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This study sought to provide a comprehensive analysis of English language teaching (ELT) research in Southeast Asia (SEA) using both quantitative and qualitative data. Specifically, this paper sought to describe the characteristics, growth, impact, trajectory, and distribution of ELT research in the SEA region, determine the research themes that emerged and how they have evolved for the past 6 years, and identify the extent of collaboration among SEA ELT scholars. This examination, covering a 6-year period, showcases the breadth and depth of research undertaken in the region. Overall, the research productivity and citations in the region have been increasing during the inclusive years, with Singapore, Vietnam, and Malaysia leading the list in almost all metrics. Research designs have also become more sophisticated in recent years as research contexts and topics continue to expand. Popular topics include teacher cognition and agency, teaching practices, computer-assisted language learning, and teaching macro skills. Although collaboration among SEA countries remains modest, their collaboration with western countries is relatively extensive, especially Vietnam and Singapore. Policy implications and future directions are discussed.

The Australian government has considered youth mobility to the Indo-Pacific to be crucial in building Australia's connection with the region. Despite a growing trend of Australian student mobility to the Indo-Pacific, there has been a dearth of research on mobility youth's agency in public diplomacy. This article makes an original contribution to the literature by elucidating the four main forms of youth agency in public diplomacy in which Australian students have engaged: fostering regional understandings, people-to-people connections, people-to-opportunity connections and country-to-country connections with the Indo-Pacific. It shows that these understandings and connections were created not only during the students' in-country experiences but also upon their return, and the youth-led connections are not limited within the host and home countries. The article suggests a critical need to have a systemic approach to supporting mobility youth's capacity for regional engagement, beyond the traditional student experience in learning abroad, which is concerned largely with academic outcomes, cultural enhancement and employability development.

Process innovation is the core that helps both firms and countries achieve development goals quickly and sustainably. However, how a country's ecosystem aligns with the innovation development of domestic firms and reverses backwards is less discussed. This study examines how process innovation practices at different levels affect the firms' and governments' performance to build a global competitiveness roadmap. The data of 4,859 small and medium manufacturing firms in nine Southeast Asian countries are used to examine the critical process innovation practices at the firm level, then utilized the Global Competitiveness Index to determine whether the cross-level effects the relationship between process innovation practices and firms, and national competitiveness performance. A two-level hierarchical model shows that innovation investment positively impacts process innovation practices. Higher education, training, and labor market efficiency also have a cross-level influence on process innovation. Finally, firm performance is boosted by integrating process innovation with financial market growth and size. The contributions are: (1) demonstrating a direct and indirect impact of innovation investment on process innovation practices and (2) providing an in-depth look at the cross-level effect of process innovation on global competitiveness. Résumé: L'innovation de processus est un élément central qui permet à la fois aux entreprises et aux pays d'atteindre rapidement et durablement les objectifs de développement. Toutefois, la manière dont l'écosystème d'un pays s'aligne sur le développement de l'innovation des entreprises nationales, et s'inverse, est moins étudiée. Cette étude examine comment les pratiques d'innovation de processus à différents niveaux affectent les performances des entreprises et des gouvernements afin d'élaborer une feuille de route pour la compétitivité. Les données de 4859 petites et moyennes entreprises manufacturières dans neuf pays d'Asie du Sud-Est sont utilisées pour examiner les pratiques critiques d'innovation de processus au niveau de l'entreprise, puis l'indice mondial de compétitivité, pour déterminer si leur croisement affecte la relation entre les pratiques d'innovation de processus et les entreprises, et la performance de la compétitivité nationale. Un modèle hiérarchique à deux niveaux montre que l'investissement dans l'innovation a un impact positif sur les pratiques d'innovation de processus. L'enseignement supérieur, la formation et l'efficacité du marché du travail ont également une influence transversale sur l'innovation des processus. Enfin, les performances des entreprises sont stimulées par l'intégration de l'innovation de processus à la croissance et à la taille des marchés financiers. Les contributions sont les suivantes : (1) démontrer un impact direct et indirect de l'investissement dans l'innovation sur les pratiques d'innovation de processus et (2) fournir une vision approfondie de l'effet transversal de l'innovation du processus sur la compétitivité mondiale. HIGHLIGHTS: Process innovation critically helps firms and countries achieve the development goals quickly and sustainably This study examines how process innovation affects the SMEs' and governments' performance A two-level hierarchical non-linear model, whereby firms at level-1 are