Diversity In Asia Research Articles

Book Review: Sexual diversity in Asia, c. 600–1950, edited by Reyes, Raquel A.G. and William G. Clarence-Smith

Book Review: Sexual diversity in Asia, c. 600–1950, edited by Reyes, Raquel A.G. and William G. Clarence-Smith

The origins and radiation of Australian Coptotermes termites: From rainforest to desert dwellers

The termite genus Coptotermes (Rhinotermitidae) is found in Asia, Africa, Central/South America and Australia, with greatest diversity in Asia. Some Coptotermes species are amongst the world’s most damaging invasive termites, but the genus is also significant for containing the most sophisticated mound-building termites outside the family Termitidae. These mound-building Coptotermes occur only in Australia. Despite its economic and evolutionary significance, the biogeographic history of the genus has not been well investigated, nor has the evolution of the Australian mound-building species. We present here the first phylogeny of the Australian Coptotermes to include representatives from all described species. We combined our new data with previously generated data to estimate the first phylogeny to include representatives from all continents where the genus is found. We also present the first estimation of divergence dates during the evolution of the genus. We found the Australian Coptotermes to be monophyletic and most closely related to the Asian Coptotermes, with considerable genetic diversity in some Australian taxa possibly representing undescribed species. The Australian mound-building species did not form a monophyletic clade. Our ancestral state reconstruction analysis indicated that the ancestral Australian Coptotermes was likely to have been a tree nester, and that mound-building behaviour has arisen multiple times. The Australian Coptotermes were found to have diversified ∼13million years ago, which plausibly matches with the narrowing of the Arafura Sea allowing Asian taxa to cross into Australia. The first diverging Coptotermes group was found to be African, casting doubt on the previously raised hypothesis that the genus has an Asian origin.

Begonia jinyunensis (Begoniaceae, section Platycentrum), a new palmately compound leaved species from Chongqing, China.

BackgroundContinental China is the center of Begonia species diversity in Asia and contains more than 60 species out of about 110 named species of section Platycentrum. Mt. Jinyun, located in Chongqing City at the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, harbors a subtropical broadleaved forest with high species diversity. During a botanical survey in Mt. Jinyun, an unknown Begonia species of sect. Platycentrum with palmately compound leaves was collected and studied based on detailed morphological observations and cytological and molecular phylogenetic analyses.ResultsThe unknown Begonia bears a superficial resemblance to B. hemsleyana in having palmately compound leaves, a feature unseen in other species of sect. Platycentrum in China. It is however sharply distinct from the latter in the acaulous habit with aerial stems seen only at anthesis and long rhizomes (vs. erect stems to 70 cm or taller with short rhizomes), 4–6 pinnatilobed leaflets with indistinct, decurrent petiolules (vs. 7–10 serrate leaflets with distinct petiolules), and white (vs. pink) tepals. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear ribosomal DNA and chloroplast DNA sequences indicated that this species was allied to Platycentrum species occurring in Southwest and South-central China and Vietnam, including B. hemsleyana, and clearly separable from these species. Somatic chromosome number of 2n = 22 was reported for this unknown species. The diploid chromosome number is agreeable with those published for Begonia sect. Platycentrum.ConclusionsThe unknown Begonia is confirmed to be a new species of sect. Platycentrum and hereto described as Begonia jinyunensis C.-I Peng, B. Ding & Q. Wang.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40529-014-0062-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Large-scale mitochondrial DNA analysis in Southeast Asia reveals evolutionary effects of cultural isolation in the multi-ethnic population of Myanmar

BackgroundMyanmar is the largest country in mainland Southeast Asia with a population of 55 million people subdivided into more than 100 ethnic groups. Ruled by changing kingdoms and dynasties and lying on the trade route between India and China, Myanmar was influenced by numerous cultures. Since its independence from British occupation, tensions between the ruling Bamar and ethnic minorities increased.ResultsOur aim was to search for genetic footprints of Myanmar’s geographic, historic and sociocultural characteristics and to contribute to the picture of human colonization by describing and dating of new mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroups. Therefore, we sequenced the mtDNA control region of 327 unrelated donors and the complete mitochondrial genome of 44 selected individuals according to highest quality standards.ConclusionPhylogenetic analyses of the entire mtDNA genomes uncovered eight new haplogroups and three unclassified basal M-lineages. The multi-ethnic population and the complex history of Myanmar were reflected in its mtDNA heterogeneity. Population genetic analyses of Burmese control region sequences combined with population data from neighboring countries revealed that the Myanmar haplogroup distribution showed a typical Southeast Asian pattern, but also Northeast Asian and Indian influences. The population structure of the extraordinarily diverse Bamar differed from that of the Karen people who displayed signs of genetic isolation. Migration analyses indicated a considerable genetic exchange with an overall positive migration balance from Myanmar to neighboring countries. Age estimates of the newly described haplogroups point to the existence of evolutionary windows where climatic and cultural changes gave rise to mitochondrial haplogroup diversification in Asia.

