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This paper advances a legitimacy‐based view on what factors determine multinational corporation (MNC) employees' adoption of English at work. We posit that legitimacy judgment represents an alternative mechanism, other than language ability, for explaining MNC employees' response to headquarters' corporate language policy. The hypotheses were confirmed in two studies with mixed‐methods (experiments; semi‐structured interviews), involving MNC employees in China. Our findings verified that corporate language policy increases positive legitimacy judgment, which in turn enhances employees' adoption of English at work. Further analysis showed that language ability moderates the mediating effect of legitimacy judgment, such that this effect is stronger for employees with lower language ability. Semi‐structured interviews confirmed the experimental findings and brought more insight into why and how Chinese employees adopt English in daily work. This paper contributes to the research on corporate language policy, legitimacy judgment, and cross‐border management in Asia Pacific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKP) has emerged as a novel variant of K. pneumoniae, exhibiting distinct phenotypic and genotypic characteristics that confer increased virulence and pathogenicity. It is not only responsible for nosocomial infections but also community-acquired infections, including liver abscesses, endophthalmitis, and meningitis, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. HvKP has been reported all over the world, but it is mainly prevalent in Asia Pacific, especially China. Moreover, hvKP can acquire carbapenemase genes resulting in the emergence of carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (CR-hvKP), which possesses both high virulence and drug resistance capabilities. Consequently, CR-hvKP poses substantial challenges to infection control and presents serious threats to global public health. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive summary of the epidemiological characteristics, virulence factors, and mechanisms underlying carbapenem resistance in hvKP strains with the aim of offering valuable insights for practical prevention strategies as well as future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Before the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, the world was in a process of transition from the unipolar system which had ruled the world since the end of the Cold War to an increasingly multilateral order. With this regard, there was a kind of consensus between academics, decision-makers and other interested actors in the international arena in the sense that the world was transitioning towards a much more multipolar order in which the US would lose gradually its status of the only superpower for the benefit of mainly China but also for other Asian-Pacific states. The aim of this paper is to examine the extent of the consequences of the COVID-19 at the geopolitical level in the framework of global power redistribution. In this sense, this paper will analyse if the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered the US and Chinese social, economic and political scenarios in the framework of the great power competition and also if the pandemic will substantially shift the geopolitical balance of the world. This study will try to answer which have been the effects of the pandemic in terms of geopolitics and the prospects of its impact on the global power redistribution and international leadership competition at the short and medium term. In this sense, the main question to be answered in this research is: Has the COVID-19 pandemic lead to a faster than previously expected Western loss of economic and political power able to lead to new world order transition dynamics with significant consequences for the international security architecture? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction of the United States-led Indo-Pacific (IPAC) and the China-led Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is an exercise in power to reshape the geopolitics of Asia-Pacific. Under the IPAC metageography, China is potentially excluded while the US's security border is extended to the Indian Ocean. BRI, on the other hand, has been advanced as an alternative model of economic globalization and diplomacy that is characterized by open and fluid borders. In this paper, we draw on a geoeconomic lens using oil/gas and the solar energy trade to shed light on Asia-Pacific's changing metageography. Power is constituted through relational coupling and decoupling as China and the US are locked in geoeconomic competition that expands but also contracts imaginaries of the region. The findings suggest that neither China nor the US holds a relational advantage in all energy sectors; each country however leads in sub-sectors. China, BRI and Asian IPAC are all significant importers of US oil and gas while China's solar trade has accelerated regional integration that includes the US. The paper concludes that China's exclusion from IPAC is not consistent with the geoeconomic realities of energy trade. BRI on the other hand has staked its success as an anti-colonial space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a typical augmentation satellite system for centimeter-level positioning, PPP (Precise Point Positioning) service based on PPP-B2b signal of China's new generation BeiDou system (BDS-3) was released for Asia-Pacific area on July, 2020. This paper first introduces the recovery theory of PPP-B2b