although they have access to credit, women know little about financial management. Although women and men participate in the Womens Union and Farmers Association chapters, these bodies offer little more than sympathetic support and the opportunity to share experiences. The communities need better access to education, health care, social services, and professional training. Gender equality should be taken into account in rural development and local authorities need to raise their awareness of gender issues. Free full text http://aquafishcrsp.oregonstate.edu/Documents/Uploads/FileManager/2012afs-25s-gaf3-special-issue.pdf#page=140. Geography and Economic Growth in Vietnam. Thu Hien Laura Ngo, Paulo Santosy. Selected Paper prepared for presentation at the International Association of Agricultural Economists (IAAE) Triennial Conference, Foz do Iguau, Brazil, 18-24 August, 2012. Abstract: Using panel data from Vietnam, this paper estimates the determinants of consumption growth for the period 2002-04, using a microgrowth model. While controlling for individual heterogeneity, particular attention is devoted to the question of whether geography, broadly defined to include natural and man-made characteristics at the level of the commune, can be responsible for lower growth rates and, consequently, poverty persistence. We find very limited support for this hypothesis. Neither public nor private investment at commune levels seem to have, per se, a significant effect on growth. However, local poverty rate does have an important, nonlinear, relation with growth rate of consumption at individual level, suggesting the importance of local externalities in this process. The policy implications of this finding are discussed. Free full text http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/126491/2/growth_Vietnam_IAAE.pdf. Harm reduction and law enforcement in Vietnam: influences on street policing. Melissa Jardine; Nick Crofts; Geoff Monaghan; Martha Morrow. Harm Reduction Journal 2012, 9:27. Abstract: -- Background and rationale: The HIV epidemic in Vietnam has from its start been concentrated among injecting drug users. Vietnam instituted the 2006 HIV/AIDS Law which includes comprehensive harm reduction measures, but these are unevenly accepted and inadequately implemented. Ward police are a major determinant of risk for IDUs, required to participate in drug control practices (especially meeting quotas for detention centres) which impede support for harm reduction. We studied influences on ward level police regarding harm reduction in Hanoi to learn how to better target education and structural change. -- Methods: After document review, we interviewed informants from government, NGOs, INGOs, multilateral agencies, and police, using semi-structured guides. Topics covered included perceptions of harm reduction and the police role in drug law enforcement, and harm reduction training and advocacy among police. -- Results: Police perceive conflicting responsibilities, but overwhelmingly see their responsibility as enforcing drug laws, identifying and knowing drug users, and selecting those for compulsory detention. Harm reduction training was very patchy, ward police not being seen as important to it; and understanding of harm reduction was limited, tending to reflect drug control priorities. Justification for methadone was as much crime prevention as HIV prevention.

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Competing pressures on ward police create much anxiety, with performance measures based around drug control; recourse to detention resolves competing pressures more safely. There is much recognition of the importance of discretion, and much use of it to maintain good social order. Policy dissemination approaches within the law enforcement sector were inconsistent, with little communication about harm reduction programs or approaches, and an unfounded assumption that training at senior levels would naturally reach to the street. -- Discussion: Ward police have not been systematically included in harm reduction advocacy or training strategies to support or operationalise legalised harm reduction interventions. The practices of street police challenge harm reduction policies, entirely understandably given the competing pressures on them. For harm reduction to be effective in Vietnam, it is essential that the ambiguities and contradictions between laws to control HIV and to control drugs be resolved for the street-level police. Free full text http://www.harmreductionjournal.com/content/pdf/1477-7517-927.pdf. Hydrologic response to climate change: a case study for the Be River Catchment, Vietnam. Dao Nguyen Khoi and Tadashi Suetsugi. Journal of Water and Climate Change Vol 3 No 3 pp 207224 IWA Publishing 2012. ABSTRACT: The Be River Catchment was studied to quantify the potential impact of climate change on the streamflow using a multi-model ensemble approach. Climate change scenarios (A1B and B1) were developed from an ensemble of four GCMs (general circulation models) (CGCM3.1 (T63), CM2.0, CM2.1 and HadCM3) that showed good performance for the Be River Catchment through statistical evaluations between 15 GCM control simulations and the corresponding time series of observations at annual and monthly levels. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was used to investigate the impact on streamflow under climate change scenarios. The model was calibrated and validated using daily streamflow records. The calibration and validation results indicated that the SWAT model was able to simulate the streamflow well, with NashSutcliffe efficiency exceeding 0.78 for the Phuoc Long station and 0.65 for the Phuoc Hoa station, for both calibration and validation at daily and monthly steps. Their differences in simulating the streamflow under future climate scenarios were also investigated. The results indicate a 1.02.9 C increase in annual temperature and a 4.0 to 0.7% change in annual precipitation corresponding to a change in streamflow of 6.0 to 0.4%. Large decreases in precipitation and runoff are observed in the dry season. Free full text http://www.iwaponline.com/jwc/003/jwc0030207.htm. Mainstreaming Health Insurance For People With Disabilities. Michael G. Palmer, Nguyen Thi Minh Thuy. Journal of Asian Economics, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 29 June 2012. Abstract: Many low- and middle-income countries have introduced public health insurance schemes to increase access to health care and provide financial protection against the costs of care for disadvantaged groups. Using national health household survey data from Vietnam and an appropriate two-part model, this paper examines the targeting effectiveness of public health insurance schemes and their impact on health care utilization for persons with disabilities. Results suggest that current community-based targeting methods are not effective, and that insurance mechanisms are an unsatisfactory buffer for inpatient-related costs to which persons with disabilities are prone. A higher level of disability targeting is recommended, both in terms of eligibility and benefits. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Mainstreaming Health Insurance For People With Disabilities. Michael G. Palmer, Nguyen Thi Minh Thuy. Journal of Asian Economics, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 29 June 2012. Abstract: Many low- and middle-income countries have introduced public health insurance schemes to increase access to health care and provide financial protection against the costs of care for disadvantaged groups. Using national health household survey data from Vietnam and an appropriate two-part model, this paper examines the targeting effectiveness of public health insurance schemes and their impact on health care utilization for persons with

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disabilities. Results suggest that current community-based targeting methods are not effective, and that insurance mechanisms are an unsatisfactory buffer for inpatient-related costs to which persons with disabilities are prone. A higher level of disability targeting is recommended, both in terms of eligibility and benefits. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Multimedia and Online Learning Issues in Graduate Nursing Education for Students in Vietnam and Indonesia. Van Kleeck, Solari-Twadell, Jennrich & Kraft (2012). In Proceedings of World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications 2012 (p. 788). Chesapeake, VA: AACE. Abstract: Nursing as a profession has limited masters prepared nurses in Vietnam and Indonesia. Five Indonesian and six Vietnamese graduate level nursing students came to our university for a five-week session and orientation in Summer 2011; then, the students returned to their countries and are taking the majority of their other courses online for the remaining two years of the program. This presentation will address language, culture, and distance barriers encountered in one of their courses, Advanced Nursing Concepts and Theories. Technology and teaching methods employed to overcome those barriers will be discussed. Methods used included asynchronous a personal video introduction to the course and narrated Powerpoint lectures compressed in three different formats to allow for viewing online or download and synchronous -- one-on-one chat sessions and formal presentation by the students in a Wimba Classroom. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Patterns of subjective quality of life among older adults in rural Vietnam and Indonesia. Hoang Van Minh, Nawi Ng, Peter Byass, Stig Wall. Geriatrics & Gerontology International, Volume 12, Issue 3, pages 397404, July 2012. Abstract: -- Aim: This paper aims to assess the subjective quality of life (SQOL) and its correlates among older adults in rural communities of Vietnam and Indonesia. -- Methods: The paper uses the data from the INDEPTH/WHO Study on global aging and adult health (SAGE). The study was carried out in the FilaBavi Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) site in Vietnam and in Purworejo HDSS in Indonesia. All people aged 50 years and over who lived in these two HDSS areas were surveyed. Face-to-face household interviews were carried out by trained surveyors using the standardized summary version of the INDEPTH/WHO SAGE questionnaire. The SQOL was assessed by asking the respondents How would you rate your overall quality of life? The response set was a five-point scale where 1 = Very good, 2 = Good, 3 = Moderate, 4 = Bad, 5 = Very bad. -- Results: In both countries, the SQOL was reported to be higher among (i) men; (ii) people with higher education; (iii) people who were in a marital partnership; (iv) people who lived with other family members; and (v) those with higher economic status, compared with that in those of other category(ies) of the same characteristic. In Vietnam, people who belonged to the second to fifth economic quintiles and had more than 6 years of education were sevenfold more likely to report very good/good quality of life compared with those who belonged to the first economic quintile (poorest) and had no formal education. The corresponding figure was 2.7 for Indonesia. -- Conclusions: The patterns of sociodemographic determinants of SQOL show that inequality in quality of life exists among older adults in the two study settings. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Prevention of Mother-to-Child TransmissionPrecarious Hopes and Childbearing Choices Among HIVInfected Women in a Northern Province of Vietnam. Nguyn Th Thy Hnh, Vibeke Rasch, Bi Kim Chi & Tine Gammeltoft. Women & Health, Volume 52, Issue 5, 2012, pages 485-502.

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Abstract: The world over, increased access to treatment brings reproductive hope to women infected with HIV. Yet, despite the expanding availability of programs for prevention of mother-to-child transmission, HIV-positive women continue to face numerous problems and uncertainties in the realm of reproduction. The results reported here are derived from ethnographic research conducted in a northern province of Vietnam in 2007. The authors interviewed 32 HIV-positive women, exploring the hopes that they invested in prevention of mother-to-child transmission, and examining how this new technology enhanced the women's faith in their futures and childbearing capacities. Based on the findings, the authors discuss the new forms of gendered uncertainty that arise in the era of HIV/AIDS in Vietnam. They conclude that prevention of mother-to-child transmission, including the counseling offered by health providers, plays an important role in building and strengthening reproductive hopes for women living with HIV, while also generating new concerns. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Rice market participation and channels of sale in rural Vietnam. Chiara Cazzuffi and Andy McKay. Selected Paper prepared for presentation at the International Association of Agricultural Economists (IAAE) Triennial Conference, Foz do Iguau, Brazil, 18-24 August, 2012. Abstract: This paper contributes to the existing literature on agricultural commercialisation by focussing on the channels through which households sell their crops, as well as considering the determinants of their participation behaviour. An important innovation of this paper is to look at both the type of purchaser households use (trader or other household) and the location of sale (farmgate or not). We study these issues for the case of Vietnam, which over time has achieved an impressive success in agricultural commercialisation, and in relation to rice, drawing on data from a detailed rural panel survey for 2006, 2008 and 2010. We find that household asset endowments significantly increase the probability of selling rice. We also find that larger scale of production and low transport costs are significant determinants of the probability of using more established channels of sale, such as traders or enterprises. Wealthier farmers are more likely to sell via this channel, but not if the quantity they produce is large, which is consistent with their better ability to meet costs for reaching more remunerative marketing opportunities. With respect to location of sales, we find that wealthier households with access to phones and own means of transport, but also households located in areas where transport infrastructure is less developed, are less likely to sell at the farmgate. Free full text http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/126566/2/Cazzuffi-McKay_IAAE_17128.pdf. Risk and Household Investment Decisions: Evidence from rural Vietnam. Fiona Wainwright, Finn Tarp and Carol Newman. Abstract: This paper investigates the effect of risk on household investment and savings behaviour. We examine the extent to which exposure to exogenous covariate natural risks discourages households from investing in risky production activities while encouraging investment diversification and precautionary saving. We also evaluate the impact of ex ante risk-induced investments on profitability. Using panel data from rural Vietnam, results show that covariate natural risk acts as a deterrent to household investment in own-farm equipment while encouraging non-farm investment diversification in durable goods together with precautionary savings in forms of non-productive liquid capital. We find that households under-invest in own-farm equipment relative to liquid assets such as cash savings and crop stores. Household departures from productive efficiency can be attributed to household constraints rather than to differences in intrinsic risk preferences. Free full text http://www.eea-esem.com/files/papers/eeaesem/2012/1877/Wainwright_Tarp_Newman_EEA2012.pdf. Smallholder competitiveness: insights from household pig production systems in Vietnam. Ma. Lucila A. Lapar, Nguyen Ngoc Toan, Steve Staal, Nick Minot, Clement Tisdell, Nguyen Ngoc Que and Nguyen Do Anh Tuan. Selected Paper prepared for presentation at the International Association of Agricultural Economists (IAAE) Triennial Conference, Foz do Iguau, Brazil, 18-24 August, 2012. Abstract: We examine smallholder competitiveness in pig production using data from a survey of 1,051 households across six provinces representing six agro-ecological zones and two urban centers in Vietnam. Results from various analyses employing descriptive statistical analysis, econometric modelling, and partial equilibrium modelling of the pig sector in Vietnam support the hypothesis that smallholder, household pig production are competitive and will

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remain significant suppliers of the fresh pork market. This competitiveness is underpinned by the strong demand for fresh, unchilled pork, thereby ensuring sustained opportunities for smallholders to supply this demand while also providing natural protection from imported chilled or frozen pork. Long-term prospects for smallholder contribution to total pork supply are good. Even in the worst case scenario of stagnant technological advances in the traditional, smallholder sector, they are projected to remain dominant players in the pork market. Currently, the modern, large scale pig sector is small at 5% of total market share; this is projected to expand to 12% in the next 10 years. The empirical evidence also suggests that overall efficiency gains to the pig sector are not likely to be generated from increasing herd sizes due to the observed lack of economies of scale in household pig production. In the current situation, ways should be explored to reduce the cost of production. Attention should be given, for example, to increasing the supply and reducing the cost of domestically produced feeds for pigs and utilizing available supplies more efficiently. Technological improvement in feeds and in pig production thus plays an important role in the development of the sector. Policies that will enhance productivity across all producer types will be preferable, rather than a targeted policy directive focusing on developing large, industrial farms. Limitations in land and household labor may also limit potential for expanding scale, thereby further supporting the case for sustaining smallholder competitiveness. Free full text http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/126820/2/IAAE%202012%20Smallholder%20competitiveness%20final.pdf. Sub-national institutions, firm strategies, and firm performance: A multilevel study of private manufacturing firms in Vietnam. Thang V. Nguyen, Ngoc T.B. Le, Scott E. Bryant. Journal of World Business, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 15 June 2012. Abstract: Some private small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in transition economies have actively internationalized. This decision needs to accommodate institutional conditions that vary, not only between countries, but also within an individual country. Our paper examines the relationship between export strategy and firm performance, and the extent that sub-national institutional factors moderate this relationship. Using multilevel data analysis techniques with a sample of private manufacturing firms in Vietnam, we find institutional factors moderate export strategy and firm performance's relationship. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. The role of NGOs in rural Vietnam: a case study and critique. Y Barzin. BMC Proceedings 2012, 6(Suppl 4):P54. -- Introduction: There is on-going debate about the merits of programmes supported by international aid, with critics arguing that many programmes are unsustainable, that they follow international agendas and lead to fragmentation of national health systems. The debate focuses on large providing for patients' health needs and the impact of the programme within the public health system. Vietnam has good health status compared to countries with similar economies, which can largely be attributed to its focus on primary care and the extensive coverage by commune health centres. Yet, rural populations have limited access to quality services. Vietnam faces a double burden of chronic and communicable diseases. -- Methods: An ethnographic study was conducted on a charity's medical programme, which provides free temporary clinics for rural populations in central Vietnam. Data from medical notes was collected and interviews with patients and professionals were conducted. -- Results: It is likely that a significant proportion of patients were covered by Vietnam's social insurance scheme; however high costs and poor resources at public clinics limit access to quality care. The majority of diagnoses in clinics were for chronic problems, correlating with increasing age, which the programme is not designed to manage. The benefits of consultations were further limited by poor patient health literacy and lack of time and resources. The charity works closely with local authorities and programmes are developed at their request. The clinics do not focus on specific diseases and reflect the horizontal approach of public clinics. However, the clinics duplicate existing services and do not contribute to development of the public health system.

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-- Conclusions: Despite its limitations, the programme can be beneficial to the local communities. Of importance, the programme is no seen to undermine the public health system. However, the programme cannot meet the needs of rural communities as the majority suffer from chronic illness. This study highlights the need to consider programmespecific factors within the debate on international aid. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Tourism Impacts and Support for Tourism Development in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam: An Examination of Residents Perceptions. Pham Hong Long. Asian social science, Vol 8, No 8 (2012). Abstract: The impacts of tourism have been given much attention by scholars attempting to examine the perceptions as well as attitudes of the local residents toward tourism. Such studies have been carried out thoroughly in the context of the developed countries. However, very little research has been carried out in developing countries. This study attempts to make a little contribution to the sustainable development of tourism by examining the residents profile, perceptions and attitudes towards tourism impacts and tourism development in Ha Long Bay, the Vietnams first World Heritage Site (recognized in 1994). Data were collected by means of a questionnaire study. Based on 417 respondents surveyed, the findings show that the majority of respondents were young, Kinh rather than other ethnic group, they were married and were living in Ha Long Bay for over 20 years. On the whole, respondents viewed tourism positively and would support tourism development. They were generally in favor of tourism that contributes economically and socio-culturally to Ha Long Bay. They were, however, slightly ambivalent to environmental impacts of tourism. Implications, policy recommendations and limitations of study are presented in the conclusion. Free full text http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ass/article/view/18500. Unintended consequences of CSR: protectionism and collateral damage in global supply chains: the case of Vietnam. Antonio Tencati, Angeloantonio Russo, Victoria Quaglia (2008). Corporate Governance, Vol. 8, Iss: 4, pp.518 - 531. Abstract: Purpose This paper seeks to investigate the influence of the increasingly sustainable sourcing policies of many multinational companies on suppliers located in developing countries such as Vietnam. The focus is the process through which corporate social responsibility (CSR) is reaching this Southeast Asian country. Design/methodology/approach The research was conducted in Vietnam through the support of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization's (UNIDO) regional office. The survey was based on a questionnaire used during direct interviews or sent out electronically when onsite visits were not possible. The research involved 25 Vietnamese enterprises. Findings The results reveal, on the one hand, how CSR makes business sense even in a developing country such as Vietnam and, on the other hand, the difficulties of maintaining sustainability as products move from northern consumers to Vietnamese suppliers. This process calls for more collaborative models of governance among the companies along the supply chain, local authorities, international players, and civil society at large. Originality/value This paper highlights the unsustainable process through which corporate responsibility is being imposed on Vietnamese suppliers and how CSR, now required for access to international markets, might eventually turn into a new form of protectionism. To avoid this, CSR must be supported, rather than imposed, through building innovative partnerships and through a demand-driven educational agenda. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Vietnam 2012 article IV consultation. IMF Country Report No.12/165. Under Article IV of the IMFs Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. In the context of the 2012 Article IV consultation with Vietnam, the following documents have been

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released and are included in this package: (i) Staff Report for the 2012 Article IV consultation, prepared by a staff team of the IMF, following discussions that ended on March 14, 2012, with the officials of Vietnam on economic developments and policies. Based on information available at the time of these discussions, the staff report was completed on April 27, 2012. (ii) Informational Annex prepared by the IMF. (iii) Debt Sustainability Analysis prepared by the staffs of the IMF and the World Bank. (iv) Staff Statement of May 24, 2012 updating information on recent developments. (v) Public Information Notice (PIN) summarizing the views of the Executive Board as expressed during its May 25, 2012 discussion of the staff report that concluded the Article IV consultation. Free full text http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/scr/2012/cr12165.pdf. Vietnam's labour relations and global financial crisis. Collins, N 2011, Research and Practice in Human Resource Management (Curtin Business School, Australia), vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 60-70. Abstract: Labour relations institutions and practices in Vietnam have changed since the economic reform that started in late 1980s. Since joining to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in 2006, a new social imperative has emerged in which the country sought to reconcile economic growth with the protection of labour conditions within this context in which the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) has been experienced. This study examines the challenges of complex labour management relations in the new economic, political and social environment of the GFC in Vietnam. The paper explores changing labour management relations by investigating the evolution of labour relations policy and practice since Vietnam began its economic reform. During the transition from a planned to market economy, the former stable relationship between managements and workers has been replaced by widespread labour disputes, and a proliferation of labour strikes since the installation of GFC in 2008. These events have been due to a lack of regulations for labour management relations, an inadequate compensation system and working conditions, and inefficient trade union practices. The paper concludes that the changes in labour management relations reflect the impact of the global crisis on labour market diversity as well as the increasingly important role of trade unions in protecting workers' rights and interests. A new model for unions is urgently needed for dealing with labour and employment issues at firm's level in the new economic era. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.

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Some new academic papers on development issues in Vietnam

2012 July 1 issue
Links provided hereunder are accessible on WB intranet only, except otherwise specified. Please contact VDIC librarian at nvu2@worldbank.org if you need full text of the article/s listed below, for private study, scholarship or research purposes. We can only provide full text of those without the note Fee may apply. Accounting for farmers risk preferences in investigating land allocation decisions in marginal environments: a test of various elicitation measures in an application from Vietnam. Alwin Keil and Thea Nielsen. Paper prepared for presentation at the International Association of Agricultural Economists (IAAE) Triennial Conference, Foz do Iguau, Brazil, 18-24 August, 2012. Abstract: Smallholder farmers land allocation decisions in marginal areas of developing countries typically involve a substantial element of risk, especially when they concern input intensive cash crops. Hence, apart from farmers resource endowment, their individual level of risk aversion is a potentially important determinant of such decisions. However, in microeconometric models a measure of individuals risk preferences is usually lacking. We address this shortcoming by testing the explanatory power of a wide range of risk preference measures based on hypothetical and non-hypothetical elicitation methods in a model explaining land allocation to commercial hybrid maize production in a fragile upland area of Vietnam. Based on data collected in a random sample of 300 households, we find that the poorest farmers are particularly specialized in commercial maize production, but they are highly dependent on relatively disadvantageous input supply and marketing arrangements offered by maize traders, making this specialization particularly risky. Our study confirms the relevance of decision-makers risk preferences in addition to their asset endowment in the land allocation decision. The inclusion of risk preference measures as explanatory variables is found to not cause any significant endogeneity bias. However, only risk preference measures that are based on hypothetical maize related scenarios have explanatory power. We conclude that (1) risk preferences are to a certain extent decision domain specific and (2) hypothetical scenarios that are closely related to farmers real-life decisions may produce more reliable results than unfamiliar, non-agricultural scenarios or lottery-based methods, which may be difficult to grasp for respondents with limited formal education. Free full text http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/126054/2/Keil_Nielsen,%20IAAE%202012.pdf. AIDS mobilisation in Zambia and Vietnam: explaining the differences. Amy S. Patterson & David Stephens. Contemporary Politics, Volume 18, Issue 2, 2012, pages 213-224 (Special Issue: Thinking politically about HIV). Abstract: This article compares AIDS mobilisation in Zambia and Vietnam. It looks specifically at the goals of AIDS movements in the two countries, arguing that the Vietnamese movement has been more singular in its focus with its major objective being to achieve representation of people living with HIV (PLHIVs) in AIDS decision-making. In Zambia, the movement has had multiple agendas: human rights protection, biomedical interventions, and economic development for PLHIVs. Instead of assessing how well the two movements have met these goals, the authors use insights from the scholarship on AIDS mobilisation to analyse why these different objectives exist. They argue that epidemic type, movement identity, political culture, and economic, political, and external structures lead to this variation. Through its cross-regional examination of significantly different countries, this comparative case study contributes to knowledge of AIDS mobilisation. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Asymmetric responses of commercial banks to monetary policy in a transitional economy: the case of Vietnam. Chu V. Nguyen. Journal of Applied Finance & Banking, vol.2, no.3, 2012, 237-269.

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Abstract: This study investigates how Vietnamese commercial banks respond to countercyclical monetary policy. At first glance, the empirical findings suggest the asymmetrical response of Vietnamese commercial banks to countercyclical monetary policy to be competitive and monetary authority successfully utilizes monetary policy instruments to achieve its objectives. In light of the known characteristics of the Vietnamese economy, the empirical results may be alternatively interpreted as the consequence of graft maximizing behavior of bank management operating in a corrupt and opaque environment. Thus, to correct these problems, a strong political will and commitment to reforming the system and implementing appropriate checks and balances in the political system in the country to formulate policy measures needed to establish a competitive, transparent, and efficient banking and financial system which would be conducive to further economic and social progress. Free full text http://www.scienpress.com/Upload/JAFB/Vol%202_3_9.pdf. Avian conservation value of pine plantation forests in northern Vietnam. Vu Tien Thinh, Paul F Doherty, Kathryn P Huyvaert. Bird Conservation International. Cambridge: Jun 2012. Vol. 22, Iss. 2; pg. 193, 12 pgs. Abstract: Decline of native forest cover is a worldwide concern. Recently, overall forest cover in Vietnam has increased, but most of the increase has been attributed to plantations of non-native trees. The conservation value of these plantations for birds is unknown. We compared avian species richness in pine plantations to that in secondgrowth and mature native forests in Tam Dao National Park, Vietnam. Bird species were classified into two categories: forest specialists or forest generalists. To account for strong heterogeneity in detection probabilities, the number of species in each category was estimated using the Pledger-Huggins estimator. We estimated total species richness and number of forest specialist species to be highest in mature forest (191; 95% CI = 96, 287, and 88; 95% CI = 47, 129 respectively), lower in second-growth forest (158; 95% CI = 87, 245 and 58; 95% CI = 18, 98 respectively), and lowest in pine plantation (106; 95% CI = 52, 158 and 49; 95% CI = 2, 97 respectively). The estimated number of forest generalist species was similar between mature forest and second-growth forest (103; 95% CI = 17, 189 and 100; 95% CI = 42, 158, respectively) and least in pine plantation (57; 95% CI = 31, 82). The maintenance of native forest types should receive priority for conservation in Vietnam and pine plantations should be managed to provide additional structure in the hope of increasing species richness. Bisphenol S in Urine from the United States and Seven Asian Countries: Occurrence and Human Exposures. Chunyang Liao, Fang Liu, Husam Alomirah, Vu Duc Loi, et al. Environmental Science & Technology. Easton: Jun 19, 2012. Vol. 46, Iss. 12; pg. 6860. Abstract: As concern regarding the toxic effects of bisphenol A (BPA) grows, BPA in many consumer products is gradually being replaced with compounds such as bisphenol S (BPS). Nevertheless, data on the occurrence of BPS in human specimens are limited. In this study, 315 urine samples, collected from the general populations in the United States, China, India, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, and Vietnam, were analyzed for the presence of total BPS (free plus conjugated) concentrations by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLCMS/MS). BPS was detected in 81% of the urine samples analyzed at concentrations ranging from below the limit of quantitation (LOQ; 0.02 ng/mL) to 21 ng/mL (geometric mean: 0.168 ng/mL). The urinary BPS concentration varied among countries, and the highest geometric mean concentration [1.18 ng/mLor 0.933 g/g creatinine (Cre)] of BPS was found in urine samples from Japan, followed by the United States (0.299 ng/mL, 0.304 g/g Cre), China (0.226 ng/mL, 0.223 g/g Cre), Kuwait (0.172 ng/mL, 0.126 g/g Cre), and Vietnam (0.160 ng/mL, 0.148 g/g Cre). Median concentrations of BPS in urine samples from the Asian countries were 1 order of magnitude lower than the median concentrations reported earlier for BPA in the same set of samples, with the exception of samples from Japan. There were no significant differences in BPS concentrations between genders (male versus female), or among age groups (categorized as 19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, and 50 years), or races (Caucasian versus Asian). The daily intake (EDI) of BPS was estimated on the basis of urinary concentrations using a simple pharmacokinetic approach. The median EDI values of BPS in Japan, China, United States, Kuwait, Vietnam, Malaysia, India, and Korea were 1.67, 0.339, 0.316, 0.292, 0.217, 0.122, 0.084, and 0.023 g/person, respectively. This is the first study to report the occurrence of BPS in human urine.

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Child injury prevention in Vietnam: achievements and challenges. By: Boufous, Soufiane; Ali, Maria; Nguyen, Ha T.; Stevenson, Mark; Vu, Thien C.; Nguyen, Duyen T.Y.; Ivers, Rebecca; Pham, Cuong V.; Nguyen, An T.T.. International Journal of Injury Control & Safety Promotion, Jun2012, Vol. 19 Issue 2, p123-129, 7p; Abstract: As with other South Asian countries, injury is becoming a leading cause of death and morbidity among children in Vietnam. In response to the increasing burden of child injury, government and non-government agencies in Vietnam have combined efforts during the last decade to develop and implement various child injury prevention strategies and programmes. This article provides, through a review of relevant documents and interviews with major stakeholders, an overview of these efforts and highlights major challenges to child injury prevention in the country. The findings point to notable achievements in terms of increasing awareness of injury facing children at all levels in the community and developing a sound injury prevention policy framework in a relatively short period of time. However, much needs to be done to implement necessary environmental and legislative changes, strengthen child injury surveillance and injury prevention research; and to improve access to health services. The insight into the experience of Vietnam could benefit other low- and middle-income countries with a high burden of child injury. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Coffee in Uganda and Vietnam: Why They Performed So Differently. John Baffes and Anil Onal. in: African Agricultural Reforms: The Role of Consensus and Institutions, edited by M. Ataman Aksoy, World Bank, 2012, pp, 151-175. First paragraph: During the 1980s, Vietnam exported no coffee at all, whereas Uganda was one of Africas largest coffee producers, accounting for a little over 2 percent of global coffee supplies. Uganda also had the reputation of producing the worlds best robusta coffee. Since the early 2000s, Vietnam has become the worlds second largest coffee producer after Brazil and the top supplier of robusta coffee, accounting for 15 percent of the worlds coffee in 2006. Ugandas coffee production has stagnated, averaging about 3 percent of global coffee supplies, barely matching its 1980s production levels (see figure 5.1). This chapter focuses on the likely reasons behind such a performance gap. It argues that the gap reflects, in part, the way that these countries respond to shocks, both positive and negative, external and internal. Full text is available upon request. Comparison of the Agricultural Cooperative Development in China and Vietnam Since De-Collectivization. Sultan, Tursinbek (sultan@iamo.de); Wolz, Axel (wolz@iamo.de). Paper prepared for the International Association of Agricultural Economists, August 18-24, 2012, Foz do Iguau, Brazil. Abstract: China and Vietnam embarked on a transition process in the late 1970s and early 1980s, respectively. Collective farming was given a up and family farms were re-established. At that stage, farmers were in urgent need of adjusted links to the upstream and downstream sectors. While the transition process went up in both countries rather similarly, it differed with respect to agricultural organizations. In China a trial and error process could be observed after the dissolution of the collective farms, whereas the Vietnamese government was eager to transform as many collective farms as possible into agricultural service cooperatives. Cooperation among farmers had to be organised informally in China, while in Vietnam agricultural cooperatives could continue operating, but under different rules. By 1997 the cooperative law became effective in Vietnam. It took another ten years to implement a similar law in China. In both countries, agricultural cooperatives expanded rapidly. In 2010, about ten percent of farm households in China and about 20 percent in Vietnam have become cooperative member. In both countries, there had been heavy government support and interference. However, this top-down approach would have led to nothing, if there had not been a strong bottom-up need by the farmers. In this way, cooperative development in both countries is unique in comparison to other transition economies as farmers are quite confident in making the best use out of their cooperatives. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Competition in Vietnamese E-Marketplace: A Case Study of Alibaba in Vietnam.

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Nguyen Thi Tuyet MAI, Nham Phong TUAN. International Journal of Business and Social Science, Vol. 3 No. 10 [Special Issue May 2012]. Abstract: Since more and more Vietnamese enterprises have recognized the benefits of joining e-marketplaces, the competition among e-marketplaces in Vietnam is becoming stronger, especially the enrolment of the giant Alibaba has triggered the rush race in this field. This study emphasized on the e-commerce application and enrolment in emarketplace of Vietnamese enterprises. In addition, taking Alibaba as a case study was to see from foreign investors view about opportunities and challenges. The study also explored the evaluation of Vietnamese e-marketplace members and staffs of Vietnamese e-marketplaces about the appearance of Alibaba in Vietnam. Based on the data analysis, some implications for practitioners were recommended. Full text is available upon request. [Mai&Tuan 2012.pdf] Do flood risk perceptions provide useful insights for flood risk management? Findings from central Vietnam. P. Bubeck, W.J.W. Botzen, L.T.T Suu, J.C.J.H. Aerts. Journal of Flood Risk Management, Accepted, unedited article 2012. ABSTRACT: Following the renewed attention for non-structural flood risk reduction measures implemented at the household level, there has been an increased interest in individual flood risk perceptions. The reason for this is the commonly-made assumption that flood risk perceptions drive the motivation of individuals to undertake flood risk mitigation measures, as well as the public's demand for flood protection, and, therefore, provide useful insights for flood risk management. This study empirically examines these assumptions by presenting data from a survey conducted among 300 households in central Vietnam. The main implications for flood risk communication and the stimulation of precautionary behaviour are that the current predominant focus on flood risk perceptions in the academic literature and risk communication policy is not supported. Hence, the study provides an important contribution to the existing literature that mainly studies flood risk perceptions in developed countries. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Effect of Agricultural Policy on Rice Farmers in Vietnam. Khai, Huynh Viet; Yabe, Mitsuyasu. Journal of the Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, 57(1), p333-338, 2012. Abstract: The study investigated the effectiveness and impacts of agricultural policies on rice farmers in Vietnam by using the data of Vietnam Household Living Standard Survey 2005 2006 (VHLSS 2006). The connections of agricultural policies with technology, off farm income and the life improvement were determined. The results indicated that there were no positive relationships of agricultural policies with the technical efficiency and life improvement of rice farmers. Farmers who benefited from policies were less able to grow rice efficiently improve their lives. Nevertheless, the study revealed that agricultural policies were partly effective for the poor farmers in terms of life improvement. The more they enjoyed the benefit of agricultural policies the better their life improved. Free full text https://qir.kyushu-u.ac.jp/dspace/bitstream/2324/22088/1/p333.pdf. Fate and tidal transport of butyltin and mercury compounds in the waters of the tropical Bach Dang Estuary (Haiphong, Vietnam). Patricia Navarro, David Amouroux, Nghi Duong Thanh, Emma Rochelle-Newall, Sylvain Ouillon, Robert Arfi, Thuoc Chu Van, Xavier Mari, Jean-Pascal Torrton. Marine Pollution Bulletin, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 18 June 2012. Abstract: In this work, two field campaigns were performed in July 2008 (wet season) and March 2009 (dry season) to produce original data on the concentration, partition and distribution of mercury and butyltin compounds along the tropical Bach Dang Estuary located in North Vietnam (Haiphong, Red River Delta). The results demonstrate that mercury and butyltin speciation in the surface waters of this type of tropical estuary is greatly affected by the drastic changes in the seasonal conditions. During high river discharge in the wet season, there was a large estuarine input of total Hg and tributyltin, while the longer residence time of the waters during the dry season promotes increasing

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MMHg formation and TBT degradation. Although most of the Hg and TBT is transported into the estuary from upstream sources, tidal cycle measurements demonstrate that this estuary is a significant source of TBT and MMHg during the wet (~3 kg TBT/day) and dry (~3 g MMHg/day) seasons. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. FDI of Vietnam: Two-Way Linkages between FDI and GDP, Competition among Provinces and Effects of Laws. Nguyen Dinh Chien, Kezhong Zhang. iBusiness, 2012, 4, 157-163. ABSTRACT: This study focuses on problems related to foreign direct investment (FDI) in the North Central Area and South Central Coast of Vietnam in the period from 2000 to 2010, they consist of bidirectional relationship between foreign direct in-vestment and economic growth (GDP), competition among provinces and effects of laws in attracting FDI. By using panel data and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) Method. Empirical analysis results found that: 1) There is a strong bidirec-tional relationship between FDI and GDP in this area of Vietnam. Both FDI and GDP also contributed significantly and positively in explaining each other in the provinces which was extremely difficult socioeconomic conditions, however this is especially accurate in provinces having better conditions such as Da Nang city; 2) There is no strong competition between provinces in attracting FDI, provinces having better governance in economics attracted less registered FDI; 3) Ability to access information and infrastructure quality of provinces affects significantly and positively to attract FDI in this region; 4) After promulgating Common Investment Law as well as Unified Enterprises Law in 2005 and Vietnam joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2007, the amount of registered FDI capital has increased rapidly in provinces of North Central Region and South Central CoastVietnam. Full text is available upon request. [Chien&Zhang 2012.pdf] Foreign direct investment in industrial transition: the experience of Vietnam. Prema-chandra Athukorala, Tran Quang Tien. Journal of the Asia Pacific Economy. London: 2012. Vol. 17, Iss. 3; pg. 446. Abstract: This paper examines the role of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the process of industrial transition in Vietnam under market-oriented reforms. The findings are consistent with the conventional wisdom that concomitant liberalisation of trade and investment regimes, accompanied by creating a congenial environment for market-based decision making by the private agents, is vital for reaping developmental gains from FDI. During the 1990s growth of employment in firms with foreign capital participation lagged behind output growth, reflecting the capital-intensity bias in domestic-market-oriented production in a partially liberalised economy. This pattern has changed notably in recent years as the product mix gradually became export oriented in response to further liberalisation of trade and investment policy regimes. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Impact of Health Insurance on Health Care Treatment and Cost in Vietnam: A Health Capability Approach to Financial Protection. Kim Thuy Nguyen, Oanh Thi Hai Khuat, Shuangge Ma, Duc Cuong Pham, Giang Thi Hong Khuat, and Jennifer Prah Ruger. American Journal of Public Health, accepted on: Dec 5, 2011, e-View Ahead of Print. ABSTRACT: We applied an alternative conceptual framework for analyzing health insurance and financial protection grounded in the health capability paradigm. -- Through an original survey of 706 households in Dai Dong, Vietnam, we examined the impact of Vietnamese health insurance schemes on inpatient and outpatient health care access, costs, and health outcomes using bivariate and multivariable regression analyses. Insured respondents had lower outpatient and inpatient treatment costs and longer hospital stays but fewer days of missed work or school than the uninsured. -Insurance reform reduced household vulnerability to high health care costs through direct reduction of medical costs and indirect reduction of income lost to illness. However, from a normative perspective, out-of-pocket costs are still too high, and accessibility issues persist; a comprehensive insurance package and additional health system reforms are needed. Free full text http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2011.300618. Improving opportunities for smallholder timber planters in Vietnam to benefit from domestic wood processing.

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Putzel, L.; Dermawan, A.; Moeliono, M.; Trung, L.Q. International Forestry Review, Volume 14, Number 2, June 2012 , pp. 227-237(11). Abstract: Since 1992, the Vietnamese Government has implemented far reaching policies and programs to increase the country's tree cover by promoting plantation forestry. In addition to providing environmental services, these efforts are intended to alleviate rural poverty through sustainable forestry. Towards this goal, more than 4 million ha have been assigned to households and rural cooperatives through forestland reallocation or management contracts. Although the extent of primary forest has continued to decrease, overall tree cover has increased by 47% since 1990, largely due to the spread of tree plantations. Meanwhile, in the last decade, with Vietnam's economic liberalisation policies, the timber processing industry has shifted from State-owned enterprises to private companies. By 2008, the processing sector had expanded into a $3 billion industry, one of Vietnam's top five export sectors and a major source of demand for logs and sawnwood. -- In 2010, an assessment in the industrial wood processing center of Binh Dinh province was conducted to gain insights on market opportunities for smallholder produced timber. The assessment revealed a number factors preventing local smallholders from fully capitalising on demand for wood from the processing industry. These included competition between the manufacturing sectors (e.g.furniture, woodchips and pulp industries), which creates an incentive for premature timber harvesting, and a lack of domestic supply of certified timber, resulting in Vietnam's furniture companies importing raw materials. To address the former, better segmentation of the wood production for the different sectors is recommended. The latter might be addressed through more aggressive efforts to certify household-scale timber plantations through simplified schemes such as the Forest Stewardship Council's Small and Low Intensity Managed Forests (SLIMF) certification, pending additional research to better understand the potential costs, benefits and risks of such a strategy. Full text http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/cfa/ifr/2012/00000014/00000002/art00008. [Putzel et al 2012.pdf] International harmonization and national particularities of accounting: Recent accounting development in Vietnam. Cong Phuong Nguyen, Tran Dinh Khoi Nguyen (2012) Journal of Accounting & Organizational Change, Vol. 8, Iss: 3. Abstract: Purpose - The papers aim is to examine the recent accounting regulations on the way to international harmonization in Vietnam and shows how Vietnam develops its accounting system that harmonizes with international standards but preserves macroeconomic control function. Design/methodology/approach - This paper is developed using the theoretical framework on globalisation. Findings - The recent accounting development aims to implement Vietnams commitment to harmonize its accounting system with the world. This process has faced with some difficulties due to the national particularities as such the economic system and accounting tradition. Our paper shows that the regulators have been careful in their approach to develop and find ways to combine or adapt when pushing for accounting development: a co-existence of Vietnamese accounting standards and a Uniform Accounting System. This point differs from the Anglo-Saxon world, but is comparable to China. Research limitations/implications - The different approach to accounting developments in Vietnam reflects the key role of the State in accounting regulation to aim at preserving governmental control but harmonize with international standards. Practical implications - This paper studies the influence of globalization on the recent accounting development in Vietnam. It suggests that the accounting development in a country in harmony with international standards faces with obstacles evidenced in the literature, as such economic system and accounting tradition. The study also provides

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insight into problems encountered by regulators in accounting development who are incorporating international accounting standards into national accounting regulations. These problems suggest that international accounting standard setters and accounting regulators facing issues similar to those in Vietnam. Originality/value - The value of the paper is that it contributes to the literature on international accounting harmonisation by illustrating the need for considering national particularities as factor that affect the rate of harmonisation with international accounting standards. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Opportunity entrepreneurs: Potential drivers of non-farm growth in rural Vietnam? Juergen Bruenjes and Javier Revilla Diez. Working Papers on Innovation and Space from Philipps University Marburg, Department of Geography, No 2012-01. Abstract: In this paper we apply the concept of necessity and opportunity entrepreneurship to rural Vietnam. The aim is to evaluate whether opportunity entrepreneurs in rural areas in developing countries have a greater potential to stimulate endogenous non-farm growth than necessity entrepreneurs. The results show that opportunity entrepreneurs are relatively frequent. They have an agricultural background less often and are better educated and skilled. In addition, they are more successful in terms of profits, even after controlling for general business and locational characteristics. However, even rural opportunity entrepreneurs are often not oriented towards employment growth and thus have a limited capacity to generate nonfarm employment for other households. It becomes clear that although the necessity/opportunity concept has so far been primarily applied to developed countries, distinguishing opportunity and necessity entrepreneurship is very suitable in a rural developing context if some contextual specifics of the rural environment are taken into account. Free full text ftp://137.248.191.199/RePEc/pum/wpaper/WP19.pdf. Oxfam America: Learning from the system of rice intensification in northern Vietnam. Castillo, Gina E.; Le, Minh Nguyet; Pfeifer, Kimberly. International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) Series number: 19(15), 2012. Abstract: Despite Vietnams remarkable success in reducing poverty from almost 60 percent of the population in 1993 to 14 percent in 2008, 18 million Vietnamese still live on less than US$1.25 a day. Vietnam supplies a fifth of the rice consumed worldwide, and yet millions of rice farmers grow barely enough for subsistence. Over 9 million farmers in Vietnam own less than half a hectare of paddy land, generally fragmented into 610 smaller plots. Some 90 percent of these farmers live in the countrys northern region. They are highly vulnerable to external shocks, especially climate change and the high and volatile price of food and agricultural inputs. Meanwhile, extension services often overlook their needs and rely on prescriptive, top-down approaches that have failed to invest in their ongoing adaptive capacity. -- Oxfam America (Oxfam) has been working with civil society partners and the government of Vietnam to make the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) available to smallholder rice producers across Northern Vietnam at a scale hitherto unreached. Unlike many conventional rice-farming practices, SRI encourages farmers to optimize the performance of the individual rice plant rather than maximize inputs. It is a principles-based system and relies on a menu of husbandry practices, each of which delivers increased yields, often with fewer input requirements than established practices. -- Oxfam encouraged farmers to experiment with transplanting seedlings younger than one month; transplanting individual seedlings rather than clumps of three or more; spacing plants widely and regularly rather than densely and irregularly; and keeping soils moist rather than inundated. The introduction of SRI is flexible. Farmers may adopt it at any scale and with any combination of the husbandry practices that SRI comprises, using the same seeds and fertilizers already available to them. Free full text http://www.ifpri.org/publication/oxfam-america-learning-systemrice-intensification-northern-vietnam. Pattern of smoking cessation and its associated factors in Vietnam. Le Thi Huong, Hoang Van Minh, Kim Bao Giang, Le Thi Thanh Xuan, Vu Thi Thu Nga, Pham Quynh Nga, Phan Thi Hai, Jason Hsia. Health, Vol.4 No.6, June 2012.

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ABSTRACT: -- Background: Even though the number of research on tobacco in Vietnam has recently increased rapidly, there remains a lack of reporting on the pattern of quit smoking and its correlates. It is necessary to have scientific evidence on this issue to help the policy makers and the Public Health sector to have appropriate intervention program to enhance the smoke cessation smoke program and improve the health status of the smokers. This study aims to: (1) Describe the pattern of smoking cessation in Vietnam 2010. (2) Examine the association between smoking cessation with some associated factors in Vietnam 2010. -- Methods: Data used in this paper were obtained from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) conducted in Vietnam in 2010. A total of 11,142 households were selected for this survey using a two-phase sampling design analogous to a three-stage stratified cluster sampling. Both descriptive and analytical statistical analyses were carried out. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was performed to examine the association between the patterns of quit daily; quit smoke; attempt to quit and intend to quit among smokers with relevant factors. -- Results: The prevalence of the different type of cessation among male and female were 23.3% and 28.6% for quit daily; 19.1% and 1.0% for quit; 55.6% and 44.4% for attempt to quit and 29.6% and 19.3% for intend to quit respectively. The prevalence of quit daily and quit increased with age whereas attempt to quit decreased with age. Prevalence of cessation was highest among the group who were asked about smoking tobacco by health care providers. Some determinants of quit daily and quit include age, area, and knowledge of illnesses caused by smoking. There was no association between attempt and intend to quit with any socio-characteristic except for area. People in rural area were 2.1 and 1.7 times more likely attempt to quit and intend to quit than those in urban area, respectively. -- Conclusion: The GATS Vietnam 2010 showed that the prevalence of cessation in Vietnam was low. Quit daily and quit had association with age, area, knowledge about the top three consequences of smoke. People in rural area were 2.1 and 1.7 times more likely attempt to quit and intend to quit than those in urban area, respectively. Free full text http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?paperID=19704. Patterns of subjective quality of life among older adults in rural Vietnam and Indonesia. Hoang Van Minh, Nawi Ng, Peter Byass, Stig Wall. Geriatrics and Gerontology International. Richmond: Jul 2012. Vol. 12, Iss. 3; pg. 397. Abstract: Aim: This paper aims to assess the subjective quality of life (SQOL) and its correlates among older adults in rural communities of Vietnam and Indonesia. Methods: The paper uses the data from the INDEPTH/WHO Study on global aging and adult health (SAGE). The study was carried out in the FilaBavi Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) site in Vietnam and in Purworejo HDSS in Indonesia. All people aged 50years and over who lived in these two HDSS areas were surveyed. Face-to-face household interviews were carried out by trained surveyors using the standardized summary version of the INDEPTH/WHO SAGE questionnaire. The SQOL was assessed by asking the respondents "How would you rate your overall quality of life?" The response set was a five-point scale where 1=Very good, 2=Good, 3=Moderate, 4=Bad, 5=Very bad. Results: In both countries, the SQOL was reported to be higher among (i) men; (ii) people with higher education; (iii) people who were in a marital partnership; (iv) people who lived with other family members; and (v) those with higher economic status, compared with that in those of other category(ies) of the same characteristic. In Vietnam, people who belonged to the second to fifth economic quintiles and had more than 6years of education were sevenfold more likely to report very good/good quality of life compared with those who belonged to the first economic quintile (poorest) and had no formal education. The corresponding figure was 2.7 for Indonesia.

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Conclusions: The patterns of sociodemographic determinants of SQOL show that inequality in quality of life exists among older adults in the two study settings. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Probabilistic assessment of chlorpyrifos exposure to rice farmers in Viet Nam. Dung Tri Phung, Des Connell, Greg Miller, Cordia Chu. Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology. New York: Jul 2012. Vol. 22, Iss. 4; pg. 417, 7 pgs. Abstract: Chlorpyrifos is the most common organophosphate compound registered for agricultural use in Vietnam. The aim of this study was to evaluate chlorpyrifos exposure to rice farmers in Vietnam, using a probabilistic approach. Urine samples on a 24-h basis were collected from farmers before and post application of pesticide. Samples were analysed for 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCP), the major urinary metabolite of chlorpyrifos, using an enzymatic pre-treatment for extraction and HPLC-MS/MS. Absorbed daily doses (ADD) of chlorpyrifos for farmers were subsequently estimated from the urinary TCP levels. The baseline and post-application exposure levels were evaluated at the 5th, 50th, and 95th percentile representing low, medium and high-exposure groups in the population. Regression analysis was applied to examine the association between exposure level and factors. The baseline exposure level, which ranged from 0.03 to 1.98 g/kg/day was below the chronic guidelines recommended by international and national bodies. However, the post-application exposure level, which ranged from 0.35 to 94 g/kg/day exceeded most of the acute guidelines at the 95th percentile level. Multivariate analysis provided strong evidence for a relationship between post-application exposure level and amount of chlorpyrifos used, as well as body coverage of personal protective equipment. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Productivity, Net Returns, and Efficiency: Land and Market Reform in Vietnamese Rice Production. Tom Kompas, Tuong Nhu Che, Hoa Thi Minh Nguyen, and Ha Quang Nguyen. Land Economics, August 1, 2012, vol. 88, no. 3, pp. 478-495. ABSTRACT: Extensive land and market reform in Vietnam has resulted in dramatic increases in rice output and incomes. This is illustrated with measures of total factor productivity, net incomes, and net returns in rice production from 1985 to 2006. Results show considerable gains in major rice growing areas, but recent evidence of a productivity slowdown. The differences over time and region speak to existing land use practice, calling for further reform. Estimations detail the effects of remaining institutional and policy constraints, including existing restrictions on land use, ambiguous property rights, and inadequate markets for land and access to extension services and credit. Full text is available upon request. [Kompas et al 2012.pdf] Push and pull forces and migration in Vietnam. Huynh Truong, Huy and Walter, Nonneman. CAS Discussion paper No 80, Centre for ASEAN Studies, 2012. Abstract: This paper adopts the push and pull model of migration to explain inter-provincial migration flows across 63 provinces or cities of Vietnam in the period 2004-2009. We used a solution to a quadratic cost migration problem by combining the total number of in and out-migration of various provinces and inverse distances between provinces that aims at calculating the push and pull factors of each province. The result confirms the hypothesis that push factors correlate well with total out flows of provinces and pull factors with total inflows of provinces. In addition, it is found that pull and push factors are explained rather well by population size and income, but not so by urbanization and poverty. Free full text http://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/39559/1/MPRA_paper_39559.pdf. Stratification and the Emergence of the Postsecondary Private Education Sector in Vietnam. Kimberly Ann Goyette. Comparative Education Review, vol. 56, no. 2. electronically published January 18, 2012. Abstract: Vietnam has a strong public postsecondary education sector that has only recently begun to experience growth in nonpublic institutions. I investigate how the growth of nonpublic institutions may be related to stratification in Vietnam. I find that these institutions are more likely to serve more advantaged students from South Vietnam. Students pay higher costs to attend them; however, they choose more lucrative fields, perhaps as a way to ensure good

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returns to this investment. This research suggests that as the private sector in Vietnam expands, the influence of family background and region of residence on postsecondary attendance may grow. Full text https://www.temple.edu/sociology/goyette/documents/Goyette-May2012CER.pdf. [Goyette 2012.pdf] Sustainable Agricultural Practices in Vietnam: A Supply Chain Perspective of Organic Vegetable production in Hanoi. Navin K. Veerapa, Tran Manh Chien. 2011. Abstract: This research paper examines critical dimensions of the production and supply-chain methodologies employed in the production and distribution of organic vegetables in the Hanoi Region of Vietnam, framed against current accepted sustainable agricultural practices. This paper provides significant insights into organic and sustainable vegetable production by giving a voice to the relevant protagonists on the ground. Current agricultural literature on sustainable agricultural practices in Vietnam is dominated by aquaculture, tea, coffee and rice. The methodology employed is qualitative and is based on an extensive literature review and interviews with organic growers and selected channel intermediaries. The paper explicates the extant supply chains and identifies the associated distribution systems employed by farmers. It proceeds by assessing the state of organic vegetable supply chains in the Hanoi region and evaluating the strategies being adopted by the key players in the sector. It further assesses the relevance of sustainable vegetable production systems in Vietnam by examining current state of organic farming in Hanoi. While the Vietnam government heavily promotes sustainable agricultural production, it was found that no structured and sustained effort is being exerted in the area of distribution and marketing of organic vegetables. Critically the communal land distribution system presents major implications for the future of sustainable organic vegetable production practices in Vietnam. Therefore recommendations are formulated in the areas of supply chain integration, land development and certification of organic vegetables in Vietnam. Full text is available upon request. [Veerapa&Chien.doc] Temporal Causality and the Dynamics of Foreign Direct Investment and Trade in Vietnam. Pham, Thi Hong Hanh. Journal of International Trade and Economic Development, February 2012, v. 21, iss. 1, pp. 83-113. Abstract: Our article investigates the temporal causation between foreign direct investment (FDI) and trade in Vietnam for the period 1990-2007. We first employ Granger causality tests in a co-integration framework, where the order of lags for each variable is selected by the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and the Schwarz Bayesian information criterion (SBIC). Granger causality tests are then performed in both bi- and multi-variate models. In the short-run, we find evidence of bi-directional Granger causality between FDI and exports and between FDI and imports. Our analysis also establishes the existence of long-run unidirectional Granger causality running from FDI to exports and to imports. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. The Determinants of Inflation in Vietnam, 2001-09. By: Cavoli, Tony; Wilson, John K.; Huu Minh Nguyen. ASEAN Economic Bulletin, Apr2012, Vol. 29 Issue 1, p1-14, 14p; Abstract: This paper employs a simple macroeconomic model of inflation to empirically investigate the determinants of CPI inflation for Vietnam over the period 2001 to 2009. Vietnam is chosen as our focus for this study because of the country's recent history of high inflation since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 and the Adjustment of Price reforms in 1985. We are particularly interested in examining the role of the exchange rate in explaining inflation, and of the effect of supply side factors such as the prices of crude oil and rice. Using a range of time series estimation techniques, we find that inflation is persistent and that the money supply, oil prices and rice prices present the strongest influences on CPI inflation. Full text http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bch&AN=76561028&site=ehost-live. [Cavoli et al 2012.pdf] The economic burden of road traffic injuries: evidence from a provincial general hospital in Vietnam.

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Ha Nguyen, Rebecca Q Ivers, Stephen Jan, Alexandra L C Martiniuk, Qiang Li, Cuong Pham. Injury Prevention, Published Online First 23 June 2012. Abstract: -- Objective: To examine the costs of road traffic injuries (RTIs) in Vietnam and factors associated with increased costs. -- Method: RTI data were collected in a prospective cohort study on the impact of injuries in Vietnam. Participants were persons admitted to the Thai Binh General Hospital because of RTI. All costs incurred by participants and their family members during hospitalisation were collected, including direct medical costs, direct non-medical costs and indirect costs. Generalised linear models were employed to examine predictors of increased costs including demographic and injury context characteristics. -- Results: Each RTI hospitalisation costs the patient and family on average US$363 or 6 months of average salary. Income, injury severity, principal region of injury and length of hospital stay were statistically significant predictors of increased costs; age, gender, occupation and road user group were not. After controlling for injury characteristics and income, participants with principal injuries to the lower extremities had a cost 1.28 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.54) times higher than those with principal injuries to the face. Analyses of motorcycle-related RTIs with principal injury to the head also showed increased costs among those without a helmet (1.41 times higher, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.71). -- Conclusions: RTIs can cause a substantial economic burden to the patient and family. During hospitalisation on average, an RTI would cost approximately 6 months of salary. In addition to interventions to decrease the risk of RTIs, those reducing the severity, such as wearing a motorcycle helmet, should be enforced to minimise the economic and health consequences of injury. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. The effects of free government health insurance among small children-evidence from the free care for children under six policy in Vietnam. H Nguyen and W Wang. International Journal of Health Planning and Management, June 20, 2012. Abstract: Over the last few years, there have been an increasing number of impact evaluations of health insurance and other demand-side financing programs in developing countries. Yet the literature on insurance impact among small children is limited. This paper evaluates the effects of a Vietnamese government's policy in 2005, which granted free access to health services in public facilities to all children younger than 6?years. In particular, we focus on children among households who are not eligible for a program for the poor, which has been administered concurrently in the country. Using two waves of the Vietnam Household Living Standard Surveys conducted right before and after the policy started and a difference-in-differences method, we found a major increase in both inpatient and outpatient care in the secondary public hospitals. At the same time, there is evidence indicating a reduction in the use of tertiary hospitals. Compared with the policy's non-beneficiaries, beneficiaries in the age group 4-5?years also experienced fewer sick days, incurred less out-of-pocket spending on healthcare, and were less likely to encounter catastrophic expenditure. Evidence thus suggests that insurance provided by the policy has served the function as a safety net and helped improving efficiency of the health system by reducing the use of costly tertiary care. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Treatment 2.0 Pilot in VietnamEarly Progress and Challenges. Duc Duong Bui, Fabio Mesquita, Thi Nhan Do, Masaya Kato, Thi Thuy Van Nguyen, Thi Minh Thu Nguyen, Adrienne Poon. World Journal of AIDS, 2012, 2, 64-70. ABSTRACT: Announced in 2010 at the International AIDS Conference in Vienna and pioneered by the Joint United Nations Pro-gramme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organizations (WHO) leadership at the global level, Treat-ment 2.0 is a new approach to the HIV response that encourages innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. Building upon WHO and UNAIDS 3 by 5 Initiative, Treatment 2.0 focuses upon scale-up and universal access of

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life-saving ART treatment through strategic investments and innovations in five priority pillars that include: 1) Optimize drug regimens, 2) Provide point-of-care (POC) and other simplified diagnostic and monitoring tools, 3) Reduce costs, 4) Adapt service delivery, and 5) Mobilize communities [1-3]. The Treatment 2.0 approach is in line with UNAIDS 2011-2015 Strategy: Getting to Zero with the vision of, Zero New infections; Zero discrimination; and Zero AIDS-related deaths, and as well as the four strategic directions for the health sector response outlined under WHOs Global Health Sector Strategy on HIV/AIDS 2011-2015 [4,5]. At the Sixty-fourth World Health Assembly (WHA) in May 2011, it was formally announced that Vietnam has taken the leadership to pilot Treatment 2.0 in two of its provinces, with support from both the WHO and UNAIDS country offices [6,7]. Given that Vietnam is one of the few countries with a concentrated epidemic to pilot Treatment 2.0, the outcomes and experiences of this initiative can provide valuable insight to other countries who may consider implementation. The objectives of this article are therefore to: 1) Describe the early process for translating Treatment 2.0 concept in Vietnams context; and 2) Highlight early progress and challenges. Full text is available upon request. [Duc Duong Bui et al 2012.pdf] Tree plantations, politics of possession and the absence of land grabs in Vietnam. Thomas Sikor. The Journal of Peasant Studies. London: 2012. Vol. 39, Iss. 3-4; pg. 1077. Abstract: Viewed from the lens of 'land grabs', Vietnam's fast-growing tree plantations look like an anomaly; many of them are tiny, owned and operated by rural households. In contrast, private companies and transnational corporations have not been able to get much of a foot into Vietnam's plantation sector. This paper identifies the practices and processes underlying the apparent anomaly. On the basis of fieldwork in four villages, it points to the concrete mechanisms by which households have gained access to land, finance, and wood markets. Government policy emerges as a critical factor enabling household access, not in the sense of a coherent policy package but understood as sedimented outcomes of everyday processes of state formation over the past three decades. A central element in contestations over the state is what I call 'politics of possession': possession, referring to entitlement and control, has been closely tied to ideas about the state. The paper uses these empirical observations to contribute towards theoretical understandings of land grabs and exclusion. Land grabs may have to say as much about dynamics of state formation as processes of commodification and market expansion. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Urban growth mapping from Landsat data using linear mixture model in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Journal of Applied Remote Sensing, Jun 21, 2012. Abstract: Rapid urbanization in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam, is creating societal impacts on the environment attributed to the increasing population. Understanding spatio-temporal dimensions of land-use changes that shape the urbanization is thus critical to the process of urban planning. We explore the urban growth in HCMC through Landsat images for 1990, 2002, and 2010 using the linear mixture model (LMM). The data are processed through four steps: (1) data pre-processing, (2) image classification by LMM using endmembers extracted from the original image using minimum noise fraction, (3) accuracy assessment of the classification results using field verification data, and (4) urban growth analysis to understand the spatial changes of land cover. The results achieved by comparisons between the classification results and ground reference data indicate that the overall accuracy and Kappa coefficient obtained for 1990 were 87.1% and 0.83, respectively, while those for 2002 were 92.5% and 0.89, and those for 2010 were 89.6% and 0.86. The results of urban growth analysis indicate that high albedo class (i.e., built-up areas) expanded from 12.3% in 1990 to 27.2% in 2002 and to 31.1% in 2010. When investigating land-cover conversions to high albedo class from 1990 to 2002, the largest conversion is observed for soil class (9.2%), followed by vegetation class (7.2%), and low albedo class (2.2%). From 2002 to 2010, 4.5% area of soil class was converted to high albedo class, while conversions from vegetation and low albedo classes were 3.5% and 2.5%, respectively. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.

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Some new academic papers on development issues in Vietnam

2012 June 15 issue
Links provided hereunder are accessible on WB intranet only, except otherwise specified. Please contact VDIC librarian at nvu2@worldbank.org if you need full text of the article/s listed below, for private study, scholarship or research purposes. We can only provide full text of those without the note Fee may apply.

