Oceania Region Research Articles

Framing the future: Ensuring vulnerable island communities are engaged.

Statements such as the Bridgetown Declaration1 serve as a wake-up call for action to address the significant mental health needs in small island developing states. Overarching frameworks and action plans have been developed to support nations to promote mental health and build resilience for their populations in the region, and while these frameworks and action plans provide direction, translating them into grassroots change can be a challenge. At the Creating Futures 23 conference, delegates from the Oceania region were invited to participate in a plenary workshop entitled Framing the Future. Three questions were posed for workshop participants to respond to in relation to their perceived priorities, opportunities and innovations to support mental health in their local communities. This paper provides a summary of the workshop participants' responses. Community-led innovations, with programs tailored for small island communities, were seen as grassroots solutions in the Oceania region. Engagement with small island communities by policy makers and leaders was considered essential for effective, sustainable and community-led mental health initiatives to realise the objectives of high-level, overarching frameworks and action plans.

The accounting challenges for indigenous businesses: a Pacific Islands case study

Purpose This paper aims to examine the accounting challenges faced by indigenous businesses in the wholesale and retail market in Tonga. Design/methodology/approach The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 24 participants, from a mix of individuals from the wholesale and retail market in Tonga. This paper uses institutional logics framework to inform the study. Findings The research findings suggest an inability of indigenous businesses to adapt to significant changes in the market and overcome the economic and social challenges faced in the business environment involving accounting values. A lack of business skills and accounting knowledge, restrictive traditions and religious obligations and a poor business investment climate are key factors behind the inability of the indigenous Tongan businesses to succeed. Research limitations/implications The paper is limited to a study on Tonga only. The paper suggests better accountability from government sector on their effort to encourage inclusion of indigenous businesses. Practical implications The paper suggests better accountability from government sector on their effort to encourage inclusion of indigenous businesses. As a way forward, participants suggest that an inclusive approach for the government, businesses and stakeholders in policy formulation and consultation would create a better business environment that would foster the development and growth of the wholesale and retail business sector in Tonga. There is a dearth of cultural studies in accounting in countries within the developing world, particularly in the Oceania region. Social implications There are many accounting challenges faced by the indigenous Tongan business people in the market, which indicate specific areas where the attention of the policymakers should be directed. A better accountability from the government is needed on their efforts to encourage inclusion of indigenous businesses. Originality/value This paper extends the literature by considering inclusivity challenges for ethnically marginalised collectives of individuals in small business. The research findings suggest a gap in knowledge in the current business environment with respect to the Western accounting practices in the indigenous society.

Phylogeographic analysis of Begomovirus coat and replication-associated proteins.

Begomoviruses are globally distributed plant pathogens that significantly limit crop production. These viruses are traditionally described according to phylogeographic distribution and categorized into two groups: begomoviruses from the Africa, Asia, Europe and Oceania (AAEO) region and begomoviruses from the Americas. Monopartite begomoviruses are more common in the AAEO region, while bipartite viruses predominate in the Americas, where the begomoviruses lack the V2/AV2 gene involved in inter-cellular movement and RNA silencing suppression found in AAEO begomoviruses. While these features are generally accepted as lineage-defining, the number of known species has doubled due to sequence-based discovery since 2010. To re-evaluate the geographic groupings after the rapid expansion of the genus, we conducted phylogenetic analyses for begomovirus species representatives of the two longest and most conserved begomovirus proteins: the coat and replication-associated proteins. Both proteins still largely support the broad AAEO and Americas begomovirus groupings, except for sweet potato-infecting begomoviruses that form an independent, well-supported clade for their coat protein regardless of the region they were isolated from. Our analyses do not support more fine-scaled phylogeographic groupings. Monopartite and bipartite genome organizations are broadly interchanged throughout the phylogenies, and the absence of the V2/AV2 gene is highly reflective of the split between Americas and AAEO begomoviruses. We observe significant evidence of recombination within the Americas and within the AAEO region but rarely between the regions. We speculate that increased globalization of agricultural trade, the invasion of polyphagous whitefly vector biotypes and recombination will blur begomovirus phylogeographic delineations in the future.

