Agroforestry - The Most Resilient Farming System for the Hilly Northwest of Vietnam

Over 94% of the land of northwestern Vietnam is classified as sloping. Population growth has exerted pressure on local natural resources, with agricultural expansion on steep slopes resulting in forest degradation, landscape fragmentation and severe environmental consequences. Efforts to restore forest ecosystems have been made by the government, however, as the livelihoods of 80% of the population depend on agriculture, the reconversion of land to forest has proven to be an inappropriate solution. Agroforestry offers a potentially sustainable land-use solution, which could re-establish forests, restore ecosystem services, and stabilize local livelihoods. In this paper, we assess the potential of agroforestry development in the region based on the results of two interrelated surveys conducted in 21 representative villages in six districts of three northwestern provinces: 1) a farming system diagnosis implemented in 17 representative villages; and 2) an agroforestry adoption survey with 210 households practising agroforestry in 14 villages. The analysis was strengthened by four years’ experience in implementing an extensive agroforestry project in the region. The studies focussed on assessing key benefits and constraints of existing farming systems, including agroforestry practices, adopted by farmers and identifying the potential for agroforestry development in the region. The results showed that the dominant farming system in the north-western provinces was monoculture of staple crops on slopes, which provided relatively low economic returns. Soil erosion, land degradation, and water shortages resultant from intensive farming practices were the most significant environmental issues in the area. Tree-based farming systems were rare and mostly a result of spontaneous adoption by farmers. Given the mountainous landscape and the need for soil stabilization, agroforestry was seen by farmers as a viable approach. Improving the existing and adopting new, integrated agroforestry systems were identified as viable ways toward sustainable livelihoods in Northwestern Vietnam

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Canarium tramdenum Dai and Yakovl. in Northern Vietnam

Canarium tramdenum occurs naturally in subtropical and tropical regions of Indochina and China. The wood is used for making high quality furniture and the fruit and leaves are used in traditional medicine. However, a lack of information on genetic diversity and population structure has handicapped the genetic conservation and domestication of this high-value species. This study evaluated genetic variation within and among four C. tramdenum populations. Sixty individuals were collected from four natural populations in Vietnam in the provinces of Ninhbinh, Bacgiang, Nghean, and Backan. Genetic diversity and genetic structure were determined using 20 ISSR markers. A total of 192 DNA fragments with sizes ranging from 110 bp to 3,000 bp were detected, of which 154 segments (80.2%) were polymorphic and 38 segments (19.8%) were monomorphic. The ISSR data indicated a moderate degree of genetic diversity for the species (h = 0.252). The four populations were separated into three genetic clusters with low levels of genetic distance between them. AMOVA result showed that most (78%) of the genetic variation was within the populations. The moderate to high genetic diversity of C. tramdenum and the low genetic differentiation among populations suggested that all existing natural populations in the particular regions needed to be preserved to protect the genetic diversity of this species

Impact of Green Logistics on International Trade: An Empirical Study in Asia–Pacific Economic Cooperation

Green logistics has been a trend in the world. This research evaluates the impact of green logistics on international trade among APEC nations over the period of 9 years (2010 – 2018). The research uses an augmented gravity model to investigate the effects of green logistics on international trade through the Environmental Logistics Performance Index (ELPI). The results show that exporting countries applying green logistics increase the export volume to other members of APEC. In the long term, importing countries engaging in green logistics increase trade volume with green logistics countries in APEC. With the aim of enhancing international trade, APEC countries must improve domestic logistics performance. Through those analyses, research proposes several recommendations to encourage nations and enterprises to apply green logistics effectively

Investigation of cure and mechanical properties of deproteined natural rubber-g-poly(methyl methacrylate)

Investigation of cure and mechanical properties of graft copolymer of deproteinized natural rubber (DPNR) with methyl methacrylate (MMA) prepared by graft copolymerization in latex was presented in this work. It is determined that the increase in scorch time, cure time, hardness and tear strength of the graft copolymer were depended on monomer concentration. With the monomer concentration of 15 g/100 g rubber, the increase of hardness and tear strength are 68 % and 66 %, respectively, compared to DPNR. Besides, there are increasing trends of tensile strength and elongation at break. The optimum concentration of MMA monomer is found at 15 g/100 g-rubber. At this monomer concentration, the hardness and tear strength of the graft copolymer increased, whereas the elongation at break and the tensile strength decreased a bit compared to the natural rubber. Keywords. Natural rubber, polymethyl methacrylate, grafted copolymer, curing properties, mechanical properties

The effectiveness of local surgical technique in treatment of axillary bromhidrosis

BACKGROUND: Up to now, surgical excision of apocrine glands still has been a method that yields high treatment results and low rate of odour recurrent for patients, but many people worry about some serious complications that have been observed postoperatively, such as hematoma and skin necrosis. These prolong wound healing, leading to unsightly scars in the axillary fossae. AIM: We conducted this research to investigate the effects and complications of our surgical technique for axillary bromhidrosis. METHODS: Forty-three patients with axillary bromhidrosis were treated. An elliptical incision was made at a central portion of the area marked, with both tips of the ellipse along the axillary crease. The elliptical skin with the subcutaneous tissue was removed en lock. The adjacent skin was undermined to the periphery of the hair-bearing area with straight scissors. The undermined subcutaneous tissue was removed with curved scissors, and the skin was defatted to become a full-thickness skin flap. Any suspected hemorrhagic spots were immediately coagulated electrosurgically. Appropriate drains were placed, and the treated area was covered with thick gauze to each axilla. Arm movement was strictly controlled in the first 3 days post-operatively. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients have been followed up and evaluated for 6 months. 56 out of 62 axillae (90.3%) showed good to excellent results for malodor elimination. All patients reported a reduction in axillary sweating. There were two axillae of skin necrosis and three axillae of hematoma, with one patient receiving an anticoagulant from a cardiologist after the first day of surgery, to treat heart valve disease. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score decreased significantly, and the quality of life improved after the operation. CONCLUSION: Our technique is a simple surgical procedure and easy to perform helping to achieve results for high malodor elimination, with almost no serious complications. Patient’s life quality improved significantly after the operation