SSR (State Space Representation) messages and then implements a real-time PPP-B2b precise positioning terminal to decode and obtain the PPP-B2b SSR orbit, clock, and biases. On those bases, the coverage, signal-in-space, and positioning performance of PPP-B2b SSR are evaluated. The results show that PPP-B2b SSR of BDS-3 can cover the most area of 50°E-180°E, 30°S-70°N and improve signal-in-space accuracy significantly. The improvement rate on BDS clock offset can reach 77%, which far exceeds average 40% improvement on BDS orbit, while it is opposite for GPS with 80% improvement rate on orbit and 61% on clock offset. Average SISRE (signal-in-space range error) of PPP-B2b SSR is better than 10 cm. The 95% positioning results show that centimeter- to decimeter-level positioning can be achieved after a few minutes of convergence based on PPP-B2b SSR, which satisfies the BDS open service performance standard. Comparing to BDS PPP based on PPP-B2b SSR, BDS + GPS PPP can promote convergence significantly with average 40% improvement rate for 95% epochs and can further improve positioning accuracy with 30%-35% improvement rate in horizontal and 10%–15% in vertical direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating Cognitive Appraisal Theory with the transmission model of inspiration, this paper investigates the tourist inspiration-eliciting process in the context of wellness tourism. A questionnaire survey (N = 974) was provided to wellness tourists in Shizhu county, China, with findings revealing the motivations of wellness tourists positively influence goal relevance and goal congruence. Goal congruence led to the elicitation of inspiration, which could be separated into two stages of inspired-by and inspired-to. Tourist inspiration was found to diminish as frequency of visitation increased. This research provides conceptual clarity surrounding the intricate connection between motivations and tourist inspiration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 95% of international trade in steam coal is concentrated in two areas: Asia-Pacific and Atlantic. Prices on the international market depend on the largest exporters and users of coal. The aim of the article is to characterize the price trends that took place in the international trade of energy coal in the years 2000-2020 and to distinguish price indices which, in the opinion of the authors, currently play an important role in this trade. The analysis of steam coal prices in international markets in 2000-2020 made it possible to highlight five periods of rising prices, four periods of falling prices, and one period of the stabilisation of prices. A detailed analysis of the highlighted periods of steam coal price fluctuations in 2000-2020 made it possible to identify groups of factors that significantly affect the level of prices of the analyzed coal in the long term. International steam coal markets are interlinked despite periodic volatility. A very important factor influencing world steam coal prices is the situation in China as it is the largest producer, user and importer of steam coal. A small change in coal production in China significantly affects the volume of trade on the international market. Therefore, the level of freight prices is an important factor influencing the price level for the customer. FOB Australia prices are also correlated with coal suppliers to the European market and Asia-Pacific market in this paper. The very high correlation coefficients obtained confirm the close relationship between the prices of these coals. For many years, the European market has no longer been a trendsetter in international coal markets but has instead been affected by general trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the degree of connectedness of Asia Pacific forex markets post‐global financial crisis and relates it to developments in the renminbi markets. The connectedness measure developed by Diebold and Yilmaz (2014) (Journal of Econometrics, 182, 119–134) reveal the strength of linkages across the U.S. dollar currency pairs of 12 currencies, namely offshore renminbi, onshore renminbi, euro, yen, Australian dollar, Indian rupee, Korean won, Malaysian ringgit, New Zealand dollar, Singapore dollar, Thai baht and Taiwan dollar. With the gradual liberalization of China's exchange rate system, shocks from the renminbi markets contribute more to fluctuations in almost all individual Asia Pacific currency markets vis‐à‐vis the yen. Rolling regressions show a number of Asia Pacific currencies exhibit tighter association with the renminbi when the latter underwent exchange rate regime reform. Finally, results from a two‐step analysis involving a panel regression provide evidence that time‐varying sensitivities of Asia Pacific currencies to the renminbi are directly related to the countries' trade and financial links with China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hot dry rock (HDR) geothermal resources have great development potential and prospects, owing to their wide distribution and high thermal storage temperature. HDR resources are abundant in China, but their exploration and exploitation remain in the early stages. The Yishu fault zone in Shandong Province in eastern China is in a high-temperature geothermal zone of the Pacific Rim. Three craters and 15 hot springs are in this area, which possesses abundant geothermal resources and favourable conditions for the occurrence of HDR resources. Nevertheless, HDR resources in this area have not been studied in detail, and the index-evaluation system for HDR is still