Tạp chí Khoa học và Công nghệ Cần Thơ

WILD HORSE OPTIMIZER ALGORITHM FOR DETERMINED OPTIMAL PLACEMENT OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS IN DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS

Vo Minh Thien — 2026-02-27

The rapid development of electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) has increased pressure on the power system, especially the distribution network (DN), and solutions to mitigate these negative impacts are always a priority. This study proposed a model for determining the optimal location of EVCS within DNs with the goal of minimizing installation costs and power losses, while maintaining node voltage stability. The Wild Horse Optimization (WHO) algorithm is applied to the problem, and a standard IEEE 34-node network is used for simulation and verification. MATLAB R2022a software used to retrieve results for two scenarios: with and without Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) optimization. Power losses reached 221.695 kW and 206.097 kW respectively, and the minimum node voltage reached 0.94758 pu, significantly better than previously published GWO results. These results demonstrate that the problem model is appropriate and applicable to calculating EVCS infrastructure development.

DESIGN OF AN AUTONOMOUS MONITORING SYSTEM APPLYING IOT AND SOLAR ENERGY FOR AQUACULTURE

Nguyen Phu Qui — 2026-02-27

Reliable and continuous water-quality monitoring is critical for sustaining modern aquaculture systems. This paper presents the design and implementation of a solar-powered autonomous monitoring platform based on Internet-of-Things (IoT) technologies. The proposed system integrates an ESP32 microcontroller with pH, temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS), and turbidity sensors, while autonomous navigation is achieved using a NEO-8M GPS receiver and a digital compass to follow predefined survey paths. A LoRa communication module enables long-range data transmission to a central monitoring station, where measurements are visualized through an Android application that supports real-time tracking and manual control. Experimental evaluations indicate stable performance, with measurement errors below 5% for temperature, 2.5-6% for pH, and 0.066% for TDS. The GPS subsystem exhibits a positional deviation of 2-3 m which is acceptable for pond-scale aquaculture monitoring applications, and LoRa communication remains reliable within a 15-m range under the tested environmental conditions. The system provides an average off-sunlight operating duration of 1.87 h with the current battery capacity and motor operating configuration. The results confirm the feasibility of the proposed platform and demonstrate its potential for scalable, energy-efficient, and automated water-quality monitoring in aquaculture applications.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF COLLABORATIVE FILTERING TECHNIQUES ON AMAZON FASHION DATA

Lam Thanh Toan — 2026-02-27

Recommender systems play a crucial role in enhancing user experience by delivering personalized suggestions on e-commerce platforms. Among various techniques, collaborative filtering is widely adopted due to its ability to capture implicit relationships between users and items. However, the wide variety of available algorithms makes model selection challenging. This study conducts a comprehensive empirical evaluation of 18 collaborative filtering models categorized into three major groups: matrix factorization, heuristic/statistical methods, and deep learning, using the Amazon Fashion 2023 dataset. These models are assessed using AUC, NDCG@20, Precision@20, Recall@20, and training time. The results reveal that GMF achieves the highest AUC (0.7883), while VAECF and EASER demonstrate superior top-k recommendation quality, with Recall@20 reaching 0.1429. Conversely, models like BiVAECF and COE suffer from high training costs and limited effectiveness, especially in sparse data settings. The study highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each model group and recommends developing hybrid models that combine performance and efficiency for scalable recommender system deployment.

APPLYING BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY GRADE MANAGEMENT IN UNIVERSITY: A CASE STUDY IN VIETNAM

Vo Thanh Vinh — 2026-02-27

In modern education, transparency in grade management is essential to maintaining fairness and trust among schools, teachers, and students. Traditional systems that rely on centralized databases are vulnerable to cyberattacks, unauthorized modifications, and system failures, which may lead to data loss or manipulation. Therefore, a new technological solution is required to ensure secure, transparent, and fair grade management, preventing fraud and enabling easy verification for all stakeholders. This study addresses this need by applying blockchain technology to develop a grade management website that ensures security and transparency through the use of blockchain and smart contracts. The system securely manages student grades in a tamper-proof manner across courses and semesters. It involves building a private blockchain, deploying smart contracts, and integrating blockchain interaction libraries. A user-friendly interface enables students and teachers to view grades by semester, course, or cumulative results, with every grade update recorded transparently on the blockchain.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN MEDICAL EDUCATION: A CASE STUDY OF CAN THO UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE AND PHARMACY

Nguyen Huu Phuoc Dai — 2026-02-27

Background: Digital transformation (DT) is shifting medical education worldwide through technologies such as Machine learning, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and others. However, in developing countries, DT adoption faces several challenges, including limited infrastructure, resource constraints, and insufficient digital competence among educators.

