Https://gmsmushrooms.org/: A comprehensive Online Database of Mushrooms in the Greater Mekong Sub Region

This chapter looks at collaboration in higher education at the subregional level, focusing on harmonization and networking initiatives in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) and highlighting the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) unique role in supporting higher education harmonization and networking. The author outlines challenges faced by ASEAN and discusses the potential contribution by the GMS program toward an integrated ASEAN community in the coming decade. The importance and need of higher education harmonization to pave the way for greater student and academic mobility in the GMS being linked with ASEAN is stressed. In addition, he introduces an ADB supported regional technical assistance on GMS higher education harmonization and networking and considers a proposal for establishing a Greater Mekong Regional University as a regional platform to facilitate higher education harmonization and networking.

Purpose: This study examines how responsive the exports of milled rice are to rising food prices in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Methodology: The research employed panel data regression models, including Fixed Effects and Random Effects, and the Pooled Ordinary Least Squares to examine data spanning from 1996 to 2020 for three countries in the subregion: Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Findings: The results show that milled rice exports from the subregion were responsive to the food price surge of 2008-2009, i.e., exports increased following the price surge. In addition, the production of rice was found to be positively associated with exports. Implications: The findings emphasize the importance of milled rice exports in the Greater Mekong Subregion. The responsiveness of rice exports to the price surge implies that exporters are ready to increase exports constantly. This provides policymakers with inputs to formulate policies and strategies to increase exports for stabilizing food prices and increasing rice farmers’ income. Originality: The study contributes to the existing body of literature, providing new evidence of the milled rice exports responding to the food price surge by looking into the major rice-exporting countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Limitations and directions for future research: The study is not free from limitation due to the unavailability of data, leading to the exclusion of two countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion. The generalizability of the findings may be limited within this region, therefore, setting directions for future empirical studies to incorporate major rice-exporting countries in other regions. Keywords: Rice export, Food price crisis, Greater Mekong Subregion

Following the rise of China, the importance of Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) has been paid much attention by great powers in East Asia. Since 1992, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has succeeded in engaging GMS economic cooperation by Japan’s dominance. As China emerged and rose in the new century, the GMS spatial development became China’s priority for economic extension by way of the “One Belt and One Road” (OBOD) policy and the settlement of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). Also, taking the GMS economic corridor as a stepping stone, China will easily be able to connect and integrate the Southeast Asian economy, which is full of political and economic implications. Moreover, it will examine the trade and economic cooperation between China and GMS five countries and their development opportunities. Lastly, through GMS cooperation mechanism and operation, some economic cooperation mechanisms and development strategic logics will be generally concluded.

BackgroundMerozoite proteins of the malaria parasites involved in the invasion of red blood cells are selected by host immunity and their diversity is greatly influenced by changes in malaria epidemiology. In the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), malaria transmission is concentrated along the international borders and there have been major changes in malaria epidemiology with Plasmodium vivax becoming the dominant species in many regions. Here, we aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity of P. vivax Duffy-binding protein gene domain II (pvdbp-II) in isolates from the eastern and western borders of Myanmar, and compared it with that from global P. vivax populations.Methodspvdbp-II sequences were obtained from 85 and 82 clinical P. vivax isolates from the eastern and western Myanmar borders, respectively. In addition, 504 pvdbp-II sequences from nine P. vivax populations of the world were retrieved from GenBank and used for comparative analysis of genetic diversity, recombination and population structure of the parasite population.ResultsThe nucleotide diversity of the pvdbp-II sequences from the Myanmar border parasite isolates was not uniform, with the highest diversity located between nucleotides 1078 and 1332. Western Myanmar isolates had a unique R391C mutation. Evidence of positive natural selection was detected in pvdbp-II gene in P. vivax isolates from the eastern Myanmar area. P. vivax parasite populations in the GMS, including those from the eastern, western, and central Myanmar as well as Thailand showed low-level genetic differentiation (FST, 0.000–0.099). Population genetic structure analysis of the pvdbp-II sequences showed a division of the GMS populations into four genetic clusters. A total of 60 PvDBP-II haplotypes were identified in 210 sequences from the GMS populations. Among the epitopes in PvDBP-II, high genetic diversity was found in epitopes 45 (379-SIFGT(D/G)(E/K)(K/N)AQQ(R/H)(R/C)KQ-393, π = 0.029) and Ia (416-G(N/K)F(I/M)WICK(L/I)-424], Ib [482-KSYD(Q/E)WITR-490, π = 0.028) in P. vivax populations from the eastern and western borders of Myanmar.ConclusionsThe pvdbp-II gene is genetically diverse in the eastern and western Myanmar border P. vivax populations. Positive natural selection and recombination occurred in pvdbp-II gene. Low-level genetic differentiation was identified, suggesting extensive gene flow of the P. vivax populations in the GMS. These results can help understand the evolution of the P. vivax populations in the course of regional malaria elimination and guide the design of PvDBP-II-based vaccine.

