Surficial sediment samples along the coastal area of the province Thai Binh in Vietnam have been collected and analysed by modified Tessier method for the mercury content. The mercury levels in these samples were found in the range between 0.12-3.79 mg/kg. Elevated concentrations were observed in some locations close to tidal marshes, large aquaculture productions or low-lying areas. The highest level of mercury was detected in a low-lying terrain near large aquaculture productions. The majority of the mercury species in all samples were witnessed in the fraction bound to organic matters. The predominance of this fraction is possibly associated with some misuses of mercurial fungicides by aqua farmers. These mercury species remain quite resistant in the sediments, thus posing a quite low risk for the surrounding ecological environment. Nevertheless, it is necessary to undertake further studies to evaluate the effect of this contamination on the food chain.

The infection by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (called as COVID-19 disease) is a worldwide emergency, however, there is no antiviral treatment or vaccine until now. The crystal structure of SARS-CoV-2 main protease has been made publicity in the Protein Data Bank recently. Many efforts have been conducted by scientists including the use of several commercial medicines, however, understanding at atomic level how these compounds prevent SARS-CoV-2 protease is still lacking. In this context docking protocol was employed to rapidly estimate the binding affinity and binding pose of six drugs on the main protease.

Marine debris assessment gives information about their quantity, type, and composition, which provides data to help with their management and control. The authors conducted two surveys at three beaches at Sam Son, Hai Tien, Hai Hoa) in Thanh Hoa province in March 2020 and July 2020, respectively, during an inactive and active tourism period. A total of 3,803 waste units were collected for assessment, of which plastic waste accounts for more than 98%. The density of marine debris at the idle time of tourism ranged from 0.25–1.21 items/m2. But the active tourist season recorded from 0.52–1.4 items/m2. According to the Clean Coast Index (CCI), the cleanliness of beaches was grade from average clean (i.e., Hai Tien) to filthy (i.e., Hai Hoa). The plastic debris present at these beaches was mainly porous waste derived from fishing boats and food preservation foam boxes. The results also showed that the marine debris was composed of 77% polystyrene (PS), 17% polypropylene (PP) and 6% high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The water parameters were lower than the critical values during the study period according to the QCVN 10-MT:2015/BTNMT for both periods, which indicated the coastal water quality was still suitable for recreational activities.

International law has ruled out the application of the death penalty on drug offenses. Despite failure to meet the threshold to be categorised as one of the ‘most serious crimes’, the practice of capital punishment for drug offences in many parts of the world continues to dismay human rights activists and practitioners. This article aims to exhibit a dynamic view on drug offences under Vietnamese law. It contends that the nation's understanding of the severity of drug offences has witnessed incremental changes corresponding with international standards, although not completely compatible. Drawing on comparative scholarship, the article then moves on to ask whether there is any room left for the total abolition of capital punishment for drug offences. It suggests that Vietnam's incrementalism towards abolition has reached its bounds. Renovation in the understanding on the severity of drug crimes is very much needed to re-fuel the abolitionist movement in the country.

Eight polyhydroxylated cholesterol derivatives (1-8) were prepared from cholesterol, using oxidative reagents as SeO2, OsO4/NMO, HCOOH/H2O2 and BH3/ H2O2. Their structures were elucidated by using physical methods including NMR 1D and 2D. These compounds were evaluated against two cancer cell lines (Hep-G2, T98). Compounds 2, 4 and 8 inhibits human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (Hep-G2) with IC50 4.69, 4.98 and 2.89 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, compound 8 exhibited strong cytotoxicity against T98 cell line (glioblastoma) with IC50 = 2.28 μM.