Trang Province Research Articles

Incidence and persistence of asymptomatic Leishmania infection among HIV-infected patients in Trang province, Southern Thailand: A cohort study.

Leishmaniasis poses a significant health burden, particularly among immunocompromised patients. In Thailand, Leishmania infection caused by Leishmania martiniquensis and Leishmania orientalis lacks information about the incidence and risk factors among HIV-infected populations. This longitudinal cohort study aimed to investigate the incidence and persistence of Leishmania infection among HIV-infected individuals in an affected area, Trang Province, Southern Thailand. The study also identified risk factors associated with the incidence of Leishmania infection. The study enrolled 373 participants in the HIV clinic, Trang Hospital, who initially tested negative for Leishmania infection during 2015-2016, and 133 individuals initially tested positive for Leishmania infection. Thus, follow-up visits of 506 participants occurred during 2018-2019. Direct Agglutination Test (DAT) and nested PCR (nPCR) identified incidents and persistent cases of Leishmania infection. Cox proportional-hazards regression analyses were performed to assess risk factors for the incidence of Leishmania infection. Among the initially negative group, 12 incident cases comprised one L. orientalis infection and 11 seropositive cases using DAT, resulting in a cumulative incidence of 3.2% and an incidence density of 10.38 per 1000 person-years. Increasing age was a significant predictor of the incidence of Leishmania infection. Five persistent cases comprised one Leishmania donovani complex and four seropositive cases using DAT in the initially positive group, with a cumulative persistence rate of 3.7% and a persistence density of 12.85 per 1000 person-years. All patients were asymptomatic. This study sheds light on the incidence and persistence of Leishmania infection among HIV-infected individuals in Trang Province, Southern Thailand, underscoring the importance of continued monitoring and tailored interventions to mitigate the impact of this co-infection.

Asymptomatic Leishmania Infection among Blood Donors in a Southern Province of Thailand.

Leishmaniasis poses significant public health challenges in endemic regions. Understanding the prevalence of asymptomatic Leishmania infection and identifying risk factors among blood donors is crucial. This study addressed a knowledge gap by evaluating the prevalence of asymptomatic Leishmania infection and pinpointing associated risk factors among blood donors in an endemic area in Thailand and aimed to enhance blood donation safety protocols and reduce the risk of transfusion-transmitted Leishmania infection. A cross-sectional study and a longitudinal follow-up were conducted among 500 blood donors in Trang Province, southern Thailand. A serological test was performed using the direct agglutination test (DAT), and DNA detection was performed using nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) to screen for Leishmania infection. Potential risk factors associated with the infection were also assessed. The study identified a 19.0% prevalence of asymptomatic Leishmania infection among blood donors, with nPCR proving more effective in detecting infections (13.0%) than DAT (6.4%). Notably, Leishmania martiniquensis was the predominant species identified, highlighting the local epidemiological profile of Leishmania infection. Furthermore, using multivariate analysis, living in stilt houses was independently associated with Leishmania infection (adjusted odds ratio = 1.85; 95% CI = 1.04-3.28; P = 0.035). A high prevalence of asymptomatic Leishmania infection among blood donors underscores the need for integrating comprehensive Leishmania screening protocols into blood donation processes, particularly in endemic regions. It advocates for using molecular diagnostics to enhance detection accuracy. Furthermore, living in stilt houses as a risk factor emphasizes the importance of environmental management in leishmaniasis control efforts.