nested in nations at level-2, is considered Corporate research and development and formal staff training affect process innovation practices Process innovation is associated with the cross-level effects of higher education and training and labor market efficiency [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae), Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae), and Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis) are leading causes of childhood bacterial meningitis and preventable by vaccines. The aim of this hospital-based sentinel surveillance is to describe the epidemiological characteristics of pneumococcal meningitis, including disease burden, and to provide baseline data on pneumococcal serotype distribution to support decision making for pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) introduction in Vietnam. Methods: Surveillance for probable bacterial meningitis in children 1–59 months of age is conducted in three tertiary level pediatric hospitals: one in Hanoi and two in Ho Chi Minh City. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens were collected via lumbar puncture from children with suspected meningitis. Specimens were transferred immediately to the laboratory department of the respective hospital for cytology, biochemistry, and microbiology testing, including culture. PCR testing was conducted on CSF specimens for bacterial detection (S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and N. meningitidis) and pneumococcal serotyping. Results: During 2015–2018, a total of 1,803 children with probable bacterial meningitis were detected; 1,780 had CSF specimens available for testing. Of 245 laboratory-confirmed positive cases, the majority were caused by S. pneumoniae (229,93.5%). Of those with S. pneumoniae detected, over 70% were caused by serotypes included in currently available PCV products; serotypes 6 A/6B (27.1%), 14 (19.7%), and 23 F (16.2%) were the most common serotypes. Children with laboratory-confirmed pneumococcal meningitis were more likely to live in Hanoi (p < 0.0001) and children 12–23 months of age were at greater odds (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.11, 2.43; p = 0.006) of having confirmed pneumococcal meningitis compared to children < 12 months of age when compared to those without laboratory-confirmed bacterial meningitis. Additionally, children with confirmed pneumococcal meningitis were more likely to exhibit signs and symptoms consistent with clinical meningitis compared to negative laboratory-confirmed meningitis cases (p < 0.0001) and had a greater odds of death (OR = 6.18, 95% CI: 2.98, 12.86; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Pneumococcal meningitis contributes to a large burden of bacterial meningitis in Vietnamese children. A large proportion are caused by serotypes covered by PCVs currently available. Introduction of PCV into the routine immunization program could reduce the burden of pneumococcal meningitis in Viet Nam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the urgent need to enhance resilience among youth in Asia and Africa by accelerating collaborative efforts between these regions. Topics include identifying and addressing unique stressors faced by youth in these areas; developing culturally sensitive interventions; and implementing a participatory research program to investigate and mitigate the impact of these stressors on mental health.

This research mainly focuses on investigating the role of the interactions between cash flows, oil price uncertainty, and geopolitical risk on corporate cash holdings across 42 countries. We also investigate whether such interactions may differ across firm and country characteristics. The main results show that the interactions between cash flows interacting with oil price uncertainty and geopolitical risk have a positive correlation with corporate cash holdings. Additionally, the nexus between the interactions and corporate cash holdings is more prominent for financially constrained firms, firms located in highly competitive industries, or Asia and Europe. The main policy implication based on our findings is that policymakers should exercise caution and take into account the effect of the uncertainties of oil price movement and geopolitical risk when designing policies related to corporate decision makings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work provides consensus guidance regarding clinical diagnosis and early medical management of endometriosis within Asia. Clinicians with expertise in endometriosis critically evaluated available evidence on clinical diagnosis and early medical management and their applicability to current clinical practices. Clinical diagnosis should focus on symptom recognition, which can be presumed to be endometriosis without laparoscopic confirmation. Transvaginal sonography can be appropriate for diagnosing pelvic endometriosis in select patients. For early empiric treatment, management of women with clinical presentation suggestive of endometriosis should be individualized and consider presentation and therapeutic need. Medical treatment is recommended to reduce endometriosis-associated pelvic pain for patients with no immediate pregnancy desires. Hormonal treatment can be considered for pelvic pain with a clinical endometriosis diagnosis; progestins are a first-line management option for early medical treatment, with oral progestin-based therapies generally a better option compared with combined oral contraceptives because of their safety profile. Dienogest can be used long-term if needed and a larger evidence base supports dienogest use compared with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) as first-line medical therapy. GnRHa may be considered for first-line