This research aims to explore the experiences of social stigmatization, psychological distress, and coping strategies among rural Punjabi women who have only female children. The study was conducted within a cultural setting where patriarchy and pronatalism are two complex realities. In such contexts, anyone who deviates from these approved cultural norms may face stigma and distress, and to destigmatize themselves may use coping strategies. A qualitative research design grounded in an interpretive approach was adopted to explore these contextually embedded assumptions. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions carried out with participants residing in the rural setting of Punjab province, including mothers of only daughters and community members. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify key patterns and narratives emerging from participant experiences. The findings reveal that these women face persistent stigmatization, emotional abuse, and social exclusion, particularly from in-laws and other female relatives. They are often blamed for reproductive failure and pressured to seek spiritual or herbal interventions. Despite enduring significant psychological distress such as anxiety, shame, and isolation, many women adopt coping strategies rooted in religious faith, emotional resilience, and avoidance. These insights highlight a critical need for culturally sensitive interventions to protect mothers of only female children from psychological distress and resulting mental health issues.
I. G. Sudirgayasa, S. Sulisetijono, S. Mahanal
et al.
Abstract. Sudirgayasa IG, Sulisetijono, Mahanal S, Gofur A, Surata IK, Sudiana IM, Maduriana IM. 2025. A bibliometric analysis of research gaps on ritual plants within ethnobotanical studies in Indonesia. Asian J Ethnobiol 8: 158-170. Ethnobotany plays a crucial role as a bridge between traditional knowledge and modern science, exploring the deep and long-standing relationship between humans and plants. In Indonesia—a country rich in both biodiversity and cultural diversity—ethnobotany holds a vital place in safeguarding ancestral heritage, such as herbal remedies, traditional rituals, and indigenous agricultural practices. These traditions not only enrich the nation’s identity but also offer sustainable alternatives for the future. This analysis aims to map research trends and identify knowledge gaps related to ethnobotany in Indonesia. The findings are expected to serve as a reference for conservation programs that preserve local wisdom throughout the country. This study employed a bibliometric analysis. Scientific publication data were obtained from the Scopus database over the past decade. The keywords used included ethnobotany, ethnobotanic, ethnobotanical, Indonesia, Indonesian, ritual, and rituals. Data were analyzed using VOSviewer and Microsoft Excel. The analysis revealed several gaps that need to be addressed. First, the most popular topic in ethnobotanical research in Indonesia over the past decade has been medicinal plants. In contrast, research on ritual plants remains minimal—comprising less than 10% of all ethnobotanical studies—with an average of only two publications per year and a stagnant trend. Second, the digitalization of ethnobotanical data on internet-based platforms is still underdeveloped. The visibility and popularity of ritual plant studies should be enhanced through increased global collaboration, funding support, and sustainable conservation policies. Digitalization efforts should be improved by developing websites, mobile applications, social media platforms, and mapping plant distribution using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools or Google MyMaps. The education system should also be engaged by promoting the integration of ethnobotanical themes and values through both intra-disciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches.
AI revolutionizes transportation through autonomous vehicles (AVs) but introduces complex criminal liability issues regarding infractions. This study employs a comparative legal analysis of primary statutes, real-world liability claims, and academic literature across the US, Germany, UK, China, and India; jurisdictions selected for their technological advancement and contrasting regulatory approaches. The research examines the attribution of human error, AI moral agency, and the identification of primary offenders in AV incidents. Findings reveal fragmented regulatory landscapes: India and the US rely on loose networks of state laws, whereas the UK enacted the pioneering Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018. Germany enforces strict safety standards, distinguishing liability based on the vehicle's operating mode, while China similarly aims for a stringent liability regime. The study concludes that globally harmonized legal standards are essential to foster technological innovation while ensuring minimum risk and clear liability attribution.