The goal of this research is to use the digital humanities research concept in the folktales study in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). This paper presents the second phase of the research, focusing on developing ontologies of folktales in the GMS. The ontology development comprised two processes: (1) ontology design and development and (2) ontology documentation. In both processes, domain knowledge and ontology of folktales were collected, captured, revised, and evaluated by experts in the field of folktale studies, literary studies, Asian studies, and ontology development. The outcome of this research is domain ontologies for folktales in the GMS. Approximately, 74 concepts of folktales in the GMS have been defined and classified into classes and subclasses, including some necessary scope notes and relationships of the topics. This developed ontology will be useful for the development of a semantic digital library of GMS folktales in the next steps of this research.

The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) is an example of successful subregional cooperation in East Asia between the neighboring countries China, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, all of which are linked through trade, investment and people movements. This chapter asks whether the development of infrastructure in the GMS prompts the emergence of a pluralistic community in the sense of Karl W. Deutsch. It is argued that the increase of cross-border transactions between the GMS member countries creates a solid foundation for the evolution of a security community. After a brief analytical introduction, GMS infrastructure projects with a focus on sub-regional economic corridors are being examined.

Creating a Network of Youth in Sustainable Tourism Development in the Greater Mekong Sub-region Case study: Nakhon Phanom,Thailand and Khammouan, Laos PDR

Abstract. The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) is one the global biodiversity hotspots. However, the diversity has been seriously threatened due to environmental degradation and deforestation, especially by expansion of rubber plantations. Yet, little is known about the impact of expansion of rubber plantations on regional plant diversity as well as the drivers for plant diversity of rubber plantations in this region. In this study, we analyzed plant diversity patterns of rubber plantations in the GMS based on a ground survey of a large number of samples. We found that diversity varied across countries due to varying agricultural intensities. Laos had the highest diversity, followed China, Myanmar, and Cambodia. Plant species richness of Laos was about 1.5 times that of Vietnam. We uncovered latitudinal gradients in plant diversity across these artificial forests of rubber plantations and these gradients caused by environmental variables such as temperature. Results of redundancy analysis (RDA), multiple regression, and random forest demonstrated that latitude and temperature were the two most important drivers for the composition and diversity of rubber plantations in the GMS. Meanwhile, we also found that higher dominance of some exotic species (such as Chromolaena odorata and Mimosa pudica) was associated with a loss of plant diversity within rubber plantations; however, not all exotic plants cause the loss of plant diversity in rubber plantations. In conclusion, not only environmental factors (temperature), but also exotic species were the main factors affecting plant diversity of these artificial stands. Much more effort should be made to balance agricultural production with conservation goals in this region, particularly to minimize the diversity loss in Vietnam and Cambodia.

The Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) is a new type of regional cooperation mechanism in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). It was officially co-founded by six Lancang-Mekong countries in 2016. Water resources cooperation is the flagship field of the LMC. The goal of this article is to introduce comprehensively the LMC and to illustrate why it can be regarded as a new choice for regional water resources cooperation in the GMS. This paper first reviews the background to LMC's foundation, and then introduces the structural framework, operating mechanism and recent advances of the LMC. It will then analyze the deficiencies of the present water resources cooperation mechanisms in the GMS and the comparative advantages of water resources cooperation under LMC. Finally, some suggestions were given to improve and reinforce water resources cooperation under the LMC. This research concludes that the LMC is more suitable for the actual needs and objective reality of Lancang-Mekong countries owing to its high-level and all-round regional cooperation mechanism. It was established jointly by all riparian states, with a shared vision to enhance the well-being of six countries' people, and works to narrow the development gap among regional countries.

BackgroundWild edible mushrooms (WEM) are economically significant and used in traditional medicines worldwide. The region of Jammu and Kashmir (Western Himalayas) is enriched with the diversity of edible mushrooms, collected by the rural people for food and income generation. This is the first detailed study on diversity and ethno-medicinal uses of mushrooms from the State of Jammu and Kashmir.MethodsConsecutive surveys were conducted to record ethnomycological diversity and socio-economic importance of wild edible mushrooms value chain in rural areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir during 2015–2019. Ethnomycological data were collected with a semi-structured questionnaire having a set of questions on indigenous mycological knowledge and collection and retailing of wild edible mushrooms. A total of 923 informants from the study area provided the results identifying the gender, type of mushroom species, medicinal uses, and marketing of mushrooms. Diversity of mushrooms was studied by using quadrat and transect methods. Principal component analysis (PCA) and detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) were also applied to the dataset to analyse the relationship between species distribution, the underlying environmental factors, and habitat types. PCA identified the major species-specific to the sites and put them close to the sites of distribution.ResultsA total of 131 mushroom species were collected and identified during 2015–2019 from the study area. Ninety-seven species of mushrooms were reported new to the State of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The dominant mushroom family was Russulaceae with 23 species followed by Agaricaceae, 16 species. Major mushroom species identified and grouped by the PCA were Coprinus comatus, Lactarius sanguifluus, Amanita fulva, Armillaria gallica, Lycoperdon perlatum, Lycoperdon pyriforme, and Russula creminicolor. Sparassis crispa, Pleurotus sp, and Laetiporus sulphureus were recorded most edible and medicinally significant fungi. Morels were also expensive and medicinally important among all harvested macro-fungal species. These were reported to use against common ailments and various health problems.ConclusionsCollection and retailing of WEM contribute to improving the socio-economic status, providing alternative employment and food security to rural people of the area. These mushrooms are used as a source of food and traditional medicines among the rural informants and could be used as a potential source of antibacterial and anticancer drugs in the future.

Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries lack sufficient funds to combat climate change. The growth of projects under the clean development mechanism (CDM) is not consistent in the region and the relation of that growth to national GDP is not equivalent either. The disbursement of climate funds promised by different countries and donor organisations to different countries in GMS region is very low. A few countries have relied more on external funds to combat climate change, while some have developed their own funds. A strong database and involvement of civil societies might help the region better utilise these climate funds.

This research article presents the potential of integrated resource planning (IRP) options for long term electricity supply in selected Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries, namely Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. Results from Part 1 show the achievement of the IRP context in GMS. The mitigation scenario would improve the quality of electricity supply and mitigate CO2 emissions from the power sector. At the same time, the renewable energy (RE) scenario has the highest total generation cost. However, to make the renewable energy technologies competitive with fossil fuels, incentives in terms of carbon credit are taken into account. Results of this study were analyzed by using the Long-range Energy Alternative Planning system model. Results reveal that under the IRP concept, the selected GMS countries could mitigate CO2 emissions by about 61.16 million tonnes when compared to the business as usual (BAU) scenario by 2030. In the meantime, under incentive cost in the RE scenario, the total generation would be reduced by 2.3% when compared to the BAU scenario.

BackgroundCommunity engagement has increasingly received attention in malaria research and programme interventions, particularly as countries aim for malaria elimination. Although community engagement strategies and activities are constantly developing, little is known about how those who implement research or programmes view community engagement. This article explores the perspectives of researchers and policy makers in the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) on community engagement for malaria control and elimination.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted among 17 policymakers and 15 senior researchers working in the field of malaria. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed in English. Transcribed data were analysed using deductive and inductive approaches in QSR NVivo. Themes and sub-themes were generated.ResultsResearchers and policymakers emphasized the importance of community engagement in promoting participation in malaria research and interventions. Building trust with the community was seen as crucial. Respondents emphasized involving authority/leadership structures and highlighted the need for intense and participatory engagement. Geographic remoteness, social, cultural, and linguistic diversity were identified as barriers to meaningful engagement. Local staff were described as an essential ‘connect’ between researchers or policymakers and prospective participants. Sharing information with community members, using various strategies including creative and participatory methods were highlighted.ConclusionsPolicymakers and researchers involved in malaria prevention and control in the GMS viewed community engagement as crucial for promoting participation in research or programmatic interventions. Given the difficulties of the ‘last mile’ to elimination, sustained investment in community engagement is needed in isolated areas of the GMS where malaria transmission continues. Involving community-based malaria workers is ever more critical to ensure the elimination efforts engage hard-to-reach populations in remote areas of GMS.

BackgroundReactive malaria case detection involves the screening of those in contact with index cases and is used in countries in the Greater Mekong Sub-region. The yield of reactive case detection, defined here as the percentage of positive malaria cases among potential contacts who were screened, was assessed.MethodsA literature search was conducted on PubMed to identify studies on reactive case detection in the Greater Mekong Sub-region. Eligible published articles were reviewed and pooled estimates from the studies were calculated, by type of malaria test used.ResultsEighty-five publications were retrieved, of which 8 (9.4%) eligible articles were included in the analysis. The yield from reactive case detection ranged from 0.1 to 4.2%, with higher rates from PCR testing compared with microscopy and/or rapid diagnostic test. The overall yield from microscopy and/or rapid diagnostic test was 0.56% (95% CI 0.31–0.88%), while that from PCR was 2.35% (95% CI 1.19–3.87%). The two studies comparing different target groups showed higher yield from co-workers/co-travellers, compared with household contacts.ConclusionIn low malaria transmission settings, the effectiveness of reactive case detection is diminishing. In the Greater Mekong Sub-region, modifying reactive case detection from household contacts to co-workers/co-travellers and from testing to presumptive treatment of targeted contacts, could increase the impact of this approach.

The scarcity of fossil fuel to supply the high growth in energy demand in the selected Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) is leading to the concern about future electricity supply. The effect of the high fossil fuel price on the global market would lead to limitation in economic development in this region. In 2007, most countries in the selected GMS, namely Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, used abundant fossil fuels in electricity generation. Fossil fuels used in power generation accounted for 90%, 85%, 60%, and 1.5% in Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos, respectively. This study includes the integrated resource planning (IRP) concept into the long-term power planning. IRP is the most appropriate approach that applied to both demand and supply sides. To curb the high growth in electricity demand, the demand-side management options are taken into account. To reduce the high dependency on imported fossil fuel, the domestic renewable energy resources and reduction in transmission and distribution losses are introduced. Results of this study were analyzed by using the Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning system model. Results reveal that under the IRP concept, the selected GMS countries could save the installed power capacity of 5,780 MW by 2030.