Antimicrobial Resistance of Salmonella Serovars Isolated from Beef at Retail Markets in the North Vietnam. Thai TH, Hirai T, Lan NT, Shimada A, Pham TN, Yamaguchi R. Journal of Veterinary Medicine Science 2012 May 22. [Epub ahead of print]. Abstract: Approximately 39.9% (63/158) of beef samples collected from retail markets in Hanoi city from January to June 2009 were Salmonella-positive. Nine Salmonella serovars such as Anatum (28.6%), Rissen (25.4%), Weltevreden (12.7%), Typhimurium (7.9%), Derby (7.9%), Lexington (7.9%), Dublin (4.6%), Newport (3.2%) and London (1.8%) were identified. Thirty seven (58.7%) of the 63 Salmonella isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial tested, of which 29 (46%) isolates showed multi-drugs resistance (MDR). The isolates were common resistance to tetracycline (46.0%), sulphonamides (39.7%), ampicilline (31.7%), streptomycin (30.2%), trimethoprim (28.6%), kanamycin (28.6%) and chloramphenicol (22.2%). Fourteen (bla<inf>TEM</inf>, bla<inf>OXA-1</inf>, aadA1, aadA2, sul1, tetA, tetB, tetG, cmlA1, floR, dfrA1, dfrA12, aac(3)-IV and aphA1-1AB ) out of 22 antimicrobial resistance genes were detected by PCR from the resistant isolates. The catA1, Kn, bla<inf>PSE-1</inf> and plasmid-mediated quinolones resistance (PMQRs) such as qnrA, qnrB, qnrS, qepA and acc(6')-ib-cr were not detected. Mutations in the gyrA gene leading to the amino acid changes Ser83Phe and/or Asp87Asn were found from 6 out of the 11 quinolone-resistant isolates. The data revealed that multi-drug resistant Salmonella were widely distributed in the North Vietnam via the food chain and they might contain multiple genes specifying identical resistant phenotypes. Thus, continuous studies are necessary to clarify the mechanisms of MDR in Salmonella and their spread in the livestock market. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Catastrophic household costs due to injury in Vietnam. H Nguyen, R Ivers, S Jan, A Martiniuk, and C Pham. Injury, May 31, 2012. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the costs of injury and their impact on injured persons and their families in Vietnam. This study aimed to examine the cost of injury in hospitalised patients and to identify the most costly injuries and those more likely to result in catastrophic household expenditure. METHOD: A prospective cohort study was conducted, recruiting individuals admitted to Thai Binh General Hospital due to injury in Vietnam from January to August 2010. During the hospitalisation period, data on expenditure including direct medical, direct non-medical and indirect costs were collected. Demographic and injury characteristics were also obtained. The associations between the risk of catastrophic expenditure and injury cause, severity and principal injured region were examined by modified Poisson regression approach. Payment of more than 40% of the household non-subsistence spending was considered a catastrophic expenditure. RESULTS: Of 918 patients approached, 892 (97%) were recruited. Total costs for all participants during the hospitalisation period were US$ 325,812. Patients admitted for road injury accounted for the largest number of

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injuries (n=477, 53%), and the largest percentage of the total costs (US$ 175,044, 57%). This was followed by individuals hospitalised due to falls, representing 29% of the sample (n=261) and 31% of the total costs (US$ 103,128). In terms of cost per hospital stay, burn injuries were the most costly (US$ 427), followed by falls (US$ 395) and road crashes (US$ 367). Of all sample, 26% experienced catastrophic expenditure due to their injuries. Factors significantly associated with increased risk of catastrophic expenditure were having more severe or higher MAIS injuries (RR=2.02, 95% CI: 1.14-3.57), principal injured region to lower extremities (RR=3.34, 95% CI: 1.41-7.91) or head (RR=3.21, 95% CI: 1.37-7.52), longer hospital stay (RR=1.09, 95% CI: 1.07-1.10), older age, lower income and not having insurance (RR=1.63, 95% CI: 1.21-2.21). CONCLUSION: A high proportion of households experienced catastrophic expenditure following injury, highlighting the important need for programmes to prevent injuries, road traffic and fall-related injuries in particular. Furthermore, expansion of health insurance coverage may help individuals cope with the financial consequences of injury. Full text is available upon request. [HaNguyen et al 2012.pdf]. Communityoutsider conflicts over forests: Perspectives from Southeast Asia. Yurdi Yasmi, Lisa C. Kelley, Thomas Enters. Forest Policy and Economics, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 31 May 2012. Abstract: Communityoutsider conflict is widespread in Southeast Asia with important consequences for people and forests. Understanding the causes and impacts of communityoutsider conflict can provide important insights into improving forest governance. This study analyzes seven communityoutsider conflicts from five countries in Southeast Asia. All cases involved local communities in conflict with external actors (e.g. logging and mining companies, plantation estates and conservation agencies). Our findings from these cases suggest that conflict often arises as a result of contested tenure, exclusionary economic development and conservation policies, and a lack of coordination among state agencies related to land-use planning. This study underlines the complex nature of conflict, which often involves not only material issues but also deep cultural connections between communities and their land. Conflict impacts were usually very negative and included fear, anxiety, distrust, division between social groups, and high economic and environmental costs. To a limited extent, conflict impacts were also positive, such as where conflict strengthened collective action at a community level and/or increased awareness of the need to clarify tenure. The study provides a number of practical suggestions to address communityoutsider conflict and improve forest governance in Southeast Asia. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Constraints to market participation in agriculture in Vietnam. Chiara Cazzuffi, Andy McKay, Luu Duc Khai, Nguyen The Long and Thuy Do Minh. Prepared under the Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) Programme, Royal Embassy of Denmark of Vietnam. Abstract: It is well known that Vietnam has achieved impressive success in agricultural commercialisation, in particular in relation to rice and also cash crops. This paper draws on evidence from the Vietnam Access to Resources Household Surveys in 12 provinces in 2006, 2008 and 2010, and looks at the extent to which households are engaged in selling in agriculture, looking separately at rice and cash crops. Significant numbers of households still do not sell, or only occasionally sell rice, but this varies significantly by province; in addition poorer households are also those that sell less. Small land size is an important factor, but other factors are also important including land restrictions (which encourage cash cropping), extension, presence of local market facilities, and membership of farmers or women's groups. Free full text http://www.ciem.org.vn/home/en/upload/info/attach/13388681412650_InDepthStudyAgriculturalCommercialisation. pdf. Detection of HPAI H5N1 viruses in ducks sampled from live bird markets in Vietnam. Phan MQ, Henry W, Bui CB, DO DH, Hoang NV, Thu NT, Nguyen TT, LE TD, Diep TQ, Inui K, Weaver J, Carrique-Mas J. Epidemiol Infect. 2012 Jun 1:1-11. [Epub ahead of print].

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Abstract: In Vietnam, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 infections in poultry often occur without concomitant clinical signs and outbreaks are not consistently reported. Live bird markets represent a convenient site for surveillance that does not rely on farmers' notifications. Two H5N1 surveys were conducted at live bird markets/slaughter points in 39 districts (five provinces) in the Red River, Mekong delta, and central Vietnam during January and May 2011. Oropharyngeal and rectal swab samples from 12 480 ducks were tested for H5N1 by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in pools of five. Traders and stallholders were interviewed using standardized questionnaires; 33% of pools tested positive. The highest prevalence (66%) corresponded to the Mekong delta, and no H5N1 was detected in the two Red River provinces. The surveys identified key risk behaviours of traders and stallholders. It is recommended that market surveys are implemented over time as a tool to evaluate progress in HPAI control in Vietnam. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Estimating Capacity and Motorcycle Equivalent Units on Urban Roads in Hanoi, Vietnam. Nguyen Y. Cao and Kazushi Sano. Journal of Transportation Engineering 138, 776 (2012), published online 15 May 2012. Abstract: This paper presents an investigation of the accurate methodology of motorcycle equivalent units (MEUs) in mixed traffic flow by considering the characteristics of moving vehicles, such as velocity and effective space. In addition, the effective space of each kind of vehicle is computed with consideration of the influences of velocity, physical size of the subject vehicle, and the surrounding motorcycles in the proposed methodology. The field data were collected in Hanoi, Vietnam in the case study. The results indicated that the MEU values of cars, buses, minibuses, and bicycles are 3.4, 10.5, 8.3 and 1.4, respectively. On the other hand, the collection of the field data of vehicle flow and speed passing through road segments was conducted in three groups of divided roads with raised medians. The fundamental diagrams of vehicle speed-flow-density relationships, ranging from stable traffic flow to unstable conditions, were plotted in this paper. The values of capacity, maximum motorcycle flow, critical mean stream speed, and critical density of traffic flow were computed. Results indicated that the capacity values of urban roads with two, three, and four lanes per direction are 13,358, 21,725 and 24,335 (motorcycles per hour) respectively. The capacity, therefore, increases with the number of lanes of urban roads. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Function of taking care of elderly people in Vietnamese families at present time. Nguyen Thanh Binh. Research on humanities and social sciences, v. 2, n. 4, 2012. Abstract: Although Vietnamese government spitulated a lot of policies for elderly people, but the public support that is currently available to the elderly is extremely limited. The states inability to provide full support to elderly people so that the responsibility of taking care of them actually belongs to family. It is confirmed by the number of elderly people living with their children when they are old and a lot of policies required families take care of elderly people. The family undoubtedly continues to play a crucial role in providing older persons with care in Vietnam. Free full text http://www.iiste.org/Journals/index.php/RHSS/article/view/1795/1748. Household Entrepreneurship and Social Networks: Panel Data Evidence from Vietnam. Nguyen Huu Chi, Christophe J. Nordman. April 2012. Abstract: Using a panel of non-farm household businesses for Vietnam, this paper sheds light on the links between households and entrepreneurs social networks and household business performance. We address three related questions. One first question is whether we can find evidence of a differentiated effect of employment of members of the extended family versus hired workers on the business performance. Then we examine the extent, intensity and determinants of potential redistributive pressure exerted by the extended family, and borne by households running household businesses, notably under the form of inter-household transfers received and given. Finally, we identify the specific effects of redistributive pressure (from family and kinship ties, the social network capital, and the community) on the household businesses technical efficiency. A cross-cutting issue is that all these analyses are performed separately for formal and informal businesses so as to ask whether social network support is more critical in the informal economy. We find evidence of a productivity differential between family and hired labour in the

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informal sector. In addition, the data do not support the hypothesis of substitutability between family and hired labour, which seems consistent with the idea that managerial and supervisory tasks may be mainly performed by family members. The results of transfer equations confirm the high propensity of households to transfer given their available resources and are consistent with the idea that family, kinship but also community level features exert an effect on the size and type of transfers to and from households. Finally, using information on the entrepreneurs social capital and looking at firm efficiency, we confirm the importance of unlocking financial constraints and improving access to professional support for successful household entrepreneurship. Free full text http://jourdev.gretha.ubordeaux4.fr/sites/jourdev.gretha/IMG/pdf/1b_chi_nordman.pdf. Income Distribution and Poverty Traps in Vietnam. Preliminary version. Vu Minh Hien, CIFREM, University of Trento, December 2011. Abstract: The theories of multiple equilibria in income distribution dynamics provide the basis for the poverty trap hypothesis. The lower and upper local stable equilibria results from different levels of economic growth that can be tracked at individual, household, region, nation, and international scales. The low level equilibrium of income dynamic processes occurs in the group at the lowest level of development, and this group is under a threshold that prevents it from escaping from underdevelopment or poverty traps. Based on theories and diversified empirical evidence, this paper examines the existence of multiple equilibria of income distribution movements and poverty in Vietnam. The study uses the three latest Vietnam Household Living Standard Surveys in 2004, 2006, and 2008. During this period, Vietnam economy experienced inconsistent changes in income distribution and poverty reduction across areas, regions, and sectors of the economy. The study demonstrates a nonlinear relationship in income distribution. However, the existence of an upper equilibrium is more significant than a lower one. Free full text http://jourdev.gretha.u-bordeaux4.fr/sites/jourdev.gretha/IMG/pdf/5e_hien.pdf. Intergovernmental fiscal relationships in Vietnam after the 2002 State Budget Law: The Center-Province and the Province-District/Commune dimensions. Hiroko Uchimura and Hisaki Kono. In: Fiscal decentralization and development: Experiences of three developing countries in Southeast Asia, edited by Hiroko Uchimura, Palgrave Macmillan, IDE-JETRO 2012, pp. 101-132. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Investigating the Wealth Paradox on Child Labor: A Case Study of rural areas in Vietnam. Preliminary version. Vu Minh Hien. CIFREM, University of Trento May 2012. Abstract: The study aims to investigate the effect of farm land on child labor along with consumption expenditure. The paper uses data in rural areas and for children from 10 to 14 years old of the Vietnam household living standard survey in 2008. The specifications are constructed in the three comparable models: Tobit, Heckman, and doublehurdle to identify the better econometric approach. The results support the hypothesis that child labor increases in land-rich but among poor income households, then decreases among non-poor income households. The findings add another factor to challenge the presumption that child labor appears in poorest households. Free full text http://www.economics.handels.gu.se/digitalAssets/1373/1373632_hien.pdf. Language, Discrimination and Infrastructure: Sources of Inequality and Ethnic Minorities in Vietnam. Hoa Thi Minh Nguyen, Tom Kompas, Trevor Breusch, Michael B. Ward. Monash University, March 2012. Abstract: This paper re-examines the sources of inequality in Vietnam, a transitional economy with large reductions in poverty from recent and dramatic economic growth, but vastly unequal gains across ethnic groups. Using an instrumental variable approach to provide consistent estimators of explanatory variables at household and commune levels for differences in real household expenditure per person, we draw four key conclusions. First, removing language barriers would significantly reduce inequality among ethnic groups, or narrow the ethnic gap, and especially so through enhancing the gains earned by minorities from education. Second, preferential treatment is likely to exist in favour of the majority in an environment where both the majority and minority groups are found to live, suggesting

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the possibility of some forms of discrimination. Third, although basic infrastructure such as power, clean water and hard-surfaced roads benefits minorities, with no or limited effects on the majority population, there is little difference between ethnic groups in terms of the benefits drawn from enhanced infrastructure at the commune level. The exception is the returns to roads, which differentially benefits minorities. Finally, contrary to established views, we found that as much as 50 to 70 percent of the ethnic gap is attributed to differences in endowments, and not to differences in the returns to endowments. Free full text http://cde.buseco.monash.edu.au/site/DefaultSite/filesystem/documents/HoaNguyen_VNEthnicPaper_26March2012.p df. [Hoa Thi Minh NGuyen et al 2012.pdf] Local Power Structures and Their Effect on Forest Land Allocation in the Buffer Zone of Tam Dao National Park, Vietnam. Cari An Coe. The Journal of Environment Development, published 5 June 2012. Abstract: This article examines how household property claims over forest land used for economic production were established in communes bordering Tam Dao National Park in northern Vietnam under the decentralized implementation of forest land allocation policies. Using data from surveys of households living on the edge of Tam Dao National Park, this study examines who got what when household access to forest land used for production was established. This demonstrates the community interests that constitute the local power structures affecting distribution of access to forest land. In this case, household access to forest land used for production is determined greatly through entrepreneurial and institutional factors. If decentralized forest land allocation policies have any hope of circumscribing land use so that it corresponds to the uses laid out in land use plans, we must first understand how local power structures affect household access to forest land. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Long-Run Costs of Piecemeal Reform: Wage Inequality and Returns to Education in Vietnam. By Diep Phan and Ian Coxhead. University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics, Staff Paper No. 566 May 2012. Abstract: Shock therapy transitions in Eastern Europe facilitated movement of skilled workers into privatized industries offering high wage premia relative to state industries. Other transitional economies (notably China and Vietnam) have been slower to relinquish control over key industries and factor markets. Some costs of this piecemeal approach are now becoming apparent. We examine the spillover of continuing capital market distortions into the market for a complementary factor, skilled labor. Using Vietnamese data we find that capital market segmentation creates a two-track market for skills, in which state sector workers earn high salaries while non-state workers face lower demand and lower compensation. Growth is reduced directly by diminished allocative efficiency and incentives to acquire education, and indirectly by higher wage inequality and rents for workers with access to state jobs. Free full text http://www.aae.wisc.edu/pubs/sps/pdf/stpap566.pdf. Opportunity entrepreneurs - potential drivers of non-farm growth in rural Vietnam? Jurgen Brunjes, Javier Revilla Diez. 2012. Abstract: In this paper we apply the concept of necessity and opportunity entrepreneurship to rural Vietnam. The aim is to evaluate whether opportunity entrepreneurs in rural areas in developing countries have a greater potential to stimulate endogenous nonfarm growth than necessity entrepreneurs. The results show that opportunity entrepreneurs are relatively frequent. They have an agricultural background less often and are better educated and skilled. In addition, they are more successful in terms of profits, even after controlling for general business and locational characteristics. However, even rural opportunity entrepreneurs are often not oriented towards employment growth and thus have a limited capacity to generate nonfarm employment for other households. It becomes clear that although the necessity/opportunity concept has so far been primarily applied to developed countries, distinguishing opportunity and necessity entrepreneurship is very suitable in a rural developing context if some contextual specifics of the rural environment are taken into account. Free full text ftp://137.248.191.199/RePEc/pum/wpaper/WP19.pdf.

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Prevalence and factors associated with road traffic crash among taxi drivers in Hanoi, Vietnam. Quang Ngoc La, Andy H. Lee, Lynn B. Meuleners, Dat Van Duong. Accident Analysis & Prevention, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 8 June 2012. Abstract: Injury due to road traffic crash is a major cause of ill health and premature deaths in developing countries. Taxis provide a main mode of public transport in Vietnam but there has been little research on the risk of crash for taxi drivers. This retrospective study collected information on taxi crashes for the period 20062009 by interviewing drivers from five taxi companies in Hanoi, Vietnam, using a structured questionnaire. Of the total 1214 participants recruited, 276 drivers reported at least one crash, giving an overall crash prevalence of 22.7%. Among the crashed group, 50 drivers (18.1%) were involved in two to four crashes. Logistic regression analysis further identified age of driver, type of driving licence, employment status, perceived sufficiency of income, seat-belt usage, and traffic infringement history to be significantly associated with the crash risk. Further prospective and qualitative studies are recommended to provide detailed crash characteristics as well as behaviour and perception of taxi drivers, so that an effective intervention can be developed to improve road safety and to prevent injury of these commercial drivers. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Privatization and Poverty Reduction in Vietnam: Optimal choices and its potential impacts. Ngoc Q. Pham, Pierre Mohnen. MPIA Working Paper 2012-02, April 2012. Abstract: Since its transition from a centrally planned economy to a market economy, Vietnam has been under pressure to reduce the size of the state-owned sector. In this process, the private sector has emerged. The objective of this paper is to examine how the privatization could contribute better to economic growth and hence further accelerate poverty reduction in Vietnam. We use the multi-sectorial integrated activity analysis model, and apply it to the data of the Vietnamese economy in 2007 to measure the impacts of ownership restructuring on economic growth. If labour and capital could reallocate across sectors and type of ownership, what would be the optimal allocation of activities and the feasible level of domestic final demand? Factor inputs are capital and four types of labour, namely technicians, high skilled, low skilled and unskilled workers. The model keeps track on asymmetric mobility of labour endowments by skill levels. -- Main contributions of this paper are fourfold. First, we demonstrate that that at the optimum, privatization does not mean to weaken the economic power of state sector. Second, we propose a specific pattern of SOE reform for Vietnam. Third, alternative experiments on the mobility of labour to shows that there is a trade-off between further privatization toward economic efficiency gain and job-creation in Vietnam, which means privatization does not contribute to job creation. Last, the paper shows that current skill situation of Vietnams labour force will be a bottle neck for Vietnam economic growth in the near future. Full text is available upon request. [Ngoc&Mohnen-2012.pdf] Social Capital and Savings Behavior: The impact of group membership on household formal savings in rural Vietnam. Carol Newman, Finn Tarp and Luu Duc Khai. Abstract: In this paper, we analyze household savings in rural Vietnam paying particular attention to the factors that determine the proportion of savings held as formal deposits. Our aim is to explore the extent to which social capital can play a role in promoting formal savings behavior. Social capital is defined as active membership of socio-political organizations such as Womens Unions and Farmers Unions. We find strong evidence to support the hypothesis that information transmitted through these organizations increases the proportion of liquid assets held in the form of deposits that yield a return. Our results imply that transmitting information on the benefits of deposit saving through formal networks or groups would be effective in increasing the number of households that save at grassroots level. Free full text http://www.ciem.org.vn/home/en/upload/info/attach/13388684820310_InDepthStudySocialCapitalSavings.pdf. Tax reform and economic development in Vietnam.

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Binh Tran Nam. In: Taxation in ASEAN and China: Local institutions, regionalism, global systems and economic development, edited by Nolan Cormac Sharkey, Routledge, 2012, pp. 126-146. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. The diversity of fiscal decentralization below provincial level and its relation to development in Vietnam: Do more decentralized provinces improve health and economic equity? Hisaki Kono and Hiroko Uchimura. In: Fiscal decentralization and development: Experiences of three developing countries in Southeast Asia, edited by Hiroko Uchimura, Palgrave Macmillan, IDE-JETRO 2012, pp. 133-170. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. The utility of injury narratives for prioritising future prevention activities in small and medium enterprises in rural Vietnam. Helen Marucci-Wellman, Joanna L Willetts, Nguyen Bich Diep, Ta Thi Binh. Inj Prev, Published Online First 2 June 2012. Abstract: -- Objectives: Injuries are a leading cause of work-related disability and death in rapidly developing countries such as Vietnam. The authors' objective was to demonstrate the utility of detailed injury narratives, derived from a household survey, in providing information on the determinants of work-related injuries to inform potential intervention targets. -- Methods: In a cross-sectional survey administered to 2615 households of a rapidly developing community of Vietnam where many workers engage in both agriculture and industrial work, the authors collected information about self-reported work-related injuries, annual hours worked in each industry and narrative text describing the circumstances of each injury. The authors used a customised coding taxonomy to describe injury scenarios. -- Results: Several intervention themes emerged, including the implementation of machine guarding, the use of cut resistant gloves and safety glasses which would benefit the small- and medium-sized enterprises. Calculation of incidence rates using full-time equivalents, stratified by work group, provided some unexpected observations of the risks of working in agriculture; workers who work in agriculture in addition to another industry are at an increased risk of fatigue or overexertion and other consequences of working too hard in their agricultural activities. -- Conclusions: A lack of aggregate injury statistics makes it difficult for the owners of small- and medium-sized enterprises to recognise a priori the most effective safety interventions. This analysis of detailed injury narratives with an appropriate taxonomic basis offers the ability to focus on the level of cause, activity and source and may inform the choice of various potential interventions at the workplace or enterprise level. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Training for Elected Representatives in Vietnam: Context, Approach, Process. Lam Duc Nguyen. Parliamentary Affairs, first published online June 11, 2012. Abstract: The nature and extent of processes and programmes for the development of skills and knowledge required by members of Vietnam's elected bodies, including the National Assembly and provincial People's Councils, are examined in this article. Professional development of Deputies occurs as a response to challenges for the National Assembly and People's Councils in fulfilling their roles as the only institutions empowered with the people's legitimacy at the national and local levels. Special expertise and skills are needed, particularly for activities, in representation, law-making, parliamentary oversight and decision-making. The article provides a short review of the broader context of political, socialeconomic and institutional environment in which parliamentary development occurs. It then addresses the special approach to parliamentary training in Vietnam and examines the training process provided to Deputies, including training needs assessment, curriculum development, delivery and monitoring and evaluation. Comparative international and regional perspectives will be taken into account while addressing Vietnam's parliamentary training. The conclusion is that professional development for Deputies should be a balanced

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combination of best practices in modern parliamentary training with special approaches to the Vietnamese context. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Vietnam: Improving Access to Land for Small and Medium Enterprises. Ivan Nimac, Stephen B. Butler, Huong Mai Huynh, and Lan Van Nguyen. In: Untying the Land Knot: Making Equitable, Efficient, and Sustainable Use of Industrial and Commercial Land, Edited by Xiaofang Shen, with Xiaolun Sun, World Bank 2012, pp 141-154. First paragraphs: The gradual liberalization of the economy in Vietnam, including access to land for the private sector, emanated from a major policy decision taken by the central authorities in 1986, which recognized, for the first time, the importance of the market in driving economic development. The enduring motivation was to develop Vietnam into an industrial country quickly. The policy to implement this objective, known as Doi Moi, or renovation, was broad and transformed the Vietnamese economic space during the two subsequent decades. -- Nevertheless, the reform of the processes associated with business access to land reflects an incremental approach. The sensitivity of land both as an ideological icon and as a valuable and relatively scarce resource warranted caution. The Doi Moi reforms in land policy were carried out through successive revisions of the Land Law in 1987, 1993, and 2003. Each revision represented further liberalization of the legal framework for land without altering the basic principle that the state, as representative of the people, owns the land. Free full text http://wwwwds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/2012/05/25/000333038_20120525014246/Render ed/PDF/690730PUB0Publ067902B09780821389706.pdf. Water Governance Under Renovation? Concepts and Practices of IWRM in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Gabi Waibel, Simon Benedikter, Nadine Reis, Sven Genschick, Loan Nguyen, Pham Cong Huu and Tran Thanh Be. In: The Mekong Delta System. Springer 2012, Part 2, 167-198. Abstract: The objective of this chapter is to explore Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) practices in Vietnam. Based on intensive empirical research in the Mekong Delta, the daily reality of water resources management is investigated in several sub-sectors. It will be shown that water management practices deviate to a large extent from the existing legal frameworks, policies and strategies commonly based on IWRM principles. It will be argued that the gap between official policy and actual practices is not the outcome of lacking capacity or resource scarcity, as often assumed in donor and government reports. Rather, it is a result of the peculiar structural features of the contemporary state in Vietnam. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.

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Some new academic papers on development issues in Vietnam

2012 June 1 issue
Links provided hereunder are accessible on WB intranet only, except otherwise specified. Please contact VDIC librarian at nvu2@worldbank.org if you need full text of the article/s listed below, for private study, scholarship or research purposes. We can only provide full text of those without the note Fee may apply. A software coupling approach to assess low-cost soil conservation strategies for highland agriculture in Vietnam. Carsten Marohn, Pepijn Schreinemachers, Dang Viet Quang, Thomas Berger, Prakit Siripalangkanont, Thanh Thi Nguyen, Georg Cadisch. Environmental Modelling & Software, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 19 May 2012. Abstract: Soil degradation is an environmental process mainly caused by land use decision-makers that has substantial feedback effects on livelihoods and the environment. To capture these feedback effects and the resulting humanenvironment interactions, we used an agent-based modeling approach to couple two software packages that simulate soil, water and plant dynamics (LUCIA), and farm decision-making (MP-MAS). We show that such a software coupling approach has advantages over hard-coded model integration as applied by most other comparable studies, as it facilitates combining of increasingly sophisticated individual models and can achieve a well-balanced representation of agricultural systems. Using a numerical application for a small mountainous watershed in northwest Vietnam we show the challenges in model coupling, calibration and partial validation, and explore the properties of the coupled model system. Scenario analysis covering the introduction of low-cost soil conservation techniques indicates that some of these techniques would have an impact on soil erosion, maize productivity and household income levels in the study catchment area under current conditions. However, maize yields and the adoption of soil conservation appear to be sensitive to the price of mineral fertilizers, with lower fertilizer prices impeding the adoption of soil conservation measures. The software coupling approach was able to capture interactions between decision-makers and natural resources, as well as the level of spatial variability, in more detail than the individual models. Still, the greater number of endogenous variables and thus degrees of freedom increased the importance of validation and testing parameter sensitivity of the results. An Empirical Study of Determinants of E-Commerce Adoption in SMEs in Vietnam: An Economy in Transition. Le Van Huy, Frantz Rowe, Duane Truex and Minh Q. Huynh. Journal of Global Information Management (JGIM), Volume 20, Issue 3. Abstract: Experts and business pundits forecasted drastic changes in Vietnams fledgling e-commerce when the Southeast Asian country became an official member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2007. Over the past few years, as part of the Reform called Doi moi some Vietnamese enterprises have adopted e-commerce and already benefitted from it. In this research, the authors adapt the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework and test a model of e-commerce adoption including numerous internal and external factors identified in empirical studies. The final sample of 926 small and medium-sized enterprises in Vietnam includes both adopter and non-adopter firms. The policy implications of this study on promoting e-commerce adoption by SMEs in transition economies, such as Vietnam, are discussed. Analysis of pesticides in surface water in remote areas in Vietnam: Coping with matrix effects and test of longterm storage stability.

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Maria Anyusheva, Marc Lamers, Klaus Schwadorf, Thilo Streck. International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry. Abingdon: 2012. Vol. 92, Iss. 7; pg. 797. Abstract: During the last years, the increased use of pesticides and growing awareness of associated environmental and health problems have led to the implementation of various monitoring programmes in South-East Asia. The introduction of numerous new active ingredients and commercial pesticide formulations in connection with reports on pesticide-related health problems strongly indicate that the analytical procedures should be tested and evaluated for currently used pesticides. Coping with matrix effects and ensuring pesticide stability when samples are taken in remote areas are paramount. In the present study, we tested an analytical method that targets nine currently used pesticides in surface water in northern Vietnam. The method consists of solid phase extraction, storage at -18C in the adsorbed state, and capillary gas chromatography with nitrogen-phosphorus-detection of five insecticides (dichlorvos, fenobucarb, dimethoate, fenitrothion, and chlorpyrifos), three fungicides (chlorothalonil, metalaxyl, and edifenphos) and one herbicide (atrazine). We evaluated the potential analytical bias caused by matrix effect and investigated its possible causes. We also tested the long-term stability (up to 9 months) of pesticides adsorbed to Carbopack SPE cartridges when stored at temperatures below -18C. Adopting a matrix-matched calibration technique considerably improved the recovery values of seven of the nine tested pesticides. At spiking levels of 0.1 g L-1 and 1 g L-1 and after storage of 119 days at -18C, recovery values of these pesticides ranged from 67% to 107% and from 67% to 155%, respectively. For the remaining two pesticides recovered at 53-55% at both spiking levels -- dichlorvos and chlorothalonil -- the method could still be useful for semi-quantitative analysis or as a screening tool. Even though the general recommendation is to minimise storage time to reduce pesticides degradation, our results showed that storage times up to nine months can be adopted for atrazine, metalaxyl, fenitrothion, and chlorpyrifos. But how do we learn? Talking to Vietnamese children about how they learn in and out of school. Renata Phelps, Ha Thi Tuyet Nhung, Anne Graham, Richard Geeves. International Journal of Educational Research, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 18 May 2012. Abstract: Vietnam is currently striving to introduce more child-centred approaches to pedagogy. From a Western perspective, child-centred education requires teachers to perceive children as capable, active partners in learning and to develop deep understandings of their students, including the variety of ways in which they learn. This paper draws from a study involving interviews with 46 rural Vietnamese children about their learning in, and outside of, school. The data provides important insights into cultural perceptions of learning, and of metacognitive understandings and engagement (how do we learn?). The paper explores the value of engaging children in thinking about how they learn, and the benefits of teachers scaffolding metacognitive engagement, in order to enhance children's agency and their active participation in learning. Can marker assisted selection for reproductive performance increase the competitiveness of a community driven breeding program with local breeds in mountainous northern Vietnam? Nguyen Van Hau, Le Thi Thuy, Regina Roesslerb, Anne Valle Zrate. Paper prepared for the International Conference Sustainable Land Use and Rural Development in Mountain Areas, Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany, 1618 April 2012. Abstract: Pig production in Vietnam is developing rapidly, but is mainly based on smallholder farms and most of them are not yet participating in a breeding program (Herold et al., 2010). In the mountainous north-western region of Vietnam, Mong Cai and Ban are two common indigenous pig breeds increasingly used as sow lines for crossing with exotic boars to produce piglets for home consumption and local markets (Lemke et al., 2006). The reproductive performance of sows plays an important role in the successful production of pigs (Rothschild, 1998) and the efficiency of pig production in terms of realised profits. An important genetic marker affecting reproductive performance traits of sows, i.e. number of piglets born (NBT), number of piglets born alive (NBA) and number of piglets weaned (NW) is the oestrogen receptor gene (ESR) (Rothschild et al., 1996). Selection in a conventional breeding program for reproductive traits takes a long time and is aggravated by low heritabilities, even lower under performance testing of small farms. The objective of the present study was to estimate the effect of the genetic polymorphisms of ESR on the reproductive performance of the local breeds, as well as to discuss the benefits of

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integrating marker-assisted selection for reproductive traits in the communitydriven breeding program with local pig breeds kept under smallholder conditions in Son La province, northwest Vietnam. -- Tissue samples for DNA extraction and reproductive performance were collected from 88 Mong Cai sows with 341 litters and 78 Ban sows with 172 litters in 8 villages in Son La province, Northwest Vietnam. The ESR was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) methods. The effects of ESR polymorphisms and the additive and dominant effects on reproductive performance of sows were analyzed by using SAS software, version 9.2 (SAS, 2008) and the additive effect (a) was estimated by linear contrast based on: . The analysis of variance showed that the polymorphism at the ESR locus and the additive effect had a significant impact on the reproductive traits of both sows breeds (p<0.001). The results (Table 1) indicate that the additive effect on NBT, NBA and NW of the two indigenous sow breeds were favourable for the B allele. The additive effect results in an increase of 1.8, 1.7 and 1.7 piglets litter-1 for NBT, NBA and NW in the Mong Cai breed and 0.8, 0.7 and 0.6 piglets litter-1 in the Ban breed, respectively. According to Roessler et al. (2009) and Herold et al. (2010), none of the conventional breeding programs compared by modelling techniques could contribute to an increase in reproductive traits. The present results show an option to increase these traits by using marker assisted selection. However, the cost for determination of the ESR marker is with 200,000VND/ sow only for the laboratory analysis still quite high, even disregarding costs for sampling, cooling and transportation in the frame of routine performance testing program. Marker-assisted ESR gene selection could improve the benefits derived for small-scale pig production, provided that the technique can be cost-efficiently integrated in community-driven breeding programs. Civilizing the City: Socialist Ruins and Urban Renewal in Central Vietnam. Christina Schwenkel. positions 2012 Volume 20, Number 2: 437-470. Abstract: The shift to market socialism has brought rapid and profound changes to urban landscapes in Vietnam. Focusing on the fate of socialist architecture and urban design under contemporary urban redevelopment and renewal plans, this essay explores the transformation of Vinh City, capital of the province of Ngh An, from a center of socialist utopian modernity and postwar urban recovery to a symbol of urban blight and late socialist decay. Destroyed by aerial bombing during the war with the United States, Vinh City was redesigned and rebuilt in the postwar years with East German aid, technology, and urban planning expertise. A primary focus of urban reconstruction was Quang Trung communal housing, consisting of eighteen hundred apartments and dormitories in five-story buildings that housed more than eight thousand residents, mainly workers and veterans in need of housing after the war. Since 2004, sections of Quang Trung have been demolished and replaced with a trade center and high rise condominiums. Based on ethnographic and historical research in Vietnam and Germany, the essay traces new strategies of urban governance that endeavor to reorder and redesign city space through acts of architectural destruction and reconstruction that likewise infuse capitalist logics and values, such as privatization and selfactualization, into the cityscape. Emerging geographies of neoliberalism in Vietnam are shown to be contingent upon the pathologization of socialist ruins and urban practices, and their eradication from the landscape of urban memory. Visual spectacles of demolition thus signify new aesthetic and economic regimes that link capitalist redevelopment and redesign to the formation of modern, prosperous, and civilized cities and citizens. Clinical governance: A lever for change in Nhan Dan Gia Dinh Hospital in Vietnam. Tuan Trong Luu, Clinical Governance: An International Journal, Vol. 17 Iss: 3 (2012). Abstract: Purpose - This research looks through the data of Nhan Dan Gia Dinh Hospital, a state-owned hospital in Vietnam, for evidence on whether a clinical governance initiative cultivates ethical leadership, market- or innovation-oriented culture, knowledge sharing, and knowledge- or identity-based trust. Design/methodology/approach - Data was dug up through case study approach with hospital document collection, field observations, and in-depth interviews conducted between April 2009 and April 2011.

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Findings - The findings demonstrated that a clinical governance initiative, when effectively implemented, can functions as a lever for behavioral transformations in the hospital towards ethical leadership, market- or innovationoriented culture, knowledge sharing, and knowledge- or identity-based trust. Originality/value - The current research provides a portrayal of an effective clinical governance initiative with its proactive hospital outcomes such as ethical leadership, market- or innovation-oriented culture, knowledge sharing, and knowledge- or identity-based trust on the hospital journey of sustainable health creation. This paper also highlights the necessity for research that examines other organizational outcomes of clinical governance in Vietnamese hospitals of other ownerships. Contamination of Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs) in Human Hair from E-waste Recycling Site in Vietnam. Mamoru MUTO, Tomohiko ISOBE, Karri RAMU, Nguyen Minh TUE, Pham Hung VIET, Shin TAKAHASHI and Shinsuke TANABE. Interdisciplinary Studies on Environmental ChemistryEnvironmental Pollution and Ecotoxicology, Eds., M. Kawaguchi, K. Misaki, H. Sato, T. Yokokawa, T. Itai, T. M. Nguyen, J. Ono and S. Tanabe, pp. 229237. by TERRAPUB, 2012. AbstractIn this study, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in human scalp hair from Vietnam. Levels of PBDEs and HBCDs were significantly higher in hair of e-waste recycling workers in Bui Dau (e-waste recycling site), an e-waste recycling site than those in general residents in Bui Dau, Dong Mai (lead battery recycling site) and Hanoi (urban control site). Additionally, comparable levels of PBDEs in some samples of non-recyclers in Bui Dau to hair of ewaste recycling workers were detected. This suggests that residents in Bui Dau were highly exposed to PBDEs and HBCDs from e-waste recycling operations. Deca-BDE (BDE-209) was the dominant congener in human hair among 26 PBDE congeners quantified in this study. These profiles in human hair observed in this study were relatively similar to those in indoor dust that deca-BDE was the dominant congener, while were entirely different from those in human tissues such as breast milk and adipose tissue. This suggests that PBDEs detected in human hair may be attributed to indoor dust. Thus biomonitoring using human hair is important to understand the status of contamination and to assess the exposure of human to those chemicals through indoor dust. Free full text http://www.terrapub.co.jp/onlineproceedings/ec/06/pdf/PR628.pdf. Cooperation in coffee markets: the case of Vietnam and Colombia. Maria-Alejandra Gonzalez-Perez, Santiago Gutierrez-Viana. Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies. Bingley: 2012. Vol. 2, Iss. 1; pg. 57. Abstract: Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present a cross-country study comparing Colombia and Vietnam, two of the major coffee exporting countries in the world, in terms of their infrastructures, the roles of external shocks, technology adoption at different stages of production, added value, positioning in both domestic and global markets, internationalisation patterns, marketing and branding innovations, regulatory frameworks, and policy environments. This study also explores other aspects linked to production, and marketing strategies that open niche markets such as speciality coffees, and socially-, labour- and environmentally-responsible trade. Furthermore, it identifies opportunities of cooperation and competition between these two countries. Design/methodology/approach - Using value chain analysis as primary research method, this paper identifies links and dynamics in the value chains that have been developed in the coffee industry in both countries to improve competitiveness, increase sustainability, and respond to market demands. Findings - Using value chain analysis, it was found that Colombia and Vietnam produce different types of coffee, and that both have implemented diverse strategies in order to be more competitive in domestic and foreign markets via

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product differentiation. These differences make explicit room for cooperation between these two countries in an international environment where fierce competition persists. Originality/value - Cooperation between producing countries is an under-researched subject. These findings will be useful both for policy makers in coffee-producing countries and agribusiness researchers. Cost of Illness of Chronic Hepatitis B Infection in Vietnam. Hong Anh T. Tu, Herman J. Woerdenbag, Arthorn Riewpaiboon, Sumit Kane, Diep M. Le, Maarten J. Postma, Shu Chuen Li. Value in Health Regional Issues, Volume 1, Issue 1 , Pages 23-28, May 2012. Abstract: -- Objectives: To estimate the total financial burden of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection for Vietnam by quantifying the direct medical, the direct nonmedical, and indirect costs among patients with various stages of chronic HBV infection. -- Methods: Direct medical cost data were retrieved retrospectively from medical histories of inpatients and outpatients in 2008 from a large referral hospital in Hanoi, Vietnam. Direct nonmedical and indirect costs data were obtained from face-to-face interviews of outpatients from the same hospital. The treatment cost per patient per chronic HBV infection stage was multiplied by the total estimated patients in Vietnam to get the total cost of illness for the nation. -- Results: Nationally, the total cost attributable to chronic HBV infection and its complications in 2008 was estimated to be approximately US $4.4 billion, with the direct medical cost accounting for about 70% of that estimate. The cost of antivirals was the major cost driver in treating chronic HBV infection. The per-patient total annual direct medical cost increased with the severity of the disease, with the estimated costs for chronic HBV infection and hepatocellular carcinoma as US $450.35 and US $1883.05, respectively. When compared with the 2008 per-capita gross domestic product of US $1024, the financial burden of treating chronic HBV infection is very high in Vietnam. -- Conclusions: This study confirmed that chronic HBV infection poses a significant financial burden for the average patient and that lacking treatment would become a social issue in Vietnam. Although HBV vaccination has been universally implemented, more health care investment and the greater availability of affordable medications are still needed to attain equity in proper treatment for patients with HBV infection. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Hepatitis B Immunization in Vietnam: Application of Cost-Effectiveness Affordability Curves in Health Care Decision Making. Hong Anh T. Tu, Robin de Vries, Herman J. Woerdenbag, Shu Chuen Li, Hoa H. Le, Marinus van Hulst, Maarten J. Postma. Value in Health Regional Issues, Volume 1, Issue 1 , Pages 7-14, May 2012. Abstract: -- Objectives: To perform a cost-effectiveness analysis and to identify the cost-effectiveness affordability levels for a newborn universal vaccination program against hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Vietnam. -- Methods: By using a Markov model, we simulated a Vietnamese birth cohort using 1,639,000 newborns in 2002 and estimated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for quality-adjusted life-year gained following universal newborn HBV vaccination. Two types of analyses were performed, including and excluding expenditures on the treatment of chronic hepatitis B and its complications. We used Monte Carlo simulations to examine costeffectiveness acceptability and affordability from the payer's perspective and constructed a cost-effectiveness affordability curve to assess the costs and health effects of the program.

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-- Results: In the base-case analysis, newborn universal HBV vaccination reduced the carrier rate by 58% at a cost of US $42 per carrier averted. From the payer's perspective, incremental cost-effectiveness ratio per quality-adjusted lifeyear gained was US $3.77, much lower than the 2002 per-capita gross domestic product of US $440. Vaccination could potentially be affordable starting at a US $2.1 million budget. At the cost-effectiveness threshold of US $3.77 per quality-adjusted life-year and an annual budget of US $5.9 million, the probability that vaccination will be both cost-effective and affordable was 21%. -- Conclusions: Universal newborn HBV vaccination is highly cost-effective in Vietnam. In low-income, highendemic countries, where funds are limited and the economic results are uncertain, our findings on the costeffectiveness affordability options may assist decision makers in proper health investments. Counting One's Way onto the Global Stage: Enumeration, Accountability, and Reproductive Success in Vietnam. Melissa J. Pashigian. positions 2012 Volume 20, Number 2: 529-558. Abstract: This article concerns the ways in which the enumeration of in vitro fertilization (IVF) births emerges as a practice that is simultaneously associated with a socialist nationalist project and post-i mi market reform. It explores the brief history of and changes in the ways in which recently introduced assisted reproductive technologies and IVF births come to be enumerated by state authorities and by female infertility patients. Focusing on changes in infertility treatment, the article suggests that in the process of making sense of the rapid social, economic, and political changes that have occurred in Vietnam over the past twenty-five years, individuals and institutions continue to draw on socialist orientations as they encounter market changes, leading to practices and subjectivities that are neither clearly socialist nor neoliberal. Rather, they are at once partial and incomplete, yet dynamic, temporally contingent on understandings of experienced pasts, and new opportunities of the current moment. Deconstructing barriers to access: Minority ethnic women and medicalised maternal health services in Vietnam. Joanna White, Pauline Oosterhoff and Huong Thi Nguyen. Global Public Health, 2012, 1-13. Abstract: Low maternal health service utilisation amongst minority ethnic women in Vietnam is often attributed to traditional customs. Drawing on secondary data and original, qualitative research amongst Hmong and Thai communities, this paper analyses minority behaviour related to childbirth. The informed selectivity in service attendance identified can be considered, in part, a rejection of current medicalised approaches at health facilities, where supine delivery is compulsory and family members are prohibited from attending women in labour. The paper reveals how conventional analyses of barriers to minority maternal health service utilisation inhibit scrutiny of the ways services fail to engage with or accommodate local preferences. Participatory identification of mutually acceptable delivery methods by maternal health staff and local women is recommended to enable the development of culturally inclusive services. Full text is available upon request. [White-etal-2012.pdf] Elites vs. Reform in Laos,Cambodia, and Vietnam. Martin Gainsborough. Journal of Democracy. Baltimore: Apr 2012. Vol. 23, Iss. 2; pg. 34, 13 pgs. Abstract: [...]relevant is Vietnam's ill-fated attempt during the Cold War to sustain a special leadership role in Indochina, incorporating Cambodia and Laos after the Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia in 1978. Since the Cold War's end, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos have been grouped together because they are among Southeast Asia's poorest states; because they are linked through what is known as the Greater Mekong Subregion; and because they are among the newest members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Turning to Vietnam and Laos, one can applaud the growth of civil society activism while also soberly recognizing that while it reveals some liberal influences, it is also less than thoroughly liberal in outlook. [...]with regard to none of the three countries would it be fair to assume that a regime change in the direction of multipartism will in and of itself betoken the triumph of liberal values. Full text is available upon request. [Gainsborough2012.pdf]

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Enacting Anticorruption: The Reconfiguration of Audit Regimes in Contemporary Vietnam. Ken MacLean. positions: asia critique 2012 Volume 20, Number 2: 595-625 (Duke University Press). Abstract: This essay examines the ongoing fight against corruption in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The PMU18 scandal (ca. 20052007), the country's largest to date, is featured as a way to explore how different initiatives to audit the financial-moral practices of officials at all levels of government shape one another in contemporary Vietnam. This focus, which considers the material consequences of different discursive positions, reveals a curious paradox. Namely, the dominant regulatory approaches in use today define the primary source of bureaucratic corruption and thus the forms of intervention best suited towards its reduction in terms that are most often associated with the other. Socialist approaches, which are conventionally thought to rely upon techno-scientific and administrative modes of regulation, also called for external performance audits and other business management techniques to provide greater incentives for individuals to engage in ethical forms of self-regulation, whereas neoliberal approaches, which normally abhor regulatory mechanisms, recommended the reintroduction of centralized command-and-control measures to limit the ability of government officials to abuse their public positions for private gain. This outcome suggests that both regulatory regimes and the techniques used to promote accountability may have more in common than is commonly thought as it also raises the possibility that recombinant forms now exist. The patterns also provide comparative insights into (trans)national efforts to guide the conduct of conduct in settings that are neither Western nor liberal. Full text is available upon request. [MacLean-2012.pdf] Enrichment planting of native species for biodiversity conservation in a logged tree plantation in Vietnam. J. Millet, N. Tran, N. Vien Ngoc, T. Tran Thi and D. Prat. New Forests. Springer, 2012. Abstract: Decades of deforestation and over logging have created large expanses of degraded lands in many countries including Vietnam. Reforestation may offer one means of mitigating these processes of degradation while sustaining biodiversity conservation. However a lack of information regarding trees, in particular threatened tree species has been identified as an important limitation in being able to reforest for biodiversity conservation. In the current study, conducted in the Tan Phu protection forest, the investigation surrounds the feasibility of biodiversity restoration in a fast-growing plantation after logging. Twelve threatened and native species mainly belonging to the Dipterocarpaceae and Fabaceae families have been considered. Seedlings grown in a local nursery have been planted under the canopy of a 50 ha pioneer forest, with a distance of 5 m between plants and between rows. The experimental design consists of blocks, each one with a replication of a 16-tree plot for each species. Four years after plantation, the survival rate of seedlings is high (>70 %), except for Dipterocarpus costatus (<10 %). Growth shows possible inhibitions under a closed canopy but the mean annual increment is generally satisfactory. The early performance of the seedlings is promising to make this plantation a good example of biodiversity restoration. These results could enhance the reforestation efforts of forest managers and encourage them to use native tree species including threatened ones in order to restore a high level of biodiversity in tropical degraded forests. Evaluation of Three Adolescent Sexual Health Programs in Ha Noi and Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam. Van Pham, Hoang Nguyen, Le Huu Tho, Truong TanMinh, Porntip Lerdboon, Rosemary Riel, Mackenzie S. Green, and Linda M. Kaljee. AIDS Research and Treatment, Volume 2012, Article ID 986978, 12 pages. Abstract: With an increase in sexual activity among young adults in Vietnam and associated risks, there is a need for evidence-based sexual health interventions. This evaluation of three sexual health programs based on the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) was conducted in 12 communes in Ha Noi, Nha Trang City, and Ninh Hoa District. Inclusion criteria included unmarried youth 1520 years residing in selected communes. Communes were randomly allocated to an intervention, and participants were randomly selected within each commune. The intervention programs included Vietnamese Focus on Kids (VFOK), the gender-based program Exploring the World of Adolescents (EWA), and EWA plus parental and health provider education (EWA+). Programs were delivered over a ten-week period in the communities by locally trained facilitators. The gender-based EWA program with parental involvement (EWA+) compared to VFOK showed significantly greater increase in knowledge. EWA+ in comparison to VFOK also showed significant decrease at immediate postintervention for intention to have sex. Sustained changes are observed in all three interventions for self-efficacy condom use, self-efficacy abstinence, response efficacy for

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condoms, extrinsic rewards, and perceived vulnerability for HIV. These findings suggest that theory-based community programs contribute to sustained changes in knowledge and attitudes regarding sexual risk among Vietnamese adolescents. Free full text http://downloads.hindawi.com/journals/art/2012/986978.pdf. [VanPham-etal2012.pdf] Exchanging digital educational resources among teachers: a survey in Vietnam. Thai Thi Hong Nguyen & ric Bruillard. In M. Koehler & P. Mishra (Eds.), Proceedings of Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference 2011 (pp. 1592-1599). Chesapeake, VA: AACE, 2011. Abstract: As a part of a PHD thesis about educational resource sharing and design of specific functionalities to facilitate visualisation of the life cycle of educational resources along classroom use, we have investigated opinions of Vietnamese teachers concerning resource sharing and sharing websites. After a first exploratory survey by questionnaire (N=69), we have participated in four workshops organised by the Ministry of education in Vietnam. We have administered questionnaires (N=905) and had interviews with advanced teachers (N=25). This paper gives main results we have obtained and provides some explanation linked to the cultural and social context in Vietnam. Free full text http://www.stef.ens-cachan.fr/annur/bruillard/SITE_2011_Thai.pdf. Facilitating access to rural services in Vietnam: The invisible social capital link. Quoc, Hoang Dinh; Dufhues, Thomas; Buchenrieder, Gertrud. Paper prepared for the International Association of Agricultural Economists, 2012 Conference, August 18-24, 2012, Foz do Iguau, Brazil. Abstract: This paper investigates the effects of individual social capital on the access of rural households to services. In the context of agriculture economics, an innovative data collection approach is used to determine social capital. The approach originates from the field of sociology and entails a personal network survey. We define four social capital variables according to tie strength (bonding/bridging) and social distance (bondinglink/bridginglink) between the respondent and his/her network member. The econometric results suggest that social capital with weaker ties in combination with socially distant ties (bridginglink social capital) can potentially improve households access to rural services. Free full text http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/123402. From the People to the Human: HIV/AIDS, Neoliberalism, and the Economy of Virtue in Contemporary Vietnam. Alfred Montoya. positions 2012 Volume 20, Number 2: 561-591. Abstract: Drawing on archival research and fieldwork conducted in Ho Chi Minh City and its environs in 20072008, this article examines a shift from a moral-economic model of protection/patronage turning on the long-standing figure of the People, to a biopolitical mechanism of power deploying neoliberal practices and technologies centered on a new figure, here instantiated as the Human. In Vietnam in the early 2000s, an older social-evils-based HIV/AIDS apparatus was destabilized by new epidemiological conditions, a reproblematization of epidemic disease after SARS, and the arrival of PEPFAR. Building on literature concerning global humanitarian intervention, I argue that in Vietnam HIV/AIDS prevention and control operates within what I call an economy of virtue, the general form in which neoliberal technologies and logics are being incorporated as rational, technical, scientific guarantors of the integrity and dignity of the Human. The remainder of the essay tracks the migration of neoliberal logics to the realm of global health management and their intersection with the political, technological, and ethical elements of late socialism in the combat of HIV/AIDS. Health services for reproductive tract infections among female migrant workers in industrial zones in Ha Noi, Viet Nam: an in-depth assessment. Le Anh Thi Kim, Lien Thi Lan Pham, Lan Hoang Vu and Esther Schelling. Reproductive Health 2012, 9:4. Abstract:

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-- Background: Rural-to-urban migration involves a high proportion of females because job opportunities for female migrants have increased in urban industrial areas. Those who migrate may be healthier than those staying in the village and they may benefit from better health care services at destination, but the healthy effect can be reversed at destination due to migration-related health risk factors. The study aimed to explore the need for health care services for reproductive tract infections (RTIs) among female migrants working in the Sai Dong industrial zone as well as their services utilization. -- Methods: The cross sectional study employed a mixed method approach. A cohort of 300 female migrants was interviewed to collect quantitative data. Two focus groups and 20 in-depth interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data. We have used frequency and cross-tabulation techniques to analyze the quantitative data and the qualitative data was used to triangulate and to provide more in-depth information. -- Results: The needs for health care services for RTI were high as 25% of participants had RTI syndromes. Only 21.6% of female migrants having RTI syndromes ever seek helps for health care services. Barriers preventing migrants to access services were traditional values, long working hours, lack of information, and high cost of services. Employers had limited interests in reproductive health of female migrants, and there was ineffective collaboration between the local health system and enterprises. These barriers were partly caused by lack of health promotion programs suitable for migrants. Most respondents needed more information on RTIs and preferred to receive these from their employers since they commonly work shifts - and spend most of their day time at work. -- Conclusion: While RTIs are a common health problem among female migrant workers in industrial zones, female migrants had many obstacles in accessing RTI care services. The findings from this study will help to design intervention models for RTI among this vulnerable group such as communication for behavioural impact of RTI health care, fostered collaboration between local health care services and employer enterprises, and on-site service (e.g. local or enterprise health clinics) strengthening. Full text is available upon request. [Le Anh Thi Kim et al 2012.pdf] Heavy metals status in sediment at Can Gio mangrove, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam. Pham Kim Phuong, Nguyen Dinh Tu, Nguyen Vu Thanh. Vietnam journal of biology, v. 33, no. 3 (2011). Abstract: The two field surveys have been organized by the Department of Nematology, Institute of Ecology and Biological resources in the Can Gio mangrove forest, Ho Chi Minh city in the period November 2005 (wet season) and April (dry season) 2006. Some heavy metals in Can Gio mangrove forest sediments such as Cr, Pb, As, Cu and Zn were found in all samples and in both seasons with their concentrations were often higher in dry season. In addition, in dry season some heavy metals such as Cr, As and Oil and Clo originated pestisides were occurred with highest concentrations in the core zone 2 and Thi Vai river area. Cd component was not detected in the dry season (April, 2006), but it was found in the rain season (November, 2005) with concentrations ranged from 6.1 to 7.7 mg/kg. Although the observed heavy metals concentrations are lower than the Vietnam Standard Criteria and indicated the sediments of Can Gio mangrove forest were not too much polluted, however the presence of these heavy metals in sediment of Can Gio Mangrove forest could cause the bio-accumilation for zoobenthos associated with webfood chains in their related ecological system. How Much of Observed Economic Mobility is Measurement Error? IV Methods to Reduce Measurement Error Bias, with an Application to Vietnam. Paul Glewwe. World Bank Economic Review (2012) 26 (2): 236-264. Abstract: Research on economic growth and inequality inevitably raises issues concerning economic mobility because the relationship between long-run inequality and short-run inequality is mediated by income mobility; for a given level of short-run inequality, greater mobility implies lower long-run inequality. But empirical measures of both inequality and mobility tend to be biased upward due to measurement error in income and expenditure data collected from household surveys. This paper examines how to reduce or remove this bias using instrumental variable methods, and provides conditions that instrumental variables must satisfy to provide consistent estimates. This approach is

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applied to panel data from Vietnam. The results imply that at least 15 percent, and perhaps as much as 42 percent, of measured mobility is upward bias due to measurement error. The results also suggest that measurement error accounts for at least 12 percent of measured inequality. How Much Value within Foreign Direct Investment Can a Government Destroy? Tom Arnold, Bonnie Buchanan. The Journal of Wealth Management. London: Summer 2012. Vol. 15, Iss. 1; pg. 16, 12 pgs. Abstract: This article employs techniques from real options analysis to determine an actual value that can be gained or lost due to government policy instead of a speculated value. Although a government commits to promoting a particular area of business (in this case, the sugar industry in Vietnam), implementation and conflicting policies can make the investment much less profitable. By employing real options analysis, the investor receives a clearer picture of the losses and gains under a particular governmental policy, which should lead to more prudent investment decisions. Full text is available upon request. [Arnold&Buchanan-2012.pdf] Impact of climate change on mineral resources in Vietnam. Nguyen Quang Hung. Proceedings of 47th CCOP annual session 2010. Abstract: Mineral resources of Vietnam are abundant and diverse, contributing significantly to national economic and social development. According to the updated geological and mineral exploration, mineral resources of great potential include bauxite, titanium-zircon, rare earth elements, coal, apatite, white marble, glass sand, cement limestone and thermo-mineral water, which can serve long-term mining and mineral processing industry. Being mostly unrenewable, these resources must be protected and rationally used. However, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC 2001) and published data by the World Bank (World Bank 2007), climate change associated with sea level rise will have several negative effects to human, mineral resources and environment of Vietnam, especially in coastal zones. Climate change could affect the mineral resources in many ways and on different scales. Mineral resources distributed in coastal lowland areas can be directly impacted by sea level rise, with loss of reserves by mine flooding, degradation of mineral quality by salinization and corrosion (e.g. Tan An silica sand mine in Quang Nam province, Dien Hoa silica mine in Thua Thien Hue province, and most of coastal clay mines), dispersal of contaminants by submergence of tailings ponds and drainage facilities (e.g. ilmenitezircon placers along the coastline of Vietnam), difficulties in mineral investigation, exploration and exploitation. Mineral resources distributed in hilly and mountainous areas can be also indirectly impacted by extreme weather phenomena linked with climate change, where uncontrolled dispersion of pollutants from tailing ponds and drainage facilities may occur due to sudden changes of rainfall, temperature, humidity or mining incidents such as collapse, landslide (e.g. Ru Moc marble quarry in December 2007), subsidence, etc., which may increase due to the intensification of weathering process. Understanding the risk and impacts of climate change to mineral resources in Vietnam will serve as a scientific basis to work out plans for their rational investigation, exploration and exploitation. Free full text http://www.ccop.or.th/download/pub/47as_ii.pdf#page=53. Inequity in maternal health care utilization in Vietnam. Emilia Goland, Dinh TP Hoa, Mats Mlqvist. International Journal for Equity in Health 2012, 11:24. Abstract: -- Introduction: Vietnam has succeeded in reducing maternal mortality in the last decades. Analysis of survey data however indicate that large inequities exist between different segments of the population. We have analyzed utilization of antenatal care and skilled birth attendance among Vietnamese women of reproductive age in relation to social determinants with the aim to reveal health inequities and identify disadvantaged groups. -- Method: Data on maternal health care utilization and social determinants were derived from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) conducted in Vietnam in 2006, and analyzed through stratified logistic regressions and gcomputation.

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-- Results: Inequities in maternal health care utilization persist in Vietnam. Ethnicity, household wealth and education were all significantly associated with antenatal care coverage and skilled birth attendance, individually and in synergy. Although the structural determinants included in this study were closely related to each other, analysis revealed a significant effect of ethnicity over and above wealth and education. Within the group of mothers from poor households ethnic minority mothers were at a three-fold risk of not attending any antenatal care (OR 3.06, 95% CI 1.277.41) and six times more likely not to deliver with skilled birth attendance (OR 6.27, 95% CI 2.3716.6). The association between ethnicity and lack of antenatal care and skilled birth attendance was even stronger within the nonpoor group. Free full text http://www.equityhealthj.com/content/pdf/1475-9276-11-24.pdf. Information and communication technology in teacher education in Vietnam: from policy to practice. Jef Peeraer, Peter Van Petegem. Educational Research for Policy and Practice. Dordrecht: Jun 2012. Vol. 11, Iss. 2; pg. 89. Abstract: During the school year 2008-2009, the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam launched the 'Year of ICT' to produce a breakthrough in educational innovation. In light of this development we have carried out a policy analysis to study the national vision on ICT in education. The policy analysis takes into account a decade of governmental policy guidelines on ICT and education, starting from 2000--the year that the Ministry announced its Master Plan for ICT in education. A critical analysis puts rationales in perspective. Exploratory analysis at the level of five provincial teacher education institutions sheds light on the impact of these guidelines in teacher education. 783 educators completed a self-report questionnaire addressing factors of access, capacities and actual use of ICT in teaching practice. To assess the adopted discourse and operational planning, technology plans of the different institutions are analyzed. It is argued that unbalanced operational planning in the technology plans led to a gap between the current rhetoric in policy guidelines, vision statements of the institutions and the reality in teaching practice. Institutional Responses on Strengthened Intellectual Property Rights in Agriculture and Needs' Assessment on Intellectual Property Management of Public Research Institutions in Asian Developing Countries. Jane Payumo, Howard Grimes. Journal of Research Administration. Washington: Fall 2011. Vol. 42, Iss. 2; pg. 42, 19 pgs. Abstract: Intellectual property rights (IPRs) are being introduced or strengthened in developing countries as a result of international agreements such as the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) of the World Trade Organization (WTO). This study conducted a web-based survey to gain perspective on the impact of IPRs to public research institutions in developing countries and how these institutions have responded to IPR developments. Specifically, this survey collected information from research directors (n=43) of public research organizations in India, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Overall, this study strongly indicates that research administrators in the five countries are positive towards IPRs and the implementation of measures to build their institutional IPR management capacities. They have also started to build their IPR structures and procedures by setting up IP policies and offices, but strengthening is needed, particularly in the area of technology commercialization. This research serves as a reference for international institutions interested in and/or evaluating capacity programs allowing them to craft projects that can better foster the importance of IP management to these and similar institutes in the developing world. Full text is available upon request. [Payumo 2011.pdf]. Job Satisfaction in the Shrimp Trawl Fisheries of Vietnam. Le Xuan Sinh. Social Indicators Research 2012. Abstract: This paper investigates the job satisfaction of small-scale shrimp trawl fishers in the vicinity of Camau National Park in southern Vietnam. The research sample consisted of 77 fishers who belong to a growing population of shrimp fishers in the region. The results suggest that 60 % would change their fishing mtier, 78 % would leave fishing for another occupation and 76 % would not advise a young person to enter the occupation of fishing. These responses indicate a negative attitude towards the occupation. This is explained with reference to deteriorating stocks

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and low economic returns. Generally speaking, however, fishers are satisfied with the physical safety, cleanliness of work and healthfulness of their occupation, as well as with the quality of community life. Management accounting information systems: a case of a developing country: Vietnam. Michle Pomberg, Hamid Pourjalali, Shirley Daniel & Marinilka Barros Kimbro. Asia-Pacific Journal of Accounting & Economics, volume 19, Issue 1, 2012, pages 100-114. Special Issue: APJAE Accounting Symposium held at University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, March 25-26, with a forum to honor Dr. Kashi R. Balachandran. Abstract: This study discusses the relationship between management accounting information systems and the relevance and usefulness of those systems in hospitals in Vietnam. In particular, it investigates how hospitals have improved/intend to improve their accounting activities and how they have tried to implement known managerial (accounting) systems to improve efficiencies. The study shows the influence of management accounting in hospitals in an environment that is rapidly changing from centrally governed to a more open capital market environment. Based on survey data from 53 hospitals in Hanoi and surrounding provinces, the study reports whether those environmental changes have resulted in actual or planned changes in management accounting activities. Our results show that in response to environmental and regulatory changes, Vietnamese hospitals have improved accounting functions and are planning to continue their development further. However, the improvement is not always in-line with what is expected in western countries. Mediate effect of technology innovation capabilities investment capability and firm performance in Vietnam. Tseng Ming Lang, Sheng Hsiang Lin, Truong Nguyen Tuong Vy. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, Volume 40, 2012, Pages 817829. Abstract: Under the context of globalization and international economic integration today, Vietnam enterprises existence and development depends on competitive advantage. Technological innovation capabilities (TICs) are the fundamental supports and decisive factors of competitive advantage, the modern enterprise's existence and development depend on the knowledge and technology's innovation and application. Researchers widely recognized that TICs are still limited in Vietnam. Hence, enterprises are required to invest TICs in order to survive and achieve a goal for global market. However, while many assume that the relationship between investment capability and TICs is not clear how investment capability affects TICs, or how to what this relationship affect competitive performance of firm. Therefore, the main of objective of this present study is to understand the way in which investment capability (IT) of the industry on TICs at the level of its firm, affects the efficiency and the potential of Vietnam enterprises that have to gain their competitive advantage. Based on a survey of manufacturing firms in Vietnam, the study identified that Vietnam enterprise are required to invest to enhance seven dimensions of TICs - learning, R&D, resource allocation, manufacturing, market, organizational, and strategic planning capabilities. Moreover, the research utilizes a regression analysis to demonstrate that investment capability can lead directly competitive performance through TICs. Modelling the fate of pesticides in paddy rice-fish pond farming system in northern Vietnam. La Nguyen, Marc Lamers, Nguyen Van Vien, Thilo Streck. Paper prepared for the International Conference Sustainable Land Use and Rural Development in Mountain Areas, Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany, 16-18 April 2012. Abstract: During the last decades rice production in Vietnam has tremendously increased due to the introduction of new high-yield, short-duration rice varieties and the increased application of pesticides. Since pesticides are toxic by design, there is a natural concern about the possible impacts of their presence in the environment on human health and environment quality. In North Vietnam, lowland and upland rice fields were identified to be a major non-point source of agrochemical pollution to surface and ground water, which is often directly used for domestic purposes (Lamers et al. 2011). Field measurements, however, are time-consuming, costly and logistically demanding. Hence, quantification, forecast and risk assessment studies are hampered by a limited amount of field data. One potential way to cope with this shortcoming is the use of processbased models.