Soc Trang residents’ willingness to payfor renewable energy development projects

In Vietnam, electricity production has been growing strongly and is expected tocontinue increasing in the future. However, heavy reliance on fossil fuels is putting significant pressure on the environment and national energy security. The public's awareness of the potential and benefits of renewable energy is still limited. The lackof understanding about the positive impacts of renewable energy compared to fossil fuels may lead to a lack of community support for the green energy transition process.This studyappliesthe approachof choice modelling (CM) or choice experiment (CE) toevaluatethe willingness to pay (contribute) of residents in Soc Trang province for renewable energy development projects. The results indicate that the majority of Soc Trang residents have some knowledgeabout common renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and biomass energy. They demonstrate a willingness to contribute to the benefits that renewable energydevelopment projectscan bring, includingimproving the environmental landscape, protecting wildlife habitats, reducing air pollution, and creating new job opportunities. Among these benefits, they are particularly interested in the potential for job creation through renewable energydevelopment projects

Thực trạng và giải pháp phát triển hệ sinh thái khởi nghiệp tại tỉnh Sóc Trăng

The research aims to analyze the current status of entrepreneurship and propose policies and mechanisms to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in Soc Trang province, Vietnam. The study utilizes a mixed-method approach combining qualitative and quantitative research. The results indicate that the majority of startup businesses operate in agriculture, food processing, and wholesale/retail sectors, with low revenue and lack of experience. The biggest barrier is the lack of capital, requiring strong support from local organizations and the government. Therefore, the article also proposes solutions to enhance entrepreneurial activities and economic development in this province.

Detection and mitigation of soil salinization risk from saline/brackish water aquaculture in coastal areas: an application of remote sensing and managed aquifer recharge

This study focuses on detecting and mitigating soil salinization in four coastal areas of the Mekong Delta (Vietnam). Salinity patterns in the soils of the Mekong River Delta are not random but linked to land use practices and distance to the sea. We examine two quick yet reliable remote sensing-based techniques to detect the coastal aquaculture area and separate it from the inland freshwater farmland. These techniques can eventually be used to identify locations with an elevated risk of salinization in other coastal regions. Finally, we investigate a salinization mitigation solution based on creating a managed aquifer recharge system along the buffer zone that separates the coastal aquaculture area from the inland freshwater agriculture area. The implementation of an infiltration pond system is technically feasible in the Mekong Delta provided that hydrogeological characteristics, the fresh-saline interface position, and freshwater demands are considered. The transitional zone between freshwater agriculture and brackish water aquaculture in Bac Lieu, Soc Trang, Tra Vinh and Ben Tre provinces is optimal for implementing an aquifer recharge/freshwater barrier scheme.

Oxidative response to cadmium and lead accumulations in the tissues of blue swimming crabs Portunus pelagicus from the Trang Province coastline, Southern Thailand.

Metals have been reported to alter the oxidative status of both redox-active and redox-inactive metals accompanying oxidative stress induction. In aquatic ecosystems, metal contamination is regarded as serious pollutants and bioaccumulation, especially when aquatic seafood products are involved, which results in human risk. The blue swimming crab Portunus pelagicus is a highly popular crab species for consumption as seafood in Thailand. The meat parts and the hepatopancreas (HP) together with gonad are consumed and in high demand. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate bioaccumulation of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) along with tissue oxidative responses in P. pelagicus. Sixty-seven samples of P. pelagicus were obtained from small-scale fishers along the coastline of Trang Province. Bioaccumulation of Cd and Pb and oxidative response in gill, muscle, and HP + gonad were evaluated. Cadmium and Pb accumulation levels were highest in the HP and gonad, followed by the gill and then muscle, indicating that Cd and Pb have a high affinity to be concentrated in the HP and gonad. An organ-specific oxidative response to Cd and Pb accumulation was demonstrated in which Cd significantly activated superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the gills and muscle tissue, while Pb significantly activated the SOD activity only in the HP and gonad. Only Cd accumulation in gill tissue represented a significant activation of lipid peroxidation, as indicated by the malondialdehyde level. This study implied that P. pelagicus exhibits an "adaptive stage" in the oxidative response of tissue due to metal accumulation. Additionally, the data presented here further indicate that the consumption of only the meat parts and removal of the HP and gonad would reduce human exposure to metal toxicity.