A review of the engineered treatment of red mud: Construction materials, metal recovery, and soilization revegetation

Red mud, known as bauxite residue, is an alkaline solid waste generated during alumina production. Globally, the stockpile of red mud is about 3 billion tons and is increasing at a rate of 150 million tons per year. The global production of red mud is mainly distributed in China (28.2 %), Oceania region (22.4 %), South America (14.6 %), Europe (12.9 %), and North America (8.8 %). The increasing stockpile of red mud has posed a huge challenge to safe disposal while restricting the development of the alumina industry. The comprehensive utilization of red mud still needs green, efficient, and massive consumption methods. This work gives a review of the engineered treatment of red mud, including the characteristics and threats, as well as the engineered application through construction materials, metal recovery, and soilization revegetation. For red mud with a high content of metals, resource recovery of valuable metals and rare earth elements is a preferred choice, meeting the circular economy concept. Recovery of valuable metals from red mud can be achieved by magnetic separation, hydrometallurgy, and bioleaching. Hydrometallurgy is promising for recovering valuable metals such as Fe, Al, V, Ti, and rare earth elements, and the recovery is up to 99 %. Construction materials such as cement, geopolymers, and ceramics is an efficient alternative for the massive consumption of red mud, and the high-performance concrete with the compressive strength (129.5 MPa) can be obtained. This strategy is limited by the low price of construction materials, the lowered quality by alkaline components, and potential threats of toxic elements in red mud. Soilization of red mud with ecological restoration is promising for the sustainable management of red mud dam. To accelerate the process of red mud soilization, amendments such as gypsum, organic matter, and microorganisms can be added to neutralize red mud (lowering pH from 10 to 12 to near 7), promote the formation of agglomerates, and provide nutrients, promote the conversion of red mud into soil-like substrate. The phytoremediation of red mud can be realized after effective regulation, finally realizing vegetation establishment of red mud. This work provides technological and practical guidance for the engineered disposal of red mud.

Global prevalence of diet low in calcium and the disease burden: results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

BackgroundDue to the essential role of calcium in vital biological functions, diet low in calcium (DLC) is associated with various diseases. However, there is a lack of study about the current prevalence and health burden due to DLC using reliable data sources.MethodsWe used data from the Global Burden of Disease study 2019 (GBD 2019) to estimate the prevalence and health burden of DLC in 204 countries from 1990 to 2019, by age, sex, and sociodemographic index (SDI). The estimates were produced in DisMod-MR 2.1, a Bayesian meta-regression tool. Summary exposure value (SEV) was used to show the prevalence of DLC, while diseases adjusted life year (DALY) was used to represent the disease burden. The disease burden was estimated for DLC-induced colorectal cancer. Spearman Rank Order correlation was used for correlation analysis, and estimated annual percentage (EAPC) was used to reflect the temporal trends.ResultsFrom 1990 to 2019, the global prevalence of DLC decreased (EAPC of SEV, −0.47; 95% CI, −0.5 to −0.43), but have increased in Oceania region and in many countries, such as United Arab Emirates, New Zealand, Japan, and France. The global DALYs associated with low in calcium were estimated to be 3.14 million (95% uncertainty interval (UI), 2.25–4.26 million) in 2019, with an age standardized rate of 38.2 (95% UI, 27.2–51.8) per 100,000. Unlike the prevalence, the global age standardized DALY rates has remained unchanged (EAPC, −0.03; 95% CI, −0.12 to 0.07), but has increased in over 80 of the 204 countries, located mainly in Asia, Africa, and South America. In all years and regions, the age standardized SEV and DALY rates were higher in male people than that in female people. The prevalence (rho = −0.823; P < 0.001) and disease burden (rho = −0.433; P < 0.001) associated with diet in low calcium were strongly correlated to SDI. The prevalence decreased with age, but the DALY rates increased with age and peaked at about 90 years. The prevalence of DLC has decreased worldwide and in most countries, but the disease burden of DLC induced colorectal cancer has increased in over 40% of countries worldwide.ConclusionCountries with low sociodemographic level and male people are more likely to experience the risk of DLC and related disease burden. Related measures in improve dietary calcium intake are in need to address diet in low calcium related health problems.