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-- In the present study we developed a model for simulating short-term pesticide dynamics in combined paddy rice field - fish pond farming systems under the specific environmental conditions of south-east Asia. Basic approaches and algorithms to describe the key underlying biogeochemical processes were mainly adopted from the literature to assure that the model reflects the current standard of scientific knowledge and the commonly accepted theoretical background. -- In brief, our model consists of three major sub-modules focusing on the water balance and pesticide dynamics of paddy fields and fish ponds. The relevant pesticide compartments are represented by a various number of stocks. The temporal changes of each stock are formulated as ordinary differential equations (ODE), which are numerically solved using the Runga Kutta (4th order) method in the ODE solver Berkeley Madonna (BM) Version 8.0.1 (Macey et al., 2000). The model was calibrated by means of the Gauss-Marquardt-Levenberg algorithm and validated against measured pesticide concentrations (dimethoate and fenitrothion) during spring and summer rice crop season 2008, respectively, of a paddy field fish pond system typical for northern Vietnam (Anyusheva et al., submitted). Model performance was assessed beyond the visual valuation based on statistical criteria, e.g. modelling efficiency, root mean square error and error variance (Loague and Green, 1991). -- Simulation results indicate that our model is capable to simulate the fate of pesticides in paddy fish pond farming systems under the specific environmental and management conditions of North Vietnam. In the calibration period, model efficiencies were 0.97 for dimethoate and 0.95 for fenitrothion. In the validation period, modeling efficiencies decreased to 0.96 and 0.81, respectively. Navigating change: Second-generation challenges of small-scale fisheries co-management in the Philippines and Vietnam. Blake D. Ratner, Edmund J.V. Oh, Robert S. Pomeroy. Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 107, 30 September 2012, Pages 131139. Abstract: Early efforts to apply the concept of fisheries co-management in Southeast Asia focused primarily on building the effectiveness of local management institutions and advocating the merits of the approach so that it would be applied in new sites, while gradually learning and adapting to a range of obstacles in practice. Today, with comanagement widely embraced by the research community and adopted as policy by an increasing number of governments, a second-generation perspective has emerged. This perspective is distinguished by efforts to navigate and influence change in the broader institutional and governance context: (a) a more sophisticated appreciation of politics, power relations, and the role of the state, (b) efforts to manage resource competition beyond the fisheries sector, (c) building institutions for adaptation and learning, and (d) recognizing divergent values and goals influencing fisheries management. This paper traces the evolution of this second-generation perspective, noting how it has built on learning from early practice and how it has been cross-fertilized by theoretical innovations in related fields, notably resilience thinking and political ecology. We illustrate this evolution through analysis of experience in the Philippines, with a relatively long experience of learning and adaptation in fisheries co-management practice, and Vietnam, where fisheries co-management policies have been embraced more recently. Characterizing the second-generation perspective helps identify points of convergence in the research and policy community about what needs attention, providing a basis for more systematic cross-country and cross-regional learning. Full text http://www.sciencedirect.com.libproxy-wb.imf.org/science/article/pii/S0301479712001958. Neo-Geomancy and Real Estate Fever in Postreform Vietnam. Erik Harms. positions 2012 Volume 20, Number 2: 405-434. Abstract: This article situates localized Vietnamese practices of geomancy within the broader history of land-use right reforms in the postreform era. On the immediate level, geomancy appears to represent individualized attempts to reconstruct private homes and cultivate personal landscapesa seemingly bottom-up phenomenon. Situating these seemingly individualized practices within the larger social, political, legal, and economic landscape, however, shows that they cannot be decoupled from top-down processes driving the privatization of property relations. Combining thick description with a critical study of the structures impinging on Vietnamese real estate markets shows that

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seemingly bottom-up challenges to the state are in fact linked to much more top-down dynamics. The case of geomancy shows that analysis of individual actions must always pay attention to the way such actions are often linked to pathways of power that flow up, down, and sideways. While Vietnamese market-oriented socialism is not always described as neoliberal, this article shows that the anthropological critique of neoliberalism offers an important model and method for understanding the situated context of geomancy within the larger transformations gripping Vietnam today. On the conduct of monetary policy in Vietnam. Thi Thu Tra Pham, James Riedel. Asian Pacific Economic Literature, V. 26, Iss 1, pp. 34-45. Abstract: Vietnam has the highest inflation rate in Southeast Asia (over 20 per cent year-on-year in 2011). This paper examines the extent to which inflation in Vietnam is due to its conduct of monetary policy. It is argued that, had the central bank implemented policy on a more timely basis, inflation would not have been as high as it was, but the more fundamental problem is that the central bank does not have the tools it needs to conduct monetary policy effectively. Monetary policy is further complicated by Vietnam's exchange rate policy. By choosing to peg the currency and maintain fairly free capital mobility, the country has all but given up the ability to pursue an independent monetary policy. As a consequence, the central bank is forced to attempt to sterilise its foreign exchange interventions, which it is ill-equipped to do. The paper argues that financial sector liberalisation is needed not only to promote growth but also to maintain macroeconomic stability. Full text http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.libproxyifc.imf.org/doi/10.1111/j.1467-8411.2012.01335.x/abstract. Peer support and improved quality of life among persons living with HIV on antiretroviral treatment: A randomised controlled trial from north-eastern Vietnam. TV Vu, M Larsson, A Pharris, B Diedrichs, HP Nguyen, CT Nguyen, PD Ho, G Marrone, and A Thorson. Health Qual Life Outcomes, May 18, 2012; 10(1): 53. ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Among people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART), it is important to determine how quality of life (QOL) may be improved and HIV-related stigma can be lessened over time. This study assessed the effect of peer support on QOL and internal stigma during the first year after initiating ART among a cohort of PLHIV in north-eastern Vietnam. METHODS: A sub-sample study of a randomised controlled trial was implemented between October 2008 and November 2010 in Quang Ninh, Vietnam. In the intervention group, participants (n=119) received adherence support from trained peer supporters who visited participants' houses biweekly during the first two months, thereafter weekly. In the control group, participants (n=109) were treated according to standard guidelines, including adherence counselling, monthly health check and drug refills. Basic demographics were measured at baseline. QOL and internal stigma were measured using a Vietnamese version of the WHOQOL-HIVBREF and Internal AIDS-related Stigma Scale instruments at baseline and 12 months. T-tests were used to detect the differences between mean values, multilevel linear regressions to determine factors influencing QOL. RESULTS: Overall, QOL improved significantly in the intervention group compared to the control group. Among participants initiating ART at clinical stages 3 and 4, education at high school level or above and having experiences of a family member dying from HIV were also associated with higher reported QOL. Among participants at clinical stage 1 and 2, there was no significant effect of peer support, whereas having children was associated with an increased QOL. Viral hepatitis was associated with a decreased QOL in both groups. Lower perceived stigma correlated significantly but weakly with improved QOL, however, there was no significant relation to peer support. CONCLUSION: The peer support intervention improved QOL after 12 months among ART patients presenting at clinical stages 3 and 4 at baseline, but it had no impact on QOL among ART patients enrolled at clinical stages 1 and 2. The intervention did not have an effect on Internal AIDS-related stigma. To improve QOL for PLHIV on ART,

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measures to support adherence should be contextualized in accordance with individual clinical and social needs. KEYWORDS: Quality of life, Peer support, HIV, ART, Quang Ninh, Vietnam, randomised controlled trial. Perceived barriers to effective multilevel governance of human-natural systems: an analysis of Marine Protected Areas in Vietnam. Thu Van Trung Ho, Alison Cottrell, Peter Valentine & Simon Woodley. Journal of Political Ecology: Case Studies in History and Society, vol 19 (2012), pp. 17-35. Abstract: This article presents the barriers to multilevel govenance processes of Marine Protected Areas established in Vietnam. Con Dao, Halong and Nha Trang MPAs, part of the national MPA network, were selected as case studies to examine these issues. We begin with an overview of multilevel environmental governance as a contemporary approach to natural resource management and biodiversity conservation. We use institutional, organizational and behavioural concepts to describe and interpret complex social interactions between actors, and perceived barriers to these interactions. A multilevel organizational structure and socio-economic, institutional and other contextual conditions related to MPA governance in Vietnam are briefly summarized in the next sections. Research findings can contribute to increased effective management of human-natural systems in general, and Marine Protected Areas in particular, at the study sites and other locations with similar socio-political contexts. Free full text http://jpe.library.arizona.edu/volume_19/thuho.pdf. Population-environment drivers of H5N1 avian influenza molecular change in Vietnam. Margaret A. Carrel, Michael Emch, Tung Nguye, R. Todd Jobe, Xiu-Feng Wan. Health & Place, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 17 May 2012. Abstract: This study identifies population and environment drivers of genetic change in H5N1 avian influenza viruses (AIV) in Vietnam using a landscape genetics approach. While prior work has examined how combinations of locallevel environmental variables influence H5N1 occurrence, this research expands the analysis to the complex genetic characteristics of H5N1 viruses. A dataset of 125 highly pathogenic H5N1 AIV isolated in Vietnam from 2003 to 2007 is used to explore which population and environment variables are correlated with increased genetic change among viruses. Results from non-parametric multidimensional scaling and regression analyses indicate that variables relating to both the environmental and social ecology of humans and birds in Vietnam interact to affect the genetic character of viruses. These findings suggest that it is a combination of suitable environments for species mixing, the presence of high numbers of potential hosts, and in particular the temporal characteristics of viral occurrence, that drive genetic change among H5N1 AIV in Vietnam. Pro-Poor Growth, Poverty and Inequality in Rural Vietnam. Woojin Kang, Katsushi S. Imai. Journal of Asian Economics, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 14 May 2012. Abstract: This study explores the effects of Vietnam's transition on the welfare of different ethnic groups in rural Vietnam. It draws on three rounds of national household surveys in 2002, 2004 and 2006. It is first observed that the pace of poverty reduction for minorities surpassed the majority over the period 2002 to 2006, although poor people were still concentrated in the minority groups throughout the period. Secondly, the disparity in living standards has been widening. In particular, inequality within both the majority and minority groups increased over the period. Thirdly, the study shows that the effect of economic growth on poverty is estimated to have been greater if inequality remained constant. It is also noted that the impacts of economic growth on poverty vary across different ethnic groups. Finally, regression decompositions of within inequality have confirmed that the main driver of inequality is not the same among ethnic groups. Given the diversity across different ethnic groups, we can conclude that government policy aimed at equal access to infrastructure and more equal distribution of assets, such as land, for ethnic minority groups would lead to more equal distribution of consumption and poverty reduction of those groups. Also, consideration of local needs would be necessary in designing and implementing public policies, given the heterogeneous socio-economic circumstances surrounding each ethnic minority group. Full text http://www.sciencedirect.com.libproxy-wb.imf.org/science/article/pii/S1049007812000462?v=s5.

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Reality Check: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Adrien Labaeye, Jeb Brugmann, Nguyen Van Phuoc, Bao Thanh, Ly Khanh Tam Thao, Nguyen Anh Tuan, Harry Storch and Ulrike Schinkel. Resilient Cities 2: Local Sustainability, 2012, Volume 2, Part 4, 367-376. Abstract: At the Resilient Cities 2011 congress, the case of Ho Chi Minh City was presented and discussed by participants during the Reality Check Workshop. The current paper provides a comprehensive overview on the challenge of integrating climate-related risks in the urban development trajectory of the city as well as a short summary of the discussion that took place in the workshop. Relationship Between the Landscape Structure of Urban Green Spaces and Residents Satisfaction: The Case of a Central District in Hanoi (Vietnam). Thi-Thanh-Hin Pham, Dong Chen He, Denis Morin. Asian Journal of Geoinformatics, Vol 12, No 1 (2012). Abstract: In urban planning, it is crucial to develop our understanding of human preferences for green spaces in order to maintain and develop them more efficiently and effectively. However, the research available on this issueis limited to developing and tropical countries. In this study, we investigated the relationships between residents satisfaction with green spaces in their neighbourhoods and the landscape structure of green spaces in Hanoi, where intensive transformations in built environment are threatening the existence of green spaces and hence the quality of life. Data on the satisfaction levelsof residents were obtained from a governmental survey. Vegetation classes were identified from a QuickBirdimage by applying object-oriented classification. We then computed landscape metrics for street-side trees and all trees. The results confirmed that people were more satisfied in areas where 1) all trees were more abundant, well-connected and of variable sizes; and 2) street-side trees were of considerable size and complex canopy shape.These findings are consistent with similar studies in Western countries, at an even higher degree, and underscore the urgent need to plantmore trees along the streets of the Old Quarter in Hanoi and along the Red River banks. Free full text http://www.geoinfo.ait.ac.th/ajg/index.php/journal/article/view/35. Receiving voluntary family planning services has no relationship with the paradoxical situation of high use of contraceptives and abortion in Viet Nam: a cross sectional study. Phuong H Nguyen, Meiwita P Budiharsana. BMC Women's Health 2012, 12:14 doi:10.1186/1472-6874-12-14. Abstract: -- Background: Vietnam shows a paradoxical situation where high contraceptive prevalence goes together with high abortion rates. This study examined the associations between self-reports of having received voluntary family planning (VFP) services and induced abortions. -- Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted in Thai Nguyen province, covering a total of 1281 women. Data were derived from a sample of 935 married women aged 1849 years who were ever-users (93.5%) and current users of contraceptives (84%), and had completed birth histories. The dependent variables were the likelihood of having an induced abortion and repeated (two or more) induced abortions. The main independent variable was having received the three VFP dimensions (counselling, broader information, and access to availability). The association was examined using multivariate logistic regressions, taking into account womens socio-demographic characteristics. -- Results: The overall induced abortion percentage was 19.4 per 100 pregnancies. None of the three VFP dimensions was significantly associated with having an induced abortion or repeated induced abortions. Mothers age of 35 or older, having more than three living children, and ever used female contraception methods significantly doubled or more the odds of having an induced abortion and significantly tripled the odds of having repeated abortions. -- Conclusions: Results indicate that women receiving VFP services were not less likely to have induced abortions. The provision of family planning counselling, information on contraceptive method mix, and management skills to ensure availability, are in need of reinforcement in a new set of policy and program strategies in the future. Free full text http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1472-6874-12-14.pdf.

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Rendering Infant Abandonment Technical and Moral: Expertise, Neoliberal Logics, and Class Differentiation in Ho Chi Minh City. Ann Marie Leshkowich. positions 2012 Volume 20, Number 2: 497-526. Abstract: Over the past several decades, transnational adoption of Vietnamese children has developed from a response to war into a routine option for foreigners trying to build families. This article explores how the logics that have emerged within Vietnam to make sense of the transnational movement of children reflect both broader neoliberal ideologies of family and selfhood and late socialist anxieties about class differentiation. -- Child welfare professionals, the media, and casual observers in Ho Chi Minh City explain rising adoption rates as due to the desperation, ignorance, or emotional inadequacies of poor, rural single mothers who abandon their children. Such claims about maternal unfitness are part of a growing neoliberal tendency in Vietnam to render the family and reproduction technical problems to be solved through the application of scientific expertise. Although rendering technical has elsewhere been analyzed as a process of depoliticization, this article argues that it is neither objective nor value neutral. Rendering technical succeeds by convincingly rendering its targets moral: in this case, expert intervention and social commentary about monstrous abandoning mothers construct a morally ideal maternal subject who recognizes that appropriate child rearing requires particular family configurations, material resources, and forms of knowledge. At the same time, ascribing such notions of personhood, self-improvement, and expertise to a global neoliberal advance ignores details of ethnographic context and history in Vietnam, where neoliberalism operates as much through exception as through normalization. Recent idealizations of particular family configurations and forms of personhood compellingly resonate with preexisting moral discourses about motherhood, family, and political economy, including those promoted by the state in earlier phases of socialism. Social Contexts of Risk Behaviors for HIV Among Male, Unskilled, Unregistered Laborers in Urban Vietnam. Nguyen Van Huy, Michael P. Dunne, Joseph Debattista, Nguyen Tran Hien, Dao Thi Minh An. Qualitative Health Research, July 2012 vol. 22 no. 7, pp. 871-879. Abstract: In Vietnam there has been relatively little success in controlling the HIV epidemic, in part because the subpopulations most exposed to the virus are often difficult to engage in prevention research and programs. In this qualitative study we explored social contexts shaping HIV risk behaviors among Vietnamese men involved in unskilled, unregistered, and low-income labor in urban settings. Based on self-disclosed behaviors, it is clear that these men were at high risk of sexually transmitted infection (STI). Evidence emerged from the interview data highlighting equivalent influences of individual psychological factors, social integration, social barriers, and accessibility regarding drug use and sexual risk behavior. Psychological influences such as tedium, distress, fatalism and revenge, and the strong effects of collective decision making and fear of social isolation appeared important for these men living on the economic and social margins of this rapidly urbanizing society. The study findings suggest directions for research and culturally appropriate HIV preventive education and services for these men. Socioeconomic Impacts of Remittances: A Comparative Study of Bangladesh and Vietnam. Barai, Munim Kumar. Asia Pacific World, Volume 3, Number 1, June 2012 , pp. 110-139(30). Abstract: Remittance inflows are growing rapidly in Bangladesh and Vietnam and the ensuing economic and social impacts of remittances are being increasingly viewed with importance. In Bangladesh, remittances have helped improve socioeconomic indicators like nutrition, living conditions and housing, education, healthcare, social security and investment of the recipient households. There have also been positive effects on poverty reduction, the balance of payments current account balance, and GDP creation. In Vietnam, similarly, remittances have increased household income and national output, but are also seen to have contributed to inequality and inflation. Notably, the relative weight of remittances has increased against some of the major macroeconomic variables in both the countries. They have been able, however, to avoid appreciation of the real exchange rate of their currencies as a 'Dutch Disease' effect of remittance inflows and the consequent effects on their export trade. Stratification and the Emergence of the Postsecondary Private Education Sector in Vietnam.

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by: Kimberly A. Goyette. Comparative Education Review, Vol. 56, No. 2. (May 2012), pp. 197-222. Abstract: Private education is the fastest-growing sector of post-secondary education in Asia and worldwide. This growth is especially notable in developing countries with a long history of state-controlled, public education. Vietnam has had a strong public, post-secondary education sector that has only recently begun to experience growth in nonpublic institutions. In this research, I investigate how the growth of the private sector may influence stratification in Vietnam. I find that private and other types of non-public institutions are more likely to serve more advantaged students from South Vietnam. They pay higher costs to acquire their post-secondary credentials; however, these students also seem to choose more lucrative fields like science, technology and engineering, and business, perhaps as a way to ensure good returns to this investment. This research suggests that as the private sector in Vietnam expands, the influence of family background and region of residence on post-secondary attendance may grow. The Benefits of Formalization: Evidence from Vietnamese Manufacturing SMEs. Rand, John; Torm, Nina. World Development, May 2012, v. 40, iss. 5, pp. 983-98. Abstract: Based on unique panel data consisting of both formal and informal firms, this paper uses a matched double difference approach to examine the relationship between legal status and firm level outcomes in micro, small, and medium manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam. Controlling for determining factors and observable timevariant factors that may simultaneously influence the decision to formalize and subsequent firm performance, we find evidence that becoming officially registered leads to an increase in profits and investments, and a decrease in the use of casual labor (improved contract conditions for workers). Thus, we conclude that formalizing is beneficial both to firms and the workers in these firms. Full text http://www.sciencedirect.com.libproxywb.imf.org/science/article/pii/S0305750X11002269. The growth of non-state hospitals in Indonesia and Vietnam: market reforms and mixed commercialised health systems. Krishna Hort, Peter Leslie Annear. Nossal Institute for Global Health, University of Melbourne, working paper series 17, April 2012. SUMMARY: This paper is based on studies of the recent growth and the roles and functions of non-state hospitals in Vietnam and Indonesia undertaken by the Health Strategy and Policy Institute, Vietnam, the Centre for Health Service Management, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia (Hort, Trisnantoro et al 2011; Hort, Tuan et al 2011) and the Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne. It attempts to compare the findings in the two countries, to describe key aspects of their health systems and to examine these developments in the light of literature on similar countries in the region and internationally. The aim is to understand better the significance of the growth of non-state hospitals in the two countries and the implications for policy makers. An initial review of the literature identified a range of approaches to examining the role of the private sector and public sector engagement of private providers, including health sector market reforms and commercialised mixed health systems. These concepts were used in reviewing the findings from the studies in Indonesia and Vietnam. The country studies demonstrated similarities in the growth of for-profit (FP) hospital providers and in the growing commercialisation, high levels of private health financing and mixed public-private nature of their health systems. Many of these characteristics were consistent with the published literature on commercialised mixed health systems. While there were differences in some aspects of the historical and socio-political contexts behind these developments in the two countries, other factors, such as the influence of medical specialists, community demand and capacity to pay and economic growth, were common between the countries. The countries faced similar issues regarding the effects of these new developments in their health systems on the achievement of objectives. While there was evidence of gains from the public-private mix in the availability of services and technical efficiency, there were concerns about the impact on allocative efficiency, quality of services and equity. In particular, the growth of FP providers in urban and wealthier areas may be contributing to unequal access to services for rural and poorer communities, despite government investments in social health insurance. Assessing health service delivery from the perspective of commercialised mixed health systems (rather than purely public or private service delivery) shifts the key policy question from how to engage the private sector to how to manage a mixed commercialised system of public and private actors to achieve national health goals. This will

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require new approaches and new capacity in the use of a number of different policy and regulatory levers, combined and aligned with appropriate financing and payment incentives and with a stronger partnership between government, civil society and professional organisations. Free full text http://ni.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/571466/NosIns.WP17.SNonStateHospitals.pdf. The Price of Integration: Measuring the Quality of Money in Postreform Vietnam. Allison Truitt. positions 2012 Volume 20, Number 2: 629-656. Abstract: The fight against inflation is a defining feature of neoliberalism and structural adjustment policies. Since the 1970s, inflation has been cast as a threat greater than unemployment because it destroys the pricing mechanism on which the flow of information in markets depends. In Vietnam, high rates of inflation in the 1980s led the government to implement reforms of the economy under the slogan i mi (Renovation). These reforms included antiinflationary measures characteristic of neoliberal policies. By the early 1990s, inflation was reduced to the single digits. After a decade of rapid economic growth, inflation in Vietnam returned. In 2007 and 2008, the consumer price index recorded double-digit increases, raising concerns about the government's commitment to proper monetary and fiscal policies. -- This essay considers the paradoxical return of inflation to Vietnam. By 2007, Vietnam was heralded as an emerging market, propelled by foreign investment and export-led growth. Yet inflation was widely attributed to fiscal indiscipline by officials with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other multilateral financial institutions. Vietnamese public intellectuals, on the other hand, attributed inflation to a consequence of economic integration with global markets. In contrast to the IMF, they pointed to social inequalities generated by the country's decade-long economic growth and raised concerns over the redistributing wealth in Vietnamese society. These two narratives reenact the divide between Keynesian economics and monetarism that has structured twentieth-century approaches to economics. What both narratives leave unaddressed, however, is how price instability and monetary restructuring are understood within specific economic cultures. In Vietnam, many people rely on cash transactions, thus the quality of money encompasses more than its relationship to price. While the demand among Vietnamese citizens for a reliable currency resonates with contemporary neoliberalism, it cannot be reduced to it. -- By way of addressing the divergent concerns with the quality of money, I examine the history of money's disunification in Vietnam. The problem of inflation is not just a matter of price; it is also related to complex politicalcultural formations that relate to partial sovereignty over the marketplace. I show how inflation is not simply a problem of matter of price; it is also an event that calls into question the limits to how Vietnam has been neoliberalized. The utility of injury narratives for prioritising future prevention activities in small and medium enterprises in rural Vietnam. Helen Marucci-Wellman, Joanna L Willetts, Nguyen Bich Diep, Ta Thi Binh. Injury Prevention, Published Online First: 2 June 2012. Abstract: -- Objectives: Injuries are a leading cause of work-related disability and death in rapidly developing countries such as Vietnam. The authors' objective was to demonstrate the utility of detailed injury narratives, derived from a household survey, in providing information on the determinants of work-related injuries to inform potential intervention targets. -- Methods: In a cross-sectional survey administered to 2615 households of a rapidly developing community of Vietnam where many workers engage in both agriculture and industrial work, the authors collected information about self-reported work-related injuries, annual hours worked in each industry and narrative text describing the circumstances of each injury. The authors used a customised coding taxonomy to describe injury scenarios.

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-- Results: Several intervention themes emerged, including the implementation of machine guarding, the use of cut resistant gloves and safety glasses which would benefit the small- and medium-sized enterprises. Calculation of incidence rates using full-time equivalents, stratified by work group, provided some unexpected observations of the risks of working in agriculture; workers who work in agriculture in addition to another industry are at an increased risk of fatigue or overexertion and other consequences of working too hard in their agricultural activities. -- Conclusions: A lack of aggregate injury statistics makes it difficult for the owners of small- and medium-sized enterprises to recognise a priori the most effective safety interventions. This analysis of detailed injury narratives with an appropriate taxonomic basis offers the ability to focus on the level of cause, activity and source and may inform the choice of various potential interventions at the workplace or enterprise level. Use of pesticides and attitude to pest management strategies among rice and rice-fish farmers in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. H. Berg & N.T. Tam. International Journal of Pest Management, Volume 58, Issue 2, 2012, pages 153-164. Abstract: This study assesses the use of pesticides and attitude to pest management strategies among rice and rice-fish farmers in Cn Thand Tin Giang provinces of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, in 2007. A comparison is made to a similar study in 1999, in order to identify changes in patterns of pesticide use and possible influences of integrated pest management (IPM) programmes and brown planthopper (a major pest) outbreaks. One hundred and twenty farmers used 66 different pesticides, similar to the 64 pesticides recorded as being used in the 1999 survey. Nine of the 10 most popular pesticides in 2007 were the same as those found to be popular in 1999. Insecticides are used by 7395% of the farmers, which is the most commonly employed type of pesticide. The number of applications of both herbicides and fungicides has more than halved since 1999 for all farmers, while insecticide applications has doubled for IPM farmers (those with prior training in IPM methodology). Similarly, the average dose of active ingredient (a.i.) of insecticides per crop has decreased slightly for non-IPM rice farmers, while it has more than doubled among IPM farmers, resulting in almost the same amount of a.i. per crop for all groups of farmers (insecticides 0.6, fungicides 0.5, and herbicides 0.3 kg a.i. ha1 crop1). Overall, the results indicate a temporal trend for more selective use of pesticides and an increased awareness among non-IPM farmers of the negative side effects of pesticide use. Vietnamese Accounting Reform and International Convergence of Vietnamese Accounting Standards. Anh Tuan Nguyen & Guangming Gong. International Journal of Business and Management Vol. 7, No. 10; May 2012. Abstract: Due to the economic globalization, the international convergence of accounting standards is inevitable. But the level of economic globalization in among of countries are not the same. There are some differences in accounting environment in the countries. This paper studies international convergence of Vietnamese accounting standards. Firstly, the paper summarizes of the process of Vietnam's accounting reform, second analysis differences between Vietnamese accounting standards and International accounting standards. Finally, proposed strategy convergence of Vietnamese accounting standards and International accounting standards. Full text is available upon request. [Anh&Guangming2012.pdf] Why do people not learn from flood disasters? Evidence from Vietnam's northwestern mountains. Iven Schad, Petra Schmitter, Camille Saint-Macary, Andreas Neef, Marc Lamers, La Nguyen, Thomas Hilger, Volker Hoffmann. Natural Hazards, June 2012, Volume 62, Issue 2, pp 221-241. Abstract: This article explores how the causes and impacts of a flood event as perceived by local people shape immediate responses and future mitigation efforts in mountainous northwest Vietnam. Local flood perception is contrasted with scientific perspectives to determine whether a singular flood event will trigger adjustments in mitigation strategies in an otherwise rarely flood-affected area. We present findings from interdisciplinary research drawing on both socioeconomic and biophysical data. Evidence suggests that individual farmers willingness to engage in flood mitigation is curbed by the common perception that flooding is caused by the interplay of a bundle of external factors, with climatic factors and water management failures being the most prominent ones. Most farmers

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did not link the severity of flooding to existing land use systems, thus underlining the lack of a sense of personal responsibility among farmers for flood mitigation measures. We conclude that local governments cannot depend on there being a sufficient degree of intrinsic motivation among farmers to make them implement soil conservation techniques to mitigate future flooding. Policy makers will need to design measures to raise farmers awareness of the complex interplay between land use and hydrology and to enhance collective action in soil conservation by providing appropriate incentives and implementing coherent long-term strategies. Free full text http://rd.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11069-011-9992-4.

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Some new academic papers on development issues in Vietnam

2012 May 15 issue
Links provided hereunder are accessible on WB intranet only, except otherwise specified. Please contact VDIC librarian at nvu2@worldbank.org if you need full text of the article/s listed below, for private study, scholarship or research purposes. We can only provide full text of those without the note Fee may apply. Application of Marker Assisted Backcrossing to Introgress the Submergence Tolerance QTL SUB1 into the Vietnam Elite Rice Variety-AS996. Luu M. Cuc, Luu T. N. Huyen, Pham T. M. Hien, Vu T. T. Hang, Nguyen Q. Dam, Pham T. Mui, Vu D. Quang, Abdelbagi M. Ismail, Le H. Ham. American Journal of Plant Sciences, 2012, 3, 528-536. ABSTRACT: The result of the study contributes to enhancing and sustaining future livelihoods and food security in Vietnam vis-a-vis climate change. An innovative strategy based on marker-assisted backcrossing (MABC) was used to transform popular rice variety AS996 into the one can tolerate submergence while maintaining its original characteristics preferred by farmers and consumers. The submergence tolerance QTL SUB1 counts for up to 70% of the submergence tolerant and provides a marked improvement of submergence tolerance in all genetic backgrounds and environments tested so far. Parental diversity was carried out with 460 markers. Of which, 53 polymorphic markers were used for assessment on BC1F1, BC2F1 and BC3F1 generations. The best BC1F1 plant was P422 with highest recipient allele was 87.5%, while the additional chosen plants were P412, P428, P215 and P39 (81% - 84%). All these plants were used to develop BC2F1 generation. The six BC2F1 plants were used to develop BC3F1 and BC2F2 were the plants number P422-11 and P422-14 having 93.75% recipient alleles and P422-12, P422-3, P39-17, P39-25 having 92.25% recipient alleles. Total of 445 BC3F1 plants were confirmed the introgresion of SUB1 using ART5 and SC3. After three generations of backcrossing, application of MABC resulted in the best BC3F1 individual P422-14-177 with 100% of recipient alleles based on the number of 53 markers used with only the introgression size of SUB1 was 0.3 Mb between ART5 and SC3. Phenotyping was carried out on BC3F1 and BC2F2 of the selected lines. The survival ratio of these selected lines and IR64SUB1 were the same. It convinced the successfully introgress SUB1 into AS996 rice variety. The breeding line BC4F1 having 100% genetic background of donor variety is ready for develop new submergence tolerant rice variety ASS996-SUB1 to cope with climate change. Full text is available upon request. [Cuc et al 2012.pdf] Are China and the ASEAN ready for a Bologna Process? Factors affecting the establishment of the ChinaASEAN higher education area. Qian Zeng, John Adams & Andy Gibbs. Educational Review, 27 Apr 2012. Abstract: This paper explores the possibility and significance of higher education convergence within the ChinaASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Free Trade Area (CAFTA) in terms of its economic, social, cultural status and external pressure. Existing studies on the Bologna Process show that due to economic, social and cultural diversity, different regions have interpreted the Bologna Process differently. For the CAFTA, higher education is facing more severe challenges compared to the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). The lack of strong regional identity, enormous outflows of students and consequent high opportunity cost all suggest that higher education convergence may not simply be desirable but also essential for the CAFTA. Moreover, the common mission of increasing the tertiary education enrolment rate and the similarity of higher education structure could aid the facilitation of this process in the early stage. Although the current situation indicates that the CAFTA should launch such an educational reform, concrete steps and innovative policy are needed to make it happen. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.

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Autism in Vietnam: The Case for the Development and Evaluation of an Information Book to be Distributed at the Time of Diagnosis. Ko Chung Ying, Graeme Browne and Marie Hutchinson Andrew Cashin, Bui Vu Binh. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, May 2012, Vol. 33, No. 5 , Pages 288-292. Abstract: Autism is not generally well understood by the community in the West or in Asia. A diagnosis of autism is distressing for all families. When families receive the diagnosis they are often not able to fully appreciate what it means or process the information given to them. Booklets exist in English that contain relevant autism related information but few have been evaluated. In Vietnam, parents do not have ready access to autism related information. This paper makes the case for offering a Vietnamese language information resource/booklet for parents to be distributed at the beginning of the diagnostic process and evaluating its usefulness. In developed countries autism has been recognised since the 1940s (Kanner, 1943). More recently it is being increasingly recognised in children with average and above intelligence. In Vietnam, a Western view of autism is just developing. Consequently community resources are undeveloped. The community, in general, and health services for children, in particular, have a rudimentary understanding of autism. This paper discusses a Western understanding of autism, autism in Vietnam, and suggests one possible strategy for addressing the educational needs around autism in Vietnam. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Climate disaster resilience of the education sector in Thua Thien Hue Province, Central Vietnam. Thi My Thi Tong, Rajib Shaw and Yukiko Takeuchi. Natural Hazards, published online 21 April 2012. Abstract: Recognizing the importance of building disaster resilience for education sector, this study aims to develop a methodology to measure the level of educational resilience to cope with natural disasters and is then applied in Central Vietnam. The assessment tool in this paper is developed through a combination of climate disaster resilience indexes and the 16 tasks of Hyogo framework for action designed for education sector. It looks at five dimensions namely physical conditions, human resources, institutional issues, external relationships, and natural conditions, with each dimension characterized by three parameters and five variables. Findings from this study provide important insights into enhancing resilience of the education system in Thua Thien Hue at the provincial, local, and school levels. By giving the overall resilience situation, it can help policy-makers and practitioners in developing an effective plan to increase the level of educational resilience. In addition, it provides the School Management Board with a means to assess the schools resilience level and set out priorities that need to be focused on with regard to the improvement of school safety and disaster risk reduction education. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Factors influencing the performance of community-based tourism in the semi-periphery of Vietnam: A resident perspective from Ta Van Village. Le, Tuan-Anh; Weaver, David; Lawton, Laura. CAUTHE 2012: The new golden age of tourism and hospitality; Book 2; Proceedings of the 22nd Annual Conference. Melbourne, VIC: La Trobe University, 2012: 361-366. Abstract: This research investigates the relationship between the Community-based tourism (CBT) and 'development' from the community's perspective. Qualitative research methods using a grounded theory approach are applied to examine factors influencing the performance of CBT for achieving 'development' in Ta Van village in the semiperiphery area adjacent to Sa Pa, Viet Nam. By analysing the interviews of 22 residents, the investigation shows that economic factors are perceived as the most important aspect of development, and that CBT has played an economically, socio-culturally and environmentally positive role in Ta Van village. The study found that traditional culture, unspoiled scenery, good infrastructure, management board in place, community commitment, and closeness to Sa Pa are positive factors facilitating the development of CBT at Ta Van. In contrast, commodification, street children, price competition, inequitable tourism benefit sharing, poor management board, lack of community, and trust are main negative factors hindering the performance of CBT. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.

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Identification of junk buyers contribution to recycling of household waste in Hanoi, Vietnam, through a physical composition analysis. Kosuke Kawai, Masahiro Osako, Saburo Matsui, Nguyen The Dong. Waste Management & Research, published online first May 13, 2012. Abstract: Even in developing countries, the amount of containers and packaging waste are increasing in line with population concentration and lifestyle changes in urban areas. This can cause serious problems for the disposal of municipal solid waste. Through a physical composition analysis of household waste in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, this study aimed to identify the contribution made by junk buyers to recycling. Interviews on the handling of recyclable waste by households were conducted. About 232 kg of recyclable waste was sampled from a total of 115 households, and about 230 kg of municipal solid waste was sampled from a total of 101 households and sorted into 69 categories for measurement by volume and weight. The interview survey revealed that a high proportion of households tended to routinely store recyclable waste for sale or donation to junk buyers. Junk buyers accounted for 8.8% of recycling by weight or 26.0% by volume according to the results of the physical composition analysis. In addition, the results suggested that containers and packaging waste accounted for the largest proportion of household waste by volume. Junk buyers recycled 25.5% by weight of containers and packaging waste. In the formulation of new plans for municipal solid waste management to improve the current situation and handle future challenges, the role of the informal sector should be monitored carefully and reliable data on recyclable waste should be collected continuously. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Iodine status in late pregnancy and psychosocial determinants of iodized salt use in rural northern Viet Nam. Jane Fisher, Thach Tran, Beverley Biggs, Tuan Tran, et al. World Health Organization. Bulletin of the World Health Organization. Geneva: Nov 2011. Vol. 89, Iss. 11; pg. 813, 8 pgs. Abstract (Summary): To establish iodine status among pregnant women in rural northern Viet Nam and explore psychosocial predictors of the use of iodized salt in their households. -- This prospective study included pregnant women registered in health stations in randomly-selected communes in Ha Nam province. At recruitment (<20 weeks of gestation), sociodemographic factors, reproductive health, intimate partner relationship, family violence, symptoms of common mental disorders and use of micronutrient supplements were assessed. During a second assessment (>28 weeks of gestation) a urine specimen was collected to measure urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and iodized salt use was assessed. Predictors were explored through univariable analyses and multivariable linear and logistic regression. -- The 413 pregnant women who provided data for this study had a median UIC of 70 g/l; nearly 83% had a UIC lower than the 150 g/l recommended by the World Health Organization; only 73.6% reported using iodized salt in any form in their households. Iodized salt use was lower among nulliparous women (odds ratio, OR: 0.56; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.32-0.96); less educated women (OR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.16-0.71); factory workers or smallscale traders (OR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.31-0.86), government workers (OR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.13-0.89) and women with common mental disorders at recruitment (OR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.38-0.98). -- The decline in the use of iodized salt in Viet Nam since the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme was suspended in 2005 has placed pregnant women and their infants in rural areas at risk of iodine deficiency disorders. Full text is available upon request. [Fisher et al 2012.pdf] Is Vietnam Ready for Nuclear Power? Changjian Wang, Qiang Wang, and Fei Wang. Environ. Sci. Technol., Article ASAP, April 27, 2012, Copyright 2012 American Chemical Society. First paragraph: Vietnams demand on power supply is increasing rapidly along with economic growth. It is a matter of urgency for Vietnam to find alternative energy source other than fossil fuel in order to minimize the influence on local climate. Currently the worlds largest nuclear power market exists in emerging economies and developing

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countries as those countries are in great need of relatively cheap energy to drive its economic growth. But nuclear power, neither cheap nor safe, is putting those countries in a dilemma. As the hot spot of the nuclear power market shifted from advanced technology to economic affordability, how to find a comprehensive nuclear power solution for developing countries with specific requirements poses a serious question to the international community. Free full text http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es301537t. [Wang et al 2012.pdf] Large-scale altitudinal gradient of natural rubber production in Vietnam. Binh Thanh Nguyen. Industrial Crops and Products, Volume 41, January 2013, Pages 3140. Abstract: Investigation of elevation dependence of latex productivity of natural rubber (NR, Hevea brasiliensis Mull. Arg.) plantations and determination of elevation thresholds for landuse management are an urgent need of study. The current study was, therefore, conducted, aiming to investigate attitudinal gradient of NR production in Vietnam. The study was based on 146,000 ha of harvested NR plantations located from the southeast region to highland. There were 45 NR clones planted in the areas studied and GT1, the clone planted with a largest portion, was examined separately from the other 44 clones, combined in processing (the Rest). Three main variables, latex productivity, individual yield and tapping density were calculated for two tapping periods, from year 1 to 10 (110) and from year 11 to 20 (1120). Over the investigated elevation range, 15738 m, the latex productivity declined at different rates, 109 for GT1 (1 10), 127 for GT1 (1120), 110 for the Rest (110) and 117 kg ha1 year1 for the Rest (1120) for every 100-m increase in elevation. An S-like curve, obtained by fitting latex productivity along the altitudinal gradient using 3order polynomial could be separated into three stages, of which the first and the last stages were characterized with a rapid drop of, and the middle was with a stability of, latex productivity. With a rise in elevation, tapping density (tapped tree ha1) and individual yield (kg tree1 year1) significantly declined. As tapping density increased, individual yield declined whereas latex productivity rose. The results indicated that not all lands are suitable for a good NR production and that only areas with elevation under a certain magnitude depending on individual NR clones should be considered for NR cultivation. The altitudinal gradient of NR production could involve a number of soil and climatic variables, which need to be further investigated. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Legal framework of the water sector in Vietnam: achievements and challenges. Nguyen, Thi Phuong Loan. Journal of Vietnamese Environment 2012, Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 27-44. Abstract: Since 1986 and especially during the early 90s, environmental protection has become a constitutional principle in Vietnam as regulated by Articles 17 and 29 of the 1992 Constitution. The first Law on Environmental Protection, passed by the National Assembly on December 27, 1993 created a foundation for environmental legislation becoming an important field in Vietnams legal system. In the following, Vietnam enacted its very first Law on Water Resources (No.08/1998/QH10) in January 1999 aiming to provide a foundational framework for managing the water sector in Vietnam. In recent years, the legislative framework on water resources management has further developed. Important water-related regulations on the guidance and implementation of the Law on Water Resources have been issued and often amended to meet the requirements of the countrys development, and its international integration. To date, Vietnams legislation on the water sector consists of a complex system of legal documents issued by different state agencies. Though legislation of water sector management in Vietnam has greatly improved during the last decade, it has obviously not yet come to full fruition. Hence, the paper intends to provide an overview of achievements as well as problems and conflicting issues within Vietnams current water sector management legislation. Free full text http://www.openaccess.tu-dresden.de/ojs/index.php/jve/article/viewFile/29/19. [Loan 2012.pdf] Mine waste water management and treatment in coal mines in Vietnam. Tran Mien. Geosystem Engineering, Volume 15, Issue 1, 2012, pages 66-70. Abstract: At present, Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Holding Corporation Limited (VINACOMIN) controls 35 coal mines, including 10 underground mines and 25 open pits in Quang Ninh coal basin. The coal mining area in Quang Ninh has a very special characteristic that its coal seams are located near the coast of Ha Long Bay and many coal mines are situated close to the coast. Previously, mine water from the mines was not treated and discharged

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directly into the sea. Since 2009, VINACOMIN has constructed 29 mine water treatment stations. The management of mine water in coal mines in Quang Ninh coal basin is quite difficult due to tropical rains. -- This article introduces characteristics of coal mine drainage in Vietnam, the specific difficulties of coal mine drainage management and treatment, solutions that have been applied and their results. Also discussed is the necessity of technology and management experiences that are needed in order to manage the resources of coal mine drainage effectively and to contribute to the protection of the ecological environment and improve the living conditions of miners and the local community in the Quang Ninh coal field. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Recent Labor Market Performance in Vietnam through a Gender Lens. Galle Pierre. World Bank Policy Research Working Paper 6056, May 2012. Abstract: This paper provides an overview of the recent performance of the labor market in Vietnam during the Great Recession. The analysis uses data from the Labor Force Survey and the Vietnam Household Living Standard Survey. The author finds that, notwithstanding the global crisis and domestic volatility, job creation has been sustained in Vietnam, especially in the formal sector, but that the overall quality of employment has suffered. Gender differentials are found to affect older women especially, while educated women benefit from a skills wage premium. Reassuringly given the large youth share of the total workforce, the youth labor market is dynamic and outcomes for youths have improved. Meanwhile, participation in poverty alleviation programs and labor market programs has not changed, and few workers use the newly created employment services and unemployment benefits. Free full text http://wwwwds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/IW3P/IB/2012/05/03/000158349_20120503105839/Rendere d/PDF/WPS6056.pdf. Rice Land Designation Policy in Vietnam and the Implications of Policy Reform for Food Security and Economic Welfare. James A. Giesecke, Nhi Hoang Tran, Erwin L. Corong, Steven Jaffee. 2012 Conference Paper. Abstract: With the aim of promoting national food security, the Vietnamese government enforces the designation of around 40 percent of agricultural land strictly for paddy rice cultivation. We investigate the economic effects of adjusting this policy, using an economy-wide model of Vietnam with detailed modelling of region-specific land use, agricultural activity, poverty, and food security measures. Our results show that the removal of the rice land designation policy would increase real private consumption by an average of 0.4 percent per annum over 2011-2030, while also reducing poverty, improving food security, and contributing to more nutritionally balanced diets among Vietnamese households. Free full text https://www.gtap.agecon.purdue.edu/resources/download/5900.pdf. Saigon Eye Hospital: An innovative business model in healthcare. Luu Trong Tuan. Leadership in Health Services. Bradford: 2012. Vol. 25, Iss. 2; pg. 123. Abstract (Summary): Purpose - This paper seeks to examine the innovative business model of Saigon Eye Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Design/methodology/approach - The paper takes the form of a case study. Findings - The study identifies the categories underlying the high performance of the hospital system, namely leadership style, cause-related marketing, market driving approach, HR and cost reduction, innovation stimulators, and brand building. Originality/value - The research offers insight into the elements of the innovative business model of Saigon Eye Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, highlighting concepts of service management and social marketing in an emerging market context. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. The implementation of reproductive function of Vietnamese families at present time. Nguyen Thanh Binh. International Journal of Human Resource Studies, Vol 2, No 2 (2012).

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Abstract: From the sociological point of view, the family is a special social institution. Because the family performs vital functions for the survival and development of society. One of the most important functions of the family is reproductive function. It can be said that there are no social institutions could undertake this function of family officially except for institution of the family. Based on the result of census in recent years, the article analyzes some aspects of the implementation of reproductive function in Vietnamese families. Specifically, Vietnamese households fertility rate have substantially declined and reached the sub-replacement fertility rate over the past years. The fertility rate in rural areas decreases faster than in urban area, but it is still higher. The proportion of women having a third child decreases yearly. However, in some geographic regions, this rate tends to increase. The abortion rate in Vietnam has been likely to rise for recent years. In rural area, this rate is a bit higher than in urban one. Young age groups abortion rate is relatively high and often higher than older age groups. The abortion of people at low education level is relatively high. The Northwest had the highest abortion rate, the lowest rate belonged to the South Central Coast. The highest abortion rate is of couples with 1 or 2 alive children. The most widely used contraceptive method in Vietnam is intrauterine device (IUDs). The next are methods of menstrual cycle and using condoms. Other methods as male or female sterilization, withdrawal are less chosen by couples. The age using contraceptive methods is likely to increase and women at the age of 35 - 39 reach the top rate, then this rate has the declining trend when women get much older. Education level is always considered as one of the factors affecting individuals behavior. Couples current number of children affects the choice of contraceptive methods, as well. Free full text http://www.macrothink.org/journal/index.php/ijhrs/article/view/1607. The Renovation of Higher Education Governance in Vietnam and its Impact on the Teaching Quality at Universities. Thi Lan Phuong Pham. Tertiary Education and Management, Available online: 01 May 2012. Abstract: Significant changes in the policies of higher education in Vietnam have changed the structure and governance of the system since the mid-1990s. The most commonly agreed-upon positive outcome of the governance renovation process is that the formation of a nationwide quality assurance scheme, which is stimulated by accreditation, in the higher education system has been putting higher education institutions (HEIs) under pressure to ensure a threshold quality level, to be accountable for their performance, and to develop internal quality assurance. The external assessment of higher education quality in Vietnam has had an impact on quality management and on improving conditions for teaching and learning. However, the governance renovation will not help enhance the quality of higher education continuously unless it provides HEIs with incentives to start initiatives. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.

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Some new academic papers on development issues in Vietnam

2012 May 1 issue
Links provided hereunder are accessible on WB intranet only, except otherwise specified. Please contact VDIC librarian at nvu2@worldbank.org if you need full text of the article/s listed below, for private study, scholarship or research purposes. We can only provide full text of those without the note Fee may apply. Agriculture, Structural Change and Socially Responsible Development in China and Vietnam. Tisdell, Clement A. University of Queensland, School of Economics, Economic Theory, Applications and Issues Working Papers 65, April 2012. Abstract (excerpt): The gradualism of economic reforms in China and Vietnam (especially in China, which has led the way in this regard) has been commented on favourably by many analysts studying transitional economies. Early market reforms in China and Vietnam were constrained by political considerations and consequently, began in agriculture and in Chinas case, in rural areas with the development of town-and-village enterprises as well. It is argued that at the time when the reforms began, they were socially responsible. However, they have created a legacy which has resulted in agricultural land disputes and many town-and-village enterprises now face new economic challenges resulting in social conflict as the structure of Chinas economy alters and greater market competition occurs. A further relevant policy issue which is discussed is whether commercial industrialised farming should be encouraged at the expense of the existing predominantly small-scale household farming in China and Vietnam. At present, titles to agricultural land continue to be held by village councils and villagers only have conditional user rights to the land allocated to them. These rights can be taken away by village councils and the use of the land involved can be reallocated which has been increasingly necessary with structural economic change in China and Vietnam. Some villagers believe that their land is taken unfairly and that they are not adequately compensated for its loss. Why this problem exists and the difficulties of solving it are given particular consideration. Free full text http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/123022. An insight into the patent systems of fast developing ASEAN countries. Tuan Anh Vu. World Patent Information, Volume 34, Issue 2, June 2012, Pages 134142. Abstract: The aim of this paper is to describe the patentsystems of fastdevelopingASEANcountries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) and understand the factors that drive the demand for patents in these countries. Patentsystems in these countries have now been strengthened to a large extent, the number of patent applications has increased substantially, although at a very different pace across countries. The policy features that seem to be associated with a strong increase in demand for patents are: i) policies aiming at attracting FDI; ii) low relative costs (or fees); and iii) a relatively low quality of the examination processes. The significant differences in the patentsystems of these fastdevelopingcountries echo to some extent the differences observed between the patentsystems in Europe, the USA and Japan. Free working paper version https://dipot.ulb.ac.be/dspace/bitstream/2013/93396/1/wp11030.pdf. Assessing the Welfare Effects of Microfinance in Vietnam: Empirical Results from a Quasi-Experimental Survey. Son Nghiem, Tim Coelli & Prasada Rao. Journal of Development Studies, Available online: 18 Apr 2012. Abstract: This article analyses the effects of NGO microfinance programmes on household welfare in Vietnam. Data on 470 households across 25 villages were collected using a quasi-experimental survey approach to overcome any

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self-selection bias. The sample was designed so that member households of microfinance programmes were compared with non-member households with similar characteristics. The analysis shows no significant effects of participation in NGO microfinance on household welfare, proxied by income and consumption per adult equivalent. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Commercial maize production in fragile uplands of Vietnam: how to reduce poverty while protecting the environment? Alwin Keil, Camille Saint-Macary, Manfred Zeller. Paper prepared for the International Conference Sustainable Land Use and Rural Development in Mountain Areas, Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany, 16-18 April 2012. Abstract (excerpt): Income growth and urbanization in developing countries have enlarged markets for high-value agricultural commodities, offering opportunities for poverty alleviation in rural areas if farmers are linked to such markets (World Bank 2007: 124). However, lacking access to physical, financial, and human capital, as well as infrastructure and institutions may limit the ability of the poor to participate in and benefit from respective commercial agricultural activities (von Braun, 1995; Barrett et al., 2001; Minot et al., 2006; World Bank, 2007). There may further be a trade-off between short-term wealth enhancing effects of intensive commercial agriculture and adverse long-term effects on farmers livelihoods due to natural resource degradation (World Bank 2007: 180). Hence, policy interventions are needed that reduce poverty and protect the environment, whereby the challenge lies in jointly achieving both goals (World Bank, 2007: 192). We address this challenge using the case of commercial maize production in an ecologically fragile area of northern Vietnam Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Copula Model Dependency Between Oil Prices and Stock Markets: Evidence from China and Vietnam. Cuong Nguyen, M. Ishaq Bhatti. Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 18 April 2012. Abstract: The uncertainty of a country's economy, especially emerging economies, is partially due to the fluctuating of oil prices. There is also a growing concern about the relationship between oil price and stock markets in developing countries due to their heavy dependence on oil prices co-movements. This paper attempts to understand the relationship between China and Vietnam markets using nonparametric (chi- and K- plots) and parametric (copula) methods. We observe that the left tail dependency between international oil prices and Vietnam's stock market while Chinese market shows opposite results. These findings provide a new insight into the behavior between oil prices and stock markets, thus leading to meaningful implications for policy makers, investors and risk managers dealing with these two markets. Full text http://www.sciencedirect.com.libproxywb.imf.org/science/article/pii/S1042443112000248?v=s5. Corruption, growth, and governance: Private vs. state-owned firms in Vietnam. Thuy Thu Nguyen, Mathijs A. van Dijk. Journal of Banking & Finance, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 16 April 2012. Abstract: We provide a firm-level analysis of the relation between corruption and growth for private firms and stateowned enterprises (SOEs) in Vietnam. We obtain three different measures of the perceived corruption severity from a 2005 survey among 741 private firms and 133 SOEs. We find that corruption hampers the growth of Vietnams private sector, but is not detrimental for growth in the state sector. We document significant differences in the corruption severity across 24 provinces in Vietnam that can be explained by the quality of provincial public governance (such as the costs of new business entry, land access, and private sector development policies). Our results suggest that corruption may harm economic growth because it favors the state sector at the expense of the private sector and that improving the quality of local public governance can help to mitigate corruption and stimulate economic growth. Full text http://www.sciencedirect.com.libproxywb.imf.org/science/article/pii/S0378426612000891?v=s5. Decomposing the Labor Market Earnings Inequality: The Public and Private Sectors in Vietnam, 19932006. Clment Imbert. World Bank Economic Review, First published online April 19, 2012.

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Abstract: In contrast with the typical transition to a market economy, earnings inequality in Vietnam between 1993 and 2006 appears to have decreased, and the earnings gap in favor of public employees appears to have widened. We use a comparative advantage model to disentangle the effect of sorting workers across sectors from the effect of the differences in returns to workers' skills. The selection of the best workers into the public sector is clearly an important component of the explanation for the public-private sector earnings gap, but the widening of this gap over time is primarily due to changes in the compensation patterns. We find that in the 1990s, public employees were underpaid compared with their earning potential in the private sector, whereas in the early 2000s, public employees earned similar returns to their comparative advantage in the public and private sectors. The increasing homogeneity in returns to skills in the Vietnamese labor market appears to explain both the increase in the public-private pay gap and the decrease in overall inequality. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Determinants Of Household Access To Formal Credit In The Rural Areas Of The Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Vuong Quoc, Duy. MPRA Paper 38202, 2012 Mar. Abstract: This paper investigates the factors affecting the access of rural individual and group-based households to formal credit in the Mekong Delta (MD), Vietnam. Poverty levels in the Mekong Delta have declined significantly over the last decades, but in the rural areas they remain significant. If it is assumed that access to credit is a suitable vehicle for poverty alleviation, it is necessary to assess the way households decide on borrowing. This paper identifies the determinants of the decision to borrow and of the amount that is borrowed by using the double hurdle model and the Heckman selection model. Data used in this paper were obtained from a survey of 325 rural households, conducted between May and October 2009. The results indicate that household capital endowments, marital status, family size, distance to the market centre, and location affect both the probability and the amount of asking for credit. Free full text http://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/38202/. Economic Impacts of International Migration and Remittances on Household Welfare in Vietnam. Cuong Nguyen, Daniel Mont. International Journal of Development Issues, Vol. 11 Iss: 2 (2012). Abstract: Purpose - The objective of the paper is to examine the impact of international remittances on different household welfare indicators including child education, assets, durable goods, and reservation wages of other working age household members. It examines how international remittances are spent for production and consumption by receiving households. Design/methodology/approach - This paper uses fixed-effect regressions to estimate the impact of international remittances on household spending in Vietnam using Vietnam Household Living Standard Surveys 2006 and 2008. Findings - We find that most of international remittances are spent on housing and land, debt repayment and saving. A small proportion of remittances are used to buy durable goods. Remittances are not spent in production as well as living consumptions. The effect of international remittances on consumption-based poverty is very limited. Originality/value - The findings from this paper suggest that current international remittances are not an effective measure for poverty reduction in the short-run in Vietnam. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Eradication of Helicobacter pylori in Children in Vietnam in Relation to Antibiotic Resistance. Thi Viet Ha Nguyen, Carina Bengtsson, Li Yin, Gia Khanh Nguyen, Thi Thu Ha Hoang, Dac Cam Phung, Mikael Srberg, Marta Granstrm. Helicobacter, Early View, Article first published online: 20 APR 2012. Abstract:

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-- Background: Low Helicobacter pylori eradication rates are common in pediatric trials especially in developing countries. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of antibiotic resistance, drug dosage, and administration frequency on treatment outcome for children in Vietnam. -- Materials and Methods: Antibiotics resistance of H. pylori was analyzed by the Etest in 222 pretreatment isolates from children 315 years of age who were originally recruited in a randomized trial with two treatment regiments: lansoprazole with amoxicillin and either clarithromycin (LAC) or metronidazole (LAM) in two weight groups with once- or twice-daily administration. The study design was an observational study embedded in a randomized trial. -- Results: The overall resistance to clarithromycin, metronidazole, and amoxicillin was 50.9%, 65.3%, and 0.5%, respectively. In LAC, eradication was linked to the strains being susceptible to clarithromycin (78.2% vs 29.3%, p = .0001). Twice-daily dosage of proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) and clarithromycin was more effective for eradication than once-daily dosage for resistant strains (50.0% vs 14.7%, p = .004) and tended to be so also for sensitive strains (87.5% vs 65.2%, p = .051). Exact antibiotic dose per body weight resulted in more eradication for resistant strains (45.3% vs 8.0%, p = .006). These differences were less pronounced for the LAM regimen, with twice-daily PPI versus once daily for resistant strains resulting in 69.2% and 50.0% eradication (p = .096), respectively. -- Conclusions: Helicobacter pylori clarithromycin resistance was unexpectedly high in young children in Vietnam. Clarithromycin resistance was an important cause for eradication treatment failure. Twice-daily administration and exact antibiotic dosing resulted in more eradicated infections when the strains were antibiotic resistant, which has implications for the study design in pediatric H. pylori eradication trials. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Fate of pesticides in paddy rice farming systems in NWVietnam. Thomas Gut, Marc Lamers, Nguyen Van Vien, Thilo Streck. Paper prepared for the International Conference Sustainable Land Use and Rural Development in Mountain Areas, Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany, 16-18 April 2012. Abstract: During the past decades, paddy rice production in Vietnam has undergone a major intensification due to population growth and increasing export-market orientation. As a consequence, the amount of applied pesticides has been tripled during the last decade [FAO 2011]. Recent studies from major rice cultivating regions in Europe and Japan indicate that considerable fractions of applied pesticides are lost from the target area to surface water compartments, such as lakes or rivers (e.g. NUMABE and NAGAHORA, 2006). Other studies indicate that a considerable fraction of applied pesticides is prone to infiltrate into deeper soil layers and potentially pollute groundwater aquifers (e.g. PAPADOPOULOU-MOURKIDOU, E. et al, 2003). LAMERS et al. (2011) recently showed for the watershed under study that both surface- and groundwater pollution by pesticides poses a serious environmental problem. In remote areas of NW-Vietnam, surface- and groundwater is multiply re-used for domestic purposes, thus strengthening the need for quantifying and forecasting pesticide losses to groundwater and surface water from paddy rice fields. However, for south-east Asia in general and Vietnam in particular, studies focusing on the fate of pesticides in paddy rice regions are limited. -- The aim of the present study is to quantify and analyse the fate of pesticides in paddy rice farming systems in the Chieng Khoi watershed, NW-Vietnam. In 2010, we installed gauging stations at an upstream, midstream and downstream position of the watershed. At each station we measured discharge and we automatically sampled water for pesticide analyses in four consecutive rice cropping seasons in 2010 and 2011. Furthermore, we conducted field surveys among up to 145 rice farmers to gain knowledge on the application practices in each season. To assess the occurrence of groundwater pollution by pesticides, 16 representative wells and one natural spring have been sampled once per week during two consecutive rice cropping seasons in 2010. All water samples were immediately transported to the field laboratory in Yen Chau and stored at 4 C until further transport to Hanoi. In Hanoi, the samples have been analysed in certified laboratories for the most commonly applied pesticides according to the field surveys among farmer households (Imidacloprid, Fenitrothion, Fenobucarb, Trichlorfon and Cypermethrin). Key results indicate that according to their physico-chemical properties significant fractions of the applied mass of pesticides were lost from

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the paddy fields to the receiving stream and to groundwater aquifers, respectively. High concentrations of pesticides were found in both surface and groundwater during all seasons. Peak concentrations for imidacloprid of up to 0.69 g/l for surface water and up to 4.0 g/l for groundwater, respectively. The field surveys revealed a high and quickly changing variety of applied pesticides. While imidacloprid was one of the most commonly applied pesticides in both years, the importance of other applied pesticides varied from year to year. -- In our presentation we will focus on the experimental setup and key results indicating that under the current management practice pesticide use in paddy fields poses a serious environmental problem in northern Vietnam. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Firm-Level Corruption in Vietnam. John Rand and Finn Tarp. Economic Development and Cultural Change , Vol. 60, No. 3 (April 2012), pp. 571-595. Abstract: This article uses panel data from a survey of small- and medium-sized enterprises in Vietnam to uncover which firms pay bribes and which do not. We also study how bribe paying evolved between 2005 and 2007 and test how the determinants of bribes changed between the two years. Three sets of insights emerge. First, bribe incidence is highly associated with firm-level differences in visibility, sunk costs, ability to pay, and some, but not all, types of interaction with public officials. Second, the magnitudes of bribes are distinctly higher for firms, which get preferential tax benefits and government contracts. Third, the observed decrease in bribe incidence between 2005 and 2007 is largely driven by significant behavioral changes. These behavioral changes seem to be associated with policy initiatives to improve law enforcement and increased media focus on punitive actions against corruption. Free working paper version http://www.wider.unu.edu/stc/repec/pdfs/wp2010/wp2010-16.pdf. Flood forecasting and early warning for river basins in central Vietnam. Do Hoai NAM, Keiko UDO and Akira MANO. Journal of Japan Society of Civil Engineers, Ser. B1 (Hydraulic Engineering), Vol. 67 (2011) , No. 4 pp.I_7-I_12. Abstract: This paper presents the extension of the previous work on the development of short-term flood forecast model using rainfall downscaled from the global NWP outputs. The proposed downscale method has considered physically based corrections to the NWP outputs for optimization of parameters used for calibration phases using artificial neural network (ANN). Downscaled rainfall was then used as inputs to the modified super tank model for runoff forecast. Model uncertainties were quantified against forecast lead-times in order to integrate forecast results into the existing alarm levels for early flood warning. Results showed that flood forecasts based on the downscaled rainfall by ANN outperformed those using multiple linear regression methods. Though it showed larger uncertainties along with the forecast lead-times, the model can provide reliable forecasts up to 18-hour ahead. It has demonstrated an added value in flood forecasting and warning practices for river basins in Central Vietnam. Free full text http://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jscejhe/67/4/67_I_7/_article. Global Health Services to develop hospital in Vietnam. By: GREENE, JAY. Crain's Detroit Business, 2/27/2012, Vol. 28 Issue 9, p0017-0017, 1p; Abstract: The article reports that the consulting and management company Global Health Services Inc. has signed a contract to design hospital, medical spa, and hotel in Vietnam. It mentions that Global Health has also planned several smaller private international hospital projects in Bangladesh. According to the president Patricia Williams, his company will build a new medical city that will house a hospital, medical academic center, and wellness center. Full text http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bch&AN=72698998&site=ehost-live Heavy Metal Concentration in Sediments of the Nhue River and its Water-Irrigated Farmland Soil in the Suburbs of Hanoi, Vietnam. Nguyen Thi Lan Huong, Masami Ohtsubo, Takahiro Higashi & Motohei Kanayama. Soil and Sediment Contamination: An International Journal, Volume 21, Issue 3, 2012, pages 364-381.