therapy in some specific situations or as short-term therapy before dienogest and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as add-on therapy for endometriosis-associated pelvic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastline vegetation cover monitoring is critical for human survival because of plants are known as the most important dunes stabilizer. Evaluation of vegetation using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) was carried out in some areas of the Truong Sa Islands (Truong Sa island: A1; Nam Yet island: A2; Sinh Ton island: A3; Son Ca island: A4; Song Tu Tay island: A5). The study's primary goal was to analyze salt-tolerant plants based on a data field survey conducted between 2020–2022 using an analysis of Sentinel-2 images taken between 2016 and 2021. Most of the islands show an increase in vegetation cover. Overall, plant species have mostly grown on dunes and sandy soil: (1) Herbaceous plants are dominated by Ipomoea pes-caprae (L.) R.Br., Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King and H. Rob.; (2) Shrubland communities are dominated by Poaceae, Asteraceae, Goodeniaceae families; (3) Group of woody plants are dominated by Heliotropium arboreum (Blanco) Mabb., Barringtonia asiatica (L.) Kurz., Calophyllum inophyllum L., Coccoloba uvifera (L.) L., Casuarina equisetifolia L., Terminalia catappa L., Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don, Scaevola taccada (Gaertn.) Roxb. Results have shown that the islands located in the northern latitudes have more diverse flora than the islands in the southern part. The size of these coral islands has expanded from 2016 to 2021, leading to the growth of vegetation coverage and biodiversity support for human and societal needs. This study provides important data to expand further studies to islands in different latitudes, actively supporting biodiversity management and protecting remote islands' soil and sand resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Major trauma is a major concern in public health and a leading cause of mortality worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the prehospital scene time interval (STI) and survival in emergency medical service (EMS)-assessed major trauma patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: A retrospective observational study using the Pan-Asian Trauma Outcomes Study (PATOS) database was conducted. Adult trauma patients with injury severity scores (ISSs) greater than 15 who were admitted to the ICU were selected. EMS STIs were categorized into three groups: short (0–8 minutes), intermediate (9–16 minutes), and long (over 16 minutes). The primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge, and the secondary outcome was good neurological outcome at hospital discharge. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to calculate odds ratios and confidence intervals, adjusting for age, sex, mechanism of injury, prehospital alertness, prehospital shock index, response time interval, and EMS intervention (airway, oxygen supplementation, and intravenous fluid administration). Sensitivity analysis for patients who underwent surgery or nontraumatic brain injury cases and interaction analysis by EMS intervention were performed. Results: Data from a total of 1,874 eligible patients were analyzed. Intermediate and long STIs showed significant associations with outcomes, with adjusted ORs (95% CI) of 1.21 (1.07–1.38) in the intermediate STI group and 1.74 (1.55–1.96) in the long STI group for survival and 1.37 (1.32–1.40) in the intermediate STI group and 1.31 (1.22–1.41) in the long STI group for neurological outcome. In the sensitivity analysis, the highest ORs were found in the intermediate STI group, with adjusted ORs (95% CI) of 1.40 (1.37–1.42) for survival and 1.32 (1.26–1.38) for neurological outcome. In the interaction analysis, EMS intervention showed a positive interaction effect with an intermediate STI on survival. Conclusion: In EMS-assessed adult major trauma patients admitted to the ICU, we found significant associations between STIs longer than 8 minutes and outcomes. EMS intervention has a positive interaction effect with an intermediate STI on survival. More research is needed to understand the implications of practice for major trauma in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Melasma is an acquired and treatment-resistant aging facial skin condition prevalent among the older Asian females. The Q-switched toning laser is the most widely used for the treatment of moderate to severe melasma in Asia. Recently, the picosecond laser has been introduced for various pigmentary disorders such as melasma. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of dual toning combined with 1064 nm Nd:YAG picosecond and quasi-long-pulsed laser in the treatment of severe melasma. Subjects and Methods: Twenty Vietnamese females, mean age 41.9 ± 6.4 years, Fitzpatrick skin type IV, with clinical diagnosis of severe dermal and mixedtype melasma were treated by at least eight sessions picosecond Nd:YAG 1064 nm reducing Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) to less than 15%. Then they were treated with 3 sessions of dual toning combined picosecond Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser having an energy and spot size of 0.6-0.8 J/cm² and 8 mm with micropulsed mode Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser (350 μs) having an energy and spot size of 2.6 J/cm2 and 15 mm with ICD off. Mild and even erythema was the endpoint (40-42°C using the infrared thermometer). Treatments were given every 4 weeks. Improvement was rated by MASI at the baseline (T1), after eight sessions of picotoning (T2), and three sessions of dual toning (T3). Results: The mean MASI score