Southern Provinces Of Vietnam Research Articles

Online pharmacy shopping in Southern Vietnam: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Objectives With the rapid internet development, online pharmacy shopping has become a popular activity worldwide. Nevertheless, limited studies have reported this issue in Vietnam. Thus, this research explored the prevalence, associated factors, attitudes, behaviors, and satisfaction related to online pharmaceutical purchasing among customers in Southern Vietnam, as well as to predict factors associated with online pharmacy use. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from June to September 2022 in the southern provinces of Vietnam. Participants were recruited from public health-related Facebook groups via a self-administered questionnaire link. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. Key findings Out of 557 survey respondents, 38.2% reported having purchased pharmaceuticals online, with dietary supplements (82.2%) being the most bought products. The respondents who were >25 years old (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.527; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.002–6.372), having prior online shopping experience for non-pharmaceutical consumer products (aOR = 3.076; 95% CI: 1.252–7.561), and possessing positive attitude toward online pharmacy shopping (aOR = 2.886; 95% CI: 2.027–4.110), were more likely to purchase online pharmaceuticals. A quarter of respondents reported experiencing adverse effects from the products bought online (25.8%). Additionally, compared with the traditional pharmacy, the respondents were more satisfied with the product diversity (77%) but less satisfied with the consultancy activities (44.6%) when buying drugs online. Conclusions The study revealed that purchasing pharmaceutical products online was somewhat common among the survey participants, which highlights the need for improved consultancy activities in online pharmacies in Vietnam.

Reporting the impact of artemisinin resistance: Molecular surveillance of pfK13 and pfEXO mutations in Plasmodium falciparum in Southern provinces of Vietnam

Background: Malaria, mainly caused by Plasmodium falciparum, is a major global health concern. In Vietnam, resistance to artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) is rising, jeopardizing malaria control efforts. This study focuses on mutations in the pfK13 and pfEXO genes, particularly the E415G mutation, in Southern Vietnam.
 Methods: The study involved 421 patients across two cohorts. The first, with 63 patients from Binh Phuoc and Dak Nong, had uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria and were part of the Therapeutic Efficacy Studies (TES), treated according to WHO guidelines (2009). The second cohort, comprising 358 patients from the Central Highlands, aimed to assess mutation frequency in genes linked to artemisinin resistance. Molecular marker analysis, including Sanger sequencing for pfK13 and ARMS-PCR for E415G in pfEXO, was conducted. The study also examined the association of these mutations with Day 3 parasitemia and treatment outcomes using Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine (DHA-PPQ).
 Results: Most cases showed mutations in pfK13, linked to delayed parasite clearance and higher treatment failure, indicating pfK13 as a key marker for artemisinin resistance. The E415G mutation in pfEXO was common but not significantly associated with resistance or treatment outcomes, though there was a tendency towards increased treatment failure among these patients. Conclusion: Our study implies the critical role of the C580Y mutation in the pfK13 gene in artemisinin resistance and its impact on the efficacy of ACTs in Vietnam. The findings highlight the necessity for monitoring these mutations as molecular markers for drug resistance and call for the exploration of alternative treatment strategies in the face of evolving antimalarial drug resistance. This study contributes valuable insights to the molecular epidemiology of malaria in Southern provinces in Vietnam and emphasizes the urgency of addressing artemisinin resistance in the global fight against malaria.
 Key words: pfK13, E415G , artemisinin resistance, P. falciparum, malaria.

Serogroups and antimicrobial susceptibility of <i>Salmonella</i> isolated from people and food items in southern provinces of Vietnam

