Journal of Science and Development Economics

Effect of strength grade on durability of concrete

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study investigates the relationship between concrete strength grade and durability. Four concrete mixtures were proportioned with water-to-binder (W/B) ratios of 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, and 0.60, while a superplasticizer was used to achieve comparable workability among the mixtures. The properties of the concrete samples such as slump, compressive strength, water absorption, drying shrinkage, chloride ion penetration resistance, and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) were evaluated in accordance with the relevant testing standards. The experimental results show that an increase in the W/B ratio resulted in a significant reduction in compressive strength, accompanied by increases in water absorption, drying shrinkage, and chloride ion penetration. In contrast, the UPV decreased with increasing W/B ratio, indicating a reduction in the compactness and integrity of the concrete microstructure. Correlation analysis revealed a clear inverse relationship between compressive strength and the evaluated durability indicators. The findings provide valuable experimental evidence for optimizing the W/B ratio to achieve a balanced performance in terms of both mechanical strength and long-term durability, thereby supporting the design and production of durable concrete structures.

AI application in commerce and services: Digital skills training in SMEs

Trieu Thai Duong, Huynh Thanh Danh, Do Dang Trinh — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study evaluates the current state of digital transformation (DT) and the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in human resource management and workforce training among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the commerce and service sectors in the Mekong Delta region. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods through document analysis, in-depth interviews, and both direct and online surveys. A stratified random sampling method was applied to three groups of respondents, including business leaders, managers, and employees. After the data screening process, 89 valid SME samples were retained for analysis. The study utilized a five-point Likert scale with nine AI-related variables. Data analysis methods included descriptive statistics, comparative analysis, and qualitative synthesis. The findings indicate that business leaders demonstrate positive perceptions toward AI and digital transformation; however, a significant gap remains between leaders and employees regarding AI application capabilities. Employees exhibit a high demand for AI-integrated digital skills training, yet current training programs have not fully met practical requirements. The study also highlights the importance of collaboration between universities and SMEs in co-designing AI training programs to develop a digitally skilled workforce for the digital economy.

Factors influencing Nam Can Tho University students’ decision to use the VIPO Mall e-commerce platform

Nguyễn Phan Ngọc My, Phạm Hoàng Bảo Yến — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study aims to identify the factors influencing Nam Can Tho University students’ decision to use the VIPO Mall e-commerce platform. Data were collected from 202 students and analyzed using SPSS through Cronbach’s Alpha reliability testing, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), and Binary Logistic Regression. The results indicate that the research model achieved a high level of goodness-of-fit, with a Nagelkerke R Square value of 0.897 and an overall prediction accuracy of 96.5%. Three factors were found to significantly influence students’ decisions to use VIPO Mall, including Social Influence, Perceived Ease of Use, and Perceived Risk. Among these, Social Influence had the strongest positive effect, while Perceived Risk negatively affected the usage decision. The study contributes additional empirical evidence and proposes managerial implications to enhance students’ adoption of the VIPO Mall platform.

Analysis of factors affecting the intention to use QR code payment of students at the University of Nam Can Tho

Nguyễn Huỳnh Như, Lưu Thị Thùy Dung — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The study aims to identify the factors affecting the intention to use QR code payment of students at Nam Can Tho University. Data was collected from 248 students through a survey and analyzed using SPSS with Cronbach's Alpha, EFA, correlation and multiple linear regression methods. The results show that perceived value has the strongest influence on the intention to use QR payment, followed by trust and social influence, while personal innovativeness is not statistically significant. The study provides a practical basis for providers to promote the use of QR payment among young people.

An exploratory study of EFL teachers’ perceptions of using ChatGPT in the Mekong Delta

Ngan Cam Hong, Van Thi Hong Le, Huynh Thi Thuy Nguyen — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

ChatGPT presents significant opportunities and challenges in EFL teaching and learning, with the potential to transform Vietnamese education positively. This study conducted an exploratory study of EFL teachers’ perceptions of using ChatGPT in teaching activities across the region of Mekong Delta (MD). Grounded in Appraisal Theory and informed by previous studies, an online questionnaire was developed and administered by a cross-sectional survey. The study investigated EFL teachers’ awareness of ChatGPT’s applications, their current practices, and their evaluations and recommendations for its effective use. Additionally, documentary analysis of previous research was employed to interpret the findings and provide further insights. Using convenient sampling, 60 EFL teachers from 10 provinces in the MD participated in the study, representing various educational levels. Results indicated that teachers generally perceived ChatGPT as a valuable tool to enhance teaching activities, improve efficiency in lesson planning and content delivery. However, they also identified challenges, including ethical concerns, lack of training, and limited resources for its integration. Despite moderate levels of their practices, participants expressed a high degree of optimism about ChatGPT’s potential and provided thoughtful recommendations for maximizing its benefits. The findings underscore the need for targeted professional development programs and the establishment of ethical guidelines. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on AI in education in under-researched regions, offering valuable recommendations for stakeholders aiming to leverage AI in EFL teaching.