Assessing environmental pollutionfrom shrimp farming activities in Soc Trang province

The study aimed to evaluate the level of environmental pollution from shrimp farming in coastal areas of Soc Trang province. A total of 10 shrimp farming households and 50 neighbouring households were interviewed about emissions and environmental sanitation conditions. At the end of the shrimp season, pond water samples were collected from 5 semi-intensive ponds and 5 intensive ponds, bottom sediment samples were collected from 5 semi-intensive ponds to evaluate the level of pollution. Interview results indicated that wastewater and bottom sediment from shrimp farming are the main causes of declining surface water quality and reducing the number of wild fish; pollution levels are likely to increase in the future. The pH, total suspended solid (TSS), BOD5, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) values of pond water samples are suitable for shrimp farming (except TSS of water samples in Cu Lao Dung and Long Phu); total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) and total phosphorus (TP) contents fluctuate widely between sampling ponds. The metal content in the bottom sediment is lower than the allowable discharge threshold of sediment quality standards. Solid waste generated in farming areas has not been properly collected and treated. To sustainably develop the shrimp industry, local authorities need to encourage shrimp farmers to apply proper waste treatment technologies in addition to state management solutions.

Spatial design guidelines for waterfall tourist attraction: A case study in Wang Hin Lat Waterfall, Trang province

This article investigates the sustainable development of the Wang Hin Lat waterfall tourist attraction, focusing on spatial design and land use. A field survey collected physical data, including topography, tourist attraction resources, facilities, land use, and access while community needs were gathered through focus group meetings, and tourist behavior was observed. The analyzed data led to proposed guidelines for tourist attraction development, emphasizing area utilization, carrying capacity, layout plan, and management. Despite the waterfall's natural beauty and provincial popularity, deficiencies in infrastructure, utilities, facilities, and land use planning contribute to congestion issues. It is a small waterfall capable of accommodating a limited number of tourists. Recommendations for Wang Hin Lat waterfall development include clearly defining and prioritizing zoning for natural areas, recreation zones, service and office areas, shops, parking, and entrances. A suggested tourist limit of 300, with access control points, aims to manage congestion. Diversifying activities, such as promoting nature, culture, and lifestyle learning, developing nature trails, and establishing clear regulations, is essential for the sustainable coexistence of tourist attraction development and nature conservation.

Burrow Morphological Characteristics of Soldier Crab (Dotilla myctiroides) on the Libong Island, Koh Libong Subdistrict, Kantang District, Trang Province, Thailand

Dotilla myctiroides, the soldier crab, digs burrows in sand flats and extracts nutrients from sediment. The present study investigated the burrow morphology of this soldier crab, at Laem Juhoi Beach, Libong Island, Koh Libong Subdistrict, Kantang District, Trang Province, Thailand. Randomly selected burrows were examined by injecting molten paraffin into them. The crab found inside a burrow was collected and measured for its carapace length. The shapes of the complete burrow casts were identified, and various morphological characteristics of the burrow casts were recorded. A total of 84 burrows were identified, all of them were the I-shaped or single-tube burrows. The burrows were categorized into two groups based on the burrow opening diameter: the <12 mm group and the ≥12 mm group. The burrow opening diameter ranged from 7.50 to 20.10 mm while the end diameter at the burrow bottom ranged from 8.40 to 21.00 mm, and the total length of the burrows ranged from 27 to 206 mm. The carapace length showed a significant correlation (p<0.05) with the burrow opening diameter in both groups. Additionally, the burrow opening with a diameter <12 mm group had significantly greater hole distances than the burrow opening with a diameter ≥12 mm group (p<0.05). The observed variations in hole distances suggest potential differences in ecological and behavioral factors that influence the burrow morphology of D. myctiroides in distinct size categories.