Members of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) cryptic species and the status of two invasive alien species in the Yunnan Province (China).

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a cryptic species complex that includes some of the most significant pests of agriculture and horticulture worldwide. To understand the diversity and distribution of B. tabaci cryptic species in Yunnan, a famous biodiversity hotspot in China, a large-scale sampling was conducted from year 2010 to 2013 in 10 prefectures. Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene sequences were used to identify different cryptic species. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using Bayesian methods to assess the position of a new B. tabaci cryptic species in the context of the B. tabaci diversity in Asia. The survey indicates at least eight B. tabaci cryptic species are present in Yunnan, two invasive (MEAM1 and MED) and six indigenous (China 2, China3, China 4, Asia I, Asia II 1, and Asia II 6), MEAM1, MED, and Asia I being the three predominant cryptic species in Yunnan. Compared with MEAM1, MED has a wider distribution. Based on molecular data, a new cryptic species, here named China 4, was identified that appears to be related to China 1, China 2, and China 3. Future efforts should focus on the interactions between predominant B. tabaci cryptic species and begomoviruses and on the development of effective control strategies.

Phylogeny and biogeography of Asian Schefflera (Araliaceae) based on nuclear and plastid DNA sequence data

AbstractThe phylogeny of Asian Schefflera was inferred from sequences of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region, and six plastid regions (the ndhF gene, the trnL‐trnF region, the rps16 intron, the atpB‐rbcL intergenic spacer, the rpl16 intron, and the psbA‐trnH intergenic spacer). Phylogenetic analyses of the combined plastid and internal transcribed spacer data with parsimony and Bayesian methods strongly support the monophyly of Asian Schefflera. The genus is supported to be closely related to Heteropanax and Tetrapanax with the small tropical continental Asian genus Heteropanax as its sister. Within Asian Schefflera, four distinct subclades were identified: (i) the widely distributed Asian Heptapleurum group with no styles in the gynoecium; (ii) the main Agalma group with racemose or spicate inflorescence units with a few umbellate taxa; (iii) the Schefflera hypoleuca group; and (iv) the Schefflera heptaphylla group. In a broader phylogenetic framework of Araliaceae, Asian Schefflera is hypothesized to have originated in continental Asia at 57.41 Mya (95% high posterior density interval of 40.33–76.06 Mya) in the early Tertiary and radiated into the now SE Asia, eastern Himalaya, and E Asia at 46.11 Mya (95% high posterior density interval of 33.02–60.69 Mya). Its subsequent diversification in Asia may have been driven largely by the collision of the Indian plate with the Asian plate in the middle Eocene and the collision of the Australian margin with the Eurasian margin in the early Miocene.

Mapping Human Genetic Diversity in Asia

Mapping Human Genetic Diversity in Asia

An analysis of the antecedents of loyalty and the moderating role of customer demographics in an emerging mobile phone industry

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate how various antecedents influence customer loyalty in the mobile phone industry and how customer demographic variables moderate such relationships. A comprehensive model is proposed and tested empirically that features six antecedents identified in recent industry literature – customer satisfaction, perceived service quality, value, switching costs, trust, and corporate image – and common demographic variables. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected using a field questionnaire survey of mobile phone users in Pakistan. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and multi-group SEM evaluate direct and moderating effects. Findings – Findings suggest that of six antecedents, customer satisfaction, perceived switching costs, service quality, and perceived value have positive and significant relationships with customer loyalty. Among the demographic variables, only income and area of residence moderate the relationships between customer loyalty and the antecedents. Research limitations/implications – The research was conducted in an Asian country where – due to recent liberalization – the telecommunications industry is emerging. The cultural and socio-economic diversity in Asia limits generalization of findings. Practical implications – Resource allocation that promotes customer loyalty in the mobile phone industry and improves customer satisfaction, perceived service quality, value, and switching costs can be optimized by implementing different measures for demographic groups. Policies should require mobile phone operators to invest more in rural areas to enhance and expand services. Originality/value – This study contributes to the literature by offering a comprehensive model that includes the most important antecedents of customer loyalty and customer demographics in the mobile phone industry. The model is validated empirically in the context of emerging Asian economies with new field data sourced from Pakistan.

