Hasil untuk "South Asia. Southeast Asia. East Asia"

K. Mohd Hanafiah, Justina Groeger, A. Flaxman et al.

Jingru Li, Yang Wu, Jinping Zhang et al.

Genetic diversity is a fundamental component of biodiversity, with far-reaching implications for the stability and resilience of ecosystems. Despite the growing recognition of the importance of genetic monitoring in wild species, we still lack a clear understanding of which regions are devoid of genetic diversity data and which lineages remain insufficiently characterized. Although the cost of genome sequencing has declined dramatically, Sanger sequencing still retains practical and economic advantages for applications in conservation biology. To identify global data gaps and facilitate the application of genetic data in future genetic monitoring, this study searched the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database for Cytochrome b (Cyt b) and Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences of all species listed in the Handbook of the Birds of the World (HBW v7.0), and calculated their genetic diversity. The study found that 4052 bird species had at least three available sequences of either Cyt b or COI. These species are mainly distributed in Europe, northern North America, and parts of East Asia, North Asia, and northern Africa, whereas South America, South Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and eastern and northwestern Australia has limited available genetic diversity data. The Cyt b sequence data is entirely absent in groups such as Pterocliformes and Cariamiformes, whereas COI gene data are particularly lacking in Leptosomiformes and Opisthocomiformes. Notably, both genes are completely missing in Musophagiformes and Mesitornithiformes. This uneven distribution of genetic diversity data hinders the development of effective conservation strategies, as such gaps impede the integration of genetic diversity into extinction risk assessments across species. This study highlights priority geographic regions and key evolutionary lineages for future genetic diversity assessments. Despite the inherent limitations of maternally inherited mitochondrial markers, which cannot stand for genome-wide nuclear genetic variation, this study represents the most comprehensive avian genetic diversity dataset currently available. It therefore provides an important baseline for incorporating genetic diversity into extinction risk assessments and for advancing long-term genetic monitoring efforts in birds.

The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia

Alessandra Paolini, Sergio Musmeci, Chiara E. Mainardi et al.

<i>Bagrada hilaris</i> is an invasive stink bug causing important yield losses in Brassica crops. It originates from India, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and South Africa and is reported as invasive in several southwestern US states, Hawaii, Mexico, Chile and in the Mediterranean islands of Malta and Pantelleria (Italy). In this study, we tested the effects of gamma rays on the longevity, fecundity and fertility of bagrada bugs. We irradiated them at two different stages of their life cycle (fifth-instar nymphs and two-week-old adults). Irradiation at the nymphal stage had a strong impact on female fecundity, with egg numbers approaching zero at a dose of 80 Gy. Similarly, a full suppression of female fertility was achieved at 80 Gy when they were mated with males irradiated as nymphs or as mature adults. For longevity, gamma rays had only a slight impact on adult male and female life span. Due to the evidence of a gregarious phase during the autumn, these results suggest that small-scale SIT-localized applications by massive collections of bagrada bugs at various stages of development during autumn, followed by irradiation and reintroduction to the field, might be a safe and economically sound approach of control. Research is currently underway to evaluate the fitness of sterile males and mating patterns. Further studies in confined-field conditions will be needed.

Mengjuan Ding, Shengjian Yu, Yurong Chen et al.

<h4>Background</h4>Asia bears a disproportionate burden of head and neck cancer (HNC). This study aimed to analyze its spatial distribution and temporal trends in Asia from 1990 to 2021, projecting trends to 2030.<h4>Methods</h4>We performed a secondary analysis of data from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021, examining disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for HNC and its five major subtypes: nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC), thyroid cancer (TC), laryngeal cancer (LC), lip and oral cavity cancer (LOC), and other pharyngeal cancer (OPC), across five Asian subregions and 34 countries/territories from 1990 to 2021. Temporal trends were evaluated using Joinpoint regression, and projections to 2030 were generated through Bayesian Age-Period-Cohort model.<h4>Results</h4>From 1990 to 2021, DALYs for HNC increased in five subregions. In contrast, age-standardized DALY rates (ASDR) declined across all subregions except South Asia, with East Asia experiencing the most rapid decrease. In 2021, South Asia recorded the highest DALYs (6,412,639) and ASDR (405.82 per 100,000) for HNC. LOC was the main HNC type in most regions (32.41% - 46.23%), except East Asia, where NPC was most common (38.96%). South Asia also exhibited the highest ASDRs for LC (67.29), LOC (182.29), and OPC (93.00) per 100,000, while Southeast Asia demonstrated the highest ASDRs for NPC (50.77) and TC (18.22) per 100,000. Significant disparities in ASDR trends for HNC subtypes were observed across Asia. By 2030, South Asia is projected to maintain the highest ASDRs for HNC (394.59), LC (62.98), LOC (185.31), and OPC (95.50). East and Southeast Asia are expected to show comparable ASDRs for NPC (approximately 50.00), with Southeast Asia leading in TC ASDR (23.90).<h4>Conclusions</h4>HNC remains a significant public health challenge in Asia, with substantial heterogeneity in its subtypes across the five subregions. Implementing targeted, region-specific strategies is crucial to mitigating the disease burden.