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Abstract: The heavy metal pollution of sediment in the Nhue River, which receives wastewater from the To Lich and Kim Nguu River system, was investigated together with the effects of use of this water for irrigation of the surrounding farmland. Eighty soil samples and 40 sediment samples were collected from six locations in the Nhue River and two locations in the To Lich River for chemical and physical analyses. The results showed that the sediments in the Nhue River are heavily polluted by metals (71420 mg/kg for Cu, 77433 mg/kg for Pb, 150350 mg/kg for Zn, 0.78.7 mg/kg for Cd, 80 583 mg/kg for Cr, and 3270 mg/kg for Ni). There were positive correlations between heavy metal concentration and both clay and organic matter contents in the sediment samples. The concentrations of all metals in soil samples were much higher than the background levels in the farmland, Cd, Cu, and Pb, exceeding Vietnamese standards for agricultural grounds. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. High prevalence of antibiotic resistance in commensal Escherichia coli among children in rural Vietnam. Oliver James Dyar, Nguyen Quynh Hoa, Nguyen V Trung, Ho D Phuc, Mattias Larsson, Nguyen TK Chuc, Cecilia Stalsby Lundborg. BMC Infectious Diseases 2012, 12:92. Abstract: -- Background: Commensal bacteria represent an important reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes. Few communitybased studies of antibiotic resistance in commensal bacteria have been conducted in Southeast Asia. We investigated the prevalence of resistance in commensal Escherichia coli in preschool children in rural Vietnam, and factors associated with carriage of resistant bacteria. -- Methods: We tested isolates of E. coli from faecal samples of 818 children aged 6-60 months living in FilaBavi, a demographic surveillance site near Hanoi. Daily antibiotic use data was collected for participating children for three weeks prior to sampling and analysed with socioeconomic and demographic characteristics extracted from FilaBavis re-census survey 2007. Descriptive statistics were generated, and a logistic regression model was used to identify contributions of the examined factors. -- Results: High prevalences of resistance were found to tetracycline (74%), co-trimoxazole (68%), ampicillin (65%), chloramphenicol (40%), and nalidixic acid (27%). Two isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin. Sixty percent of isolates were resistant to three or more antibiotics. Recent sulphonamide use was associated with co-trimoxazole resistance [OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.8-5.7], and beta-lactam use with ampicillin resistance [OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3-2.4]. Isolates from children aged 6-23 months were more likely to be resistant to ampicillin [OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3-2.4] and cotrimoxazole [OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1-2.0]. Associations were identified between geographical areas and tetracycline and ampicillin resistance. -- Conclusions: We present high prevalence of carriage of commensal E. coli resistant to commonly used antibiotics. The identified associations with recent antibiotic use, age, and geographical location might contribute to our understanding of carriage of antibiotic resistant commensal bacteria. Free full text http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1471-2334-12-92.pdf. Identifying the Public Administration Reform Performance through the Lens of Provincial Competitiveness Index and GDP Per Capita in Vietnam. Thai Thanh Ha, Le Thi Van Hanh. Modern Economy, 2012, 3, 11-15. ABSTRACT: This study was conducted to test the hypothesis of whether the public administration reform (PAR) and provincial competitiveness could be causally linked to the GDP welfare per capita in Vietnam. By adopting the factor analysis and then the natural logarithm linear regression, the author found out that there were causality linkages between those above mentioned parameters. Namely, legal institutions were the main huddles for GDP per head, while public administration reform services and public services delivery exert positive impacts on GDP per capita. The dynamism of provincial leadership was also positively influential to the GDP outcome for Vietnamese citizens. Conclusions and recommenda- tions were drawn for Vietnamese policy makers to modernize the public administration reform process. Full text is available upon request. [Ha-Hanh-2012.pdf].

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Investing in the field: Positionalities in money and gift exchange in Vietnam. Jamie Gillen. Geoforum, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 17 April 2012. Abstract: This paper contributes to the existing literature on positionality, ethics, research design, and the politics of the field by sketching power relations between an American researcher and Vietnamese respondents in Vietnam. I illustrate how two types of investments, financial compensation and gift exchange, live in the field as arbitrators of power relations between researcher and respondent. Specifically, I argue that financial and symbolic investments are important yet neglected aspects of the fieldwork experience for both investigators and research subjects because they allow both parties to deploy and negotiate multiple positionalities in the field. In sum, the paper makes three points: it outlines the multiple positionalities at play as scholars plan and execute their research; it introduces the concept of investment to field methods, with a focus on financial compensation and gift giving; and it demonstrates investments role in the negotiation of power between researcher and respondent. Full text http://www.sciencedirect.com.libproxywb.imf.org/science/article/pii/S0016718512000632. Labour-Management Relationships in Transitional Economies: Convergence or Divergence in Vietnam and Indonesia? Collins, Ngan; Nankervis, Alan; Sitalaksmi, Sari; Warner, Malcolm. Asia Pacific Business Review, July 2011, v. 17, iss. 3, pp. 361-77. Abstract: Western labour-management relationships (both formal and informal), their respective rights, obligations and negotiating frameworks, have been well- established, understood, and supported by a complex set of associated legislation for decades. However, in many developing countries, including Vietnam and Indonesia, historical, sociocultural, ideological, or political factors constrained the development of such formalized employee relations until very recent times. This paper explores the different paths taken by Vietnam and Indonesia towards a modern employee relations system, with its concomitant positive and adverse consequences. Full text http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eoh&AN=1285638&site=ehost-live. [Collins et al 2011.pdf] Measuring the Performance of the Banking System Case of Vietnam (1990-2010). Dang-Thanh Ngo. Journal of Applied Finance & Banking, vol.2, no.2, 2012, 289-312. Abstract: Banking is the core of the financial system which has important role in attracting deposits to provide credits to borrowers, services to customers and booting the economic development. This paper applied a modified DEA window analysis to analyze the performance changes through time of the Vietnamese banking system in the 19902010 periods. The research suggests that this performance is decreasing through the time as the size of the banking sector increases; financial market is more liberate, and when the World and regional economies are problematic. While the banking system is running at two-third of its capacity, it has limited contribution to the economy. Therefore, continuing to develop and restructuring the banking system in Vietnam is important now and then. Using tighten monetary and/or loosen fiscal policy can be seen as a solution for improving the performance of the Vietnamese banking system. Free full text http://www.scienpress.com/Upload/JAFB/Vol%202_2_10.pdf. Micronutrient Deficits Are Still Public Health Issues among Women and Young Children in Vietnam. Arnaud Laillou, Thuy Van Pham, Nga Thuy Tran, Hop Thi Le, Frank Wieringa, Fabian Rohner, Sonia Fortin, Mai Bach Le, Do Thanh Tran, Regina Moench-Pfanner, Jacques Berger. PLoS ONE 7(4) 2012. Abstract: -- Background: The 2000 Vietnamese National Nutrition Survey showed that the population's dietary intake had improved since 1987. However, inequalities were found in food consumption between socioeconomic groups. As no national data exist on the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies, a survey was conducted in 2010 to assess the micronutrient status of randomly selected 1526 women of reproductive age and 586 children aged 675 mo.

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-- Principal Findings: In women, according to international thresholds, prevalence of zinc deficiency (ZnD, 67.22.6%) and vitamin B12 deficiency (11.71.7%) represented public health problems, whereas prevalence of anemia (11.61.0%) and iron deficiency (ID, 13.71.1%) were considered low, and folate (<3%) and vitamin A (VAD, <2%) deficiencies were considered negligible. However, many women had marginal folate (25.1%) and vitamin A status (13.6%). Moreover, overweight (BMI23 kg/m2 for Asian population) or underweight occurred in 20% of women respectively highlighting the double burden of malnutrition. In children, a similar pattern was observed for ZnD (51.93.5%), anemia (9.11.4%) and ID (12.91.5%) whereas prevalence of marginal vitamin A status was also high (47.32.2%). There was a significant effect of age on anemia and ID prevalence, with the youngest age group (617 mo) having the highest risk for anemia, ID, ZnD and marginal vitamin A status as compared to other groups. Moreover, the poorest groups of population had a higher risk for zinc, anemia and ID. -- Conclusion: The prevalence of anemia and ID in Vietnam has been markedly reduced over the last decade, but a large part of the population is still at risk for other deficiencies such as zinc, vitamin A, folate and vitamin B12 especially the youngest children aged 617 mo. Consequently specific interventions to improve food diversity and quality should be implemented, among them food fortification of staple foods and condiments and improvement of complementary feeding. Free full text http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0034906. Mismatches between Climate Vulnerability and Mitigation Policies in Vietnam. Pam McElwee. Inntroduction (excerpt): Our research project was designed to tackle this problem by examining the development and implementation of REDD and REDD-like payments for environmental services (PES) in the country of Vietnam. Vietnam is one of a few countries undergoing preparations for REDD through both the World Banks Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) and the United Nations REDD Readiness program (UN-REDD), as well as several NGO supported REDD projects (sponsored by WWF, SNV and local NGOs) and private companies (including Honda and IKEA). Additionally, Vietnam is likely to be one of the most vulnerable nations in the world to climate change, due to its long coastline (>3000 km), dependence on agriculture (~70% of its population is rural), and low levels of development (per capita income in rural areas area still relatively low compared to neighboring countries in Asia). Vietnam is in some ways typical of the landscape of challenges that REDD will face across Southeast Asia, which is dominated by smallholders and indigenous peoples living in and around tropical forests, often with insecure land tenure, and there are great pressures for land conversion from a number of cash crop commodities, such as coffee, rubber, and oil palm. Poor overall forest governance, and pressures from illegal logging and poor enforcement of existing laws characterize most of the SEA region, and Vietnam is no exception. Without attention to the existing social vulnerabilities that underpin resource use within Vietnam, new policies for climate mitigation like REDD run the risk of exacerbating inequalities. Thus an understanding of how REDD policies might alter land-use frameworks is necessary before such large-scale global programs get underway. Free full text http://environment.yale.edu/tri/uploads/McElwee%20Paper.pdf. New socialization or discontinuation of the state extension systems services in Vietnam?. Thai Thi Minh, Volker Hoffmann. Paper prepared for the International Conference Sustainable Land Use and Rural Development in Mountain Areas, Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany, 16-18 April 2012. Abstract: In spite of the massive studies on Vietnams extension system (i.e.: Shanks et al., 2003; Golettiet al., 2007; Minh et al., 2011), an analysis of socialization of extension tasks has not yet appeared in mainstream literature. Socialization of extension (xa hoi hoa khuyen nong) in Vietnam has been promoted in the Governments policies since the early 2000s. In the Vietnamese conception, socialization has broader meanings associated with the desired interactions between government, society and the individual (Shanks et al., 2003). Thus, socialization of extension means that extension is in fact the responsibility of the society as a whole and that all organisations have a part in increasing production, improving technologies, and spreading production knowledge (Beckman, 2002). Given the context of Decree 02/2010/ND-CP on extension launched 8 January 2010, the implementation of a new socialization has been strongly focused towards more privatisation. Based on secondary data from existing scientific literature

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and the Governments policy as well as primary data collected from semi-structured interviews with extension officers and staff from different levels, this paper analyses the process of socialization and its recent changes in Vietnams extension system during the last ten years. -- Results show that socialization has been currently shifted from mobilization to privatisation since the enforcement of Decree 02 and Circular 38/2011/TT-BNGPTNT. The mobilization has been used to simulate capital and human resources from private sector, non-governmental organizations and individuals towards extension work. It has sought for voluntary participation and contributions of non-governmental organizations such as donor communities, NGOs, and private companies. It has enhanced the collaboration between the governmental extension system and mass organizations such as Womens union, Farmers Union, Fatherland front Union, and Youth Union Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. On the sources of risk preferences in rural Vietnam. Dang, Duc Anh. Preliminary draft, April 2012. Abstract: In this paper, I provide a new empirical evidence that natural environment can shape individual risk preferences. By combining historical data on climate variation and contemporary survey questions on risk aversion, I find that risk aversion is significantly different for people who live in areas that have suffered high frequency of natural disaster. In particular, individuals highly affected by climate volatility show a long term risk aversion. Free full text http://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/38058/1/MPRA_paper_38058.pdf. Potential collaboration with the private sector for the provision of ambulatory care in the Mekong region, Vietnam. Ha Anh Duc, Lora L. Sabin, Le Quang Cuong, Duong Duc Thien and Rich Feeley III. Glob Health Action 2012, 5: 10126. Abstract: -- Background: Over the past two decades, health insurance in Vietnam has expanded nationwide. Concurrently, Vietnams private health sector has developed rapidly and become an increasingly integral part of the health system. To date, however, little is understood regarding the potential for expanding public-private partnerships to improve health care access and outcomes in Vietnam. -- Objective: To explore possibilities for public-private collaboration in the provision of ambulatory care at the primary level in the Mekong region, Vietnam. -- Design: We employed a mixed methods research approach. Qualitative methods included focus group discussions with health officials and in-depth interviews with managers of private health facilities. Quantitative methods encompassed facility assessments, and exit surveys of clients at the same private facilities. -- Results: Discussions with health officials indicated generally favorable attitudes towards partnerships with private providers. Concerns were also voiced, regarding the over- and irrational use of antibiotics, and in terms of limited capacity for regulation, monitoring, and quality assurance. Private facility managers expressed a willingness to collaborate in the provision of ambulatory care, and private providers facilites were relatively well staffed and equipped. The client surveys indicated that 80% of clients first sought treatment at a private facility, even though most lived closer to a public provider. This choice was motivated mainly by perceptions of quality of care. Clients who reported seeking care at both a public and private facility were more satisfied with the latter. -- Conclusions: Public-private collaboration in the provision of ambulatory care at the primary level in Vietnam has substantial potential for improving access to quality services. We recommend that such collaboration be explored by Vietnamese policy-makers. If implemented, we strongly urge attention to effectively managing such partnerships,

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establishing a quality assurance system, and strengthening regulatory mechanisms. Free full text http://www.globalhealthaction.net/index.php/gha/article/view/10126. Poverty Reduction Strategies in an Ethnic Minority Community: Multiple Definitions of Poverty among Khmer Villagers in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Truong Ngoc Thuy. Asian Social Science Vol. 8, No. 6; May 2012. Abstract: The Khmer people are one of four groups in the Mekong delta making up around 1.3 million of the total population of 86 million in Vietnam. They account for a large proportion of the poor compared to other group, with 53% considered falling under the poverty line (General Census of population and housing, 2009). Several national programs have been carried out to improve the lives of poor Khmer people. In An Giang province, in particular, where the majority of Khmer people live with 35% recorded poor, an agricultural development policy, a Government Program 134 (Note 1), and resolution 25 (Note 2) have been implemented, including agricultural modernization, house building, and saving credits. -- Based on the field data collected from three months ethnography in a Khmer farming village in An Giang province, this paper argues that different social actors have multi-facet definitions and measurement of poverty. Khmers notion of being poor/well-off show little variation; they refer to define it by their own impoverished situation as due to a low level of income, coming from poor households (inherited/generational poverty), lack of sustainable work, low or no level of education, and lack of agricultural land. In particular, the latter factor is seen as an important reason for their poverty, according to their own definition. Further, there is emerging consensus among development professionals in Vietnam that poverty correlates with ethnic minority status due to low education, which leads a lack of involvement in business, an inability to manage their family finances, and a reluctance to apply for official jobs.-To the extent that Khmer people are living in poor circumstance, this paper also debates that state interventions may bring both advantages and disadvantages to the poor, such as agricultural modernization policy and saving credits for husbandry. Moreover, their livelihood practices lack dynamism, complexity, and diversity compared to poor Vietnamese people, due to their tradition and language barriers. Compared with poor Vietnamese, Khmers seem to be more excluded, more vulnerable, and insecure in attempting to move out of their poverty. Free full text http://ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ass/article/view/16554. Productivity Growth, Technological Progress, and Efficiency Change in Vietnamese Manufacturing Industries: A Stochastic Frontier Approach. Nguyen Khac Minh, Pham Van Khanh, Nguyen Thi Minh, Nguyen Thi Phuong Anh. Open Journal of Statistics, 2012, 2, 224-235. ABSTRACT: This study applies a stochastic frontier production approach to decompose the sources of total productivity (TFP) growth into technical progress and changes in technical efficiency of 8057 firms in Vietnamese manufacturing indus-tries during 2003-2007. Using both total manufacturing industry and sub-manufacturing industrial regressions, the analysis focuses on the trend of technological progress (TP) and technical efficiency change (TEC), and the role of productivity change in economic growth. According to the estimated results, the annual technical progress for the manufacturing industry and sub-manufacturing industries are calculated directly from the estimated parameters of the translog stochastic frontier production function by taking a partial derivative of output with respect to time t. The aver-age technical changes in manufacturing industry and sub-manufacturing industries are positive, with an average techni-cal change about 5.2%, 5.8%, 5.4%, 11.8%, 4.6%, 4.1%, 7.3%, 4.8%, 4.8% and 4.8% for total sample, food products & beverages, textile & wearing apparel, footwear, paper & products, industrial chemicals, rubber & plastic products, non- metallic mineral, basic & fabricated metal and other sub-industries, respectively. Total TFP in the manufacturing sector has grown at the annual rate of 0.052, although the rate of growth decreased continuously during the sample period. For the sub-industry estimates during the sample period, TFP grew fastest in the footwear sub-industry, with annual average growth rate of 11.8%, followed by the rubber & plastic products with a rate of 7.3%, and the food products & beverages with a rate of 5.8% per annum. Full text is available upon request. [Nguyen Khac Minh et al 2012.pdf]

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Property tax reform in Vietnam: Options, direction and evaluation. William J. McCluskey, Hong-Loan Trinh. Land Use Policy, Volume 30, Issue 1, January 2013, Pages 276285. Abstract: Vietnam has seen significant economic growth over the past decade resulting in the need to develop solutions to finance infrastructure in its cities. Own revenue sources for cities are largely based on fees and charges and a form of property taxation from agricultural and non-agricultural land which is based on rice productivity. This paper analyses current land based revenue sources and concludes that these sources are unsustainable, lack buoyancy and represent a declining revenue base. Whilst the paper advocates a recurrent property tax based on land values empirical analysis provides some evidence that the government's proposal for a land based tax has several structural problems that will directly affect revenue buoyancy. However, the proposed land tax is at least a positive and important step in developing a sustainable revenue source for city and local governments. Full text http://www.sciencedirect.com.libproxy-wb.imf.org/science/article/pii/S0264837712000415. Reaching a Universal Health Insurance in Viet Nam: Challenges and the Role of Government. Long, Giang Thanh. Asia-Pacific Development Journal, June 2011, v. 18, iss. 1, pp. 47-72. Abstract: Given the level of economic development in Viet Nam, the country's health sector is quite impressive. The country has now set its sights establishing universal health insurance coverage by 2015. This article aims to, first, describe the current health-care system in Viet Nam accompanied by a number of challenges the country faces in delivering and financing health-related services, and then provides some policy discussions on how to achieve this ambitious plan. The article also stresses the important role in attaining universal health insurance coverage by providing quality services and guaranteeing financial protection for both health-care suppliers and consumers. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Reducing Tariffs According to WTO Accession Rules: The Case of Vietnam. Henrik Barslund Fosse, Pascalis Raimondos-Moller. Review of Development Economics, Vol. 16, Issue 2, pp. 331341, 2012. Abstract: When Vietnam joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2007 it was granted an accession period up to 2014. During this period tariffs would have to fall according to the accession agreement. This paper evaluates this 20072014 trade liberalization by building an applied general equilibrium model and calibrating it to the Vietnamese data. The model pays careful attention to the fact that Vietnam has many stateowned enterprises. The model simulations show that the WTO tariff reductions will reduce overall welfare. Moreover, the biggest loss will take place among the poor rural households in Vietnam. This paper proposes other tariff reforms that will both raise overall welfare and reduce income inequality. Free working paper version http://www.cesifogroup.de/portal/pls/portal/docs/1/1212109.PDF. Regional Development Along Economic Corridors: Southern Coastal And Northern Sub-Corridors In Vietnam. Phi Vinh Tuong. in: Emerging Economic Corridors in the Mekong Region (BRC Research Report No.8). Edited by ISHIDA Masami. Bangkok Research Center, IDE-JETRO, Bangkok, Thailand, 2012. Contents: Introduction -- 1. Overview -- 2. Southern Coastal Sub-corridor and the Development of Provinces in Vietnam -- 3. Northern Sub-corridor and the Development of Gia Lai and Binh Dinh Provinces -- Conclusion. Free full text http://www.ide.go.jp/English/Publish/Download/Brc/08.html. Review on the most popular anaerobic digester models in the Mekong Delta. Vo Chau Ngan Nguyen, Trung Hieu Phan, Hoang Nam Vo. Journal of Vietnamese Environment, North America, 2, Apr. 2012. Abstract: In Vietnam, the research and application of biogas technology were given a considerable attention in past 30 years. There is several biogas plant models apply in the suburban and rural areas where most peoples life is based on

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animal husbandry. Each biogas plant model own strong points or weakness that adapt to detail circumstances. The biogas plants play a key role within the VACB farming system especially in the Mekong Delta where produce more than 50% of yearly national agriculture production. This paper gives a comprehensive overview on the popular biogas models in the Mekong Delta through its development history. Knowing on the presented biogas technology in the Mekong Delta will lead the biogas-related organizations or private on biogas development at this region. Free full text http://www.openaccess.tu-dresden.de/ojs/index.php/jve/article/view/24/14. The impact of increasing rice and maize prices on household income in North Vietnam. Susanne Ufer, Alwin Keil, Manfred Zeller. Paper prepared for the International Conference Sustainable Land Use and Rural Development in Mountain Areas, Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany, 16-18 April 2012. Abstract: Rural households in low income countries are affected by price volatility of agricultural commodities both through its impact on consumption expenditures and income. This study investigates both the extent of net income shocks related to volatile food crop prices as well as households response to income and consumption risk through a household level survey in Yen Chau district in North Vietnam covering the period from 2006 to 2010, which was characterized by massive fluctuations of world food prices. -- The research covers the two major crops grown in the area, paddy cultivated for subsistence needs and maize as the primary cash crop, which constitute, on average, approximately 8.5% of total consumption expenditures and 65% of total household cash income, respectively. -- In a first step the impact of rising rice and maize consumer and producer prices on household income was assessed using the Net Benefit Ratio (DEATON, 1989; MINOT and GOLETTI, 2000). -- In the past five years, rice consumer prices increased by 15-percent and maize producer prices by 27-percent annually, on average. The joint effect of rising rice and maize prices on net household income was plus 13-percent per year, on average. Hence, all households benefited to a larger extent from rising maize producer prices. In the same period, fertiliser prices increased by 10-percent and seed prices by 19-percent annually, on average. Maize price development in most of the years has been sufficient to either keep net maize income at the same level or to even improve net maize income year by year. Net maize income in real terms was highly volatile, with a rise of 60-percent in 2007, a decrease of 17-percent the year after and an increase of 8- and 23-percent in 2009 and 2010, respectively . -- In a second step households resilience to the maize income decline in 2008 was analyzed using an OLS regression model which employs an asset based approach linking households capital endowment with the stability of their consumption expenditures. -- The regression results show that the maize income decline of 2008 did not translate into decreased consumption expenditures compared to the year before. Only few households applied specific measures to cope with the income depression. Yet, options for farmers to adapt to maize price fluctuations remain limited. For example, many farmers have to sell their maize soon after the harvest to avoid severe post-harvest losses, in remote areas, which are not well-connected to main roads, maize prices are rather low, and prices paid for inputs by using a loan are more expensive than the direct price. Although increasing maize producer prices could outweigh the impact of rising rice consumer prices on household income and maize net revenue increased despite sharply rising input costs the high specialisation in maize production is a relative risky income strategy given the high input intensity and the large maize income fluctuations observed. Therefore, policies are needed that improve the rural infrastructure and market environment to support the adaptive capacity of households and their risk management strategies, and that foster income diversification in the long run. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. The Impact of Status Orientations on Purchase Preference for Foreign Products in Vietnam, and Implications for Policy and Society. By: Mai, Nguyen Thi Tuyet; Smith, Kirk. Journal of Macromarketing, Mar2012, Vol. 32 Issue 1, p52-60, 9p; Abstract: In this article, the authors examine the impact of status orientations on consumer purchase preferences for foreign products, an emerging disposition in Vietnam. Both qualitative (in-depth interviews and focus groups) and quantitative methods (survey with urban Vietnamese consumers) were employed in this investigation. The results of structural equation modeling (SEM) provided empirical evidence for the positive influence of modern status orientation (MSO) on willingness to buy imported products. Traditional status orientation (TSO) was found not to be a predictor of willingness to buy. Consistent with the findings from literature, consumer ethnocentrism was negatively related to willingness to buy imported products. Implications for public policy and marketers pertaining to the

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emerging proclivity of status-seeking foreign purchase and the social motives underlying this phenomenon are provided. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. The Law of the Family in Vietnam: Assessing the Marriage and Family Law of Vietnam. Thomas J. Walsh. California Western International Law Journal 2011 VOL 42; NUMB 1, page(s) 61-122. Excerpt: I. Introduction: It is a virtual truism of human history that in war the biggest victims are the weakest segments of society - the children, the widows, the elderly. The war waged between the Vietnamese and the French, and subsequently between the Vietnamese and the Americans, lasted for thirty years. It started as a struggle of colonialists versus anti-colonialists and evolved into a frontline conflict in the worldwide struggle of communist nations versus non-communist nations. Despite Vietnam's ultimate victory in that conflict, such a lengthy struggle impacted countless families and several generations of children by the loss of parents, grandparents, children, siblings, and extended family. In a society so structured around the extended family, such a loss was devastating to a people trying to put their nation in order. In a nation so experienced in the tragedies of war, their ability to "set their hearts right" and secure the well-being of their families must be called into question. -- Yet in the face of all this recent tragedy, the country of Vietnam has sought to do just that. Twenty-five years after the end of the conflict with the United States, Vietnam's legislature enacted the Marriage and Family Law of 2000. This law is a comprehensive piece of legislation intended to secure the well-being of the Vietnamese family in an ever-changing world. It seeks to deal with virtually every phase of the family experience. This piece of legislation is very much a reflection of Vietnamese society as ... Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. The Organizational Support of Oversea Expatriates in Global Manufacturing Environment: the Case of Taiwanese Companies in Vietnam. Yi-Tzu Chung and Chenter Ho. International Journal of e-Education, e-Business, e-Management and e-Learning, Vol. 2, No. 2, April 2012. AbstractDue to the fierce competition globally, most of the manufacturing companies seek for low cost manufacturing resources globally to keep their competitiveness. In most of the cases, the core management team of these manufacturing factories is consisted of expatriates from other countries. The retention of these expatriate is one of the most troublesome issues in human resource management in these companies. In this paper, the effects of organizational supports on the retention of expatriates were studied. We collected information through survey of more than 50 Taiwanese companies in Vietnam and interviewed 10 executive managers who are working at Taiwanese companies in Vietnam. After analyzing the results of survey and interviews, the finding of this research are: 1. The perceived organizational supporting: expatriate trainings mostly focus on technical skills but not skills on crossing cultural barriers and other living information. 2. The perceived organizational supporting has positive effect on the oversea adjustment. 3. The oversea adjustment has positive effect to their intention to stay in Vietnam. 4. The perceived organizational supporting is showing positively influencing to their intention to stay in Vietnam. The oversea adjustment is a mediating factor between the perceived organizational supporting and their intention to stay in Vietnam. -- The results of this research suggest that holistic support from the company is a key factor for expatriate to stay comfortable in Vietnam. That would also be the key to the successful business of the company in Vietnam. Free full text http://www.ijeeee.org/Papers/103-Z00086CZ01012.pdf. Towards sustainable beef enterprises in the northwest highlands of Vietnam. Nguyen, Q and Vu, C and Dinh, T and Lane, PA and Ives, SW. Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference on Sustainable Land Use and Rural Development in Mountain Areas, 16-18 April 2012, Hohenheim University, Stuttgart, Germany. Abstract: In Vietnam, approximately 5% of cattle are in the North West region, increasing from 149,510 head in 2006 to 191,300 head in 2010 (Son La Statistic year book 2010). About 90% of these cattle are found on small household farms and the remainder in commercial operations (National Livestock Departments report for 2001 2005). In order to establish a baseline for comparing and evaluating sustainable production practices to overcome technical and

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market constraints to the emergence of profitable beef enterprises in the northwest highlands, a survey was conducted in two communes in La province. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Value chain appraisal for an action research approach to sustainable and profitable beef enterprises in the North West highlands of Vietnam. Pham, THT and Dao, TH and Trinh, VT and Bonney, L and Ives, SW. Proceedings of the Sustainable Land Use and Rural Development in Mountain Areas Conference, 16-18 April 2012, Hohenheim University, Stuttgart, Germany. Abstract: Cattle production in the North West highlands of Vietnam is considered a potential income source in the context of increasing domestic market demand for beef. Demand for high quality product from supermarket and specialty shops has also increased concomitant with an increase in food safety awareness from illegal imports. Consequently, farmers face many challenges in production and marketing as most of them are smallholder in minority ethnic groups living in disadvantaged conditions. In current supply chains, live-cattle selling and transporting from production area to end-market results in spot transactions, with no recognition of supply source. In 2011, a rapid value chain appraisal was undertaken in Son La province to provide information for designing interventions to overcoming technical and market constraints to the emergence of profitable beef enterprises in the North-western highlands of Vietnam. As a result, "a value chain" is created from "traditional supply chain", from a shared vision and common goals to meet specific market objectives through satisfying the needs of consumers undertaken by small- farmers and other stakeholders (Hobbs et al., 2000). The overall objective was to provide information of the whole chain to all stakeholders (farmers, collectors, slaughter houses, local authorities and agencies) and facilitate their participation in intervention design for sustainable and profitable beef enterprises in Son La province. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Vietnam Works Hard to Power Economic Growth. By: Patel, Sonal. Power, Mar2012, Vol. 156 Issue 3, p52-59, 7p; Abstract: The article reports on the effort of Vietnam to increase its economic growth in power sector. It mentions that Vietnam is set to expand its financing and vendor base, ensuring future fuel supplies and also attracts foreign investment. Further it mentions that Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) will restructure the power sector and invite domestic and foreign investors to capitalize on increasing energy demand. Full text http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bch&AN=73798722&site=ehost-live. Vietnam's SCIC: a gradualist approach to sovereign wealth funds. Duc-Tho (Tom) Nguyen, Tran-Phuc Nguyen, Jeremy D K Nguyen. Journal of the Asia Pacific Economy. London: 2012. Vol. 17, Iss. 2; pg. 268. Abstract: Vietnam's State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC) was established in 2005, with the primary goal of helping the authorities to make, under market conditions, the most of state capital investments in business enterprises. To date, SCIC has had to grapple mainly with facilitating the 'equitization' (that is privatization) of large numbers of state-owned enterprises. As yet it is still too early to make a firm assessment of SCIC's performance with regard to either of the above objectives. Nevertheless, a discernable picture has begun to emerge, in which SCIC appears to have been a typical example of Vietnam's gradualist approach in transitioning to a more market-oriented economic system: the pace of change may have been slow and uneven, but there are clear indications of movements toward the end goal. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Water regime in paddy rice systems in Vietnam: Importance of infiltration and bund flow. Nadja Reinhardt, Thomas Gut, Marc Lamers, Thilo Streck. Paper prepared for the International Conference Sustainable Land Use and Rural Development in Mountain Areas, Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany, 16-18 April 2012. Abstract: In northern Vietnam, high population growth, resettlement programs and consequent land scarcity (Heidhues et al., 2007) have led to an intensification of rice cultivation in Vietnam during the last decades.

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Consequently, the amount of applied pesticides in paddy rice cultivation has tremendously increased. For paddy rice cultivation, however, there is concern that pesticides are lost from their target area possessing a serious environmental threat contaminating surface- and groundwater, both of which are typically used for domestic purposes. In northern Vietnam, many irrigated paddy systems include fish ponds in which small-scale farmers raise fish to produce additional income and food. Especially in rural areas, fish can be considered as the main protein source for the local population. Therefore main pathways of water losses should be identified and the significance of preferential flow for the translocation of pesticides should be analysed. Janssen and Lennartz already investigated deep percolation in paddy rice fields as well as water flow pathways through bunds in paddy fields in Southeast China (Janssen and Lennartz, 2007; Janssen and Lennartz, 2008; Janssen and Lennartz, 2008). Until now, water loss investigations from paddy rice fields in Northern Vietnam have not been carried out. The current study is filling this gap. -- In 2011, we investigated four paddy fields located in the Chieng Khoi watershed, northern Vietnam. The chosen paddy fields meet the following criteria: (i) direct adjacency of fish pond and paddy field, (ii) available information on the age of the field and the bunds, (iii) known management practice and (iv) the exclusion of intercropping. The experimental set up was as follows: Double ring infiltrometer tests were carried out to determine infiltration rates from both paddy fields and bunds. Spatial and temporal replications were made. To identify potential lateral pathways through the bunds we conducted tracer tests using chloride and Brilliant Blue, a dye tracer typically used in soil water studies. After the experiments, the bund was dug up ten-centimetrewise and water pathways (macropores) were observed visually. -- As already reported by Tuong et al. (1994), main water losses from paddy fields take place through the bunds in dependence on macropores and consequentially on preferential flow. Via dye tracer tests, we proved that most lateral losses takes place via macroporic bund flow. Bund flow occurred in all investigated bunds independent of the bunds age and morphology. The distribution of macropores was regulated by the amount of plant roots and the activity of animals. Within the fields no water or very sparse water was lost through deep percolation. The presence of a plough pan and very high groundwater levels inhibited infiltration. To sum up, the knowledge gained from this study can help to improve food security of the indigenous population in Vietnam as it provides a better understanding of transport pathways of agrochemicals. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Why do corporate codes of conduct fail? Women workers and clothing supply chains in Vietnam. Dong Hoang, Bryn Jones. Global Social Policy April 2012 12: 67-85. Abstract: Despite criticisms of their derivation and implementation, corporate codes of conduct (CoCs) continue to dominate debates on Corporate Social Responsibility and the informal regulation of worker exploitation and abuse by sweatshops supplying northern multinational corporations (MNCs). Through analytical interrogation of existing literature and empirical evidence from Vietnamese case studies, two propositions are made to clarify the poor performance of CoCs. It is argued, firstly, that the extent of the control of MNCs over their subcontracting suppliers is misconceived and over-estimated because supply chains function more like networks than the hierarchies assumed by principal-agent preconceptions. Conceptualizing such relationships instead as networks of conflicting political and economic imperatives amongst various sets of actors generates a second proposition derived from our case studies. The factory workers, their subcontractor employers, intermediary vendors and even the MNCs seeking CoC commitments, have convergent interests in violating key aspects of the codes and deceiving their auditors. The analysis evaluates the residual value of CoCs in light of these constraints and the options for improving labour regulation, with particular reference to the plight of disadvantaged women workers. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Wind Energy Potential in Vietnam. Van-Tan Tran, Tsai-Hsiang Chen, and Ting-Yen Hsieh. From Proceeding (768) Power and Energy Systems - 2012. Abstract: In this paper, the wind data were collected hourly during period 2001-2010 at eight locations in Vietnam. The wind power potential at eight locations spread through the country was carried out by using the Weibull distribution function. The study uses the maximum likelihood method to calculate shade parameter k and scale

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parameter A (m/s). The shade parameter k varies between 1.2 and 2.37, while the scale parameter A changes from 3.2 m/s to 11.8 m/s. The results showed that the annual mean wind speed v (m/s) in Nha Trang, Ca Mau, and Quy Nhon are 11.15 m/s, 10.14 m/s, and 9.13 m/s, respectively. The wind farm with five wind turbine generators (one Bonus turbine of 1 MW and four Bonus turbines of 2 MW) are used to point out that Nha trang is the best zone for developing wind farms in Vietnam. The study supports the database for the future research on the wind energy in Vietnam and in the over the world. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. World Heritage Listing and Implications for Tourism: The Case of Hue, Vietnam. Jo Vu and Quynh-Du Ton-That. in: Strategies for Tourism Industry - Micro and Macro Perspectives. Editor: Murat Kasimoglu and Handan Aydin. InTech, April, 2012. Introduction excerpt: This chapter examines the attractions that Hu offers to tourists, including the complex of monuments inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List. It provides an outline of the historical significance of the monuments and the friction that arises at the intersection of heritage and history. It notes the impact of the listing on the prominence of Hue as a tourist destination, which in turn helped to restore and revitalise its cultural assets. The general strategy adopted by Hues tourism authorities is to showcase the monuments to tourists for their aesthetics appeal, and to revive past cultural practices as a representation of Hue identity. The chapter then looks beyond the aesthetics and examines the historical and spiritual significance of the monuments in an attempt to explore ways in which the citys cultural heritage could be more deeply integrated into heritage tourism. Free full text http://www.intechopen.com/books/strategies-for-tourism-industry-micro-and-macro-perspectives.

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Some new academic papers on development issues in Vietnam

2012 April 15 issue
Links provided hereunder are accessible on WB intranet only, except otherwise specified. Please contact VDIC librarian at nvu2@worldbank.org if you need full text of the article/s listed below, for private study, scholarship or research purposes. We can only provide full text of those without the note Fee may apply. A new approach for municipal solid waste governance aiming to become green city bases on a sound material cycle society initiative in Hanoi, Vietnam. Ngo Thi Lan Phuong, Yoshiro Higano and Helmut Yabar. in: Design for Innovative Value Towards a Sustainable Society, Springer, 2012, pp. 1094-1099. Abstract: This study aims to analyze the Japanese Sound materialcycle society (SMCS) model in compatible condition with current municipal solid waste (MSW) in Hanoi, Vietnam at the first step: waste classification. About household waste, author cooperated with some workers, officers and experts in Hanoi Urban Environment Company (URENCO) in 3Rs (ReduceReuseRecyle) project in 4 main wards of Hanoi: Phan Chu Trinh, Lang Ha, Nguyen Du and Thanh Cong. This project supplies collection containers for households and public places for separate waste at source with 3 categories: Organic waste, Inorganic waste and Recyclables. In comparison with old state, household waste at these places are classified properly with higher value for recyclable and organic waste. About waste from commercial activities, author conducted a sitestudy in some big and media size super markets, shopping malls, open markets and restaurants about waste classification at source. Author interviewed collectors and directly classified and measured the composition of waste in 2 weeks with collectors. The author also went to Nam Son sanitary landfill site, the biggest MSW treatment facility of the North in Soc son (Hanoi) to survey the real situation of MSW when it is buried. The capacity and environmental impacts from landfill activities are also quantified. The output of this study is to identify MSW composition and material cycle aim to increase composting and recyclable material amount, quantify the reduction in landfill load and propose some policies to improve local people awareness for better MSW governance. Basing on collected data from these activities, author expects to propose a new scenario for MSW treatment by using Integrated Waste Management Model (IWM2) to improve the current situation aiming to build a cleangreenbeautiful Hanoi as local government target. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. A Study on the Pollution Control Policy for Industrial Waste Water in Hanoi City, Vietnam. Nguyen Trung Thuan and Yoshiro Higano. in: Design for Innovative Value Towards a Sustainable Society, Springer, 2012, pp. 1118-1122. Abstract: The development industrial production of Hanoi City has lead to water pollution by discharging untreated waste water. The study focused on the relationship between industrial production and emission of COD and Metals. Based on industrial production data and I-O table of targeted industrial sectors, simulation is used to describe that relationship. Simulation result indicates feasible solutions for reduction of pollutants, increase investment in waste water treatment in Hanoi City. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Agent Orange: Health and Environmental Issues in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Susan Hammond, Arnold Schecter. In: Dioxins and Health: Including Other Persistent Organic Pollutants and Endocrine Disruptors, Third Edition, 2012, chapter 15. Summary: This chapter contains sections titled: -- Introduction -- History of Military Use of Herbicides -- Exposed and Potentially Exposed Populations in Vietnam -- Dioxin Contamination and Hot Spots -- Early Studies -- Postwar

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International Research Cooperation -- Dioxin Hot Spots -- Mitigation Efforts -- Remediation at the DA Nang Base - U. S. Government Support at DA Nang -- Bien HOA and its Airbase -- PHU Cat Airbase -- Agent Orange in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam -- Health Impacts of Agent Orange/Dioxin -- Veterans and Agent Orange -Vietnamese and Health Studies -- Support for Vietnamese Believed to be Affected by Agent Orange/Dioxin -Conclusions -- References. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. An empirical Study of Determinants of E-commerce Adoption in SMEs in Vietnam an economy in transition. LE Van Huy, Frantz ROWE, Duane TRUEX, Minh Q. HUYNH. Journal of Global Information Management (JGIM) v 20(3) Jul-Sep 2012, In Press Accepted for Publication. ABSTRACT: Experts and business pundits forecasted drastic changes in Vietnams fledgling ecommerce when the Southeast Asian country became an official member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2007. Over the last few years, as part of the Reform called Doi moi some Vietnamese enterprises have adopted e-commerce and already benefitted from it. In this research, we build and test a model of e-commerce adoption including numerous internal and external factors identified in theoretical and empirical studies. The final sample of 926 small and medium-sized enterprises in Vietnam includes both adopter and non-adopter firms. The policy implications of this study on promoting e-commerce adoption by SMEs in transition economies, such as Vietnam, are discussed. Free full text http://www3.cis.gsu.edu/dtruex/courses/IB8710/Articles/Vietnan-EC-JGIM-accepted-031212.pdf. [LE Van Huy et al 2012.pdf] Benefit-incidence analysis: are government health expenditures more pro-rich than we think? Adam Wagstaff. Health Economics. York: Apr 2012. Vol. 21, Iss. 4; pg. 351. Abstract: Authors of benefit-incidence analyses (BIA) have to impute subsidies using assumptions about the relationship between unobserved subsidies 'captured' by the household and what can be observed at the household and aggregate levels. This paper shows that one of the two assumptions used in BIA studies to date will necessarily produce a more pro-rich (or less pro-poor) picture of government health spending than the other, depending on whether utilization is more pro-rich or pro-poor than fees paid to public providers. Both assumptions have their disadvantages, and the paper suggests a couple of alternatives that explicitly link fees paid to the costliness of care. It shows that in the most likely case where fees are distributed in a more pro-rich fashion than utilization, the two traditional assumptions will produce less pro-rich distributions of subsidies than the two new alternatives. Also considered are three complications that arise in BIA studies, including factoring in social health insurance. The paper's theoretical results are illustrated with an empirical BIA for Vietnam. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Business Education in the Emerging Economy of Vietnam: 20 Years of Expectations, Illusions, and Lessons. Vuong, Quan Hoang; Tran, Tri Dung; Napier, Nancy K.; Dau, Thuy Ha. Symposium on Global Business and Management Education Innovation in Emerging and Developing Countries, Georgia Tech - 2012, pp. 1 - 28. ABSTRACT: Vietnam, like many fast growing emerging economies, especially ones that have begun a shift from planned to market oriented economic systems, has encountered shifts in expectations and unexpected illusions that affect its management education. In this paper, we review briefly key trends and transition points in the countrys history, how they may have affected business education, and consider their implications and directions and needs for the future of education. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Capability development of local communities for project sustainability in afforestation/reforestation clean development mechanism. Makino Yamada Yamanoshita, Masahiro Amano. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change. Dordrecht: Apr 2012. Vol. 17, Iss. 4; pg. 425. Abstract: It has been recognized that the involvement of local community is essential to ensure the sustainability of A/R CDM (afforestation/reforestation clean development mechanism) project. This study verifies if the risks of non-

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permanence and leakage are addressed in a registered small scale A/R CDM project in Vietnam. Workshops, interviews, and a questionnaire survey of local villagers revealed that the project has caused a shortage of land for conventional activities such as grazing, fuel wood collection and shifting cultivation, and consequently posed the risks of project non-permanence and leakage. It is suggested that participation of all stakeholders in the community to the A/R CDM project beyond existing land tenure and adequate carbon benefit sharing according to the level of contribution to the project are required to reduce the risk of non permanence. To ensure the participation, the community should have capability such as consensus building and collective action. Leakage would be minimized if the community has alternative measures to the conventional activities before starting the project. We argue that it is necessary to first develop a community's capabilities in the readiness phase of any A/R CDM project in order to reduce the risks for the project sustainability, and that new sources of funding are needed for this purpose. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Comparing Support Vector Regression and Statistical Linear Regression for Predicting Poverty Incidence in Vietnam. Cornelius Senf and Tobia Lakes. in: Bridging the Geographic Information Sciences (Lecture Notes in Geoinformation and Cartography) 2012, Part 5, pp. 251-265. Abstract: Urban and rural poverty are key issues of the Millennium Development Goals and much research is done on how to reduce poverty sustainable and long-ranging. However, smallscalepovertymaps at full spatial and temporalcoverage are fundamentallynecessary but rare. Some small scale poverty mapping methods have been developed in past years, but these methods often rely on data which has to be collected in resource intensive field work. We therefore compare two statistical data mining tools, Support Vector Regression and Linear Regression, to scale Vietnamese poverty data from a coarser training to smaller scaled testing set. The Support Vector Regression performedworse than the Linear Regression model with feature subset. However, the Support Vector Regression model showed a more systematic error which might be corrected more easily than the error of the Linear Regression approach. Furthermore, both models showed dependency on spatial effects. Hence, integration of spatial information might increase the success of future models and turn data mining approaches into valuable tools for poverty mapping on small scales. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Do Connections Matter? Individual Social Capital and Credit Constraints in Vietnam. Quoc Hoang Dinh, Thomas Bernhard Dufhues and Gertrud Buchenrieder. European Journal of Development Research, advance online publication 12 April 2012. Abstract: We analyze the effects of network-based social capital on easing the credit constraints of rural households, using zero-inflated negative binomial regression analysis. In the context of development economics, the data collection approach used, which originates from the field of sociology, is innovative, insofar as a personal network survey was carried out to measure the individual social capital of rural households. We define four social capital variables according to tie strength and social distance between the respondent and his/her network members, resulting in four different social capital variables: (i) bonding (strong ties to persons of similar social standing); (ii) bridging (weak ties to persons of similar social standing); (iii) bonding-link (strong ties to persons of higher social standing); and (iv) bridging-link (weak ties to persons of higher social standing). Econometric analysis suggests that strong ties to persons of higher social standing can reduce the magnitude of credit constraints. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Effects of cross-cultural and language training on expatriates adjustment and job performance in Vietnam. Yu-Lin Wang, Emma Tran. Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources. Early View, Article first published online: 4 APR 2012. Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore the relationships among pre-departure cross-cultural training, postarrival cross-cultural training, language training, expatriates adjustment (general, interaction, work), and job performance. Questionnaire data were collected from 114 expatriates and their supervisors, who evaluated the expatriate's job performance in Vietnam. The results indicates that pre-departure cross-cultural training, post-arrival

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cross-cultural training, and language training all are positively associated with general, interaction, and work adjustment ability. An expatriate's interaction and work adjustment have significant impacts on job performance; they partially mediate the relationship between training and job performance. Post-arrival cross-cultural training has the strongest impact on expatriate general and work adjustment. Language training is most significant for interaction adjustment. Of the three types, post-arrival cross-cultural training plays the most critical role in expatriate adjustment. Limitations and recommendations for future research are presented at the end of the paper. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Elderly people in Vietnam at present time. Nguyen Thanh Binh. International J. Soc. Sci. & Education, 2012 Vol. 2 Issue 3. Abstract: By using the statistics from the 2009 Vietnam population and housing census as well as Vietnam Household Living Standard Survey in recent years, we could conclude that the proportion of old people is rising sharply in almost countries all over the world. Vietnam is not an exception. The number of elderly people increased yearly. By the year 2008, with the elderly population of 11%, Vietnam population starts ageing. The ageing population is focused mainly in the age groups 60 - 64 and 65 - 69. There are more elderly females than males. Most aged Vietnamese people are married or widows/widowers. They are involved in various forms of economic activities to earn income. A majority of elderly Vietnamese is literate, but only a minority of them professes a religion. Vietnamese elderly people mainly live in rural areas. Free full text http://www.ijsse.com/sites/default/files/issues/2012/Volume%202%20Issue%203,%202012/Paper-27/Paper-27.pdf. Evaluation Study of Long-Term Development Co-operation between Vietnam and Sweden. Mark McGillivray, David Carpenter, Stewart Norup. Sida Evaluation 2012:2. Foreword (excerpt): This report is one of three reports commissioned by Sida to an independent team to review the development co-operation to countries in Asia, (also Sri Lanka and Laos), where Sweden is, or has, phased out. It summarises experiences and lessons of this co-operation. This report was predated by an earlier, preparatory phase in 2009 that was to comprehensively document and describe this co-operation. It is also complemented by a synthesis report, which not only compiles the lessons and summarises the three country reports, but also comparatively analyses the conclusions and lessons. The relationship between Sweden and Vietnam, which has evolved over more than 40 years, has very much been based on development co-operation. This evaluation provides an overview of the years between 1969 and 2011. Sweden has been involved in many areas during this time, from the early years in health, humanitarian support and forestry to research, human rights and democracy and anti-corruption in the later years. The evaluators conclude that Swedish development co-operation contributed to lifting millions of Vietnamese out of poverty. This is a bold statement, but important here are the lessons that allow the consultant to make such a statement. This includes co-operation with the government, which also trusted Sweden to lead the work in anticorruption, but also initiate other politically sensitive democracy programs. The evaluators highlight Swedens special relationship with Vietnam as decisive in forging what they consider to be a successful development cooperation program, that was responsive to the development needs of the country, effective and efficient delivery of aid, and that assisted in providing the conditions for sustained poverty reduction, as demonstrated especially by Swedens support to Vietnams extensive economic reforms. The report clearly shows that Sweden has been appreciated for this. Free full text http://www.sida.se/Global/About%20Sida/Sida%20Utv%C3%A4rderingar/C721722_SIDA61468en_SE_20122_Vietnam_inlaga_C3.pdf. Examining Relationships between Culture, Creativity and Business Stage in an Emerging Market: A Categorical Data Analysis of Vietnams Data Set. Vuong, Q.H., N.K. Napier, and T.D. Tran, 2012. ULB CEB Working Paper Series, WP-CEB No. 12/006, Universite Libre de Bruxelles, Solvay Brussels School of Economics & Management. Abstract: In this article, we offer a new way of exploring relationships between three different dimensions of a business operation, namely the stage of business development, the methods of creativity and the major cultural values.

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Although separately, each of these has gained enormous attention from the management research community, evidenced by a large volume of research studies, there have been not many studies that attempt to describe the logic that connect these three important aspects of a business; let alone empirical evidences that support any significant relationships among these variables. The paper also provides a data set and an empirical investigation on that data set, using a categorical data analysis, to conclude that examinations of these possible relationships are meaningful and possible for seemingly unquantifiable information. The results also show that the most significant category among all creativity methods employed in Vietnamese enterprises is the creative disciplines rule in the entrepreneurial phase, while in general creative disciplines have played a critical role in explaining the structure of our data sample, for both stages of development in our consideration. Free full text http://opeconomica.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/wp12006.pdf. Financial Development and the Determinants of Capital Structure in Vietnam. Dzung Nguyen, Ivan Diaz-Rainey, Andros Gregoriou. SSRN Feb 2012. Abstract: This paper explores the capital structure of listed Vietnamese companies in the broader context of financial development (the recent expansion of domestic equity and debt capital markets). Accordingly, the paper provides the first insights into the capital structure of listed companies in one of the most dynamic economies in the Asia-Pacific region and in an economy that has experienced rapid change in recent years. We employ a panel GMM (generalized method of moments) system estimator to analyse the determinants of the capital structure of 116 non-financial firms listed on either the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange or the Hanoi Stock Exchange for the period 2007-2010. From this analysis we conclude that despite the emergence in recent years of equity and (to a lesser extent) corporate debt capital markets, the capital structure of Vietnamese enterprises are still dominated by the use of short-term financing sources. Further, our results show that state controlled enterprises continue to have preferential access to finance and that high growth firms still rely principally on external debt rather than equity issuance. These results indicate that policymakers need to continue to pursue policies that will deepen capital markets and ensure that bank finance is allocated on a purely commercial basis. Free full text https://sites.google.com/site/gsvuong/Home/cabinet/Financial%20Development%20and%20the%20Determinants%20 of%20Capital%20Structure%20in%20Vietnam.pdf. Getting to the Real Story: What Vietnamese business people wish foreigners understood about doing business in emerging and transition countries like Vietnam before they start. Nancy K. Napier, and Vuong Quan Hoang (2011). International Journal of Human Resources Development and Management, Vol. 11, Nos. 2-3, pp. 208-220. Abstract: Knowledge sharing typically examines organisational transfer of knowledge, often from headquarters to subsidiaries, from developed country sites to emerging country sites, or from host to local employees. Yet, recent research, such as Prahalads Bottom of the Pyramid, raises the question of reverse transfer of knowledge, or whether knowledge could and should be transferred from local sites to home country sites within an organisation. As several emerging economies build their capabilities in knowledge, research and development, marketing, and the like, it only makes sense to consider what type of knowledge and how to transfer it in reverse or bi-directional manners. This reflection paper takes one step back in the process. Rather than focusing on what knowledge transfer may make sense within an organisation, we consider, through a series of small case studies and experience, what types of knowledge are important for foreigners to know at the initial stages of engagement abroad as they consider whether to do business in an emerging country. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Grassroots Democracy in Rural Vietnam: A Gramscian Analysis. Antonio J Tortosa. Socialism and Democracy. New York: Mar 2012. Vol. 26, Iss. 1; pg. 103, 25 pgs. Abstract: Dang Phong and Beresford (1998: 85) have called this process of relative withering away of the CPV " statization," whose main feature has been an endeavor towards separation of roles within the state machinery. [...] the concept of "rule by law" as compared to the liberal constitutional rule of law rests upon two major issues currently coexisting in the Vietnamese political and administrative system, i.e. the CPVs commitment to building and enforcing

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a comprehensive legal framework, and the Party's determination to continue being the leading force of the State and society. Full text is available upon request. [Tortosa 2012.pdf] I Will Divorce if You Dont Give Me More Children, Especially Sons: Evidence from a Vietnam. Cuong Nguyen and Anh Tran. Prelimimary draft. Abstract: Although divorces place millions of women from poor countries into hardship, we know little about this issue and its causes. This paper shows that the lack of children is a leading cause for divorce. We use twins and gender of firstborns as instruments to estimate the effect of the number of children and the existence of a son on mother marital statuses. The 2009 Vietnam Population Census shows the divorce rate is 1.76 percent. We find two effects of the lack of children on the parents divorce. First, an additional child reduces the divorce rate by 0.66 percentage point (equivalent to 37% of the population divorce rate). Second, the existence of at least a son reduces the divorce rate by 0.54 percentage point (equivalent to 30% of the population divorce rate). This massive magnitudes suggest areas for intervention to improve womens welfare and control the population growth. Full text is available upon request. [Cuong&Anh 2012.pdf] Impact of Third-Party Enforcement of Contracts in Agricultural MarketsA Field Experiment in Vietnam. Christoph Saenger, Maximo Torero and Matin Qaim. Georg-August-Universitt Gttingen, Germany; International Food Policy Research Institute, USA. April 2012. Abstract: Asymmetry of information is a fundamental problem in economics. Especially in emerging markets for high value agricultural products in developing countries production contracts remain incomplete if quality attributes measured by the buying company are unobservable for selling smallholders. Opportunistic buyers would report lower than actual output quality, negatively affecting farmers compensation given it is directly linked to quality. When farmers factor in the buyers opportunistic behavior, underinvestment may occur, negatively affecting farm productivity. Using the example of the Vietnamese dairy industry, a field experiment is conducted in which contracts are enforced for randomly selected dairy farmers by providing them with the opportunity to independently verify milk testing results. Farm-level output data is complemented with information from two rounds of extensive household surveys conducted before and at the end of the intervention. We find a 10 percent higher use of inputs for treatment farmers compared to their peers in the control group also resulting in significantly higher dairy output; welfare levels increase for specific subgroup. As the buying company had not underreported output quality despite the existing information asymmetry, third-party enforcement helped the company to credibly signal its fair type to farmers, leading to a Pareto improvement in the supply chain. While producers benefit directly from higher farm productivity, buying companies are better off due to lower per-unit transaction costs when procuring the farm output. Free full text http://ipl.econ.duke.edu/bread/papers/0312/Impact_of_ThirdParty_Enforcement_of_Contracts_Saenger_et_al_APR2012L.pdf. Indicators for Assessing Marine Protected Areas - the Case of the Nha Trang Bay Marine Protected Area in Vietnam. Quach Thi Khanh Ngoc, Claire W. Armstrong And Nguyen Thi Kim Anh. Asian Fisheries Science, Volume 25, No 1, Pages 52-65. Abstract: Although marine protected areas have existed in Vietnam for 10 years and there are some separate assessments of biological or social aspects, few comprehensive evaluations of the management effectiveness have been carried out. This paper presents some easily accessible ecological, economic and social indicators for marine protected areas and discusses them for the case of the Nha Trang Bay Marine Protected Area (NTB-MPA) as an example, by putting together data from a number of different sources. The outcome is that the creation of the NTBMPA provides some social benefits for stakeholders by improving livelihoods for MPA residents, but could not achieve the conservation objectives targeted for 2005. Free full text http://www.asianfisheriessociety.org/modules/library/singlefile.php?cid=221&lid=956&term1=*&term2=. Land Cover Dynamics (1990-2002) in Binh Thuan Province, Southern Central Vietnam.

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Hountondji YC, De Longueville F, Ozer P. International Journal of Asian Social Science 2012, Vol.2, No.3, pp. 336349. Abstract This paper describes the use of satellite imageries and GIS data for identifying key environmental characteristics of Binh Thuan Province in south central Vietnam and for detecting the major changes patterns within this region. Landsat TM (1990) and Landsat ETM+ (2002) imageries were used to classify the study area into seven land use and land cover (LULC) classes. A post-classification comparison analysis was used to quantify and illustrate the various LULC conversions that took place over the 12-year span of time. Results showed that a steady growth in population has caused extensive changes of land cover throughout the area. The maps also indicate that the loss of woody land (forest) and the extension of wetlands (irrigated area), combined with built-up encroachment, remains one of the most serious environmental problems facing the Binh Thuan Province today. The post-classification change detection analysis showed that critical habitats accounted for nearly 38.5% of the intensive study area between 1990 and 2002 while 61.5% remained stable. Results also showed over the 12-year span, approximately 1151.2 km (115.120 ha) forest were converted respectively to brush, irrigated area (wetlands), cropland and built-up. This is an overall average decrease of 9594 hectares of forested area per year. Throughout the study area, districts most affected by forest conversion to another land cover are: Bac Bihn (2798 ha/year), Than Linh (2717 ha/year), Ham Thuan Nam (1601 ha/year) and Ham Thuan Bac (1524 ha/year). Based on the identified causes of these changes, we made policy recommendations for better management of land use and land cover. Free full text http://orbi.ulg.ac.be/bitstream/2268/116012/1/IJASS,%202(3),PP.336-349%5B1%5D.pdf. Potential Vietnamese consumers' perceptions of organic foods. Thien T. Truong, Matthew H.T. Yap, Elizabeth M. Ineson. British Food Journal. Bradford: 2012. Vol. 114, Iss. 4; pg. 529. Abstract: Purpose - This paper aims to identify and analyse potential Vietnamese consumers' perceptions of organic foods. Design/methodology/approach - A deductive approach of reasoning was employed to address the positivism research philosophy through the survey research strategy. Quantitative data were collected from 264 potential Vietnamese consumers through a self-administered structured questionnaire and analysed using frequencies, descriptive statistics, chi squared test, principal components analysis, t-tests and a Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Findings - Potential Vietnamese consumers' willingness to purchase organic foods was linked positively to health and safety whilst the females appreciated their nutritional value. Environmental and sustainability concerns did not influence purchasing decisions. Because of their perceived superior quality, potential Vietnamese consumers were not price sensitive towards organic foods. Research limitations/implications - This study lacks the qualitative depth and the employment of quota sampling technique to select respondents may impact external validity. Practical implications - The findings can benefit organic foods sellers and retailers in developing appropriate sales and marketing strategies by differentiating between organic foods and conventional foods to target and attract potential Vietnamese consumers, and to expand the existing organic foods market in Vietnam. Originality/value - The present paper supplements the knowledge gap by identifying and analysing potential Vietnamese consumers' perceptions of organic foods in order to assist organic foods sellers and retailers to understand potential Vietnamese consumers and expand their organic foods market in Vietnam. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Social Capital, Network Effects and Savings in Rural Vietnam. Carol Newman, Finn Tarp and Katleen Van Den Broeck. UNU/WIDER Working Paper No. 2012/39, April 2012.