Occurrence, genetic diversity, and potential pathways of entry of Halyomorpha halys in newly invaded areas of Canada and Switzerland

Halyomorpha halys has recently established in countries outside of its Asian area of origin. In the North Eastern USA, this pest causes severe economic loss in agricultural crops. Breeding populations have been confirmed in Switzerland and Canada; however, their pathways of entry and genetic diversity remain unknown. To determine invasion pathways and source population(s), the diversity of specimens from Asia, North America, and Europe was investigated. Genetic diversity in Asia was higher than that in the Canada and Switzerland. Although three haplotypes were detected among Canadian H. halys, one haplotype dominated. In contrast, two out of three haplotypes were found frequently among Swiss samples. Based on molecular data and interception records it appears likely that H. halys in Canada is derived from the movement of established US populations. Further, North American populations likely originated from the Hebei/Beijing regions of China. The area of origin of the Swiss samples remains unclear. Although the dominant haplotype in Switzerland was consistent with Asian samples collected in the Hebei and Beijing provinces, it was not the dominant haplotype in these regions and further sampling is necessary to its confirm the distribution and abundance in the area of origin. The remaining two haplotypes were unique to Switzerland and no matches were found among our Asian samples. Interestingly, no haplotypes were shared between the North American and Swiss samples, indicating that the two invasions were separate and distinct events and did not result from the movement of goods and materials between USA and Europe.

TB: the Yin and Yang of lipid mediators

There is a growing appreciation of the diverse roles that lipid mediators play in modulating inflammatory responses during infection. In the case of tuberculosis, virulent mycobacteria induce host production of anti-inflammatory mediators, including lipoxins, which limit the host inflammatory response and lead to necrotic cell death of infected macrophages. Recent work using the zebrafish model suggests that, while excess anti-inflammatory lipoxins are host detrimental during mycobacterial infections, excess pro-inflammatory lipids also drive host susceptibility. The balance of these inflammatory states is influenced by common human genetic variation in Asia. Fuller understanding of the mechanisms of eicosanoid-mediated inflammatory imbalance during tuberculosis infection has important implications for the development of adjunctive therapies.

Evolutionary history influences the effects of water–energy dynamics on oak diversity in Asia

AbstractAimWater–energy dynamics are often correlated with geographical patterns of terrestrial plant richness. However, the relative importance of water and energy on species richness is still being debated. Some studies suggest a transition in the relative importance of water and energy along a latitudinal gradient, i.e. that water is the most important factor at low latitudes, whereas energy is the leading factor at high latitudes. The generality of this transition is yet to be established and is the focus of the current study. In particular, we examine whether differences in the evolutionary histories of two subgenera of Asian oaks influence the derived models of water–energy dynamics.LocationAsia (70–140° E; 10–60° N).MethodsWe performed geographically weighted regressions to quantify geographical variation in the relative importance of water and energy on the species richness of Asian oaks (Quercus L.). We also evaluated how evolutionary history influences the relative importance of water and energy in determining species richness, by comparing patterns in the two oak subgenera: Quercus subg. Quercus and Quercus subg. Cyclobalanopsis. In particular, we assessed how the ancestral climatic niche of these two subgenera (i.e. subgenus Quercus of temperate origin versus subgenus Cyclobalanopsis of tropical origin) relates to the relative importance of water and energy on contemporary diversity patterns.ResultsWe found no geographical transition line in the relative importance of water and energy along the latitudinal gradient studied. Instead, we found that the importance of energy relative to water on the species richness of subgenus Quercus increased from mid‐latitudes (warm temperate regions) towards both tropical and boreal regions: this pattern might reflect that this subgenus originated in the temperate region. In contrast, the importance of both water and energy on the species richness of the tropical subgenus Cyclobalanopsis increased from tropical to boreal regions, probably due to a lack of adaptation to winter coldness.Main conclusionsOur results suggest that differences in the evolutionary history – specifically the ancestral climatic niche – of the two subgenera of oaks influence the effects of water–energy dynamics on species richness along a latitudinal gradient through niche conservatism.

Genetic diversity in introduced golden mussel populations corresponds to vector activity.