The global burden of disease attributable to high body mass index in 204 countries and territories: Findings from 1990 to 2019 and predictions to 2035.

Our study aims to provide an updated estimate of age- and sex-specific deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) associated with high body mass index (BMI) from 1990 to 2019 at the global, regional and national levels, and to forecast the global burden of disease attributed to high BMI from 2020 to 2035. We used the data for the number of deaths, DALYs, age-standardized rate (per 100 000 population), percentage change and population attributable fraction from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 (GBD 2019) to examine the disease burden attributable to high BMI. We further applied an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model to predict the disease burden for the period 2020-2035. From 1990 to 2019, the deaths and DALYs attributable to high BMI increased by 148% and 155.86% for men, and by 111.67% and 121.78% for women, respectively. In 2019, high BMI directly accounted for 8.52% [95% uncertainty intervals (UI) 0.05, 0.12] of all-cause deaths and 5.89% (95% UI 0.04, 0.08) of global DALYs. The highest death rates were observed in men aged 65-69 and women aged 75-79. The highest DALY rates were observed in the age group of 60-64 for both sexes. In 2019, the highest age-standardized deaths and DALY rates were observed in the Central Asia region [163.15 (95% UI 107.72, 223.58) per 100 000 people] and the Oceania region [4643.33 (95% UI 2835.66, 6902.6) per 100 000 people], respectively. Fiji [319.08 (95% UI 213.77, 444.96) per 100 000 people] and Kiribati [10 000.58 (95% UI 6266.55, 14159.2) per 100 000 people] had the highest age-standardized deaths and DALY rates, respectively. In 2019, the highest age-standardized rates of high BMI-related deaths and DALYs were observed in the middle-high socio-demographic index quintile and in the middle socio-demographic index quintile. The age-standardized deaths and DALY rates attributable to high BMI are projected to increase in both sexes from 2020 to 2035. The death rates are projected to rise from 62.79 to 64.31 per 100 000 people, while the DALY rates are projected to rise from 1946 to 2099.54 per 100 000 people. High BMIs significantly contribute to the global disease burden. The projected rise in deaths and DALY rates attributable to high BMI by 2035 highlights the critical need to address the impact of obesity on public health. Our study provides policymakers with up-to-date and comprehensive information.

Discussion on “An assessment of small island hydrological research activity conducted in the Oceania Region”

ABSTRACT The Oceania region has often been overlooked in fundamental hydrological research owing to assumptions that cultural complexities hinder such efforts. However, this perspective is somewhat naïve. Substantial evidence demonstrates that Pacific Islanders actively engage in research, contributing both local Indigenous knowledge and expert capabilities in “island hydrology.” Numerous projects and publications by Pacific Island scholars showcase this expertise. To enhance self-reliance in smaller Pacific nations, it is crucial to improve access to advanced hydrology education and secure funding to support it. Overcoming these challenges is essential to unlocking the full potential of future hydrological research in the Pacific Islands.

