Ninh Thuan Province Research Articles

Emergence of an exotic strain of serotype O foot-and-mouth disease virus O/ME-SA/Ind-2001d in South-East Asia in 2015.

The O/Middle East-South Asia (ME-SA)/Ind-2001 lineage of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is endemic in the Indian subcontinent and has been reported in the Middle East and North Africa, but it had not been detected in South-East Asia (SEA) before 2015. This study reports the recent incursions of this viral lineage into SEA, which caused outbreaks in Vientiane Capital of Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) in April 2015, in Dak Nong, Dak Lak and Ninh Thuan Provinces of Vietnam from May to October 2015, and in Rakhine State of Myanmar in October 2015. Disease investigations were conducted during the outbreaks and followed up after laboratory results confirmed the involvement of FMDV O/ME-SA/Ind-2001 sublineage d (O/ME-SA/Ind-2001d). Affected host species included cattle, buffalo and pig, and all the outbreaks resolved within 2 months. Animals with clinical signs were separated, and affected premises were disinfected. However, strict movement restrictions were not enforced, and emergency vaccinations were only implemented in Vientiane Capital of Lao PDR and Dak Nong and Ninh Thuan Provinces of Vietnam. Clinical samples were collected from each outbreak and examined by nucleotide sequencing of the FMDV viral protein 1 coding region. Sequence analysis revealed that the O/ME-SA/Ind-2001d isolates from Lao PDR and Vietnam were closely related to each other and similar to viruses previously circulating in India in 2013. Viruses collected from Myanmar were divergent from viruses of the same sublineage recovered from Lao PDR and Vietnam but were closely related to viruses present in Bangladesh in 2015. These findings imply that at least two independent introductions of O/ME-SA/Ind-2001d into SEA have occurred. Our study highlights the transboundary nature of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and reinforces the importance of improved FMD surveillance and promotion of safer cross-border trade in SEA to control the risk of introduction and spread of exotic FMDV strains.

In vitro propagation of Xao tam phan (Paramignya trimera (Oliv.) Guill.)

Paramignya trimera (Oliv.) Guill., a woody climber commonly known as "Xao tam phan", has been used in Vietnamese folk for the treatment of numerous cancers. Due to word of mouth about the anticancer properties of this plant, its stems and roots have been overexploited leading to the serious decline of this species in Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa and Ninh Thuan provinces. The aim of the study was to establish an in vitro propagation protocol for the conservation of P. trimera. In this research shoot clusters (5–8 shoots/cluster) were regenerated from axillary bud explants of 1–3 year-old trees after 3 months of cultures on the WPM (woody plant medium) supplemented with STS 3 and BA 5–7 mg/L. STS (silver thiosulfate) was used to prevent the leaf abscission. These shoot clusters grew slowly and reached 1–3 cm in heights after 4 months of the cultures. These shoot clusters did not form any roots after 2 months of culture on the rooting media with IBA and/or NAA 1–5 mg/L. However, there was 51 % of the treated shoot clusters acclimatized and produced new stem and leaves after 2 months growing in greenhouse. WPM supplemented with STS 3, BA 5 and IBA 5 mg/L showed the best response for callus induction in leaf explants after 3 months of cultures. Among the callus types, the milky white compact calli were induced at the cut surface of leaf explants after 3 months of the cultures and became the compact and nodulated calli within 4 weeks later.

K13 Propeller Mutations in Plasmodium falciparum Populations in Regions of Malaria Endemicity in Vietnam from 2009 to 2016.

ABSTRACTThe spread of artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum compromises the therapeutic efficacy of artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) and is considered the greatest threat to current global initiatives to control and eliminate malaria. This is particularly relevant in Vietnam, where dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) is the recommended ACT for P. falciparum infection. The propeller domain gene of K13, a molecular marker of artemisinin resistance, was successfully sequenced in 1,060 P. falciparum isolates collected at 3 malaria hot spots in Vietnam between 2009 and 2016. Eight K13 propeller mutations (Thr474Ile, Tyr493His, Arg539Thr, Ile543Thr, Pro553Leu, Val568Gly, Pro574Leu, and Cys580Tyr), including several that have been validated to be artemisinin resistance markers, were found. The prevalences of K13 mutations were 29% (222/767), 6% (11/188), and 43% (45/105) in the Binh Phuoc, Ninh Thuan, and Gia Lai Provinces of Vietnam, respectively. Cys580Tyr became the dominant genotype in recent years, with 79.1% (34/43) of isolates in Binh Phuoc Province and 63% (17/27) of isolates in Gia Lai Province carrying this mutation. K13 mutations were associated with reduced ring-stage susceptibility to dihydroartemisinin (DHA) in vitro and prolonged parasite clearance in vivo. An analysis of haplotypes flanking K13 suggested the presence of multiple strains with the Cys580Tyr mutation rather than a single strain expanding across the three sites.