of 20 patients at baseline (T1) was 16.24 ± 4.88 (min 6.0; max 28.8); after at least eight picotoning sessions, the mean MASI was 15.12 ± 4.69, representing a 7.44 ± 4.41% reduction in MASI score. The MASI score of the dual toning laser continued to decrease after three dual toning sessions from 15.12 ± 4.6 to 9.77 ± 3.86 (MASI score reduced by a mean of 5.35 ± 2.64), achieving 35.15 ± 13.51% reduction from T2 and 40.17 ± 12.14% reduction from baseline MASI (T1). There were no unexpected side effects in any patients. Conclusion: The dual toning method using the 1064 nm Nd:YAG picosecond and microsecond laser was safe and effective and well tolerated by all patients without downtime. However, larger number of studies should be conducted with more objective measurement techniques to confirm the results of this preliminary study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of holding regimens for people living with HIV (PLWH) without effective antiretroviral options can have effects on outcomes and future treatment options. We aimed to investigate the use of holding regimens for PLWH in Asian countries. Data from adults enrolled in routine HIV care in IeDEA Asia-Pacific cohorts were included. Individuals were considered to be on holding regimen if they had been on combination antiretroviral therapy for at least 6 months, had two confirmed viral loads (VL) ≥1000 copies/mL, and had remained on the same medications for at least 6 months. Survival time was analyzed using Fine and Gray's competing risk regression. Factors associated with CD4 changes and VL <1000 copies/mL were analyzed using linear regression and logistic regression, respectively. A total of 425 PLWH (72.9% male; 45.2% high-income and 54.8% low-to-middle-income country) met criteria for being on a holding regimen. From high-income countries, 63.0% were on protease inhibitors (PIs); from low-to-middle-income countries, 58.4% were on non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs); overall, 4.5% were on integrase inhibitors. The combination of lamivudine, zidovudine, and efavirenz was the most commonly used single regimen (n = 46, 10.8%), followed by lamivudine, zidovudine, and nevirapine (n = 37, 8.7%). Forty-one PLWH (9.7%) died during follow-up (mortality rate 2.0 per 100 person-years). Age >50 years compared to age 31–40 years (sub-hazard ratio [SHR] 3.29, 95% CI 1.45–7.43, p = 0.004), and VL ≥1000 copies/ml compared to VL <1000 copies/mL (SHR, 2.14, 95% CI 1.08–4.25, p = 0.029) were associated with increased mortality, while higher CD4 counts were protective. In our Asia regional cohort, there was a diversity of holding regimens, and the patterns of PI vs. NNRTI use differed by country income levels. Considering the high mortality rate of PLWH with holding regimen, efforts to extend accessibility to additional antiretroviral options are needed in our region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pneumonia is the leading cause of paediatric hospitalisation in Vietnam, placing a huge burden on the health care system. Pneumonia is also the main reason for antibiotic use in children. Unfortunately many hospital admissions for child pneumonia in Vietnam are unnecessary and inappropriate use of antibiotics is common, as in the rest of Asia, with little awareness of its adverse effects. We explored the value of an alternative approach that, instead of focusing on the identification of children with severe bacterial pneumonia, focuses on the identification of children with 'unlikely bacterial pneumonia' to improve patient care and rational antibiotic use. Implementing improved models of care require pragmatic management algorithms that are well validated, but it is ultimately dependent on financial structures, management support and evidence-based training of healthcare providers at all relevant levels. Apart from better case management, sustained reductions in the pneumonia disease burden also require increased emphasis on primary prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since 2014, the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) algorithm for the management of knee osteoarthritis (OA) is available worldwide. Aim: Based on this document, a Southeast Asia Working Group (SEAWG) wished to see how the new ESCEO algorithm developed in 2019 was perceived by Southeast Asian experts and how it was integrated into their clinical practice. Methods: A SEAWG was set up between members of the international ESCEO task force and a group of Southeast Asian experts. Results: Non-pharmacological management should always be combined with pharmacological management. In step 1, symptomatic slow-acting drugs for osteoarthritis are the main background therapy, for which high-quality evidence is available only for the formulations of patented crystalline glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate. In step 2, oral NSAIDs are a useful option, considering the cardiovascular/renal/gastrointestinal profiles of the individual patient. Intra-articular hyaluronic acid and corticosteroids are a possible alternative to oral NSAIDs, but limited evidence is available. If steps 1 and 2 do not give adequate relief of symptoms, tramadol can be used, but its safety is debated. In general, the indications of the ESCEO algorithm are important in Southeast Asian countries, but the reimbursement criteria of local health systems are an important aspect for adherence to the ESCEO algorithm. Conclusion: This guidance provides evidence-based and easy-to-follow advice on how to establish a treatment algorithm in knee OA, for practical implementation in clinical practice in Southeast Asian countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African swine fever (ASF) continues to spread across Asia, devastating