Genomic population structure of great hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna mokarran) across the Indo-Pacific

Context Currently, little information exists describing the population structure of great hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna mokarran) in Australian waters. Aims This study used single nucleotide polymorphisms to investigate fine-scale population structure in S. mokarran across the Indo-Pacific. Methods DNA was extracted from 235 individuals across six Australian locations and a Red Sea outgroup. Population parameters were calculated and visualised to test structuring across locations. Key results No fine-scale population structuring was observed for S. mokarran across the Indo-Pacific. However, population structuring occurred for all Australian locations when compared to the Red Sea outgroup. Conclusions Findings suggest a single stock is most likely for S. mokarran found in Australian waters. Results provide key information for understanding the broad range movements of S. mokarran and help to define the scale of management required to preserve genetic diversity in this species. The structuring between Australia and the Red Sea indicates limited gene flow and movement. Implications Results indicate that large-scale movements of S. mokarran could be occurring to facilitate genetic mixing. Future research focusing on individual tagging to corroborate movements would be highly beneficial to determine how far (and often) individuals are dispersing, and to note where cross-jurisdictional management, including from neighbouring regions in the Indo-West Pacific–Oceania region, are most critical.

The Effect Of Visa Exemption Policy On Indonesian Export

This study examines the effect of the visa exemption policy on Indonesia’s exports, by using Staggered Difference in Difference (DID) method and Indonesia's export data to 191 partner countries in 2015 - 2019 period. This study finds that visa exemption policy of Indonesia has effect on its export, but it is not "one size fits all". A significant positive effect was generated by visa-exemption received by American region, and a significant negative effect on exports was generated by visa exemption received by Oceania region. American region is one of the priority recipients of visa exemption policy of Indonesia, and provides the most visa exemption to Indonesia after the Asian region. Meanwhile, Oceania is the most restricted region in terms of visa exemption policy both unilaterally or reciprocally with Indonesia.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Visa Exemption, International Trade, Export, Staggered DID&#x0D; JEL Codes: F13, F16, F22

Recovery Rates of Diagnostic Cardiac Procedural Volume in Oceania 1 Year Into COVID-19: The IAEA Non-Invasive Cardiology Protocol Survey on COVID-19 (INCAPS COVID 2)

The aim of this study was to assess the recovery rates of diagnostic cardiac procedure volumes in the Oceania Region, midway through the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A survey was performed comparing procedure volumes between March 2019 (pre-pandemic), April 2020 (during first wave of COVID-19 pandemic), and April 2021 (1 year into the COVID-19 pandemic). A total of 31 health care facilities within Oceania that perform cardiac diagnostic procedures were surveyed, including a mixture of metropolitan and regional, hospital and outpatient, public and private sites, as well as teaching and non-teaching hospitals. A comparison was made with 549 centres in 96 countries in the rest of the world (RoW) outside of Oceania. The total number and median percentage change in procedure volume were measured between the three timepoints, compared by test type and by facility. A total of 11,902 cardiac diagnostic procedures were performed in Oceania in April 2021 as compared with 11,835 pre-pandemic in March 2019 and 5,986 in April 2020; whereas, in the RoW, 499,079 procedures were performed in April 2021 compared with 497,615 pre-pandemic in March 2019 and 179,014 in April 2020. There was no significant difference in the median recovery rates for total procedure volumes between Oceania (-6%) and the RoW (-3%) (p=0.81). While there was no statistically significant difference in percentage recovery been functional ischaemia testing and anatomical coronary testing in Oceania as compared with the RoW, there was, however, a suggestion of poorer recovery in anatomical coronary testing in Oceania as compared with the RoW (CT coronary angiography -16% in Oceania vs-1% in RoW, and invasive coronary angiography-20% in Oceania vs-9% in RoW). There was no statistically significant difference in recovery rates in procedure volume between metropolitan vs regional (p=0.44), public vs private (p=0.92), hospital vs outpatient (p=0.79), or teaching vs non-teaching centres (p=0.73). Total cardiology procedure volumes in Oceania normalised 1 year post-pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels, with no significant difference compared with the RoW and between the different types of health care facilities.

Global, regional, and national disease burden and attributable risk factors of HIV/AIDS in older adults aged 70years and above: a trend analysis based on the Global Burden of Disease study 2019.