Community perceptions of targeted anti-malarial mass drug administrations in two provinces in Vietnam: a quantitative survey

BackgroundAs part of a targeted malaria elimination project, mass drug administrations (MDAs) were conducted in Vietnam. The impact of MDAs on malaria transmission depends largely on the efficacy of the anti-malarial drug regimen, the malaria epidemiology in the site and the population coverage. To explore why some people participate in MDAs and others do not, a quantitative survey of the villagers’ perceptions was undertaken in Vietnam.MethodsIn 2013/2014 MDAs were conducted in a village in Binh Phuoc province and a village in Ninh Thuan province. Within three months of the drug administration, 59 respondents in a village in Binh Phuoc and 79 respondents in a village in Ninh Thuan were randomly selected and interviewed.ResultsComprehension of the purpose of the intervention was of paramount importance for participation in the intervention. Respondents aware that the intervention aims to protect against malaria were significantly more likely to participate than respondents who were unaware of the MDA’s purpose. Secondly, how and by whom villagers were informed was critical for participation. There was a strong association between sensitization by an informant such as a member of the local health team with participation in the intervention.ConclusionsThe study suggests several approaches to increase participation in mass drug administration campaigns. Training trustworthy informants to sensitize the study population is critical to maximize village participation in this setting. To achieve high coverage the entire community must understand and agree with the intervention.

Evaluation of genetic diversity and structure of Vietnamese goat populations using multi locus microsatellite markers

Goats are an important component of the Vietnamese livestock industry but little is known about their genetic diversity, differentiation and population structure. We evaluated genetic diversity of seven indigenous goat populations located in different provinces (CoVBV (Co goats from Ba Vi), (CoVSL) Co goats from Son La, CoVTH (Co goats from Thanh Hoa), CoVNT (Co goats from Ninh Thuan), CoVHg (Co goats from Ha Giang), BTVBV (Bach Thoa goat from Ba Vi) and BTVNT (Bach Thoa goats from Ninh Thuan)) and used microsatellite markers to assess the gene flow and population structure among them. The basic diversity measures viz. allelic diversity and heterozygosity were low in Vietnam goats as compared to West Asian and European goats. The overall mean FIS was significantly positive in Co goats (0.203) whereas it was only 0.003 in Bach Thao goats. Considerable genetic differentiation existed among goat populations from different provinces with the mean global FST, FIT and FIS estimated to be 0.083, 0.178 and 0.104 respectively. The phylogenetic tree constructed on pair-wise allele sharing distances revealed clustering of the two Bach Thao goat populations together. Among the Co goat populations, Son La (CoVSL) and Ha Giang (CovHG) clustered together distinctly while Thanh Hoa (CoVTH), Ba Vi (CoVBV) and Ninh Thuan (CoVNT) populations clustered intermediately. The results of multi-dimensional scaling plot of pairwise FST showed a similar picture except that Co-Ninh Thuan (CoVNT) was differentiated from other Co goat populations. When genotype assignment was performed at breed level, the percent correct assignment of Bach Thao goats (93.7%–96.2%) was consistently higher than Co goats (86.8%–88.1%) across the three evaluated methods. When genotype assignment at sub-population level was done, both Co (CoVNT) and Bach Thao (BTHNT) goat populations in Ninh Thuan province were assigned correctly while the percent correct assignment differed among goat populations from other provinces. AMOVA and Bayesian clustering analysis revealed the existence of significant sub-population structure and varying levels of admixture within Co goats among different provinces. The present study is the first report on genetic diversity and structure of indigenous goat populations raised in different provinces of Vietnam.