A new species of karst-associated kukri snake (Reptilia: Squamata: Colubridae: Oligodon Fitzinger, 1826) from southern Thailand

Abstract We describe a new species of kukri snake (Oligodon Fitzinger, 1826) from the limestone karst formations of Satun and Trang Provinces in southern Thailand. Phylogenetic analyses based on three mitochondrial DNA fragments (12S–16S ribosomal rRNA and cytochrome b) recover the new species within the Oligodon cinereus species complex, where it forms a deeply divergent yet poorly supported clade sister to Oligodon saiyokSumontha et al., 2017 and another unnamed lineage currently referred to Oligodon cinereus (Günther, 1864) from southwest Myanmar. Morphologically, the new species is distinguished from all other members of the genus by the following combination of characters: ventral scales 189–193 with distinct lateral keeling; subcaudal scales 47–54, paired; anterior dorsal scale rows 17–19, with the reduction from 19 to 17 rows occurring above the 28th–30th ventral scale when present; maxillary teeth 8, blade-like and laterally compressed; dorsum olive–gray, plain; ventral surface white anteriorly, dark gray posteriorly; underside of tail dark gray, smeared with white. We briefly discuss the natural history and conservation status of this new species and provide observations of other kukri snakes inhabiting limestone karst habitats. Our study also incorporates genetic samples of four recently described Oligodon endemic to Thailand, all of which are recovered in the O. cinereus species complex. In agreement with previous studies, we demonstrate that species-level diversity within the O. cinereus species complex is underestimated, and additional sampling is necessary to revise this taxonomically challenging clade.

<span>Using teaching facilities to support Khmer ethnic students at some primary schools in Soc Trang, An Giang and Dong Thap in learning Vietnamese</span>

This article studies the use of visual teaching aids in supporting Khmer students at some primary schools in Soc Trang, An Giang, and Dong Thap provinces to learn Vietnamese well. Specifically, the article points out the influence of mother tongue on pronunciation and word use of Khmer students at some primary schools in Soc Trang, An Giang and Dong Thap provinces in learning Vietnamese. It also shows that visual teaching aids can facilitate stundents learning to read, write, speak, and narrate in Vietnamese language, and makes clear the demand for visual support of Khmer students in some schools when learning Vietnamese. From those results, the author proposes the measure related to using visual teaching aids in teaching reading, writting, speaking, and storytelling in Vietnamese for Khmer students at some surveyed primary schools. This study used theoretical research methods to find out the influence of mother tongue on learning Vietnamese of Khmer primary school students, collected information about mispronunciation and the need for visual support of 80 Khmer students in Soc Trang, An Giang and Dong Thap provinces. The results show that students' pronunciation and word use errors are related to the similarities in sounds and meanings of the two languages, and the rate of needing visual support to learn Vietnamese is very high. Therefore, the article proposes to use visual teaching aids to support Khmer primary school students at the above provinces in learning Vietnamese with some specific instructions and examples. The study has limitations on the size of the survey sample and will be improved in next studies.

Traditional Healing Practices and Folk Medicines in Thailand: A Case Study of Huai Yot District, Trang Province

Traditional Healing Practices and Folk Medicines in Thailand: A Case Study of Huai Yot District, Trang Province

Characteristics of seawater intrusion in Soc Trang province, Vietnam

Characteristics of seawater intrusion in Soc Trang province, Vietnam

THE RITUAL OF WELCOMING TEVADA CHNAM THMAY: SIGNIFYING THE CIRCULATION OF GODS AND THE BEGINNING OF THE NEW YEAR TIME CYCLE OF THE KHMER PEOPLE IN SOC TRANG PROVINCE, VIETNAM

The ritual of welcoming Tevada Chhnam Thmay is a meaningful and indispensable event in the Khmer New Year. This ritual denotes the time of a year’s transition and welcomes the new Tevada. The research adopted the theory of symbolic anthropology proposed by Victor Turner to explain the meaning of ritual symbols and considers ritual symbols as a mechanism for maintaining traditional society. By employing the participant observation and sociological interview method conducted in Soc Trang Province, the study contributes to clarifying the appearance as well as the role and meaning of the Tevada Chhnam Thmay in the spiritual life of the Khmer people in Southern Vietnam.

