Oceanian Region Research Articles

Catalyzing the carbon emission: the interplay of financial development and foreign investment in Asia-Pacific and Oceanian region

Purpose This study aims to explore the interplay between CO2 emissions, financial development (FD) and foreign direct investment (FDI) in Asia-Pacific and Oceania. It also aims to understand short- and long-term impacts, emphasizing the role of FDI, FD and FD’s moderating effect on the FDI–CO2 relationship. Design/methodology/approach Using a 21-year panel data set (2000–2020) from 44 countries, the study employs the pooled mean group-autoregressive distributed lag (PMG-ARDL) model supplemented by the Dumitrescu–Hurlin panel causality test. This method assesses the complex dynamics and offers a robust analysis of short- and long-term effects in the Asia-Pacific and Oceanian context. Findings Long-term results indicate that FDI coupled with FD and FD’s moderating effect on FDI significantly contributes to CO2 emissions. Short-term relationships are more complex and lack statistical significance. FD positively moderates the FDI–CO2 relationship in the long run. Practical implications For investors, policymakers and stakeholders in Asia-Pacific and Oceania, the study highlights the importance of considering environmental impacts in investment decisions. The insights into the role of FDI and FD help craft policies and strategies for environmental sustainability. Social implications Socially, this research emphasizes the necessity of a balanced approach to economic development, considering the potential long-term environmental consequences. Policymakers and stakeholders may use these findings to guide discussions and actions to achieve sustainable and socially responsible development in this dynamic region. Originality/value The findings contribute original insights into the essential relationships among FDI, FD and CO2 emissions in a diverse region like Asia-Pacific, enhancing the understanding of environmental implications in regions experiencing rapid economic growth.

Revision of the Gondwanan genus Chilepyris Evans, 1964 (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae)

AbstractThe Gondwanan genus Chilepyris Evans, 1964 (Scleroderminae) is studied and revised. A new species from Oceanian region (New Caledonia) is described and illustrated, Chilepyris kanak sp. nov., and compared with the other two species of this genus, C. herbsti Evans, 1964 from Chile and C. platythelys Sorg & Walker, 1989 from New Zealand, based on an integrative taxonomic approach, combining morphological characters and molecular analyses. An emended diagnosis and a deep discussion about the morphological diagnostic characters of this genus and comments about the Gondwana distribution of Chilepyris are also presented. Additionally, a taxonomic key to the three species is provided.

A remarkable new species of the flat bug genus Nesoproxius (Hemiptera, Aradidae), the first Oceanian representative with brachyptery.

A new flat bug species, Nesoproxiuskishimotoisp. nov., from the Oceanian region (Ogasawara Islands, Japan) is described. It is the first brachypterous representative in the genus Nesoproxius. The sexual dimorphism, nymph, and habitat are also described for the first time in this genus. A key to the species of Nesoproxius is also provided.

First recorded of <i>Ixodes kerguelenensis</i> (Acari: Ixodidae) collected from a short-tailed shearwater <i>Puffinus tenuirostris</i> in Japan

An engorged ixodid tick was collected from a rescued short-tailed shearwater, Puffinus tenuirostris (Temminck), at Funabashi Sanbanse Seaside Park in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. Based on morphological features, we identified the specimen as Ixodes kerguelenensis (André and Colas-Belcour), which is a species known to infest seabirds in Oceania. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of I. kerguelenensis in Japan. The case of infestation to the shearwater suggests the possibility of the long-distance translocation of the tick in Oceanian region to Japan.

Delivery of care for migraine in the Asian Oceanian region: A cross-sectional study.

To determine the current availability of care for headaches, in particular migraine in the Asian Oceanian region. A questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study from August 2020 to February 2021, surveyed country representatives from the member countries of the Asian Oceanian Association of Neurology. The items of the survey were influenced by the findings and recommendations of the 2011 Atlas of Headache by Lifting the Burden and the World Health Organization. Respondents from all of the 21 member countries of the Asian Oceanian Association of Neurology and 3 other Asian countries participated in this survey. All countries have an established neurological association except for Brunei where there are only 6 neurologists. Thirteen countries (54%) have a dedicated council for headaches. The majority have no subspecialty training program for headaches (75%). Prevalence studies are available in 14 countries while 10 out of the 24 have clinical practice guidelines. Among the 6 countries who offer subspecialty training for headache, only 3 countries cater foreign neurologists. Most of the countries have a wide selection of non-specific migraine drugs. All countries except for Mongolia have at least 1 triptan but non-oral forms for triptans are only available in 8 countries. Monoclonal antibody for migraine prophylaxis is available in 12 out of 24 countries (50%). The majority of respondents agree that migraine is under-diagnosed and under-treated by non-neurologists and that more time should be allotted for lectures dedicated to primary headaches in medical schools. The survey showed the scarcity of clinical guidelines, subspecialty training, dedicated headache clinics, and patient advocacy organization for the care of headache patients in the participating countries. Acute and prophylactic medications approved for migraine are available in most countries but approved non-pharmacologic devices are lacking. The recommendations in the 2011 Atlas of Headache Disorders are still to be achieved.