pig populations. The disease is nearly 100% fatal in pigs, and currently, there is no effective vaccine available. Therefore, early detection of ASF is critical for effective disease control. The testing process usually requires samples to be shipped to a central laboratory, which may take many hours of travel or shipping time, delaying the results needed for a rapid response. The ability to confirm ASFV‐infected animals on‐site or in a regional laboratory that has limited technical capacity and/or infrastructure should eliminate these issues. This study describes the successful transfer of a highly sensitive and specific laboratory‐validated real‐time PCR assay to a portable pen‐side thermocycler, which can be operated in the field for rapid detection of ASFV following a quick manual nucleic acid extraction from a wide array of clinical samples including aggregate samples such as oral fluids. The performance of the portable assay was comparable to the laboratory‐based assay. The true portability of the assay was evaluated in seven ASF‐suspected farms in Vietnam by testing eighty‐nine freshly collected whole blood samples on‐site. The results obtained on‐site were in agreement with the laboratory data obtained the following day. Availability of this field‐deployable molecular assay would eliminate the need to ship samples to a central laboratory, when rapid laboratory results are required, ultimately improving the response time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This issue features a curated set of contextualized case studies that interrogate how six Asian countries have calibrated global imperatives with domestic desires and concerns during the drafting of their latest constitution. Read together, the accounts demonstrate that the impact of globalization on what has long been thought of as a quintessential exercise of national sovereignty is ubiquitous, yet that the precise combination of the global and the local is unique to each country, determined as it is by the strength of domestic interests and factions. Taking contextualized functionalism as its premise, this introduction sketches the contours of an analytical framework to study constitution-making processes in a globalized environment. By implication, this framework is conceived in a neutral fashion and cast in functional terminology that extrapolates from the circumstances of the countries featured in this issue. This, we hope, will make it a helpful toolbox to make sense of the global-local interplay in constitution-making in any country, whether located in Asia or further afield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Injection drug use and heterosexual transmission from male key populations to their female partners have been the dominant modes of HIV transmission in Vietnam. A demonstration project was conducted to offer immediate antiretroviral therapy (ART) (regardless of CD4 cell count) to HIV-seropositive partners in serodiscordant couples. During March-December 2013, couples HIV testing and counselling (HTC) and immediate ART were offered in two drug use-affected provinces. Of 256 couples receiving couples HTC, 146 (57%) were serodiscordant; 134 (92%) seropositive partners initiated ART irrespective of CD4 cell count. Of these, 86% were male; 57% reported ever using illicit drugs; median CD4 cell count before ART initiation was 374 cells/mm3. Consistent condom use was reported by 58, 70 and 71% among HIV-positive partners at months 0, 3 and 12. At 12 months after ART initiation, 119 (89%) HIV-positive partners were retained in care; 96 (95% of those tested) achieved viral suppression (<1000 copies/ml). Uptake of immediate ART and viral suppression among those initiating ART were high, paving the way for ART regardless of CD4 cell count as national policy in Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Social interactions are a key aspect of the travel experience for Asian backpackers. Underpinned by the paradigm of symbolic interactionism and drawing on the theories of liminality and social identity, this study investigates the social interactions of Asian backpackers and provides a validated measurement scale. The interactions of travel companions comprise six dimensions including motivation, similarity, connection, similarity avoidance, distinction and recommendation along the travel timeline from pre-travel to on-road and post-travel period. The findings also identify the change, from learner to mentor, in the traveller’s role as the trip progresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the imagined social distinction of young Asian travelers. Factors such as culture, language, and distinction were found to influence the development of young Asians. A disparity in the impact of these factors on personal development is evident in the comparison of two groups of travelers, with and without prior travel experience to Western countries. This supports the claim that social distinction is imaginary. The study advances the understanding of travel as a social phenomenon by operationalizing and verifying the imagination of social distinction in the context of travel. Practical implications suggest that tourism professionals might engage with these lucrative travel segments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses role of mediation as a tool for maximizing the positive outcomes arising from forest landscape conflicts in the Asia-Pacific region and providing recommendations for scaling up and mainstreaming mediation and conflict transformation approaches. It mentions role of a mediation in helping the parties involved in a conflict and improving their communication. It also mentions role of mediation in fostering sense of belonging and trust acceptable to the conflict parties.