The theory of polynomial-like maps is of fundamental importance in holomorphic dynamics. We study dynamical properties of a larger class of maps. Our main result is that, under some natural conditions, a map of this class has a completely invariant compact set if and only if this set is the filled Julia set of a polynomial-like restriction of the map. We also generalize this result to include maps with non-connected domains of definition.
The model minority myth obscures the educational disparities among Asian student groups in physics education. This study estimated the variation in conceptual physics knowledge across 19 Asian racial/ethnic groups at the start and end of introductory physics courses. Utilizing data from the LASSO platform, we analyzed responses from 16,810 students enrolled in 493 introductory calculus-based physics courses across 64 U.S. institutions. We applied Multilevel Analysis of Individual Heterogeneity and Discriminatory Accuracy (MAIHDA) to analyze the student outcomes with the Force Concept Inventory and Force and Motion Conceptual Evaluation. We found that the predicted posttest score of the lowest performing group is the same as the predicted pretest score of the highest performing group. Disaggregated data reveal performance differences among Asian groups that aggregated reporting conceals. To avoid the challenges that can arise when disaggregating data, instructors and researchers must consider many factors, such as research questions and/or methodological constraints. By leveraging the expanded identity options within the LASSO platform and the MAIHDA model, our approach offers a powerful framework for exposing hidden disparities and advancing equity in STEM education.
Investing in Asian markets through exchange-traded funds (ETFs) provides investors with access to rapidly expanding economies and valuable diversification opportunities. This study examines the advantages and challenges of investing in Asian ETFs by conducting comprehensive risk assessments, portfolio analyses, and performance comparisons. The dataset comprises 29 ETFs offering exposure across a wide spectrum of Asian markets, including broad regional funds, country-specific ETFs, as well as sector-focused funds, dividend-oriented ETFs, small-cap portfolios, and emerging market bond ETFs. To evaluate risk and return dynamics, the study employs Markowitz's efficient frontier to identify optimal portfolios for given levels of risk, and conditional value-at-risk (CVaR) to capture potential extreme losses for a more comprehensive risk assessment. Multiple portfolio configurations are analyzed under long-only and long-short investment strategies to assess adaptability across varying market conditions. Furthermore, key performance risk measures, including the Sharpe ratio, Rachev ratio, and stable tail-adjusted return ratio (STARR), are calculated to provide an in-depth evaluation of reward-to-risk efficiency, with particular emphasis on the role of tail behavior in portfolio performance. This research aims to deliver deeper insights into the risk-return trade-offs, tail-risk behavior, and efficiency of Asian ETFs, offering investors a practical foundation for constructing robust and well-diversified portfolios across both emerging and developed Asian markets.
The quantitative relationship between Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCSs) and floods over East Asia has not been established. In this study, MCSs are clustered into four types with Self‐Organizing Map approach. Floods in June‐August of 2000–2021 are linked with different types of MCS by automated algorithms we constructed. We find that among the major floods (potential flood peak periods), 91% (87%) are related to MCS, 65% (78%) are dominated by MCS, and 38% (20%) are dominated by multi‐types of MCS. Types 1 and 2 MCS have higher flood‐inducing efficiencies than common MCS (Type‐4). Type‐1 MCS, characterized by the least number (2% of the total number), the largest precipitation volume, longest lifetime, slowest moving, strongest precipitation, can most efficiently produce floods. Type‐2 MCS, characterized by the second largest precipitation volume, more numerous than Type‐1 particularly over land, can induce floods not only relatively efficiently but also more frequently than Type‐1.
