Countries In Asian Region Research Articles

ARE CORRUPTION, DEMOGRAPHIC PRESSURES AND BRAIN DRAIN DAMAGING THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION? EVIDENCE FROM ASIA

The importance of education cannot be denied in any region of the world because it is the aspect on which the future and growth of the country is based. There are many aspects that are found to have impacts on quality of education, however in this study; the author has used corruption, demographic pressure and brain drain along with control variables i.e. population and per capita income and the impacts of all the above mentioned variables on quality of education have been studied. The approaches such as unit root test, cointegration test and coefficient estimation test have been used by the author for the data analysis purpose. The author has found out the order of integration, cointegrated relationships presence as well as their measurement by using all these approaches. The data in this case was collected from eight countries of Asian region for 26 years and the above-mentioned tests were run on it. The results obtained indicate that corruption and brain drain have significant impact on quality of education along with the control variables, population and per capita income. The author has also discussed some theoretical, practical and policy making implications and some of the limitations of this study.

Burden and management of obstetric fistula in South-East Asian region countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Each year, between 50,000 and 100,000 women worldwide develop obstetric fistulae. Approximately 2 million girls across Asia and Africa are estimated to be affected by this condition. However, there is no reliable data on its prevalence in South-East Asia region (SEAR). The objective of this study is to systematically review and synthesize the data on the prevalence and management of obstetric fistula in SEAR. We searched for the literature that described the prevalence and management practices of obstetric fistula in SEAR. We followed the PRISMA guidelines to select the articles for the review. The quality and relevance were assessed by two reviewers independently using the SIGN checklist. A total of five articles and reports were selected for the review. To review the management practices, we found 63 original studies that were included in the review. We found five community-based studies estimating the prevalence of obstetric fistula in SEAR; 3 studies were from India, one from Bangladesh and one from Nepal. The pooled prevalence according to self-reports was 1.11 (3 studies including 671,133 participants, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09, 1.14) per 100 women. The pooled prevalence of obstetric fistula based on the clinical examination was 0.10 (3 studies involving 4547 participants, 95% CI 0.01, 0.20) per 100 women. The value was close to the pooled estimate based on the smaller studies. More studies are needed to estimate reliable community-based prevalence data and also need to develop evidence-based management guidelines.

The Patient-Provider Continuum of Care: Narratives of People Living With Comorbid HIV and Diabetes in Northern Thailand.

Background:Among South-East Asia Region countries, Thailand has a high prevalence of HIV with an increasing significant comorbidity of diabetes mellitus (DM).Objective:Guided by syndemics, the purpose of this qualitative study is to develop insight into the experience of patients living with comorbid HIV and DM in Northern Thailand for quality improvement.Methods:Interviews were conducted in 2 groups for content analysis: (1) people living with comorbid HIV and DM and (2) health-care staff providing care to patients living with the comorbidity.Results:Participants’ (N = 12) ages ranged from 42 to 56 (mean = 49). Health staff (N = 12) generated complementary narratives. All participants reported onset of diabetes after discovering they were HIV infected. Content analysis revealed emergent themes regarding (1) knowledge and perceptions and (2) management framed by syndemics and chronicity.Conclusion:Findings suggest routine training for patient education and provider integration of care. Macrosocial factors such as limited access and resources and biological factor such as drug interactions are noted as key considerations for future interventions and alterations in the care for patients with comorbid HIV and DM.

NORTHEAST ASIA STRATEGIC PLANNING PRACTICES

Currently, the topic of strategic planning is very relevant for Russia. This applies not only foreign policy, but also certain economic, social, and humanitarian areas, which are all crucial for the development of the country. In this regard, it is interesting to study the world experience, in particular the experience of the Asian region countries. The article is devoted to analysis of the main components of the strategic planning of socio-economic and political development in China, Japan, and South Korea. This study is carried out with the help of a comprehensive study of the fundamental foreign policy documents of the above countries. The authors pay special attention to analyzing the latest Chinese initiatives of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the Maritime Silk Road Initiative of the XXI century, their possible link with similar Japanese, Russian and South Korean initiatives, problems and difficulties in their implementation. The authors express their vision of practical opportunities and risks for Russia in the light of new trends in strategic planning in the countries of the studied region.