In the course of political transformation in postcommunist East Europe, many nations chose to return to the constitutional order predating the domination of communism, the phenomenon scholarly characterized as "restoration constitutionalism." Recently, China and Vietnam - two socialist nations in Asia - have witnessed the relatively similar phenomenon: past liberal constitutional values have been employed to struggle for constitutional reform, which challenges the communist status quo. This phenomenon is particularly striking in Vietnam in the circle of constitutional revision in the 2010s. This paper considers discourse of restoration constitutionalism in contemporary socialist Asia with particular focus on the case of Vietnam. The percept of this paper is that radical rupture is not a necessary condition for the operation of constitutionalism; instead, it is the constitutional continuity that provides the viability of constitutionalism. Discussing the discourse of restoration constitutionalism in China and Vietnam within this framework, the paper argues that restoration constitutionalism presents the new path of the development of constitutionalism in socialist Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence has emerged over the past few years on the effectiveness of antiretroviral-based prevention technologies to prevent (i) HIV transmission while decreasing morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected persons, and (ii) HIV acquisition in HIV-uninfected individuals through pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Only few of the planned studies on treatment as prevention (TasP) are conducted in Asia. TasP might be more feasible and effective in concentrated rather than in generalised epidemics, as resources for HIV testing and antiretroviral treatment could focus on confined and much smaller populations than in the generalised epidemics observed in sub-Saharan Africa. Several countries such as Cambodia, China, Thailand and Vietnam, are now paving the way to success. Similar challenges arise for both TasP and PrEP. However, the operational issues for PrEP are amplified by the need for frequent retesting and ensuring adherence. This paper describes challenges for the implementation of antiretroviral-based prevention and makes the case that TasP and PrEP implementation research in Asia is much needed to provide insights into the feasibility of these interventions in populations where firm evidence of 'real world' effectiveness is still lacking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is the sole member of the novel Nimaviridae family, and the source of major economic problems in shrimp aquaculture. WSSV appears to have rapidly spread worldwide after the first reported outbreak in the early 1990s. Genomic deletions of various sizes occur at two loci in the WSSV genome, the ORF14/15 and ORF23/24 variable regions, and these have been used as molecular markers to study patterns of viral spread over space and time. We describe the dynamics underlying the process of WSSV genome shrinkage using empirical data and a simple mathematical model. Methodology/Principal Findings: We genotyped new WSSV isolates from five Asian countries, and analyzed this information together with published data. Genome size appears to stabilize over time, and deletion size in the ORF23/24 variable region was significantly related to the time of the first WSSV outbreak in a particular country. Parameter estimates derived from fitting a simple mathematical model of genome shrinkage to the data support a geometric progression (k<1) of the genomic deletions, with k = 0.371±0.150. Conclusions/Significance: The data suggest that the rate of genome shrinkage decreases over time before attenuating. Bioassay data provided support for a link between genome size and WSSV fitness in an aquaculture setting. Differences in genomic deletions between geographic WSSV isolates suggest that WSSV spread did not follow a smooth pattern of geographic radiation, suggesting spread of WSSV over long distances by commercial activities. We discuss two hypotheses for genome shrinkage, an adaptive and a neutral one. We argue in favor of the adaptive hypothesis, given that there is support for a link between WSSV genome size and fitness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A research priority for Plasmodium vivax malaria is to improve our understanding of the spatial distribution of risk and its relationship with the burden of P. vivax disease in human populations. The aim of the research outlined in this article is to provide a contemporary evidence-based map of the global spatial extent of P. vivax malaria, together with estimates of the human population at risk (PAR) of any level of transmission in 2009. Methodology: The most recent P. vivax case-reporting data that could be obtained for all malaria endemic countries were used to classify risk into three classes: malaria free, unstable (,0.1 case per 1,000 people per annum (p.a.)) and stable ($0.1 case per 1,000 p.a.) P. vivax malaria transmission. Risk areas were further constrained using temperature and aridity data based upon their relationship with parasite and vector bionomics. Medical intelligence was used to refine the spatial extent of risk in specific areas where transmission was reported to be absent (e.g., large urban areas and malaria-free islands). The PAR under each level of transmission was then derived by combining the categorical risk map with a high resolution population surface adjusted to 2009. The exclusion of large Duffy negative populations in Africa from the PAR