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The Northeast Asia container port system has experienced a significant increase in ship calls and container throughput, resulting in a detrimental impact on the environment surrounding the port area. This is primarily caused by emissions from the hotelling phase, which is closely associated with cargo operations at the berths. This study aims to investigate ship emissions during the hotelling phase and evaluate the impact of cargo operation productivity on environmental performance. To achieve this goal, the study used a bottom-up approach to calculate the ship's emissions at the berth based on various factors such as the number of ship calls, the power of the auxiliary engines, the load factor, the emissions factor, and in-port hotelling duration of the top 20 major container ports in the region from 2017 to 2021. The outcomes revealed that the major container ports in the Northeast Asian region, including Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Hongkong, and Busan, are emitting an enormous volume of pollutants, primarily due to the high density of ships and continuous loading and unloading operations, causing severe air pollution. The study found that improving loading/unloading productivity is an effective measure to improve the environmental quality of the port area. Furthermore, the study also revealed that handling larger ships could reduce emissions per TEU. • The study highlights significant emissions during the hotelling phase at Northeast Asian container ports, attributing them to high ship density and continuous cargo operations, leading to severe air pollution in port areas. • Improving cargo operation productivity emerges as a crucial strategy to enhance environmental quality at ports, suggesting a direct link between operational efficiency and reduced emissions. • Research identifies handling larger ships as a potential method to decrease emissions per TEU, indicating scalability benefits for environmental sustainability in port operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyzes structural changes of regional production network (RPN) for the electronics industry across 20 Northeast Asia regions for the period 2005–2015. We develop an extended Structural Decomposition Analysis approach which decomposes changes in Vertical Specialization (VS) share into seven components of foreign intermediate suppliers, input composition, and import intensity in terms of the import structure; and production structure, trade balance, trade openness, and domestic demand in terms of the export one. The development of production fragmentation in Northeast Asia's electronic industry was associated with the coexistence of nine subregional patterns, including four VS patterns of Coastal China, Inland China, North China, and Central China; four vertical integration (VI) patterns of Northeast Japan, Central Japan, Seoul region, and Busan region. The substantial increases in the VS of North China and Central China result from changes in domestic demand and production structure, while the decline in the VS in Central Japan and Busan region is influenced by the shifts in import intensity and trade openness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Satellite-based remote sensing approaches provide a cost-efficient means to collect information on the world’s forests and to repeatedly survey large, or inaccessible, forest areas. However, it may not always be possible to ground truth–associated findings using direct ecological field surveys conducted by trained forest scientists. Local ecological knowledge (LEK) is an alternative form of data which could be used to complement, interpret and verify information from satellite data. Using a case study on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), we evaluate the potential for integrating remote sensing and LEK data, gathered with non-specialist former residents, to understand patterns and drivers of forest cover change. LEK reports often concurred with, or provided key information to enable interpretation of, satellite data. This revealed that between 1986 and 2021, North Korea experienced high, but uneven, rates of deforestation. There was a pronounced northwards deforestation shift in the mid-1990s, coinciding with a period of extreme hardship and famine (the “Arduous March”), and associated with clearance of trees in more forested northern provinces as an economic and fuel resource, and conversion of forest to agricultural cropland. Loss of forest cover in North Korea has continued and recently accelerated, to a rate of > 200 km2 per annum between 2019 and 2021. This increases the vulnerability of North Korean socio-ecological systems to future environmental change and is an obstacle to the recovery of threatened species across the Korean Peninsula. We recommend that LEK- and remote sensing–based approaches are considered within a suite of complementary techniques to analyse forest changes where ecological field surveys cannot be conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Pinaceae have been noted for their tendency towards reticulation as a result of interspecific hybridization. Here, we demonstrated the phylogeographic dynamics of the native Northeast Asian sub‐alpine conifer, Abies nephrolepis species complex (ANSC), evolving in circular overlaps along the Northeast Asian landform, which functions as a corridor with the sea, thus acting as a geographic barrier. Location: Northeast Asia: the Korean Peninsula, Japanese Archipelago, Russian Far East and northeastern China. Taxon: Abies nephrolepis species complex (Family Pinaceae, Genus Abies, Section Balsamea, Abies nephrolepis, A. koreana, A. veitchii and A. sachalinensis). Methods: A total of 728 individuals from 38 ANSC populations were analysed using multiplexed inter‐simple sequence repeat genotyping by sequencing to capture variations in biparental nuclear genomes. Eight mitochondrial regions and eight chloroplast regions of each individual were sequenced using the MiSeq platform and Sanger sequencing. Species distribution models were generated. Results: Bayesian clustering with 507 nuclear single nucleotide polymorphisms and the discrepancy between cytoplasmic and nuclear genome lineages implied contemporary and ancient connections between neighbouring species in the form of circular overlap. This genetic connectivity was supported by principal component analysis. Strong correlations between genetic distance and