Administration of national security and defense capability of military administration in Asia states (on the examples of Japan, China, South Korea)

The article covers the issues concerning the administration of national security and defense capability in such foreign states as Japan, China, South Korea. It is noted, that models of administration of military organization activities in the specified states have certain features due to historical conditions of state formation. The system of national security and defense administration of developed countries of Asia began to emerge in the second half of the 20th century. That was due to the fact that most of the countries of Asian region liberated from colonial dependence after the Second World War, took the path of self-building and finalized the political structure and priorities of foreign policy development. The main subject is the armed forces (the army). It is emphasized, that the models of administration of military organization activities in Japan, China, South Korea have certain features due to historical conditions of state formation. Administration of national security and defense capability is an administrative impact of the officials and authorities who, on accordance with the law, are authorized to make decisions on the organization of activities of the military administration subjects for the successful performance of tasks and functions entrusted to them. It is concluded, that the administration of providing national security and defense in developed states of Asia is carried out by an extensive system of organs of military command. Among them, the most important is the activity of the armed forces of the state or institutions, which perform their functions (in the case of Japan). It is emphasized, that in Japan and South Korea the national model of structural organization and functioning of organs of military command was formed under the guidance of the US specialists. It is grounded, that the promising direction of scientific development is the elaboration of proposals on borrowing and implementing of foreign experience into the national practice of Ukraine’s security and defense sector functioning.

ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTIONS: GEM BASED EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS ON THE NORTHERN EUROPE AND ASIAN COUNTRIES

The requirement to contextualize research in the field of entrepreneurship has converted into the main theme from the last two decades. Therefore, this study bridges the gap by analyzing the relationship between the entrepreneurial activity in northern Europe and the Asian region countries in perspective of an individuals’ perception skills, attitudes, and the subjective norms. Based on our research, we propose a new conceptual framework to analyze EI in the context of entrepreneurship by using the theory of planned behavior (TBP) and the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM). We empirically examine the influence of key developmental differences on the entrepreneurial intentions (EI) model with structural equation modeling (SEM). In the studied GEM countries, our findings affirm the applicability of the EI model across countries confirming that entrepreneurial activities are the key drivers of economic growth. The findings also recommend that the progression from perception to intent is modified across the 23 European and Asian countries, though there exist several cultural differences to the extent of casual effects also including the differences of influential factors. This study contributes to the debate on entrepreneurship by analyzing key factors influencing the EI model and extends our understanding of entrepreneurship.

THE IMPACTS OF AFTA-COMMON EFFECTIVE PREFERENTIAL TARIFFS ON THE TRADE DIVERSION AND TRADE CREATION OF SYNTHETIC RUBBER AND FACTICE FROM OIL IN INDONESIA

Rubber and its products are one of the exported commodities listed in Indonesia’s ten primary exported commodities (Ministry of Trade 2015). Different from other rubber products, the impor of synthetic rubber and factice from oil have increased significantly since the establishment of the AFTA-CEPT with approximately 7 thousand registered products in the Inclusion List (IL) in 2002. This study aimed to analyze the competitiveness of synthetic rubber and factice krom oil among the members of AFTA countries and analyze the impacts of trade creation and Trade diversion on the implementation of the CEPT-AFTA on synthetic rubber and factice oil krom Indonesia, particularly in the 11 countries of origin of imports during the period from 2001 to 2013 by using a gravity model, which was analyzed using static data panel. Based on the results of RCA (Revealed Comparative Advantage), the competitiveness of synthetic rubber and factice oil from Indonesia is very low among four ASEAN countries, while Thailand is the top exporting countries in ASEAN region. The results of the panel data analysis showing variables which have positive influence are Indonesia’s real GDP and real GDP of the country of origin of imports, while variables with negative effect are economic distance and Indonesia’s real exchange rate compared to the country of origin of imports. The implementation of AFTA-CEPT brought against Trade diversion and creation of synthetic rubber and factice oil from Indonesia will have impacts on the existence of trade creation because part of the domestic production of synthetic rubber Ana factice oil from Indonesia will be replaced with imports from member countries and there is on trade diversion.

Entrepreneurial Intentions: Gem Based Emipirical Analysis on the Northern Europe and Asian Countries

Abstract The requirement to contextualize research in the field of entrepreneurship has converted into the main theme from the last two decades. Therefore, this study bridges the gap by analyzing the relationship between the entrepreneurial activity in northern Europe and the Asian region countries in perspective of an individuals’ perception skills, attitudes, and the subjective norms. Based on our research, we propose a new conceptual framework to analyze EI in the context of entrepreneurship by using the theory of planned behavior (TBP) and the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM). We empirically examine the influence of key developmental differences on the entrepreneurial intentions (EI) model with structural equation modeling (SEM). In the studied GEM countries, our findings affirm the applicability of the EI model across countries confirming that entrepreneurial activities are the key drivers of economic growth. The findings also recommend that the progression from perception to intent is modified across the 23 European and Asian countries, though there exist several cultural differences to the extent of casual effects also including the differences of influential factors. This study contributes to the debate on entrepreneurship by analyzing key factors influencing the EI model and extends our understanding of entrepreneurship.