Controlling the Exercise of State Power by Local Governments from The Perspective of Improving Disciplinary Responsibility for Current Civil Servants

Purpose: This study aims to clarify theoretical and practical issues about exercising power and controlling power and, from there, propose solutions to strengthen control over state power by local governments in Vietnam today. Methods: Qualitative research and quantitative research through research and evaluation of legal documents. Survey of 300 people in 3 provinces including Quang Ninh Province, Da Nang City, and Soc Trang province. Questionnaire design related to controlling the exercise of state power by local governments. Results and discussion: Controlling the exercise of state power by local governments has achieved certain results, but there still exist many inadequacies and limitations that need to be clarified such as The subject of controlling power; the reality of the subject of power control; content of power control; method of controlling power. The proposed solutions will contribute to strengthening control over local State power. Implications of the research: Clarifying theoretical and practical issues about exercising power and controlling State power. Provide solutions to strengthen control over the exercise of state power by local governments in Vietnam today. Originality/value: The exercise of state power by local governments in Vietnam today is essential. If State power is improperly exercised, it will reduce people's trust in the leadership of the Communist Party and the management of the State of Vietnam. From there, the proposed solutions will enhance people's confidence in implementing State power locally.

Loan accessibility for social housing in Vietnam's Mekong Delta: An empirical study

The purpose of this study is to examine how easily low-income workers can get loans for social housing projects under a Vietnamese government policy. This policy, outlined in Decision 388/QD-TTg by the Prime Minister on April 3, 2023, aims to build at least 1 million apartments for low-income individuals and industrial park workers from 2021 to 2030. The study focuses on four branches of the Vietnam Bank for Social Policy (VBSP) in the Mekong Delta region: Tra Vinh, Vinh Long, Ben Tre, and Soc Trang provinces. The research involved surveying 280 workers who applied for loans at these banks between May 2003 and September 2023. Half of these applicants met the loan criteria, while the other half did not. Using a Binary logistic regression model, the study identified several factors that influence the likelihood of obtaining a social housing loan from VBSP. These factors include the applicant's age, education level, number of dependents, marital status, total income, equity ratio, and the value of collateral. Among these, the total income, value of collateral, and equity ratio were found to have the most significant effect on loan accessibility. Based on the findings, the authors suggest policy recommendations to make it easier for low-income workers to access loans for social housing in the future, enhancing the effectiveness of the VBSP's lending program in the Mekong Delta.

Land-Use Optimization and Allocation for Saltwater Intrusion Regions: A Case Study in Soc Trang Province, Vietnam

Land-use planning plays an important role in agricultural development. However, the tools used to support planners in proposing land-use planning solutions are lacking, especially when considering saltwater intrusion conditions in coastal regions. In this study, optimization is applied by analyzing land use in developing solutions for agricultural land-use planning, wherein a multi-objective optimization model is developed to optimize land-use area, including land-use allocation, and taking into account socioeconomic and environmental factors. The model was applied to three districts of Soc Trang province, Vietnam (Long Phu, My Xuyen, and Tran De), representing three ecological regions of salt water, brackish water, and fresh water in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. The results are shown for the implementation of two multi-objective optimization scenarios (in terms of profit, labor, environment benefits, and risk reduction) as follows: (i) multi-objective optimization of agricultural land use until 2030 under normal conditions; (ii) optimizing agricultural land use until 2030 under climate change conditions similar to the 2016 drought and saltwater intrusion phenomenon in the Mekong Delta. The results demonstrate that the second scenario is the preferred option for implementing land-use planning thanks to the balance between good profits and minimizing economic and environmental risk. Land allocation was carried out by taking into account the factors of household economics, the influence of adjacent production types, local traffic, and canal systems to allocate areas toward ensuring optimal land use. This process, involving a combination of land-use optimization and spatial allocation, can help planners to improve the quality of agricultural land-use planning.