geographic distance were observed, suggesting that gene flow occurs through a continuous chain around the sea. We also found that gene flow direction and intensity changed over time, with support from palaeodistribution modelling. Conclusion: Past hybridization events were captured in cytoplasmic genomes, generating heterogeneity across maternal ancestries. This intensive phylogeographic study demonstrates speciation with incomplete reproductive isolation (continuous gene flow) among neighbouring species with an alteration of the direction and intensity of gene flow due to climate change. The divergence of ANSC due to repeated isolation and reconnection caused by heterogenous physiological environments and climate fluctuation provides a model to solve evolutionary scenarios for reticulate evolution in Pinaceae and other plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents an annotated list of lichens of the eastern slope of Berutarube volcano, one of the most inaccessible and poorly studied active volcanoes on Iturup Island. Samples of lichens were collected in August 2023 from eroded areas in the summit part of the volcano, as well as on the eastern slope along the Andrey Creek, in the upper reaches of which unnamed cold acidic springs discharge. In total, 53 species of lichens were identified from the sampling sites, of which 20 species were new to Iturup Island, 2 species were new to the Kuril Islands, and 1 species was new to the Sakhalin region. In the summit part of the volcano, lichens typical for areas of volcanic activity were identified: Cladonia crispata, Cladonia straminea, Huea confluens, Lecidea plana, Melanelia stygia, Pseudephebe pubescens, Rhizocarpon badioatrum, and Umbilicaria torrefacta. The influence of the solfataric gases of the volcano on the lichen biota of the Andrey Creek valley has not been revealed, which allows us to make the assumption that there is no direct influence of the products of the solfataric activity of Berutarube volcano on the natural environment of its eastern slopes.

Ports are severely challenged by the uncertainty of the transportation environment. To evaluate the stability of maritime transportation network in Northeast Asia under port disruption, a network stability analysis model based on node failure rate that considers static and structural, dynamic and functional is proposed in this paper. In this model, the stability of the maritime transportation network is redefined. Based on complex network theory, the statistical topological parameters and evolution of the network are quantitatively analyzed. The active response and passive adaptation process of the maritime transportation network to the failure rate of the port are analyzed. The evaluation results illustrate that the initial stability of the port is proportional to the non-redundant connections and independence of the port. Network location advantages profoundly affect the probability of port failures. The diffusion of port failures in maritime transportation is phased, and the network is adaptive to port disruptions and has high stability. These results contribute to better planning of maritime transportation routes and strategies for port calls by strategic planners of shipping companies. • Node pressure is introduced to quantify the probability of node failure. • A network stability model that combines static and structural, dynamic and functional. • The number of non-redundant links in the port determines its initial stability. • The port's network location advantage is correlated with the port's failure probability. • The impact of failures on marine transportation is phased [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article addresses the issue of adaptation policies by comparing two regions in Asia: Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia. The aim is to highlight the directions and the degree of progress of the policies implemented, as well as their determinants. The methodology included an analysis of bibliographic materials and available data. As a result, it was possible to establish that the scope of carrying out adaptation policies varies depending on the country, and it is not possible to speak of a common continental policy or even a common regional policy. The degree of a country’s development determines the sophistication of the policy pursued.

We described fossil teeth assigned to the orectolobiform shark genus, Cederstroemia collected from the tuffaceous sandstone of the Kashima Formation (Santonian) in the Oyubari area, Hokkaido, Japan. This is the first report of fossil remains of Cederstroemia from Asia. Due to the small number of specimens and their poor preservation, we left the studied material in open nomenclature as Cederstroemia sp. At the same time, the studied material may belong to a new previously undescribed morphology of Cederstroemia. The occurrence of Cederstroemia fossils in Japan indicates that this genus dispersed to the northwestern part of the Pacific Ocean in the Late Cretaceous, which considerably extends the range and previously known habitat of this genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Russian Far East serves as a border macroregion for the national economy with countries of the Asia-Pacific Region (APR). All else being equal, the effective realization of the potential of the Russian Far East is possible by reducing the barriers hindering its trade and economic interactions with different markets. Analysis of key development concepts of the Far East has indicated a gradual change in the goals and methods of expanding interactions between the macroregion and Asia-Pacific countries over the past three decades. The first half of the 1990s witnessed the inclusion of Russia in the discussion of different conceptual projects for joint development of the Far East with neighboring countries, including those involving deep economic integration within Northeast Asia (NEA). Later, as centripetal trends in Russia have intensified, development of the Far Eastern economy began to be determined by "resource transit," i.e., extensive use of the transit and natural resource advantages of the Far East based on an exogenous increase in investment in the infrastructure for raw materials export to the Asia-Pacific market. It is shown that under such conditions A significant problem for the Far East is the blockage of effective economic institutions and the formation of an adaptive environment for them, as well as limitation