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Abstract: Information failures are a major barrier to formal financial saving in low income countries. Households in rural communities often lack the information necessary to set up formal deposit accounts or are uncertain about the returns to saving formally. In this paper, we explore the extent to which social networks in rural Vietnam can play a role in increasing formal savings where knowledge gaps exist. Networks are defined as active membership of womens unions and the quality of networks is measured by the level of formal savings observed among group members. We find that membership of high quality networks leads to higher levels of saving in formal financial institutions. Free full text http://www.wider.unu.edu/publications/working-papers/2012/en_GB/wp2012039/_files/87440191299649715/default/wp2012-039.pdf. The entrepreneurial facets as precursor to Vietnams economic renovation in 1986. Vuong Q.H., Dam V.N., Van Houtte D., Tran T.D. (2011). The IUP Journal of Entrepreneurship Development, Vol. VIII, No. 4, pp.1-42. Abstract: In this research, we aim to develop a conceptual framework to assess the entrepreneurial properties of the Vietnamese reform, known as Doi Moi, even before the kickoff of Doi Moi policy itself. We argued that unlike many other scholars assertion, economic crisis and harsh realities were neither necessary nor sufficient conditions for the reform to take place, but the entrepreurial elements and undertaking were, at least for case of Vietnams reform. Entrepreneurial process on the one hand sought for structural changes, kicked off innovation, and on the other its induced outcome further invited changes and associated opportunities. The paper also concludes that an assessment of possibility for the next stage of Doi Moi in should take into account the entrepreneurial factors of the economy, and by predicting the emergence of new entrepreneurial facets in the next phase of economic development. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. The long-term impact of war on health and wellbeing in Northern Vietnam: Some glimpses from a recent survey. B Teerawichitchainan and K Korinek. Soc Sci Med, March 14, 2012. Abstract: War is deemed a major threat to public health; yet, the long-term effects of war on individual health have rarely been examined in the context of developing countries. Based on data collected as a pilot follow-up to the Vietnam Longitudinal Survey, this study examines current health profiles of northern Vietnamese war survivors who entered early adulthood during the Vietnam War and now represent Vietnam's older adult population. To ascertain how war and military service in the early life course may have had long-term impacts on health status of Vietnam's current older adults, we compare multi-dimensional measures of health among veterans and nonveterans, and within these groups, regardless of their military service, between combatants and noncombatants. Multivariate results suggest that despite prolonged exposure to war, veterans and those who served in combat roles are not significantly different from their civilian and noncombatant counterparts on most health outcomes later in life. This is in contrast to American veterans who fought on the opposing side of the war. The near absence of differences in older adult health among northern Vietnamese with varying degrees of war involvement might be explained by the encompassing extent of war; the notion that time heals; and the hardiness and resilience against ill health that are by-products of shared struggle in war and a victorious outcome. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. The Prospects for Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) in Vietnam: A Look at Three Payment Schemes. Phuc Xuan To, Wolfram H. Dressler, Sango Mahanty, Thu Thuy Pham and Claudia Zingerli. Human Ecology, published online 1 April 2012. Abstract: Global conservation discourses and practices increasingly rely on market-based solutions to fulfill the dual objective of forest conservation and economic development. Although varied, these interventions are premised on the assumption that natural resources are most effectively managed and preserved while benefiting livelihoods if the market-incentives of a liberalised economy are correctly in place. By examining three nationally supported payment for ecosystem service (PES) schemes in Vietnam we show how insecure land tenure, high transaction costs and high opportunity costs can undermine the long-term benefits of PES programmes for local households and, hence,

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potentially threaten their livelihood viability. In many cases, the income from PES programmes does not reach the poor because of political and economic constraints. Local elite capture of PES benefits through the monopolization of access to forestland and existing state forestry management are identified as key problems. We argue that as PES schemes create a market for ecosystem services, such markets must be understood not simply as bald economic exchanges between rational actors but rather as exchanges embedded in particular socio-political and historical contexts to support the sustainable use of forest resources and local livelihoods in Vietnam. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Undesirable project management practices adopted to achieve project outcomes: a case study of Vietnam. Florence Yean Yng Ling, Hoang Nga Tran. International Journal of Project Organisation and Management, 2012 Vol. 4, No.2 pp. 153 - 170. Abstract: While Vietnam's construction industry offers many opportunities due to its strong economic growth, project management has not been well entrenched. The objectives of this study are to determine the performance level of Vietnam's projects; investigate undesirable PM practices adopted to achieve project outcomes; and provide recommendations on the way forward for PM in Vietnam. The survey research method was adopted and a structured questionnaire was used to collect data relating to PM practices that were adopted in construction projects. Their performance levels in terms of cost, time, quality, profitability and satisfaction were also determined. The study found that projects in Vietnam performed poorly in terms of time and cost outcomes. Using correlation analysis, undesirable PM practices that are adopted were identified. These relate mainly to cost management and quality management practices. Recommendations are provided to help Vietnamese firms to adopt appropriate PM practices to achieve better performance outcomes. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Validation of the Educational Stress Scale for Adolescents (ESSA) in Vietnam. Thai Thanh Truc, Kim Xuan Loan, Nguyen Do Nguyen, Jason Dixon, Jiandong Sun, Michael Patrick Dunne. AsiaPacific Journal of Public Health, Published online before print April 11, 2012. Abstract: Introduction. To date, there has been little systematic, quantitative research on the links between academic pressure and mental health among adolescents in Asia, and none in Vietnam. In part, this is because of a lack of appropriate tools to measure this complex phenomenon. This study was to validate the Educational Stress Scale for Adolescents (ESSA), developed and tested in China, with the aim of fostering further research in Asia. Methods. A total of 1283 students were recruited in 3 secondary schools and 3 high schools in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Anonymous, self-report questionnaires included the ESSA and previously validated measures of mental health. Results. Among the 1226 questionnaires available, 54% of respondents were female. The mean age was 15.3 years. Students reported substantial study burden. The ESSA had good internal consistency, and factorial validity and concurrent validity were established. Conclusion. The ESSA is a suitable measure for school-based mental health research in Asia. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Vietnam's SCIC: a gradualist approach to sovereign wealth funds. Duc-Tho (Tom) Nguyen, Tran-Phuc Nguyen, Jeremy D K Nguyen. Journal of the Asia Pacific Economy. London: 2012. Vol. 17, Iss. 2; pg. 268. Abstract: Vietnam's State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC) was established in 2005, with the primary goal of helping the authorities to make, under market conditions, the most of state capital investments in business enterprises. To date, SCIC has had to grapple mainly with facilitating the 'equitization' (that is privatization) of large numbers of state-owned enterprises. As yet it is still too early to make a firm assessment of SCIC's performance with regard to either of the above objectives. Nevertheless, a discernable picture has begun to emerge, in which SCIC appears to have been a typical example of Vietnam's gradualist approach in transitioning to a more market-oriented economic system: the pace of change may have been slow and uneven, but there are clear indications of movements toward the end goal. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Wasteful growth and the growth of waste Which development path for Vietnam?

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Daniel Bladh. Asian Journal of Research in Social Science & Humanities, Vol.2 Issue 4, April 2012. ABSTRACT: It is widely acknowledged that Vietnam has had a high level of economical growth for a long time now. The country has seen a significant expansion of the industrial base, change of consumption patterns as well as a high rate of urbanization. This has been understood as part of modernization and adaptation to the global economy, but one of the negative consequences is the growing amount of waste. This amount is expected to increase even further while the capacity to handle waste has not been developed accordingly. The government of the country has adopted an ambitious plan on waste management with a vision up to 2050, but so far enforcement is lacking. There is also an urgent need to question the traditional growth model as a too one-dimensional understanding of development. This would be a way to structurally address growing waste generation taking into consideration the broader socioeconomical frame as to enable a development path that is sustainable in a truly holistic meaning. Free full text http://www.aijsh.org/setup/socialscience/paper159.pdf.

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Some new academic papers on development issues in Vietnam

2012 April 1 issue
Links provided hereunder are accessible on WB intranet only, except otherwise specified. Please contact VDIC librarian at nvu2@worldbank.org if you need full text of the article/s listed below, for private study, scholarship or research purposes. We can only provide full text of those without the note Fee may apply. Antibiotic resistance profiles of Salmonella serovars isolated from retail pork and chicken meat in North Vietnam. Truong Ha Thai, Takuya Hirai, Nguyen Thi Lan, Ryoji Yamaguchi. International Journal of Food Microbiology, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 22 March 2012. Abstract: The spread of antibiotic resistance via meat poses a serious public health concerns. During 20072009, a total of 586 retail meat samples (318 pork and 268 chicken meats) were collected from three provinces (Bac Ninh, Ha Noi and Ha Tay) of North Vietnam to determine the prevalence of Salmonella. Isolates were characterized by serotyping and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Approximately 39.6% (n = 126) of pork and 42.9% (n = 115) of chicken samples were Salmonella-positive, and 14 Salmonella serovars were identified. Anatum (15.8%) was the most common serovar, followed by Infantis (13.3%), Emek (10.4%), Derby and Rissen (9.5%), Typhimurium (9.1%), Reading (7.5%) and London (6.2%). The isolation frequency of serovars Enteritidis, Albany, Hadar, Weltevreden, Newport and Blockey ranged from 1.2% - 5.8%. Resistance to at least one antibiotic agent was detected in 78.4% of isolates (n = 189) and the most frequent resistance were to tetracycline (58.5%), sulphonamides (58.1%), streptomycin (47.3%), ampicillin (39.8%), chloramphenicol (37.3%), trimethoprim (34.0%) and nalidixic acid (27.8%). No Salmonella isolates were resistant to ceftazidime. Chicken isolates had higher resistance to antibiotic agents than pork isolates (P < 0.05). It showed that 159 Salmonella isolates belong to the 14 serovars were multidrug resistant (MDR) and 50 MDR patterns were found. This study indicated that Salmonella serovars isolated from retail meat samples were resistant to multiple antibiotics and this resistance was widespread among different serovars. The widespread resistance may have arisen from misuse or overuse of antibiotics during animal husbandry in North Vietnam. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Applying Data Mining in Money Laundering Detection for the Vietnamese Banking Industry. Dang Khoa Cao and Phuc Do. Intelligent Information and Database Systems, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 2012, Volume 7197/2012, 207-216. Abstract: The applying of data mining techniques in banking is growing significantly. The volume of transaction data in banking is huge and contains a lot of useful information. Detecting money laundering is one of the most valuable information which we can discover from transaction data. This paper will propose the approaches on money laundering detection techniques by using clustering techniques (a technique of data mining) on money transferring data of banking system. Besides, we present an implemented system for detecting money laundering in Viet Nams banking industry by using CLOPE algorithm. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Aquifer system for potential groundwater resources in Hanoi, Vietnam. Duong Du Bui, Akira Kawamura, Thanh Ngoc Tong, Hideo Amaguchi, Thu Minh Trinh. Hydrological Processes, Volume 26, Issue 6, pages 932946, 15 March 2012. Abstract: Predictions in Ungauged Basins (PUB) mainly focus on surface water, but there are much higher prediction uncertainties inherent in groundwater. Hanoi depends entirely on groundwater for its domestic water supply.

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However, the characteristics of the entire Hanoi aquifer system remain poorly understood due to the lack of available data. Recently, we were nominated to construct a hydrogeological database. Using the valuable data contained in this database, this paper comprehensively analyzed the best number of 240 boreholes including well logs and their hydrogeological parameters obtained from pumping tests for the first time in order to identify the entire Hanoi aquifer system and characterize the hydrogeological conditions for potential groundwater resources. Great efforts have been made to establish and analyze the hydrogeological maps, cross sections and the isopach maps of main aquifers thickness and transmissibility. As for the results, we found that groundwater mainly exists in the topmost Holocene unconfined aquifer and the shallow Pleistocene confined aquifer (PCA), while cleft and karst water exists in the Neogene water bearing layer and the Mesozoic fractured zones. These aquifers are adequately, quantitatively characterized and evaluated from the viewpoint of potential groundwater resources. We found the PCA serving as the highest groundwater potential and the most important aquifer for the water supply. The findings are indispensable for further groundwater analyses contributing to ensuring the sustainable groundwater development not only in Hanoi but also in poorly gauged or ungauged neighboring basins. Full text is available upon request. [Duong Du Bui etal 2012.pdf]. Are daughters always the losers in the chore war? Evidence using household and twin data from Vietnam. Tien Manh Vu. OSIPP Discussion Paper: DP-2012-E-002, March 15, 2012. Abstract: This paper examines the gender gap in the division of housework in Vietnam among the household heads children who are not married and still reside in the family home. We find that in a typical day, a daughter has a higher probability of undertaking some housework and for some 9.66 to 17.94 minutes longer than would an equivalent son. Among siblings in two-child families, a daughter who has a brother has the largest gender gap. However, once we control for differences in genetic endowment, with both twins involved in at least some housework, malefemale twins spend approximately the same amount of time on housework. In a mutual decision-making scenario, among siblings in two-child families, an elder daughter would shoulder housework for the other sibling while the reverse holds for younger sisters, but only where the children are 20 years of age or younger. In addition, we find that besides sharing the family total housework load, one minute spent on housework by the mother inspires a 0.04810.298 minute increase in the time spent on housework by her daughter. Free full text http://www.osipp.osakau.ac.jp/archives/DP/2012/DP2012E002.pdf. Basic occupational health services in Vietnam. Nguyen Bich Diep. Paper prepared for the 30th Congress of the International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH), Cancun, Mexico, March 18 to March 23, 2012. Abstract: -- Introduction: Basic Occupational Health Services (BOHS) are most needed for countries and sectors that do not have services at all or which are seriously underserved. This paper described the current situation of BOHS in Vietnam in terms of policy, human resources, infrastructure, contents and coverage of BOHS through a national survey on providing BOHS at different levels over the country. The legislative documents were reviewed. -- Methods: 1590 facilities were investigated by questionnaires and a walkthrough was conducted in some specific preventive medicine facilities and OSH inspection departments at different levels. The workshop and group discussion were organized to discuss the needs of building capacities for preventive medicine facilities in BOHS provision. -- Results: The results showed that in general the policy almost covered all regulations related to providing BOHS. Vietnam has a complete occupational health network from national level to grass root level in providing BOHS to workers in which the provincial preventive medicine facilities and different industry ministerial occupational health centers were the key organizations providing BOHS to enterprises and employees. Their capacities of providing BOHS were working environment monitoring, workershealth surveillance (including pre-employment, periodic health examinations, occupational disease detection), OSH and first aid trainings, OSH information and propaganda,

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etc. There was lack of competent human resources related to BOHS. The BOHS coverage was low at different levels. At provincial level, the BOHS coverage was from 2.1-13% of enterprises and 3.7-32.8% of workers whereas at the industrial branches/sectors there was higher by 2-5 times. The contents and activities of BOHS in aspects of working environment surveillance, workers health surveillance, information, training, injury prevention, etc were all included as stipulated in ILO Convention No. 161 and ILO Recommendation No. 171. -- Discussion: There were needs for strengthening BOHS capacities for all organizations providing BOHS at different levels and in all aspects. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Can Efficient Technology Transfer Be Achieved through a Hybrid Corporate Culture? A Study on Japanese Manufacturing Subsidiaries in Vietnam. Nguyen Thi Duc Nguyen, Chikako Takanashi, Atsushi Aoyama. International Journal of Business and Management Vol. 7, No. 7; April 2012. Abstract: This study aims to explore the positive manners of dealing with cultural differences to efficiently implement technology transfer for Japanese subsidiaries in Vietnam. Based on Hofstedes cultural dimensions theory, the study, which employed qualitative data collection approaches, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and observations, was conducted at thirteen Japanese manufacturing subsidiaries in Vietnam. The data were further analyzed using Adlers framework on intercultural interaction synergy. The results were: (1) Differences between Vietnamese and Japanese management existing in implementing technology transfer are traced back to each national culture fundamental, mainly lie on dimensions of Collectivism and Power Distance; and (2) strategic activities directly convincing Vietnamese staff behaviors and addressing the mindset of Japanese and Vietnamese staff were taken to minimize the above differences. This study proposes the working framework towards hybrid corporate culture that flexibly incorporates local practices while maintaining core Japanese management. It can help achieve efficiently technology transfer performance for Japanese firms doing business in developing countries, especially Vietnam. Free full text http://ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ijbm/article/download/14776/10778. Commodification of Volunteer Tourism: a Comparative Study of Volunteer Tourists in Vietnam and in Thailand. Nathalie Coren, Tim Gray. The International Journal of Tourism Research. Bognor Regis: May/Jun 2012. Vol. 14, Iss. 3; pg. 222. Abstract: Volunteer tourism (VT) has often been depicted as a means of avoiding the commodification of tourism (and even ecotourism) by ensuring that local communities benefit from VT, both environmentally and economically, and that there is authentic engagement by the tourists with indigent people and their cultures. However, critics have questioned this claim, arguing that VT has become little different from tourism and ecotourism, entailing commodification by providing profit for VT organizations rather than for local communities and consuming rather than respecting local environments and cultures. This study tests these claims and counterclaims by a comparative analysis of two VT experiences, one in Vietnam and the other in Thailand. The findings of the study are that although each cohort of volunteer tourists (VTs) exhibited elements of both decommodification and commodification, on a continuum of decommodification and commodification, the Vietnam VTs were closer to the decommodification node, whereas the Thailand VTs were closer to the commodification node. In part, this was because the Vietnam VT project was pitched more towards conservation research, whereas the Thailand VT project was pitched more towards vacation conservation. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Cooperation in coffee markets: the case of Vietnam and Colombia. Maria-Alejandra Gonzalez-Perez, Santiago Gutierrez-Viana. Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, Vol. 2 Iss: 1 (2012). Abstract:

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-- Purpose: This cross-country study compares Colombia and Vietnam, two of the major coffee exporting countries in the world, in terms of their infrastructures, the roles of external shocks, technology adoption at different stages of production, added value, positioning in both domestic and global markets, internationalisation patterns, marketing and branding innovations, regulatory frameworks, and policy environments. This study also explores other aspects linked to production, and marketing strategies that open niche markets like speciality coffees, and socially-, labour- and environmentally- responsible trade. Furthermore, it identifies opportunities of cooperation and competition between these two countries. -- Design/methodology/approach - Using value chain analysis as primary research method, this paper identifies links and dynamics in the value chains that have been developed in the coffee industry in both countries to improve competitiveness, increase sustainability, and respond to market demands. -- Findings - Using value chain analysis, it was found that Colombia and Vietnam produce different types of coffee, they both have implemented diverse strategies in order to be more competitive in domestic and foreign markets via product differentiation. These differences make explicit room for cooperation between these two countries in an international environment where fierce competition persists. -- Research limitations/implications - This cross-country study is limited to compare Colombia and Vietnam, and it is limited to identify links and dynamics in the value chains that have been developed in the coffee industry in both countries to improve competitiveness, increase sustainability, and respond to market demands. -- Originality/value - Cooperation between producing countries is an under-researched subject. These findings will be useful both for policy makers in coffee producing countries and agribusiness researchers. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Do Minimum Wage Increases Cause Inflation? Evidence from Vietnam. Nguyen Viet Cuong. ASEAN Economic Bulletin , Vol. 28, No. 3 (15 December 2011). Abstract: It is often argued that minimum wage increases can lead to increased inflation. This paper examines the impact of minimum wage increases on inflation in Vietnam during the 1994-2008 period. Inflation is measured by a monthly overall Consumer Price Index (CPI) and a monthly food CPI. It is found that the minimum wage increases did not increase inflation. Since the minimum wage increases often took place one or two months before the Vietnamese New Year festivals, observed increases in monthly inflation after the minimum wage increases were caused by increased consumption demand during the New Year festivals, not by the minimum wage increases. Free working paper full text http://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/36750/1/MPRA_paper_36750.pdf. Drinking and Driving in Vietnam: Public Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices. Nhan T. Tran, Abdulgafoor M. Bachani, V. Cuong Pham, Jeffrey C. Lunnen, Youngji Jo, Jonathon Passmore, Phuong N. Nguyen & Adnan A. Hyder. Traffic Injury Prevention, Volume 13, Supplement 1, 2012, pages 37-43. Special Issue: Public Health Burden of Road Traffic Injuries: An Assessment from Ten Low and Middle Income Countries. Abstract: -- Objective: Injuries are among the 10 leading causes of death for all ages in Vietnam, and road traffic fatalities account for approximately half of those deaths. Despite having what is considered to be one of the most stringent alcohol legislations in the region, alcohol involvement in road traffic crashes remains high. This study aims to illustrate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices around alcohol use and drinking and driving by age and sex in 3 provinces in Vietnam. -- Methods: This study was conducted between January and February 2011, surveying randomly selected road users over the age of 17 years at gas stations in 3 provinces: Ha Nam, Ninh Binh, and Bac Giang, Vietnam. Data were

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collected for one week at each gas station. A knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) survey was administered in 7 time blocks of 90 min throughout the day, from 07:30 am to 9:30 pm. -- Results: There were a total of 633 respondents almost evenly divided among the 3 provinces. Males accounted for 69.1 percent of respondents; the majority were 36 years of age or younger. Despite the belief that drinking and driving will increase the risk of a crash, a significant proportion of respondents (44.9%) reported drinking and driving; 56.7 percent admitted to drinking and driving within the last month. Drinking and driving was more common among males, with approximately 60.2 percent indicating a history of drinking and driving. This proportion was particularly high among males aged 17 to 26 (71.4%). It was found that preferred alternatives to drinking and driving when available were leaving with a nondrinker (42%), resting until feeling conscious (23%), and drinking less (20%). -- Conclusions: This study shows that, in general, alcohol use and drinking and driving remain a problem in Vietnam, a major concern given that the country is rapidly motorizing and likewise increasing the likelihood of road traffic crashes in the absence of effective interventions. To target drinking and driving in Vietnam we call for a multifaceted approach, including social marketing and public education campaigns, enhanced enforcement, and programs that either limit the number of drinks to drivers or young individuals or those that provide alternatives to drinking and driving. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Effects of climate change and human activities on inflow into the Hoabinh Reservoir in the Red River basin. J. Wang, H. Ishidaira, Z.X. Xu. Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 13, 2012, Pages 16881698. Abstract: Impacts of vegetation change on streamflow have long been an issue for concern and climate variability can also greatly affect streamflow. Climate change refers to the persistent change in climate over long periods of time due to either natural or as a result of human activity. It is very important to quantify the contribution of climate change and human activities on the change of streamflow and provide a scientific basis for future land conservation planning and river ecological conservation. In this study, non-parametric Pettitt mutation method was employed to detect trends and changes in annual streamflow for the period of 1961 to 2008 in the Da River Basin (55000km2), which is the most important tributary of Red River. An upward trend was found in annual streamflow, with an abrupt change identified in 1993 at the Laichau and Tabu stations in the upstream of the Hoa Binh Reservoir. In addition, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data from 1981 to 2006 was used to detect vegetation change in the past 26 years. The difference between average annual accumulated NDVI during before and after 1993 and linear slope of annual accumulated NDVI from 1982 to 2006 was calculated. The discharge data was divided into a baseline period (before 1993) and a period of change. Sensitivity-based method and model simulation method were then proposed to separate different effects from climate and human activities. Results indicated that the streamflow is more sensitive to precipitation than potential evaportransportation (PET). Effects of climate variability on streamflow estimated using the sensitivity-based method was weak in the downsream catchment of Tabu station, and strong in the upstream catchment of Laichau station, where the climate effects accounted for about 30% of total streamflow changes. Effects of human activities on streamflow accounted for about 60% both in the Laichau and Tabu catchments. Human activities are the main factor to affect the changes of inflow into the Hoa Binh Reservoir, and climate change also plays an important role. Full text http://www.sciencedirect.com.libproxywb.imf.org/science/article/pii/S1878029612001636. Evolution of Tourism Approaches for Poverty Reduction Impact in SNV Asia: Cases from Lao PDR, Bhutan and Vietnam. John Hummel, Tara Gujadhur & Nanda Ritsma. Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, available online: 12 Mar 2012. Abstract: Development agencies are facing a growing demand to demonstrate larger impacts on poverty, which has resulted in a questioning of tourism as an effective intervention strategy. Tourism has been employed as an agent of economic development, job creation, and environmental and cultural conservation. However, critics have cited a dearth of evidence of tourism's contribution to poverty reduction. SNV Asia responded to this impetus in the last decade. The article provides a review of approaches to reach more development impact. Cases from Lao PDR, Bhutan

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and Vietnam show how SNV's way of working changed. It demonstrates how SNV involved the private sector, and how the organization adjusted its impact measurement systems. However, assessing development impact remained challenging. SNV decided to focus on select sectors that showed most development impact, and phases out from tourism. The article proposes not to move away, but find pragmatic approaches to increase tourism benefits for communities. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Experience of Low Mood and Suicidal Behaviors Among Adolescents in Vietnam: Findings from Two National Population-Based Surveys. Minh Thi Hong Le, Huong Thanh Nguyen, Thach Duc Tran, Jane R.W. Fisher. Journal of Adolescent Health, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 30 March 2012. Abstract: -- Purpose: To date, no population-based data about experiences of low mood and suicidal behaviors among adolescents in Vietnam have been published in the English peer-reviewed literature. The aim was to establish the prevalence of self-reported symptoms of low mood, acts of self-harm, and suicidal thoughts and their correlates among adolescents from two national population-based surveys, Survey Assessment of Vietnamese Youth (SAVY) I (20032004) and II (20092010). -- Methods: Data from the subset of participants aged 1419 years from the two structured SAVYs were analyzed. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were used to test for between-group comparisons. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to determine factors associated with low mood and suicidal ideation. A weighting factor was used in all analyses. -- Results: Prevalence of experiences of low mood was 34.06% in SAVY I and 37.34% in SAVY II; prevalence of suicidal behaviors was 5.28% (SAVY I) and 12.21% (SAVY II). Significant risk factors were being female, an ethnic minority, illiterate, or exposed to violence; perceiving study load as too heavy; following a religion other than Buddhism; or living in wealthier families. Better family cohesion protected adolescents from these unfavorable outcomes. Alcohol use co-occurred significantly with experiences of low mood and suicidal behaviors. -- Conclusions: Self-reported lifetime experiences of low mood are common among Vietnamese adolescents, with signs of an increasing trend. Suicidal behaviors are less prevalent than in other settings but are also increasing. Further research is warranted to elucidate these findings and to inform interventions to optimize the mental health of adolescents in Vietnam. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Impact of global climate change and desertification on the environment and society in Southern Centre of Vietnam (a case study in Binh Thuan province). Climate today and tomorrow: state of play and perception. Pierre OZER. 2012. Abstract: The Province of Binh Thuan is the driest area of Vietnam. It is felt as being affected by desertification processes that are mainly resulting from the ongoing climate change, especially shortening rainfall. But has climate, and especially precipitations, really changed in recent years? Or is the recent increase of agricultural activities with higher water needs may explain such perception of a changing climate? In the collection of four papers presented hereafter, we try to answer to these questions. -- Yet, the first paper investigates recent trends in precipitation and temperatures using daily data from the weather station of Phan Thiet. It appears that the area did not experience any significant precipitation decrease (rainfall have, at the contrary, globally increased) but a very significant increase in temperature. -- The second paper focuses on future climate projections (that is 2046-2065 and 2081-2100 compared to historical data 1970-1999). It shows that the Province of Binh Thuan will face an increase of mean temperature of about 1.6C (over 2046-2065) and 2.5C (over 2081-2100) and an increase of extreme temperatures and extreme rainfall events.

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However, no significant changes about the evolution of the annual amount of precipitation were found. It also indicates that the dry season is likely to be longer in 2046-2065 owing to a delay in the onset of the rainy season (up to 15 days) accompanied by an earlier end of the rainy season (up to 30 days). -- The third paper explores recent land use and land cover changes in the Province of Binh Thuan. Comparisons of the land cover maps reveal that a steady growth in population has caused extensive changes of land cover throughout the area. The maps also indicate that the loss of woody land (forest) and the extension of irrigated area, combined with built-up encroachment, remains one of the most serious environmental problems today. Yet, results showed over the 12-year span, approximately 115,120 ha of forests were converted respectively to brush, irrigated area, cropland and built-up. This is an overall average decrease of approximately 9,594 ha of forested area per year. Based on the identified causes of these changes, we made policy recommendations for better management of land use and land cover. Such results show that water needs are always increasing due to the extension of irrigated areas. -- The last paper concludes with a case study of a fishing village disappearing as a result of shoreline erosion. It shows that the term climate change is misused probably because it is easier to blame a global issue rather than the local mismanagement of natural resources, the lack of land use planning and the nonexistence of policies focused on natural hazard management in the uncontrolled construction the seaside resort of Mui Ne. -- This reflexion about the wrong perception of climate change which may cause several economic problems could be extended to water availability which may not be sufficient to support recent developments of irrigated agriculture. Understanding current problems may help developing adaptation strategies in the next decades. Further research is needed to understand such perception of climate change, especially when knowing that future climate may be really affected by an increase of extreme rainfall events and an extended dry season. Free full text http://orbi.ulg.ac.be/handle/2268/114696. Integrating data-driven ecological models in an expert-based decision support system for water management in the Du river basin (Vietnam). Thu Huong Hoang, Ans Mouton, Koen Lock, Niels De Pauw and Peter L. M. Goethals. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, published online 15 March 2012. Abstract: In this study, classification trees were combined with the Water Framework Directive (WFD)-Explorer, a modular toolbox that supports integrated water management in a river basin to evaluate the impact of different restoration measures on river ecology. First, the WFD-Explorer toolbox analysed the effect of different restoration options on the abiotic river characteristics based on the water and substance balance embedded in the simulation environment. Based on these abiotic characteristics, the biological index Biological Monitoring Working Party for Vietnam was then predicted by classification trees that were trained on biological and abiotic data collected in the Du river basin in northern Vietnam. The ecological status of streams in the basin ranged from nearly pristine headwaters to severely impacted river stretches. Elimination of point sources from ore extraction and decentralised domestic wastewater treatment proved to be the most effective measures to improve the ecological condition of the Du river basin. The combination of the WFD-Explorer results with data-driven models enabled model application in a situation where expert knowledge was lacking. Consequently, this approach appeared promising for decision support in the context of river restoration and conservation management. Full text is available upon request. [Thu Huong Hoang etal 2012.pdf]. Married men's first time experiences of early childbearing and their role in sexual and reproductive decision making: a qualitative study from rural Vietnam. Marie Klingberg-Allvina, Vanja Berggren, Nguyen Thanh Binh, Bharati Bijay & Annika Johansson. Culture, Health & Sexuality: An International Journal for Research, Intervention and Care, Volume 14, Issue 4, 2012, pages 449-461. Abstract: Male partners' involvement in women's sexual and reproductive health has been increasingly emphasised in international health. A qualitative approach with open-ended qualitative interviews was used to explore young, married men's first time experiences of early childbearing, their sexual and reproductive decision making and the

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meanings they make of their role as husbands and fathers. The results offer a nuanced picture of the men's vulnerability in becoming young fathers and having to assume their role as family decision-makers, while still being inexperienced in matters related to the health of their wives and newborn child. Constraints to gender equality and traditional norms and values continue to pose barriers to both young men and women making independent decisions in relation to marriage and childbearing. Men's involvement is necessary in healthcare programmes designed to improve women's sexual and reproductive health and the health of the newborn. Young, first-time fathers, in particular, need support and empowerment. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Resistance versus resilience approaches in road planning and design in delta areas: Mekong floodplains in Cambodia and Vietnam. Wim Douven, Joost Buurman, Lindsay Beevers, Henk Verheijc, Marc Goichot, Ngoc Anh Nguyen, Hong Tien Truong & Huynh Minh Ngoc. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Available online: 20 Mar 2012. Abstract: Engineering works in river basins that explicitly take into account floodplain hydraulic processes and dynamics, demonstrate a move towards more sustainable development in riparian areas. In this paper, this concept is applied to road planning and design in floodplains. The paper suggests that although a resilience strategy might require higher initial investments than a resistance strategy, in the longer term it will result in lower costs in terms of road damage and ecological damage. Results are presented from four cases in the Mekong floodplains where different strategies towards road planning, varying in resilience, have been assessed for their hydraulic, ecological, social and economic impacts based on a combination of modelling results, expert judgement and secondary data sources. The study finds that, with the exception of extreme cases, the impact of roads has a limited impact on the floodplain hydraulics. However, even small changes in flood dynamics (arrival of the peak, duration) may have large ecological impacts, especially if cumulative impacts of more road developments are taken into account. The results illustrate that road planning and design in floodplains is a complicated task that requires an integrated approach. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Role of Supply Chains in Adopting Product Related Environmental Regulations: Case Studies of Vietnam. by MICHIDA Etsuyo, NABESHIMA Kaoru. IDE-JETRO Discussion Papers No.343, March 2012. ABSTRACT: This paper shows some findings how product related environmental regulations, especially those that relate to management of chemical substances affect firms in Asia. Interviews were conducted for some firms in Vietnam that are part of global supply chains of electrical and electronic, furniture, and plastic industries. The global supply chains with MNC lead firms have helped local firms in developing countries to adopt technical PRERs overseas. On the other hand, indigenous firms that do not belong to global value chains might face hurdles to keep exporting to the regulated markets. PRERs could become a barrier for firms that attempt to the regulated markets without supports by MNC lead firms. Free full text http://www.ide.go.jp/English/Publish/Download/Dp/343.html. Seasonality in the Vietnam Stock Index. H. Swint Friday and Nhung Hoang. Prepared for the International Conference on Management, Economics and Social Sciences (ICMESS'2011) Bangkok Dec., 2011. Abstract: This study examines seasonality in the Vietnam Stock Market Index over 10 years, since the markets establishment on July 28th, 2000 until December 31st, 2010. The study found significant positive returns in April and significant negative returns in July for the VN-Index. Also, the Halloween Effect or Go away in May come back Halloween Day effect is observed in the Vietnam Stock Market Index. The authors posit these results are partially driven by the rainy season in Vietnam where monthly rainfall reaches up to 1000 mm. Free full text http://psrcentre.org/images/extraimages/1211834.pdf. Social capital and loan repayment performance in Northern Vietnam. Thomas Dufhues, Gertrud Buchenrieder, Hoang Dinh Quoc. Agricultural Economics, Article first published online: 27 MAR 2012.

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Abstract: This study analyses the effects of social capital on the loan repayment behavior of borrowers in Vietnam. In the context of agricultural economics, an innovative data collection approach is used that originates from the field of sociology. A personal network survey is carried out to measure the individual social capital of borrowers. Social capital variables are defined according to tie strength (bonding/bridging) and social distance (linking) between the respondent and his/her network member. Social capital has a significant and positive influence on the rescheduling of loans. However, we find no significant evidence for an effect of social capital on late payment of principal or interest. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Son Preference, Sex Selection, and Kinship in Vietnam. Christophe Z. Guilmoto. Population and Development Review, Volume 38, Issue 1, pages 3154, March 2012. Abstract: This article examines the recent rise in the sex ratio at birth in Vietnam and relates its emergence to kinship systems and ethnic composition using 2009 census micro-data. Presentation of the main socioeconomic and ethnic differentials in birth masculinity is followed by a review of the three intermediate factors leading to increases in the sex ratio at birth: prenatal technology, declining fertility, and gender bias. An indirect measurement of fertility behavior is used to demonstrate the close association between levels of the sex ratio at birth and the intensity of son preference. Data on household composition indicate that Vietnam is characterized by the co-existence of kinship patterns typical of East and Southeast Asia. Son preference in Vietnam is found to be related to the prevalence of more traditional patrilineal systems. The article concludes by considering the implications of the cultural dimensions of prenatal sex selection for policy responses and for the likely future change in the sex ratio at birth. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. The Drink Driving Situation in Vietnam. Luu Bich Ngoc, Nguyen Thi Thieng & Nguyen Lan Huong. Traffic Injury Prevention, Volume 13, Issue 2, 2012, pages 109-114. Abstract: -- Objective: To identify the extent and nature of the problem and the main contributing factors to drink driving crashes; determine the current mechanisms in place, particularly in terms of legislation and its enforcement; and identify baseline data and relevant stakeholders. -- Methods: The situational assessment was based on the collection of secondary data from available reports and documents, in-depth interviews with key representatives at a central level, and field surveys in provinces. -- Results: Vietnam has experienced phenomenal growth in motor vehicles, especially motorcycles, in the last decade (400%). This initially led to an increase in deaths from road crashes, but since 2006 the number has stayed fairly level according to police statistics. However, comparisons with health data suggest that the number of deaths is much higher and there are clearly a number of problems with the relevant data systems. Data on the percentage of drivers exceeding legal limits are not available, but police statistics indicated that drinking alcohol was a contributory factor in 7 percent of motor vehicle crashes. This is likely to be an underestimate, because the police and health services do not have the equipment to measure the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels of all drivers in crashes. Motorcycle riders and young people are in the high-risk groups. There are strict BAC limits starting at over zero and severe punishments for drunk drivers involved in serious crashes. However, the police do not have adequate manpower or equipment to conduct regular and frequent roadside checking for drivers who have been drinking. There have also been a number of education programs on road safety including drinking and driving, but these have not included sustained and intensive campaigns targeting the high-risk groups. The National Traffic Safety Committee (NTSC) is responsible for coordinating the relevant agencies but there is still a problem with lack of information sharing between agencies. -- Conclusions: This study completed a comprehensive situational assessment that examined the problem of drinking and driving and identified some of the weaknesses in the current prevention system. Vietnam currently has 2

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international projects on road safety and it is hoped that these together with support from the International Center for Alcohol Policies (ICAP) Global Actions program will provide opportunities for strengthening drinking and drive prevention initiatives by improving the road crash and injury database, building the capacity of the key organizations, strengthening the coordination mechanisms, and implementing and evaluating trial drink-drive interventions. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. The effect of participatory community communication on HIV preventive behaviors among ethnic minority youth in central Vietnam. Huy V Nguyen, Giang M Le, Son M Nguyen, Mai N Tran, Nguyet M Ha. BMC Public Health 2012, 12:170. Abstract: -- Background: In Vietnam, socially marginalized groups such as ethnic minorities in mountainous areas are often difficult to engage in HIV research and prevention programs. This intervention study aimed to estimate the effect of participatory community communication (PCC) on changing HIV preventive ideation and behavior among ethnic minority youth in a rural district from central Vietnam. -- Methods: In a cross-sectional survey after the PCC intervention, using a structured questionnaire, 800 ethnic minority youth were approached for face-to-face interviews. Propensity score matching (PSM) technique was then utilized to match these participants into two groups - intervention and control for estimating the effect of the PCC. -- Results: HIV preventive knowledge and ideation tended to increase as the level of recall changed accordingly. The campaign had a significant indirect effect on condom use through its effect on ideation or perceptions. When intervention and control group statistically equivalently reached in terms of individual and social characteristics by PSM, proportions of displaying HIV preventive knowledge, ideation and condom use were significantly higher in intervention group than in matched control counterparts, accounting for net differences of 7.4%, 12.7% and 5%, respectively, and can be translated into the number of 210; 361 and 142 ethnic minority youth in the population. -- Conclusions: The study informs public health implications both theoretically and practically to guide effective HIV control programs for marginalized communities in resources-constrained settings like rural Vietnam and similar contexts of developing countries. Free full text http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1471-2458-12-170.pdf. The Epidemiology of Interpandemic and Pandemic Influenza in Vietnam, 20072010: The Ha Nam Household Cohort Study I. Peter Horby, Le Quynh Mai, Annette Fox, Pham Quang Thai, Nguyen Thi Thu Yen, Le Thi Thanh, Nguyen Le Khanh Hang, Tran Nhu Duong, Dang Dinh Thoang, Jeremy Farrar, Marcel Wolbers and Nguyen Tran Hien. Americn Journal of Epidemiology, First published online: March 12, 2012. Abstract: Prospective community-based studies have provided fundamental insights into the epidemiology of influenza in temperate regions, but few comparable studies have been undertaken in the tropics. The authors conducted prospective influenza surveillance and intermittent seroprevalence surveys in a household-based cohort in Vietnam between December 2007 and April 2010, resulting in 1,793 person-seasons of influenza surveillance. Ageand sex-standardized estimates of the risk of acquiring any influenza infection per season in persons 5 years of age or older were 21.1% (95% confidence interval: 17.4, 24.7) in season 1, 26.4% (95% confidence interval: 22.6, 30.2) in season 2, and 17.0% (95% confidence interval: 13.6, 20.4) in season 3. Some individuals experienced multiple episodes of infection with different influenza types/subtypes in the same season (n = 27) or reinfection with the same subtype in different seasons (n = 22). The highest risk of influenza infection was in persons 59 years old, in whom the risk of influenza infection per season was 41.8%. Although the highest infection risk was in school-aged children, there were important heterogeneities in the age of infection by subtype and season. These heterogeneities could influence the impact of school closure and childhood vaccination on influenza transmission in tropical areas, such as Vietnam. Free full text http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2012/03/11/aje.kws121.abstract.

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The Role of Family in Educating-Socializing Children: The Case of Vietnam. Nguyen Thanh Binh. Current Research Journal of Biological Sciences 4(2): 173-181, 2012. Abstract: Vietnamese families are the first, primary and deciding factor in educating-socializing each person. It is through families that people can learn the standards, values approved by the society. Families are the first human group, which people are raised, looked after, educated and grown up. During childhood, children live in families and learn a lot by observing and teaching, and know what is wrong or right, should or shouldnt . In Vietnamese families, fathers and mothers play the most important role in educating children. Fathers symbolize intelligence, will, and family discipline to unite children-especially sons. Mothers who are often careful, close to children everyday, find out and timely shape misleading, and better at raising children lifestyle. With tender and tactful attitude, mothers convert, persuade and teach children to love even when they grow up. Free full text http://www.maxwellsci.com/print/crjss/v4173-181.pdf. Uncertainty in climate change impacts on streamflow in Be River Catchment, Vietnam. Dao Nguyen Khoi, Tadashi Suetsugi. Water and Environment Journal, Early View, Article first published online: 8 MAR 2012. Abstract: This paper focuses on the uncertainty in climate change impacts on streamflow in Be River Catchment. Uncertainty associated with GCM structure from a subset of CMIP3 (CCCMA CGCM3.1, CSIRO Mk30, IPSL CM4, MPI ECHAM5, NCAR CCSM3.0, UKMO HadGEM1, and UKMO HadCM3), SRES emission scenarios (A1B, A2, B1, and B2), and prescribed increases in global mean temperature (0.5C to 6C) using SWAT model is investigated. For prescribed warming scenarios using HadCM3, linear decreases in mean annual streamflow range from 3.1 to 16.7%. Differences in projected annual streamflow between SRES emission scenarios using HadCM3 are small (5.6% to 4.6%). Under the A1B scenario and 2C increase in global mean temperature using seven GCMs, there is substantial disparity, by 2.925.5% and 8.319.1%, respectively. It is generally reasonable to conclude that GCM structure-related uncertainty is greater than that associated with the emission scenarios and climate sensitivity. Full text is available upon request. [Dao Nguyen Khoi&Suetsugi-2012.pdf]. Vietnam in 2011: Questions of Domestic Sovereignty. Adam Fforde. Asian Survey, Vol. 52, No. 1 (January/February 2012) (pp. 176-185). Abstract: Tensions in the international arena are linked here to problems in contemporary Vietnam. Eroding domestic political authority is related to the lack of political reconstruction to suit a market economy and an increasingly open society. At the close of 2011, it appears that there is as yet no clear path forward. Full text http://www.jstor.org.libproxy-wb.imf.org/stable/pdfplus/10.1525/as.2012.52.1.176.pdf?acceptTC=true. Which Entrepreneurs Bribe and What Do They Get From It? Exploratory Evidence From Vietnam. By: de Jong, Gjalt; Tu, Phan Anh; van Ees, Hans. Entrepreneurship: Theory & Practice, Mar2012, Vol. 36 Issue 2, p323-345, 23p; Abstract: This article investigates whether bribery in emerging economies matters and whether such bribery has a diminishing return to performance. Bribery allows entrepreneurs to develop and foster a network of informal relationships with public officials, and reap the accompanying benefits; but it may also have disadvantages, such as an inefficient allocation of resources. The relationship between bribery and performance was estimated using unique data derived from a survey of 606 Vietnamese entrepreneurs. We controlled for various entrepreneurial, organizational, and industrial characteristics. The exploratory results provide support for a hill-shaped non-monotonic relationship between bribery and revenues. Full text http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bch&AN=73321355&site=ehost-live. [de Jong-etal2012.pdf] Women Micro-Enterprise Entrepreneurs in Vietnam: Does More Active Economic Participation Increase Social Empowerment?

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Pham Thi Ngoc Anh, Peter Knorringa, Thanh Dam Truong, Veronica Bayangos. Paper prepared for the Conference "Rethinking development in an age of scarcity and uncertainty: New values, voices and alliances for increased resilience", 19-22 September 2011, University of York. Abstract: many interventions to assist women to become entrepreneurs are at least partly based on the implicit assumption that increased economic participation will also strengthen womens social empowerment. This empirical study explicitly investigates whether such increased economic participation of women entrepreneurs indeed improves their position in other domains such as family decision- making, social position in the household and health. Data obtained from a survey of 270 women entrepreneurs running micro-enterprises in Vietnam, reveals that more active and successful economic participation does not necessarily translate into higher levels of empowerment and wellbeing. Women entrepreneurs who spend more time and effort on developing their business, and therefore less time on their family, seem in fact to end up with a weaker position in decision-making about family matters. To understand better where and when increased economic participation may well translate into more gender equality in social domains, more attention is required on the socially embedded nature of the action of women's entrepreneurs in intra-household relations. Free full text http://eadi.org/gc2011/knorringa-479.pdf.

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Some new academic papers on development issues in Vietnam

2012 March 15 issue
Links provided hereunder are accessible on WB intranet only, except otherwise specified. Please contact VDIC librarian at nvu2@worldbank.org if you need full text of the article/s listed below, for private study, scholarship or research purposes. We can only provide full text of those without the note Fee may apply. A Firm Analysis Level of Supporting Industries in Hanoi City-Vietnam: Application of Resource-based View and Industrial Organization. Nham Phong Tuan, Nguyen Thi Tuyet Mai. International Journal of Business and Management Vol. 7, No. 5; March 2012. Abstract: This paper focuses on applying the resource-based view (RBV) of firms and industrial organization (IO) of strategic management field to explain performance in supporting industries in Hanoi - Vietnam. Specifically, we based our research on the integrated framework of RBV and IO and reviewed previous empirical researches before deciding on testing relationships among organizational capabilities, industry effects, competitive advantage and performance. A multivariate analysis of survey responses of 102 firms belonging to supporting industries in Hanoi city - Vietnam indicates that the firms organizational capabilities contribute to its competitive advantage that in turn, affects its performance and mediates the organizational capabilities-performance relationship, and that industry effects have both direct and indirect impact on competitive advantages. These findings have considerable implications for academics as well as practitioners. Finally, this study also provides directions for future research. Free full text http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ijbm/article/viewFile/13091/10431. A rising tide of primary school standardsThe role of data systems in improving equitable access for all to quality education in Vietnam. Ian Attfield, Binh Thanh Vu. International Journal of Educational Development, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 2 March 2012. Abstract: The approach taken over the past decade to introduce minimum primary school standards in Vietnam is reviewed, with annual school audits that measured both input (quality) and output indicators. -- It describes a successful, context specific approach in which flexible data systems were used to support the evolution and adoption of a new set of standards. A rich multiyear data set has enabled impact analysis, equitable investment planning and test hypotheses on the variables within the black box of a classroom that influence learning. -- Institutional challenges presented in mainstreaming and evolving standards are contrasted with international best practice on raising standards. Full text http://www.sciencedirect.com.libproxywb.imf.org/science/article/pii/S0738059312000223. Adjusting to trade policy: Evidence from U.S. antidumping duties on Vietnamese catfish. Irene Brambilla, Guido Porto, Alessandro Tarozzi. The Review of Economics and Statistics. Cambridge: Feb 2012. Vol. 94, Iss. 1; pg. 304. Abstract: In 2003, after claims of dumping, the United States imposed heavy tariffs on Vietnamese catfish, which led to a collapse of imports. We use panel data to explore household responses in the catfish-producing Mekong delta between 2002 and 2004 and find that income growth was significantly slower among households relatively more involved in catfish farming in 2002. This is explained by a relative decline in both catfish income and revenues from other miscellaneous farm activities. Labor supply did not adjust, most likely because of off-farm employment

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limitations. Households more exposed to the shock reduced the share of investment assigned to catfish while substituting into agriculture. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. An empirical Study of Determinants of E-commerce Adoption in SMEs in Vietnam: the case of a transition economy. LE Van Huy, Frantz ROWE, Duane TRUEX, Minh Q. HUYNH. ABSTRACT: Experts and business pundits forecasted drastic changes in Vietnams fledgling ecommerce when the Southeast Asian country became an official member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2007. Over the last few years, as part of the Reform called Doi moi some Vietnamese enterprises have adopted e-commerce and already benefitted from it. In this research, we build and test a model of e-commerce adoption including numerous internal and external factors identified in theoretical and empirical studies. The final sample of 926 small and medium-sized enterprises in Vietnam includes both adopter and non-adopter firms. The policy implications of this study on promoting e-commerce adoption by SMEs in transition economies, such as Vietnam, are discussed. Free full text http://www3.cis.gsu.edu/dtruex/courses/IB8710/Articles/Vietnam-ec-110811-dtmh-revision.pdf. Analysis of ASEAN Economic Change, Consumer Behavior, Marketing Trends and International Trade With NAFTA. Since Sankrusme. Journal of American Academy of Business, Cambridge. Hollywood: Mar 2012. Vol. 17, Iss. 2; pg. 50, 8 pgs. Abstract: This study will be taking a detailed look at the status of some of the many nations that comprise the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) grouping, which includes Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar (Burma), Singapore, and the Philippines. The purpose of the study is to analyze economic change with ASEAN, consumer behavior, and marketing trends, including international trade between Thailand and ASEAN, Thailand and North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), ASEAN and NAFTA using both qualitative and descriptive research methods. The results demonstrate that, as much as these nations expend time and money on mutual cooperation and on fostering trade and economic development between them, the truth remains that they are all very fierce competitors, with many ASEAN member states producing the same goods for export. This study focuses on the consumer, his habits and behavior, and what impact this has on each country's economy and the health of the others. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Attitude toward and Consumption of Fish in Vietnam. Nguyen Tien Thong & Svein Ottar Olsen. Journal of Food Products Marketing, Volume 18, Issue 2, 2012, pages 7995. Abstract: This study uses theory of planned behaviour (TPB) as a conceptual framework to investigate the attitude and intention toward the consumption of fish in a cross-sectional survey of Vietnamese consumers. Structural equation modelling (SEM) is used to test the reliability, validity, and relationships in the proposed model. The results show that the variation in the frequency of fish consumption is significantly explained by intention and perceived behavioural control. Intention to consume fish is significantly determined by subjective norms and attitude toward consuming fish as a meal. Perceived behavioural control is significantly related to fish consumption, but not to the intention to consume fish, indicating that there may be a difference between perceived control and actual control. At the specificbelief level, the study found that negative affect, perceived quality, and price are significant indicators that explain 60% of the variation in attitude. Perceived price, time needed to cook and prepare fish as a meal, and the availability of fresh fish are important factors explaining 63% of the variation of the perceived control over fish consumption. The study also provides some managerial implications and suggestions for the seafood sector to expand the domestic markets and gives recommendations for future research. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Can rural health insurance improve equity in health care utilization? A comparison between China and Vietnam.

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Xiaoyun Liu, Shenglan Tang, Baorong Yu, Nguyen Khanh Phuong, Fei Yan, Duong Duc Thien, Rachel Tolhurst. International Journal for Equity in Health 2012, 11:10. Abstract: -- Introduction: Health care financing reforms in both China and Vietnam have resulted in greater financial difficulties in accessing health care, especially for the rural poor. Both countries have been developing rural health insurance for decades. This study aims to evaluate and compare equity in access to health care in rural health insurance system in the two countries. -- Methods: Household survey and qualitative study were conducted in 6 counties in China and 4 districts in Vietnam. Health insurance policy and its impact on utilization of outpatient and inpatient service were analyzed and compared to measure equity in access to health care. -- Results: In China, Health insurance membership had no significant impact on outpatient service utilization, while was associated with higher utilization of inpatient services, especially for the higher income group. Health insurance members in Vietnam had higher utilization rates of both outpatient and inpatient services than the non-members, with higher use among the lower than higher income groups. Qualitative results show that bureaucratic obstacles, low reimbursement rates, and poor service quality were the main barriers for members to use health insurance. -- Conclusions: China has achieved high population coverage rate over a short time period, starting with a limited benefit package. However, poor people have less benefit from NCMS in terms of health service utilization. Compared to China, Vietnam health insurance system is doing better in equity in health service utilization within the health insurance members. However with low population coverage, a large proportion of population cannot enjoy the health insurance benefit. Mutual learning would help China and Vietnam address these challenges, and improve their policy design to promote equitable and sustainable health insurance. Free full text http://www.equityhealthj.com/content/pdf/1475-9276-11-10.pdf. Chopping for chips: An analysis of wood flows from smallholder plantations in Vietnam. Nguyen Quang Tan. Bulletin CIFOR Working Paper 2011 No. 65. Abstract: This paper aims to provide a better understanding of the wood flows from smallholder plantations to industrial buyers in the Binh Dinh and Phu Tho provinces of Vietnam. It describes the actors involved in the market chains, their respective roles, the value added to the wood in the market chain and the distribution of costs and benefits. Various differences between the two provinces exist. In Binh Dinh, wood flows are relatively direct and the market price information is transparent. There are various end-buyers but most are buying bark-clean logs. The division of labour is clear among actors. Plantation wood brings substantial income for the tree growers, yet there is great potential to improve their income through better marketing. In the Phu Tho province, the situation is more complex with various levels of intermediaries. The most striking difference is that most actors have poor access to price information, even in the wholesale market. Markets are more varied with four main types of wood; the most prominent are woodchips and bark-clean logs. The end-buyer market of these products is dominated by Bai Bang Paper Mill because it is located close to the tree growers. At site level, the division of labour is not as clear as in Binh Dinh. The farm gate price in Phu Tho is much lower than the price in Binh Dinh, thus tree growers in Phu Tho have a lower income from wood sales. Plantation wood plays an important part in local livelihoods, but there is still room for improvement. Free full text http://www.cifor.org/nc/online-library/browse/view-publication/publication/3473.html. Current status of agricultural production in Vietnam. LRongHua; Gao GuoQing; Li DanTing; Tran, V. Q.; Liu KaiQiang; Tang MaoYan; Tang QiZhan; Zhou Hang; Liu Zhong. Journal of Southern Agriculture 2011 Vol. 42 No. 5 pp. 562-565. Abstract: The present article summarizes the geographical locations and climatic conditions of Vietnam. According to the topography and soil characteristics and climatic conditions of Vietnam, it could be divided into six agro-ecological

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zones, viz., Red River Plain, mountain areas of northern Vietnam, north-central and central coastal areas, Central Highlands, southeast Vietnam and Jiulong River Plain. The article also reviews the current status of 13 crops' production in Vietnam including corn, paddy rice, cassava, sweet potato, sugarcane, peanut, soybean, tea, coffee, rubber, pepper, cashew and coconut. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Determinants of FDI into China and Vietnam: A comparative study. Thi-Hong-Hanh Pham. LEMNA - Universit de Nantes, 2012/05. Abstract: Since the inception of economic reforms, China in 1978 and Vietnam in 1986, both countries have become successful examples of transition to a market economy. Over their courses of reform, attracting substantial and rising amounts of inward FDI has been a key focus of their market-oriented policy reforms. Yet, the last two decades have experienced a widening gap in inward FDI between these two countries even though the context and characteristics of their economic reform are relatively similar. Therefore, this paper aims to address the question "What has caused the substantial gap in FDI inflows between China and Vietnam?" through a comparative study of the FDI determinants. In other words, this paper revisits the determinants of FDI into China and Vietnam by employing an augmented gravity model and using a panel dataset containing information on bilateral FDI and a large set of acroeconomic variables over the period 1994-2008. The main finding is that the widening gap in inward FDI flows between China and Vietnam can be explained by two broad sets of main factors: one related to institutions and another to domestic macroeconomic stability. Free full text http://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00671568/. Do collective property rights make sense? Insights from central Vietnam. Melissa Marschke, Derek Armitage, Le Van An, Truong Van Tuyen, Hein Mallee. International journal of the commons, vol 5, no 2, 2011. Abstract: We draw on empirical results from three case studies of property rights change across forest and fisheries ecosystems in central Vietnam to investigate the circumstances under which collective property rights may make sense. A generic property rights framework was used to examine the bundles of rights and associated rights holders in each case, and to assess these arrangements with regard to their contextual fit, legitimacy and enforceability. The cases illustrate the interactions between private and collective rights to lands and resources, and the trade-offs inherent with different mixes of rights. Free full text http://www.thecommonsjournal.org/index.php/ijc/article/view/334/254. 'DOING FAMILY': Female migrants and family transition in rural Vietnam. Vu Thi Thao, Jytte Agergaard. Asian Population Studies. Abingdon: 2012. Vol. 8, Iss. 1; pg. 103. Abstract: Drawing on a case study of married female migrants from two rural villages of Hung Yen province to Hanoi City, Vietnam, this paper investigates the implications of female migration on gender roles and relations within families. The paper shows that wives' migration changes gender roles and relations within the family. Being on the move, migrant wives become the main breadwinners while their husbands left behind take on the role of carers. The migrant wives acquire a stronger voice in family matters and a strong sense of pride, worthiness and earned respect, whereas their husbands experience a loss of power. However, these changing gender roles and relations rarely result in family fragmentations; instead, families are still being sustained as migrant wives 'do family'. By 'doing family', they can exploit their increasing power in an acceptable manner, so that patriarchal family ideals are not openly confronted. This paper provides a more nuanced understanding of the implications of female migration on families, i.e. the simultaneity of the reproduction of and the change in gender roles and relations within families. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Evaluation of the Vietnamese A6 mortality reporting system: injury as a cause of death. Mark R Stevenson, Le Tran Ngoan, Dang Viet Hung, Nguyen Thi Huong Tu, Anh Luong Mai, Rebecca Q Ivers, Hoang Thanh Huong. Injury Prevention, Accepted 17 January 2012, Published Online First 23 February 2012. Abstract:

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-- Background: Despite the fact that the A6 mortality reporting system has been operating for almost 20 years in Vietnam, there has been no systematic evaluation of the system. This study assesses the completeness, sensitivity and positive predictive value of the system in relation to injury related mortality. -- Methods: Evaluation of the A6 system was undertaken in three (geographically distributed) provinces in Vietnam. Deaths identified in the A6 system were compared with deaths identified by an independent consensus panel to determine the per cent completeness of the A6 system. Verbal autopsies (VA) were conducted for all identified deaths from the consensus panels, and the sensitivity and positive predictive value of the A6 system were assessed using the VAs as the reference. -- Results: 5273 deaths were identified from the A6 system with a further 340 cases identified by the independent consensus panel (total n=5613). Injury related deaths accounted for 13.6% (n=763) of all deaths with an overall injury mortality rate of 55.3 per 100000 person years. The per cent completeness of the A6 system in relation to injury deaths was 93.9% with a sensitivity of 75.4%, specificity of 98.4% and positive predictive value of 88.4%. -- Conclusions: The A6 mortality reporting system is embedded within the commune health system and is the lead mortality reporting system for the Ministry of Health. The system performs well in relation to its completeness and classification of injury related deaths. With further enhancements and ongoing support from government and donor agencies, the A6 system will be a valuable resource for identifying and planning preventive strategies targeting the leading causes of injury related deaths in Vietnam. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Exposure to second-hand smoke at home and its associated factors: findings from the Global Adult Tobacco Use survey in Vietnam, 2010. Hoang Van Minh, Kim Bao Giang, Le Thi Thanh Xuan, Pham Thi Quynh Nga, Phan Thi Hai, Nguyen Thac Minh, Nguyen The Quan and Jason Hsia. Cancer Causes and Control, Online First, 1 Jan 2012. Abstract: -- Objective: The paper describes the pattern of exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) at home among the adult population of Vietnam and examines associated socio-demographic factors. -- Methods : A total of 11,142 households were selected for this survey using a two-phase sampling design analogous with three-stage stratified cluster sampling. The dependent variable was the status of exposure to SHS at home. Independent variables included gender, age, occupation, asset-based wealth quintile, ethnicity, marital status, residence. Logistic regression modelling was performed to examine the association with relevant factors of patterns of exposure to second-hand smoke among non-smokers. -- Results: Of adults aged 15 years and above (representing approximately 47 million people) 73.1% reported they were exposed to SHS at home at least monthly. Considering non-smokers only, the prevalence of exposure to SHS at home was 67.6% (equivalent to approximately 33 million non-smokers). The significant correlates of the status of exposure to SHS at home among non-smokers were female gender, ethnic minority, low education, and lack of smoking restriction at home. -- Conclusion: The study showed that a high percentage of people are exposed to second-hand smoke at home. Disadvantaged people were more likely than the better-off to be exposed to SHS at home. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Gender differences in quality of life outcomes of HIV/AIDS treatment in the latent feminization of HIV epidemics in Vietnam. Bach Xuan Tran, Arto Ohinmaa, Long Thanh Nguyen, Pauline Oosterhoff, Phu Xuan Vu, Tam Van Vu & Mattias Larsson. AIDS Care: Psychological and Socio-medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV, available online: 01 Mar 2012.

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Abstract: Understanding gender-specific predictors of Health-related Quality of Life (HRQL) outcomes of HIV/AIDS treatment is necessary in the latent feminization of HIV epidemics in Vietnam. This study assessed HRQL and its predictors among men and women with HIV/AIDS. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 155 patients (36.8% women, mean age=31.4) registering for antiretroviral treatment (ART) at Vietnam-Sweden Uong Bi General Hospital, Quang Ninh Province. The Vietnamese version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life HIV brief version (WHOQOL-HIV BREF) was developed. Factor analysis was applied to assess the construct validity of the measurement. Six major domains of the Vietnamese WHOQOL-HIV BREF were determined, namely physical; performance; morbidity; environment; psychological; and social support. Internal consistency reliability of the six domains ranged from 0.52 to 0.71. Multivariate linear regression models, constructed using step-wise forward selection, determined different predictors of HRQL domain scores in men and women with HIV/AIDS. The results showed that men reported higher scores or better in Morbidity (p=0.02), Environment (p=0.07) and Psychological dimensions (p=0.02); meanwhile, women had higher scores in Performance (p=0.09). Alcohol and injection drug use negatively predicted HRQL outcomes in both men and women. Employment was associated with better performance in men, and better physical but poorer environment status in women. Female patients who have a child experienced decrements in social support, psychological, environment, and performance. Findings of this study highlight the need to develop comprehensive interventions for HIV/AIDS patients, including HIV/AIDS treatment support and genderspecific impact mitigation interventions strategies. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Improving access to quality clinical nurse teaching A partnership between Australia and Vietnam. T. Harvey, P. Calleja, D. Phan Thi. Nurse Education Today, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 28 February 2012. Summary: Until recently, standards to guide nursing education and practice in Vietnam were nonexistent. This paper describes the development and implementation of a clinical teaching capacity building project piloted in Hanoi, Vietnam. The project was part of a multi-component capacity building program designed to improve nurse education in Vietnam. Objectives of the project were to develop a collaborative clinically-based teaching model that encourages evidence-based, student-centred clinical learning. The model incorporated strategies to promote development of nursing practice to meet national competency standards. -- Thirty nurse teachers from two organisations in Hanoi participated in the program. These participants attended three workshops, and completed applied assessments, where participants implemented concepts from each workshop. The assessment tasks were planning, implementing and evaluating clinical teaching. On completion of the workshops, twenty participants undertook a study tour in Australia to refine the teaching model and develop an action plan for model implementation in both organisations, with an aim to disseminate the model across Vietnam. -- Significant changes accredited to this project have been noted on an individual and organisational level. Dissemination of this clinical teaching model has commenced in Ho Chi Minh, with further plans for more in-depth dissemination to occur throughout the country. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Inland Capture Fisheries and Large River Systems: A Political Economy of Mekong Fisheries. CHRISTOPHER SNEDDON, COLEEN FOX. Journal of Agrarian Change. Oxford: Apr/Jul 2012. Vol. 12, Iss. 2-3; pg. 279. Abstract: This paper examines the political economy of the freshwater, inland fisheries in the Mekong River basin, which are among the most productive and diverse in the world. Yet the remarkably productive fisheries of the basin, and the livelihoods of rural people this production supports, are increasingly confronting a series of threats related to hydropower development and other socio-ecological processes. These threats are in turn driven by long-standing efforts to transform the Mekong basin - shared by China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam - through water resource development into a more vigorous source of regional economic development through appropriation of the basin's biophysical processes. Building on recent work on Mekong development, we highlight the biophysical and political-economic conflicts - and subsequent marginalization and devaluation of fisheries-based livelihoods - that emerge from long-held proposals to transform the basin into an engine of development. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.