Jorge Luis Espinoza, Ly Quoc Trung

Syphilis, a curable sexually transmitted infection, has resurged globally, challenging public health systems in both high-income countries and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In nations like the United States, the United Kingdom, parts of Europe, Canada, and Japan, cases have surged due to declining condom use, digital platforms facilitating casual sex, and practices like chemsex and broader drug use for sex, with rising congenital syphilis rates. In LMICs, such as those in East Africa, South Asia, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, limited healthcare access, inadequate prenatal screening, and socioeconomic barriers drive persistent high prevalence, particularly among pregnant women and vulnerable populations. Despite contextual differences, shared drivers include stigma, health disparities, and outdated surveillance systems. This resurgence underscores the need for globally coordinated, equity-focused strategies, including universal syphilis testing, modernized surveillance, and context-specific sexual health education. Addressing structural and behavioral factors through collaborative international efforts is critical to reversing this trend and strengthening global STI control.

Sinjae Kang, Jiyoung Park

This article examines legislative waffling behavior—where legislators reverse their position between bill sponsorship and floor voting—in the South Korean National Assembly from 2004 to 2020. Using multilevel logistic regression analysis of 21,292 bill-legislator observations across four legislative terms, we develop a novel theoretical framework that disaggregates waffling into three distinct strategic types: dissent (voting against), abstention, and no-show (strategic absence). Our findings challenge US-based theories by revealing that minority party members in Korea exhibit significantly higher rates of waffling across all types, with the effect particularly pronounced when bills are passed as chairman’s substitutes in majority-controlled committees. We demonstrate that ideologically extreme legislators are more prone to waffling, while main sponsors maintain greater consistency throughout the legislative process. The analysis of committee control structures reveals complex dynamics where minority party members face heightened waffling pressures even in committees they control, suggesting that formal institutional authority cannot fully overcome broader power imbalances in consensus-based systems. These findings highlight how Korea’s distinctive institutional features—including proportional distribution of committee chairs, mixed electoral system, and consensus-oriented legislative culture—create fundamentally different incentive structures for legislative behavior compared to majoritarian systems, underscoring the importance of developing context-specific theoretical frameworks for comparative legislative studies.

Zhaoyun Wang, Yanyan Wang, Mingpan Qiu et al.

Extensive research has demonstrated that during the mature phase of El Niño, the anomalous southerly wind induced by the western North Pacific anomalous anticyclone (WNPAC) weakens the South China Sea winter cold tongue (SCSCT). This study further examines the decadal effects of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) on the weakening of the SCSCT during the mature phase of El Niño. Results suggest that, compared to the positive PDO phase, the weakening of the SCSCT was more pronounced during the negative PDO phase. Upper mixed layer heat budget analysis unveils that the net surface heat flux term dominated the abnormal warming in the northern part of the cold tongue, while the abnormal warming in the southern part is ascribed to both the horizontal heat advection and net surface heat flux terms. The differences between the negative and positive PDO phases (N-P) were that cooler (warmer) sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) in the tropical eastern (central) Pacific induced weaker (stronger) WNPAC (Southeastern Tropical Indian Ocean anomalous anticyclone [SEIOAC]) through anomalous Walker circulation. Subsequently, for the N-P, the anomalous Hadley circulation between the SEIO and the SCS led to cross-equatorial southerly wind anomalies, which were the fundamental cause of the anomalous warming of the SCSCT. Combining the effects of both the tropical Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean to explain the decadal differences in the interannual relationship between El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the SCSCT, this work provides new insights for predicting the climate variability in East and Southeast Asia.