We explored possible links between vector activity and genetic diversity in introduced populations of Limnoperna fortunei by characterizing the genetic structure in native and introduced ranges in Asia and South America. We surveyed 24 populations: ten in Asia and 14 in South America using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, as well as eight polymorphic microsatellite markers. We performed population genetics and phylogenetic analyses to investigate population genetic structure across native and introduced regions. Introduced populations in Asia exhibit higher genetic diversity (H E = 0.667–0.746) than those in South America (H E = 0.519–0.575), suggesting higher introduction effort for the former populations. We observed pronounced geographical structuring in introduced regions, as indicated by both mitochondrial and nuclear markers based on multiple genetic analyses including pairwise ФST, F ST, Bayesian clustering method, and three-dimensional factorial correspondence analyses. Pairwise F ST values within both Asia (F ST = 0.017–0.126, P = 0.000–0.009) and South America (F ST = 0.004–0.107, P = 0.000–0.721) were lower than those between continents (F ST = 0.180–0.319, P = 0.000). Fine-scale genetic structuring was also apparent among introduced populations in both Asia and South America, suggesting either multiple introductions of distinct propagules or strong post-introduction selection and demographic stochasticity. Higher genetic diversity in Asia as compared to South America is likely due to more frequent propagule transfers associated with higher shipping activities between source and donor regions within Asia. This study suggests that the intensity of human-mediated introduction vectors influences patterns of genetic diversity in non-indigenous species.

Principal component analysis reveals the 1000 Genomes Project does not sufficiently cover the human genetic diversity in Asia

The 1000 Genomes Project (1KG) aims to provide a comprehensive resource on human genetic variations. With an effort of sequencing 2,500 individuals, 1KG is expected to cover the majority of the human genetic diversities worldwide. In this study, using analysis of population structure based on genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) data, we examined and evaluated the coverage of genetic diversity of 1KG samples with the available genome-wide SNP data of 3,831 individuals representing 140 population samples worldwide. We developed a method to quantitatively measure and evaluate the genetic diversity revealed by population structure analysis. Our results showed that the 1KG does not have sufficient coverage of the human genetic diversity in Asia, especially in Southeast Asia. We suggested a good coverage of Southeast Asian populations be considered in 1KG or a regional effort be initialized to provide a more comprehensive characterization of the human genetic diversity in Asia, which is important for both evolutionary and medical studies in the future.

Temporal scaling behavior of sea-level change in Hong Kong — Multifractal temporally weighted detrended fluctuation analysis

The rise in global sea levels has been recognized by many scientists as an important global research issue. The process of sea-level change has demonstrated a complex scaling behavior in space and time. Large numbers of tide gauge stations have been built to measure sea-level change in the North Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, North Atlantic Ocean, and Antarctic Ocean. Extensive studies have been devoted to exploring sea-level variation in Asia concerning the Bohai Gulf (China), the Yellow Sea (China), the Mekong Delta (Thailand), and Singapore. Hong Kong, however, a mega city with a population of over 7million situated in the mouth of the Pear River Estuary in the west and the South China Sea in the east, has yet to be studied, particularly in terms of the temporal scaling behavior of sea-level change.This article presents an approach to studying the temporal scaling behavior of sea-level change over multiple time scales by analyzing the time series of sea-level change in Tai Po Kou, Tsim Bei Tsui, and Quarry Bay from the periods of 1964–2010, 1974–2010, and 1986–2010, respectively. The detection of long-range correlation and multi-fractality of sea-level change seeks answers to the following questions: (1) Is the current sea-level rise associated with and responsible for the next rise over time? (2) Does the sea-level rise have specific temporal patterns manifested by multi-scaling behaviors? and (3) Is the sea-level rise is temporally heterogeneous in the different parts of Hong Kong?Multi-fractal temporally weighted de-trended fluctuation analysis (MF-TWDFA), an extension of multi-fractal de-trended fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA), has been applied in this study to identify long-range correlation and multi-scaling behavior of the sea-level rise in Hong Kong. The experimental results show that the sea-level rise is long-range correlated and multi-fractal. The temporal patterns are heterogeneous over space. This finding implies that mechanisms associated with the local ecological environment, hydrodynamic and morphodynamic processes, and human activities might have driven a distinct sea-level rise in Hong Kong.