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Internal vs. International Migration : Impacts of Remittances on Schooling and Child Labour in Vietnam. by Michele Binci, Gianna Claudia Giannelli. February 2012. Paper presented in June 2011 at the XXV Conference of the European Society for Population Economics in Hangzhou (China) and in September 2011 at the Conference of Italian Labour Economists in Milan. Abstract: This paper intends to contribute to the literature on the effects of internal and international remittances on schooling and child labour. . Using the information gathered in the 1992/93 and 1997/98 Vietnam Living Standards Surveys (VLSS), we examine separately the incidence of child labour and school attendance rates in remittance recipient households, as compared to households where this income source is absent. We apply OLS regression for the two cross-sections and a fixed-effects linear regression for the panel analysis, using the average characteristics of children in each household. Our results indicate that a child belonging to a remittance recipient household has a lower probability of working and a greater probability of going to school. Although international remittances are found to have a stronger beneficial impact than domestic ones in the crosssectional analysis, the panel analysis reverses this result, showing that the only significant impact stems from domestic remittances. Free full text http://www.dse.unifi.it/upload/sub/seminari/Binci_Giannelli.pdf. Jackfruit in Vietnam. Nguyen Quoc Hung. in: The jackfruit, 2011, pp. 463-474. Abstract: Jackfruit is one of the fruits now grown in almost all the provinces from North to South in Vietnam and has great potential for development in the future. Jackfruit has great diversity with large differences in yield, fruit size, skin colour, pulp colours, ratio of edible part etc. Some selected lines have fruits with an average of 10-12 kg with yellow, firm, brittle and sweet pulp. The edible part is over 35-40% and yield obtained is from 30-40 fruits/tree of 6-7 years old. In Northern provinces, jackfruit is divided into two major groups, namely "Mit dai" which has firm, brittle and sweet pulp and "Mit mat" which has soft, succulent pulp when ripe. In Southern provinces, jackfruit is divided into two major groups namely "Mit ta" and "Mit To nu". In the processed products from jackfruit, dried jackfruits are preferred by domestic consumers and export markets. Due to their high profitability, growing area of jackfruit has been quickly expanding in recent years and the total area of jackfruit in 2009 is estimated to reach 50,000 ha in the whole country. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Land Reform and Farm Production in the Northern Uplands of Vietnam. Trung Thanh Nguyen. Asian Economic Journal, Volume 26, Issue 1, pages 4361, March 2012. Abstract: Economic theory suggests that increased tenure security will lead to increased productivity. However, existing literature on the relationship between land tenure and land productivity provides inconclusive evidence. The present paper analyzes the impact of land reform on chemical fertilizer use and land productivity of rural farms in the Northern Uplands of Vietnam using a panel dataset collected before and after land reform. The results show that land reform has positive effects on both chemical fertilizer use and land productivity, but the level of influence is different between land privatization and land titling. Relevant policy implications are thus derived for the promotion of farm production in the region. Full text http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-8381.2011.02067.x/full. [Trung Thanh Nguyen 2012.pdf] Multidimensional child poverty in Vietnam. Keetit Roelen and Fanziska Gassman. in Global Child Poverty and Well-Being: Measurement, Concepts, Policy and Action. Policy Press, 2012. Introduction (excerpt): Since the Doi Moi (renovation) reform policies came into place in the late 1980s, Vietnam has experienced a period of outstanding economic growth, accompanied by a large reduction in poverty. Central planning was replaced by free market-oriented economic policies, including great changes in the agricultural sector, private business and employment development, foreign trade and social sector policies, creating business and entrepreneurial opportunities for Vietnamese people as well as for foreigners. The reforms proved to be greatly beneficial for Vietnams economic performance, with average economic growth rates of 6.9% from 1988 to 1994 and 7.4% from

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1994 to 2000 (Glewwe, 2004). Furthermore, monetary poverty was also substantially reduced, from 58% in 1993 to 19.5% in 2004 (VASS, 2006). These poverty figures can be further disaggregated for various demographic groups and are often presented by region, gender and ethnicity. However, representation per age group is less common and, as a consequence, little is known about the state of child poverty in Vietnam. This chapter therefore presents a detailed multidimensional child poverty analysis, using a country-specific and child-focused approach. -- The remainder of the chapter is structured as follow: first, we look at the child poverty approach for Vietnam in more detail. Second, the data and methodology are put forward. An extensive empirical analysis follows, providing insights into the multidimensional aspects of child poverty in Vietnam. Finally, we draw a number of conclusions. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Program impact evaluation using a matching method with panel data. Viet Cuong Nguyen. Statistics in Medicine. New York: Mar 15, 2012. Vol. 31, Iss. 6; pg. 577. Abstract: Difference-in-differences with matching is a popular method to measure the impact of an intervention in health and social sciences. This method requires baseline data, that is, data before interventions, which are not always available in reality. Instead, panel data with two time periods are often collected after interventions begin. In this paper, a simple matching method is proposed to measure the impact of an intervention using two-period panel data after the intervention. The method is illustrated by the measurement of the effect of health insurance in Vietnam using household panel data. Full text is available upon request. [Cuong Viet Nguyen 2012.pdf]. REDD+ politics in the media: a case study from Vietnam. Pham Thu Pham. CIFOR Working Paper 2011 No. 53. Abstract: This study highlighted three factors that influence the media in reporting on REDD+ in Vietnam. It highlights three factors that influence the media in reporting on REDD+ in Vietnam. The study also intends to identify how REDD+ debates are framed in the policy domain, what concerns and claims are expressed in these, how different narratives about REDD+ relate to each other, and how these are used by actors representing different interests to strengthen political coalitions. The report is structured in four parts: part 1 establishes the relevance of this study and provides an overview of REDD+ and the role of the media in Vietnam; part 2 presents the methodology used in compiling and coding media coverage of REDD+; part 3 presents the results of the study; and part 4 discusses the result of the analysis and offers recommendations. Free full text http://www.cifor.org/nc/online-library/browse/viewpublication/publication/3389.html. School meal program in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam: reality and future plan. Le DS. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2012;21(1):139-43. Abstract: The socio-economic status in Vietnam has developed during the past decades. People become busier for work, and thus they do not have enough time to prepare meal for their children. The school meal program, organized by Department of Education, was first implemented at a kindergarten in 1977, which has been extended to elementary school since 1980. Up to date, 100% of kindergarten and approximately 90% of elementary schools have school meal programs. The purposes of this program are to provide appropriate meals for students, and to serve as education and communication tool for students. About 90% of school meals are prepared in the school's kitchen and the rest are provided by food companies. The weekly menu provides approximately 30% of recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for students. To date, there has been is no official dietitian training school in Vietnam. The head of school kitchen, who is not dietitian, is required to participate in a short-term training course, where s/he learns basic nutrition, nutrition requirements and food hygiene and safety. The food companies, which provide meals to school, must be approved for the hygiene and safety condition by the Human Health Services De-partment of Ho Chi Minh City. In the next plan of national nutrition strategy, establishing dietitian training schools will be prioritized. In addition, the regular nutritional surveillance for school-aged students will be introduced in school system thus we can develop and evaluate the school meal program in terms of nutrients, food safety and nutrition education. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.

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The lexicographic preference for a son: evidence from household data in Vietnam. Tien Manh Vu. Osaka School of International Public Policy, Osaka University Public, OSIPP Discussion Paper: DP2012-E-01, February 23, 2012. Abstract: This paper examines son preferences by specifying sex composition by birth order of existing children as key independent variables. The results indicate a lexicographic preference for a son by mothers aged 50 years and older. Mothers without a son are also under substantial pressure to bear more children and shorten their birth spacing. However, once a family includes a son, parents do not consider sex composition over other decisions on family size and fertility timing. It would appear that the preference for a son is relatively stronger for some birth orders in the northern regions of Vietnam but slightly weaker in the Central Highlands and South Central Coast. In addition, while women are important in the Vietnamese labor force, the level of preference for sons does not differ across income at lower birth orders. We also obtain mixed results for son preferences if we include mothers less than 50 years of age in our analysis. Free full text http://www.osipp.osaka-u.ac.jp/archives/DP/2012/DP2012E001.pdf. The Mixed Blessings of National Integration: New Perspectives on Development in Vietnam's Northern Uplands. Rupert Friederichsen. East Asia : An International Quarterly. Brunswick: Mar 2012. Vol. 29, Iss. 1; pg. 43. Abstract: The ethnic minorities of Southeast Asia's uplands, including those of Vietnam, tend to be portrayed as excluded from national society and locked into poverty, environmental degradation and positions of subjugation. Recent debates about Southeast Asian uplands-lowlands relations have questioned this discourse by highlighting the diversity of experiences, the agency of ethnic minority groups, and uplanders' strategies of state evasion. This article finds that the integration of the uplands into the Vietnamese polity should be understood as an ongoing struggle between nation-building and state expansion characterised by grand visions on the one hand, and incomplete policy implementation and uplanders' ambiguous stance towards integration on the other. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Water resources management under future development and climate change impacts in the Upper Srepok River Basin, Central Highlands of Vietnam. Tran Van Ty, Kengo Sunada and Yutaka Ichikawa. Water Policy In Press, Uncorrected Proof, Available online 1 March 2012. ABSTRACT: This study aimed to assess the impacts of future development and climate change on the water balance in the Upper Srepok River Basin, in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. A hydrological model was calibrated and validated to model the rainfallrunoff process. Estimates of the water demand of different water sectors were based on the functional relationships between water and productive uses. The estimates were input into a calibrated basin management model for simulation. The climate projections were downscaled to the studied basin. Future land use was predicted using a GIS-based logistic regression approach. The water balance was examined under various developed scenarios. The results show a relatively high current annual irrigation water deficit at a basin scale; some sub-basins suffer from water shortage, especially during dry seasons and dry years. All water use sectors will be affected to some extent under the impacts of future development and water supply policies. When the new water policy is introduced, the deficits of irrigation and environmental flow are reduced while the power deficit is increased. Considering climate change impact, the annual water deficits are reduced. However, the temporal and spatial variations of rainfall make future water deficits more severe during the dry seasons and dry years. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.

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Some new academic papers on development issues in Vietnam

2012 March 1 issue
Links provided hereunder are accessible on WB intranet only, except otherwise specified. Please contact VDIC librarian at nvu2@worldbank.org if you need full text of the article/s listed below, for private study, scholarship or research purposes. We can only provide full text of those without the note Fee may apply. A model for sustainable development of child mental health infrastructure in the lmic world: Vietnam as a case example. Weiss, Bahr;Ngo, Victoria Khanh;Dang, Hoang-Minh;Pollack, Amie;Trung, Lam T.;Tran, Cong V.;Tran, Nam T.;Sang, David L.;Do, Khanh N. International Perspectives in Psychology: Research, Practice, Consultation, Vol 1(1), Jan 2012, 63-77. Abstract: Children and adolescents are among the highest need populations in regards to mental health support, especially in low and middle income countries (LMIC). Yet resources in LMIC for prevention and treatment of mental health problems are limited, in particular for children and adolescents. In this article, we discuss a model for development of child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) resources in LMIC that has guided a 10-year initiative focused on development of CAMH treatment and research infrastructure in Vietnam. We first review the need for development of mental health resources for children and adolescents in general, and then in Vietnam. We next present the model that guided our program as it developed, focused on the twin Capacity Development Goals of efficacy and sustainability, and the Capacity Development Targets used to move toward these goals. Finally, we discuss our CAMH development initiative in Vietnam, the center of which has been development of a graduate program in clinical psychology at Vietnam National University, linking program activities to this model. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. An evaluation of occupational accidents in the wooden furniture industry A regional study in South East Asia. Jegatheswaran Ratnasingam, Florin Ioras, Ioan Vasile Abrudan. Safety Science, Volume 50, Issue 5, June 2012, Pages 11901195. Abstract: Studies on the rate of occupational accidents among workers in the wooden furniture industry is sparse, although the industry is deemed to be highly accident prone. Therefore, the rate of occupational accidents among workers in the wooden furniture industry in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam were studied, in 240 furniture manufacturing factories, using a structured questionnaire. The findings of the study suggest that contract workers are less prone to occupational accidents compared to their permanent counterparts, and hence, are more productive. Further, the results also revealed that the contract workers have a more positive attitude towards the work, and hence, pick up the essentials of safe working practices quickly. It must therefore be recognized that the production oriented mentality prevalent in the wooden furniture industry, which has been argued to compromise occupational safety and health standards in the industry may be debatable. In this context, it is essential for the policy makers to re-examine the employment of contract workers for the furniture manufacturing industry, as changing the psycho-economic parameters of the industry may be warranted before the industry is deemed attractive to a permanent workforce. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Antibiotic use in Vietnamese hospitals: A multicenter point-prevalence study. Truong Anh Thu, Mahbubur Rahman, Susan Coffin, Harun-Or-Rashid, Junichi Sakamoto, Nguyen Viet Hung. American Journal of Infection Control, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 16 February 2012.

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Abstract: -- Background: Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing appears to be common worldwide and is contributing to the selection of resistant organisms. This study examined the prevalence of antibiotic prescription and the appropriateness of indications for these prescriptions in 36 representative general hospitals across Vietnam. -- Methods: A point-prevalence study was performed between February and December 2008. All inpatients on the day of the survey were included in the analysis. Standard published guidelines were used to evaluate the appropriateness of indications for antibiotic prescription. -- Results: On the day of the study, 5,104 of 7,571 patients (67.4%) were receiving antibiotic therapy. The antibiotic prescription rate was highest in surgery wards (93.2%) and lowest in medical wards (48.2%). Of the 5,104 patients receiving antibiotics, the most commonly prescribed agents were cephalosporins (70.2%), penicillins (21.6%), and aminoglycosides (18.9%). Approximately one-third of the patients (1,573 of 5,104) had an inappropriate indication for prescription. Risk factors independently associated with inappropriate indication for antibiotic prescription were seen in hospitals at the national level, obstetrics and gynecology departments, and surgical wards. -- Conclusions: Our data indicate a high rate of antibiotic use in Vietnamese hospitals, and also a high prevalence of inappropriate indications for antibiotic prescriptions. These findings suggest important areas for intervention and implementation of antibiotic stewardship policies in Vietnamese hospitals. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Application of PGIS and Zonation for conserving saola species in Thua Thien Hue and Quang Nam provinces, Vietnam. Luong Van Duc, Ho Dac Thai Hoang, Nicholas Michael Wilkinson, Ong Dinh Bao Tri. JOURNAL OF SCIENCE, Hue University, Vol. 67, No. 4A, 2011. Abstract: Thua Thien Hue and Quang Nam provinces are recognized by the scientists as an important area for Saola which is an endemic species. However Saola is being on the brink of extinction as a result of hunting and demands for timber as well as non-timber products. This paper presents some studied results on applying PGIS and Zonation conservation planning model in researching the distribution and predicting the priority zones of Saola species in Saola landscape that locates along the southern of Thua Thien Hue and the northern of Quang Nam landscape frontier. Community mapping results revealed the quantity distribution of Saola, Zonation then indicated the priority zones for Saola. From this finding, the robust patrol routes for conserving this species were identified with the area of 74845.75ha. Free full text http://www.hueuni.edu.vn/hueuni/issue_file/67A_4.pdf. Assessing the sustainability challenges for electricity industries in ASEAN newly industrialising countries. Peerapat Vithayasrichareon, Iain F. MacGill, Thanawat Nakawiro. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Volume 16, Issue 4, May 2012, Pages 22172233. Abstract: Rapid social and economic progress in fast developing countries such that among the countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have driven substantial growth in electricity consumption in this region. Whilst this represents significant societal and economic development, it has potentially growing adverse environmental impacts. This raises a concern on sustainable development in the electricity sector in this region. This study evaluates key sustainability challenges in the electricity industries in the five largest energy consumers in ASEAN: Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. The 3A's energy sustainability objectives: Accessibility, Availability and Acceptability are used as the sustainability analytical framework. This study also draws together a set of associated indicators and criteria within the analytical framework to analyse the status of the electricity industries in these countries. The analysis shows that key sustainability challenges in the ASEAN-5 are attributable to satisfying rapid demand growth; enhancing security of electricity supply; and mitigating the increase in CO2 emissions from electricity generation. Given the promising resource and technical potential in this region,

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renewable energy emerges as a favourable option to address these challenges; however, increasing the share of renewable energy in electricity generation requires considerable policy support. This study suggests that there is an opportunity for the ASEAN countries to strengthen regional collaborations through experience and resource sharing to enhance sustainability in the electricity industries. This study also highlights some of the key issues facing the electricity industry, and the need for new generation investment decision support tools which can address these issues. Full text http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032112000202. Business Angel Investing in Emerging Economies: Policy Implications for Southeast Asia. William Scheela, Edmundo Isidro, Thawatchai Jittrapanun, Nguyen Thi Thu Trang, Janti Gunawan. Paper submitted to Kauffman Foundations International Research and Policy Roundtable, Liverpool UK, March 11-12, 2012. Introduction: We are studying the impact that informal private investors, also called business angels (BAs) have on the creation of entrepreneurial firms in the emerging economies of Southeast Asia. We have determined that BAs in Thailand and the Philippines support the funding and development of early-stage, high-growth potential, entrepreneurial ventures in spite of the lack of fully-developed legal and financial institutions needed to support both formal and informal venture capital investing in emerging economies (Scheela & Jittrapanun, 2010; Scheela & Isidro, 2009). We will integrate the findings of these two field studies to develop policy implications for financing highgrowth entrepreneurial ventures in emerging economies. -- We are now expanding our research to Indonesia (Gunawan, Scheela, Wessiani & Luthifiyah, 2011) and Vietnam, focusing on the same challenge facing private equity investors (BAs and venture capitalists) operating in most emerging economies: How do business angel investors survive in an emerging economy, which lacks fully-developed institutions necessary to support private equity investors. These two projects are work-in-progress field studies and we will include our preliminary findings in order to further develop policy implications. -- The format of this paper is a follows: first, we will provide an overview of BA investing; second, we will introduce institutional theory as our theoretical framework, which will enable us to better understand the challenges of private equity investing in emerging economies; third, we will examine BA investing in emerging economies; finally, we will develop Policy recommendations for financing early-stage, high-growth ventures. Free full text http://sites.kauffman.org/irpr/resources/Scheela,%20William%20%20Business%20Angel%20Investing%20in%20Emerging%20Economies.pdf Cigarette Smoking and Drinking Behavior of Migrant Adolescents and Young Adults in Hanoi, Vietnam. Liem T. Nguyen, Zarah Rahman, Mark R. Emerson, Minh H. Nguyen, Laurie Schwab Zabin. Journal of Adolescent Health, Volume 50, Issue 3, Supplement, March 2012, Pages S61S67. Abstract: -- Purpose: There has been a large migration from rural to urban areas in much of the developing world. In the past, this was less true in Vietnam, which remains largely agricultural; however, since the 1990s, economic reforms and loosening of government policies that had previously limited movement have led to a large increase in this rural to urban population movement. Risky health behaviors have been found among migrants in many other settings. The purpose of this research was to determine whether migrant adolescents and young adults in the city of Hanoi are more or less likely than local ones to engage in cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking health risk behaviors, to identify factors associated with these behaviors, and to suggest interventions to reduce these health risk behaviors among the study population. -- Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 4,550 adolescents and young adults aged 1524 years was conducted in urban Hanoi in 2006. This study examines current use of cigarettes and alcohol by migration status using multivariate logistic regressions.

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-- Results: Cigarette smoking and drinking alcohol are male phenomena. The prevalence of cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking is high among adolescents and young adults in Hanoi and is more common among migrants who came from rural areas of other provinces than nonmigrants in the city. However, multivariate analysis revealed that migrants were neither more likely to smoke cigarettes nor drink alcohol than nonmigrants after controlling for other factors, such as age, full-time worker status, depression, and having close friends who smoke and/or drink. -- Conclusions: The results suggest that interventions aiming at smoking and/or drinking reduction should pay more attention to adolescents, especially males, changing health risk behaviors at school and at work, and peer influence than their migration status. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Combination of Theory of Planned Behavior and Motivation: An Exploratory Study of Potential Beach-based Resorts in Vietnam. Grace C. L. Chiena, I-Yin Yen & Phu-Quy Hoang. Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, Available online: 13 Jan 2012. Abstract: The decision-making process of travel destination choice is very complex. Understanding why people travel and what factors influence tourists' travel intentions has been paid much attention by tourism scholars. This study attempted to examine the predictive power of theory of planned behavior (TPB) with the addition of past behavior and travel motivation in predicting behavioral intention of choosing a beach-based resort in Vietnam. Data were collected in three cities in both northern and southern Vietnam from the end of January to post-middle of March 2010 with the participation of 327 international tourists. In general, the results aligned with previous studies which supported the applicability of the TPB model. Attitude and subjective norm but not perceived behavioral control was found to have made a made a significant contribution to the prediction of intention. The findings also indicated both extension factors had considerable impact on behavioral intention of choosing a beach-based resort in Vietnam. Implications and suggestions for future studies were also provided in the last part of the study. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Confronting corruption in the health sector in Vietnam: Patterns and prospects. Taryn Vian, Derick W. Brinkerhoff, Frank G. Feeley, Matthieu Salomon, Nguyen Thi Kieu Vien. Public Administration and Development, Special Issue: Retribution, restitution, or a culture of rejection re-assessing approaches to corruption, Volume 32, Issue 1, pages 4963, February 2012. SUMMARY: Corruption in Vietnam is a national concern that could derail health sector goals for equity, access and quality. Yet, there is little research on vulnerabilities to corruption or associated factors at the sectoral level. This article examines current patterns and risks of corruption in Vietnam's health sector and reviews strategies for addressing corruption in the future. The article builds on the findings and discussion at the sixth Anti-Corruption Dialogue between the Vietnamese government and the international donor community. Development partners, government agencies, Vietnamese and international non-governmental organisations, media representatives and other stakeholders explored what is known about important problems such as informal payments, procurement corruption and health insurance fraud. The participants proposed corruption-reduction interventions in the areas of administrative oversight, transparency initiatives and civil society participation and health reforms to change incentives. The analysis assesses the prospects for success of these interventions, given the Vietnamese institutional context, and draws conclusions relevant to addressing health sector corruption in other countries. Full text http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pad.1607/abstract. Decomposing the Ethnic Gap in Rural Vietnam, 1993-2004. Baulch, Bob; Pham, Hung T.; Reilly, Barry. Oxford Development Studies, Volume 40, Number 1, 1 March 2012 , pp. 87-117(31). Abstract: This paper examines and decomposes the gap in per capita expenditures between majority and minority ethnic groups in rural Vietnam between 1993 and 2004. Over this period, the real expenditure gap between rural Kinh and Chinese-headed households and those headed by ethnic minorities increased by 14.6%. Approximately two-fifths

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of the mean gap is found to be due to differences in household endowments (in particular demographic structure and education), and at least half due to differences in returns to these endowments. Geographic variables explain less than one-fifth of the gap. Over half of the increase in the mean gap is linked to temporal changes in unobservable factors, and less than a quarter to the majority's endowments improving more rapidly than those of the minorities. Broadly similar findings are detected using quantile regression analysis. These findings raise important questions concerning the drivers of the disadvantage faced by Vietnam's ethnic minorities. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Development of Modeling System to Simulate Hydrodynamic and Environmental Quantities in the Hai Phong Estuary, Vietnam. Cuong, Nguyen Kim; Van Uu, Dinh; Motohiko, Umeyama. Proceedings of the 34th World Congress of the International Association for Hydro- Environment Research and Engineering: 33rd Hydrology and Water Resources Symposium and 10th Conference on Hydraulics in Water Engineering. Abstract: In this study, a hydrodynamic model was developed to simulate tidal currents in the Hai Phong estuary, Vietnam. Three-dimensional thermo-dynamic primitive equations were used to investigate current velocity, water level, and the sediment transport. A special computing procedure was applied to the river boundaries because the tidal range in the area is approximately 4 m. We tested the effects of each quantity against the observed data during the dry season. The deposited and resuspended rates were confirmed by analytical shear stress solution in the wave-current coexisting field. This study was extended to study turbidity in the Do Son beach area. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Educating Systems Thinking for Sustainability: Experience with a Developing Country. By: Nguyen, Nam C.; Graham, Doug; Ross, Helen; Maani, Kambiz; Bosch, Ockie. Systems Research & Behavioral Science, Jan/Feb2012, Vol. 29 Issue 1, p14-29, 16p; Abstract: This paper describes an approach to teaching systems thinking and associated capacity building for a team of professionals and managers from a developing country (Vietnam), engaged in the sustainable management of a world biosphere reserve. Vietnamese environmental and development managers and UNESCO were attracted to a systems approach to managing the Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve because it offered a way to address components of sustainability holistically, while transcending organisational and disciplinary 'silos'. Key features of the training approach include learning as a group of professionals, with senior organisational support and commitment to apply systems approaches in the workplace; enjoyable adult learning approaches tailored to the needs of participants; complementing teaching of systems thinking and techniques with participatory methods for working with the participants in developing solutions to their sustainability issues; and building in evaluation at every stage, through participatory methods taught in the course. The paper highlights the importance of teaching systems thinking and provides an example curriculum and teaching strategy based on adult learning principles. Full text http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bch&AN=70360333&site=ehost-live Evolution of Competition in Vietnam Industries over the Recent Economic Transition. Tinh Doan. Economics Discussion Papers, No 2012-12, Kiel Institute for the World Economy. Abstract: Understanding the degree and evolution of competition across industries is an important step towards understanding the impact of economic reform and competition on economic growth in Vietnam during the economic transition. In this paper, the author investigates the evolution of competition in Vietnam during the economic transition using the price-cost margin (PCM) or mark-up that has been widely applied in the economic literature and the profit elasticity (PE) recently developed by Boone in his paper Competition (2000). This paper provides the first empirical study of intensity and evolution of competition across selected industries in Vietnam in the last decade using firm-level data from the Vietnam Enterprise Census (VEC) conducted annually since 2000 by the Vietnam General Statistical Office (GSO). Free full text http://www.economicsejournal.org/economics/discussionpapers/2012-12.

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Examining Relationships between Culture, Creativity and Business Stage in an Emerging Market: A Categorical Data Analysis of Vietnams Data Set. Quan Hoang Vuong, Nancy K. Napier, and Tri Dung Tran. Universit Libre de Bruxelles - Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management, Centre Emile Bernheim. CEB Working Paper N 12/006, 2012. Summary: In this article, we offer a new way of exploring relationships between three different dimensions of a business operation, namely the stage of business development, the methods of creativity and the major cultural values. Although separately, each of these has gained enormous attention from the management research community, evidenced by a large volume of research studies, there have been not many studies that attempt to describe the logic that connect these three important aspects of a business; let alone empirical evidences that support any significant relationships among these variables. The paper also provides a data set and an empirical investigation on that data set, using a categorical data analysis, to conclude that examinations of these possible relationships are meaningful and possible for seemingly unquantifiable information. The results also show that the most significant category among all creativity methods employed in Vietnamese enterprises is the creative disciplines rule in the entrepreneurial phase, while in general creative disciplines have played a critical role in explaining the structure of our data sample, for both stages of development in our consideration. Free full text https://dipot.ulb.ac.be/dspace/bitstream/2013/109525/1/wp12006.pdf. Factors associated with antenatal care adequacy in rural and urban contexts-results from two health and demographic surveillance sites in Vietnam. Toan K Tran, Karin Gottvall, Hinh D Nguyen, Henry Ascher, Max Petzold. BMC Health Services Research 2012, 12:40. -- Background: Antenatal Care (ANC) is universally considered important for women and children. This study aims to identify factors, demographic, social and economic, possibly associated with three ANC indicators: number of visits, timing of visits and content of services. The aim is also to compare the patterns of association of such factors between one rural and one urban context in northern Vietnam. -- Methods: Totally 2,132 pregnant women were followed from identification of pregnancy until birth in two Health and Demographic Surveillance Sites (HDSS). Information was obtained through quarterly face to face interviews. -- Results: Living in the rural area was significantly associated with lower adequate use of ANC compared to living in the urban area, both regarding quantity (number and timing of visits) and content. Low education, living in poor households and exclusively using private sector ANC in both sites and self employment, becoming pregnant before 25 years of age and living in poor communities in the rural area turned out to increase the risk for overall inadequate ANC. High risk pregnancy could not be demonstrated to be associated with ANC adequacy in either site. The medical content of services offered was often inadequate, in relation to the national recommendations, especially in the private sector. -- Conclusion: Low education, low economic status, exclusive use of private ANC and living in rural areas were main factors associated with risk for overall inadequate ANC use as related to the national recommendations. Therefore, interventions focussing on poor and less educated women, especially in rural areas should be prioritized. They should focus the importance of early attendance of ANC and sufficient use of core services. Financial support for poor and near poor women should be considered. Providers of ANC should be educated and otherwise influenced to provide sufficient core services. Adherence to ANC content guidelines must be improved through enhanced supervision, particularly in the private sector. Free full text http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1472-6963-12-40.pdf. Family health consequences of modernisation programmes in Black Thai communities. Pauline Oosterhoff, Joanna White & Thi Huong Nguyen. Culture, Health & Sexuality: An International Journal for Research, Intervention and Care, Volume 13, Supplement 2, 2011, pages S217-S233.

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Abstract: Southeast Asian governments implement ambitious programmes to reduce population growth and maternal mortality in areas with large minority ethnic populations. Although some of these programmes introduce new social and health practices that meet their broader aims, they may pay inadequate attention to the protective and medically beneficial aspects of traditional practices. This study examined the decline of temporary matrilocality (zu kuay) among the Black Thai in Dien Bien, Vietnam, as a response to policies adopted under the government programme of Doi Moi (modernisation). The patrilocal, patrilinear cultural norms of the majority ethnic Kinh people were promoted and zu kuay discouraged at a time when heroin availability increased dramatically but harm reduction programmes were not yet in place. This historical coincidence appears to have heightened certain Thai women's vulnerability to marriages with HIV-positive injecting drug users. Policies and guidelines on marriage and reproductive health should take into account the role of minority ethnic traditions, as well as local health-seeking practices, in order not only to improve reproductive programmes but also to reduce HIV vulnerability. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Health System Resource Gaps and Associated Mortality from Pandemic Influenza across Six Asian Territories. James W. Rudge, Piya Hanvoravongchai, Ralf Krumkamp, Irwin Chavez, Wiku Adisasmito, Pham Ngoc Chau, Bounlay Phommasak, Weerasak Putthasri, Chin-Shui Shih, Mart Stein, Aura Timen, Sok Touch, Ralf Reintjes, Richard Coker. PLoS ONE 7(2): 2012. Abstract: -- Background: Southeast Asia has been the focus of considerable investment in pandemic influenza preparedness. Given the wide variation in socio-economic conditions, health system capacity across the region is likely to impact to varying degrees on pandemic mitigation operations. We aimed to estimate and compare the resource gaps, and potential mortalities associated with those gaps, for responding to pandemic influenza within and between six territories in Asia. -- Methods and Findings: We collected health system resource data from Cambodia, Indonesia (Jakarta and Bali), Lao PDR, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. We applied a mathematical transmission model to simulate a mild-tomoderate pandemic influenza scenario to estimate resource needs, gaps, and attributable mortalities at province level within each territory. The results show that wide variations exist in resource capacities between and within the six territories, with substantial mortalities predicted as a result of resource gaps (referred to here as avoidable mortalities), particularly in poorer areas. Severe nationwide shortages of mechanical ventilators were estimated to be a major cause of avoidable mortalities in all territories except Taiwan. Other resources (oseltamivir, hospital beds and human resources) are inequitably distributed within countries. Estimates of resource gaps and avoidable mortalities were highly sensitive to model parameters defining the transmissibility and clinical severity of the pandemic scenario. However, geographic patterns observed within and across territories remained similar for the range of parameter values explored. -- Conclusions: The findings have important implications for where (both geographically and in terms of which resource types) investment is most needed, and the potential impact of resource mobilization for mitigating the disease burden of an influenza pandemic. Effective mobilization of resources across administrative boundaries could go some way towards minimizing avoidable deaths. Free full text http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0031800. Influence of paddy rice terraces on soil erosion of a small watershed in a hilly area of Northern Vietnam. Van Trinh Mai, Herman van Keulen, Rudi Hessel, Coen Ritsema, Reimund Roetter and Thai Phien. Paddy and Water Environment, Accepted article, published online 21 Feb 2012. Abstract: Soil erosion is the main cause of soil degradation in northern Vietnam. In this study, soil erosion was measured in 2 m2 field plots, a 19.1-ha sub-watershed, and a 248.9-ha main watershed in Tam Quan commune, Tam Duong district, northern Vietnam during 2 years, i.e., 20042005. The main watershed includes lowland paddy fields, and is representative for watersheds in the northern Vietnamese landscape. Soil erosion was measured for eight

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events, at all the three scales to increase our understanding of erosional processes and to assess the effects of paddy fields within the main watershed. The results show that total discharge and sediment yield in both sub-watershed and main watershed were much lower than those in the field plots. Total discharge per unit area in the main watershed was higher than in the sub-watershed, because during the growing season, the paddies are filled with water and any rainfall on them therefore becomes runoff. Sediment yield in the main watershed fluctuated, depending on the soil erosion contribution from many sub-watersheds. Annual rainfalls in 2004 and 2005 were 1,172 and 1,560 mm, respectively, resulting in corresponding total discharges of 54 and 332 mm and total soil losses of 163 and 1,722 kg ha1 year1. High runoff volumes occurred in July, August, and September, but April, June, the last 10 days of September and October, were the susceptible periods for soil erosion in the study area because of low plant cover and many agricultural activities during these periods. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Intellectual property system with a heart? Patents and public health in Malaysia and some Asean countries. Abdul Ghani Azmi, Ida Madieha. The Law Review, 2011, pp. 412-439. Abstract: Patents play a vital role in facilitating the creation of inventions to improve human life through the development of new medicines, medical products and equipment. Despite that patents have often been accused of being anti development especially in the context of patented drugs. Patented drugs are mostly more expensive than generic drugs and thus have been alleged to be not widely accessible to the public. National and global patent laws contain derogations from the strict rules for public health reasons. TRIPS allow the issuance of compulsary licences and and government use in the case of national emergency. Parallel imports are also allowed to enable the cheapest (original) drugs to be imported. Patents are by nature limited by duration, i.e. 20 years from the date of application, after which the drug falls into the public domain. Research exceptions could be found in many national countries' legislation. Patents are also territorial in nature and many drugs are deliberately not patented in some ASEAN contries, giving the room for these countries to produce cheaper drugs. This paper explores the limitations and flexibilities under the patent system in selected ASEAN countries which could be used as a support system for public health. The provisions explored will be those relating to : (1) Bolar provision/Regulatory approval (2) Scientific Research Exceptions (3) Compulsary licence (4) Government use (5) Parallel imports In addition, several other provisions critical to public health are examined. They are as follows: (1) Clinical data provision (2) Patent extension terms (3) Paragraph 6 system (4) Other relevant exceptions. The countries chosen are Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Making a Living in Rural Vietnam from (Im)mobile Livelihoods: a Case ofWomens Migration. Vu Thi Thao. Population, Space Place (Accepted 17 Jan 2012). ABSTRACT: Womens labour has come to play a remarkable role in Vietnams development since the introduction of ? i Mi renovation in the 1980s. Although many rural households send their women members to cities to seek an offfarm income, other households seem to be immobile. Drawing on a case study of womens migration in two rural villages located in the Red River Delta, this paper explores how mobility, immobility, and gendered life courses interact in shaping household livelihoods. The findings highlight the intermingling of mobility and immobility in constructing the livelihoods of both mover and stayer households over the gendered life course. Although women work in the informal sector, their migration not only secures but also enhances household livelihoods. The paper also reveals the diverse backgrounds of stayer households and their activeness in making a living. Given its emphasis on gendered life courses, the paper provides a more nuanced understanding of the economic impacts of migration at the household level. Free full text http://nias.ku.dk/sites/default/files/news_files/(im)mobile%20livelihoods%20VuThiThao.pdf. Manufacturing In China And Vietnam: A Perspective. By: Ellyson, Scott. Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation, Nov2011, Vol. 72 Issue 10, p46-47, 2p, 2 Color Photographs; Abstract: The article discusses Vietnam's potential as a player in the global manufacturing market and aspects of China's industrial growth. It is stated that as Vietnam and China continue to develop manufacturing expertise, their

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efforts can encourage Americans to revitalize their entrepreneurial leadership. Information is also given about the company East West Manufacturing which plans, designs and implements offshore product manufacturing for original equipment manufacturers and distributors. Full text http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bch&AN=67682605&site=ehost-live [Ellyson 2012.pdf] Multilevel Determinants of Colleges/Universities Enrolment in Vietnam: Evidences from the 15% Sample Data of Population Census 2009. Lan Thi Hoang Vu, Linh Cu Le and Nazeem Muhajarine. Social Indicators Research, Accepted article, published online 18 Feb 2012. Abstract: In an increasingly knowledge-based globalized world, higher education, advanced training and skill development are critical priorities for Vietnam. This paper aims to estimate the participation in higher education and its regional distribution in Vietnam, and to identify its determinants at the individual and contextual levels. Data used were from Vietnam Population and Housing Census 2009 linked with Vietnam living standard survey 2009. The participation rate overall in the colleges/universities among 1922 year olds in Vietnam was 16.3%, but this rate varied significantly across the provinces. Household socioeconomic status, gender, ethnic group, migrant status, and urban/rural residence were significant individual level predictors of participation while indicator of fertility stabilization, income distribution, and average education level were significant predictors at the contextual (provincial) level. The results show that individual, social and regional inequalities are important impediments to higher education participation among the Vietnam youth. The government needs to pay more attention to promoting higher education and training in order to position Vietnam in the global economy. Full text http://www.springerlink.com/content/xu8820078ht7830k/ Organisational culture and trust as organisational factors for corporate governance. By: Tuan, Luu Trong. International Journal of Management & Enterprise Development, 2011, Vol. 11 Issue 2, p142162, 21p; Abstract: The article presents a study that examines the effect of organisational culture on corporate governance and organisational trust. It states that structural equation modelling was conducted on 286 out of 853 middle level managers from listed companies at Hanoi Stock Exchange and Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange in Vietnam. Results show that calculus-based trust and organisational culture types are inter-related while adhocracy culture cultivates identification-based and knowledge-based trust. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Performance of different composting techniques in reducing oestrogens content in manure from livestock in a Vietnamese setting. Thi Anh Hong Le, Joachim Clemens and Thai Hoa Nguyen. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, published online 15 February 2012. Abstract: Steroid oestrogens (SE) are released by humans and animals into the environment. In the Mekong Delta animal excrement is directly discharged into surface water and can pollute the water. Only a few animal production sites are currently treating the excrement in either biogas plants or vermicomposting systems. The concentration of SE in manures from pigs and cattle was monitored in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Fresh cow faeces had an oestrogen concentration of 3.3 ng E2 eq/g dry weight. The SE concentration in effluent from biogas plants fed with animal manures was 341 ng E2 eq/L. Most of the SE were in the solid phase (77.998.7%). Vermicomposting reduced SE to 95% of the original input. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Peri-Urbanisation and the Vulnerability of Populations to the Effects of Climate Change in Southern Vietnam: Innovating Solutions in Research. Abigal-Laure Kern, Jean-Claude Bolay and Loan Ngo Thanh. In: Technologies and Innovations for Development, Springer 2012.

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Introduction: The economic capital of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), and its near periphery as well as the Mekong Delta region rank amongst the areas which, on a global scale, will be the most exposed to climate change in the next 30 years. This is due to three major phenomena: sea level rise, growing flood levels and flood intensity, and the resurgence of cyclonic phenomena (Nicholls et al. 2008). The impact of climate change in Vietnam is already tangible. For the last century, and in each decade, the sea level and temperature have increased respectively by 3 cm and 0.1C. And yet, it is the poorest populations living in the periphery of HCMC and in areas subject to strong urban pressures in the Mekong Delta that are the most vulnerable to these changes. -- However, ongoing actions in Vietnam to mitigate climate change as much on a local as on a national scale seem to contribute only partially given the lack of resources to reduceing the vulnerability of these populations, due to the many challenges that they still have to face in terms of access to information, governance, adaptation of public policies and resource management. -- This chaper introduces the original approach developed by two North-South research teams, in Switzerland and Vietnam, in an attempt to meet the multi-faceted challenges confronted by this regions inhabitants. Full text http://www.springerlink.com/content/r2tnh57k71690522/. Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Public Health: An Initial Exploration of Perceptions of PBL in Vietnam. John W Grisham, Alexandra LC Martiniuk, Joel Negin, EP Wright. Asia Pac J Public Health February 14, 2012. Abstract: Worldwide interest in problem-based learning (PBL) has grown in past decades. This article aims to evaluate the perceived effectiveness, appropriateness, benefits, and challenges attributed to the use of PBL in public health education in Vietnam with a view to providing recommendations for curricular design and future policy. Methods. Teachers at 2 universities in Hanoi participated in group interviews, and students from these 2 universities completed Likert-style questionnaires. Results. Students and teachers regarded PBL positively. However, there was consensus that hybrid models that used PBL alongside other methods are probably the most beneficial for public health education in Vietnam. Teachers discussed the educational and systematic advantages and difficulties associated with PBL. Conclusion. Themes arising from this analysis may be helpful in guiding future researchnamely, regarding the application of PBL in low- and middle-income countries and in public health. Further exploration of the use of PBL hybrid models is discussed. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Problems in Paper Recycling of Vietnam. Nguyen Thi Diem Trang. In: Global Risk-Based Management of Chemical Additives I (The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry, Volume 18), Springer, 2012, page(s) 153-166. Abstract: Paper production can be considered as an important factor for the development of one country. On the way of development, Vietnam has increased steadily in paper consumption; however, the paper production did not get to the same speed. One of the reasons remains in input material which composes of wood or other agricultural fiber sources and recovered paper. Statistical data on pulp and paper production have been taken into consideration. Reasons for the low in recycling rate have been analyzed. -- Moreover a picture of recovered paper in Vietnam has been drawn. In form of recycling villages, the recovered paper production is operated completely by hand or by using simple tools. Data in emissions of additives, and the impacts resulting from those emissions are lacking. Since recycled paper is used very popular in flow of domestic consumption, this product has shown a big risk to the human health and the production is a big risk to the environment. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. Sanitation behavior among schoolchildren in a multi- ethnic area of Northern rural Vietnam. Le thi Thanh Xuan, Luu Ngoc Hoat, Thilde Rheinlander, Anders Dalsgaard, Flemming Konradsen. BMC Public Health 2012, 12:140. Abstract:

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-- Background: In Vietnam, efforts are underway to improve latrine use in rural and remote areas with particular focus on increasing coverage of sanitation in schools. However, there is a lack of information on how the school program affects latrine use by schoolchildren and at community level. This paper analyzes sanitation use among schoolchildren in a multi-ethnic area to inform future school-based sanitation promotion programmes. -- Methods: A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods was applied during a 5 months period in six primary and secondary schools and in the homes of schoolchildren in four different ethnic villages in Northern rural Vietnam. Using a structured questionnaire, 319 children were interviewed face-to-face to collect quantitative data. Qualitative methods included extensive observations at schools and in the homes of 20 children, a single days diary writings of 234 children, in-depth interviews with children (20), their parents (20) and school staff (10), and focus group discussions with parents (4) and teachers (6), and picture drawing with children (12). -- Results: All surveyed schools had student latrines. However, the observed schoolchildren most commonly urinated and defecated in the open. Main barriers for latrine use included inadequate number of latrines, limited accessibility to latrines, lack of constant water supply in latrines and lack of latrine maintenance by school management. Programs promoting latrine use for children were not conducted in either schools or communities and were not established as a preferred social norm in such settings. Children perceived existing school latrines as unappealing and expressed a wish to have basic, functional, clean, and colorful school latrines with privacy. -- Conclusions: The paper shows that the current school based sanitation promotion is insufficient to change sanitation behavior of school children irrespective of their ethnicity. It is important that schools, households and communities work more closely together to increase use and uptake of latrine use among schoolchildren. Also, the contractors of latrine facilities must work more closely with local school management when constructing latrines, including identifying location, design and appropriate systems of water supply. A separate budget needs to be allocated to allow the school to maintain the sanitation infrastructure and keep it hygienic and appealing for users. Free full text http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1471-2458-12-140.pdf. Shopping on the Web, Delivering on a Moped. By: Einhorn, Bruce; K. Oanh Ha; Diep Ngoc Pham. Bloomberg Businessweek, 1/23/2012, Issue 4263, p38-39, 2p, 1 Color Photograph; Abstract: The article focuses on the increase in online shopping and electronic commerce in Vietnam in 2012. Information is provided on how daily deal websites such as NhomMua and Muachung have performed well due to the large youth population that have Internet access. It is noted that Vietnam's mostly cash-based economy will have to adapt to online payment options such as PayPal and e-wallet services. Free full text http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/vietnams-dotcom-boom-01192012.html. Social Normative Beliefs About Smoking Among Vietnamese Adolescents. Randy M. Page, Nguyen Thanh Huong, Hoang Khanh Chi, Truong Quang Tien. Asia Pac J Public Health January 2012 vol. 24 no. 1 68-81. Abstract: Tobacco-related deaths in Vietnam are forecast to climb from 40 000 annually to 70 000 by 2030. Previous research in Western nations has found social factors to be important determinants of adolescent smoking. Because these factors remain unexplored in Vietnamese youth, the purpose of this study was to examine social normative beliefs regarding smoking in a school-based sample of North Vietnamese adolescents and the association of these factors with smoking behavior and susceptibility to smoking. Three measures of normative beliefs regarding smoking were evaluated in cross-sectional surveys of secondary students. Of the 3 measures, parent/peer disapproval was the most consistent normative belief associated with smoking behavior and susceptibility to smoking. Youth smoking prevention programs should consider assessing and taking into account normative beliefs and develop strategies that provide accurate information about the actual prevalence of smoking, the types of individuals who smoke, and approval/disapproval of smoking by parents and peers. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.

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Street Food Policy In A Growing Economy: A Case Study Of Street Food Vendors In Hanois Old Quarter. Pill, Alexandra J. (2011). ISP Collection. Paper 1147. Abstract: Street food vending is a global phenomenon present in both the developed and developing worlds and it is increasingly evident as countries continue to modernize, urbanize, and globalize. Street food policy is interdisciplinary in nature, incorporating economic, social, cultural, and health dimensions in order to account for urban planning, food safety, and tourism development. In Vietnam, street food is rampant, and in particular, in Hanois Old Quarter, street food vendors can be spotted on every street at all times of the day. This study explores the role of street food vendors in Hanoi's Old Quarter from the vendors perspective. Complementing this ethnographic approach, research further explores the ways current governmental policy and regulation impacts street food vendors in Hanoi, Vietnam. Through participant observation and semi-structured interviews with ten street food vendors and six policymakers and researchers involved in street food safety and street vending policy, this research examines the current policy affecting street food vendors in Hanois Old Quarter. This research aims to contextualize the street vending debate in Hanois Old Quarter and explore the ways street vending policy can positively impact street vendors while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to the rapidly developing market economy. Free full text http://digitalcollections.sit.edu/isp_collection/1147. The benefits of migration. By: Binci, Michele. Economic Affairs, Feb2012, Vol. 32 Issue 1, p4-9, 6p; Abstract: This article focuses on the potential benefits of migration. Using the author's previous research on remittances and return migration, some of the welfare gains that can stem from the migratory process are highlighted. In the first part of the article, the impact of remittances on child well-being in Vietnam is investigated. Both the incidence of child labour and school attendance rates in remittance recipient households are assessed. In the second part of the article, the contribution made by Tunisian return migrants to the development of their country of origin is examined. Both analyses suggest that, if certain conditions are met, migration can produce beneficial outcomes for the people and the countries involved in the process. Full text http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pad.1607/abstract. The burden of occupational injury: A 1-year prospective study in Xuan Tien Commune, Viet Nam. Helen Marucci-Wellman, Tom B. Leamon, Ta Thi Tuyet Binh, Nguyen Bich Diep, David H. Wegman, David Kriebel. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Volume 55, Issue 3, pages 205216, March 2012. Abstract: -- Background: Developing nations carry a substantial portion of the global burden of injury, but without reliable injury surveillance, there is no way to characterize or prioritize the causes of work-related injury for prevention. -- Methods: Injury data from 52 treatment sites in the Xuan Tien Commune, Vietnam with over 10,000 inhabitants were collected between January 1 and December 31, 2006. Injured residents were interviewed to determine workrelatedness, relevant causes, disability, and burden. -- Results: Five hundred four work-related injuries were reported from formal treatment sites (incidence rate of 87 per 1,000 FTE) with a mean lost work day of 11 days. Four thousand five hundred seventy-four lost work day equivalents were estimated based on actual days lost to recover plus work days lost earning income to pay for medical costs, accumulating a total direct burden to the community of 8,641 lost work day equivalents. Almost half of that burden was caused by work in manufacturing. First aid boxes placed in 40 manufacturing enterprises yielded the 2nd highest reporting source.

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-- Conclusion: This study demonstrated the feasibility and value at the local level to build an active injury surveillance system which could have a large impact on preventing the burden of injuries in workplaces in Vietnam. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. The Effects of Price on Household Demand for Food and Calories in Poor Countries: Are Our Databases Giving Reliable Estimates? Gibson, John; Rozelle, Scott. Applied Economics, November 2011, v. 43, iss. 27, pp. 4021-31Publication Date: November 2011 Abstract: Food price policy relies heavily on estimated price elasticities of food demand to help balance the nutritional and economic objectives in poor countries. Economists use either unit values (ratios of household expenditure to quantity purchased) or community prices (enumerated from vendors in local markets) as proxies for market prices when estimating price elasticities with household survey data. Biases are believed to result from using unit values, due to measurement error and quality effects, but evidence on this issue is lacking and even less is known about community prices. This article provides an empirical evidence from Vietnam, which suggests that economists should exercise caution when estimating price elasticities from household surveys. A 14-food demand system is estimated alternatively with unit values or community prices, and the elasticity of calories with respect to rice prices is calculated. This elasticity is more than twice as large (-0.54 versus -0.22) when community prices are used rather than unit values. Hence, conclusions about the nutritional effects of rice price increases appear sensitive to data choices made by economists. More generally, this discrepancy suggests that the household survey databases commonly used by economists may not provide reliable estimates. Full text www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00036841003781478. The Impact of Health Insurance for Children: Evidence from Vietnam. Cuong Viet Nguyen. Development and Policies Research Center (DEPOCEN), Working Papers No 33, 2012. Abstract: Although there are numerous studies on impact evaluation of overall health insurance, little is known on the impact of health insurance on health care utilization and out-of- pocket health care spending of children, especially in developing countries. This paper measures the impact of child health insurance on health care utilization and spending of children from 6 to 14 years old in Vietnam using two recent nationally representative surveys. Unlike previous empirical studies which found a positive effect of health insurance on health care utilization in Vietnam, we did not find a statistically significant effect of school health insurance as well as free health insurance for children on outpatient health care contacts. However, the school health insurance and free health insurance help the insured children decrease out-of-pocket spending per outpatient contact by around 14 and 26 percent, respectively. Free full text http://depocenwp.org/upload/pubs/NguyenVietCuong/Impact%20of%20child%20health%20insurance%20%20DepocenWP.pdf. Vietnam: Strategic Environmental Assessment on the Quang Nam Hydropower Plan. Bruce Dunn, Jeremy Carew-Reid, Jiri Dusik, Pavit Ramachandran, Pham Anh Dung. In: Strategic Environmental Assessment in Development Practice: A Review of Recent Experience. OECD Publishing 2012, Pages 2934. Introduction: In 2005, with the passing of the revised Law on Environmental Protection (LEP), a new era in environmental assessment in Vietnam commenced, with the introduction of requirements for Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of a range of national, regional and provincial strategies and plans. The SEA of the Quang Nam Province Hydropower Plan for 2006-15 provides a unique case study, as it was the first SEA undertaken following the requirements of the revised LEP. Full text http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/development/strategic-environmentalassessment-in-development-practice/vietnam-strategic-environmental-assessment-on-the-quang-nam-hydropowerplan_9789264166745-7-en. Vulnerability and Poverty Dynamics in Vietnam. Imai, Katsushi S.; Gaiha, Raghav; Kang, Woojin. Applied Economics, November 2011, v. 43, iss. 25-27, pp. 3603-18.

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Abstract: Drawing upon the Vietnam Household Living Standards Survey (VHLSS) data that cover the whole of Vietnam in 2002 and 2004, ex ante measures of vulnerability are constructed. These are then compared with static indicators of poverty (i.e., the headcount ratio in a particular year). Detailed analyses of the panel data show that (i) in general, vulnerability in 2002 translates into poverty in 2004; (ii) vulnerability of the poor tends to perpetuate their poverty; and (iii) sections of the nonpoor but vulnerable slip into poverty. Durable reduction in poverty is conditional on (i) accurate identification of the vulnerable, (ii) their sources of vulnerability, and (iii) design of social safety nets that would enable the vulnerable to reduce risks and cope better with rapid integration of markets with the larger global economy. Full text http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00036841003670754. Who Needs What? A Case Study of Post-disaster Damage and Needs Assessment (DANA) in Vietnam. Erin Hughey, Heather Bell, Michael Chatman. Risk, Hazards & Crisis in Public Policy: Vol. 2: Iss. 4. 2011. Abstract: Disaster damages and losses cannot be wholly eliminated, and it is essential that communities develop strategies to effectively respond when disaster strikes. Accurate accounting of damage and needs following a disaster can help responders to match existing needs with available resources and assets. The goal of this study was to determine the accuracy and completeness of existing damage and needs assessment (DANA) procedures in Vietnam. Evaluations were made based on a review of available DANA records at the central and provincial government levels, as well as on information collected through semi-structured interviews with provincial representatives. Provincial level data were collected in five study provinces: Danang, Quang Binh, Quang Nam, Quang Tri, and Thua Thien-Hue. Results indicate inconsistent DANA templates, procedures, and application. Recommendations include 1) development of a consistent DANA policy; 2) adoption of a standardized methodology for DANA data collection and reporting; and 3) development and implementation of standardized DANA training. Full text is available upon request. [Hughey-etal-2011.pdf] Willingness to use and pay for options of care for community-dwelling older people in rural Vietnam. Le Van Hoi, Nguyen Thi Kim Tien, Nguyen Van Tien, Dao Van Dung, Nguyen Thi Kim Chuc, Klas Goran Sahlen, Lars Lindholm. BMC Health Services Research 2012, 12:36. Abstract: -- Background: The proportion of people in Vietnam who are 60 years and over has increased rapidly. The emigration of young people and impact of other socioeconomic changes leave more elderly on their own and with less family support. This study assesses the willingness to use and pay for different models of care for community-dwelling elderly in rural Vietnam. -- Methods: In 2007, people aged 60 and older and their family representatives, living in 2,240 households, were randomly selected from the FilaBavi Demographic Surveillance Site. They were interviewed using structured questionnaires to assess dependence in activities of daily living (ADLs), willingness to use and to pay for day care centres, mobile care teams, and nursing centres. Respondent socioeconomic characteristics were extracted from the FilaBavi repeated census. Percentages of those willing to use models and the average amount (with 95% confidence intervals) they are willing to pay were estimated. Multivariate analyses were performed to measure the relationship of willingness to use services with ADL index and socioeconomic factors. Four focus group discussions were conducted to explore peoples perspectives on the use of services. The first discussion group was with the elderly. The second discussion group was with their household members. Two other discussion groups included community association representatives, one at the communal level and another at the village level. -- Results: Use of mobile team care is the most requested service. The fewest respondents intend to use a nursing centre. Households expect to use services for their elderly to a greater extent than do the elderly themselves. Willingness to use services decreases when potential fees increase. The proportion of respondents who require that services be free-of-charge is two to three times higher than the proportion willing to pay full cost. Households are willing to pay more than the elderly for day care and nursing centres. The elderly are more willing to pay for mobile

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teams than are their households. Age group, sex, literacy, marital status, living arrangement, living area, working status, poverty, household wealth and dependence in ADLs are factors related to willingness to use services. -- Conclusions: Community-centric elderly care will be used and partly paid for by individuals if it is provided by the government or associations. Capacity building for health professional networks and informal caregivers is essential for developing formal care models. Additional support is needed for the most vulnerable elderly to access services. Free full text http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1472-6963-12-36.pdf. Youth at Risk: Suicidal Thoughts and Attempts in Vietnam, China, and Taiwan. Robert Blum, May Sudhinaraset, Mark R. Emerson. Journal of Adolescent Health, Volume 50, Issue 3, Supplement, March 2012, Pages S37S44. Abstract: -- Purpose: Despite increasing rates of suicide among youth in Asian cultures, there is a lack of suicide data among 1524 year-olds, and little is known about the risk and protective factors for suicidality. This study examines the prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts among 1524 year-olds and identifies the sociodemographic correlates of suicidality in Hanoi, Shanghai, and Taipei. -- Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 17,016 youth aged 1524 years was conducted in rural and urban areas of Hanoi, Vietnam; Shanghai, China; and Taipei, Taiwan in 2006. Logistic regression was used to analyze correlates of suicidal ideation and attempt across cities. -- Results: The 12-month prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt was 8.4% and 2.5% across all three cities, respectively. Suicidal ideation was highest in Taipei (17.0%), Shanghai (8.1%), and lowest in Hanoi (2.3%); similar trends were found for suicidal attempts. Younger age cohorts (1519 year-olds) and females were more likely to report suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts compared with 2024 year-olds and males. In multivariate logistic regression results, across the three cities, female gender, younger age, family structure, parental support, family history of suicide, migration status, and substance use were associated with suicidal ideation. Factors associated with suicidal attempt included female gender, family history of suicide, parental support, and substance use. -- Discussion: Suicidality is common among Asian youth, with highest levels reported in more industrialized cities. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply. .

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Some new academic papers on development issues in Vietnam

2012 February15 issue
Links provided hereunder are accessible on WB intranet only, except otherwise specified. Please contact VDIC librarian at nvu2@worldbank.org if you need full text of the article/s listed below, for private study, scholarship or research purposes. We can only provide full text of those without the note Fee may apply. A General Equilibrium Model for Energy Policy Evaluation using GTAP-E for Vietnam. Long Do Dinh, Suduk Kim. Paper prepared for the 3rd IAEE (International Association for Energy Economics) Asian Conference, Kyoto, Japan (February 20-22, 2012). Abstract: In this paper, a computable general equilibrium model (CGE) using GTAP-E for Vietnam is presented based on the GTAP Data Base version 7. The model is developed following the original structure of GTAP-E model (Burniaux and Truong 2002) and the revised version of the GTAP-E model (Mc Dougall and Golub 2007). Further, as a second step, a dynamic GTAP-E model is developed based on the theoretical structure of dynamic GTAP and the GTAP-E model for Vietnam for the period of 2004-2025.The model is used to simulate the adoption of alternative carbon tax for Vietnam for the based year of 2004 and for the period of 2008-2025. The economy-level and detailed sector-specific effects are also examined considering energy intensive and non-intensive sectors. As a matter of fact, this is the first simulation of energy-environmental policy for Vietnam using the updated version of the GTAP-E. Free full text http://eneken.ieej.or.jp/3rd_IAEE_Asia/pdf/paper/059p.pdf Application of ALOS imageries for monitoring coral health in coastal waters of Vietnam. Tong Phuoc Hoang Sn. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency 2011. ABSTRACT: Coral reef is one of marine habitats have high primary production but also is high sensitive. Due to comfortable conditions in humid tropical region, coral reef in coastal waters of Vietnam sea develop very well with their distribution stretch along from North to South areas. During the past several decades, coral reefs in many parts of the world have been subjected to a series of bleaching events, including some coral reef areas in coastal waters of Vietnam. This report present some experiences on the coral mapping in coastal area of Vietnam and results of application for detection of evidences of bad status of coral health due to affect by natural disasters as well as anthropogenic interventions. Free full text http://repository.tksc.jaxa.jp/help/pdf/SP-11007E/pdf/PI326_Tong_Phuoc_Hoang_Son.pdf. Are Spatial Networks of Firms Random? Evidence from Vietnam. Howard, Emma; Thijssen, Jacco. UNU-WIDER Working Paper 2011/87. Abstract: We present a new approach for the empirical investigation of agglomeration patterns. We examine the clustering of manufacturing firms by identifying patterns of spatial network formation that deviate from randomly generated networks. Using firm-level panel data from Vietnam we calculate transitivity, a measure to determine the strength of clustering of manufacturing firms. We then test whether the observed clustering of firms is greater than that of a randomly generated network. Our findings suggest that the extent of clustering is over and above that which can be attributed to the legal and regulatory framework, economic zoning, or population patterns. Free full text http://www.wider.unu.edu/publications/working-papers/2011/en_GB/wp2011-087/. Assessing damage of flood by using ALOS data in Thua Thien - Hue Province - Vietnam. Tran Dinh Lan and Nguyen Van Thao. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency 2011.

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SUMMARY: This study used ALOS satellite data for assessing damages from floods on October, 2nd, 2007 happened at Thua Thien Hue province in both flooded area and flooded level. Result shows that: flooded area covered 7 districts of Thu Thien Hue Province, included: Huong Thuy, Huong Tra, Phong Dien, Quang Dien, Phu Loc, Phu Vang and Hue City, the highest flooded level reached to 5m. Landuse/cover types such as rural area, 2 crops rice, 1 rice crop + 1 vegetables crop, 2 rice crops + 1 vegetables crop, vegetables + industrial tree crops, urban area and aquaculture ponds were flooded heavily both area and level more than other one. Free full text http://repository.tksc.jaxa.jp/help/pdf/SP-11-007E/pdf/PI063_Tran_Dinh_Lan.pdf. Benefit distribution across scales to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) in Vietnam. Minh Ha Hoang, Trong Hoan Do, Minh Thoa Pham, Meine van Noordwijk, Peter A. Minang. Land Use Policy, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 31 January 2012. Abstract: At very high policy levels, efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) are considered to be innovative and cost-effective ways to make forest more valuable standing than cut. In response to climate change, international funding to support reductions in emissions needs to balance conservation and development. The Government of Vietnam is currently coordinating the design of a comprehensive benefitdistribution system, with the ambition to convert certified net emissions reductions into REDD+ revenue and distribute it to local partners in a transparent, equitable and cost-effective manner. A pilot scheme is underway in Bac Kan province. With forest cover of 56.6% and a poverty rate of 36.6%, Bac Kan is among the most heavily forested and poorest provinces of Vietnam, making it a potential site for pioneering REDD+ schemes in the country. -- Research questions were how to incorporate international, national and local stakeholders investments into any distribution scheme; and how to sustain and manage an efficient, effective and equitable funding scheme for environmental services, including REDD+ revenues. Multiple data collection and analytical methods (including participatory approaches) were used to answer both research questions. Additionally, for the second question, we employed cost-benefit, opportunity cost and economic analyses. -- Three key concepts formed the research frame for this paper: (1) benefit-distribution systems; (2) reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation plus conservation (REDD+); and (3) the broader concept of payments or rewards for ecosystem services; as well as lessons learned from existing, similar schemes. -- This results shows that an appropriate benefit-sharing system for REDD+ revenues can be developed in such a way that meets international regulations as well as national and sub-national circumstances, particularly for the environmental services providers who directly protect forests. Vietnam's payments for forest environmental services and integrated conservation schemes (where conservation and rural development are integrated) serve as a base for the development of a REDD+ benefit-distribution system. -- We discuss ways of bundling such schemes with REDD+ service payments and income streams from forestry and agroforestry goods to provide short-term food-security/economic return and long-term environmental benefits. This combination is expected to provide sustainable incentives, but further effort is needed in the use of participatory methods and a bottom-up approach to provide a strong base for an effective and equitable REDD+ mechanism at landscape level. -- Experience drawn from Vietnam, in general, and in Bac Kan, in particular, can be replicated and directly contribute to reducing carbon emissions globally. Full text http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264837711001323. Building a high-skilled economy: the new Vietnam. Hanoi, Manpower Group, 2011. Introduction: This research paper gives recommendations for how Vietnamese businesses can take a more active role in workforce development; collaborate more effectively with schools and colleges to tackle weaknesses in the

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countrys education system; focus on career development and better work environments; and be more proactive in anticipating and addressing likely skills shortages. Free full text http://files.shareholder.com/downloads/MAN/1689686947x0x515827/43dc64a5-d4de-4bdc-93f354ae964f1e29/BuildingAHigh-SkilledEconomy_TheNewVietnam_A4.pdf. Developing Good Agricultural Practice Systems for Dragon Fruit Farmers and Exporters in Vietnam: an Holistic Approach to Quality System Capacity Development for a Vietnamese Research Institute. Rankin, M.K. Campbell, J.M. Hoang, N.H. Hoa, N.V. Chau, N.M. ACTA HORTICULTURAE 2011 NUMB 921, page(s) 135-142. Abstract: Declining prices for domestic products and loss of export markets for Vietnamese fruit and vegetables during 2000-4 highlighted the challenges faced by Vietnams horticultural sector. During this time, producers of dragon fruit witnessed a decline in prices by as much as 60%. While demand for dragon fruit was identified in higher value markets in Europe and North America, regulatory requirements and consumer food safety concerns meant that access to these markets was not possible unless Vietnamese growers could adopt internationally recognised quality systems. However the implementation of these systems requires strong technical skills and knowledge in quality system management by local facilitators in order to train and support industry stakeholders in a sustainable way. This capacity did not exist within Vietnam until recently. In 2005, an Australian Governments funded project began with the overall objective to support the growth of the dragon fruit industry through the implementation of good agricultural practice systems. A key component of the project was to provide adequate technical training and support for Vietnamese extension/researchers to improve their capacity in farmer group and exporter quality management training procedures. This paper outlines how formal training, mentoring and a learning-by-doing approach in conjunction with the private sector has seen project team members emerge as the leading national quality system specialists in their field. They have since demonstrated their capacity to extend these skills to other crops and have begun to form commercial partnerships with industry to provide these services on a user-pays basis. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. Effects of Cooperative Learning on Students at An Giang University in Vietnam. Van Dat Tran ; Ramon Lewis. International Education Studies, 2012, Volume: 5, Issue: 1. Abstract: This study investigates the effects of jigsaw cooperative learning on the achievement and knowledge retention of 80 final-year Vietnamese mathematics students, as well as reporting their attitudes toward this form of learning. These tertiary students were divided into two matched groups of 40 to be taught by the same lecturer. In the experimental group, jigsaw learning was employed, while in the control group, lecture-based teaching was used over the six weeks of instruction. The results showed that students in the experimental group, who perceived their instruction as more cooperative and more student-centered, had significantly greater improvement on both achievement and retention measures than did the students in the control group. A survey revealed favorable responses toward jigsaw learning. The major findings of this study support the effectiveness of jigsaw learning for students in Vietnamese higher education institutions. Free full text http://www.doaj.org/doaj?func=abstract&id=946385. Excellent Teacher Training at University of Education, Vietnam National University Hanoi. Nguyen Thi My Loc (University of Education, Vietnam National University in Hanoi, Vietnam). Abstract: This paper discusses the importance of excellent teachers, factors which impact on the quality of teacher training in general, teacher training in Vietnam and the model of excellent teacher training at the University of Education, Vietnam National University in Hanoi in particular. Free full text http://aadcice.hiroshimau.ac.jp/e/publications/sosho4_2-15.pdf Families: An Inevitable Institution in Present Day Vietnam. Nguyen Thanh Binh. IAMURE: International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, Vol 3, No 1 (2012).