Impact of Land Acquisition on the Sustainable Livelihoods in Ninh Thuan Province, Vietnam

Impact of Land Acquisition on the Sustainable Livelihoods in Ninh Thuan Province, Vietnam

Cysts of the genus Protoperidinium species in sediments from coastal waters of Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa and Ninh Thuan provinces, South central Vietnam

Cysts of the genus Protoperidinium species in sediments from coastal waters of Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa and Ninh Thuan provinces, South central Vietnam

SPECIES COMPOSITION AND DISTRIBUTION OF SEAWEEDS AT NAI LAGOON, NINH THUAN PROVINCE

This paper presents the status of species composition and distribution of seaweeds at Nai lagoon, Ninh Thuan province. From 2013 to 2014, seaweed samples from 12 sites at Nai lagoon were collected. The result shows that, there are 47 species of marine seaweeds, belonging to four phyla: Cyanophytes (Cyanophyta), Rhodophytes (Rhodophyta), Phaeophytes (Phaeophyta) and Chlorophytes (Chlorophyta). Among them, five species were classified in Cyanophyta (comprising 10.6% of total species); fifteen species in Rhodophyta (31.9%); five species in Phaeophytea (10.6%) and twenty two species in Chlorophyta (46.9%). The number of species at each site is significantly different, ranges from 3 species (site number 17) to 20 (site number 6) and average value is 11.3 species per site. The number of species in dry season is 38 and in rainy season is 39, and 32 species appear in both seasons. The coefficient index fluctuates from 0.10 (site number 11 and 17) to 0.82 (14 and 17). Among 47 species, 31 species distribute in the littoral zone and 32 species distribute in sub-littoral zone. Marine algal flora in Nai lagoon is represented by tropical characteristics.

HYDRODYNAMIC REGIME AND WATER EXCHANGE IN NAI LAGOON, NINH THUAN PROVINCE

This study presents the researching results of the characteristics of hydrodynamic regime and the water exchange in Nai lagoon in Ninh Thuan province and the impact of change in embankment system according to simulation by using numerical models. By application of 3-dimensional MIKE 3 model, the pattern has been established to verify the data of water levels. Calculation is set up in July and in October (representing wet and dry seasons in the region). The simulation results show that in October tidal amplitude is greater than that in July. The flow rate in the center of the lagoon is small, an average of about 2 cm/s, the largest not exceeded 4 cm/s. Regime of water exchange between Nai lagoon and the sea is differences in the rainy and dry seasons. The effect of changes in size of embankment system on hydrodynamic regimes and water exchange of Nai lagoon is also analyzed, evaluated.

Cayratia cheniana (Vitaceae): An Endangered New Species Endemic to the Limestone Mountains of Ninh Thuan Province, Vietnam

Abstract Considerable numbers of species have become extinct before being scientifically described, and the loss of natural habitats is known to be one of the major reasons for biodiversity declines. In this study, an endangered new species, Cayratia cheniana L. M. Lu & J. Wen, endemic to the limestone mountains of Ninh Thuan province of Vietnam is herein described based on both morphological and molecular evidence. With five chloroplast markers, Cayratia cheniana is placed as the first diverged lineage of Cayratia Juss. Morphologically, Cayratia cheniana shares synapomorphies with all other Cayratia s. s. in possessing a membrane enclosing ventral infolds in the seeds and presence of bracts on the lower part of the inflorescence axis. This species can be readily distinguished from other congeners by its tripalmate-trifoliate to bipinnate leaf architecture and stems with shredding bark.

Evaluation of VVER-1200/V-491 Reactor Pressure Vessel integrity during large break LOCA along with SBO using MELCOR 1.8.6

After Fukushima accident and stress test recommended by IAEA for existing reactors, higher safety requirements are enforced upon nuclear power plants during design extension and severe accident conditions. Based on those arguments, Vietnam Government requests a lot of effective safety solutions, in designs proposed for the nuclear power plants in Ninh Thuan province of Vietnam, which can prevent the accident progression toward severe accidents and mitigate severe accident consequences. One of safety requirements is related to delay time of core melt during design extension condition. Especially, if the worst case of accidents occurs, the reactor vessel integrity must be maintained at least 24 hours from the beginning of the accident. With the aim at investigation of Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) integrity, in this study, MELCOR 1.8.6 code is used to evaluate the integrity of RPV lower head for VVER-1200/V-491 reactor during a Large Break Loss of Coolant Accident (LBLOCA) in combination with Station Blackout (SBO) event. The study figures out several parameters related to melt down progress such as: rupture position and rupture timing, the amount of hydrogen generated. Availability of the second stage hydro-accumulators (HA2) in the VVER-1200/V-491 is assumed as an additional improvement to delay the timing of core melt as well as to maintain the vessel integrity for long-term.