4th IR and challenges for the creative and cottage industries

According to the Future of Jobs Report 2016, creativity will become one of the top three skills workers will need. With the avalanche of new products, new technologies and new ways of working, workers are going to have to become more creative in order to benefit from these changes. The global impact of 4th IR had already affected various industries, such as travel and hospitality, retail, media and the entertainment businesses, customer package goods and many others. In most countries in Asian region, government policies had been written to prepare their nation in facing the impact of the 4th IR. Most countries had plans to become the producer of high-value, diverse and complex products. So, what will happen to the small cottage industries which are run by small families through generations? Some are totally isolated from the mainstream technology and left out from the development radar. In this paper, the researcher shares a case study of an urban batik entrepreneur and some tips in preparing ourselves for the 4th IR.

Regulatory requirements for the approval of Anti-Cancer drug (Mercaptopurine) in Myanmar as per ACTD

South East Asian pharmaceutical market is growing rapidly. In Asian country, The regulatory environment is similar among all countries. But still requirements and process of registration is varying among countries of Asian region. Although ACTD is harmonized for all ten countries but still every country differ in some of the local requirements such as administrative, technical, clinical and non clinical documents. Among this country Myanmar systematically regulate the manufacture, import, export, storage, distribution and sale of drugs. Aim of the present study is To discuss emerging challenges and requirements posed by compulsory licensing for drugs in diseases such as cancer. In this article we have observed documents requires for registration of Mercaptopurine drug belonging to anti – cancer category in Myanmar. Documents like batch manufacturing record, process validation records, stability study which include long term and accelerated stability studies as per zone specification of Myanmar, packing requirements for anti – cancer drug and certificate for product permission required for registration, which has covered all aspects from manufacturing to its packing and registration. This article will give the easy understanding on the drug registration requirements for anti – cancer drug such as Mercaptopurine in Myanmar.

Developing renewable energy in developing countries: A lesson from Indonesia

ABSTRACTGlobal energy consumption grows faster than world population. It is projected that the next growth will be driven by developing countries in Asia region. As energy consumption rises, the awareness of environmental issues related with fuel and energy consumption gradually grows. One solution for these issues is the use of renewable energy. However, it has its own challenges. Besides its high up-front cost, the technological barriers of renewable energy are different from one country to another. Therefore, in this study, we took the learning curve in Indonesia as a lesson. The energy supply in Indonesia is dominated by nonrenewable energy resources. The government however is committed to renewal energy, and its growth is promising. We conclude that two markets are potential in developing countries. First is the implementation of renewable energy in rural area. This implementation should take into account rural entrepreneurship. Second is the implementation of renewable energy for grid-connected power production. Policy must overcome political and institutional obstacles and consider utility-sector issues.

Analysis of recycling structures for e-waste in Vietnam

E-waste management in Vietnam poses real challenges such as the lack of specific e-waste legislation, the strong involvement of “craft villages” and the missing of monitoring data. Many issues (e.g., pollution level, generated waste, health of workers and resident living at recycling sites) lead to the limited access to these craft villages. Thus, there is no comprehensive picture on e-waste management in Vietnam available today. This research focuses on the current situation of e-waste management. Sources of e-waste, collection and treatment in Vietnam are investigated by utilizing most available sources of information (published journals, unpublished works from projects and reports from institutes, ministry) together with the interviewed data from experts, collectors, workers and especially, biggest traders in the field. Based on this information, the processes applied in Vietnam, both in the formal and informal sector, have been analyzed systematically in terms of inputs, outputs, potential emissions and related risks for workers. From these aspects, a comparison in terms of legal frameworks, collection and treatment at both formal and informal sector between Vietnam and other countries in Asian region was undertaken. Thus, major challenges of e-waste management and relatively comprehensive image of e-waste management and treatment in Vietnam have been identified.