The convergence of cultural and aesthetic elements in timber structures from China’s Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) and traditional Japanese architecture provides a rich tapestry of architectural evolution and cross-cultural exchanges. Addressing the challenge of distinguishing and understanding the intricate styles of these structures is significant for both historical comprehension and preservation efforts. This research introduces an innovative approach by integrating the Multi-Head Attention (MHA) mechanism into the YOLOv8 model, enhancing the detection of architectural features with improved precision and recall. Our novel YOLOv8-MHA model not only demonstrates a notable improvement in recognizing intricate architectural details but also significantly advances the state of the art in object detection within complex settings. Quantitative results underscore the model’s effectiveness, achieving a precision of 95.6%, a recall of 85.6%, and a mean Average Precision (mAP@50) of 94% across various Intersection over Union (IoU) thresholds. These metrics highlight the model’s superior capability to accurately identify and classify architectural elements, especially within environments rich with nuanced details, utilizing the enhanced YOLOv8-MHA algorithm. The application of our model extends beyond mere architectural analysis; it offers new insights into the intricate interplay of cultural identity and adaptability inherent in East Asian architectural heritage. The study establishes a solid foundation for the meticulous classification and analysis of architectural styles in timber structures within an expansive cultural and historical context, thereby enriching our understanding and preservation of these traditions.
Climate change plays an increasing role in the global biodiversity crisis. Alteration in local climatic conditions not only can negatively affect native biodiversity but also can accelerate the introduction and spread of invasive species. In this study the ecological niche modelling approach was used to evaluate possible changes in the distribution of suitable niches of invasive orchid Eulophia graminea within its native (Asia) and non-native geographical range (America, Australia). We mapped the current potential range of this species and analysed three various projections of future climate (for 2100) each with four different climate change scenarios (SSPs). Calculated niche overlap indexes indicated low similarity of niches occupied by native and invasive populations of E. graminea and Australian populations seem to be the most unique, while American and Asian groups share partially similar niches. The occurrence of the American population of E. graminea was correlated especially with the temperature seasonality, while the Asian and Australian populations with annual precipitation and precipitation of the wettest quarter. As indicated in our analyses within Asia and America, E. graminea does not occupy all climatically suitable niches. On the other hand, in Australia the species studied already occupies all appropriate niche space. Climate change will likely be favorable for species studied to expand its range if the biotic components of its niche space (e.g., mycorrhizal fungi) will respond similarly. The most significant range expansion is predicted to occur in Australia which is interesting considering the marginally suitable habitats that E. graminea currently occupies.
Since its independence in 1962, Algeria used Islam to strengthen the sense of national identity or as a tool of self-legitimization. The Algerian political elite not only legitimized governments in the shadow of Islam, but institutionalized it through different organisms, represented by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Endowments (Awqaf), the Islamic High Council, and more recent institutions, such as those gravitating around the Great Mosque of Algiers with important cultural, social, and administrative tasks. This bureaucratization of Islam represented the cornerstone of the state fight against radicalization and the crystallization of an Algerian national Islam that has been vital for the stabilization of the country.
Kyoko Nishida, the Director of the Tokyo Camii Institute, an independent research institute on Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies, and a professional translator, recently published a translation of the Quran in Japanese as the second Muslim woman to do so, with the help of Turkish, Syrian and Japanese Muslim scholars who live and work in Japan. Her new book Quran: Japanese Comprehension is published by Tokyo Camii Publishing, a branch of Camii Diyanet, an official Turkish religious institute situated in Tokyo. Fuga Kimura interviewed Nishida for IQAS, discussing motivations for new translations, the challenges involved and the differences among Quranic translations, as well as the rich history of Quran receptions in Japan. Nishida also spoke of her struggles to maintain intellectual independence as a professional translator working under a religious institution.
History of Asia, Unlocalized maps (Asian studies only)
We present closed analytical approximations for the pricing of basket options, also applicable to Asian options with discrete averaging under the Black-Scholes model with time-dependent parameters. The formulae are obtained by using a stochastic Taylor expansion around a log-normal proxy model and are found to be highly accurate for Asian options in practice as well as for vanilla options with discrete dividends.