of the optimal functioning of the economy in the export sector and sectors oriented towards the domestic market. An increase in the intensity of trade and economic interactions with the external market is revealed, caused by rapid expansion of the cross-permeability of the macroregional economy with the nearest NEA countries, reflected in the suppressed "autonomy" of the Far Eastern economy and its simplification in 2012–2021. In the current increase in exogenous barriers to the national economy, prerequisites are being created to divert trade flows from the Far East towards China, generating negative effects of forced ties to a single foreign market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite experiencing a decadal shift towards drought conditions at the end of the 20th century, semiarid grasslands in northeast Asia (NEA) exhibited an evident greening trend from 1982 to 2020. However, the mechanism behind this phenomenon remains unclear. Hence, we analysed the interdecadal changes in vegetation response to drought on the basis of the standardised precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) and Global Inventory Modelling and Mapping Studies LAI4g datasets, with an emphasis on the differences between direct and legacy effects (as measured by resilience), to explore the mechanism of persistent grassland greening. Results revealed that during the post-drought shift period (2000–2020), the sudden decrease in the water content of the intermediate soil layer triggered an intensified vegetation response to drought. Specifically, although direct effects and resilience were amplified, they exhibited asymmetric changes. Resilience was stronger than direct effects, and this difference increased with increasing drought (drought recovery) levels. These combined effects may account for persistent greening against intensified drying in the semiarid grasslands in NEA. Given the projected exacerbation of future droughts, this study holds notable importance for comprehending the long-term change dynamics of dryland ecosystems.

Military tensions are on the rise in Northeast Asia as the likes of China, North Korea, and the United States flex their combat capabilities—but this does not mean that war is imminent. This is an important insight from the latest Northeast Asia Defense Transparency Index (DTI) for the period spanning 2021 to 2022. Carried out every two years by the University of California’s Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation, the DTI offers a detailed examination of how open or closed major regional states are in disclosing information on their defense postures, including defense budgets, publication of official annual defense reports, legislative oversight, and the nature of external military activities.The 2021–22 DTI found that there was only a marginal decline in the overall defense transparency level for Northeast Asia, with Japan showing a noteworthy improvement in its transparency performance. The concealment of defense activities is often an indicator that countries are quietly making preparations for military conflict and contributes to declining trust and confidence. The evidence from this DTI that defense transparency is relatively stable in Northeast Asia is cause for cautious optimism that the long peace that the region has enjoyed remains intact for now. Transparency though is just one indicator of the overall state of defense affairs, and the powerful underlying currents that are the main determinants of war and peace, such as threat perceptions and arms dynamics, all appear to be trending negatively.

Over the past few decades, the pendulum of regime change across the world has swung dramatically from democratization to autocratization. There has been much contention and debate about the extent, variation, and causes surrounding these processes. This special issue turns the spotlight away from regime change and political elites towards societal agents, particularly societal agents who mobilize and resist against autocratization unfolding within democratic and authoritarian regimes. In this introductory article, we review and critique the literature on autocratization studies, and introduce our concept of "agents of resistance." We argue that agents of resistance can develop and engage in repertoires against autocratization under any regime type. Specifically, the contributions in this special issue highlight seemingly mundane repertoires of resistance, and how they can grow through cumulative interactions among societal agents, and between societal agents and the state. Scholars should recognize the full spectrum of resistance and both their liberal and illiberal elements to better assess the impact on global trends of democratization or autocratization. Finally, this article discusses some methodological trends with regards to the existing literature, and introduces the contributions that compose this special issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the evolution of an extreme anomalous anticyclone (AA) event over Northeast Asia, which was one of the dominant circulation systems responsible for the catastrophic extreme precipitation event in July 2021 in Henan, and further explores the significant impact of this AA on surface temperatures beneath it. The results indicate that this AA event over Northeast Asia was unprecedented in terms of intensity and duration. The AA was very persistent and extremely strong for 10 consecutive days from 13 to 22 July 2021. This long-lived and unprecedented AA led to the persistence of warmer surface temperatures beyond the temporal span of the pronounced 500-hPa anticyclonic signature as the surface air temperatures over land in Northeast Asia remained extremely warm through 29 July 2021. Moreover, the sea surface temperatures in the Sea of Japan/East Sea were extremely high for 30 consecutive days from 13 July to 11 August 2021, persisting well after the weakening or departure of this AA. These results emphasize the extreme nature of this AA over Northeast Asia in July 2021 and its role in multiple extreme climate events, even over remote regions. Furthermore, possible reasons for this long-lasting AA are explored, and it is suggested to be a byproduct of a teleconnection pattern over extratropical Eurasia during the first half of its life cycle, and of the Pacific–Japan teleconnection pattern during the latter half. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)is an essential milestone in the history of disarmament. The Korean Peninsula has historically been a victim of great power rivalries in Northeast Asia. The paper argues that North Korea's nuclear ambitions need to contextualize the persistent nuclear threats and the erosion of traditional arms control regime in the region. Despite the unchanging security scenario on the Korean peninsula, even after the Cold War and North-South Confrontation, North Korea's nuclear issue has been caught in the web of great power rivalry. It also argues that so far, the NPT has failed to stop the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and nuclear disarmament would not be achieved with nuclear deterrence, and all the parties must join the treaty by acknowledging the urgent need through the prism of the constant escalating risks of nuclear conflict in the region. Converting the existing truce agreement to a permanent or partial peace agreement on the Korean War could be a starting point in solving North Korea's nuclear deadlock and denuclearizing process. The only nuclear weapon country that voted on the first committee General Assembly draft resolution of TPNW signifies that North Korea seems optimistic to walk in the path of a global mission of the nuclear weapon free world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kalgyn ophiolite massif is a unit of the ophiolite association of the Chersky collision belt. It is the part of the Verkhoyansk–Kolyma folded system on Northeast Asia. The Kalgyn massif includes a complex of mantle peridotites, a lower crustal complex, represented by ultrabasic cumulates, cumulative gabbro-amphibolites and amphibolites, and an upper crustal complex represented by metabasalts. New geochemical data, obtained by the ICP-MS method and data on the isotopic composition (Sm, Nd), made it possible to significantly clarify the geodynamic conditions for the formation of volcanics and to determine the features of the sources of parent melts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The Mongolian racerunner (Eremias argus) is a genetically diverse species with a wide distribution across Northeast Asia. The present study is the first to assess the genetic variation in E. argus across its entire geographic range using newly generated mtDNA cyt b and previously published data. We show the complex genetic pattern of this species, where most genetic divergence is not associated with geographic regions. This pattern is the result of multiple influences–robust dispersal ability resulting from ecological features, anthropogenic influence of translocation, and past climate change. Geographic distance has primarily shaped the genetic structure of the species, as indicated by a strong pattern of isolation by distance across all populations. The population growth of E. argus from the Last Interglacial to the Last Glacial Maximum is likely a consequence of an increase in favorable habitats with mild climates following the development of monsoons in East Asia since the mid-Late Pleistocene. Overall, the population genetic structure of E. argus was likely driven by a combination of climatic and geographic changes rather than direct ice sheet coverage. Our results highlight the importance of combining genetic approaches with environmental data when assessing the impact of Pleistocene climatic oscillations. The Mongolian racerunner, Eremias argus, is a small lizard endemic to Northeast Asia that can serve as an excellent model for investigating how geography and past climate change have jointly influenced the evolution of biodiversity in this region. To elucidate the processes underlying its diversification and demography, we reconstructed the range-wide phylogeographic pattern and evolutionary trajectory, using phylogenetic, population genetic, landscape genetic, Bayesian phylogeographic reconstruction and ecological niche modeling approaches. Phylogenetic analyses of the mtDNA cyt b gene revealed eight lineages that were unbounded by geographic region. The genetic structure of E. argus was mainly determined by geographic distance. Divergence dating indicated that E. argus and E. brenchleyi diverged during the Mid-Pliocene Warm Period. E. argus was estimated to have coalesced at~0.4351 Ma (Marine Isotope Stage 19). Bayesian phylogeographic diffusion analysis revealed out-of-Inner Mongolia and rapid colonization events from the end of the Last Interglacial to the Last Glacial Maximum, which is consistent with the expanded suitable range of the Last Glacial Maximum. Pre-Last Glacial Maximum growth of population is presented for most lineages of E. argus. The Glacial Maximum contraction model and the previous multiple glacial refugia hypotheses are rejected. This may be due to an increase in the amount of climatically favorable habitats in Northeast Asia. Furthermore, E. argus barbouri most likely represents an invalid taxon. The present study is the first to report a range-wide phylogeography of reptiles over such a large region in Northeast Asia. Our results make a significant contribution towards understanding the biogeography of the entire Northeast Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grainsize is an important indicator in paleoenvironmental research. Over the past few decades, different pretreatment methods have been proposed for grainsize determination of peat sediments. Assessing the reliability of the grainsize measurements is critical to ensure the paleoenvironmental significance represented by different grainsize components. In this study, using peat sediments from the Yueliangwan peatland in northeast Asia, the effects of two pretreatment methods on grainsize measurement were compared. It was found that these two pretreatment methods on peat sediments produced grainsize features with totally different parameters and distribution characteristics. Grainsize method 1, which used a hydrogen peroxide water bath treatment, did not reflect accurate results for grainsize in peat sediments. Grainsize method 2, which used muffle furnace combustion, does reflect the true results because the organic matter, such as plant residues, spores and pollen, is totally removed. The presence of this stubborn organic matter in peat samples greatly disturbs the accuracy of grainsize measurements, and the reliability of grainsize measurements can be affected by the presence of stubborn organic matter. Based on the grainsize grade-standard deviation analysis using method 2, the East Asian Winter Monsoon evolutionary history