CHARACTERISTICS OF HYDRODYNAMICS AND FLUSHING TIME IN NAI LAGOON (NINH THUAN) - RESULTS BASED ON THE DELFT3D

This paper presents the results of research and estimate on the hydrodynamic characteristics and flushing time in Nai lagoon (Ninh Thuan province). The 3D model was set up based on Delft3D modelling system and calibration, validation through measured data of currents, water elevation in typical seasons (rainy and dry). The results showed that tidal amplitude in the lagoon decreases 0.05 - 0.2 m compared to the value in the open sea. The tidal lag in the lagoon is about 1 hour (high tide) and about 1 - 3 hours for low tide. Current velocity in Nai lagoon is always less than 0.2 m/s. Flushing time in Nai lagoon is fairly good compared with other lagoons in Vietnam as well as in the world with the value of about 2.4 - 2.7 days.

The Conversion to Protestantism: A Challenge in Ethnic and Religious Life of Brahmanism Cham People in Ninh Thuan Province, Vietnam

The Cham Balamon people in Vietnam are an ethnic group with long religious and cultural traditions, who give a great importance to preserving their own cultural identity through generations. However, in recent years there are many economic, cultural and social changes in the life of the Cham Balamon community. One of the significant changes in the spiritual life of this community is the conversion of belief from Hinduism to Christianity. We think that this is an outstanding problem that needs to be addressed by formal and comprehensive scientific research projects. We have dispatched several research groups to conduct field trips, deep interviews and sociological surveys on the spiritual life of the Cham Balamon community. This paper is the first step of those researches pointing out the problems and challenges to the Cham Balamon community in Ninh Thuan Province, Vietnam. These are cultural and belief conflicts among people in the community or even among family members. However, we would predict that the biggest challenge is the risk of losing cultural identities that the Cham Balamon community is facing today due to religious conversion

ANALYZING FACTORS AFFECTING THE POVERTY IN FISHER COMMUNITIES IN NINH THUAN COAST

This study aims to quantify factors affecting the poverty in fisher communities in the coast of Ninh Thuan province. Based on theories on poverty, we employed an econometric model to estimate the impact of each factor on the poverty of the households. We found that the rate of poor households remains high, at 10.6%. Factors causing the poverty include householder’s years of schooling, family size, and net fishing business. The model’s explanatory capacity is 36.2%. The results also show that in order to successfully combat the poverty, it is necessary to introduce career transition assistance policies, education and training as well as family planning to the fisher households.

The public committed effective dose caused by consumption of foods & foodstuffs in Ninh Thuan

Based on the data set about radionuclides concentration in foods and foodstuffs obtained from the implementation of the National Projects on “Investigation on radionuclides and toxic elements concentration in the main kinds of foods & foodstuffs of Vietnam” and “Assessment of Marine Environmental Radioactivity Status for two selected sites of Nuclear Power Plant in the near future at Ninh Thuan Province”, a calculation software of the International Commission for Radiological Protection (ICRP), the public committed effective doses (for adult only) caused by consumption of main foods & foodstuffs in the studied experimental region were estimated. In general, the committed effective doses for adult public caused by the daily intake of radionuclides of U, 232Th, 210Pb, 210Po, 226Ra, 40K, 90Sr, 137Cs and 239,240Pu are: 7.9´10-5, 4.1´10-6, 1.1´10-2, 1.7´10-1, 1.4´10-3, 1.2´10-1, 2.32´10-4, 1.9´10-4, 2.7´10-9 (mSv/year), respectively, and the contribution of U, Th series, 40K and artificial radionuclides are 61.3%, 38.6% and 0.1%, respectively.

Investigation of the contents of three main bio-active substances in the seed oil of the neem trees planted in Ninh Thuan province, Vietnam.

Investigation of the contents of three main bio-active substances in the seed oil of the neem trees planted in Ninh Thuan province, Vietnam.