totals was achieved using independent modelling of the gene frequency of this genetic trait. It was estimated that 2.85 billion people were exposed to some risk of P. vivax transmission in 2009, with 57.1% of them living in areas of unstable transmission. The vast majority (2.59 billion, 91.0%) were located in Central and South East (CSE) Asia, whilst the remainder were located in America (0.16 billion, 5.5%) and in the Africa+ region (0.10 billion, 3.5%). Despite evidence of ubiquitous risk of P. vivax infection in Africa, the very high prevalence of Duffy negativity throughout Central and West Africa reduced the PAR estimates substantially. Conclusions: After more than a century of development and control, P. vivax remains more widely distributed than P. falciparum and is a potential cause of morbidity and mortality amongst the 2.85 billion people living at risk of infection, the majority of whom are in the tropical belt of CSE Asia. The probability of infection is reduced massively across Africa by the frequency of the Duffy negative trait, but transmission does occur on the continent and is a concern for Duffy positive locals and travellers. The final map provides the spatial limits on which the endemicity of P. vivax transmission can be mapped to support future cartographic-based burden estimations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We collected surface sediment samples from 174 locations in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and the Philippines and analyzed them for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and hopanes. PAHs were widely distributed in the sediments, with comparatively higher concentrations in urban areas (∑PAHs: ∼1000 to ∼100000ng/g-dry) than in rural areas (∼10 to ∼100g-dry), indicating large sources of PAHs in urban areas. To distinguish petrogenic and pyrogenic sources of PAHs, we calculated the ratios of alkyl PAHs to parent PAHs: methylphenanthrenes to phenanthrene (MP/P), methylpyrenes+methylfluoranthenes to pyrene+fluoranthene (MPy/Py), and methylchrysenes+methylbenz[a]anthracenes to chrysene+benz[a]anthracene (MC/C). Analysis of source materials (crude oil, automobile exhaust, and coal and wood combustion products) gave thresholds of MP/P=0.4, MPy/Py=0.5, and MC/C=1.0 for exclusive combustion origin. All the combustion product samples had the ratios of alkyl PAHs to parent PAHs below these threshold values. Contributions of petrogenic and pyrogenic sources to the sedimentary PAHs were uneven among the homologs: the phenanthrene series had a greater petrogenic contribution, whereas the chrysene series had a greater pyrogenic contribution. All the Indian sediments showed a strong pyrogenic signature with MP/P≈0.5, MPy/Py≈0.1, and MC/C≈0.2, together with depletion of hopanes indicating intensive inputs of combustion products of coal and/or wood, probably due to the heavy dependence on these fuels as sources of energy. In contrast, sedimentary PAHs from all other tropical Asian cities were abundant in alkylated PAHs with MP/P≈1–4, MPy/Py≈0.3–1, and MC/C≈0.2–1.0, suggesting a ubiquitous input of petrogenic PAHs. Petrogenic contributions to PAH homologs varied among the countries: largest in Malaysia whereas inferior in Laos. The higher abundance of alkylated PAHs... [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The UIC-based ICBG is a multidisciplinary, international research program, comprised of one academic institution (PCRPS/UIC, the base institution), two research institutions (NCST, Vietnam; RIMP, Laos), one national park (CPNP, Vietnam), and one industrial partner (GW). The goals of this ICBG are (a) to perform inventory and to promote the conservation of biodiversity of Vietnam and Laos; (b) to search for biologically active compounds from plants of Vietnam and Laos as potential candidates for drug development; and (c) to promote economic development in host countries (development of human resources, including strengthening of institutional infrastructure, and improvement of standard of living of communities participating in the project). The project's efforts are targeted to terrestrial organisms, specifically, the seed plants (angiosperms and gymnosperms) in Vietnam and Laos, while the therapeutic focus includes antimalarial, anticancer, antiviral/anti-AIDS therapies, and therapy against diseases of the central nervous system, including pain and Alzheimer's disease. For the implementation of the project, the 5-member Group is bound by a 5-way Memorandum of Agreement that defines the obligations and responsibilities of each member, and the joint obligations and responsibilities of all members together. Implementation of the project is effected through individual bilateral subcontractual agreements between the UIC and other member institutions. Members agree that more than 51% of royalty stream that may accrue will return to the countries providing genetic material that led to the discovery and commercialization of a compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid internet penetration and technological advancements have facilitated accessibility to internet-enabled devices globally. Since Asia lacks comprehensive data on internet addiction among college students, this review aims to estimate its pooled prevalence. This was a systematic review and meta-analysis. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and MEDLINE from their inception through August 2022 using terms appropriate to internet addiction and Asian countries/territorial for publications in English peer-reviewed journals. The studies included those done on current college students and provided unambiguous indicators of the threshold of internet addiction. The pooled prevalence was calculated through a random-effects meta-analysis by RStudio software, and I 2 statistic was used to assess heterogeneity. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist was used for quality assessment. Overall, between 2007 and 2021, 39 papers comprising 45 effect sizes and totaling 58,058 participants met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of internet addiction among Asian college students was 24.3% (95% confidence interval: 19.8%–29.5%, Q = 6234, df = 44, τ2 = 0.79, I 2 = 99.29%), and strikingly, this percentage increased over time. A high degree of heterogeneity was seen, and no publication bias was found. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review report on Asian college students, which found that one-fifth suffer from internet addiction. The findings emphasize the significance of multidisciplinary prevention and management strategies to mitigate the harmful effects of internet addiction. Further research is warranted to develop a standardized diagnostic tool for a more precise estimation of internet addiction among this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open landfill dumping areas for municipal wastes in Asian developing countries have recently received particular attention with regard to environmental pollution problems. Because of the uncontrolled burning of solid wastes, elevated contamination by various toxic chemicals including dioxins and related compounds in these dumping sites has been anticipated. In this study, concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in soils from dumping sites in the Philippines, Cambodia, India, and Vietnam. Residue concentrations of PCDD/Fs and coplanar PCBs in dumping site soils were apparently greater than those in soils collected in agricultural or urban areas far from dumping sites, suggesting that dumping sites are potential sources of PCDD/Fs and related compounds. Observed PCDD/F concentrations in soils from dumping sites in the Philippines and Cambodia were comparable or higher than those reported for dioxin-contaminated locations in the world (e.g., near the municipal waste incinerators and open landfill dumping sites). Homologue profiles of PCDD/Fs in dumping site soils from the Philippines and, to a lesser extent, from Cambodia and India reflected patterns of samples representing typical emissions, while profiles of agricultural or urban soils were similar to those of typical environmental sinks. This result suggests recent formation of PCDD/Fs in dumping site areas and that open dumping sites are a potential source of dioxins in Asian developing countries. Uncontrolled combustions of solid wastes by waste pickers, generation of methane gas, and low-temperature burning can be major factors for the formation of dioxins in dumping sites. Elevated fluxes of PCDD/Fs to soils in dumping sites were encountered in the Philippines, Cambodia, India, and Vietnam-Hanoi, and these levels were higher than those reported for other countries. Considerable loading... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Springtime biomass burning (BB) in peninsular Southeast Asia (PSEA) has a large impact on the downwind air quality as has been frequently observed at the Lulin Atmospheric Background Station (LABS). Numerous PSEA BB long-range transport events have been observed at LABS in the past decade, of which the biggest event (based on the carbon monoxide (CO) mixing ratio and particulate matter (PM) loading) occurred on March 18, 2009. In this study, for the first time, in-situ observations from LABS, MERRA-2 reanalysis data, and satellite data were combined to elucidate this remarkable event. This event lasted over 29 h and seriously impacted the air quality at LABS. Average concentrations (±S.D.) of CO, ozone (O 3), and PM 10 were 586.2 ± 164.5 ppb, 105.2 ± 23.4 ppb, and 90.4 ± 24.4 μg m−3, respectively, which were enhanced ranging from 98% to 280% over the March 2009 average. Furthermore, significant increases in toxic air pollutants (e.g., gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) and dibenzo-p-dioxin/furan) concentrations were also observed, implying a severe impact from BB smoke on ecosystems and human health. The transport pathway and BB smoke layer height were investigated with backward trajectories, daily satellite aerosol products, and lidar observations. The mean SSA 440 value of 0.87 suggested that the plume contained highly adsorbing aerosols, and the high char-EC/soot-EC ratio (low-temperature elemental carbon/high-temperature elemental carbon) of 29.4 suggested predominance of BB aerosols. In addition, plume aging indicators (e.g., ΔGEM/ΔCO, ΔO 3 /ΔCO, char-EC/soot-EC) suggest the BB plume was only weakly aged (i.e. low air mass intermixing, low chemical transformation, low cloud interaction) and in a nearly pristine state during the whole of the long-range transport. This event study can serve as a valuable benchmark when identifying unaged BB plumes that have been transported from PSEA to LABS (>2000 km) and will be useful for characterizing PSEA BB and its impact on greater Asia environment. Image 1 • A big smoke plume transport to remote site was illustrated by multi-platform datasets. • Concentrations of air pollutants including toxins increased significantly during event. • Limited aging process of smoke plume was found despite fairly long-distance traveling. • Criteria for identifying long-range transported events experiencing less aging processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]