in northeast Asia during the Little Ice Age (1300–1750 CE) was reconstructed and divided into three stages: the strengthening stage (1346–1425 CE), the strongest stage (1425–1525 CE) and the weakening stage (1525–1725 CE). Comparisons and assessments are presented for two different pretreatment methods for grainsize measurement of peat deposits. The grainsize features of peat deposits obtained through the combustion method are more accurate. The grainsize features of peat deposits obtained through the H2O2 method do not eliminate the influence of stubborn organic matter. The East Asian Winter Monsoon variations in northeast Asia were driven by Siberian High and Arctic sea ice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines multilateral cooperation in Northeast Asia (NEA) through the Greater Tumen Initiative (GTI) as a case of micro-regional cooperation. Drawing on functionalism and micro-regionalism, it explores how cooperation spillover from nonpolitical to political spheres can be facilitated by considering participant diversity, agenda comprehensiveness, and the complexity of cooperation. There is an overall positive trajectory of change as the GTI actively fosters cooperation spillover by expanding its committees and partnerships. However, in terms of committee activities, although its agendas demonstrate increasing comprehensiveness, participant diversity and collaboration complexity remain low in general. The partnerships are in their nascent stages of cooperation, exhibiting limited spillover, except for the NEA Local Cooperation Committee. Moreover, the challenge in evaluating accomplishments within the framework of the GTI arises from the apparent scarcity of discernible achievements. To revitalize multilateral cooperation, the GTI should enhance actor diversity, emphasizing private sector participation; broaden discussion agendas rather than exclusively focus on specific projects until institutional stability is established in cooperation; and enhance governance mechanisms and foster cooperation among internal organizations, currently vulnerable to disruptions, to ensure progressive and sustained collaborative efforts. Through these enhancements, it is anticipated that tangible outcomes will be uncovered and, ultimately, foster micro-regional multilateral cooperation that can significantly contribute to peace and prosperity in the Northeast Asia region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specific path dependence occurs in the research of cross-border economic cooperation. Most of the existing studies are based on the current situation of collaboration and a certain period, while the studies on medium and long periods are relatively few. This paper took the process of international cooperation and development of the Tumen River sub-region as an example, constructed an analysis framework of the evolution mechanism of cross-border economic regional cooperation based on geography multi-scale thought, and discussed the essential characteristics and changing factors for international collaboration of Tumen River sub-region in each historical stage. The results show that: The international cooperation of the Tumen River sub-region has gone through four stages in the past 30 years: the development stage (1984-1992), the development boom period (1993-1996), the slowdown period (1997-2004) and the development restart period (2005-present). Besides, the cross-border economic cooperation in each stage of Tumen River sub-regional international cooperation begins based on the last round of material practice space, which has apparent historical inheritance and policy innovation in different stages. The impact is on cross-border regional infrastructure construction and urbanization development. The role of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in sub-regional development is weakening, the leading role at the national level beefs up, the participation of provinces and local governments is increasing, and their integration with the regional development strategy is becoming increasingly close in the whole process under the general trend that political consultation and economic cooperation have become the global geopolitical environment changes. This paper helps in solvig the dilemma of international cooperation in the Tumen River subregion and enriching the theoretical research on cross-border cooperation of human geography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on our own field data and using modeling of modern potential ranges (in the MaxEnt program), an assessment of the spatial distribution of the rare representative of the longhorn beetle family, Callipogon (Eoxenus) relictus Semenov 1899, was conducted in northeast Asia (220 geographic locations). The generated maps of the potential range of C. relictus demonstrate a high likelihood of the species' presence in the upland areas of southern far east Russia, the provinces of northeastern China, and the Korean Peninsula. Field data also indicate the extensive association of the species with undisturbed broadleaf and coniferous–broadleaf forests in northeast Asia. Maps of the potential distribution of C. relictus in northeast Asia have been compiled based on four climate change scenarios from the present time to 2070. Under all of the climate scenarios used, it is shown that suitable habitats for the species will persist in certain areas of Primorsky Krai, as well as neighboring provinces of the People's Republic of China and a small enclave on the Korean Peninsula in Gangwon-do province. Significant reduction in suitable conditions for the rare longhorn beetle will occur in the rest of its distribution range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Comparative Economic Research is the property of Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Lodzkiego and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Semi-fossorial Sorex unguiculatus is a common shrew species in the central part of Northeast Asia, and this paper is devoted to elucidating its status in shrew taxocenes within the entire specified range. The configuration of the modern range of the long-clawed shrew differs from the generally accepted one, and its formation occurred through distribution from two Late Pleistocene refugiums—mainland and island. According to the status of the long-clawed shrew in the taxocenes, three areas were distinguished: this species is a dominant in low-species insular taxocenes, a subdominant in multispecies taxocenes of coniferous–broad-leaved forests of the Ussuri Territory, and a minor one in the zone of interpenetration of nemoral and taiga vegetation of the left-bank part of the Lower Amur Region. The further northwestern expansion of the long-clawed shrew is unlikely due to the specific requirements of this species for the type and structure of soils, which change significantly under the conditions of the appearance of permafrost, and coexistence with an ecologically similar species—the flat-skulled shrew. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethno-spirituality refers to the discourse associated with spiritual evolution found in ethnic groups or communities. Contemporary North-east Indian literature relentlessly delineates a unique portrayal of the customary set of traditions, beliefs, customs, behaviors, responses or reactions to different situations and ways of life of the concerned tribal groups in their usual socio-cultural milieu. This article explicates the aspects of ethno-spirituality manifested in the select works of Mamang Dai and Easterine Kire as the postcolonial resistance. The purpose of this article is also to reinterpret Mamang Dai's The Black Hill (2014) and Easterine Kire's Sky is My Father: A Naga Village Remembered (2018) within the broad postcolonial framework of 'ethno-spirituality' to trace and reconstruct their ethnic identity as their cultural heritage, spiritual values, and cultural richness as a frame of reference to indigeneity and belief system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of pholcid spiders, Pholcus fengmeii Zhang, He & Yao, sp. nov. (♂♀), is described from Liaoning Province, China. The new species belongs to the speciose phungiformes species group. Taxonomic keys to four closely related species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper summarises the joint collaborative project between the Nautilus Institute, the Research Center for Nuclear Weapon Abolition, Nagasaki University (RECNA), the Asia Pacific Leadership Network for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (APLN) and the Panel on Peace and Security of Northeast Asia (PSNA) examining cases of nuclear weapons use in a conflict in Northeast Asia by devising and analysing plausible pathways that could lead to the first use of nuclear weapons, and quantitatively estimating the fatalities and health effects of nuclear weapons use. The paper also describes the final year analysis with contributing essays by international experts and recommendations for narrowing the space for nuclear use-case scenarios to arise in the first place through forms of mutual threat reduction (structural risk reduction) and managing within-scenario risks (situational risk reduction) more responsibly if they arise.

The giant Verkhoyansk-Kolyma gold province, producing more than~ 3700 t of gold, is one of the most important metallogenic provinces for orogenic gold deposits in the world. The province is located on the eastern margin of the Siberian craton. The main types here are multistage orogenic Au-As and orogenic-like Au-Sb types of mineralization, related to the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous metallogeny and the evolution of the convergent margin. These deposits were formed in the environment of late orogeny during two metallogenic stages -- the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous collision-related (early stage/stage one, 135-150 Ma) and the Early Cretaceous subduction- related (late stage/stage two 114-130 Ma). The common features, differences and genetic nature of the deposits of these two metallogenic stages have been debated for a long time. To improve the understanding of these problematic issues and the genesis of deposits, and control over them by the mantle lithosphere, we consider here the Early Cretaceous orogenic belts of the eastern margin of the Siberian craton. Orogenic belts are related to the development of the paleo-Arctic and paleo-Pacific margins of Siberia. The tectonic, geochronological, mineralogical and geochemical specificity of the deposits of the orogenic belts are shown. A regional metallogenic overview of gold deposits is performed using data on the age of mineralization and the isotopic composition of sulfur sulfides. A preliminary model of the origin of late stage mineralization is proposed in connection with the processes of the Okhotsk-Koryak orogenic belt formation. Increased concentrations of siderophilic and chalcophilic elements, the Ni, Bi minerals presence in the ores, relatively high fineness of gold, predominance of juvenile sulfur in the isotopic composition of sulfide sulfur, and the control by large trans-crustal faults as well as spatial and chronological association with initial (dike) magmatism indicate mantle sources of ore fluids. This mineralization within the orogenic belts of the eastern margin of the Siberian craton assumingly appeared due to dehydration of the submerged slab and local upwelling in the mantle in the rear of the active continental margin. The possibility of the gold-bearing fluids existence in such conditions is estimated. The metallogenic specific nature of coiiision-reiated and subduction-reiated orogenic Au is defined. The proposed modei can be useful for the analysis of poiychronous orogenic Au-As and orogenic-iike Au-Sb metaiiogeny of orogenic beits on craton margins giobaiiy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the existing literature on foreign direct investment, it is often assumed that multinational corporations and their direct investments reduce institutional differences among economies. Building upon this assumption, those influenced by management studies and mainstream economics see multinational corporations as an agent that upgrades local business conventions to global standards. Geographers do not usually accept this convergence theory and claim differences among host economies prevents convergence in business practices. The difference between these groups of scholars is that the non-convergence camp acknowledges the resilience of local business practices while the convergence camp does not. The papers comprising this special issue question this shared assumption of foreign direct investment as a cause of convergence. As outlined in this introductory paper, and explored in detail in the following papers, we pay attention to the simple fact that the foreign direct investment is from a company or individual whose business practices are