Groundwater reserve and capacity of groundwater extraction for Ilmenite placer mining in Ninh Thuan province

Mining ilmenite placer develops quickly along the coastal zone in the center area, Vietnam. In Ninh Thuan province, the mines are mostly using water for the exploitation. We simulated groundwater flow with uncertain parameters in order to answer if groundwater can supply a part of water demand for the exploitation of ilmenite by using GMS software. Unfortunately, as the results of simulation, groundwater is not enough to supply for ilmenite exploitation. The authors calculated the ilmenite reserves in several communes in Ninh Thuan and water demands. Comparison of water demands and ability of groundwater supply concludes that local government should make a sustainable strategy of water use to preserve groundwater.

Phân tích SWOT về phát triển du lịch sinh thái vùng duyên hải cực Nam Trung Bộ (SWOT Analysis of Eco-Tourism Development at Far South Central Coast)

Vietnamese Abstract: Bai viết nhằm phân tich SWOT cac vấn đề phat triển du lịch sinh thai vung cực Nam Trung Bộ, bao gồm hai tỉnh Binh Thuận va Ninh Thuận. Từ đo, co thể suy nghĩ đến việc vận dụng kết quả phân tich nay trong thực tế. English Abstract: This paper aims at SWOT analyzing of eco-tourism development at Far South Central Coast including Binh Thuan province and Ninh Thuan province. From that, the paper reveals the view pf how to apply this analysis in reality.

Forages improve livelihoods of smallholder farmers with beef cattle in South Central Coastal Vietnam

In South Central Coastal Vietnam, on-farm research and farmer experience demonstrated the benefits of growing improved forages as a means of improving the year-round quantity and quality of feed available for smallholder beef cattle production. In Binh Dinh, Phu Yen and Ninh Thuan provinces, 5 new forage species ( Panicum maximum cv. TD58 , Brachiaria hybrid cv. Mulato II, Pennisetum purpureum cv. VA06, Paspalum atratum cv. Terenos and Stylosanthes guianensis cv. CIAT 184) were evaluated for yield and crude protein concentration. There was no consistent yield difference between locations for the forage grasses, but in Binh Dinh province P. maximum TD58 produced the highest yield. The grasses were comparable in crude protein concentration. Stylo CIAT 184 produced much less forage than the grasses but had a much higher crude protein concentration. All species have potential use, depending on the circumstances and site factors such as fertility, drainage and availability of irrigation. This work was expanded to a total of 45 farmers to gain feedback on farmer experience in growing different forages. The percentage of farmers who “liked” the introduced forages was Mulato II, 92%; TD58, 85%; VA06, 82%; Paspalum, 46%; and Stylo, 36%. By far the most important early socio-economic impact of developing perennial forage plots close to households was an average 50% reduction in the amount of labor and time that farmers spend supplying cut-and-carry forage to their animals. In addition, the growing of forages can meaningfully reduce the grazing pressure on common grazing lands, thereby lowering the potential for environmental degradation.

The Cassava Mealybug (Phenacoccus manihoti) in Asia: First Records, Potential Distribution, and an Identification Key

Phenacoccus manihoti Matile-Ferrero (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), one of the most serious pests of cassava worldwide, has recently reached Asia, raising significant concern over its potential spread throughout the region. To support management decisions, this article reports recent distribution records, and estimates the climatic suitability for its regional spread using a CLIMEX distribution model. The article also presents a taxonomic key that separates P. manihoti from all other mealybug species associated with the genus Manihot. Model predictions suggest P. manihoti imposes an important, yet differential, threat to cassava production in Asia. Predicted risk is most acute in the southern end of Karnataka in India, the eastern end of the Ninh Thuan province in Vietnam, and in most of West Timor in Indonesia. The model also suggests P. manihoti is likely to be limited by cold stress across Vietnam's northern regions and in the entire Guangxi province in China, and by high rainfall across the wet tropics in Indonesia and the Philippines. Predictions should be particularly important to guide management decisions for high risk areas where P. manihoti is absent (e.g., India), or where it has established but populations remain small and localized (e.g., South Vietnam). Results from this article should help decision-makers assess site-specific risk of invasion, and develop proportional prevention and surveillance programs for early detection and rapid response.