Larval Dispersal Modelling of the Blue Swimming Crab Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus, 1758) from the Crab Banks along the Coast of Trang Province, Southern Thailand

In Thailand, the populations of a commercially important crab Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus, 1758) have been decreasing due to overfishing, raising concerns about the conservation efforts of this crab species. The Crab Bank Project has recently been established to restore crab populations by releasing crab larvae from each crab bank station. However, the fate of crab larvae after the release is poorly understood. Here, we assessed the dispersal and settlement patterns of the larvae P. pelagicus released from crab banks along the coast of Trang Province, Southern Thailand. The Lagrangian particle tracking model was employed to simulate the larval dispersal and settlement patterns after release from the crab banks during the inter-monsoon, southwest monsoon, and northeast monsoon. Our simulation revealed that virtual larvae were predominantly retained within inshore areas after the release for 14 days, regulated by tidal-driven currents, wind-induced currents, and local coastal topography. Monsoon periods affected the larval dispersal, with some larvae being transported into estuaries due to the SW monsoonal effects. After the 14-day release period, our modelled simulations suggested that the crab larvae arrived at numerous seagrass meadows along the coast, indicating potential settlement and growth. This result highlights the connectivity of sources and sinks for crab larvae after release from crab banks. Moreover, significant implications for conservation efforts and the fishery management of P. pelagicus were also discussed based on our modelled simulations.

The Intention to Participate in Voluntary Social Insurance of Informal Sector Workers: the Case in Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Purpose: The objective of this study is to develop the participation of informal sector workers in voluntary social insurance to ensure the Social Security policy of the Government of Vietnam. Theoretical Framework: Based on the results compiled from expert as: Kotler, 2003; Schiffman and Kanuk, 2007; Ming-Chi Lee, 2009; Holmgren et al., 2016 and Krajaechun and Praditbatuga, 2019. The model was preliminarily designed by the author through eight prefix variables including: Confidence in Benefits, Evaluation of Social Responses, Perception of risks, Beliefs, Motivation, Attitude towards Voluntary social insurance, Subjective norms, and Intention to participate in Voluntary social insurance. Methodology: This study employs primary data from a survey of 370 people working in informal workers in 04 province of the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam: Kien Giang Province, Tra Vinh Province, Hau Giang Province and Soc Trang Province. The Authors using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and Bootstrap analysis in the SEM reliability test employed for data analysis and interpretation. Findings: Research results show that two factors that affect the intention to participate in voluntary social insurance of workers in the informal sector: Attitude towards social insurance and subjective norms. Solutions: From the research results, the authors have proposed solutions to further improve the participation in voluntary social insurance of workers in the informal sector in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam in future.

The Intention to Participate in Voluntary Social Insurance of Informal Sector Workers: the Case in Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Purpose: The objective of this study is to develop the participation of informal sector workers in voluntary social insurance to ensure the Social Security policy of the Government of Vietnam. Theoretical Framework: Based on the results compiled from expert as: Kotler, 2003; Schiffman and Kanuk, 2007; Ming-Chi Lee, 2009; Holmgren et al., 2016 and Krajaechun and Praditbatuga, 2019. The model was preliminarily designed by the author through eight prefix variables including: Confidence in Benefits, Evaluation of Social Responses, Perception of risks, Beliefs, Motivation, Attitude towards Voluntary social insurance, Subjective norms, and Intention to participate in Voluntary social insurance. Methodology: This study employs primary data from a survey of 370 people working in informal workers in 04 province of the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam: Kien Giang Province, Tra Vinh Province, Hau Giang Province and Soc Trang Province. The Authors using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and Bootstrap analysis in the SEM reliability test employed for data analysis and interpretation. Findings: Research results show that two factors that affect the intention to participate in voluntary social insurance of workers in the informal sector: Attitude towards social insurance and subjective norms. Solutions: From the research results, the authors have proposed solutions to further improve the participation in voluntary social insurance of workers in the informal sector in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam in future.