inherently influenced by their experiences of business in the nation or region of origin, and these experiences indelibly influence, to varying degrees, their local operations in investment destination. Once we accept such an obvious fact, recent debates on variety of capitalism and related literatures on the developmental state, welfare regime and other concepts all become relevant to understanding of the local operation of foreign-owned businesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This paper discusses the spread of several special techniques for tomb ceiling construction in Northeast Asia from the 2nd to the 5th centuries and the mixed beliefs of Buddhism and the cult of the Queen Mother of the West (Xiwangmu 西王母) that were embedded in the design of these ceilings. In the 2nd century, stone tombs with ceilings formed by stepped layers of stone slabs flourished in Shandong and northern Jiangsu. These tombs are usually believed to be the prototypes of the stone tombs with more complicated stepped ceilings that appeared in the Goguryeo Kingdom on the Korean Peninsula in the 4th century. However, the way in which the Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 CE) stone tombs in eastern China influenced the Goguryeo tombs over relatively long distances in the following centuries is open for discussion. This paper argues that Youzhou 幽州, i.e., the Province of You 幽 ruling the areas including Beijing, northern Hebei, Liaoning, and the northwest of the Korean Peninsula, was a crucial area for the dissemination of these special ceilings of stone tombs. The officials of the Province of You were keen to introduce highly developed masonry craftsmanship from Shandong to construct their ideal shelters for an afterlife in an age full of regional wars and unexpected deaths. Newly introduced Buddhism and traditional beliefs in the immortal land of the Queen Mother of the West were potential driving forces for the dissemination and popularity of these stone ceilings as spaces for worship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyzes the carbon-neutral policies of the central and regional governments in Korea, China, and Japan and their related technology policies and cases. Focus Group Interview (FGI) with highlevel experts from the three countries were also conducted. The results showed that promoting technology and innovation for carbon neutrality in the three countries is one of the key policy instruments as well as financial investment and technology development in mid- and long-term approaches. During the FGI, the establishment of an innovative bottom-up platform, innovation cooperation fund, and joint research partnership per sector was suggested for regional cooperation between the governments. The countries are at a critical point to collectively act on technology and innovation cooperation, not to antagonize and compete for the long journey toward climate neutrality in Northeast Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the intricate dynamics of US‐China and US–North Korea relations, focusing on the strategic competition between the United States and China. Drawing upon the realist theories of Kissinger and Mearsheimer, the study delves into how various intensities of US‐China conflict might influence North Korea's strategic value and the prospects for improved US–North Korea relations. The research underscores that escalating US‐China competition could reshape the geopolitical landscape in Northeast Asia, paving the way for new strategic alignments and partnerships. Four distinct scenarios are presented, each reflecting a different intensity of US‐China conflict and the ensuing reactions from both North Korea and the USA. The analysis suggests that the most probable scenario entails an intensifying US‐China rivalry, which correspondingly elevates North Korea's strategic significance. Such a turn of events would necessitate a shift in US strategy – from isolating North Korea to forging more favorable geopolitical conditions. Potential strategies might include reducing North Korea's reliance on China, disrupting the alignment between China, Russia, and North Korea, or even contemplating the integration of Pyongyang into the US security framework. These strategic adjustments could reshape the power dynamics and address regional challenges in Northeast Asia, promoting peace and stability and safeguarding the nation's core interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Northeast Asian cut-off lows are crucial cyclonic systems that can bring temperature and precipitation extremes over large areas. Skillful subseasonal forecasting of Northeast Asian cut-off lows is of great importance. Using two dynamical forecasting systems, one from the Beijing Climate Center (BCC-CSM2-HR) and the other from the Met Office (GloSea5), this study assesses simulation ability and subseasonal prediction skill for early-summer Northeast Asian cut-off lows. Both models are shown to have good ability in representing the spatial structure of cut-off lows, but they underestimate the intensity. The skillful prediction time scales for cut-off low intensity are about 10.2 days for BCC-CSM2-HR and 11.4 days for GloSea5 in advance. Further examination shows that both models can essentially capture the initial Rossby wave train, rapid growth and decay processes responsible for the evolution of cut-off lows, but the models show weaker amplitudes for the three-stage processes. The underestimated simulated strength of both the Eurasian midlatitude and East Asian subtropical jets may lead to the weaker local eddy-mean flow interaction responsible for the cut-off low evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing distrust in East Asia, especially in the security arena, is increasingly critical as new and long-standing hotspots— including the Taiwan strait, Korean peninsula, East China Sea, and South China Sea—become more volatile. The need for confidence-building measures is clear, and a central tool of confidence building is defense transparency.The Defense Transparency Index (DTI), a project of the University of California’s Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation, ranks six countries on their efforts to promote transparency in defense and national security, including the People’s Republic of China, Japan, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), the Republic of Korea, and the major external powers most involved in the region—the United States and Russia.