Successful Treatment of Freckles by Alex Trivantage Laser Wavelight 755 nm in Vietnamese Patients

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Alex Trivantage laser wavelength 755 nm (ATL) in the treatment of freckles at Hanoi Hospital of Dermatology and Venereology, Vietnam. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A group of 30 patients with freckles were treated by ATL (Alex Trivantage-Candela Co America) with spots size 3 mm, wavelength 755 mm, and energy 5-6 j/cm2. All the patients were treated 2 times with 4-weeks interval. The results were evaluated at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after treatment. The colour of the lesions was evaluated by using Von-Luchan’s chromatic scale and Visia® complex analysis system. Brown spot index (BSI) was calculated by the VISA complexion analysis system devices. The data was analysed by SPSS 16.0. RESULTS: After 2 times of treatment, the lesion colour of all of the patients had been improved. The good and very good levels of improvement were noted in 63.3% of patients; there was 26.7% of them had partial improvement. Brown spots index was significantly improved (39.13 ± 20.66 before and 54.23 ± 16.78 after treatment; p < 0.001). Hyperpigmentation was noted in 6.7% of patients. CONCLUSION: freckles have been improved by treatment with Alex trivantage laser wavelength 755 nm with safety

Efficacy of Azole Antifungal in Treatment of Pityriasis Versicolor

AIM: Compare itraconazole alone, fluconazole combined with ketoconazole and ketoconazole in the treatment of patients with pityriasis versicolor. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A group of 240 pityriasis versicolor patients (confirmed with KOH and culture) were classified into 3 groups: Fluconazole 300 mg a week and 2% ketoconazole foam twice a week for 2 weeks (Category I), Itraconazole 200 mg daily for one week (category II); Ketoconazole 2% foam daily for 2 weeks (Category 3). Clinical (colour of macule, scale, pruritus) and mycological assessment were done after 4 weeks of therapy. RESULTS: After 4 weeks of treatment, clinical cure was observed in 62.4% (Category I), 36.3% (Category II) and 37.5% (Category III). CONCLUSION: It was reported in our study that the most effective regimen for PV patients is fluconazole 300 mg per week combined with ketoconazole 2% twice a week for 2 weeks

Distribution of Malassezia Species from Scales of Patient with Pityriasis Versicolor by Culture in Vietnam

BACKGROUND: The detection of pathogenic fungus is an important step and key to assessing the sensitivity of the antifungal drugs, and therefore choosing an effective treatment method. AIM: To identify Malassezia species from scales of a patient with pityriasis versicolor. METHODS: Three hundred patients with pityriasis versicolor who were positive with direct examination, were isolated by culture. RESULTS: Identification of Malassezia species by culture: the growth rate was 90.3%; the detection rate was 97.0%, including 11 species: M. globosa (42.4%), M. dermatitis (17.3%), M. furfur (14.4%). M. globosa was the most prevalent species in the 20-29 group 36.5%, in hyphae and yeast cells (42.2%). CONCLUSION: M. globosa is the main cause of pityriasis versicolor in Vietnam

Improving Treatment Outcome of Pemphigus Vulgaris on Vietnamese Patients by Using Desmoglein Elisa Test

BACKGROUND: Pemphigus Vulgaris (PV) is a chronic disease, is characterized by the presence of flacid bullous in skin and mucosa. There are 2 main autoantibodies against desmoglein3 (Dsg3) and desmoglein1 (Dsg1). AIM: The aims of this study were to evaluate the before and after treatment outcome with corticosteroid, using Desmoglein ELISA test. METHOD: Forty patients with Pemphigus include 36 PV and 4 PF (28 women, 12 women) were enrolled. The titers of Dsg in pemphigus patients by using ELISA test were done before and 1-month treatment RESULTS: Both anti-Dsg1 and anti-Dsg3 levels were significantly reduced after treatment (P < 0.05). The severity of skin lesions was correlated with anti-Dsg1 antibody level and the severity of oral lesions was significantly correlated with anti-Dsg 3 antibody levels (p < 0.05) CONCLUSION: It is recommended that we can predict and improve the outcome of treatment by using Desmoglein ELISA test

Successful Treatment of Facial Atrophic Acne Scars by Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedle in Vietnamese Patients

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the fractional Radiofrequency microneedle treatment for facial atrophic acne scars. METHODS: A group of 52 patients were recruited for the study. Goodman & Baron’s acne scar grading system was used for assessment at their first visit and at the end of 3 months after the last treatment session. RESULTS: The results displayed that 73.1% of patients have the improvement of the Goodman scar level after four times treatment. The Goodman and Baron scar point mean was reduced from 16 ± 7.6 to 5.6 ± 5.0 (p < 0.01). Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation was experienced in 5 patients (9.6%). CONCLUSION: The microneedle fractional Radiofrequency is an effective treatment method of facial atrophic acne scars, with minor side effects and a short down-time