Ghulam Mustafa Bozdar

This study examines various aspects of the tourism industry in the Sindh province of Pakistan. The perspectives of these facets comprise archaeological, historical, religious, cultural, and natural attractions. In this context, Sindh stands out as a key destination for tourists offering a blend of attractions. Tourism is a vital component of the global economy and a significant source of revenue generation. The rich history, diverse culture, and picturesque landscapes stimulate domestic as well as international tourist attractions. Two UNESCO World Heritage sites Mohenjo-Daro the oldest civilization in the world (district Larkano) and Makli Nacropolis (district Thatto) exist in Sindh. However, tourism industry of Sindh has remained underdeveloped. The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities, Government of Sindh along with Private Public Partnership (PPP) could play an effective role in boosting tourism by taking lessons from many of the Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. Pakistan, Malaysia, and Indonesia are Muslim-dominated countries whereas Hinduism is the largest minority. Both Malaysia and Indonesia have developed their religious, cultural, and ecotourism, which attracts millions of domestic and international tourists. Therefore, the collective resolve would exploit better potential for the development of tourism in Sindh for yielding financial benefits by applying successful strategies as employed by the Southeast Asian countries.

Mie Oba

Sheela Sundarasen, Izani Ibrahim, Ahnaf Ali Alsmady et al.

This study examines the relationship between country-level corruption (proxied by the Corruption Perception Index, CPI) and firm performance (measured by Return on Assets, ROA) across 18,286 firms in the East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia regions. Additionally, the moderating effects of audit quality (proxied by auditors’ reputation) on the relationship are examined. The findings of the study indicate a positive association between corruption and ROA in high-income nations, thus providing evidence in favor of the “greasing the wheel” theory. On the other hand, a negative association is documented in the upper middle- and low-income nations, which is consistent with the “sanding the wheel” notion. Notably, audit quality has a positive moderating influence on the relationship between corruption and ROA, especially in nations with low corruption levels, reaffirming the pivotal role of reputable auditors in enhancing firm performance within these economic contexts. The results of this study have important ramifications for forming policy suggestions and enhancing governance. The findings highlight the opportunity to improve governance practices and regulations to reduce corruption and increase transparency. Policymakers can develop ways to strengthen institutional frameworks by recognizing the complex link between corruption, corporate profitability, and the function of respected auditors.

Romanchev D.D.

The article analyzes the spread of modern firearms in Japan during the Bakumatsu transition period (1853–1868), as well as their use during the civil war of 1863–1868. In the 1840–60s, the world experienced one of the largest revolutions in military technology, which completely changed the very approach to warfare. Japan, forced against its will to end its 200-year isolation from the outside world in 1853, was also affected by th e global trend toward rearmament. Faced with external pressure, the Japanese government attempted to modernize its armed forces, but the weapons that flooded the country were used not to repel foreign aggression, but during the civil war, which resulted in the Meiji Restoration of 1868 and global changes in Japanese society.

Po‐Ju Chen, Chi‐Hua Wu, Yue‐Gau Chen et al.

Abstract The Asian Monsoonal rainfall accounts for the majority of annual regional precipitation in East and South Asia and could be remotely regulated by El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Besides, several paleoclimate records and simulations have indicated solar signals in the Asian Monsoon, implying the impact of solar activity on the regional monsoon precipitation. By conducting multi‐linear regression analysis to the solar irradiance forced single‐forcing experiment in the last millennium, this study presents the comparison of solar and ENSO effects on monsoonal precipitation in South and East Asia during early summer (May–June). Increased total solar irradiance during high solar activity years tends to trigger a favorable environment for developing monsoon onset, leading to more precipitation against ENSO‐related patterns over Southeast and South Asia before peak‐summer (July–August). The result supports reconstructed terrestrial records and underlines considerable influences of the solar cycle on the variation of the Asian Summer Monsoon.