This article presents current relevant data on the serogroups and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella strains isolated in the southern provinces of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. There were examined 189 Salmonella strains isolated from: human feces in acute diarrhea (86 strains); and pork samples (103 strains). Serological O-group identification was performed by slide agglutination with O- and H-antisera and multiplex PCR to detect H phase-1 and phase-2. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by using the disk-diffusion method according to the EUCAST (version 2019) recommendations. Strains isolated from humans predominantly belonged to O4 group (69.8%). The percentage of other serogroups varied from 1.2% (rare group O16) to 11.6% (O9). About a half of strains (44.7%) isolated from pork samples turned out to belong to the О3,10 serogroup (vs 7.0% of strains from humans). Serogroups О7, О4 and О8 were less frequent (22.3%, 14.6% and 13.6%, respectively). Single strains belonged to serogroups О9, О13, and О18. Regardless of the isolation source, about 80% of Salmonella strains were resistant to antibiotics from different antimicrobial groups (besides carbapenems): 67.0% were resistant to tetracycline; about half were resistant to pefloxacin, ampicillin and chloramphenicol (54.0%, 47.1%, 46.6%); and up to 40% were resistant to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and nalidixic acid. The proportion of strains resistant to ceftriaxone and gentamycin was markedly higher in those of human vs pork origin: 12.8% vs 1.0% and 30.2 vs 1.9%, respectively. Moreover, 62.8% and 43.7% strains of human and pork origin, respectively, showed multidrug resistance (to 3 and more antimicrobial groups). In addition, simultaneous resistance to 6 antimicrobial groups was detected much more frequently in Salmonella strains isolated from humans vs pork samples (15.1% vs 1.0%, respectively). Multidrug resistance (MDR) was observed in strains of different serovars, predominantly S. Typhimurium (36.4%). The predominant MDR (30.3%) phenotype (AMP, TE, QN, C, SXT) was revealed in serovars of S. Typhimurium, S. Bredeney, S. Corvallis, S. Give, S. London, S. Rissen, and S. Meleagridis. Thus, Salmonella strains isolated in the southern Vietnamese provinces featured resistance to fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins. Taking into account simultaneous loss of susceptibility to old antimicrobials (ampicillin, chloramphenicol, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole), it crucially restricts the list of effective medicines to treat complicated salmonellosis cases.

ЭФФЕКТИВНОЕ ЛИДЕРСКОЕ ПОВЕДЕНИЕ ДЛЯ ПОЗИТИВНОГО НАСТРОЕНИЯ, УДОВЛЕТВОРЕННОСТИ И ОРГАНИЗАЦИОННОЙ ПРИВЕРЖЕННОСТИ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫХ СЛУЖАЩИХ – ОПЫТ ВЬЕТНАМА

The study aims to examine the correlations among leadership styles, employee job satisfaction, positive moods, and organizational commitment in the public sector in Vietnam. A quantitative approach was implemented using partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The questionnaire was distributed to 457 respondents working in public agencies in seven southern provinces of Vietnam. The findings concluded that three leadership styles (task-oriented, relation-oriented, change-oriented) directly predicted positive moods, but only task-oriented and change-oriented leadership directly affected employee job satisfaction. Further associations were also confirmed, including the positive effects of positive mood and job satisfaction on organizational commitment. Consequently, the indirect influences between the independent variables (leadership styles) were also indicated. Perceiving the significance of organizational commitment as well as job satisfaction and positive moods from the empirical results, public leaders are able to establish their own appropriate strategies and policies to improve organizational performance in the public sector. Moreover, this article would provide a basis for further analyses in public administration, as this paper is one of the very first leading academic studies in Vietnam public sector.

Epidemiological and etiological aspects of enterovirus infection in Russia and Vietnam

The epidemic situation and etiological factors of enterovirus infection in Russia and Vietnam were analysed and compared. The identified strains of enteroviruses of 47 types, which circulated in Russia in 2018–2019, belonged to different species: Enterovirus species A (CV-A2, CV-A4, CV-A6, CV-A8, CV-A10, CV-A16, EV-A71), as well as Enterovirus species B and Enterovirus species C. The strains isolated from 87 children from southern Vietnam hospitalised in 2018–2019 into infectious hospitals while having enterovirus infection with exanthema were also studied. All identified strains were represented by Enterovirus species A: EV-A71 — 59 strains, CV-A10 — 20 strains, CV-A16 — 5 strains, CV-A6 — two strains and CV-A2 — one strain. Out of 59 viruses EV-A71, 53 strains belonged to genotype C4 and 6 strains belonged to genotype B5. The sequences of EV-A71 strains of genotype C4 from South Vietnam formed a monophyletic cluster with the sequences of EV-A71 viruses which circulated during 2016–2018 in different provinces of China, and they were very close to EV-A71 strains of the same genotype from the Yunnan Province. These strains were genetically different from Russian viruses and Vietnamese viruses identified in the years 2003–2005 and 2011– 2012. Most of the cases of enterovirus infection from southern Vietnam (78%) caused by EV-A71 virus of genotype C4 were reported in three provinces located in southern Vietnam in the Mekong Delta. The epidemic process and the etiology of enterovirus infection in Russia and Vietnam have common features. At the same time, the epidemic situation in these countries is not the same. The incidence of enterovirus infection is influenced by geographic, climatic, economic and demographic factors that differ in two countries. In the majority of territories of Russia, the climate is temperate or cold, seasonal rises in the incidence rates of enterovirus infection usually occur in the summer, when people go on vacation, spend a lot of time outdoors and swim in open reservoirs. In Vietnam, a constant high-level temperature, a high population density and a large proportion of children determine the higher incidence of enterovirus infection, especially in the southern provinces of Vietnam, compared to Russia. The fact that more than 20% of the Vietnamese population lives in the Mekong Delta, which is the largest river in Indochina, has a significant impact on the epidemic process of enterovirus infection in South Vietnam. The Mekong River which flows through China, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, and carries huge streams of water, including rainstorm waters and sewages, from all of these countries into the southern provinces of Vietnam, which have the highest incidence rates of enterovirus infection in the country. The results of the research underline the importance of active epidemiological and virological surveillance of enterovirus infection, which plays the key role in informing the public health authorities about the changes in the epidemic situation in order to take appropriate measures and develop the prevention strategies. The goal of anti-epidemic and preventive measures is to reduce the incidence of enterovirus infection and the economic burden of this infection for Russia and Vietnam.