Anticolonial ecofeminisms: Women’s environmental literature in French-speaking Oceania

This article considers Oceanian women’s literature of French-expression through an ecofeminist, anticolonial lens, or through what will be termed an ‘Oceanian ecofeminist approach’. Keeping in mind Oceanian epistemological frameworks, the article examines the literary engagements of Déwé Gorodé and Imasango from Kanaky/New Caledonia and of Chantal Spitz and Rai Chaze from Te Ao Mā’ohi/French Polynesia. This article argues that while these engagements may not always resemble a Western ecofeminism, it is critical to consider Oceanian women’s voices in the ever-evolving dialogue on environmental justice and Indigenous women’s place in environmental literature, as Oceania is on the front lines of the climate crisis. These authors address the effects of settler colonialism not only on the environment, but also on the gendered socioeconomic dynamics of the Oceanian region.

Rates of stillbirth by maternal region of birth and gestational age in New South Wales, Australia 2004-2015.

Research suggests that in Australia, maternal region of birth is a risk factor for stillbirth. We aimed to examine the relationship between stillbirth and maternal region of birth in New South Wales (NSW), Australia from 2004 to 2015. Adjusted logistic regression was used to determine odds of stillbirth by maternal region of birth, compared with Australian or New Zealand-born (AUS/NZ-born) women. Intervention rates (induction or pre-labour caesarean) by maternal region of birth, over time, were also examined. Interaction terms were used to assess change in relative odds of stillbirth, over two time periods (2004-2011 and 2012-2015). There were 944457 singleton births ≥24weeks gestation that met the study inclusion criteria and 3221 of these were stillbirths, giving a stillbirth rate of 3.4 per 1000 births. After adjustment for confounders, South Asian (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.42, 95% CI 1.24-1.62), Oceanian (aOR 1.45, 95% CI 1.17-1.80) and African (aOR 1.46, 96% CI 1.19-1.80) born women had significantly higher odds of stillbirth that AUS/NZ-born women. Intervention rates increased from the earlier to the later time period by 13.1% across the study population, but the increase was larger in African and South Asian-born women (18.1% and 19.6% respectively) than AUS/NZ-born women (11.2%). There was a significant interaction between ethnicity and time period for South Asian-born women in the all-births model, with their stillbirth rates becoming closer to AUS/NZ-born women in the later period. South Asian, African and Oceanian maternal region of birth are independent risk factors for stillbirth in NSW.

An Overview of Indian Dacine Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae: Dacinae: Dacini)

Fruit flies belonging to tribe Dacini are pertinent pests of horticultural crops in Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and Australasian Oceanian region. They pose enormous threats to fruit and vegetable production throughout the world, causing both quantitative and qualitative losses. Ninety two species of dacine fruit flies (28 endemic, 30.43% endemism) belonging to three genera, viz. Bactrocera Macquart (51 species, 17 endemic, 33.33% endemism), Dacus Fabricius (10 species, 3 endemic, 30.0% endemism), and Zeugodacus Hendel (31 species, 8 endemic, 25.80% endemism), and 19 subgenera have been listed from India. Of these, nine endemic species, viz. Bactrocera (Bactrocera) andamanensis, B. (B.) blairiae, B. (B.) curtivitta, B. (B.) patula, B. (B.) ranganathi, B. (Calodacus) harrietensis, Dacus (Mellesis) insulosus, Zeugodacus (Zeugodacus) fuscoalatus, Z. (Z.) havelockiae are known only from Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The current understanding of the morphology of the tribe, together with data on their biology, habitat associations, and distribution combine presents a picture of the phylogenetic relationships within the group. Besides, the knowledge of biology and behaviour of dacine species suggests that there is a close relationship between the fly species and their host plants which involves adult's feeding, host recognition, courtship and mating, oviposition, larval feeding and bacteria associations. In the present paper notes on subgeneric classification of Dacini, their distribution, endemism, relative occurrence of different taxa, phylogeny, host associations, pest status, male lures and bacterial associations have been added.