Zarine L. Rocha, Robert Didham

This paper explores the challenges of measuring and classifying the East African Asian population in Aotearoa New Zealand. As a particularly diverse country, New Zealand has a significant and varied population of immigrants from South Asia, including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, along with immigrants of South Asian <i>origin</i>, from Fiji, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and East Africa. New Zealand’s system of ethnic classification relies on self-identification, with a broad definition of ethnicity encompassing heritage, ancestry, culture, language and feelings of belonging. However, the collection of this information at a granularity that enables detailed analysis is constrained for the South Asian population, regardless of origin or identification. People are typically presented with the choice of selecting “Indian” ethnicity as a tick box, or providing ethnicities under “Other” as write-in descriptors, which in turn are coded to a limited set of categories within the classification being used. This practice potentially conceals a diversity of ethnicities, which can only partially be hinted at by responses to questions relating to religions, languages and birthplaces, especially for second or third-generation descendants of migrants. Ethnic classification at the highest level, moreover, includes East African Indians as Asian, rather than African, reflecting diasporic heritage as a shorthand for ancestry and overlooking the relevance of layers of identity associated with the double diaspora. Drawing on Peter J. Aspinall’s work on collective terminology in ethnic data collection and categorizing the “Asian” ethnic group in the UK, this paper looks at the overlaps and disconnects between heritage, ethnicity and national belonging in classifying less clearcut identities. We explore the strengths and limitations of New Zealand’s self-identification approach to ethnic identity, and query what exactly is being asked of groups on the margins: when self-identification does not match external perception, are we looking for geographic, cultural, or genetic origins? A focus on the East African Asian population in Aotearoa highlights the complexity of identity for diasporic groups with distant ancestral links with India, as lived experience of cultural connection extends far beyond the bounds of ethnicity, language and even ancestry.

Yadav Ghimirey, Raju Acharya, Kaushal Yadav et al.

The Endangered dhole Cuon alpinus is a medium-sized canid that was historically distributed widely across East, Central, South and Southeast Asia. In Nepal, following heavy persecution during the 1970s and 1980s, the species was locally extirpated across large parts of the country. After decades of near absence, the dhole is reportedly showing signs of recovery in various areas of Nepal. We carried out three surveys using camera traps (resulting in a total of 6,550 camera-trap days), reviewed literature and interviewed herders and conservation practitioners (40 interviews) to determine the historical and current distribution of dholes in the country, and the species’ current status. Our camera traps recorded five images of dholes, and the literature review and interview survey provided further insights into the historical and current presence of dholes in Nepal. The combined findings suggest dholes have recolonized many areas where they had been locally extirpated, such as the Annapurna Conservation Area in central Nepal and the Tinjure–Milke–Jaljale forests in the eastern part of the country. Although these returns are encouraging, challenges remain for dhole recolonization, including conflict with livestock herders, human hunting of wild ungulates affecting the species’ prey base, increasing infrastructure development in forested areas, and diseases.

Zengping Zhang, Yu Gu, Zhikuan Wang et al.

In this study, we compared two anomalous wet February periods in 2021 and 2022 in China. The same anomalies appeared in the spatial distribution of precipitation, with anomalous precipitation centered over the southeast coast. However, temperature discrepancies appeared in most of China, with anomalously high temperatures in 2021 and lower temperatures in 2022. Both instances of increased precipitation were attributed to warm and moist advection from the south, with transport in 2021 being partly enhanced by the South China Sea cyclone, whereas transport in 2022 was mainly due to the subtropical western North Pacific anticyclone. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to compare and analyze temperature and precipitation anomalies in February 2021 and 2022 using the self-organizing map method. Warm events in East Asia and cold events in Siberia and the Tibetan Plateau types were obtained by mode 1, which contained 2021. Mode 6 exhibited opposite warm types in Siberia and cold types in southern Asia, including February temperature and precipitation anomalies in 2022. Based on the results of this study, we can conclude that precipitation anomalies in February 2021 and 2022 occurred under different temperature and circulation anomalies, and both were influenced by La Niña events. Autumn sea ice loss in the Barents Sea contributed significantly to warm and rainy events in February 2021. However, the cold and rainy events of February 2022 were closely related to the strengthening of the Siberian High.