Awareness and Behavior to Prevent Coronavirus Pandemic: A Case Study of Young People in Southern Of Vietnam

The study was conducted to explore public awareness and behaviors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic through a survey of 302 young people in the southern provinces of Vietnam. The Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were applied to validate relationships between elements of the modeling. The research shown that knowledge of pandemic, awareness of the benefits of preventive measures, and trust in the Government’s effort in disease prevention had a positive impact on preventive behavior against COVID-19. It takes proportional effect on proactive behavior in purchasing daily goods and medical products.

Porcine circovirus genotypes and their copathogens in pigs with respiratory disease in southern provinces of Vietnam.

This study was conducted to investigate the genetic diversity of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and its coinfecting pathogens in pigs with respiratory disease in Vietnam. Samples from 127 clinical cases were obtained from different southern provinces of Vietnam from January 2018 to January 2020 for PCR and sequence analysis. The infection rate of PCV2 was 78.8%, and the major pathogens found in coinfections with PCV2 were porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, and Haemophilus parasuis. Forty-three PCV2-positive clinical samples were selected for amplification and sequencing of the ORF2 region. Phylogenetic analysis of PCV2 ORF2 showed that five of the sequences belonged to PCV2b (11.6%) and 38 belonged to PCV2d (88.4%), indicating that PCV2d strains were predominant in southern provinces of Vietnam. Alignment of the predicted amino acid sequences of the PCV2 capsid protein revealed polymorphic sites in the antibody recognition regions. This study demonstrates the prevalence of the PCV2d genotype in southern Vietnam and presents a comprehensive overview of the coinfecting pathogens associated with PCV2 in young pigs with respiratory disease.

Long-term impact of natural disasters on Vietnamese income per capita: the case of typhoon Durian

This study estimates the effect of natural disasters on Vietnamese income per capita in both short and long-term. The analysis also evaluates the effects by sources of income including income from salary; income from agriculture, fishery, forest; and income from industry, construction, trade, and services. Typhoon Durian happened in December 2006 in southern provinces of Vietnam is chosen for the comparative case study. The analysis applies the Synthetic control method (SCM) to construct a counterfactual with respect to two different control groups and conducts a permutation test for the estimated values. The results show that typhoon Durian decreased aggregate income per capita of the affected region and the effect was long lasting. The reduction of monthly income per capita was estimated to be 56,925 VND which accounts for 7.9% of the total income. The most affected source of income is from agriculture, forestry, and fishery.

Induced spawning of Asian bumblebee catfish (Pseudomystus siamensis Regan, 1913)

Asian bumblebee catfish (Pseudomystus siamensis Regan, 1913) is an indigenous and economically valuable species in southern provinces of Vietnam. It is being exploited for food and ornamentation. This study used fish pituitary gland (FPG), human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and luteinizing hormone releasing hormone analogue (LHRHa) to induce spawning of the fish. The three spawning inducers affected on final oocyte maturation (FOM) and ovulation (FOMO) of females. The optimal revolving dose to induce FOM and FOMO was 10 mg/kg for FPG, 4.000 UI/kg for HCG and 120 μg/kg of female for LHRHa. The suitable periods of egg stripping and artificial insemination were from 9 - 11 h post resolving injection (hpri). Maximum spawning response was obtained with the optimal revolving dose of LHRHa (120 μg/kg). At the suitable stripping period (10 hpri) the rates of spawning, egg fertilization, egg hatching, larval survival, and relative fecundity were 64.5%, 70%, 44.5%, 39.3%, and 38,500 egg/kg of female, respectively.