MHC variability supports dog domestication from a large number of wolves: high diversity in Asia

The process of dog domestication is still somewhat unresolved. Earlier studies indicate that domestic dogs from all over the world have a common origin in Asia. So far, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) diversity has not been studied in detail in Asian dogs, although high levels of genetic diversity are expected at the domestication locality. We sequenced the second exon of the canine MHC gene DLA-DRB1 from 128 Asian dogs and compared our data with a previously published large data set of MHC alleles, mostly from European dogs. Our results show that Asian dogs have a higher MHC diversity than European dogs. We also estimated that there is only a small probability that new alleles have arisen by mutation since domestication. Based on the assumption that all of the currently known 102 DLA-DRB1 alleles come from the founding wolf population, we simulated the number of founding wolf individuals. Our simulations indicate an effective population size of at least 500 founding wolves, suggesting that the founding wolf population was large or that backcrossing has taken place.

Global biogeography and diversification of palms sheds light on the evolution of tropical lineages. II. Diversification history and origin of regional assemblages

AbstractAimPalms (Arecaceae/Palmae) are a model group for evolutionary studies in the tropics. In two companion papers, we aim to establish a general framework of palm evolution, exploring the geographical distribution of palm lineages and species diversity patterns at global and regional levels. In this, the second paper, we analyse the biogeographical events underlying regional palm assemblages and diversification processes across the family. We investigate the timing and location of diversification rate shifts and test the ‘odd man out’ pattern of low species diversity observed in the African palm flora.LocationGlobal.MethodsA complete, dated phylogeny of palm genera and ancestral area reconstructions were used to infer the biogeographical history of regional palm assemblages. Diversification rates for all genera were estimated and significant shifts in diversification rates across the family were identified under a maximum likelihood model.ResultsFollowing their early diversification in Laurasia around 100 Ma, palms dispersed southwards before the end of the Cretaceous. Few dispersal events into Africa, North America and South America were inferred, whereas numerous lineages migrated between Eurasia, the Pacific and the Indian Ocean. Thirteen diversification rate increases were identified. High diversification rates were found only in lineages from Asia, the Americas, the Pacific and the Indian Ocean, but not in any African groups. Diversification decreases were not identified in any lineage.Main conclusionsDispersal of palms into their present‐day distribution started during the Late Cretaceous, consistent with the first fossil records for rain forests in Africa and South America. The few dispersal events into South America and Africa emphasize the isolated position of these continents for most of the Cenozoic. In contrast, high dispersal between Eurasia, the Pacific and the Indian Ocean, notably during the Miocene, can be attributed to geological activity in the region, especially in Malesia. Low species diversity in Africa relative to other regions is explained here by increased in situ diversification in Asia, the Americas, the Pacific and the Indian Ocean, rather than by diversification rate decreases in Africa. This may prove to be a general pattern in other organisms showing a similar disparity in richness in Africa.

Juvenile hominoid cranium from the late Miocene of southern China and hominoid diversity in Asia.

The fossil ape Lufengpithecus is known from a number of late Miocene sites in Yunnan Province in southern China. Along with other fossil apes from South and Southeast Asia, it is widely considered to be a relative of the extant orangutan, Pongo pygmaeus. It is best represented at the type site of Shihuiba (Lufeng) by several partial to nearly complete but badly crushed adult crania. There is, however, an additional, minimally distorted cranium of a young juvenile from a nearly contemporaneous site in the Yuanmou Basin, which affords the opportunity to better assess the relationships between Lufengpithecus and Pongo. Comparison with similarly aged juvenile skulls of extant great apes reveals no features suggesting clear affinities to orangutans, and instead reveals a morphological pattern largely consistent with a stem member of the hominid (great ape and human) clade. The existence at this time of other hominids in South Asia (Sivapithecus) and Southeast Asia (Khoratpithecus) with clear craniofacial affinities to Pongo suggests both more diversity among Asian Late Miocene apes and more complex patterns of dispersal than previously supposed. Major differences in the associated mammal faunas from the southern China sites and those from South and Southeast Asia are consistent with these findings and suggest more than one dispersal route of apes into East Asia earlier in the Miocene.