We aimed to assess the burden and trend of the HIV/AIDS epidemic among older adults over the past three decades at different geographical levels, based on the data collected from the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) study 2019. This assessment identified the average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) using Joinpoint regression analysis. Globally, the incidence of HIV/AIDS has decreased (AAPC=-3.107); however, the overall prevalence has consistently increased (AAPC=5.557). Additionally, both mortality (AAPC=2.166) and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs; AAPC=2.429) have increased. The highest increasing trends in female HIV/AIDS incidence and prevalence were observed in the Central Asia region. However, for males, these trends were observed in the Oceania region and the high-income Asia Pacific region, respectively. In recent decades, females aged 70-74years had the highest incidence and prevalence, while males aged 70-74years had highest mortality and DALYs in low social development index (SDI) regions. Unsafe sex resulted in 15381.16 deaths, accounting for 90.73% of all HIV/AIDS deaths, and 331140.56 DALYs, accounting for 91.12% of all HIV/AIDS DALYs. The HIV/AIDS disease burden differs by region, age, and sex among older adults. Sexual health education and targeted screening for older adults are recommended.

Molecular and clinical epidemiology of carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumannii ST2 in Oceania: a multicountry cohort study

Carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAb) is categorised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a pathogen of critical concern. However, little is known about CRAb transmission within the Oceania region. This study addresses this knowledge gap by using molecular epidemiology to characterise the phylogenetic relationships of CRAb isolated in hospitals in Fiji, Samoa, and other countries within the Oceania region including Australia and New Zealand, and India from South Asia. In this multicountry cohort study, we analysed clinical isolates of CRAb collected from the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) in Fiji from January through December 2019 (n=64) and Tupua Tamasese Mea'ole Hospital (TTMH) in Samoa from November 2017 through June 2021 (n=32). All isolates were characterised using mass spectrometry, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and whole-genome sequencing. For CWMH, data were collected on clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with CRAb, duration of hospital stay, mortality and assessing the appropriateness of meropenem use from the treated patients who had CRAb infections. To provide a broader geographical context, CRAb strains from Fiji and Samoa were compared with CRAb sequences from Australia collected in 2016-2018 (n=22), New Zealand in 2018-2021 (n=13), and India in 2019 (n=58), a country which has close medical links with Fiji. Phylogenetic relationships of all these CRAb isolates were determined using differences in core genome SNPs. Of CRAb isolates, 49 (77%) of 64 from Fiji and all 32 (100%) from Samoa belonged to CRAb sequence type 2 (ST2). All ST2 isolates from both countries harboured blaOXA-23, blaOXA-66 and ampC-2 genes, mediating resistance to β-lactam antimicrobials, including cephalosporins and carbapenems. The blaOXA-23 gene was associated with two copies of ISAba1 insertion element, forming the composite transposon Tn2006, on the chromosome. Two distinct clusters (group 1 and group 2) of CRAb ST2 were detected in Fiji. The first group shared common ancestral linkage to all CRAb ST2 collected from Fiji's historic outbreak in 2016/2017, Samoa, Australia and 54% of total New Zealand isolates; they formed a single cluster with a median (range) SNP difference of 13 (0-102). The second group shared common ancestral linkage to 3% of the total CRAb ST2 isolated from India. Fifty eight of the 64 patients with CRAb infections at the CWMH had their first positive CRAb sample collected 72h or more following admission. Meropenem use was deemed inappropriate in 15 (48%) of the 31 patients that received treatment with meropenem in Fiji. Other strains of CRAb ST1, ST25, ST107, and ST1112 were also detected in Fiji. We identified unrecognised outbreaks of CRAb ST2 in Fiji and Samoa that linked to strains in other parts of Oceania and South Asia. The existence of Tn2006, containing the blaOXA-23 and ISAba1 insertion element, within CRAb ST2 from Fiji and Samoa indicates the potential for high mobility and dissemination. This raises concerns about unmitigated prolonged outbreaks of CRAb ST2 in the two major hospitals in Fiji and Samoa. Given the magnitude of this problem, there is a need to re-evaluate the current strategies used for infection prevention and control, antimicrobial stewardship, and public health measures locally and internationally. Moreover, a collaborative approach to AMR surveillance within the Oceania region with technical, management and budgetary support systems is required to prevent introduction and control transmission of these highly problematic strains within the island nation health systems. This project was funded by an Otago Global Health Institute seed grant and Maurice Wilkins Centre of Research Excellence (CoREs) grant (SC0000169653, RO0000002300).