Developmental, morphological and molecular variation of commercial Ganoderma spp. accessions from southern Vietnam

Abstract. Ho VT, Vo TNH, Le NG. 2019. Developmental, morphological and molecular variation of commercial Ganoderma spp. accessions from southern Vietnam. Biodiversitas 20: 3684-3689. In Vietnam, the market value of Ganoderma spp. increases markedly recently due to the high demand as an effective medicine. However, the breeding programs for this mushroom are still less effective due to the poor knowledge of genetic composition. This study was conducted to investigate the diversity of some commercial Ganoderma spp. accessions from southern Vietnam using both traditional techniques using developmental and morphological characterization, and molecular method using ISSR markers. A total of nine Ganoderma spp. samples were collected from production areas and research institutes in southern provinces of Vietnam and targeted for developmental and molecular characterization. Developmental and morphological variations among accessions were evaluation. In addition, 20 ISSR markers were also utilized for further understanding genetic composition of these mushrooms. The obtained measurement data show a large variation among the studied Ganoderma spp. accessions in term of mycelia growth, diameter, shape, and dried weight of fruiting bodies. Molecular data from 20 ISSR markers also supported genetic variation of the examined samples. Based on the results of this study, the samples of Ganoderma spp. accessions from southern Vietnam can be divided into two main groups which are not correlated to geographical locations of sample collection sites. The results are potential for classification and provide new insights for molecular assisted selection of Ganoderma spp.

Determination of cry2A genes in Bacillus thuringiensis isolated from southern provinces of Vietnam

In 27 isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis from southern provinces of Vietnam with ability to produce bipyramidal inclusions, 21 isolates were positive for cry2A-type genes via PCR methods. Analysis of DNA sequences revealed the amplified products belonged to cry2A-type genes of B. thuringiensis with identity above 90% compared with cry2A sequences published on GenBank sequence database. The identity values of the amplified products of the isolates BT5 and TN7.1 with cry2A group primers were 97% and 99%, respectively, while the identity of 99% were observed in the PCR products of TN7.1 with specific primers for partial sequences of cry2Aa and cry2Ab. These results may be useful for prediction of insecticidal activity of the B. thuringiensis isolates and development of new bioinsecticide products.

Identification and antibiogram of Haemophilus parasuis circulating in pig farms in some southern provinces of Vietnam

Food safety is a matter of concern to the society, in which the organic food market is developing very strongly in Ho Chi Minh City in particular and the Vietnam market in general. The study was conducted by interviewing 372 consumers living in the city to analyse the present situation of organic vegetables consumption in the investigated area, to analyse factors affecting the intention to consume organic vegetables and propose measures to develop organic vegetables market in Ho Chi Minh City. Data processing methods included Cronbach's Alpha, EFA, CFA, and SEM. Research results showed that there were four main factors influencing the intention to consume organic vegetables. The most important factor was subjective noms, followed by consumers' beliefs in organic vegetables, the attitude of consumers towards organic vegetables and consumer's perception of the price of organic vegetables.

Distribution of Virulence Genes among Salmonella Serotypes Isolated from Pigs in Southern Vietnam

This study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence of Salmonella serogroups and serotypes and their virulence gene carriage in pig fecal samples from farms and slaughterhouses in some southern provinces of Vietnam. The presence of Salmonella was assessed based on culture enrichment of the collected samples and biochemical and serological analyses; 27.7% (51) of 184 samples were posititve for Salmonella. Based on the availability of antisera, serogroups were determined for 61% (31) of 51 isolates. Twenty isolates belonging to Salmonella serotypes Typhimurium (10 isolates), Anatum (8 isolates), Senftenberg (7 isolates), Paratyphi B (3 isolates), Paratyphi A (1 isolate), Montevideo (1 isolate), and Saintpaul (1 isolate) were further characterized by a multiplex PCR protocol targeting Salmonella invasion A and virulence plasmid C genes ( invA and spvC, respectively). Individual PCR assays were developed to detect genes for Salmonella enterotoxin ( stn) , Salmonella outer protein B ( sopB), and Salmonella fimbriae ( pef). Various carriage patterns were identified among tested isolates. The invA and sopB genes were found in all isolates, and the stn gene was found in 95% of the isolates. The spvC gene was found in only 5% of the Salmonella Typhimurium isolates. None of the isolates were positive for the pef gene. Among all isolates, the predominant genotypic virulence profile (virulotype) was characterized by the concomitant presence of invA, sopB, and stn in carrier strains. In contrast, two virulotypes comprising either invA, sopB, spvC, and stn or invA and sopB were identified for the Salmonella Typhimurium isolates. Virulotypes made up of multiple virulence genes were predominant in most Salmonella strains tested in this study, indicating that pigs might act as a reservoir for these virulent strains.

