Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Conflicts in natural resource management – Examples from community forestry

People everywhere compete for natural resources they need or want to ensure their livelihoods. Such competition for use and access over natural resources result in conflicts. Conflicts also emerge from differing cultural values, social norms and sanctions connected to access over natural resources. Community Forestry is the collective action of local communities in sustainable forest management and utilization. Since the late 1970s, many countries have been practicing such forest management system and Nepal is a pioneer example where such system has passed three decades. The Master Plan for Forestry Sector of 1988, Forest Act 1993, and Forest Regulation 1995 are the legal instruments to hand over state owned forest to Community Forest Users’ Groups (CFUGs) in Nepal. The CFUGs and their national and international networks are the institutional basis for the development of Community Forestry in Nepal. Institutional development of Community Forestry, growing group funding and its utilisation, forest boundaries, group leaders, inclusion and exclusion of users in a CFUG are some of the recent issues for conflicts in Community Forestry. The paper mainly focuses on these conflicts and discusses the relationship among different actors who are involved in Community Forestry. The paper also discusses the impact of Maoist on Community Forestry and the CFUGs’ development intervention.
The validity of ICD-11 PTSD and Complex PTSD in East Asian cultures: findings with young adults from China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan

ABSTRACT Background: The ICD-11 classifies posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD) as two distinct diagnoses. Few studies have tested the validity of ICD-11 CPTSD in non-Western settings, particularly in Asia. Objective: This study assessed the factorial, concurrent, and discriminant validity of CPTSD symptoms with four samples of young adults from mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan. Method: Young adults aged 18–24 years were recruited by convenience sampling and provided their data anonymously online. Study measures included the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) to measure PTSD and CPTSD, and measures of childhood adversity, depression, anxiety, age, and sex. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed for each sample to evaluate the validity of two CPTSD measurement models. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to determine the multivariate associations between study variables for the full sample. Results: A total of 1,346 young adults completed the survey. CFA showed both models of CPTSD examined fit the data well across all four samples. SEM findings showed that number of childhood adversities significantly associated with both PTSD and CPTSD factors; depression significantly associated with CPTSD factors but not PTSD, whereas anxiety significantly associated with both. Conclusions: Study findings provide evidence for PTSD and CPTSD as separate and valid diagnoses in Asia. More cross-cultural comparisons are needed to understand whether risks for either condition differ by geographical or sociocultural norms.
Development and Validation of the Chinese Inventory of Children’s Socioemotional Competence (CICSEC)

ABSTRACT Research findings This study explored the latent structure of socioemotional competence among Chinese kindergarten children in Hong Kong, China, developing and validating a culturally relevant, teacher-reported measure, the Chinese Inventory of Children’s Socioemotional Competence (CICSEC). Cross-sectional questionnaire data were collected on two samples of children from Hong Kong (N1 = 1,731; N2 = 475). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed that, children’s socioemotional competence was best represented by a two-level, four-factor model, a model that was invariant across child gender and grade levels. Four first-level factors, cognitive control, emotion expressivity, empathy and prosocial behaviors, and emotion regulation, were identified, and they were subsumed under a second-level, overarching factor: socioemotional competence. CICSEC demonstrated many good psychometric properties: The entire scale and the four subscales exhibited excellent internal consistencies. Moreover, it demonstrated criterion validity by being correlated positively with school readiness and negatively with problem behaviors. It also demonstrated incremental validity by explaining unique variance in school readiness, above and beyond an existing measure of children’s socioemotional competence. Practice or policy: Findings pointed to the advantages of using culturally specific, locally derived measures in assessing socioemotional competence and understanding child adjustment.
Economic Waves: The Effect of the Wuhan COVID-19 on the World Economy (2019-2020)

This paper graphically demonstrates the patterns of economic recession from any epidemic in the world, i.e. the Wuhan COVID-19 contagious infectious disease. This can generate economic waves on different markets (countries or regions). This paper evaluates the way in which an economic recession from the Wuhan COVID-19 contagious infectious disease damage can simultaneously affect five different markets economic hotspots viz. East Asia (Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong), China, ASEAN, United States and the European Union (EU). To visualize how a worldwide epidemic can generate economic waves on world economy, it is necessary to apply the inter-linkage coordinate space. Finally, this paper proposes the use of computer graphical animation, which is based on the construction of a large number of slides joined together through the production of a video. In our case, we will use Windows Microsoft movie maker software to generate the real time effect of these economic waves in the same graphical space.
Genetic Evolution of Japanese Encephalitis Virus