imperfect. In this paper, five index layers are selected, including: the gravity and magnetic fields, geothermal field, tectonic activity, reservoir and cover characteristics, and remotely sensed features. Thirteen index elements were also selected as evaluation factors. In combination, these index layers and index elements have established a favourable evaluation index system for HDR resources in this region, and the analytic hierarchy process has been used to determine the weight of each factor. Then, the GIS spatial analysis function is used to carry out spatial superposition analyses for each index element, and finally the distribution characteristics of HDR resources east of the Yishu fault zone were determined, with four favourable selection areas being delineated. The occurrence conditions of HDR resources are analysed in detail with evaluation indexes. It is believed that HDR resources are closely related to neotectonic movement, volcanism and rocks with high heat-generation rates. Searching for areas with geothermal anomalies is indispensable for the evaluation of HDR resources. This study provides a basis for the exploration and development of HDR resources in the region, and it can also provide a reference for similar work in other parts of the country. A set of evaluation indexes to determine favourable areas for HDR resources, including gravity, geothermal field, geological structure and crustal stability, heat storage and heat cover and features on remotely sensed images, is established. East of Yishu fault zone, there is a great potential of HDR resources, with an area of 19 399 km2 of favourable and more favourable areas, accounting for approximately 38.8% of the total area. HDR resources are likely closely associated with neotectonics, igneous activity, geothermal anomalies and rocks with a high heat-generation rate such as granites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the leadership transition in China in November 2012, there have been significant changes in Chinese foreign policy. It has been widely observed that under the new leadership headed by President Xi Jinping, Beijing has become more assertive in international affairs. This paper ex- amines the emerging contours of China's foreign policy under Xi and the implications for the future regional order in the Asia Pacific. It argues that recent international behaviour of China is the manifestation of a new phase of Chinese foreign policy that could be defined as ‘peaceful rise 2.0’. In this analysis, while Beijing still adheres to its declared ‘peaceful development’ policy aiming to maintain a stable external environment conducive to its ascendance, the manner in which it seeks to do so are considerably different from past decades. The paper further argues that despite China's growing power, President Xi faces greater difficulties than his predecessor to achieve his foreign policy objectives. Indeed Beijing's capacity to shape the regional environment in its favour in the near future is arguably declining rather than increasing. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

China's military developments and growing naval capabilities are the focus of much discussion among strategists and policy makers. China's moves in this direction are of particular concern because of the implications to maritime security in the region, particularly to countries that have territorial disputes. Its burgeoning military power and growing naval and maritime capability are linked to the country's overall maritime strategy and rising profile in the international arena, raising questions outside the region as to her long-term intentions in the Asia-Pacific region. Of particular interest is China's Anti-access Area-denial (A2/AD) strategy. This paper undertakes an analysis of China's military with specific reference to the A2/AD strategy, and is premised on the belief that the A2/AD strategy is a component of overall Chinese maritime strategy. This paper suggests that People's Liberation Army Navy military capabilities and force developments are inter-related to the evolution of China's maritime strategy, and that China's building onto A2/AD would pose a significant threat to regional security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the changing geo-political situation in the Asia-Pacific Region from an Australian defense policy perspective. The article focuses on China, the US, and Indonesia and examines Australia's strategic defense needs for the coming decade. The paper concludes by laying out four strategic defense options for Australia, 1. maintaining the US alliance, 2. going back to "fortress Australia," 3. towards Asian integrations, and 4. the "New Zealand" option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the manifestation and trends of hybrid warfare in the Asia-Pacific region through the lenses of the following three key hybrid actors: China, North Korea and ISIS affiliates in Southeast Asia. This article explains why the hybrid approach can be such an attractive strategic option for both state and non-state actors in the Asia-Pacific. Finally, this paper will address the impact of how the constant pushing of boundaries in hybrid warfare can lead to unintended consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nosocomial infections are the main adverse events during health care delivery. Hand hygiene is the fundamental strategy for the prevention of nosocomial infections. Microbial characteristics of nosocomial infections in the Asia-Pacific region have not been investigated fully. Correlation between the use