Aim: This study aimed to identify the key drivers and barriers influencing DT implementation at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy (CTUMP) and to explore how demographic and professional variables shape educators' perceptions.

Methods: Data were collected from 122 lecturers and staff from 8 faculties and other departments via an online survey. Descriptive statistics, independent-sample t-tests, and one-way ANOVA analyses were performed to examine differences in DT perceptions by gender, age, years of experience, educational qualifications, and faculties/departments.

Results: Overall, participants showed a generally positive attitude toward DT’s ability to enhance teaching quality and effectiveness. Gender-based differences were observed in confidence and perceived AI risks among male respondents, while years of experience and educational background influenced views on ethical implications and digital training needs. The findings highlight the institutional and human factors that shape DT readiness, offering novel implications for strategic DT in medical education.

IN-VITRO STUDY ON THE ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY OF ALKALINE IONIZED WATER

Ngo Quoc Luan — 2026-02-27

This study assessed the antioxidant capacity of alkaline ionized water produced at laboratory scale using a Kangen TRIM ION H-2 device and a re-filtered domestic water source from Can Tho city. Two approaches were used. First, ORP measurements showed the alkaline ionized water had a negative ORP, which theory links with strong reducing and anti-oxidation potential. Yet this effect did not last when the water stayed in contact with air. The ORP rose quickly, mainly because dissolved hydrogen escaped from the water over time, reducing the water’s reducing power. Second, the DPPH assay provided a practical estimate of antioxidant strength. Results indicated only weak antioxidant activity. Specifically, 19 liters of T3 water showed an antioxidant capacity equivalent to 46.2 mg of ascorbic acid for scavenging 1 mmol of DPPH. Overall, ORP suggested promising reducing conditions at first, but the DPPH test showed the real antioxidant effect was limited and decreased further with air exposure.

SURVEY OF GMO SOYBEANS IN TIEN GIANG PROVINCE AND COMPARISON OF PROTEIN AND LIPID CONTENT WITH NON-GMO SOYBEANS

Tran Ngoc Chi — 2026-02-27

The objective of this study is to determine the presence of genetically modified (GMO) soybean varieties in markets within Tien Giang province, and to compare the total protein and lipid content of these GMO soybeans with non-GMO soybean varieties. Twenty-one soybean varieties collected from various markets in Tien Giang province were subjected to genetic analysis. PCR was employed using specific primers targeting the 35S promoter and nos terminator sequences to detect the presence of genetically modified traits. Results showed that 52.38% of the 21 soybean varieties tested were genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The mean growth duration of these soybean cultivars was relatively short, approximately 61 days. A strong positive correlation was observed between plant height and node number. The soybean variety with the highest protein content is CG1 (0.67 %). The variety with the lowest lipid content is TP3 (8.71%).

FACTORS AFFECTING PHOSPHORUS SOLUBILIZATION AND THE ROLE OF PHOSPHATE-SOLUBILIZING BACTERIA IN AGRICULTURE

Nguyen Thi Hong Xuyen — 2026-02-27

The study involved gathering relevant literature on inorganic phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria and their role in agriculture. The review provides basic knowledge about the factors influencing the phosphorus solubilization process by bacteria in the soil, which in turn can lead to applications of these bacterial groups. Phosphorus (P) is crucial in regulating plant metabolism and health. Phosphorus exists in the soil in an insoluble form, and plants cannot utilize insoluble phosphate forms in the soil. The application of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) is an effective method for converting insoluble phosphorus into soluble forms. However, the phosphorus solubilization efficiency of PSB is significantly affected by environmental factors such as temperature, pH, salt concentration, substrate concentration, type of microorganisms, incubation time, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to control the factors that affect the phosphorus solubilization process of PSB in the soil, creating optimal conditions for the activity of the PSB group during their application.

APPLYING INCLUSIVE ECONOMIC INSTITUTIONS TO IMPROVE UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE: THE CASE OF CAN THO UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

Tran Thi Nhu Tam — 2026-02-27

The theory of Inclusive Economic Institution (IEIs) is not only applied in the field of economics or social management but also the area of education because it ensures the right of broad accessing to education, promotes innovation and develops talent. Thanks to the above advantages, the managers in higher education institutions have always been attracted by IEls. In order to clarify the effectiveness of IEIs, the article focuses on analyzing the basic content of the theory and evaluating the results of applying IEIs at Can Tho University of Technology (CTUT). By doing so, the paper points out the pros and cons in applying IEIs in CTUT and make certain recommendations to complete CTUT’s operation according to educational core value: “Quality - Creativity - Dynamism - Development”.

PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS AND COMPARISON OF DEMAND FORECASTING MODELS AT AN ELECTRONICS COMPANY

Ngo Nguyen Thi Dan Quynh — 2026-02-27

Time series forecasting encompasses both conventional statistical methods such as Moving Average, Exponentially Weighted Moving Average, and AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average and contemporary machine learning techniques, including Artificial Neural Networks and Long Short-Term Memory. Each technique possesses inherent strengths and limitations, making the selection of an appropriate method dependent on the industry and data characteristics. This study investigates demand forecasting in the electronics sector, specifically for electronic components, to optimise resource allocation in a cost-effective and efficient manner. By evaluating the performance of various forecasting methods, comparing their effectiveness, and identifying the approach with the lowest error and highest optimisation potential, this research contributes empirical insights that support informed decision-making and promote operational efficiency.

EFL LEARNERS’ MAJOR PROBLEMS IN THE IELTS WRITING TEST: INSIGHTS FROM A VIETNAMESE CONTEXT

Le Bich Thuan — 2026-02-27

This research investigates the principal challenges encountered by Vietnamese learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in composing argumentative essays for IELTS Academic Writing Task 2, drawing on a case study situated in the Mekong Delta region. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, integrating quantitative evaluation of learners’ written outputs with qualitative insights obtained from semi-structured interviews. The study involved 21 candidates preparing for the IELTS Academic module at Band 5.0 who were enrolled in a private language center. Learners’ essays were assessed in accordance with the official IELTS Writing Task 2 scoring rubric, incorporating four criteria: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. The results reveal that participants face substantial challenges in developing ideas, structuring arguments coherently, employing appropriate lexical resources, and maintaining grammatical accuracy. Among these areas, weaknesses in idea development and vocabulary usage were the most pronounced. These challenges can be clearly explained by learners’ limited subject-matter knowledge, restricted range of academic vocabulary, inadequate writing strategies, and insufficient opportunities for consistent writing practice. In response to these findings, this study contributes to the existing literature on IELTS and EFL writing by providing empirical evidence from an under-researched regional context in Vietnam, thereby enriching current understandings of IELTS Writing Task 2 performance at lower proficiency levels. Moreover, the findings offer practical implications for IELTS instructors and curriculum designers by informing targeted instructional interventions that address learners’ specific weaknesses in idea development and lexical resource use.

VIETNAMESE EFL PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM: A CASE STUDY IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Tran Thi Cam Nang — 2026-02-27

Internship plays an indispensable role in preparing tertiary learners for their upcoming professional paths. By immersing in genuine working classrooms, pre-service teachers have opportunities to apply, regulate or refine what they have learnt in the university. This study aimed to investigate senior students’ perceptions of the internship program they experienced. There were 23 participants voluntarily joining the study after the internship program. To get insights into the research issues, the researcher employed a mixed-methods approach to collect and analyze the data from a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The findings indicated that the interns hold a high level of perception towards the internship program. However, some unsatisfactory issues were also reported and could be a premise for bettering the following internship program. This study fulfils the academic literature by providing insights into the nature and connections between the training programme in Vietnam’s newly established higher education units and real-world working environments.

EFFECTS OF FILM-BASED LISTENING INSTRUCTION ON LISTENING COMPREHENSION AND LEARNING ATTITUDES AMONG BUSINESS ENGLISH STUDENTS IN AN EFL CONTEXT

Tran Thai Nhat Lam — 2026-02-27

This study investigated the effects of watching English-language films on Business English students’ listening comprehension and learning attitudes in an English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) context. Seventy Business English students at Can Tho Technical- Economic College participated in a one-group pretest–posttest (quasi-experimental) intervention integrating English- language films into listening instruction. Quantitative data were collected through listening pre-tests and post-tests and an attitude questionnaire, and qualitative data were gathered through classroom observations. Paired-samples t-test results showed a statistically significant improvement in listening scores from pre-test (M= 7.54, SD = 2.249) to post-test (M = 8.07, SD = 2.341), t = 2.111, p = 0.037 (N = 70). Questionnaire results indicated generally positive attitudes toward movie-based listening activities, including reported gains in motivation, vocabulary, and idiom acquisition, and cultural awareness. However, perceived gains in communicative confidence were more modest. Overall, the findings support the use of English-language films as supplementary instructional resources to develop listening comprehension and foster positive learning attitudes in this EFL setting.