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Abstract: Vietnam is undergoing the process of industrialization and modernization. Vietnamese families are also in this transformation, too. The article focuses on analyzing definition of social institution from sociological point of view, and finding some proof that family is indispensable in present day Vietnam as a special social institution. Free full text http://ejournals.ph/index.php?journal=IAMURE&page=article&op=viewArticle&path%5B%5D=4618. Financing household tree plantations in Vietnam: Current programmes and future options. Sikor, Thomas. Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) Bogor, Indonesia, 2011. Summary: Households require access to external finance to establish and manage commercial tree plantations. The Government of Vietnam has recognised the benefits of giving households access to external finance for planting trees. State reforestation programmes and the state-owned banking system offer households exceptional access to financial support. Reforestation programmes and state-owned banks currently use different kinds of financial mechanisms to provide finance to households. The financial mechanisms perform differently with regards to their sustainability, leakage, access, cost to households, risk to households and match with finance requirements. No mechanism performs better than the other mechanisms on all criteria. Vietnams policymakers thus face critical trade-offs when they design finance programmes in support of household tree plantations. The first trade-off is between financial sustainability and the provision of accessible, affordable and low-risk support. A mechanism that provides easily accessible support at low cost and low risk entails transaction costs that make the programme dependant on continuing subsidies. The second trade-off is between leakage and financial sustainability. A mechanism that includes systematic monitoring for avoiding leakage incurs transaction costs that reduce its sustainability. The interests of Vietnams tree-planting households and the Government of Vietnam may be best served by a loan-based approach coupled with suitable monitoring of loan use. Free full text http://www.cifor.org/nc/online-library/browse/viewpublication/publication/3705.html. From Red Peasants to REDD Presence: Forest Politics in Vietnam in an Age of Global Carbon Markets. Pamela McElwee, draft, 2012. Introduction: This paper explores recent developments in the use of payments for environmental services (PES) in Vietnam, particularly for forest conservation, since 2007, and pilot REDD projects to reduce deforestation through the development of global carbon markets that have expanded since 2009. Vietnam was actually the first country in Southeast Asia to pass a national law promoting PES, despite a pessimistic report by the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) in 2005 that declared PES to be a non-starter due to the countrys long history of topdown environmental management and poor system of private property rights (Wunder et al., 2005). PES is currently one of the most popular tools by which disparate goals from poverty eradication to biodiversity conservation are being pursued within Vietnam, with at least 19 different PES projects and 17 REDD pilot projects currently being implemented or in planning stages. These projects sponsors include large donors like the World Bank and United Nations Development Program (UNDP) who are working on forest carbon; conservation organizations like IUCN, Birdlife International, and the World Wildlife Fund who are funding biodiversity valuation and marine and mangrove protection through user fees; and development NGOs like Care International and SNV who are supporting payments for watershed protection to upland ethnic minority households. Many of these disparate projects have emphasized a win-win perspective that both poverty reduction and environmental conservation can be conjoined through PES; for example, a USAID supported project document stated that PES would help stimulate local economic growth, publicprivate partnerships for biodiversity friendly economic activities, and increase financial support for environmental protection.... Such a policy could reduce the costs of water and power production for urban areas, provide additional income for thousands of poor families living in forest areas, and provide funds for meeting Vietnams National Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation Action policies (USAID, 2009). -- I look in this paper at how such optimistic scenarios belie fundamental intransigence in the forest politics sector, which is resistant to change that might involve state retreat from forest planning, management and profits. I argue that PES/REDD plans do not in fact reflect a "neoliberalization of nature that might be predicted by a reading of the critical geography literature in this area; PES/REDD has not been accompanied by patterns of privatization, retreat of the state and decentralization of management, and commodification of nature. Rather than seeing PES/REDD as

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merely an extension of neoliberalism in forest politics, I argue in this paper that the case of Vietnam shows us that forest politics remains a game of the state for the state. In the case of REDD, these policies simply extend the political questions about the size, definition and management of forests to an additional supra-national level, all the while still retaining a strong state role in on-the-ground implementation. Not surprisingly then, resistance to this takes often the same forms as it has for many other permutations of forest politics. -- Finally, the paper analyzes PES/REDDs potential for success in tackling the underlying causes for forest degradation in Vietnam, particularly how PES/REDD projects will deal with two major issues that have long plagued the forest sector: uneven land tenure and the lack of a strong role for local people, especially ethnic minorities, in forest management. In fact, due to limited forest areas in which these PES schemes could be tried and inadequate attention to the dynamics involved in incorporating poor and ethnic minority communities into forest management, I conclude that PES/REDD may simply replicate already existing patterns of institutionalized management of land and commodities that are spatially uneven and socially unequal. Free full text http://www.cis.yale.edu/agrarianstudies/colloqpapers/17mcelwee.pdf. Learning organizations in higher education: An empirical evaluation within an international context. Hong T. M. Bui, Yehuda Baruch. Management Learning, Published online before print December 28, 2011. Abstract: We proposed and examined a learning organization framework in higher education within an international context. Using a sample of 687 employees in the UK and Vietnam, we tested the relationships between personal mastery, mental models, team learning, shared visions and systems thinking with their antecedents and outcomes. Our findings support the suggested learning organization model. As predicted, these five variables partially mediate the relationship between the antecedents and outcomes. We also found that employees in a collectivist culture were more likely to be committed to the process of becoming learning organizations compared with those from an individualistic culture. Full text available upon request. [Hong-Bui&Baruch-2012.pdf]. Manure management practices on biogas and non-biogas pig farms in developing countries using livestock farms in Vietnam as an example. Cu Thi Thien Thu, Pham Hung Cuong, Le Thuy Hang, Nguyen Van Chao, Le Xuan Anh, Nguyen Xuan Trach, Sven G. Sommer. Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 27, May 2012, Pages 6471. Abstract: This survey was carried out to study animal manure management on livestock farms with biogas technology (biogas farms) and without (non-biogas farms) in the areas surrounding the Vietnamese cities Hanoi and Hue. The objective of the study was to assess the contribution of biogas production to a better environment as well as to recognize the problems with livestock manure management on small-scale farms. On all the farms included in the study more than one manure management technology was used, i.e. composting, separation of manure, biogas production and discharge of liquid manure to recipients such as public sewers or ponds. On biogas farms, most of the manure collected was used for bio-digestion. The farmers used the fermented manure (digestate) as a source of nutrients for crops, but on more than 50% of the interviewed biogas farms digestate was discharged to the environment. On non-biogas farms, manure was in the form of slurry or it was separated into a liquid and a drymatter-rich solid fraction. The solid fraction from separation was used for composting and the liquid fraction usually discharged to the environment. The survey revealed that there is a need to improve methods for transporting the manure to the field, as transportation is the main barrier to recycling the liquid manure fraction. Farmers in developing countries need financial and technical support to install biogas digesters and to overcome the problems involved in utilizing the manure. Information about how to pre-treat manure before adding it to the digester is urgently needed. At present too much water is used, and the high volume of slurry reduces the retention time and is a disincentive for transporting and applying the digestate to fields. The users need to be informed about the risk of loss of methane to the environment, how to prevent cooker corrosion and the discharge to recipients. In addition, the study reveals that in developing countries manure management legislation needs to be tightened to control environmental pollution. Full text http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S095965261200008X. Medical education in Vietnam.

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A. P. Fan, D. T. Tran, R. O. Kosik, G. A. Mandell, H. S. Hsu, Y. S. Chen. Medical Teacher 2012, Vol. 34, No. 2 , Pages 103-107. Abstract: -- Background: Vietnam is one of the most populous countries in Southeast Asia, yet it displays an unsettling lack of doctors. -- Aims: Medical education is an important factor contributing to this issue, yet little is known about the system currently in place in Vietnam. -- Methods: Through an extensive literary search of medical schools and Ministry of Health's data, we have examined the current medical education system in Vietnam. -- Results: At present, there are 12 medical universities, and the general curriculum at each university follows a national framework but tends to vary from university to university. Medical training lasts either 4 or 6 years, with competitive graduates attending residency programs following graduation. While examinations are required to graduate, the lack of a national licensing exam makes it difficult to ensure that a nation-wide standard of quality exists, both at the medical universities themselves as well as amongst the doctors graduating from them. -- Conclusions: The development and institution of a national exam would introduce a standard of training throughout Vietnam's medical education system. Further, a substantial portion of a doctor's education is in subjects that are loosely related to medicine. When looking forward it will be important to evaluate whether or not these non-medical subjects detract from the quality of medical training. Full text available upon request. [Fan-etal-2012]. Operational problems and chalenges in power system of Vietnam. Hai, Ngo Son; Huu, Nguyen The. National Load Dispatch Centre of Vietnam. Paper prepared for the 2011 EPUCRIS International Conference on Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam 16-16 Nov. 2011, pages 1 - 5. Abstract: The Vietnamese power system is growing rapidly both in terms of scale and complexity. The load growth rate averages to 14% for the last 10 years. The development of the Extra High Voltage network of 500kV and interconnections with neighboring grids are the main characteristic of such growths. However the fast growth rate also brings problems in operating the network, for instance the short-circuit current becomes too high or the difficulties in voltage regulation. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. Past and Future of the Labor Force In Emerging Asian Economies. Jinyoung Kim. Japan and the World Economy, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 4 February 2012. Abstract: In this paper we investigate the determinants of past changes in the labor force of 12 emerging Asian countries, and attempt to make projections of the labor force in those countries for the period 2010 2030. Results from our regression analysis of the labor force indicate that the wage earnings elasticity of labor supply is negative, albeit insignificant, for men and significantly positive for women, and it has a significantly positive association with educational level and a negative one with age. We also find that per capita income shows a negative relationship with the labor force in general for younger age groups and older age groups, and more capital-intensive countries have smaller female labor force. Using extrapolation, the paper predicts that the labor force will increase in all 12 countries during the first two decades of the period 2010 2030, but will eventually decline in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan. The paper also makes projections of the unemployment rate and the average working hours in those countries. Full text http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S092214251200014X. [Kim2012.pdf] Realizing Forest Rights in Vietnam: Addressing Issues in Community Forest Management. Edited by Thomas Sikor and Nguyen Quang Tan. Hanoi, RECOFTC The Center for People and Forests, July 2011.

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Introduction: In Vietnam, forests have been under state stewardship for a long time. Degradation of forest resources under state management together with the high costs of forest protection has led to increased involvement of local people in forest management. Since the early 1990s, the Government of Vietnam (GOV) has been promoting the allocation of forest rights to local people as the foundation for development of community forest management (CFM). The initiative, known as Forest Land Allocation (FLA), has been undertaken in various parts of the country, with mixed results. This raises an important question: how can forestland allocation be improved so that community forestry can both support local livelihoods and provide environmental protection? -- With funding from the British Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the School of International Development at the University of East Anglia (UEA) and RECOFTC The Center for People and Forests, a small initiative on Property Reforms and Forest Rights in Vietnam was undertaken. The initiative aims to identify key issues influencing the success or failure of community forestry in various parts of the country and to discuss implications for policies on forest management and rural development. -- The document at hand is a product of a group of carefully selected researchers, policy experts, and practitioners seeking to share their experiences and viewpoints based on previous or on-going work. It is by no means a comprehensive discussion of all the issues related to community forest management in Vietnam. Nevertheless, it is hoped that the issues brought up by the authors in the document will shed light on some of the important aspects of community forest management in Vietnam and can serve as the starting point for further development of community forest management in the new context in Vietnam. Free full text http://dlc.dlib.indiana.edu/dlc/bitstream/handle/10535/7810/Realizing%20Forest%20Rights%20in%20VN_ESRC_18 8.pdf Reevaluating Model Laws: Transplant and Change of Financial Law in Vietnam. KANEKO Yuka. Journal of International Cooperation Studies, Vol.19, No.2-3, 2012. Excerpts from introduction: ...It should be noted, however, that all aforementioned works in justifying and promoting model laws commonly lack the evaluation on the substantial contents of the very models which they deal with. They never refer to the question of what particular designs in their models either promote or harm the financial access, and/or the ultimate goals of development. This article will attempt at an evaluation on the substance of model laws, with a particular focus on a case of legal reform led by international donors in Vietnam. Free full text http://www.research.kobe-u.ac.jp/gsics-publication/jics/kaneko_19-2&3.pdf. Strategies of the poorest in local water conflict and cooperation Evidence from Vietnam, Bolivia and Zambia. Funder, M.; Bustamante, R.; Cossio, V.; Huong, P.T.M.; van Koppen, B.; Mweemba, C.; Nyambe, I.; Phuong, L.T.T. and Skielboe, T. 2012. Water Alternatives 5(1): 20-36. ABSTRACT: Media stories often speak of a future dominated by large-scale water wars. Rather less attention has been paid to the way water conflicts play out at local levels and form part of peoples everyday lives. Based on case study studies from Vietnam, Bolivia and Zambia, this paper examines the strategies of poor households in local water conflicts. It is shown how such households may not only engage actively in collaborative water management but may also apply risk aversion strategies when faced with powerful adversaries in conflict situations. It is further shown how dependency relations between poor and wealthy households can reduce the scope of action for the poor in water conflicts. As a result, poor households can be forced to abstain from defending their water resources in order to maintain socio-economic and political ties with the very same households that oppose them in water conflicts. The paper concludes by briefly discussing how the poorest can be supported in local water conflicts. This includes ensuring that alternative spaces for expressing grievances exist and are accessible; facilitating that water sharing agreements and rights are clearly stipulated and monitored; and working beyond water governance to reduce the socio-economic dependency-relations of poor households. Full text available upon request. [Funder-etal-2012.pdf] The Determinants and Long-term Projections of Saving Rates in Developing Asia.

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Charles Yuji Horioka. Japan and the World Economy, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 8 February 2012. Abstract: In this paper, we present data on trends over time in domestic saving rates in twelve economies in developing Asia during the 1966-2007 period and analyze the determinants of these trends. We find that domestic saving rates in developing Asia have, in general, been high and rising but that there have been substantial differences from economy to economy, that the main determinants of these trends appear to have been the age structure of the population (especially the aged dependency ratio), income levels, and the level of financial sector development, and that the impacts of income levels and the level of financial sector development are nonlinear (convex and concave, respectively). We then project future trends in domestic saving rates in developing Asia for the 2011-2030 period based on our estimation results and find that the domestic saving rate in developing Asia as a whole will remain roughly constant during the next two decades despite rapid population aging in some economies in developing Asia because population aging will occur much later in other economies and because the negative impact of population aging on the domestic saving rate will be largely offset by the positive impact of higher income levels. Full text http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0922142512000163. The growth of non-state hospitals in Vietnam: Implications for policy and regulatory options. Krishna Hort, Khuong Anh Tuan, Tran Thi Mai Oanh, Trinh Ngoc Thanh, Nguyen Hai Phong, Nguyen Thi Minh Hieu. Nossal Institute for Global Health, University of Melbourne, Working paper series number 15 | December 2011. Introduction: This paper summarises the results of studies of the non-state hospital sector in Vietnam undertaken by the Health Strategy and Policy Institute, Ministry of Health, Vietnam, with the support of the Health Policy and Health Finance Knowledge Hub at the Nossal Institute for Global Health, University of Melbourne. The paper forms part of a broader examination of the role of non-state hospitals in middle income countries of Asia, with further indepth country studies also in Indonesia. The aim of these studies was to examine the recent growth of hospital services in selected countries of the Asia-Pacific region, to identify factors contributing to and impacting on this growth and to explore the potential regulatory and policy responses. This paper examines the findings from Vietnam in the light of contemporary international literature and policy concerns. Free full text http://www.ni.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/530564/HPHF_Hub_WP_No_15_nonstate_hospitals_in_Vietnam.pdf. The Influence of Business Owner Ethics on the Vulnerability of Low-Income Labor Currently in Some Industrial Cities of Vietnam. Le Vinh Danh. Journal of Applied Business and Economics, 2011, 12(6). Abstract: The business ethics of business owners directly affects the vulnerability of low-income laborers and their benefits. Business in a global era can only be sustainable if profit targets and developmental strategies are adjusted by the self-awareness of enterprises. These enterprises must respect business ethics to ensure a stable source of labor. However, this cannot simply be calculated by self-awareness of the business owners, but also there must be some supporting measures and sanctions. Free full text http://www.tdt.edu.vn/images/stories/cac_bai_bao_cong_bo_qt/JABE_12_6_Master.pdf. The Interrelationship between Formal and Informal Decentralization and its Impact on Sub-Central Governance Performance: The Case of Vietnam. Thanh Thuy Vu, Messaoud Zouikri, Bruno Deffains. CESIFO WORKING PAPER NO. 3714, JANUARY 2012. Abstract: Formal and informal institutions are often viewed as complements or substitutes in empirical and theoretical works. However, no evidence of complementarities or substitutes is found in our empirical analysis of the interrelation between formal and informal decentralization across 64 provinces of Vietnam. This paper finds that the formally decentralized system of public service supply is accommodating the informal one, but informal decentralization in public order provision tends to compete with the existing ineffective formal system. This implies that the central government needs to reorganize the system of decentralizing the provision of public goods/services

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and public in order to make informal institutions complementary rather than rival or free-riding on formal ones. Free full text http://www.cesifo-group.de/portal/pls/portal/docs/1/1213472.PDF. The removal of arsenic from water using natural iron oxide minerals. Sonia Aredes, Bern Klein, , Marek Pawlik. Journal of Cleaner Production, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 8 February 2012. Abstract: The contamination of groundwater with arsenic is a serious health issue in many parts of the world. Although iron has been shown to be effective at removal of arsenic from water, there has been no research to assess the feasibility of using natural iron oxide minerals for water treatment. The successful treatment of water to remove arsenic requires an understanding of arsenic chemistry and the physical-chemical interactions between arsenic and iron oxide minerals. A study was conducted to evaluate hematite, magnetite, goethite and iron rich laterite soil as arsenic adsorbents. Electroacoustic measurements were conducted to assess the nature of arsenic adsorption. Results showed that arsenic adsorption occurred over the entire pH range tested (pH 4-11). The iso-electric point shifted due to arsenic adsorption and this is a strong evidence of specific ion adsorption. This was supported by leaching tests that indicated strong attachment of arsenic to the surface of iron oxide minerals. Adsorption tests showed that iron rich laterite was most effective for arsenic removal, followed by goethite, magnetite and hematite. This was attributed to the higher specific surface area of the respective minerals. The study also demonstrates a simple water treatment method involving the use of low cost natural iron-oxide minerals for arsenic removal to meet drinking water standards. Treatment of 100mL of water containing 20 ppm arsenic with 5 g of laterite reduced the arsenic level down to 10 ppb within a period of 10 minutes. Full text http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652612000492. Training High Qualified Teachers in Vietnam: Challenges and Policy Issues. Nguyen Chi Thanh (University of Education, Vietnam National University at Ha noi (VNU), Vietnam). Abstract: In this paper we introduce first some characteristics of the educational system in Vietnam nowadays. e focus on the models of training teachers at different universities of education in Vietnam in general and the one in our university in particular. We then identify the features which differentiate our model of training, a training of high qualified teachers, with other models in the country. Our university, the University of Education, is experimenting with two new procedures of educating secondary school teachers: 3 plus 1 and 4 plus 1. The 3 plus 1 procedure is designed for students who for the first three years follow basic study units at either the University of Natural Sciences or the University of Social Sciences and Humanities which all belong to the VNU, and who for the last year are provided with pedagogical knowledge, skills and teaching practice at the University of Education, VNU. The 4 plus 1 procedure is for B.A./B.Sc holders registered with the University of Education for one year to be offered pedagogical knowledge and practice teaching skills. This model represents both advantages and disadvantages which will be discussed . Some challenges of this model will be also mentioned. Free full text http://aadcice.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/j/publications/sosho4_2-16.pdf. Vietnams Labour Relations and the Global Financial Crisis. Collins, Ngan (2011). Research and Practice in Human Resource Management, 19(2), 60-70. Abstract: Labour relations institutions and practices in Vietnam have changed since the economic reform that started in late 1980s. Since joining to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in 2006, a new social imperative has emerged in which the country sought to reconcile economic growth with the protection of labour conditions within this context in which the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) has been experienced. This study examines the challenges of complex labour management relations in the new economic, political and social environment of the GFC in Vietnam. The paper explores changing labour management relations by investigating the evolution of labour relations policy and practice since Vietnam began its economic reform. During the transition from a planned to market economy, the former stable relationship between managements and workers has been replaced by widespread labour disputes, and a proliferation of labour strikes since the installation of GFC in 2008. These events have been due to a lack of regulations for labour management relations, an inadequate compensation system and working conditions, and inefficient trade union

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practices. The paper concludes that the changes in labour management relations reflect the impact of the global crisis on labour market diversity as well as the increasingly important role of trade unions in protecting workers' rights and interests. A new model for unions is urgently needed for dealing with labour and employment issues at firm's level in the new economic era. Free full text http://rphrm.curtin.edu.au/2011/issue2/vietnam.html. Visiting Marriages and Remote Parenting: Changing Strategies of RuralUrban Migrants to Hanoi, Vietnam. Catherine Locke, Nguyen Thi Ngan Hoa & Nguyen Thi Thanh Tam. Journal of Development Studies, Volume 48, Issue 1, 2012, pages 10-25. Abstract: Despite the ongoing centrality of marriage and reproduction in Vietnam, family and spousal separation is an increasing reality for many poor ruralurban migrants. We offer a social relational analysis of reproduction to explore how migrant men and women in their peak child-bearing and child-rearing years negotiate conjugal strategies and expectations. Labour migration for these poor men and women involves high costs for family relations, social identities and emotional experiences which are strongly patterned by gender. This social relational analysis of reproduction deepens analyses of changing marriage relations and studies of internal labour migration. Full text http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00220388.2011.629650. WTO accession and equity-based entry modes in Vietnam. Bih-lian Shieh and Tzong-chen Wu. Asian Business & Management, advance online publication 8 February 2012. Abstract: It has been over 3 years since Vietnam became the 150th member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in January 2007. Does the choice of entry mode provide a means to handle institutional changes like WTO accession in Vietnam? This study analyzes a sample of 2627 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) firms (including those from Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, United States, Europe and China) established in Vietnam between 1992 and 2009 in order to compare the influence on the determinants of equity-based entry mode before and after Vietnam's WTO accession. Nine hypotheses were proposed and tested with regard to the determinants of the choice of entry mode Wholly Owned Subsidiary (WOS) or Equity Joint Venture (EJV) by FDI firms. The findings show that Vietnam's WTO accession certainly has a significant impact on foreign firms market entry strategy in Vietnam. The results provide strong evidence of a change in the determinants of equity-based entry modes. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply.

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Some new academic papers on development issues in Vietnam

2012 February1 issue
Links provided hereunder are accessible on WB intranet only, except otherwise specified. Please contact VDIC librarian at nvu2@worldbank.org if you need full text of the article/s listed below, for private study, scholarship or research purposes. We can only provide full text of those without the note Fee may apply. Affirmative Action for Minorities to Go to Higher Education in Vietnam under Doi Moi: Through Analysis on Group Structures of Minority University Students. Ito, Miho. SOUTH EAST ASIAN STUDIES, KYOTO UNIVERSITY 2011 VOL 49; PART 2, page(s) 300-327. Abstract: Several aspects of Vietnamese society and people have changed since the adoption of the Doi Moi policy at the 6th Communist Party National Congress in 1986. It has led to a rapid spread of higher education all over the country, including mountainous regions where many minority people live. Since the beginning of 1990s, The Government of Vietnam and the Ministry of Education and Training have implemented some affirmative action policies to increase the number of minority university students. This paper shows which minority students have gained as a result of these affirmative action policies. -- In the 1990s, a mass movement towards higher education, which had once been only available for a small number of the elite, suddenly expanded, even to minorities in mountain regions. There were two main reasons why affirmative action for minority students led to higher education. Firstly, the employment allotment system of the Vietnamese government was abolished at the beginning of the Doi Moi period and people were able to choose the career paths they wished for. Secondly, the change of the Vietnamese governments minority policy aimed to give them a main part in the administrative control in mountainous regions. -- The findings herein, based on research undertaken at four major universities in Hanoi during 2004 to 2005 indicate that affirmative action brought about two major consequences for minority behavior in relation to higher education. Firstly, affirmative action helped minority children who live in undeveloped remote regions or who are distant minorities from the center of national power and offer them opportunities to access university education. In fact, some people have chosen to change their ethnic status in order to gain from the affirmative action policies. On the other hand, students who have a particular ethnic background tend to proceed to universities more easily. This is because affirmative action was not intended to equally expand learning opportunities to all minorities, but was also based on the principle of competition to select and train future elite government officials for the mountainous regions. Free full text (in Japanese only) http://repository.kulib.kyoto-u.ac.jp/dspace/bitstream/2433/152151/1/490206.pdf. Assessing water reservoirs management and development in Northern Vietnam. A. Castelletti, F. Pianosi, X. Quach, and R. Soncini-Sessa. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences 16, 189199, 2012. Abstract. In many developing countries water is a key renewable resource to complement carbon-emitting energy production and support food security in the face of demand pressure from fast-growing industrial production and urbanization. To cope with undergoing changes, water resources development and management have to be reconsidered by enlarging their scope across sectors and adopting effective tools to analyze current and projected infrastructure potential and operation strategies. In this paper we use multi-objective deterministic and stochastic optimization to assess the current reservoir operation and planned capacity expansion in the Red River Basin (Northern Vietnam), and to evaluate the potential improvement by the adoption of a more sophisticated information system. To reach this goal we analyze the historical operation of themajor controllable infrastructure in the basin, the

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HoaBinh reservoir on the Da River, explore reoperation options corresponding to different tradeoffs among the three main objectives (hydropower production, flood control and water supply), using multi-objective optimization techniques, namely Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm. Finally, we assess the structural system potential and the need for capacity expansion by application of Deterministic Dynamic Programming. Results show that the current operation can only be relatively improved by advanced optimization techniques, while investment should be put into enlarging the system storage capacity and exploiting additional information to inform the operation. Free full text http://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci.net/16/189/2012/hess-16-189-2012.pdf. Attempting the Production of Public Goods through Microfinance: The Case of Water and Sanitation. Philip Mader. Journal of Infrastructure Development December 2011 vol. 3 no. 2 153-170. Abstract: This article critically evaluates attempts to create public goods via microfinance loans in reference to the specific example of water and sanitation. The microfinancing of water and sanitation is a private business model which requires households to privately recognise, internalise and capitalise the bene-fits from improved water and sanitation. But household water and sanitation, being closely linked to underlying common pool resources, and being merit goods, have strong public goods characteristics and therefore depend on collective solutions. Two cases, from Vietnam and India, are presented and evaluated. Despite their dissimilar settings and designs, evidence is found that both projects encountered similar and comparable problems at the collective level which individual microfinance loans could not address. The problems encountered warn against an emergent micro-privatisation of water and sanitation through microfinance. Free full text http://governancexborders.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/proof_joi.pdf; Conference paper version http://www.mpifg.de/projects/govxborders/downloads/mader_2011.pdf. Chinese firms in Vietnam: investment motives, institutional environment and human resource challenges. Fang Lee Cooke, Zhaohong. Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources, Early View, Article first published online: 20 JAN 2012. Abstract: Extant studies of HRM and industrial relations in multinational corporations (MNCs) have focused primarily on MNCs from developed economies. Few studies have examined the investment strategy and labour management practices of MNCs from emerging economies, such as China, in developing countries like Vietnam. Adopting a combined theoretical framework for analysis, this study fills the research gap by examining the investment motives, business strategy and management practices of three case study firms in the construction and light manufacturing industries. It compares and contrasts the institutional supports for and barriers to these state-owned and privately owned firms from both home and host countries. The paper argues that the role of institutional actors differs across ownership forms and industrial sectors and that a multi-theoretical perspective, including in particular the political economy perspective, is needed to study Chinese MNCs HRM practices in order to more fully understand how the practices are shaped and perceived. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. Decomposing Labor Market Earnings Inequality: Public and Private Sectors in Vietnam 1993-2006. Clment Imbert. Paris School of Economics, November 9, 2011. Abstract: This paper studies differences in earnings between public and private sector employees in Vietnam, and their change during the transition towards market economy (1993-2006). We document a signi cant earnings gap in favor of public employees, which widens after public sector reforms. We use a model of comparative advantage to disentangle between changes in workers' selection into the public sector and changes in the public sector's wagesetting, as compared to the private sector. We draw counterfactual distributions and show that while workers' sorting is clearly important to explain the public-private sector earnings gap, the widening of this gap over time is mainly due to changes in compensation patterns. We show that public employees in the 1990s are underpaid as compared to what they would earn in the private sector, and that returns to their comparative advantage rises dramatically in the early 2000s. Our analysis highlights how institutional factors shape earnings inequality. Free full text http://www.parisschoolofeconomics.eu/docs/imbert-clement/decomposing_earnings_inequality.pdf. Disability measures as an indicator of poverty: A case study from Viet Nam.

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By: Palmer, Michael G.; Thuy, Nguyen Thi Minh; Quyen, Quach Thi Ngoc; Duy, Dang Sy; Van Huynh, Hoang; Berry, Helen L.. Journal of International Development, Jan2012 Supplement, Vol. 24, pS53-S68, 16p; Published online 21 June 2010 in Wiley Online Library. Abstract: This paper examines the relationship between disability and poverty at a health-demographic surveillance site in Viet Nam using alternative measures of disability severity. Analysis of the site population ( n = 65 400) is combined with interviews of 27 households containing members with disabilities. Results show that disability severity is positively associated with poverty. Results support recent efforts of the Vietnamese government to extend programmes of social protection for households containing members with severe disabilities. However, a higher level of disability targeting is required, both in terms of eligibility and of benefit levels. Full text http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jid.1715/pdf. Efficiency of Rice Farming Households in Vietnam. Linh Hoang Vu, (2012). International Journal of Development Issues, Vol. 11 Iss: 1. Abstract: Purpose - This study estimates technical efficiency obtained from both Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and stochastic frontier approaches using household survey data for rice farming households in Vietnam. Design/methodology/approach - A bootstrap method is used to provide statistical precision of the DEA estimator. Technical efficiency is modeled as a function of household and production factors. Findings - The results from the deterministic, semi-parametric and parametric approaches indicate that among other things, technical efficiency is significantly influenced by primary education and regional factors. In addition, scale efficiency analysis shows that many farms in Vietnam are operating with less than optimal scale of operation. Originality/value - The study is among the first that employ bootstrap method and compare estimates from both Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and stochastic frontier approaches. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. Free Preliminary Draft http://www.cid.harvard.edu/neudc07/docs/neudc07_poster_vu.pdf. Estimation of the potential of rice straw for ethanol production and the optimum facility size for different regions in Vietnam. Nhu Quynh Diep, Shinji Fujimoto, Tomoaki Minowa, Kinya Sakanishi, Nobukazu Nakagoshi. Applied Energy, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 21 January 2012. Abstract: To explore the potential for economical ethanol production from rice straw in Vietnam, this study estimated the rice straw density that is available for ethanol production, delivery cost of the rice straw, and determined the optimal facility size for different regions. The amount of rice straw annually generated is nearly 50 dry Mt year1. The rice straw available for ethanol production in regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 was estimated to be 69, 6.8, 14, 3.9, 12, and 108 dry t km2, respectively. The delivery cost of rice straw varied from 20.5 to 65.4 $ dry t1, with a transportation distance of 0 to 120 km. Regions 1 and 6 were estimated to be optimal locations for ethanol production, with optimally-sized facilities of 112.5 and 195 ML year1, respectively. The feedstock supply radius was 50 and 48 km for regions 1 and 6, respectively, with a total cost of feedstock and fixed cost of ethanol of 0.244 $ L1 and 0.224 $ L1, respectively. These results represented for the case study at present time. Naturally, the optimal plant size is sensitive to the changes of various conditions. Thus, an equation for the calculation of the optimal feedstock supply radius was developed with the involvement of various factors. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. Evaluation of bamboo as an alternative cropping strategy in the northern central upland of Vietnam: Aboveground carbon fixing capacity, accumulation of soil organic carbon, and socio-economic aspects. Proyuth Ly, Didier Pillot, Patrice Lamballe, Andreas de Neergaard. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, Volume 149, 1 March 2012, Pages 8090.

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Abstract: The mountains of northern Vietnam have lost significant forest cover during the last decades due to the conversion from natural vegetation to cultivated land, leading to the depletion of soil organic matter and land degradation. The study evaluated bamboo as an alternative cropping strategy in the northern central upland of Vietnam. We analyzed above-ground carbon fixing capacity of bamboo, accumulation of soil organic carbon, and socio-economic aspects as compared to other land use systems. Over the long term, a bamboo-based cropping system compared favorably to several other land use alternatives in the area. Compared to cassava, rice and maize, bamboo provides 4989% higher average return to labor. Carbon content in bamboo's standing above-ground biomass is 17 tons ha1, 18% of that of forest. The soil organic carbon pool under bamboo amounts to 92 tons ha1 to 70 cm depth, comparable to both forest and regenerated forest and 20% higher than land cultivated with cassava or maize. The study reveals that a shift in land use from annual crops to bamboo provides an annual net gain of soil organic carbon of approximately 0.44 tons ha1. Such a shift is constrained however by income insecurity in the early stages of plantation, because bamboo takes 34 years to mature and has a low return-per-area basis compared to annual cash crops. The study suggests that a crucial incentive for farmers shifting to bamboo production may be to create alternative off-farm income-generating activities which absorb the labor liberated by the labor extensive farming of bamboo. Full text http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167880911004397. Fate of Pesticides in Combined Paddy RiceFish Pond Farming Systems in Northern Vietnam. Maria Anyusheva, Marc Lamers, Nguyen La, Van Vien Nguyen, and Thilo Streck. Journal of Environmental Quality, TECHNICAL REPORTS, Posted online 20 Jan. 2012. Abstract: During the last decades, high population growth and exportoriented economics in Vietnam have led to a tremendous intensification of rice production, which in turn has significantly increased the amount of pesticides applied in rice cropping systems. Since pesticides are toxic by design, there is a natural concern on the impact of their presence in the environment on human health and environmental quality. The present study was designed to examine the water regime and fate of pesticides (fenitrothion, dimethoate) during two consecutive rice crop seasons in combined paddy ricefish pond farming systems in northern Vietnam. Major results revealed that 5 and 41% (dimethoate), and 1 and 17% (fenitrothion) of the applied mass of pesticides were lost from the paddy field to the adjacent fish pond during spring and summer crop seasons, respectively. The decrease of pesticide concentration in paddy surface water was very rapid with dissipation half-life values of 0.3 to 0.8 and 0.2 d for dimethoate and fenitrothion, respectively. Key factors controlling the transport of pesticides were water solubility and paddy water management parameters, such as hydraulic residence time and water holding period. Risk assessment indicates that the exposure to toxic levels of pesticides for aquaculture (Cyprinus carpio, Daphnia magna) is significant, at least shortly after pesticide application. Free full text https://www.agronomy.org/publications/jeq/view/41-2/q11-0066.pdf. Firm performance in a transitional economy: a case study of Vietnam's garment industry. By: Vixathep, Souksavanh; Matsunaga, Nobuaki. Journal of the Asia Pacific Economy, Feb2012, Vol. 17 Issue 1, p74-93, 20p; Abstract: Amid the global financial crisis and economic downturn, efficiency improvement is one of the essential countermeasures for overcoming the hardship. Recognizing the role of the garment industry in Vietnam's economy, the paper addresses the relationship among technical efficiency and firm structure, business activity, export destination and location based on 2007 firm-level data. We find that high inefficiency exists in the Vietnam's garment industry and there is much room for improvement. Product specialization and export markets would contribute to efficiency enhancement in the short run. Also, garment firms located in Ho Chi Minh City, where competition is fiercer than other production areas, tend to achieve higher efficiency performance. To a lesser extent, private ownership and smaller firm size (small and medium-sized enterprise SME) appear to be associated with higher efficiency. These findings would give rise to promotion of business competition, market-supporting institutions and nonstate ownership for the benefit of the garment industry as a whole. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. Foreign direct investment in provinces: A spatial regression approach to FDI in Vietnam.

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Bulent Esiyok and Mehmet Ugur. University of Greenwich. Abstract: Foreign direct investment (FDI) flows into Vietnam have increased significantly in recent years, with unequal distribution between provinces and regions. We aim to contribute to the literature on locational determinants of FDI by accounting for spatial interdependence between 62 Vietnamese provinces from 2006-2009. For this purpose, we estimate a spatial lag model using maximum likelihood estimation method. We report existence of spatial dependence between provinces as well as spatial spill-over effects. The results are robust to different specifications for weight matrices and inclusion of different explanatory variables and/or proxies. We also report that conventional determinants of FDI such as market size, domestic investment, openness to trade, labour cost, education and governance, etc. are significant and remain robust to inclusion of spatial interdependence. The sign of the spatial dependence suggests that the distribution of FDI between provinces is subject to conglomeration effects. Free full text http://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/36145/1/Esiyok_Ugur_MRPA_paper.pdf. Hygiene and sanitation promotion strategies among ethnic minority communities in Northern Vietnam: a stakeholder analysis. Thilde Rheinlnder, Le Thi Thanh Xuan, Luu Ngoc Hoat, Anders Dalsgaard and Flemming Konradsen. Health Policy Plan. (2012) First published online: January 17, 2012. Abstract: Effective rural hygiene and sanitation promotion (RHSP) is a major challenge for many low-income countries. This paper investigates strategies and stakeholders roles and responsibilities in RHSP implementation in a multi-ethnic area of northern Vietnam, in order to identify lessons learned for future RHSP. A stakeholder analysis was performed, based on 49 semi-structured individual interviews and one group interview with stakeholders in RHSP in a northern province of Vietnam. Participants came from three sectors (agriculture, health and education), unions supported by the Vietnamese government and from four administrative levels (village, commune, district and province). The study villages represented four ethnic minority groups including lowland and highland communities. Stakeholders roles, responsibilities and promotion methods were outlined, and implementation constraints and opportunities were identified and analysed using thematic content analysis. Effective RHSP in Vietnam is severely constrained despite supporting policies and a multi-sectorial and multi-level framework. Four main barriers for effective implementation of RHSP were identified: (1) weak inter-sectorial collaborations; (2) constraints faced by frontline promoters; (3) almost exclusive information-based and passive promotion methods applied; and (4) context unadjusted promotion strategies across ethnic groups, including a limited focus on socio-economic differences, language barriers and gender roles in the target groups. Highland communities were identified as least targeted and clearly in need of more intensive and effective RHSP. It is recommended that the Vietnamese government gives priority to increasing capacities of and collaboration among stakeholders implementing RHSP activities. This should focus on frontline promoters to perform effective behaviour change communication. It is also recommended to support more participatory and community-based initiatives, which can address the complex socio-economic and cultural determinants of health in multi-ethnic population groups. These lessons learned can improve future RHSP in Vietnam and are also of relevance for health promotion in other minority population groups in the region and globally. Full text http://heapol.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2012/01/17/heapol.czr082.abstract. Impact of Education and Network for Avian Influenza H5N1 in Human: Knowledge, Clinical Practice, and Motivation on Medical Providers in Vietnam. Toshie Manabe, Pham Thi Phuong Thuy, Koichiro Kudo, Vu Thi Tuong Van, Jin Takasaki, Nguyen Dang Tuan, Dao Xuan Co, Dang Hung Minh, Shinyu Izumi, Nguyen Gia Binh, Ngo Quy Chau, Tran Thuy Hanh. PLoS ONE 7(1): 2012. Abstract:

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-- Background: Knowledge, clinical practice, and professional motivation of medical providers relating to H5N1 infection have an important influence on care for H5N1 patients who require early diagnosis and early medical intervention. -- Methods/Principal Findings: Novel educational programs including training and workshops for medical providers relating to H5N1 infection in Vietnam were originally created and implemented in 18 provincial hospitals in northern Vietnam between 2008 and 2010. A self-administered, structured questionnaire survey was conducted in 8 provincial hospitals where both educational training and workshops were previously provided. A total of 326 medical providers, including physicians, nurses, and laboratory technicians who attended or did not attend original programs were enrolled in the survey. Knowledge, clinical attitudes and practice (KAP), including motivation surrounding caring for H5N1 patients, were evaluated. The study indicated a high level of knowledge and motivation in all professional groups, with especially high levels in laboratory technicians. Conferences and educational programs were evaluated to be the main scientific information resources for physicians, along with information from colleagues. The chest radiographs and the initiation of antiviral treatment in the absence of RT-PCR result were identified as gaps in education. Factors possibly influencing professional motivation for caring for H5N1 patients included healthcare profession, the hospital where the respondents worked, age group, attendance at original educational programs and at educational programs which were conducted by international health-related organizations. -- Conclusions: Educational programs provide high knowledge and motivation for medical providers in Vietnam caring for H5N1 patients. Additional educational programs related to chest radiographs and an initiation of treatment in the absence of RT-PCR are needed. Networking is also necessary for sharing updated scientific information and practical experiences. These enhanced KAPs by educational programs and integrated systems among hospitals should result in appropriate care for H5N1 patients and may reduce morbidity and mortality. Free full text http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0030384. Migration and Credit Constraints: Theory and Evidence from Vietnam. Diep Phan. Review of Development Economics. Oxford: Feb 2012. Vol. 16, Iss. 1; pg. 31. Abstract (Summary): The new economics of labor migration (NELM) frequently emphasizes the importance of migration as a way for rural households to overcome credit constraints. If this hypothesis is correct, then the credit constraint is a motivation for migration (a relaxation of this constraint would encourage less migration). Conventionally, it is believed that migration is costly and has to be financed with borrowed capital, so the credit constraint is a deterrent of migration (a relaxation of this constraint would encourage more migration). In this paper, an agricultural household model is developed to study whether the credit constraint is a motivation for or a deterrent to migration. The model's result confirms the NELM's hypothesis: for households with high demand for agricultural investments and high net migration return, migration is used as a way to finance capital investments. Using data from four provinces in Vietnam, preliminary evidence is found supporting this hypothesis. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. Mosquitoes and Their Potential Predators in Rice Agroecosystems of the Mekong Delta, Southern Vietnam. Shin-Ya Ohba, T. T. Trang Huynh, Loan Luu Le, Huu Tran Ngoc, San Le Hoang, and Masahiro Takagi. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association 27(4):384-392, 2011. Abstract: Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Cx. gelidus, and Cx. quinquefasciatus, known vectors of Japanese encephalitis (JE), are distributed in rice agroecosystems in Asian countries. Very few integrated studies on the breeding habitats of rice-field mosquitoes, including JE vectors, have been conducted in Vietnam. We investigated the mosquito fauna and potential predators in 8 rice growing areas in the Mekong Delta region of southern Vietnam, during the wet and dry seasons of 2009. Mosquitoes and their predators were collected from a variety of aquatic habitats (rice fields, ponds, wetlands, shrimp ponds, ditches, canals, and rivers). We collected 936 Culex spp. (354 Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, 240 Cx. vishnui s.l., 189 Cx. fuscocephala, and 42 Cx. gelidus), 33 Uranotaenia, 25 Anopheles, and 9 Mimomyia (4 Mi. chamberlaini) in the dry season. During the rainy season, we collected 1,232 Culex spp. (132 Cx. vishnui s.l., 66 Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, 9 Cx. gelidus, 4 Cx. fuscocephala, and 2 Cx. bitaeniorhynchus), 236 Anopheles spp. (40 An. vagus

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and 1 An. sinensis), and 7 Uranotaenia (3 Ur. lateralis). Heteroptera such as Micronecta, Veliidae, and Pleidae were abundant and widely distributed in both seasons. Based on a stepwise generalized linear model, the abundance of mosquitoes and their predators in rice fields was high when the rice plant length was short and water depth was shallow. Therefore, the use of insecticides during the earlier stages of rice growth should be avoided in order to preserve the predator populations. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. Reterritorialising rural handicrafts in Thailand and Vietnam: a view from the margins of the miracle. Katherine V Gough, Jonathan Rigg. Environment and Planning A. Volume 44 (2012), Issue 1, Pages: 169-186. Abstract: This paper explores the changing role and place of handicrafts in contemporary rural development processes. Building on fieldwork conducted in four settlements in northern Thailand and Vietnam, we discuss how a traditional sector is being reshaped under the forces of globalisation and what this means for the character of rural livelihoods. This empirical analysis permits us to reflect on wider areas of debate within development and economic geography. By examining the spatialities of production, we explore how the place of handicrafts in the settlements is being reshaped. We show how, although handicraft production retains an image of being part of a traditional sector built around local skills and inputs, in reality the activities have become deterritorialised and are increasingly spatially dispersed. Nonetheless, handicraft production remains economically and socially embedded and is helping to sustain village economies both in situ and in distant locations. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. Review on fuel economy standard and label for vehicle in selected ASEAN countries. A.S. Silitonga, A.E. Atabania, T.M.I. Mahlia. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Volume 16, Issue 3, April 2012, Pages 16831695. Abstract: Sustainable supply of energy at affordable prices is vital to ensure the human development. ASEAN is committed pursuing for a clean and green region with fully established mechanisms for sustainable development to ensure the protection of regional environment, resources and the high quality of people's life. Nowadays, energy use in the transportation sector represents an important issue in ASEAN countries. Therefore, it is believed that the introduction of fuel economy standards and labels is the key to save energy in this sector. Fuel economy standards and labels are relatively cheap measure to influence consumer behaviour and to induce car manufacturers to produce more efficient vehicles. Fuel economy standards and labels for vehicle are being implemented in many countries around the world to save fuel consumption and mitigate CO2 emission. This paper is a review on fuel economy standard and labels for vehicle in some selected ASEAN countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. It has been found that Singapore is the leading country in ASEAN that has implemented fuel economy standards and labels. Moreover, it has been found that the implementation of cleaner fuels standard play a crucial role in protecting public health and the environment from transportation sector emissions. The most common alternative fuels used in ASEAN are biodiesel, ethanol, methanol, propane, hydrogen and natural gas. Full text http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032111005983. Rural and urban Vietnamese mothers utilization of healthcare resources for children under 6 years with pneumonia and associated symptoms. Linda M Kaljee, Dang Duc Anh, Truong Tan Minh, Le Huu Tho, et al. Journal of Behavioral Medicine. New York: Aug 2011. Vol. 34, Iss. 4; pg. 254. Abstract (Summary): Worldwide, pneumonia causes 14% of deaths among children and infants (ages 4 weeks to 5 years). UNICEF and WHO have established treatment guidelines to reduce risk of death from pneumonia including caregiver symptom recognition, appropriate care, and use of antibiotics. In June 2008, cross-sectional survey data were collected in Khanh Hoa Province Viet Nam with 329 mothers of children under 6 years. In relation to pneumonia and associated symptoms (fever >38C, strong cough, "fast or difficult" breathing), data were collected on perceptions of symptom severity and child vulnerability, reported healthcare utilization including use of antibiotics, sources of health information, and barriers to care. Pearson's chi square, independent t tests, and multinomial analysis were conducted to assess different patterns of reported healthcare utilization in relation to residency (rural/urban), mother's education, and household income. Outcomes include rural and urban residency-based patterns related to

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perceptions of child's vulnerability and symptom severity, health facility utilization and barriers to care, and reported use of antibiotics during previous episodes of pneumonia. Implications include the need to target different healthcare facilities in urban and rural Viet Nam in relation to education about symptoms of childhood pneumonia and associated treatments. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. Scaling up rural sanitation in Vietnam: political economy constraints and opportunities. Daniel Harris, Michelle Kooy and Pham Quang Nam. ODI Working Paper 341, 2012. Overseas Development Institute, December 2011. Executive summary (excerpt): This paper presents the findings of one of two country case studies conducted as part of a broader project entitled Analysing the governance and political economy of water and sanitation service delivery commissioned by the UK Department for International Development (DFID). The objective of the research project is to develop the utility of political economy analysis (PEA) for the water supply and sanitation (WSS) sector, with a focus on improving the operational impact of DFID (and other donor) country programming. -- While the objective of the case study is therefore to inform the development of DFIDs approach to sector-level political economy analysis, the paper and the research that underpins the paper have been undertaken with the primary goal of working with the staff of the DFID-Vietnam country office to think through the implications of a problemdriven political economy analysis approach for addressing the issues encountered in their work. -- Extensive consultation with the DFID-Vietnam country office resulted in the conclusion that one of the main conundrums faced by DFID staff working on issues of WSS is the simultaneous presence of persistently disappointing outcomes in the rural sanitation subsector under the current policy paradigm and the limited uptake at scale of a number of seemingly effective innovative approaches that have been piloted with donor support. This puzzle is particularly salient given the countrys overall development achievements and specifically given achievements within the sector in increasing access to urban sanitation and rural and urban water supply. Free full text http://www.odi.org.uk/resources/docs/7550.pdf. Social Determinants of Long Lasting Insecticidal Hammock-Use Among the Ra-Glai Ethnic Minority in Vietnam: Implications for Forest Malaria Control. Koen Peeters Grietens, Xa Nguyen Xuan, Joan Muela Ribera, Thang Ngo Duc, Wim van Bortel, Nhat Truong Ba, Ky Pham Van, Hung Le Xuan, Umberto D'Alessandro, Annette Erhart. PLoS ONE 7(1): e29991, 2012. Abstract: -- Background: Long-lasting insecticidal hammocks (LLIHs) are being evaluated as an additional malaria prevention tool in settings where standard control strategies have a limited impact. This is the case among the Ra-glai ethnic minority communities of Ninh Thuan, one of the forested and mountainous provinces of Central Vietnam where malaria morbidity persist due to the sylvatic nature of the main malaria vector An. dirus and the dependence of the population on the forest for subsistence - as is the case for many impoverished ethnic minorities in Southeast Asia. -- Methods: A social science study was carried out ancillary to a community-based cluster randomized trial on the effectiveness of LLIHs to control forest malaria. The social science research strategy consisted of a mixed methods study triangulating qualitative data from focused ethnography and quantitative data collected during a malariometric cross-sectional survey on a random sample of 2,045 study participants. -- Results: To meet work requirements during the labor intensive malaria transmission and rainy season, Ra-glai slash and burn farmers combine living in government supported villages along the road with a second home at their fields located in the forest. LLIH use was evaluated in both locations. During daytime, LLIH use at village level was reported by 69.3% of all respondents, and in forest fields this was 73.2%. In the evening, 54.1% used the LLIHs in the villages, while at the fields this was 20.7%. At night, LLIH use was minimal, regardless of the location (village 4.4%; forest 6.4%).

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-- Discussion: Despite the free distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and LLIHs, around half the local population remains largely unprotected when sleeping in their forest plot huts. In order to tackle forest malaria more effectively, control policies should explicitly target forest fields where ethnic minority farmers are more vulnerable to malaria. Free full text http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0029991. Stress, Task, and Relationship Orientations of Vietnamese: An Examination of Gender, Age, and Government Work Experience in the Asian Culture. Lam D Nguyen, Bahaudin G Mujtaba. Competition Forum. Indiana: 2011. Vol. 9, Iss. 2; pg. 235, 12 pgs. Abstract (Summary): Working adults are often socialized differently based on their gender, age, and work experience. To explore the stress, task, and relationship orientations of people in the high-context culture of Vietnam, this study collected data from 188 Vietnamese. It appears that they have similar scores on the relationship and task orientations. The Vietnamese reported a high level of stress. Government work experience and education do appear to be a significant factor in the difference of stress perception scores. In this paper, literature on high and low context cultures is presented along with practical application, suggestions, and implications for future studies. Full text available upon request. [Lam&Mujtaba2011.pdf] Study on Vietnam Traffic Accident Situation via Data of Health Sector. Nguyen Huu DUC, Duong Thi Mai HOA, Nguyen Thien HUONG and Nguyen Ngoc BAO. Journal of the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies, Vol. 9 (2011) pp.2011-2021. Abstract: The traffic accident database is the sole important source outside of traffic police that could help effectively to understand the traffic safety situation. For right usage, this study has clarified its special feature such as better liability, difference of purpose, object and standard. The data of 2009 confirms the efforts to ensure the traffic safety so that the fatalities are under control, but the seriousness of traffic accident is very high. Especially, the study has proposed a methodology to find out the Correction Factor of the number of accident sufferer. Based on the corrected value, it could reconfirm that the number of injured published by traffic police is unrealistically low. It shows the underreporting level is about 63 times. It proved that the corrected data are quite in concordance with a rule from the Vietnamese Injury Pyramid that for each fatality, there are 58 injuries at difference seriousness. Free full text http://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/easts/9/0/9_2011/_article. The Ri chicken breed and livelihoods in North Vietnam: characterization and prospects. Nassim Moula, Do Duc Luc, Pham Kim Dang, Frdric Farnir, Vu Dinh Ton, Dang Vu Binh, Pascal Leroy, Nicolas Antoine-Moussiaux. Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics, Vol 112, No 1 (2011). Abstract: For the last twenty years, the consumption of poultry meat has boomed in Vietnam as in the rest of the developing world. Capital-intensive production has grown rapidly to satisfy this demand. Based on a few numbers of genetically uniform strains, these systems threaten biodiversity. In Vietnam, both rural and urban households still keep indigenous chickens as part of a diversified livelihood portfolio. In line with the national in situ conservation strategy, this study approached the context of local poultry keeping in two rural and one suburban districts of Northern Vietnam. It aimed at understanding households willingness, constraints and opportunities for practice improvement, including breeds management. As the Ri chicken constitutes the large majority of backyard flocks, two particular objectives of this study are the morpho-biometric characterisation of phenotypic diversity among individuals classified as Ri by farmers and an assessment of their productive potential. Chicken was found to hold a different place in livelihoods of the three districts with consequences on the management of genetic resources. The most favourable conditions for improvement of the Ri breed was found in the rural district of Luong-Son, due to market integration. In the more remote district of Ky-Son, living standards were lower and much would be gained from Ri conservation. Ri breed was the most threatened in the suburban Gia-Lam district, where poultry was a minor side-activity, lacking incentive for genetic management. From motives and constraints, tracks about breeding goals are suggested. Further considerations about conservation, improvement, market integration and livelihoods are

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proposed. Free full text http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/viewFile/urn%3Anbn%3Ade%3Ahebis%3A342011101139376/144. The transfer of training and development practices in Japanese subsidiaries in Vietnam. Anne Vo, Zeenobyah Hannif. Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources, Volume 50, Issue 1, pages 7591, January 2012. Abstract: This paper examines the interaction between home-country and host-country effects in determining human resource management (HRM) policies and practices in multinational companies (MNCs) in the context of a developing country. The paper is based on an investigation of the training and development strategies for local managers of a sample of Japanese companies operating in Vietnam, and presents clear evidence of the transfer of home-country practices. The sector emerges as a key variable in explaining variations in HRM patterns with a greater number of comprehensive training and development programs recorded in automotive than in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industries. We also argue that developing host countries pose little in the way of formal constraint mechanisms to the transfer of HRM practices, but the instability of the institutional environment and the weakness of its subsystems suggest a complex and challenging situation for MNC operations, and inhibit their ability to maintain their home-country HRM practices. Full text http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.17447941.2011.00007.x/pdf. Transnational labour migration and the politics of care in the Southeast Asian family. Lan Anh Hoang, Brenda S.A. Yeoh, , Anna Marie Wattie. Geoforum, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 12 January 2012. Abstract: Recent increases in female labour migration in and from Asia have triggered a surge of interest in how the absence of the mother and wife for extended periods of time affects the left-behind family, particularly children, in labour-sending countries. While migration studies in the region have shown that the extended family, especially female relatives, is often called on for support in childcare during the mothers absence it is not yet clear how childcare arrangements are made. Drawing on in-depth interviews with non-parent carers of left-behind children in Indonesia and Vietnam, the paper aims to unveil complexities and nuances around care in the context of transnational labour migration. In so doing it draws attention to the enduring influence of social norms on the organisation of family life when women are increasingly drawn into the global labour market. By contrasting a predominantly patrilineal East Asian family structure in Vietnam with what is often understood as a bilateral South-East Asian family structure in Indonesia, the paper seeks to provide interesting comparative insights into the adaptive strategies that the transnational family pursues in order to cope with the reproductive vacuum left behind by the migrant mother. Full text http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016718511002181. Vietnam power system: Overview and challenges. Dung, Hoang Tien; Tuan, Nguyen Anh; Thang, Nguyen The. This paper appears in: Science and Technology, 2011 EPU-CRIS International Conference on Issue Date: 16-16 Nov. 2011, page(s): 1 - 5. Hanoi, Vietnam. Abstract: This article introduces typical features of Vietnam power system at present, future power generation and transmission network development programs ensuring electricity supply for socio-economic development of the country. It also presents challenges and opportunities in process of Vietnam power system development. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply.

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Some new academic papers on development issues in Vietnam

2012 January15 issue
Links provided hereunder are accessible on WB intranet only, except otherwise specified. Please contact VDIC librarian at nvu2@worldbank.org if you need full text of the article/s listed below, for private study, scholarship or research purposes. We can only provide full text of those without the note Fee may apply. Aid and Foreign Direct Investment in Vietnam. Chengang Wang and V. N. Balasubramanyam. Journal of Economic Integration, Volume 26, Number 4 / December 2011, Pages: 721 - 739. Abstract: This short paper explores the complementarity between foreign aid and foreign direct investment (FDI). Recent studies on aid concluded that aid should come to an end or be reduced with a radical modification of the terms and conditions and FDI and trade should replace aid as the engine of development. In this paper, we argue that aid complements FDI and advances the efficacy of FDI in promoting growth and development in the developing countries. Using data from the provinces in Vietnam, the statistical analysis suggests that aid has a positive impact on inflows of FDI and aid can complement FDI in promoting economic growth. Full text http://sejong.metapress.com/media/64cr5a4mgp6vrj5f0e86/contributions/4/8/0/w/480w38w2pj65516l.pdf. [WangBala2011.pdf] Assessing dietary exposure to cadmium in a metal recycling community in Vietnam: Age and gender aspects. Ngo Duc Minh, Rupert Lloyd Hough, Le Thi Thuy, Ylva Nyberg, Le Bach Mai, Nguyen Cong Vinh, Nguyen Manh Khai, Ingrid born. Science of The Total Environment, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 8 January 2012. Abstract: This study estimates the dietary exposure to cadmium (Cd), and associated potential health risks, for individuals living and working in a metal recycling community (n = 132) in Vietnam in comparison to an agricultural (reference) community (n = 130). Individual-level exposure to Cd was estimated through analysis of staple foodstuffs combined with information from a food frequency questionnaire. Individual-level exposure estimates were compared with published safe doses to derive a Hazard Quotient (HQ) for each member of the study population. Looking at the populations as a whole, there were no significant differences in the diets of the two villages. However, significantly more rice was consumed by working age adults (1860 years) in the recycling village compared to the reference village (p < 0.001). Rice was the main staple food with individuals consuming 461 162 g/d, followed by water spinach (103 51 kg/d). Concentrations of Cd in the studied foodstuffs were elevated in the metal recycling village. Values of HQ exceeded unity for 87% of adult participants of the metal recycling community (39% had a HQ > 3), while 20% of adult participants from the reference village had an HQ > 1. We found an elevated health risk from dietary exposure to Cd in the metal recycling village compared to the reference community. WHO standard of 0.4 mg Cd/kg rice may not be protective where people consume large amounts of rice/have relatively low body weight. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. Atmospheric radionuclides from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear reactor accident observed in Vietnam. N.Q. Long, Y. Truong, P.D. Hien, N.T. Binh, L.N. Sieu, T.V. Giap, N.T. Phan. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 24 December 2011. Abstract: Radionuclides from the reactor accident at the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant were observed in the surface air at stations in Hanoi, Dalat, and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) in Vietnam, about 4500 km southwest of Japan, during the period from March 27 to April 22, 2011. The maximum activity concentrations in the air measured

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at those three sites were 193, 33, and 37 Bq m3 for 131I, 134Cs, and 137Cs, respectively. Peaks of radionuclide concentrations in the air corresponded to arrival of the air mass from Fukushima to Vietnam after traveling for 8 d over the Pacific Ocean. Cesium-134 was detected with the 134Cs/137Cs activity ratio of about 0.85 in line with observations made elsewhere. The 131I/137Cs activity ratio was observed to decrease exponentially with time as expected from radioactive decay. The ratio at Dalat, where is 1500 m high, was higher than those at Hanoi and HCMC in low lands, indicating the relative enrichment of the iodine in comparison to cesium at high altitudes. The time-integrated surface air concentrations of the Fukushima-derived radionuclides in the Southeast Asia showed exponential decrease with distance from Fukushima. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. Avian Influenza Viruses in Wild Land Birds in Northern Vietnam. Tien Vu Thinh, Martin Gilbert, Napawan Bunpapong, Alongkorn Amonsin, Dung T. Nguyen, Paul F. Doherty Jr and Kathryn P. Huyvaert. Journal of Wildlife Diseases, January 1, 2012, vol. 48 no. 1, pp. 195-200. Abstract: Given a paucity of data on the occurrence of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in wild passerines and other small terrestrial species in Southeast Asia and the importance of highly pathogenic Asian-strain H5N1 outbreaks in humans and domestic poultry in these areas, we focused on surveillance for influenza A viral nucleic acids and antibodies for AIVs in wild-caught birds in northern Vietnam. Four of 197 serum samples collected in 2007 from Black-crested Bulbul (Pycnonotus melanicterus), Crow-billed Drongo (Dicrurus annectans), Buff-breasted Babbler (Pellorneum tickelli), and Black-browed Fulvetta (Alcippe grotei) were antibody positive for the H5 subtype. Fourteen of 193 samples collected in 2008 were positive for the influenza A viral M gene by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. These included samples from 10 Japanese White-eyes (Zosterops japonicus), two Puff-throated Bulbuls (Alophoixus pallidus), one White-tailed Robin (Cinclidium leucurum), and one Striped Titbabbler (Macronous gularis). Almost all positive samples were from bird species that forage in flocks, including Japanese White-eyes with an unusually high prevalence of 14.9%. We collected samples from birds from three habitat types but detected no strong pattern in prevalence. Our results suggest that attention should be given to terrestrial species, particularly flocking passerines, in AIV surveillance and monitoring programs. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. Beneath the methods debate in impact assessment: baring assumptions of a mixed methods impact assessment in Vietnam. Paul Shaffer. Journal of Development Effectiveness, Available online: 20 Dec 2011. Abstract: The past decade has seen renewed interest in the use of mixed-method approaches across the social sciences and in the field of impact assessment. This body of work has focused on questions of method with insufficient attention devoted to foundational issues. The objective of the present article is to bare the foundational concepts that guided a mixed-method impact assessment of the Hunger Eradication and Poverty Reduction (HEPR) programme in Vietnam. Specifically, it shows how the applied methods used in the HEPR study rested on foundational differences concerning: conceptions of causation and models of causal inferences (probabilities versus mechanisms); analytical focus (outcomes versus processes) and external validity (empirical generalisation versus statistical inference); and constituents of objective knowledge (intersubjective observables versus perceptual data). Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. Biological monitoring of chlorpyrifos exposure to rice farmers in Vietnam. Dung Tri Phung, Des Connell, Greg Miller, Mary Hodge, Renu Patel, Ron Cheng, Manel Abeyewardene, Cordia Chu. Chemosphere, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 30 December 2011. Abstract: -- Chlorpyrifos is the most common organophosphate insecticide registered for use in Vietnam and is widely used in agriculture, particularly rice farming. However, chlorpyrifos exposure to and adverse effects on farmers has not been evaluated. In this study, biological monitoring of chlorpyrifos exposure in a group of rice farmers was conducted after a typical application event using back-pack spraying.