Opisthorchis viverrini infections and associated risk factors in a lowland area of Binh Dinh Province, Central Vietnam

Opisthorchiasis caused by Opisthorchis viverrini is a major public health problem in the Mekong Basin in South East Asia. It is associated with cholangiocarcinoma, a fatal cancer of the bile duct, which is very common in some areas of Thailand and Lao PDR. Although there is evidence of opisthorchiasis in the central and Southern provinces of Vietnam, data are scarce and Vietnam is often not considered an opisthorchiasis endemic area in the international literature. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in June 2015 in a lowland rural area of Binh Dinh Province in Central Vietnam to investigate the apparent prevalence of O. viverrini infection in the population and the associated risk factors. A total of 254 stool samples were collected and examined by the Kato Katz method. Consenting people shedding Opisthorchis-like eggs with their stools were treated with praziquantel and MgSO4 and adult worms were collected from stools for morphological and molecular identifications. Risk factors were studied with a structured questionnaire and the association with infection was evaluated by univariate and multivariate Firth’s logistic regression analysis. The apparent prevalence in the investigated population determined by stool examination was 11.4% (CI: 8–16%). Infection with O. viverrini was confirmed in all 11 individuals consenting to receive praziquantel treatment and subsequent worm recovery from stools. The mean number of worms recovered after treatment/purgation was 14.5 (range 2–44). Male gender and the consumption of dishes prepared from raw small wild-caught freshwater fish (Carassius auratus) were found to be significant risk factors associated with opisthorchiasis in the area. These findings confirm the presence of O. viverrini infection in Central Vietnam related to the consumption of raw fish dishes. Awareness campaigns and control programs should be implemented in the region to combat this potentially fatal fluke infection.

South Vietnamese Rural Mothers' Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice in Child Health Care.

A study of 600 rural under-five mothers' knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) in child care was performed in 4 southern provinces of Vietnam. The mothers were randomly selected and interviewed about sociodemographic factors, health seeking behaviour, and practice of home care of children and neonates. 93.2% of the mothers were literate and well-educated, which has been shown to be important for child health care. 98.5% were married suggesting a stable family, which is also of importance for child health. Only 17.3% had more than 2 children in their family. The mother was the main caretaker in 77.7% of the families. Only 1% would use quacks as their first health contact, but 25.2% would use a private clinic, which therefore eases the burden on the government system. Nearly 69% had given birth in a hospital, 27% in a commune health station, and only 2.7% at home without qualified assistance. 89% were giving exclusive breast feeding at 6 months, much more frequent than in the cities. The majority of the mothers could follow IMCI guideline for home care, although 25.2% did not deal correctly with cough and 38.7% did not deal correctly with diarrhoea. Standard information about Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) based home care is still needed.

Complete genome sequence of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus in Vietnam.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) has emerged in Vietnam since 2009. Herein, full-length genome sequences are reported for three PEDV isolates from pigs displaying severe diarrhea from farms located in northern and southern provinces of Vietnam. The results provide more understanding of the molecular characteristics of PEDV in Vietnam.