Perspectives from the Oceania Region

AbstractThis study examines the 50‐year history of the Australian New Zealand Student Services Association, the key association in the region. Specific initiatives on how the association has evolved and pivoted over time to meet the needs of its members, the students the members support, and their institutions.

Perceived benefits and receptivity to sport psychology consulting services of elite athletes in developing nations of the Oceania region

Sport psychology consulting services are commonly used by elite athletes in developed countries, but little is known about the athlete's perceptions of such services in developing countries. The present study examined the accessibility, receptivity, and perceived benefit of sport psychology services (via a sport psychology services questionnaire) through a cross-sectional survey of elite athletes ( N = 32; Mage = 23.06 years, SD = 5.81) from 12 nations of the Oceania region who participated in the Gather, Adjust, Prepare, Sustain programme. These nations were Vanuatu, Fiji, Tuvalu, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Cook Islands, Norfolk Island, Niue, Nauru, Kiribati, Samoa, and Papua New Guinea. The results revealed that only a quarter of the athletes had ongoing access to sport psychology consulting services. Over half reported that they were receptive to sport psychology services and perceived that these types of services would be beneficial. The most desired services related to performance enhancement (e.g. performance under pressure). The athletes reported mixed levels of knowledge regarding mental skills, and most knowledge concerned the use of mental skills in competition. Specifically, most athletes rated their knowledge of mental skills at either the low (e.g. imagery) or high (e.g. goal setting, focus, and self-talk) range, and relatively fewer athletes rated their knowledge in the mid-range. The athletes demonstrated interest in learning more mental skills to enhance their performance. These findings indicate that a need exists for sport psychology service providers among athletes in the Oceania region. Existing non-local providers may also consider supplying services through digital modalities.

Sweet potato is a strategic root crop in Oceania: A synthesis of the past research and future direction

Sweet potato is an important food, industrial, and pharmaceutical crop worldwide and highly adapted to adverse ranges of agroclimatic conditions, making it one of the strategic crops under climate change. Despite the importance, sustainable crop production continues to be an issue because of the pressure put on land, the decline in soil fertility, the buildup of pests and diseases, and no standardized production practices. Production is highly mechanized in temperate regions, whereas, in the tropics, it is still a subsistence crop confined to subsistence farming systems. These issues are compounded by a lack of generically and agronomically improved genotypes adapted to wider agroecological zones with adaptive tolerance to existing and new stresses. In the recent past, significant progress has been made worldwide; however, the outcomes tend to be locality-specific, and cannot be extrapolated, needing decentralization of the current approaches. This review points out that the crop is a critical strategic crop in the Oceania region because of its ability to grow under adverse ranges of agroclimatic conditions and can produce a reasonable yield. The paper continues to emphasize the current trends in emerging modern technology that can be used to efficiently improve and enhance traits of agronomic importance and wider adaptivity. In addition, land use plans, farming systems, and cultural production practices need to be changed for sustainable production. The need for these is further strengthened by pointing out alternative strategies, e.g., using organic matter as a relatively cheap and readily available source of soil nutrients compared to inorganic fertilizers.