Lisa Merry, Sonia Angela Castiglione, Geneviève Rouleau et al.

Abstract Background Policymakers and program developers in low-and lower-middle-income countries (LLMICs) are increasingly seeking evidence-based information and guidance on how to successfully develop and implement continuing professional development (CPD) systems. We conducted a rapid scoping review to map and synthesize what is known regarding the development, implementation, evaluation and sustainability of CPD systems for healthcare professionals in LLMICs. Methods We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL and Web of Science. Reference lists were screened and a cited reference search of included articles was conducted. Supplementary information on the CPD systems identified in the articles was also identified via an online targeted grey literature search. English, French and Spanish literature published from 2011 to 2021 were considered. Data were extracted and combined and summarized according to country/region and healthcare profession via tables and narrative text. Results We included 15 articles and 23 grey literature sources. Africa was the region most represented followed by South and Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The literature most often referred to CPD systems for nurses and midwives; CPD systems for physicians were frequently referred to as well. Findings show that leadership and buy-in from key stakeholders, including government bodies and healthcare professional organizations, and a framework are essential for the development, implementation and sustainability of a CPD system in a LLMIC. The guiding framework should incorporate a regulatory perspective, as well as a conceptual lens (that informs CPD objectives and methods), and should consider contextual factors (support for CPD, healthcare context and population health needs). In terms of important steps to undertake, these include: a needs assessment; drafting of a policy, which details the regulations (laws/norms), the CPD requirements and an approach for monitoring, including an accreditation mechanism; a financing plan; identification and production of appropriate CPD materials and activities; a communication strategy; and an evaluation process. Conclusion Leadership, a framework and a clearly delineated plan that is responsive to the needs and context of the setting, are essential for the development, implementation and sustainability of a CPD system for healthcare professionals in a LLMIC.

Gabriela Packova, Robin Kundrata

Rhagophthalmus Motschulsky, 1854 is the most speciose genus in Rhagophthalmidae, distributed in the region encompassing South, East, and Southeast Asia. Here, we describe R. nanus sp. nov. from the Houaphanh Province of eastern Laos, which represents the smallest known species in Rhagophthalmus and one of the smallest in Rhagophthalmidae. We compare it with the morphologically similar and geographically close congeners and provide a preliminary identification key to adult males of Rhagophthalmus species from mainland Southeast Asia. Additionally, we discuss the morphology and variability of male genitalia within Rhagophthalmus.

Kim En Un, Konovalova A.I.

The article is devoted to the round table “70th Anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement”, which was held on July 31, 2023 at the Institute of China and Contemporary Asia of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Experts in Korean studies, political and public figures from Russia, the DPRK and the Republic of Korea from various scientific, state and public organizations discussed a wide range of historical issues related to the situation on the Korean peninsula in 1950-1953, presented an assessment of the Armistice Agreement and conclusions from the Korean War from the modern perspective. It was noted, in particular, that the United States currently continue their hostile policy against the DPRK, which creates a tense situation on the Korean peninsula.

Kuralayanapalya Puttahonnappa Suresh, Akshata Nayak, Himani Dhanze et al.

Background: Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a viral zoonotic disease that has been found in several countries of Asia and is responsible for high mortality and morbidity of men and animals in rural and sub-urban endemic areas due to the virus re-circulation among diverse hosts and vectors. The present study estimates the prevalence of the JE virus in the vector and animal population of the Asian continent using a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: The Cochran collaborators' Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis [PRISMA] guidelines were used for systematic review and meta-analysis. The heterogeneity was observed in meta-regression analysis due to several factors including region, species, and different diagnostic assays used in various studies. Thus we did sensitivity and subgroup analysis. Results: The prevalence of the JE virus was calculated using a total sample size of 47,391. Subgroup analysis revealed the JE virus prevalence of 39% in the Southeast Asia region, followed by East Asia with 35% and South Asia with 15% prevalence. Hence, the overall pooled prevalence of the JE virus was 26% in the Asian continent. Conclusions: The highest proportion of infection was found in pigs amongst all animals, reinforcing the fact that they can be used as sentinels to predict outbreaks in humans. The findings of this study will enable researchers and policymakers in better understanding the disease's spatial and temporal distribution, as well as in creating and implementing location-specific JE prevention and control measures.