1141 ACCEPT (ASIAN CONSTRAINTS AND CONCERNS IN ED PERCEPTIONS AND TREATMENTS) THE RESULT OF ASIAN'S PERSPECTIVE ON ED AS A MEDICAL CONDITION AND THEIR ATTITUDE TOWARDS TREATMENT WITH PDE5-I AND TCM

You have accessJournal of UrologySexual Function/Dysfunction/Andrology: Evaluation I1 Apr 20121141 ACCEPT (ASIAN CONSTRAINTS AND CONCERNS IN ED PERCEPTIONS AND TREATMENTS) THE RESULT OF ASIAN'S PERSPECTIVE ON ED AS A MEDICAL CONDITION AND THEIR ATTITUDE TOWARDS TREATMENT WITH PDE5-I AND TCM Kor Woi Tiang, Yan Ning Neo, Keng Lim Ng, Azad Hassan Razack, and Eng Geap Lee Kor Woi TiangKor Woi Tiang Brisbane, Australia More articles by this author , Yan Ning NeoYan Ning Neo Edinburgh, United Kingdom More articles by this author , Keng Lim NgKeng Lim Ng Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia More articles by this author , Azad Hassan RazackAzad Hassan Razack Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia More articles by this author , and Eng Geap LeeEng Geap Lee Bandar Sunway, Malaysia More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2012.02.1251AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES The attitude and perception towards Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and its treatment options are not well understood, especially in culturally diverse Asia. ACCEPT study conducted in Malaysia, aimed to identify the acceptance level of ED as a medical condition and views on treatment with Phosphodiesterase5-Inhibitors (PDE5-I) vs. Traditional Complementary Medicine (TCM). METHODS Patients attended non-urological clinics in a tertiary teaching hospital were recruited to complete non-validated questionnaires. Participants' opinion of ED as medical, psychological or lifestyle conditions and its associations with cardiac co-morbidities were analyzed. Subjects' views on PDE5-I and TCM in relation to safety, and acceptance were also studied. Sub-analysis of cohort's race, gender, age, income, educational levels and sexual activeness were demonstrated. ACCEPT was conducted in Malaysia as the population represents diversity in Asia. RESULTS Amongst 3372 subjects recruited (2032 males, 1340 females), 75%, 68% and 75% believed ED is a medical, lifestyle and psychological condition, respectively. Overall, 59%, 53% and 50% of participants did not associate ED with respective hyperlipidemia, heart disease and hypertension; while 83% related it to depression. A total of 89% thought ED is treatable with PDE5-I with 82% efficacy; while TCM had 62% treatability and 73% effectiveness on ED. PDE5-I is considered safe in 73% against 57% for TCM, while 33% and 30% believed the options are linked to sudden death, respectively. Forty five percent of the participants assumed PDE5-I to be addictive versus 38% on TCM. PDE5-I is considered trustworthy by 75% of all and 74% are willing to accept it as first line treatment, compared to 54% trusting TCM with 49% acceptability. CONCLUSIONS The acceptance of ED as a medical condition may enable clinician to identify cardiac risk factors at early stages and also determine treatment-seeking behavior in men. ACCEPT study identified conflicting perceptions of ED as medical, as well as lifestyle and psychological conditions. Overall, the association of ED with depression is significantly higher than cardiac risk factors. Despite relatively short availability of PDE5-I in Asia, compared to TCM, our data revealed favorable perception of PDE5-I on efficacy, safety, trustworthiness and acceptability. However, TCM is still widely regarded as an important treatment option. The sub-analysis of the cohort may enable targeted awareness on certain populations. © 2012 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 187Issue 4SApril 2012Page: e462-e463 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2012 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Kor Woi Tiang Brisbane, Australia More articles by this author Yan Ning Neo Edinburgh, United Kingdom More articles by this author Keng Lim Ng Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia More articles by this author Azad Hassan Razack Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia More articles by this author Eng Geap Lee Bandar Sunway, Malaysia More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Effective policy framework for the promotion of 3R technology transfer

Growing waste volume and diversity in Asia, opens an array of 3R business opportunities, mainly in the recycling sector. To establish waste economy, developing Asian countries require appropriate reduce, reuse, recycle (3R) technologies, thus technology transfer from developed to developing Asia. National policy governance of the host countries, play an important role for technology leapfrogging by transferring already proven technologies. Success of technology transfer depends on the facilitative or constraining roles of national policies. The analysis shows that along with opportunities, technology transfer in Asian countries is constrained with socio-economic, institutional and policy barriers. There is hence a need for policy frameworks that correct these barriers and support the transfer process and progress of the technology across borders. Regulatory measures for promotion of 3Rs, provision of economic incentives, facilitative financial mechanisms, removing trade related barriers and effective partnership with relevant stakeholders are some of the essential policy needs for successful 3R technology transfer.

Managing Gender Diversity in Asia: A Research Companion

Managing Gender Diversity in Asia: A Research Companion