Australia in the Framework of the Asian Integration Initiatives: The Choice of Future

Today, various integration initiatives are underway in the Asia-Pacific region. Australia, as one of the fastest growing economies in the region, aspires to regional leadership and pursues a middle power strategy; however, the interests of China and the United States, the key players influencing the integration processes, clash here. In the context of China's creation of new development institutions, there is a considerable amount of interest to the extent to which the existing institutions are suited to the new realities and in determining the country's most favorable developmental strategy. The present article examines how pro-American and sinocentric institutions benefit Australia. The authors identify the characteristics of economic development and, according to the selected parameters, assess the impact of scenario choice on Australia and its main partner – New Zealand. After examining the main advantages and disadvantages of two possible scenarios, the authors confirm the hypothesis that joining the sinocentric institutions is more beneficial for Australia, subject to implementing a national development strategy that compensates for excessive sinicization. The authors propose a system of measures to reduce the impact of the negative effects of this choice on the Australian economy. The authors note that the Oceania region should be included in the integration processes within the Chinese model.

China’s Potential for Trade in Renewable Energy Products in RCEP Countries: A Gravity Model Analysis

China’s renewable energy products have an important place in international trade, and the conclusion of the RCEP agreement can create favourable external conditions for China’s renewable energy product exports. This paper measures the export potential of China’s renewable energy products to other RCEP countries through a trade gravity model. The results show that (1) the GDP of the importing and exporting countries, the energy consumption of the importing countries, and the particulate emissions damage significantly enhance China’s renewable energy product exports; (2) among the RCEP countries, China has a greater potential to export renewable energy products to five countries in 2020, which are mainly located in East and Southeast Asia; and (3) from a dynamic perspective, China’s renewable energy trade potential is increasing, while in the Oceania region it is weakening, while trade links to Southeast Asian countries are developing in a more mature direction. Based on the above research, this paper puts forward corresponding policy recommendations.

Emergence of Act East Policy: A Threat to the China’s Imperialism in Asian Pacific Region

This research paper focuses upon the dynamics of India’s Act East policy as an emerging threat to china’s security in the Indian Ocean region. Modi’s policy to build infrastructure in South-East Asian states with the execution of Act East strategy. India’s has been closely watching the China’s presence in the Indo-pacific region. To keep in mind this scenario India’s effort to improve her image in international affairs. The rising power of India as her evolving foreign policy towards the economic powers of the East and engagements in the direction of Asian Pacific region has been more progressive. To counter the China’s strategic development and economic advancement towards the Oceania region, that commonly reflected under the String of Pearls policy. In this framework, this paper would analyze India’s policy for IOR islands, Quad collaboration and the role of Indian North-Eastern states to strengthening their socio-economic and cultural ties with neighboring border-states.

Do Chinese Photovoltaic Products Have Trade Potential in RCEP Countries? A BP Neural-Network-Improved Trade Gravity Model Analysis

China plays an important role in the global trade of photovoltaic products, and the RCEP agreement provides more opportunities and possibilities for China. This paper develops an improved trade gravity model with BP neural networks to estimate trade potentials, and the following conclusions are obtained: (1) The BP neural network is a more effective estimation method than traditional pooled regression, fixed effects, and random effects, and the combination of multiple neural networks for prediction can lead to higher robustness and accuracy. (2) The potential of China’s trade in PV products to RCEP countries is relatively mature, but the scale of trade in PV products between China and Japan and other countries may still be further expanded. (3) China’s trade potential for different regions in the RCEP agreement changed historically in different processes, with China’s trade potential for the Oceania region declining, while its trade potential for the East and Southeast Asia region increased in recent years.

KBANZSL

KBANZSL, the Knowledge Bank of Australia and New Zealand School Libraries, is an open access knowledge bank collating key documents, collections and other resources for and about Australian and New Zealand school libraries and teacher librarianship. The resource was created in response to recommendations from the Australian Parliament over a decade ago but still highly relevant in today’s educational climate. KBANZSL holds strong potential in supporting advocacy, professional development, and research for school libraries and teacher librarianship in the Oceania region and beyond. This paper shares ways KBANZSL can be used for research and advocacy projects.