Geochemical control on spatial variability of fluoride concentrations in groundwater from rural areas of Gujrat in Punjab, Pakistan

Spatial variability and geochemical factors controlling fluoride (F−) concentrations were evaluated in five villages of subdistrict Gujrat in Pakistan. Groundwater samples (n = 70) were collected along the River Chenab and examined for F− concentrations. The average F− concentrations in groundwater of village Chhani Nikoani (1.8 mg/L) and Dhool Khurd (2.2 mg/L) were crossing the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limit of 1.5 mg/L, while village Kalra Khasa, Ghazi Chak and Kula Chor were below the WHO guidelines. About 64 % of the samples contain fluoride concentrations that exceed the 1.5 mg/L drinking water standard set by WHO. Spatially F− concentrations in groundwater increased as moving away from the River Chenab because more residence time for water–rock interaction was available. High F− concentrations were associated with high electric conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), pH and Na+ values. The overall groundwater quality is controlled by silicate mineral weathering and less by evaporation. Fluoride originates from anion exchange (OH− for F−) on clays and weathered micas under high pH conditions. High fluoride levels are associated with NaCl- and NaHCO3-type water produced by calcite precipitation and/or base ion exchange. The groundwater with higher fluoride concentrations is accompanied by lower Ca+2 levels. This study enhances our understanding on geochemical behavior of F and highlights the importance of spatial variability on F release in aquifers of Punjab in Pakistan, as well as in other countries of Asia region.

Overview of national strategies on noncommunicable disease and adolescent health in South-East Asia Region countries

Research shows that risk factors for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are associated with behaviors that either begin or are reinforced during adolescence. Yet, focus on this age group in national NCDs policies globally or regionally in South-East Asia Region (SEAR) has not been adequately addressed. This overview of strategies to prevent NCDs among adolescents in SEAR countries provides a benchmark against which policy response can be assessed and strengthened. We reviewed all publically available documented strategies issued by governments in the 11 SEAR member countries of the World Health Organization on NCDs, published between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2015. NCDs are currently a policy priority in many of the countries with school-based campaigns on healthy lifestyles; alcohol and tobacco-free environment and public ban on advertisements glamorizing unhealthy food among others. However, major challenges such as lack of specific focus on adolescents, lack of recognition of all major risk factors in national policies/programs, weak surveillance, unavailability of age disintegrated data, inefficient program management, low community awareness, and absence of multistakeholder policies persist. Of the countries reviewed, only 54.5% (6/11) proposed a policy that addressed all four of the main NCD risk factors - alcohol and tobacco use, physical inactivity, and obesity. This review demonstrates the disconnection between NCDs, adolescent health, and national policies.

Does corporate governance affect dividend policy: Evidence from ASEAN emerging market

This research-work uses a survey which comes from three different countries in ASEAN region i.e Indonesian, Thailand and Malaysian. This work integrate whole data from above all countries to examine whether firms that do corporate governance practising will pay higher dividends. This study has two issues: how regulation of stock exchange affects good corporate governance and how corporate governance affects value of the firm. Using OLS regression, our finding shows that good corporate governance practices has positive sign to dividend payout. Our finding may contribute to corporate governance literature. First, result finding support Jensen’s (1986) that states free cash flow not reduce dividends pay out. Second, integrating empirical model from three different countries in ASEAN region.

Potential and Risk of Grouper (Epinephelus spp., Epinephelidae) Stock Enhancement in Indonesia

Indonesia is one of the countries in Asia region that plays an important role in the grouper supply. Grouper production in Indonesia increased 5-fold within two decades aside a continuous increase in grouper demand. To enhance grouper yield, the Indonesian Government initiated stock enhancement programmes releasing cultured grouper into the natural habitats. The purpose of the present study was to examine the impact of grouper stock enhancement onto natural grouper populations in Karimujawa National Park, Indonesia and to monitor the potential risks involved. Experimental release of 10 cm cultured Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (brown-marbled grouper) from the backyard multi-species hatchery system was monitored using underwater visual census and fish-catch monitoring. As a result, it was found that the greatest peril for the released grouper of 10 cm length was falling immediately prey to predators in the reef habitat, even though enough hides were available at the release site, since groupers of this particular size class were not trained to survive under field conditions. Grouper of 15 cm however are well capable of seeking shelter and avoiding predators. This leads to the clear recommendation that released grouper should to have a size of at least 15 cm for release in stock enhancement programmes. According to our experiments the so far officially recommended minimum size of release (10 cm) is therefore too low and should be increased to 15 cm for E. fuscoguttatus, and requires future adjustment of the official recommendations in use. Parasitological examination of the released fish was conducted in order to analyse potential risks involved. No macro-parasites could be observed, limiting the risk of spreading parasites and diseases within the Indonesian archipelago. However, many parasites of E. fuscoguttatus are widespread and can infect different grouper species.