Drought is an intricate atmospheric phenomenon with the greatest impacts on food security and agriculture in South Asia. Timely and appropriate forecasting of drought is vital in reducing its negative impacts. This study intended to explore the performance of the evaporative stress index (ESI), vegetation health index (VHI), enhanced vegetation index (EVI), and standardized anomaly index (SAI) based on satellite remote sensing data from 2002–2019 for agricultural drought assessment in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. The spatial maps were generated against each index, which indicated a severe agricultural drought during the year 2002, compared to the other years. The results showed that the southeast region of Pakistan, and the north, northwest, and southwest regions of India and Afghanistan were significantly affected by drought. However, Bangladesh faced substantial drought in the northeast and northwest regions during the drought year (2002). The longest drought period of seven months was observed in India followed by Pakistan and Afghanistan with six months, while, only three months were perceived in Bangladesh. The correlation between drought indices and climate variables such as soil moisture has remained a significant drought-initiating variable. Furthermore, this study confirmed that the evaporative stress index (ESI) is a good agricultural drought indicator, being quick and with greater sensitivity, and thus advantageous compared to the VHI, EVI, and SAI vegetation indices.
Lydiatul Shima Ashari, Ainaa Almardhiyah Abd Rashid, Shahril Mohd Razif
et al.
This review aimed to map current evidence on the association between dietary factors and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in Asia. This review was conducted based on Arksey and O’Malley methodological framework. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) flow diagram was used to record the review process. For the purpose of searching for articles, three electronic databases namely PubMed, EBSCOHost and ScienceDirect were employed. The inclusion criteria for articles selection were articles with association analysis between diet and CRC risk among Asians, had adults as participants, articles were written in English, open-accessed and published between years 2009 and 2021. Thus, 35 out of 369 screened articles were eventually included in this review which covered 28 case-control studies, six prospective cohort studies and one randomised clinical trial. Foods such as meats, alcohol and westernised diet have been shown to be associated with increase of CRC risk while fruits, vegetables and traditional meals decreased the risk of CRC. Only a few interventional and dietary patterns studies were identified. Specific single foods and nutrients and dietary patterns have been found to increase the risk but also protected the Asian population against CRC. The findings of this review will guide health professionals, researchers and policy makers to conduct a suitable study design and topic for future research.
Learning outcomes The case has the following learning objectives: to understand the dilemmas that an emerging market MNC faces during pre-and post-acquisition scenarios; understand and appreciate the basic tensions that arise when two different companies with different cultural setups are integrated; understand the importance of creating a culture integration road map to leverage the synergies of two successful companies; and understand the role of leadership in leading and managing change. Case overview/synopsis Asian Paints Ltd. has been a market leader in the Indian paint market for over five decades (since 1967). Over the years, starting in 1978, the company has steadily spread its footprint in the international arena as well. As of 2017, Asian Paints was a leader in 10 overseas markets, one of the top 3 paint companies in the Middle East, the largest paint manufacturing company in South Asia, and served 60 markets across the world. The international business contributed to around 12% of the company’s group turnover. In line with its long-term vision and to consolidate its presence in emerging markets, the company acquired Causeway Paints, a leading paint company in Sri Lanka, in April 2017. Asian Paints had a presence in Sri Lanka since 1999. Mr. Jatin Upadhyay, International Business Unit Head for Asian Paints, had played significant roles in the past in such acquisitions and was well aware of the impending challenges that came with such acquisitions. How would the integration of the two distinct entities be made possible without losing the overarching objective? How would the transition be managed? How would the cultural transition take place? What and how would the role be handled by the General Manager (GM) of Causeway Lanka? How would the new organisational structure support the transition? The case illustrates the complex management challenges that arise when a leading enterprise from a different country (Asian Paints) acquires a leading company in a different country, in this case, Causeway Paints, Sri Lanka. Complexity academic level The target audience for this case study is the students pursuing a post-graduate programme in management or an executive post-graduate programme in management. The case can also be used for management development programmes for experienced participants who are interested in understanding the possible scenarios that may arise after an acquisition when managing an international subsidiary in a different cultural setting. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 6: Human Resource Management.