of hand hygiene products and the incidence of nosocomial infections is still unknown. This study investigates the microbial characteristics of nosocomial infections in the Asia-Pacific region and analyzes the association between the utilization of hand hygiene products and the incidence of nosocomial infections.Patients and Methods: A total of 78,344 patients were recruited from a major tertiary hospital in China. Microbial characteristics of major types of nosocomial infections were described. The association between the utilization of hand hygiene products and the incidence of nosocomial infections was analyzed using correlation and regression models.Results: The overall incidence of nosocomial infections was 3.04%, in which the incidence of surgical site infection was 1%. Multi-drug resistance was found in 22.8% of all pathogens, in which multi-drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were 56.6% and 54.9%, respectively. The utilization of hand hygiene products (including hand sanitizer, soap and paper towel) was associated negatively with the incidence of surgical site infection in surgical departments and the incidence of nosocomial infections in non-intensive care unit (ICU) departments (especially in surgical departments). Regression analysis further identified that higher utilization of hand hygiene products correlated with decreased incidence of major types of nosocomial infections.Conclusions: Multi-drug-resistant organisms are emerging in Asia-Pacific health care facilities. Utilization of hand hygiene products is associated with the incidence of nosocomial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Asia-Pacific has seen the emergence of a new security dilemma, as geopolitical friction increases due to escalating crises. Significant tensions between China and many of its Asian neighbors have arisen due to maritime disputes, the North Korea nuclear crisis, and a military arms race. There are three main areas of the common security challenges in the Asia and Pacific region today: Chinese military growth, the U.S. military dominance and strategic “rebalance,” and conflicts or hot spots in the region. The future way out of the Asia-Pacific's current security dilemma depends heavily on how the U.S., China, and Japan can work together. This paper seeks to examine three issues: 1) the logic of China's military growth and how serious a threat it has posed to other countries in the region; 2) the major barriers that hold back military exchange programs between China and the U.S.; and 3) the intervening factor, the strengthening of a U.S.-Japan alliance and its repercussions for China. It will provide proposals to establish a collective framework including more specific security dialogues and cooperation in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The global insurance industry is undergoing fundamental change, with countries that are classified as emerging economies (such as China and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region) playing increasingly important roles. In this article, we investigate the effect of two important dimensions of a country's culture, societal trust and risk avoidance, on risk taking by insurance firms around the world between 2001 and 2014. We measure societal trust and risk avoidance using the World Value Survey. Our results indicate that there is a positive and significant association between the level of societal trust and insurer risk taking in a country, while there is a negative and significant association between the level of risk avoidance and insurer risk taking. We show that our main results are robust to changes in sample composition and potential bias related to the 2007–2009 global financial crisis. One possible concern is that insurer risk taking could be affected by many institutional and societal factors of a country that are not included in our regression analysis. To alleviate this concern, we use the two-stage least squares regression method with instrumental variables to address the potential endogeneity problem related to omitted variables, and find that our results remain unchanged. Additionally, we show that the negative relationship between risk avoidance and insurer risk taking still holds when we use alternative uncertainty avoidance measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grand Strategy determines the ultimate goals and interests of a state. It has long-term effects on state policies. With the advent of the 21st century, China has emerged as a regional and global power. After entering the new era of development, China set specific goals and decided to achieve them, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. These goals are to convert China into a prosperous society, increase per capita income at par with developed states and realize modernization. In 2013, Xi Jinping announced China's Grand Strategy, while stating that the period extended to 2020 (and beyond) is the era of strategic opportunity for China. This article discusses China's Grand Strategy in the Asia- Pacific region. First, it conceptualizes Chinese strategy by focusing on its main objectives and interests. Secondly, it analyses its components while identifying how China is utilizing its economic, political, diplomatic, and security means to secure its interests in the region and maintain regional order. It also examines Chinese foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific region according to the institutions of international society described by Hadley Bull. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]