Quality of dietary assessment methodology and reporting in epidemiology studies examining relationship between dietary outcome and childhood obesity in developing Asian countries: A systematic review

AbstractAimThe dramatic rise in childhood obesity incidence in developing countries is related to nutrition and lifestyle transition. The aim of this review was to evaluate the quality and reporting of dietary assessment methods used in studies examining the relationship between dietary outcome and childhood obesity in developing Asian countries.MethodsA three‐step search strategy was conducted in databases between inception and 2011 with an English language restriction. Inclusion criteria were any cross‐sectional or cohort studies in children ≤18 years who resided in developing countries in Asian region that included reporting on dietary intake. Papers were screened with standardised tools for quality and dietary methodology reporting.ResultsThe search process identified 2080 studies and 15 studies (in 16 articles) met inclusion criteria. The most commonly used dietary assessment method was dietary questionnaires (n = 10), followed by 24‐hour diet recall (n = 4), food frequency questionnaire (n = 3) and an unweighed food record (n = 1). For dietary methodology reporting, 12 out of 16 articles were rated as ‘poor’, 3 rated as ‘acceptable’ and 1 as ‘excellent’.ConclusionsThe quality rating was influenced by the dietary assessment tool chosen, and a quality rating of ‘poor’ was mostly obtained by studies using non‐standardised, non‐validated study‐specific dietary questionnaires. Significant gaps were identified in dietary intake methodological quality and hence, there is an urgent need for valid dietary measures and reporting of dietary intake among overweight children for studies conducted in Asian region.

THE IDENTIFICATION OF SMALL MEDIUM ENTERPRISE (SME) OWNER ENTREPRENEURSHIP CHARACTERISTICS BY USING ENTREPRENEURIAL MARKETING APPROACH

Economic crisis occurred in 1997 had brought continuously negative affect in economic and social aspect. This negative effect experienced by Indonesia as one of the countries in Asia region forced to survive from global economic crisis. One among many downfalls from thisunfortunate event was many big scale companies had to deal with bankruptcy. Interesting fact from this event sought by researcher was the ability of small medium enterprise (SME) to survive from economic crisis compared to other big companies. Therefore, focus to small and medium size company should be put into consideration. One of the ideas to improve the performance of SME is by implementing the concept of entrepreneurial marketing. The goal of this research is to identify characters owned by entrepreneurial marketer. Five owners of SME’s in food and beverage industry are used as the respondents in this research. In depth interview is used for the method in gaining the valuable information. Data analysis used consist of data exposure, grouping the information, analysis and make the conclusion.

Prevalence and sociodemographic determinants of tobacco use in four countries of the World Health Organization: South-East Asia region: findings from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey.

Tobacco use is a leading cause of deaths and Disability Adjusted Life Years lost worldwide, particularly in South-East Asia. Health risks associated with exclusive use of one form of tobacco alone has a different health risk profile when compared to dual use. In order to tease out specific profiles of mutually exclusive categories of tobacco use, we carried out this analysis. The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) data was used to describe the profiles of three mutually exclusive tobacco use categories ("Current smoking only," "Current smokeless tobacco [SLT] use only," and "Dual use") in four World Health Organization South-East Asia Region countries, namely Bangladesh, India, Indonesia and Thailand. GATS was a nationally representative household-based survey that used a stratified multistage cluster sampling design proportional to population size. Prevalence of different forms of usage were described as proportions. Logistics regression analyses was performed to calculate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals. All analyses were weighted, accounted for the complex sampling design and conducted using SPSS version 18. The prevalence of different forms of tobacco use varied across countries. Current tobacco use ranged from 27.2% in Thailand to 43.3% in Bangladesh. Exclusively smoking was more common in Indonesia (34.0%) and Thailand (23.4%) and less common in Bangladesh (16.1%) and India (8.7%). Exclusively using SLT was more common in Bangladesh (20.3%) and India (20.6%) and less common on Indonesia (0.9%) and Thailand (3.5%). Dual use of smoking and SLT was found in Bangladesh (6.8%) and India (5.3%), but was negligible in Indonesia (0.8) and Thailand (0.4%). Gender, age, education and wealth had significant effects on the OR for most forms of tobacco use across all four countries with the exceptions of SLT use in Indonesia and dual use in both Indonesia and Thailand. In general, the different forms of tobacco use increased among males and with increasing age; and decreased with higher education and wealth. The results for urban versus rural residence were mixed and frequently not significant once controlling for the other demographic factors. This study addressed the socioeconomic disparities, which underlie health inequities due to tobacco use. Tobacco control activities in these countries should take in account local cultural, social and demographic factors for successful implementation.

Monitoring antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae in selected countries of the WHO South-East Asia Region between 2009 and 2012: a retrospective analysis

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to retrospectively analyse the data reported on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Neisseria gonorrhoeae in six South-East Asia Region countries from 2009 to 2012...