This study investigated the applicability (generalizability) of utilizing a partial least squares (PLS) model previously posed to predict consumer purchase intention (PI) of recycled plastics-sourced apparel in a developed economy to predict PI in an emerging economy. To explore the original model’s generalizability, 495 Vietnam residents were surveyed via social media platforms (SMPs). Using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) path analysis, it was found that three factors significantly affect PI (quality, sustainability, safety), albeit not the same organization of factors found to be significant in the original model. Thus, it is argued that consumer PI in emerging economies may not be entirely congruent with that of developing economies. As prior research of consumer PI of apparel made from recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (rPET) bottle fibers in emerging economies is limited, the results of this study, in support of open innovation, provide practical suggestions for marketers and a starting point for future investigations and discussions. The paper also discusses the findings’ relevancy to other contexts and poses suggestions for further study.

This study investigated the effects of using IELTS model essays in conjunction with noticing as a feedback instrument on Vietnamese undergraduates’ IELTS Task 2 writing performance. To investigate this, a quasi-experimental design was undertaken. The control group used the course textbook and received traditional writing feedback (i.e. direct, indirect, and peer feedback), which they drew on while composing their second drafts. Conversely, the experimental group utilized IELTS model essays in conjunction with noticing as a feedback instrument to compose their second drafts. To compare each group’s writing gains, pretest and posttest writing samples were evaluated using the IELTS Task 2 rubric’s overall and four subscale band scores. The data were analyzed using inferential statistics (paired-samples t-test, independent-samples t-test). The results indicated that the experimental group significantly outperformed the control group in all areas. As prior research specific to using IELTS model essays in conjunction with noticing as a feedback instrument with IELTS Writing Task 2 in the Vietnamese postsecondary context is noticeably absent, this paper is offered as a starting point for future investigations and discussions. The paper also discusses the topic and results’ relevancy to the larger Asian context and poses suggestions for further study.

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused a large-scale global pandemic between 2020 and 2022. Despite efforts to understand its biological and pathogenic mechanisms, the viral impact on the neurological systems remains unclear. The main goal of this study was to quantify the neurological phenotypes induced by the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in neurons, as measured by in-vitro multiwell micro-electrode arrays (MEAs). Materials and methods: The authors extracted the whole-brain neurons from the newborn P1 mice and plated them on multiwell MEAs and administered purified recombinant spike proteins (both S1 and S2 subunits) from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The signals from the MEAs were transmitted from an amplifier to a high-performance computer for recording and analysis using an in-house developed algorithm to quantify neuronal phenotypes. Results: Primary among the phenotypic features analyzed, we discovered that neuronal treatment with spike 1 protein (S1) protein from SARS-CoV-2 decreased the mean burst numbers observed on each electrode, an effect that could be rescued with an anti-S1 antibody. Conversely, this mean burst number decrease was not observed with spike 2 protein (S2) treatment. Finally, our data strongly suggest that the receptor binding domain of S1 is responsible for the reduction in neuronal burst activity. Conclusion: Overall, our results strongly indicate that spike proteins may play an important role in altering neuronal phenotypes, specifically the burst patterns, when neurons are exposed during early development.