The presented work is based on the study of material collected by F.A. Romanyuk in the surroundings of Sarychev Peak active volcano on Matua Island, middle Kurils in 2017. Two families – Physciaceae and Caliciaceae – were sorted out from the collection and studied at first. As a result, seven species of the families were found: two species of the genus Rinodina, two species of the genus Physcia, two species of the genus Buellia and the species Tetramelas chloroleucus. All found species of the studied families were first identified for Matua Island. Matua Island is the northernmost location point in Eurasia for the species Rinodina ascociscana. Buellia badia is a new registered species for the Sakhalin Region.

The giant Verkhoyansk-Kolyma gold province, producing more than∼ 3700 t of gold, is one of the most important metallogenic provinces for orogenic gold deposits in the world. The province is located on the eastern margin of the Siberian craton. The main types here are multistage orogenic Au-As and orogenic-like Au-Sb types of mineralization, related to the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous metallogeny and the evolution of the convergent margin. These deposits were formed in the environment of late orogeny during two metallogenic stages—the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous collision-related (early stage/stage one, 135–150 Ma) and the Early Cretaceous subduction-related (late stage/stage two 114–130 Ma). The common features, differences and genetic nature of the deposits of these two metallogenic stages have been debated for a long time. To improve the understanding of these problematic issues and the genesis of deposits, and control over them by the mantle lithosphere, we consider here the Early Cretaceous orogenic belts of the eastern margin of the Siberian craton. Orogenic belts are related to the development of the paleo-Arctic and paleo-Pacific margins of Siberia. The tectonic, geochronological, mineralogical and geochemical specificity of the deposits of the orogenic belts are shown. A regional metallogenic overview of gold deposits is performed using data on the age of mineralization and the isotopic composition of sulfur sulfides. A preliminary model of the origin of late stage mineralization is proposed in connection with the processes of the Okhotsk-Koryak orogenic belt formation. Increased concentrations of siderophilic and chalcophilic elements, the Ni, Bi minerals presence in the ores, relatively high fineness of gold, predominance of juvenile sulfur in the isotopic composition of sulfide sulfur, аnd the control by large trans-crustal faults as well as spatial and chronological association with initial (dike) magmatism indicate mantle sources of ore fluids. This mineralization within the orogenic belts of the eastern margin of the Siberian craton assumingly appeared due to dehydration of the submerged slab and local upwelling in the mantle in the rear of the active continental margin. The possibility of the gold-bearing fluids existence in such conditions is estimated. The metallogenic specific nature of collision-related and subduction-related orogenic Au is defined. The proposed model can be useful for the analysis of polychronous orogenic Au-As and orogenic-like Au-Sb metallogeny of orogenic belts on craton margins globally.

The nucleotide sequence polymorphism and haplotype diversity of the cytochrome b gene in samples of the tundra vole (Alexandromys oeconomus) from Northeast Asia and Alaska were studied. Sixty-three haplotypes of the cytb gene (51 variants of Central Asian and 12 of Beringian genetic lineages), differing among themselves by 94 mutations, were found. The Upper Kolyma River is inhabited by voles of the Central Asian clade. A mixed population of this species in the basin of the Omolon River (right tributary of the Kolyma River) was found. In Chukotka and Alaska, only specimens of the Beringian phylogroup were found. The genetic differences between all samples are statistically significant. Genetic data of A. oeconomus populations of the Kolyma River basin, Alaska, and Northern Okhotomorye (Northern Sea of Okhotsk area) were compared. A total of 231 substitutions at 226 sites were found in the nucleotide sequence of the mtDNA cytochrome b gene in voles from both clades. The values of molecular diversity indices testify to the stability of populations with a high value of effective abundance over a long period of time. An analysis of the population gene pool formation was performed and a reconstruction of the complex dispersal history of this species across Northeast Asia was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Japan and Korea—the United States’ two key allies in Northeast Asia—are both advanced industrial democracies facing similar constraints from a rising China and a nuclear North Korea. One would think that trilateral cooperation would be a cinch. Yet Japan and Korea have been at each other’s throats over simmering historical issues and differing approaches to China. Forging a trilateral alliance is highly unlikely. But strengthening cooperation is possible by focusing less on the military components of the alliance—i.e., providing extended deterrence—and more on new issues such as 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), and infrastructure, which can strengthen collective capabilities and make cooperation more appealing.