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-- Urine samples (24 h) were collected from the rice farmers before and post insecticide application. Samples were analysed for 3,5,6-trichloropyridinol (TCP), the major urinary metabolite of chlorpyrifos, using an enzymatic pretreatment before extraction followed by HPLCMS/MS. Absorbed Daily Dose (ADD) of chlorpyrifos for farmers were then estimated from urinary TCP levels, expressed as g g1 creatinine. The analytical method for urinary TCP had a low detection limit (0.6 g L1), acceptable recovery values (80114%), and low relative percentage differences in duplicate and repeated samples. -- Post-application chlorpyrifos ADD of farmers varied from 0.4 to 94.2 g kg1 (body weight) d1 with a mean of 19.4 g kg1 d1 which was approximately 80-fold higher than the mean baseline exposure level (0.24 g kg1 d1). Hazard Quotients (ratio of the mean ADD for rice farmers to acute oral reference dose) calculated using acute oral reference doses recommended by United States and Australian agencies varied from 2.1 (Australian NRA), 4.2 (US EPA) to 6.9 (ATSDR). -- Biological monitoring using HPLCMS/MS analysis of urinary TCP (24 h) was found to be an effective method for measuring chlorpyrifos exposure among farmers. This case study found that Vietnamese rice farmers had relatively high exposures to chlorpyrifos after application, which were likely to have adverse health effects. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. Business-State Relations in the Differentiated Private Sector in Vietnam: Access to Capital and Land. Thomsen, Lotte. Asian Journal of Social Science, Volume 39, Number 5, 2011 , pp. 627-651(25). Abstract: This paper examines private businesses' access to land and capital in Vietnam. It finds that the allocation of these resources to private firms is still excessively state-driven and personalised, and examines the links that business people of different ethnical and regional backgrounds have with the state and how this facilitates or hinders their access to land and capital. Lacking relationships with the state may have profound consequences for unconnected private enterprises, which are accordingly subject to uneven competition from connected ones. The paper suggests that private businesses' uneven opportunities are basically a consequence of the general history of the country and the role that individual business people have played in it, in such respects as having had former state-sector employment, party membership, the side they were on before and during the Vietnam War etc. In this, factors such as ethnicity, origin and present location in either northern or southern Vietnam play an important part. Full text available upon request.[Thomsen-2011.pdf] Corporate social responsibility: A study on awareness of managers and consumers in Vietnam. PHAM Duc Hieu. Journal of Accounting and Taxation Vol. 3(8), pp. 162-170, December 2011. Abstract: This paper aims to examine how executives and managers from different Vietnamese enterprises represent their awareness and their perceptions of corporate social responsibility (CSR), as well as whether the attitude of Vietnamese consumers towards CSR is positive. Based on the quantitative analysis, the paper provides evidence that while a large proportion of managers express a highly positive attitude towards CSR and its reporting, consumers perception is at low state and questionable. But the hypothesis testing shows that there seems to be a discrepancy between what managers say they do and what they actually do. Nevertheless, the willingness to learn and gain more knowledge about CSR found from the survey has drawn a bright future for CSR implementation and CSR disclosure in Vietnam. Free full text http://www.academicjournals.org/jat/PDF/pdf2011/Dec/PHAM.pdf. Drug policy in Vietnam: A decade of change? Thu Vuong, Robert Ali, Simon Baldwin, Stephen Mills. International Journal of Drug Policy, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 27 December 2011. Abstract: -- Background: Driven by the rapid spread of HIV, Vietnam's response to drug use has undergone significant transformation in the past decade. This paper seeks to identify and analyse factors that prompted these changes and to investigate their impact on the lives of people who use drugs.

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-- Method: This policy analysis is based on a review of Vietnamese Government documents, peer-reviewed publications and the authors knowledge of and involvement in drug policy in Vietnam. -- Results: The last decade has witnessed a progressive change in the mindset of political leaders in Vietnam around illicit drug use and HIV issues. This has led to adoption of evidence-based interventions and the evolution of drug policy that support the scale up of these interventions. However, HIV prevalence among drug users at 31.5% remains high due to limited access to effective interventions and impediments caused by the compulsory treatment centre system. -- Conclusions: The twin epidemics of HIV and illicit drug use have commanded high-level political attention in Vietnam. Significant policy changes have allowed the implementation of HIV prevention and drug dependence treatment services. Nevertheless, inconsistencies between policies and a continued commitment to compulsory treatment centres remain as major impediments to the provision of effective services to drug users. It is critical that Vietnamese government agencies recognise the social and health consequences of policy conflicts and acknowledge the relative ineffectiveness of centre-based compulsory treatment. In order to facilitate practical changes, the roles of the three ministries directly charged with HIV and illicit drug use need to be harmonised to ensure common goals. The participation of civil society in the policymaking process should also be encouraged. Finally, stronger links between local evidence, policy and practice would increase the impact on HIV prevention and drug addiction treatment programming. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. Effects of alternating wetting and drying versus continuous flooding on fertilizer nitrogen fate in rice fields in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Nguyen Minh Dong, Kristian K. Brandt, Jan Srensen, Ngo Ngoc Hung, Chu Van Hach, Pham Sy Tan, Tage Dalsgaard. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, In Press, Uncorrected Proof, Available online 8 January 2012. Abstract: Alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation is projected to replace continuous flooding (CF) irrigation for rice production in parts of the Mekong delta area during the dry season. A dry season field experiment was conducted in Mekong delta alluvial soil to compare N cycle processes and agronomic parameters under AWD and CF water management schemes. 15N-labeled urea was applied in microplots to follow the fate of fertilizer N. The major loss of fertilizer N occurred through ammonia volatilization amounting to 21% and 13% of the applied N in the AWD and CF treatments, respectively. Ammonia volatilization was largely controlled by soil and floodwater pH which determined the ratio. Irrespective of water management, 1012% of the fertilizer N could be recovered from the top soil (015 cm) after harvest, whereas 10% of fertilizer N accumulated in deeper soil horizons (1550 cm). Even though the loss of fertilizer N through nitrification-denitrification was 6 fold higher under AWD than CF (0.22 versus 0.04 g N m2) it only removed 2.5% of the applied fertilizer and was thus quantitatively insignificant. Overall, net N mineralization and potential nitrification in the top soil were stimulated by the AWD treatment, whereas the difference in water management practice did not affect N uptake by the plants, aboveground biomass, or grain yield. Fertilizer N contributed only around 20% of the N uptake by the plants probably because the soil was rich in N, which was deposited during the preceding flooding season. Although based on data from one dry season crop only, our study indicates that future implementation of AWD irrigation is unlikely to adversely affect crop yields by loss of fertilizer N in intensive rice production systems in the Mekong delta. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. Efficiency Measurement Using the Stochastic Frontier Analysis and Data Envelopment Analysis Methods: An Application to the Vietnamese Ports. Nguyen, H-O and Nguyen, H and Chin, A. Singapore Economic Review, 4-6 August 2011, Mandarin Orchard Singapore, pp. 1-13. Abstract: The economic development of Vietnam depends heavily on the maritime transport industry. It is observed that the value of merchandise exports and imports exceed its gross domestic product. Intense competition among more than one hundred ports in Vietnam demands efficient port management to maintain competitiveness. This study applies both the data envelopment analysis (DEA) and stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) methods in evaluating

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Vietnams ports efficiency. The results show that, while both methods provide useful and consistent measures of port efficiency, there are significant differences between the actual efficiency indexes obtained from the two methods. Building upon this result, further analysis is performed to gain more insights into the application of efficiency measurement methods. Methodological implications are also discussed. Full text available upon request. [OanhNguyen-etal-2011]. Evaluation of strategies for utilizing rice husk based on life cycle cost analysis in relation to Greenhouse Gas emissions in An Giang province, Vietnam. Pham Thi Mai Thao, Kiyo H. Kurisu, Keisuke Hanaki. Biomass and Bioenergy, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 30 December 2011. Abstract: To evaluate the cost effectiveness of rice husk utilization, a life cycle cost analysis was conducted for 18 scenarios developed in a previous study. The allocation of fuels other than rice husks was decided on the basis of current demand for and supply of rice husks. The production of rice husk briquettes is also discussed as a means of circumventing problems arising from the bulk of the material. In the power generation scenarios, differences between two generating capacities (5 and 30 MW) were analyzed. Costs savings are possible by using rice husk to replace fossil fuels for cooking. With regard to power generation, operation on a 30-MW scale by combustion of all available rice husk was identified as the most economically efficient scenario, followed by small-scale gasification scenarios (5 MW). The combustion of rice husk briquettes for power generation appeared to be less cost-efficient than direct combustion, whereas large-scale gasification scenarios and pyrolysis scenarios give rise to increases in cost compared with the baseline. When both GHG abatement and costs are taken into consideration, suitable scenarios that are practicable involve the use of rice husk for cooking, for large-scale combustion power generation, and for small-scale gasification. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. From National Security to Human Security: Population Policy Shifts in Vietnam. Kathleen A. Tobin. in Human Security: Securing East Asia's future. Springer, 2012, pp. 59-74. Abstract: In the history of Vietnam, population policy has taken various forms, first in relation to location and migration and later in relation to birth control. The patterns in both Indochina and the Republic of Vietnam parallel developments in other countries where dominant powers sought particular demographics and social and political stability in the name of national security. In recent years, however, the shift toward protection of human security has helped to influence varying perspectives on population, as has Doi Moi. This research was conducted within a framework of historical population attitudes and directives in the United States, Latin America and the rest of the world. To some degree what has happened in Vietnam reflects universal trends, but unique circumstances are outlined here. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. Group Forest Certification for Smallholders in Vietnam: An Early Test and Future Prospects. Matthew R. Auer. Human Ecology, Published online: 6 Jan 2012. Abstract: Forests in Vietnam are heavily utilized resources. Some 25 million people who live in and near forests depend on timber and non-timber resources for subsistence and income. Vietnams timber processing industries, which are in a steep growth phase, demand raw material from the nations forests, but that demand greatly outstrips available, high quality supply. A national forest development strategy through 2020 calls for broad expansion of plantation forests coupled with third-party forest certification. One type of forest certification, involving certification of groups of smallholder farmers, is comparatively understudied. A recent effort to promote group forest certification in Vietnam yielded measurable benefits to stakeholders, including enhanced income streams to plantation smallholders. However, long-term challenges to group forest certification remain, including smallholders ability to cover recurring costs for certification costs that are subsidized by a bilateral donor. Vietnams recent experience with group forest certification represents an early chapter in that nations ambitious plans to increase forest cover, make forests more productive through plantation forestry, and improve forest management and market access through forest certification. Full text http://www.springerlink.com/content/y847v62306038h83/.

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Herding Behaviour in an Emerging Stock Market: Empirical Evidence from Vietnam. Tran Ngo My and Huy Huynh Truong. Research Journal of Business Management, 2011, Volume 5, Issue 2, Pages 51-76. Abstract: This study examines the existence of herding behaviour in the Vietnamese stock market and the asymmetric effects of herding that are conditional on the direction of market movements. The evidence supports the presence of herding in the Vietnamese stock exchange with respect to different market periods and to alternative model specifications. Investor herding in this very immature stock market can be explained by a set of micro-structure characteristics typical of the Vietnamese stock market such as a lack of transparency in information and financial management, the high magnitude of market volatility and thin trading. Since herding is thought to increase the volatility of the market, the existence of herding may trigger some policy concerns about a potentially destabilizing effect on the financial market. In addition, the study indicates that upward markets have less return dispersions than downward markets. A possible implication of this finding is that investors in the Vietnamese stock market perform more uniformly in rising markets than in declining markets. Free full text http://www.medwelljournals.com/fulltext/?doi=rjbm.2011.51.76. HIV risk among drug-using men who have sex with men, men selling sex, and transgender individuals in Vietnam. Bao Ngoc Vu, Kevin P Mulvey, Simon Baldwin, Son Thanh Nguyen. Culture, Health & Sexuality. London: 2012. Vol. 14, Iss. 2; pg. 167. Abstract: Knowledge about drug use and its association with HIV risk among men who have sex with men is limited. Although the HIV epidemic among this population in Vietnam is increasingly acknowledged, understanding the impact of drug use on the spread of HIV is largely lacking. Using qualitative data from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 93 drug users, 15 non-drug users and 9 community stakeholders, this analysis explores emerging patterns of drug use and risk factors for engaging in risk behaviours among drug-using men having sex with men, men selling sex and transgender individuals in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Findings revealed that drug use is shifting from heroin to ecstasy and ice. Drug users reported unsafe sex associated with drug use and men selling sex were particularly at elevated risk because of using drugs as a tool for sex work and trading sex for drugs. These findings are guiding development of programmes addressing unmet HIV-prevention needs in Vietnam. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. Identifying the Public Administration Reform Performance through the Lens of Provincial Competitiveness Index and GDP Per Capita in Vietnam. Thai Thanh Ha, Le Thi Van Hanh. Modern Economy, Vol.3 No.1, January 2012. ABSTRACT: This study was conducted to test the hypothesis of whether the public administration reform (PAR) and provincial competitiveness could be causally linked to the GDP welfare per capita in Vietnam. By adopting the factor analysis and then the natural logarithm linear regression, the author found out that there were causality linkages between those above mentioned parameters. Namely, legal institutions were the main huddles for GDP per head, while public administration reform services and public services delivery exert positive impacts on GDP per capita. The dynamism of provincial leadership was also positively influential to the GDP outcome for Vietnamese citizens. Conclusions and recommendations were drawn for Vietnamese policy makers to modernize the public administration reform process. Free full text http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?paperID=16801&publishStatus=2. Ingredients to engender trust in construction project teams in Vietnam. Florence Yean Yng Ling, Hoang Bao Tram Tran. Construction Innovation: Information, Process, Management, Vol. 12 Iss: 1, pp.43 - 61 (2012). Abstract: Purpose A construction project typically involves many participants such as owners, consultants, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers. It is important for them to have harmonious relationships so that the project can be

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completed expeditiously. Trust is a critical factor to maintain harmonious relationships. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the ingredients to bring about trust in construction project teams in Vietnam. The specific objectives were to investigate the existence of personal trust, explore relationship between trust and project outcomes, and identify attributes that help to improve trust. Design/methodology/approach This research employed questionnaire survey as the research method and collected data via face-to-face and e-mail interviews. The sample comprised randomly selected construction practitioners in Vietnam. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software. Findings The results showed that trust exists between members of construction project team members in Vietnam. It was found that trust can leverage project quality and client satisfaction. In this regard, a number of factors were found to be significantly important to the development of trust. Research limitations/implications The sample size was relatively small. Practical implications When operating in Vietnam, practitioners should adopt a long-term mindset so as to develop trust. They should also select partners who have good reputations as these are more trustworthy. Originality/value This study contributes to knowledge by showing that trust exists between individuals participating in construction projects in Vietnam and it leads to higher output quality and client satisfaction. Unique attributes to increase trust in Vietnam were also uncovered. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. Manure management practices on biogas and non-biogas pig farms in developing countries using livestock farms in Vietnam as an example. Cu Thi Thien Thu, Pham Hung Cuong, Le Thuy Hang, Nguyen Van Chao, Le Xuan Anh. Journal of Cleaner Production, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 10 January 2012. Abstract: This survey was carried out to study animal manure management on livestock farms with biogas technology (biogas farms) and without (non-biogas farms) in the areas surrounding the Vietnamese cities Hanoi and Hue. The objective of the study was to assess the contribution of biogas production to a better environment as well as to recognize the problems with livestock manure management on small-scale farms. On all the farms included in the study more than one manure management technology was used, i.e. composting, separation of manure, biogas production and discharge of liquid manure to recipients such as public sewers or ponds. On biogas farms, most of the manure collected was used for bio-digestion. The farmers used the fermented manure (digestate) as a source of nutrients for crops, but on more than 50 % of the interviewed biogas farms digestate was discharged to the environment. On non-biogas farms, manure was in the form of slurry or it was separated into a liquid and a drymatter-rich solid fraction. The solid fraction from separation was used for composting and the liquid fraction usually discharged to the environment. The survey revealed that there is a need to improve methods for transporting the manure to the field, as transportation is the main barrier to recycling the liquid manure fraction. Farmers in developing countries need financial and technical support to install biogas digesters and to overcome the problems involved in utilizing the manure. Information about how to pre-treat manure before adding it to the digester is urgently needed. At present too much water is used, and the high volume of slurry reduces the retention time and is a disincentive for transporting and applying the digestate to fields. The users need to be informed about the risk of loss of methane to the environment, how to prevent cooker corrosion and the discharge to recipients. In addition, the study reveals that in developing countries manure management legislation needs to be tightened to control environmental pollution. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. Market demand, green product innovation, and firm performance: Evidence from Vietnam motorcycle industry. Ru-jen Lin, Kim-hua Tan, Geng Yong. Journal of Cleaner Production, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 10 January 2012.

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Abstract: This study examines how market demand affects green product innovation, and firm performance in the context of Vietnamese motorcycle industry. The paper seeks to answer two key questions: (a) how does market demand influence a firms green product innovation? and (b) how can green product innovation affects firm performance? This study collected a total of 208 valid questionnaires from four leading foreign motorcycle firms in Vietnam. The empirical findings show that market demand is positively correlated to both green product innovation and firm performance; while green product innovation performance is also positively correlated to firm performance. In addition, this study also categorizes three types of green product innovation and discusses their effects on market demand and firm performance. Full text http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652612000029. Potential of municipal solid waste in Hanoi for energy utilisation. Trang Nguyen Thi Diem, Giang T H Nguyen, Sven Schulenberg, Bernd Bilitewski. in Waste to energy: Opportunities and challenges for developing and transition economies. Springer, 2012, pp. 323-340. Abstract: The integration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) within the contextual framework of existing thermal energy production systems has emerged as a promising and sustainable policy towards addressing the growing global energy demand. Especially for developing countries, as they are characterized by decentralized energy systems, locally available RES are a viable option for generating thermal energy. In this chapter, we provide a methodological frame-work for integrating waste biomass into a portfolio of supply chains for the thermal energy production, by presenting the relevant drivers for waste biomass usage making especially the case for developing countries, the associated systems and the supply chain operations. A generic strategic optimization model is proposed for determining the optimal mixture of energy sources for a specific region. This model could be employed by a systems regulator to conduct various what-if analyses, in order to develop comprehensive effective policies that also integrate waste biomass into the existing energy system. Finally, a real-world case study is presented, and interesting managerial insights are discussed. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. Problems of paper recycling in Vietnam. Trang Nguyen Thi Diem. in Global risk-based management of chemical additives I: Production, use and environmental occurrence. Springer, 2012, pp. 153-166. Abstract: Paper production can be considered as an important factor for the development of one country. On the way of development, Vietnam has increased steadily in paper consumption; however, the paper production did not get to the same speed. One of the reasons remains in input material which composes of wood or other agricultural fiber sources and recovered paper. Statistical data on pulp and paper production have been taken into consideration. Reasons for the low in recycling rate have been analyzed. -- Moreover a picture of recovered paper in Vietnam has been drawn. In form of recycling villages, the recovered paper production is operated completely by hand or by using simple tools. Data in emissions of additives, and the impacts resulting from those emissions are lacking. Since recycled paper is used very popular in flow of domestic consumption, this product has shown a big risk to the human health and the production is a big risk to the environment. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. Qualitative Study of an Operations Research Project to Engage Abused Women, Health Providers, and Communities in Responding to Gender-Based Violence in Vietnam. Sidney Ruth Schuler, Quach Thu Trang, Vu Song Ha, Hoang Tu Anh. Violence Against Women, Published online before print January 11, 2012. Abstract: This article describes an action research project designed to engage women, health providers, and communities to respond to gender-based violence (GBV) in Vietnam. Based on results from in-depth interviews and group discussions, it considers the extent to which the project approaches were empowering for abused women. The results underscore the problems entailed in introducing systematic screening for gender-based violence into government health facilities in the low-resource setting of Vietnam, the importance of combining ideational change and rights components with support for abused women, and the difficulty of engaging male perpetrators. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply.

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Recent Avian Influenza Virus A/H5N1 Evolution in Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Poultry from Farms in Southern Vietnam, January-March 2010. N. T. Long, T. T. Thanh, H. R. van Doorn, P. P. Vu, et al. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases: Series A. Berlin: Dec 2011. Vol. 58, Iss. 6; pg. 537. Abstract: We report 15 new avian influenza virus A/H5N1 hemagglutinin (HA) sequences sampled from visibly sick domestic poultry in southern Vietnam, between 1 January 2010 and 6 March 2010. These HA sequences form a new sub-clade of the clade 1 H5N1 viruses that have been circulating in Vietnam since 2003/2004. The viruses are characterized by a change from isoleucine to valine at position 514 (I514V) and are 1.8% divergent at the nucleotide level from HA sequences sampled in Vietnam in 2007. Five new amino acid changes were observed at previously identified antigenic sites, and three were located within structural elements of the receptor-binding domain. One new mutation removed a potential N-linked glycosylation site, and a methionine insertion was observed in one virus at the polybasic cleavage site. Five of these viruses were sampled from farms where poultry were vaccinated against H5N1, but there was no association between observed amino acid changes and flock vaccination status. Despite the current lack of evidence for antigenic drift or immune escape in Vietnamese H5N1 viruses, continued surveillance remains a high priority. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. RUSLE approach to model suspended sediment load in the Lo river (Vietnam): effects of reservoirs and land use changes. Roberto Ranzi, Thanh Hung Le, Maria Cristina Rulli. Journal of Hydrology, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 22 December 2011. Abstract: This study addresses the problem of modelling sediment erosion at the catchment scale, in order to predict the possible impact of reservoirs and land use changes on sediment load in South East Asia. The investigated basin is the Lo river basin, (38165 km2 in Viet Tri), a left tributary of the Red River, where the Thac Ba and the recently built Tuyen Quang reservoirs have already been changing downstream sediment load since 1971 and 2005 when they were, respectively, in operations. The RUSLE equation is adopted in a distributed GIS framework to assess catchment erosion, and is coupled with a sediment accumulation and routing scheme to model suspended sediment load in the Lo basin at a monthly scale. Monthly precipitation were collected and used as input to the model. Suspended sediment load data, measured at eight gauging stations in Vietnam, from 1959 to 2007, were compared with the models simulated sediment yield. Resulting average Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency is 0.45, ranging from 0.33 to 0.62 and bias is 5% at Vu Quang, close to the basin outlet, and results 1.4% by averaging biases at the eight stations, thus confirming that the model is adequate. Effects of reservoirs were analysed by modelling erosion and sediment yield passing from natural to impounded conditions and resulted in a suspended sediment load reduction of about 95% and 75% downstream, respectively, the Thac Ba reservoir in the Chay river and the Tuyen Quang reservoir in the Gam river. Land use change scenarios, parameterized on the basis of observed land use changes in the impounded basin and assuming that 20% of forest area is converted into rice and agricultural crops and 15% into bushes, shrubs and meadows, are expected to induce a 28% increase of suspended sediment load which can compensate, at least in part, sedimentation in reservoirs. Also agricultural and hillslope maintenance practices can modify sediment erosion in the basin. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. Scenario-based Impact Assessment of Land Use/Cover and Climate Changes on Water Resources and Demand: A Case Study in the Srepok River Basin, VietnamCambodia. Tran Van Ty, Kengo Sunada, Yutaka Ichikawa and Satoru Oishi. Water Resources Management, published online: 11 Jan 2012. Abstract: This study investigates an interdisciplinary scenario analysis to assess the potential impacts of climate, land use/cover and population changes on future water availability and demand in the Srepok River basin, a trans-boundary basin. Based on the output from a high-resolution Regional Climate Model (ECHAM 4, Scenarios A2 and B2) developed by the Southeast AsiaSystem for Analysis, Research and Training (SEA-START) Regional Center, future rainfall was downscaled to the study area and bias correction was carried out to generate the daily rainfall series. Land use/cover change was quantified using a GIS-based logistic regression approach and future population

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was projected from the historical data. These changes, individually or in combination, were then input into the calibrated hydrological model (HEC-HMS) to project future hydrological variables. The results reveal that surface runoff will be increased with increased future rainfall. Land use/cover change is found to have the largest impact on increased water demand, and thus reduced future water availability. The combined scenario shows an increasing level of water stress at both the basin and sub-basin levels, especially in the dry season. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. Small Machines in the Garden: Everyday technology and revolution in the Mekong Delta. DAVID BIGGS. Modern Asian Studies. Cambridge: Jan 2012. Vol. 46, Iss. 1; pg. 47, 24 pgs. Abstract: Twentieth-century industrialization in the agricultural landscapes of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam took a very different form from other places, characterized less by a continuous spread of large-scale technology than by its destruction in mid-century and the subsequent spread of small technology which powered scooters, water pumps, and boats. The numbers of these portable motors, an everyday technology in 1960, rose from a few thousand units in 1963 to millions in the present day. The colonial and post-colonial state in Vietnam played a key role in the demise of large technology and, ultimately, of the water infrastructure. Its failures during wartime spurred farmers to adopt cheap, small engines to survive; however, the state's role was complex during this time. Several key factors, including the influence of American aid programmes and the contributions of Taiwanese agricultural advisers, especially those pushing high-yield rice, favoured the adoption of small engines. From an ecological viewpoint, the post-1960 explosion in the use of small motors, especially as water pumps, has brought people and states in Southeast Asia to an ecological impasse as unrestricted use has impacted on water tables, salinity levels, and the long-term sustainability of agriculture in many places. This paper examines the state's indirect role in shaping this silent revolution, and it considers the political and ideological factors underpinning its history. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. The Interplay of Human and Social Capital in Shaping Entrepreneurial Performance: The Case of Vietnam. Enrico Santarelli, Hien Thu Tran. January 10, 2012. Quaderni DSE Working Paper No. 803. Abstract: This study investigates the effects of human capital, social capital and their interaction on the performance of 1,398 Vietnamese new-born firms. Operating profit is used as the measure of success. Human capital is captured by individual-level professional education, start-up experience, and learning. Whereas the first two dimensions of human capital are measured with traditional indicators, we define learning as ability to accumulate knowledge to conduct innovation activities (new product introduction, product innovation and process innovation). Social capital is measured as benefits obtained from personal strong-tie and weak-tie networks. Key findings are three-fold: human capital strongly predicts firm success, with learning exerting a statistically significant positive impact on operating profit; benefits from weak ties outweigh those from strong ties; interaction of human capital and social capital displays a statistically significant positive effect on new-firm performance. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. The Nature and Growth of Foreign Direct Investment and its Impact in Vietnam: A National Innovation System Perspective. Quynh Tho Nguyen, Angathevar Baskaran, Mammo Muchie Ngoc Nguyen. Research Center on Development and International Relations (DIR), Aalborg University, Denmark, DIR research series working paper no. 148, 2011. Abstract: In this paper we explore the possible relationship between the nature and characteristics of national system of innovation (NSI) and the nature and shape of FDI inflow and outcomes. We adapt an NSI-FDI conceptual framework that presents a taxonomy of NSIs as: well functioning/strong, relatively well functioning, and weak, and try to relate each of them to corresponding FDI outcomes. Despite some data limitations, our study show that the nature and characteristics of the NSI can impact on the nature and shape of FDI flows and outcomes in a particular economy, other things being equal. Therefore, it is important particularly for developing countries to formulate national policies to build systematically their NSI. Free full text http://vbn.aau.dk/files/58645358/DIR_wp_148.pdf.

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Transfer pricing comes of age in Vietnam. Anonymous. International Tax Review. London: Nov 2011. Abstract: Transfer pricing activity has increased significantly in the past year in Vietnam with the government vowing to take the issue more seriously and investigate companies that are repeatedly reporting losses in the country. With a recent announcement of a pilot APA programme, tax experts discuss what this means for businesses operating in the country. Full text available upon request. [Transfer pricing comes of age in Vietnam.doc] Vietnam: Towards maintaining equilibrium with international competence in higher education and human resources. G. Jayachandra Reddy. Universal Journal of Education and General Studies Vol. 1(1) pp. 001-008, January, 2012. Abstract: In context of globalization, no country can transform and feel itself comfortable with many of economic issues. This is the predicament of developing countries, more so Vietnam, one of the emerging nations embarking ambitious national goals. Vietnam has no alternative but to become a part of the ongoing world transition and competitiveness for which it needs to lay foundation in terms of human resources (education), which play a significant role in protecting their nations identity at the global level. Unfortunately, the levels, structure and standards of education in Vietnam have become primary hurdles to overcome. Though, vigorous campaign and international collaboration have brought in certain changes in the primary and secondary levels of education, these levels of education could not meet the international standards or its requirements of human resources. Thus, there is an imperative need to look into the higher education to promote competitive skilled human resources, initially, to serve the national interests and then to look into the international scenario. In fact, a new dimension of economy popularized as knowledge economy has also emerged, like industrial and agricultural economies. Gruesomely, the huge gap between demand and supply of skilled labour which is largely due to an antiquated educational system and the large quantities of foreign investments is the common scene in Vietnam. Such a ubiquitous demand for skilled labour can be met with only an advanced system of education that could offer new technologies, technical know-how and language skills, which are imperative for promoting new investment inflows into any country. This paper offers a deep insight into Vietnams educational adjustments in a transitional context. Much attention has been paid to the analysis of trends and patterns of education and the demand and supply of human resources in Vietnam. This paper also tries to put forth certain recommendations on the key issues of international competence and cooperation in promoting higher education and enhancing skilled human resources at domestic level for global competence. Free full text http://universalresearchjournals.org/ujegs/pdf/2012/Jan/Reddy.pdf Vietnamese Students Employability Skills. Nguyen Minh Tuan. International Education Studies. Toronto: Nov 2011. Vol. 4, Iss. 4; pg. 175, 17 pgs. Abstract: This paper attempts to investigate if the International University (IU) students' core competencies can meet the requirements set by employers, what are the differences in core competencies in final year students (or undergraduates), and how they view themselves compared with ex-students after one or two years in working environment, how differences in levels of competencies which are expected to outperform the job expectations and competencies possessed by ex-students, and any differences in levels of competencies self-rated by undergraduates due to gender. Questionnaires, mean score comparison, independent-samples T-tests, paired-samples T-tests are used to analyze data collected from 120 employers/managers in various companies/organizations in Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong province, 105 ex-students, and 102 final year business students. The core competencies are drawn from the behavioral competency dictionary of Organizational Readiness Office, Canada (2007). The research results can provide good suggestions to IU in specific and other foreign invested universities in Vietnam to produce competent students for the ever-changing labor market. Full text available upon request. [NguyenMinhTuan2011.pdf] Winning through innovation and marketing: Lessons from Australia and Vietnam. Aron O'Cass, Liem Viet Ngo. Industrial Marketing Management. New York: Nov 2011. Vol. 40, Iss. 8; pg. 1319.

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Abstract: We examine the role of innovation and marketing, two functional capabilities that have the capacity to play a major role in creating superior marketplace performance in firms. Our study of the two capabilities and firms' marketplace performance also takes into account the contribution of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and market orientation (MO) to our focal functional capabilities and marketplace performance. The results of a study of firms in Australia and Vietnam show innovation capability, marketing capability mediate the effects of the firm's MO on its marketplace performance. The results also show that the interaction of innovation and marketing capabilities significantly influences firms' marketplace performance more than they do individually. Finally, our results show that MO partially mediates the relationship between EO and innovation and marketing capabilities. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply.

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Some new academic papers on development issues in Vietnam

2012 January1 issue
Links provided hereunder are accessible on WB intranet only, except otherwise specified. Please contact VDIC librarian at nvu2@worldbank.org if you need full text of the article/s listed below, for private study, scholarship or research purposes. We can only provide full text of those without the note Fee may apply. A spatial impact assessment of human-induced intervention on hydrological regimes: a case study in the upper Strepok River basin, Central Highlands of Vietnam. Tran Van Ty, Kengo Sunada & Yutaka Ichikawa. International Journal of River Basin Management, Volume 9, Issue 2, 2011. Abstract: The objective of this study is to assess the impact of human activity on hydrological regimes in the upper Srepok River basin, Central Highlands of Vietnam. For this purpose, specific flow and water demand for each subbasin were first estimated and then input into the calibrated river basin management model (MIKE Basin) to generate flow data. Future land use/cover was predicted using a geographic information system (GIS)-based logistic regression approach and the population projected from historical data. The hydrologic impact of human intervention was evaluated using the indicators of hydrologic alterations method and the range of variability approach under various developed scenarios. The results show that the overall hydrologic alteration (HA) values are classified as being moderate at all reaches; they generally increase from the upstream to the downstream reaches. Flow regimes have been altered along the river under the accumulated impacts of the operations of cascade dams. However, the impacts of land-use/cover change and population growth have been found to be greater at most of the reaches. The combined scenario shows that the HA of the Srepok 3 dam downstream reach is highest (75.7%), followed by the downstream reaches of Srepok 4 (65.8%) and Buon Koup dams (43.7%). Low flow, extreme flow, and frequency and rate of change are found to be the most alterative indicators. When environmental flow is considered, the HA of all reaches are reduced, and low and extreme flows are the most reductive indicators. It has been suggested that the trade-off between instream and offstream objectives should be considered in water allocation. The results of this study would be greatly important for future understanding of the human impact on hydrological regimes. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. A Vietnamese and Australian cros-cultural field placement using community arts to heal and prevent child trafficking. Amanda Nickson, Catherine Briscoe, Skye Maconachie and Michael Brosowski. In Social work field education and supervision across Asia Pacific. Edited by Carolyn Noble and Mark Henrickson, Sydney University Press, 2011. Book introduction (from publisher): Social work programs and schools are flourishing in every corner of the globe, but especially in east and south-east Asia. As social work extends its influence across the region, it includes an increasing variety of theories and practices. Nevertheless, field education and supervision remain at the centre of any social work program and are the cornerstones of professional development for the social worker. Field education fosters international exchange and students can learn about international and cross-cultural social work. -- While we celebrate this growth, it is important not only to explore the common factors, experiences and agreements but also to identify differences and challenges. Social work field education and supervision across Asia Pacific, the second book in the series on social work in the region, considers those challenges and brings together ideas, practices and recent developments. Working in partnerships with colleagues and students across Asia Pacific, contributors explore their field and supervision experiences through the cultural lenses of different countries and cultures.-- Social work academics, field educators, supervisors and students of many nations will find this book helpful as the profession

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takes on the challenge of working across languages, cultures and values in developing their vision for a more socially inclusive world. The editors and contributors, who are engaged in a broad array of professional interests, hope that readers will find this book both inspiring and challenging as they teach and learn from each other across Asia Pacific. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. Actions for Sustainable Policy of Poverty Alleviation in the Informal and Non-Agricultural Sector in Rural Areas in Vietnam. Nguyen Tan Phat and Nguyen Tien Dung. Transition Studies Review, Volume 18, Number 2, 377-383. Abstract: The fruit of fast poverty alleviation is considered Vietnams outstanding achievement in the economic innovation period, although the overall rate estimated at 10.6% in 2010 is still high. Poverty in rural areas, especially in the informal and non-agricultural sector, is several times higher than it is in cities. The fact that previous poverty reduction programs hardly concentrated on the poor community working in this sector has influenced policy with regard to the aspects of economy, social justice and the benefits of the policy enjoyed by the inhabitants. To reduce poverty sustainably in the coming years, the Government needs to approach the problem from another angle which focuses on the target object, the poor in the informal and non-agricultural sector in the countryside. Full text http://www.springerlink.com/content/h3w7u61627216851/. Adaptation to climate change for food security in the lower Mekong Basin. Mohammed Mainuddin, Mac Kirby and Chu Thai Hoanh. Food Security, Volume 3, Number 4, 433-450. Abstract: Variability in water cycles driven by climate change is considered likely to impact rice production in the near future. Rice is the main staple food for the population in the lower Mekong Basin and the demand for food is expected to grow due to increase in population. This paper examines the impact of climate change on rice production in the lower Mekong Basin, evaluates some widely used adaptation options, and analyses their implications for overall food security by 2050. Climate change data used in the study are the future climate projection for two IPCC SRES scenarios, A2 and B2, based on ECHAM4 General Circulation Model downscaled to the Mekong region using the PRECIS (Providing Regional Climates for Impact Studies) system. In general, the results suggest that yield of rainfed rice may increase significantly in the upper part of the basin in Laos and Thailand and may decrease in the lower part of the basin in Cambodia and Vietnam. Irrigated rice may not be affected by climate change if increased irrigation requirements are met. Negative impact on the yield of rainfed rice can be offset and net increase in yield can be achieved by applying widely used adaptation options such as changing planting date, supplementary irrigation and increased fertilizer input. Analysis of the projected production, considering population growth by 2050, suggests that food security of the basin is unlikely to be threatened by the increased population and climate change, excluding extreme events such as sea level rise and cyclones. Full text http://www.springerlink.com/content/j875431mr61npg31/. Are households poverty level in Mekong Delta of Vietnam affected by access to credit? Vuong Quoc Duy. Abstract: This paper investigates the impact of access to formal credit on household poverty in Mekong Delta (MD) Vietnam. The analysis is based on some indicators of household poverty such as households total assets, educational costs, healthcare costs, food consumption, non-farm expenses, off-farm expenses and total income. Based on the given indicators, a comparison is made between borrowers and non-borrowers in a sample of 325 households using the Matching Methods. The findings suggest that the borrowers are better off in education expenditure, healthcare expenses, and total income than those of nonborrowers. The results show that access to formal credit is likely to reduce poverty levels among rural households in Mekong Delta. Free full text http://mpra.ub.unimuenchen.de/35412/1/Working_paper_are_the_households_poverty_levels_in_Mekong_Delta_of_Vietnam_affected _by_access_to_credit.pdf. Australian social work students in Vietnam: the collision of cultural difference. Peter Garrity.

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In Social work field education and supervision across Asia Pacific. Edited by Carolyn Noble and Mark Henrickson, Sydney University Press, 2011, pp 115-144. Book introduction (from publisher): Social work programs and schools are flourishing in every corner of the globe, but especially in east and south-east Asia. As social work extends its influence across the region, it includes an increasing variety of theories and practices. Nevertheless, field education and supervision remain at the centre of any social work program and are the cornerstones of professional development for the social worker. Field education fosters international exchange and students can learn about international and cross-cultural social work. -- While we celebrate this growth, it is important not only to explore the common factors, experiences and agreements but also to identify differences and challenges. Social work field education and supervision across Asia Pacific, the second book in the series on social work in the region, considers those challenges and brings together ideas, practices and recent developments. Working in partnerships with colleagues and students across Asia Pacific, contributors explore their field and supervision experiences through the cultural lenses of different countries and cultures. -- Social work academics, field educators, supervisors and students of many nations will find this book helpful as the profession takes on the challenge of working across languages, cultures and values in developing their vision for a more socially inclusive world. The editors and contributors, who are engaged in a broad array of professional interests, hope that readers will find this book both inspiring and challenging as they teach and learn from each other across Asia Pacific. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. Can Vietnamese upland farmers profit from high world market prices? A price transmission analysis. Jonas Luckmann, Rico Ihle, Harald Grethe, Ulrich Kleinwechter. Paper prepared for presentation at the EAAE 2011 Congress Change and Uncertainty Challenges for Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources August 30 to September 2, 2011 ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. Introduction: World market prices of many agricultural commodities have been subject to vast fluctuations in recent years. The FAO food price index reached 213.5 in June 2008 and in January 2011 a new all time high of 231. Cereal prices in particular soared. The FAO cereal price index more than doubled in comparison with 2006, reaching a value of 274.3 in April 2008 and 245 in January 2011 (FAO, 2011). In general net food producers have been found to profit from such a trend, whilst net food consumers are disadvantaged (see e.g. IVANIC and MARTIN, 2006). However, the issue is more complex. The key question which needs to be answered is how prices transmit from the world market level to the rural markets as this is the precondition for shocks to affect rural households in a positive or negative way. This again depends to a large extend on the trade policy measures which are in place (e.g. tariffs, quotas, export subsidies) and the market structure. Thus, conclusions on how word market prices affect rural households can only be drawn for a specific country or region (WINTERS, 2002). -- This study focuses on Viet Nam and here the mountainous northern region, where in the last years maize cropping has become the predominant source of income for rural households. The further study is structured as follows: Section 2 describes the development of maize production and consumption over the last years. Section 3 introduces the research methods. A dual approach is followed, consisting of key-person interviews and econometrical price transmission analysis. In section 4 the results of the analysis are presented and finally section 5 offers some concluding remarks. Free full text http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/114376/2/Luckmann_Jonas_636-1.pdf. Case study 3: Improved beef production in central Vietnam. Clare Leddin, Nguyen Xuan Ba, Nguyen Huu Van, Le Duc Ngoan and Peter Doyle. in Beef production in crop livestock systems: Simple approaches for complex problems. Editor: Bill Winter. Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) 2011, pp. 85-108. Introduction: Improved cattle production in the lowlands of Vietnams central coast provinces (including Quang Ngai) is important for increasing and diversifying farm income. This ACIAR-funded project10 aimed to build local research capacity and improve profitability of cattle production in central Vietnam without displacing food crops or other

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important activities. The focus was on overcoming the nutrition constraints of profitable cattle finishing. The project developed feeding strategies using formulated concentrate and tested them on-station and on-farm. The work led to increased profitability per animal as a result of reduced concentrate costs, reduced time to finish animals and lower associated labour inputs. Free full text http://aciar.gov.au/files/node/13811/beef_production_in_crop_livestock_systems_simpl_98381.pdf Case study 4: Building capacity for cattle production in Dong Giang district, Quang Nam province, Vietnam. Nguyen Xuan Ba, Le Ngoc Tung, Le Duc Ngoan and Peter Doyle. in Beef production in croplivestock systems: Simple approaches for complex problems. Editor: Bill Winter. Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) 2011, pp. 109-126. Introduction: World Vision Vietnam implemented an Area Development Program in Dong Giang district in 1998, with activities in health and nutrition, water sanitation, education and training, food security and livelihood. Participatory planning indicated that the population of Co Tu and Kinh ethnic groups preferred to generate income from livestock. In 2004, the Area Development Program Board formed a project management committee for cattle production and implemented a project in which households can access credit to purchase livestock as a means of generating income. ACIAR has supported this cattle production activity by supplying funds for Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry staff training in project manag ement and cattle husbandry13 and training on technical aspects of cattle husbandry. Free full text http://aciar.gov.au/files/node/13811/beef_production_in_crop_livestock_systems_simpl_98381.pdf Cost function and its use for intergovernmental educational transfers in Vietnam. By: Nguyen-Hoang, Phuong. Education Economics, Feb2012, Vol. 20 Issue 1, p69-91, 23p; Abstract: The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, although many cost function studies have been done in developed countries, there has been no such study for the developing countries such as Vietnam. This paper will make the first attempt at conducting a cost function analysis for Vietnam. Second, it also demonstrates how the results of the cost function analysis can be used to potentially address two weaknesses of the current norms for intergovernmental educational transfers in Vietnam. These norms neither are relevant for output-based budgeting purposes nor fully account for factors influencing provinces' cost of delivering education. The cost function results can be used for a more output-oriented and more adequate, thus more equitable, distribution of educational transfers. Full text http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/routledg/cede/2012/00000020/00000001/art00005. Determinants of efficiency in South East Asian banking. Edward Gardener, Philip Molyneux, Hoai Nguyen-Linh. The Service Industries Journal. London: 2011. Vol. 31, Iss. 16; pg. 2693. Abstract (Summary): This paper explores the efficiency of banks in five South East Asian countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam) using the non-parametric data envelopment approach and Tobit regression. The results indicate that efficiency has significantly declined over the period 1998-2004 indicating that the post-1997 crisis restructuring had a negative influence on bank performance. In line with the established literature on emerging markets, foreign banks appear to be more efficient than the domestic counterparts. However, state-owned banks exhibited greater efficiency than their local private sector peers. Among country-level factors, national banking development shows a strong and positive link with bank efficiency. The results are robust to different assumptions of bank inputs, outputs, technological changes, and national banking convergence. Full text is available upon request. [Gardener et al 2011.pdf] Economic Transition and Accounting System Reform in Vietnam. By: Phuong, Nguyen Cong; Richard, Jacques. European Accounting Review, 2011, Vol. 20 Issue 4, p693-725, 33p; Abstract: Since 1986, Vietnam has been reforming its economic system, moving from a centrally planned economy to a market-oriented economy connected to the rest of the world. This process has been shaped by the tensions and

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power relationship between moderate and radical reformers and the interaction of their reform strategies. This paper demonstrates that, unlike many reforms in former socialist countries, the Vietnamese accounting reform resulted from both external pressures and internal needs. Because Vietnam switched from state capitalism to a type of mixed capitalism, the country was in a position to adapt the former socialist accounting system relatively quietly, moving towards a private capitalist accounting model but preserving many fundamental peculiarities of the old system. The maintenance of the old accounting structure can be explained by the continuity of the political, economic and social environment. However, the transformation has also generated some difficulties due to adapting a private capitalist accounting system to work in a state-dominated market economy. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. Emerging Class Relations in the Mekong River Delta of Vietnam: A Network Analysis. By: PROTA, LAURA; BERESFORD, MELANIE. Journal of Agrarian Change, Jan2012, Vol. 12 Issue 1, p60-80, 21p; Abstract: Neoclassical theory has not succeeded in explaining the relationship between increasing landlessness and class differentiation in rural southern Vietnam. In this paper, we take a relational approach, using statistical techniques from social network theory, to examine the governance structure of markets in a commune of Tra Vinh province in the Mekong River Delta. We demonstrate that new opportunities provided by the process of market development are accessible only to those households controlling the right bundles of resources in the core agricultural production and trading system of the area. Further, industrial employment is available only to those who have, at some stage, controlled land, while those who have never participated in the land and rice markets are confined to casual agricultural labour. The governance structure, embedded informally in relatively stable market networks, therefore reproduces class divisions. Full text http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1471-0366.2011.00334.x/abstract. Firm Lobbying and EU Trade Policymaking: Reflections on the Anti-dumping Case against Chinese and Vietnamese Shoes (2005-2011). Eckhardt, Jappe. Journal of World Trade, October 2011, v. 45, iss. 5, pp. 965-91Publication Date: October 2011 Abstract: t is an accepted view in the trade policy literature that those who lose from external trade are much more easily mobilized politically than those benefiting from it. As a consequence, the argument goes that there is an overrepresentation of protectionist interests in the political arena and a persistent pressure on policymakers to shield their markets from foreign competition. However, I argue that under certain circumstances, import-dependent firms may very well be able and willing to mobilize politically and defend their anti-protectionist trade interests in the political arena. I will use the recent European Union (EU) anti-dumping case against Chinese and Vietnamese shoes to illustrate my argument. Full text available upon request. Foreign Investment and Bribery: A Firm-Level Analysis of Corruption in Vietnam. Dimitar Gueorguiev, Edmund Malesky. Journal of Asian Economics, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 9 December 2011. Abstract: Among the concerns faced by countries pondering the costs and benefits of greater economic openness to international capital flows is the worry that new and powerful external actors will exert a corrupting influence on the domestic economy. In this paper, we use a novel empirical strategy, drawn from research in experimental psychology, to test the linkage between foreign direct investment (FDI) and corruption. The prevailing literature has produced confused and contradictory results on this vital relationship due to errors in their measurement of corruption which are correlated with FDI inflows. When a less biased operationalization is employed, we find clear evidence of corruption during both registration and procurement procedures in Vietnam. The prevalence of corruption, however, is not associated with inflows of FDI. On the contrary, one measure of economic openness appears to be the most important driver of reductions in Vietnamese corruption: the wave of domestic legislation, which accompanied the country's bilateral trade liberalization agreement with the United States (US-BTA), significantly reduced bribery during business registration. Full text http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1049007811001102. [GueorguievMalesky2012.pdf]

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Groundwater investigation on sand dunes area in southern part of Vietnam by magnetic resonance sounding. Nguyen V Giang, Tang D Nam, Maksim Bano. Acta Geophysica. Dordrecht: Feb 2012. Vol. 60, Iss. 1; pg. 157. Abstract (Summary): In the last five years, magnetic resonance sounding (MRS), as a non-invasive geophysical method, has emerged as a new technique for ground water investigation in Vietnam. In this paper, we present the general theoretical basis of this method together with acquisition, processing, and interpretation of the MRS data. We show a case study of MRS surveys in sand dunes area in order to characterize aquifers situated in the southern part of Vietnam. From the interpretation of MRS soundings we delimited an aquifer layer in the subsurface with strong lateral variations for which we determined the depth at 44 m and water content between 3% and 9.5%. The longitudinal relaxation constant T*^sub 1^ is about 250 m s, while the transverse relaxation T*^sub 2^ is between 150-200 m s. That indicates fine to medium grain size and thus low to medium hydraulic permeability. These results are confirmed by the observations from the well LK1 between 45 to 70 m. The results of other MRS measurements showed the presence of a low water bearing aquifer and were confirmed by the observations in two other wells. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. Investigating Vietnam's Ornamental Bird Trade: Implications for Transmission of Zoonoses. By: Edmunds, Kelly; Roberton, Scott; Few, Roger; Mahood, Simon; Bui, Phuong; Hunter, Paul; Bell, Diana. EcoHealth, Mar2011, Vol. 8 Issue 1, p63-75, 13p; Abstract: Global wildlife trade is financially lucrative, frequently illegal and increases the risk for zoonotic disease transmission. This paper presents the first interdisciplinary study of Vietnam's illegal wild bird trade focussing on those aspects which may contribute to the transmission of diseases such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1. Comparing January 2009 data with that of May 2007, we found a five-fold increase to 9,117 birds on sale in Hanoi. Ninety-five percent of Hanoian bird vendors appear unaware of trade regulations and across Vietnam vendors buy birds sourced outside of their province. Approximately 25% of the species common to Vietnam's bird trade are known to be HPAI H5N1 susceptible. The anthropogenic movement of birds within the trade chain and the range of HPAI-susceptible species, often traded alongside poultry, increase the risk Vietnam's bird trade presents for the transmission of pathogens such as HPAI H5N1. These results will assist in the control and monitoring of emerging zoonotic diseases and conservation of Southeast Asia's avifauna. Full text http://www.springerlink.com/content/r6474167w83u0250/fulltext.html. Knowledge and Perceptions of HIV-Infected Patients Regarding HIV Transmission and Treatment in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Don Hoang, An T. Dinh, Nora Groce, Lynn E. Sullivan. Asia Pac J Public Health, Published online before print December 23, 2011. Abstract: Patient education concerning HIV and antiretroviral (ARV) medications is important for optimal outcomes. The authors assessed the knowledge and perceptions of HIV-infected patients in an ARV education program in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Of 185 patients, 64 (35%) receiving ARV medications, nearly 80% correctly answered questions regarding HIV. Correct responses were associated with higher education (P < .05) and longer duration of HIV diagnosis (P < .05). A lack of knowledge was observed in 40% of respondents who believed HIV and AIDS were the same and 70% of respondents who believed ARV medications cured HIV. Greater embarrassment of living with HIV was associated with female gender (P < .05) and lower education (P < .05). Patients were concerned over ARV medication use (27%) and its side effects (38%). The study populations knowledge of HIV/AIDS and ARV medications, perceived stigmatization, and areas of knowledge deficits underscore the need for effective patient education programs addressing poorly understood issues around HIV/AIDS. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. Money farmers. By: SINE, RICHARD; Chi Huyen Mai; Poole, Kate. Smart Money, Dec2011, Vol. 20 Issue 12, p52-57, 6p;

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Abstract: The article discusses how the U.S. can learn from the methods of saving of countries like Vietnam and Switzerland. It says that the U.S. has one of the worst rates of personal savings among the wealthy countries worldwide. According to the author, behavioral economists have encouraged employers to nudge employees into investment plans or automatic savings to counter the effects of the privacy ethos. The hui ritual of saving in Vietnam is also discussed. Free full text http://www.smartmoney.com/plan/banking/global-lessons-for-better-savings-habits1321295811862/. Multi-agent Based Simulation of Traffic in Vietnam. The Duy Bui, Duc Hai Ngo and Cong Tran. in Principles and Practice of Multi-Agent Systems: Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 2012, Volume 7057/2012, 636-648. Abstract: There is always need for a good simulation for traffic in Vietnam in order to help transportation planners to improve the current traffic system. Over recent days, there has been severe traffic congestion in many streets of big cities in Vietnam such as Hanoi and HoChiMinh city. There is an urgent need for measures to deal with increasing congestions. The simulation of traffic in Vietnam is a hard problem due to two main reasons including: (1) the traffic participants in Vietnam do not give way according to the rule; (2) the participants do not consider that when waiting for the vehicles in front, stopping in the intersection is obstructing the traffic flow. In this paper, we propose a multiagent based simulation system for traffic in Vietnam to help transportation planners to find treatments to the problem of congestion of the traffic system in Vietnam as well as to test new designs before committing resources to actually building the transportation infrastructure. By allowing a user to design different road systems as well as to create different simulation scenarios with different agent profiles, our system can simulate the dynamic of traffic in Vietnam in different situations. Full text available upon request. Nutrition agenda setting, policy formulation and implementation: lessons from the Mainstreaming Nutrition Initiative. David L Pelletier, Edward A Frongillo, Suzanne Gervais, Lesli Hoey, Purnima Menon, Tien Ngo, Rebecca J Stoltzfus, A M Shamsir Ahmed and Tahmeed Ahmed. Health Policy Plan. (2012) 27 (1): 19-31. Abstract: Undernutrition is the single largest contributor to the global burden of disease and can be addressed through a number of highly efficacious interventions. Undernutrition generally has not received commensurate attention in policy agendas at global and national levels, however, and implementing these efficacious interventions at a national scale has proven difficult. This paper reports on the findings from studies in Bangladesh, Bolivia, Guatemala, Peru and Vietnam which sought to identify the challenges in the policy process and ways to overcome them, notably with respect to commitment, agenda setting, policy formulation and implementation. Data were collected through participant observation, documents and interviews. Data collection, analysis and synthesis were guided by published conceptual frameworks for understanding malnutrition, commitment, agenda setting and implementation capacities. The experiences in these countries provide several insights for future efforts: (a) high-level political attention to nutrition can be generated in a number of ways, but the generation of political commitment and system commitment requires sustained efforts from policy entrepreneurs and champions; (b) mid-level actors from ministries and external partners had great difficulty translating political windows of opportunity for nutrition into concrete operational plans, due to capacity constraints, differing professional views of undernutrition and disagreements over interventions, ownership, roles and responsibilities; and (c) the pace and quality of implementation was severely constrained in most cases by weaknesses in human and organizational capacities from national to frontline levels. These findings deepen our understanding of the factors that can influence commitment, agenda setting, policy formulation and implementation. They also confirm and extend upon the growing recognition that the heavy investment to identify efficacious nutrition interventions is unlikely to reduce the burden of undernutrition unless or until these systemic capacity constraints are addressed, with an emphasis initially on strategic and management capacities. Full text http://heapol.oxfordjournals.org/content/27/1/19.full.pdf+html. Parameter Identification for Two Conceptual Hydrological Models of Upper Dau Tieng River Watershed in Vietnam.

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Trieu Anh NGOC, Le Van CHINH, Kazuaki HIRAMATSU and Masayoshi HARADA. Journal - Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, 56 (2), 335341 (2011). Abstract: Selection of hydrological models to calculate the rainfall runoff for a river watershed with particular characteristics is not an easy task. Especially in recent years, there have been many conceptual hydrological models to calculate rainfall runoff. The study and analysis of hydrological models that are applied under suitable conditions for appropriate watersheds are necessary to improve the accuracy and applicability of each model. In this research, two hydrological models, namely the Tank model and the NAM model, were used to model the rainfall runoff process of the river system upstream of the Dau Tieng River watershed located along the upper Saigon River in southeast Vietnam. Based on the relationship between model parameters and watershed characteristics, a set of preliminary model parameters was found. The final estimation of the optimal parameters was carried out by calibration through comparison between the simulated time series and the observed data of the overall water balance, overall hydrograph shape, peak flows, and low flows. Free full text https://qir.kyushu-u.ac.jp/dspace/bitstream/2324/20329/1/p335.pdf. Preventing the next Big Bang. By: Mongelluzzo, Bill. Journal of Commerce 11/14/2011, Vol. 12 Issue 42, p34-35, 2p; Abstract: The article reports that maritime industry employers and longshore unions are working together to prevent the entry to U.S. seaports of potentially deadly refrigerated containers from Vietnam. An overview of the explosion of four refrigerated containers at the Port of Kat Lai, Vietnam is provided. Some carriers have pulled out their containers from service that underwent maintenance in Vietnam. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. Prospective analysis of the development of the national nutrition agenda in Vietnam from 2006 to 2008. Karin Lapping, Edward A Frongillo, Lisa J Studdert, Purnima Menon, Jennifer Coates and Patrick Webb. Health Policy Plan. (2012) 27 (1): 32-41. Abstract: Improved understanding of how to advance national nutrition policy is critical to ensure greater policy investments in nutrition. We used a participant-observer, change-agent model to prospectively study why and how national nutrition policy advanced in Vietnam between 2006 and 2008. Our goal was to understand strategies used, factors that shaped policy advancement, and the interaction of strategies with factors in this context. Data were collected using questionnaires, informant interviews, programme visits, document reviews and documentation of key events. For analysis, we created a chronology of events, examined strategies and actions used and their results by event, coded interviews and summarized findings using a well-known framework for policy analysis. Our analysis shows that the following elements were critical to bring greater attention to nutrition policy in this context: (1) building a cohesive nutrition policy community through creation and support of an alliance; (2) clearly defining internal and external frames for the nutrition problem; (3) using and creating high-profile internal and external policy windows; and (4) capitalizing on cultural motivations and values. Findings indicate that that rapid nutrition policy advancement is possible if purposeful, contextually sensitive strategies are used where favourable conditions exist, or can be created. The participant-observer, change-agent model was successful in both contributing to policy advancement and documenting it. Full text http://heapol.oxfordjournals.org/content/27/1/32.full.pdf+html. Urban Form and Accessibility to Jobs: A Comparison of Hanoi and Randstad Metropolitan Areas. Pham Thi Hong Ha, Frans van den Bosch, Nguyen Ngoc Quang, Mark Zuidgeest. Environment and Urbanization Asia, September 2011 vol. 2 no. 2, 265-285. Abstract: Accessibility is a comprehensive performance measure for the integration between land use and transport systems. In this research, two accessibility measures were applied to evaluate the integration between transport and land use in Hanoi metropolitan area: Vietnam, which has a typical monocentric urban form in the current situation, and Randstad metropolitan area, the Netherlands, which has a typical polycentric urban form. Job accessibility by private and public transport was calculated using the traditional potential accessibility measure corrected for competition of jobs. The results show there is a potential improvement of levels of accessibility in Hanoi through its planned transition into a polycentric urban form. The results illustrate the complex relationship between urban and

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regional planning and transport, and how spatial knowledge and geographic information system (GIS) tools can be used to provide urban planners, transport planners and engineers in Hanoi with valuable information related to its present plans of decentralization, and bring them together. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply. User fee exemption does not affect lower rates of hospital admission of girls in Vietnam. Wolf-Peter Schmidt, Motoi Suzuki, Vu Dinh Thiem, Lay-Myint Yoshida, Toru Matsubayashi, Hideki Yanai, Le Huu Tho, Dang Duc Anh and Koya Ariyoshi. Health Policy Plan. First published online: December 19, 2011. Abstract: In many countries, girls have been reported to be less often admitted to hospital than boys. We studied the influence of socio-economic factors, education and access to health care on girls and boys admission rates for pneumonia, diarrhoea and dengue fever in south-central Vietnam. We explored whether the user fee exemption for children under 6 years introduced in 2005 had an impact on girls admission rates. -- In a cohort analysis, we used data from a large census in Khanh Hoa Province conducted in 2006, linked to hospital admission records at individual level. We further analysed a cross-sectional health care utilization survey in a sample of children reported ill at the census. There were 38731 children under 6 years among a total census population of 353891. Overall, girls under the age of 6 years were 29% less likely to be admitted to hospital than boys. The gender differences in admission rates in children under 6 years were similar for diarrhoea, pneumonia and dengue. None of the socio-economic and educational factors appeared to affect the gender difference. The user fee exemption starting from October 2005 had no impact on the girls/boys rate ratio of admission. In conclusion, the higher hospital admission rates of boys compared with girls in Vietnam are independent of socio-economic factors and user fees. Higher susceptibility of boys to severe disease could explain part of the gender gap, but profound cultural norms and beliefs may also have contributed to the findings. Full text http://heapol.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2011/12/18/heapol.czr079.full.pdf+html. Working with the Vietnam Women's Union: Why a social-political organisation makes a good research partner. Abstract: Many project desire to make a difference and ultimately their success is determined by the practice, change that it evokes at the end user. Research for development project, such as those commissioned by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), recognizes that the pathway to impact is long term. To enhance the chances of success, partnerships need to be built that lead to project outputs being taken up and propagates by existing systems and networks. In Vietnam, the Vietnam Womens Union (VWU) is one example of an existing network that can effectively do this. For the ACIAR Indigenous Vegetables project (AGB/2006/112) the VWU is the lead partner in a project designed to develop and test models that improve the profitability of woman farmer supplying indigenous vegetables into transforming markets. The project is also looking to develop effective communication strategies for woman farmer that encourage practice change, in both the production and marketing of their crop. This collaboration is an unusual one for ACIAR. Traditionally research partner, particularly lead partner are agricultural institutions or University departments. The VWU is a social-political organization with goal that include raising the capacity and knowledge of women, to affect gender equality. They operate on four administrative levels within Vietnam-central, provincial, district and commune. This provides them with an extensive network enabling them to integrate new information into existing systems and promote change at different levels. The use of multidisciplinary teams has long being advocated in research for development work (Conway 1987, Grandstaff & Grandstaff 1987). When they exist, typical team structures could be a bio-physical scientist, economist, social scientist, a specialist depending on project need such as ecologist, marketing specialist, or climatologist. As a political government organization the VWU has real power which can be utilized by the project to bring about practice change. This paper uses the VWU as a case study and supports the inclusion of project partner with a community centred advocacy role. Free full text http://www.csu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/199188/EFS_Journal_vol7_n02.pdf#page=129.