The professional practice and training of neurology in the Asian and Oceanian Region: A cross-sectional survey by the Asian and Oceanian Association of Neurology (AOAN)

ObjectiveTo survey AOAN member countries regarding their organizational structure, postgraduate neurology training program, and resources for neurological care provision. MethodologyA cross-sectional survey using a 36-item questionnaire was conducted among country representatives to AOAN from August 2015 to August 2016. ResultsA total of 18/20 AOAN member countries participated in the survey. All the countries have organized association with regular meetings, election of officers and neurology training program. In 9/18 countries, professionals other than neurologists were eligible for affiliation. In 11/18 countries, prior Internal medicine training (or equivalent postgraduate housemanship) is prerequisite to neurology program. Recertification examination is not a practice, but submission of CME is required in 7/18 countries to maintain membership. 12/18 countries publish peer-reviewed journals with at least 1 issue per year. Subspecialty training is offered in 14/18 countries. The ratio of neurologist to population ranges from 1:14,000 to as low as 1:32 million with 9/18 having <1 neurologist per 100,000 population. 6/18 countries have at least 1 specialized center solely for neurological diseases. In government-funded hospitals, the lag time to be seen by a neurologist and/or obtain neuroimaging scan ranges from 1day to 3months. All except one country have several medical- and lay- advocacy or support groups for different neurological conditions. ImplicationsThe data generated can be used for benchmarking to improve neurological care, training, collaborative work and research in the field of neurosciences among the AOAN member countries. The paper presented several strategies used by the different organizations to increase their number of neurologists and improve the quality of training. Sharing of best practices, academic networking, exchange programs and use of telemedicine have been suggested.

Review of Lecithoceridae (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea) in the Oceanian Region, with description of a new species and a checklist of the family.

The Family Lecithoceridae of the Oceanian region, which includes New Guinea (Papua and Papua New Guinea) together with some islands east of Borneo and SW Pacific islands, is reviewed, with a description of Thubana brunalis Park, sp. nov. T. brunalis is the second species of the Torodorinae introduced to the region. Also included a historical review on the taxonomic works on the family in the region, a zoogeographical consideration of the taxa, and a tentative check list of the family, including 158 valid species names. Sphenocrates Meyrick, 1925, syn. nov. is synonymized with Crocanthes Meyrick. New combinations include Pectinimura palpella (Bradley, 1961), comb. nov. and Crocanthes neptis (Diakonoff, 1954), comb. nov.

Burden and genetics of Parkinson’s disease in Asian Oceanian Region

Burden and genetics of Parkinson’s disease in Asian Oceanian Region

Heterogeneity in neurologic education and care in Asian and Oceanian region.

The Asian subcontinent and Oceania (comprising islands in the Pacific Ocean) are home to more than 60% of the world's population. The burden of neurologic disease and sickness is thereby high and medical care is in high demand. There are many developing countries with diverse cultural, economical, political, religious, and historical backgrounds within the Asian and Oceanian region.1,2 Recently, enhanced medical care in these developing countries has resulted in greater longevity, which has increased the burden on those providing health care. The prevalence of neurologic illness has also increased and has emerged as a priority health problem.3 Most frequently reported cases in neurology are epilepsy, cerebrovascular disease/stroke, headache, Parkinson disease, neuropathies, neuroinfections, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer disease, and other dementias.

Heterogeneity in Neurological Education and Care in Asian and Oceanian Region (P1.322)

Heterogeneity in Neurological Education and Care in Asian and Oceanian Region (P1.322)

Priority of Epilepsy Research in Asia

Epilepsy is the most common serious disorder of the brain, characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. It is estimated that there are approximately 50 million people with epilepsy worldwide, the majority of which today are living in the developing countries. Many countries in the Asian Oceanian regions have large populations and limited resources. Most such countries do have a vast health-care network with few centres of excellence that are comparable to the best in the world. The peculiar sociocultural milieu of this region provides a large population with epilepsy that can be used as a unique tool to conduct research into the basic processes, clinical aspects and psychosocial consequences of epilepsy. The Asian Oceanian region offers tremendous opportunities for research despite its limited resources. The clinicians and scientists need to be aware of the basic realities of the region and take full advantage of the stimulation to work for the benefit of humanity.

世界各地の石油開発におけるアライアンス契約の適用と方向性

Since early in the 1990s, international oil and gas majors have made various efforts to reduce cost and risk in response to the dramatic change of business conditions such as continued low oil prices, deregulation, liberalization, and diversification of energy trade worldwide.For instance, they have introduced drastic budgetary cutbacks, sharp reduction of the work force and simplification of the process of decision-making through restructuring and reengineering activities.Regarding exploration and development activities, some incentive contracts such as Turn-key contract and Lumpsum contract have been applied. Additionally, we can find some successful projects to effectively reduce cost and risk in such places as the North Sea, the Gulf of Mexico.In point of the alliance contract, one operating oil company will organize an alliance team with selected contractors and service companies. This team has been considering how to eliminate overlapping posts and simplify the decision-making process. Furthermore, they are trying to produce new profits by avoiding unnecessary procedures and obstacles. And these new profits will be shared by members of the team.Such a new movement has begun to spread to Southeast Asia and the Oceanian region. Its pace is not so smooth and quick compared with the vanguards because of some geopolitical and domestic conditions such as local content and preferential policy toward domestic enterprises. However, people in related businesses are still concerned with introducing these cost-reduction measures. So, they're expected to be introduced in the near future. This report briefly describes the applicability of these new contracting strategies and their effectiveness in reducing cost and risk.