DEVELOPMENT OF DIFFERENT PROCESSED PRODUCTS FROM THE EDIBLE AND INEDIBLE PARTS OF THE DRAGON FRUIT (HYLOCEREUS UNDATUS)

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) is widely grown in central and southern provinces of Vietnam. Processing is important to produce value-added products from the edible and non-edible parts of the fruit and plant, and at the same time, minimize the problems of fruit perishability and waste disposal. A series of studies was conducted to optimize the processing of wine from fruit pulp, betacyanin and jam from fruit peel, soft drink from plant stems, and tea from flowers. Based on these studies, optimized protocols were developed. For wine processing, the best yeast formula was 50% (v/v) S. ovifomis and 50% (v/v) S. vini. This wine produced had 12% (v/v) ethanol content, pH 3.48, and 6.27°Brix value. For extracting betacyanin, predrying to 32% moisture content was done at 55°C for 45-60 min before extraction using 1:5 (g: ml) raw material and water ratio, pH 5.0, and temperature of 25°C for 10 min; this protocol yielded 14.82% betacyanin. For producing jam from fruit skin, 0.3% pectinase and 0.2% pectin to produce a product of good structure, color and taste. For making soft drink from plant stems, moderately accepted product was produced after 2 h of incubation with 0.25% Pectinex Ultra SP at 45-55°C and pH 4.5. Effective extraction volume was observed at the ratio of 1:4 (raw material and water), blending ratio of 10.4% sugar, 0.1% citric acid, 0.03% Kiwi flavor and pasteurization temperature 95°C for 10 min. For producing teat from the flower remnants, the product mix included 10% dried dragon fruit flower, 0.2% licorice, 0.08% acid citric, 0.03% aroma, 9% sugar and 80.69% water; the product had brownish yellow color, taste and aroma better than other tea products in the Vietnamese market.

Imported Dogs as Possible Vehicles of Vibrio Cholerae O1 Causing Cholera Outbreaks in Northern Vietnam

Strains of V. cholerae O1 were isolated from the sewage and a pond near the first patient's house and also from domestic vegetables obtained at a neighboring market. From 24 October 2007 to 25 June 2009, 1,505 cases were confirmed positive for V. cholerae O1 (biotype El Tor, serotype Ogawa) in 22 cities and provinces in northern Vietnam. On May 8 and May 12, 2009, epidemic strains of V. cholerae O1 were isolated from dogs in slaughter houses in Hanoi and from dogs in cages in Thanh Hoa, respectively. Isolates of V. cholerae O1 in Laos and Thailand were found to be the same clone as those isolates from dogs, patients and environmental water samples in northern Vietnam. Although the transmission routes of cholera differed between the northern and southern provinces of Vietnam, the same clonality was observed among isolates from 2007 to 2010.

Genetic and morphometric characterization of a local Vietnamese Swamp Buffalo population

The water buffalo plays a key role in the socio-economy of South-East Asia as it is the main draught power for paddy rice cultivation. While in the Indian subcontinent the water buffalo is the riverine type, in South-East Asia the majority of buffaloes are of the swamp type. In the poor remote northern province of Ha Giang in Vietnam, improvement of the swamp buffalo breed may be one of the best ways to increase sustainability of farming systems. Therefore, analysis of the genetic structure of the province buffalo population is a prerequisite to any conservation or improvement project. A total of 1122 animals were described for 11 body and horn measurements for morphometric characterization. From this sample set, 744 animals were genotyped for 17 microsatellite markers. Also 17 animals from southern provinces of Vietnam were genotyped as a comparative sample. The results showed that genetic diversity as well as inbreeding value in the Ha Giang was high. The F(ST) values within the province and across Vietnam were low indicating that most of the population variation is explained by individual variability. Bayesian clustering analysis did not highlight the presence of subdivided populations. These results are useful for the implementation of a conservation and improvement strategy of the swamp buffalo in order to guarantee the householders' needs for sustainability of the farming system in the Ha Giang province.

Extensive shrimp farming, mangrove clearance and marine fisheries in the southern provinces of Vietnam

Within the last decade shrimp farming in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam has increased by 3500%. Shrimp farming became un-sustainable in the early 1990's due to the un-planned development of this industry and the resulting self pollution of the farms, the destruction of mangrove forest and the outbreak of viral diseases. Historical data on fisheries, fishing effort and mangrove coverage were obtained from the province Minh Hai (lately divided in Ca Mau and Bac Lieu). Analysis of catch and effort data of marine fisheries in the Mekong Delta indicated a severe danger of over-exploitation of fish stocks and further decline can be expected if fisheries management only considers the demand for fish. The relation between the total fish catch (t/year), the mangrove area (ha), the engine capacity (HP) of the fishing fleet and the social incentive for fishing could be described with the model: Total catch=0.449*Mangrove area + 0.614 Engine capacity + 654 Social factor. One hectare of mangrove forest supports a marine catch of 450 kg/year