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is widely distributed in most areas of Asia, particularly in eastern, southern, and southeastern Asia (Rosen 1986). It expanded to the Torres Strait of northern Australia in 1999, and has now become widespread in Australia (Mackenzie, 1999; Mackenzie et al., 2004). Mass vaccinations were implemented in a number of Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, Thailand, and India, leading to declines in the incidences of JE (Wu et al., 1999; Monath, 2002; Erlanger et al., 2009). Generally, swine serve as an amplifying host in the transmission cycle of the JE virus (JEV) (fig. 1), giving it an important role in the maintenance of the JEV in nature (Nidaira et al., 2009). Due to changes in the socioeconomic status, households that breed swine have sharply decreased in Japan and many other countries (Yoshida et al., 2005). Despite, an estimated 3 billion persons living in countries with endemic JE, it causes about 30,000~50,000 cases per year (Solomom, 2004; van den Hurk et al., 2008); among these, there are estimated to be 10,000~15,000 human deaths yearly worldwide (Erlanger et al., 2009). The potential for the emergence of frontiers of JEV is now a new concern (Nett et al., 2009; van den Hurk et al., 2009). The etiological agent of JE is one of about 70 members of the genus Flavivirus that belongs to the family Flaviviridae (Monath & Heinz, 1996). JEV frequently causes encephalitic diseases through bites by rice-field breeding Culex mosquitoes (van den Hurk et al., 2009; Unni et al., 2011), especially Culex tritaeneorhynchus which is a species that breeds in paddy fields (Lindenbach & Rice, 2001). This suggests that most species of JE vectors are rural mosquitoes. In association with seasonal fluctuations in mosquito population densities, JE cases mostly appear during the summer, particularly May to October in most endemic areas (Rosen, 1986). In spite of this, other mosquitoes classified in different genera including Armigeres, Aedes, Anopheles, and Mansonia have also been documented to be a potential vector (Chen et al., 2000; Deng et al., 2009; Weng et al., 1999). The JE virion is about ca. 50 nm in diameter (Westaway et al., 1985); its genome contains linear, single-stranded positive-sense RNA (~11 kb in length) (Chambers et al., 1990). The genomic RNA of the JEV comprises a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), a longer 3′ UTR, and an intervening single open reading frame (ORF) (Chambers et al., 1990) that encodes 3 structural proteins in the order of the capsid (C), membrane (prM/M), and envelope (E), followed by 7 non-structural proteins (NS1~NS5) (Chambers et al., 1990; Sumiyoshi et al., 1987). The functions of some viral proteins are now clearer. Among these, protein E is the
A Study of Taiwan’S Export Competitiveness Based on the CMS Model

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the component factors of change in Taiwan’s exports from 1997 to 2007 and the variations of its export competitiveness, with a view to providing information to exporting companies and government authorities for reference in their respective elaboration of general strategies or policies for the future. The CMS (Constant Market Share) model will be used to evaluate Taiwan’s performance in trade, i.e. through the use of various base periods to calculate multiple CMS values, and for the selection of effective competitors, appropriate for each type of exporters, as an influence effect for the whole market, the factors of variation in Taiwan’s exports from 1997 to 2007 will be calculated on a yearly basis, and “trade effect”, “commodity effect”, “market effect” and “competitiveness effect” will be obtained. The total value of exports to Mainland China, Hong Kong, the United States and Japan taken together and the total value of exports to the latter three taken together will then be used respectively, to represent the whole of Taiwan’s export market in order to calculate multiple CMS values and to analyze the trends in the variation of Taiwan’s export competitiveness. According to the findings of our study, Taiwan’s exports conform more and more to more prosperous market orientations, but exported merchandise items have not followed the demands for growth of merchandise trade in the four markets, which suggests that an adjustment in the structure of Taiwan’s exported commodities and the strengthening of export competitiveness should be the goals of future endeavors.
Transmission of US and EU Economic Policy Uncertainty Shock to Asian Economies in Bad and Good Times

This study empirically examines the fragility of five major Asian economies (China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, and South Korea) to economic policy uncertainty (EPU) of US and EU, and oil prices in different state of the economies. To investigate these dynamics, we use the relative tail dependence by means of the spillover index of Diebold and Yilmaz (2009, 2012) obtained from Quantile Vector Autoregressive (QVAR) model, a robust and semiparametric model, which does not require specification of the full distribution of error terms. The distinguishing feature of our approach from the previous studies is the determination of sign and intensity of asymmetric spillover dynamics from external shocks to Asian economies and variables covering a wide range of macroeconomic aspects. Our results indicate that the spillover indices from EPU and oil price shocks to Asian economies significantly vary across quantiles. The results from sub-sample analysis show that the US EPU has an asymmetric effect on macro variables of China, Hong Kong, and South Korea during the quantitative easing period (QE) and the reverse QE (RQE) periods while the EU EPU makes Asian markets vulnerable during the Eurozone debt crisis. The large-scale asset purchases (LSAPs) of ECB and BoJ seem to reduce Asian market fragilities after 2015. Last but not least, we get partial evidence to support an asymmetric effect of the crude oil shocks on some Asian markets.
Influence of phosphorus and bio-fertilizers on growth and yield of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] in acidic soil of NEH region of India

A field experiment was carried out on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) variety Kashi Kanchan during summer season at the experimental farm, department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Central Agricultural University, Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in factorial complete randomized block design with 12 treatments i.e. three levels of phosphorus [control 0 kg(P0), 20 kg (P1) and 40 kg (P2) /ha] and four levels of bio-fertilizer [control (B0), Rhizobium10 ml/kg seed(B1), PSB 10 ml/kg seed (B2) and Rhizobium + PSB both 10 ml/kg seed (B3)] with three replications. The uniform dose of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) @ 20 kg/ha along with 10 t/ha FYM (Farm Yard Manure) were applied to all the treatments. Result indicated that the application of P2 (40 kg P/ha) significantly increased the plant height, leaf area index, stem girth, number of nodules per plant, number of branches per plant , total dry matter, pod yield, available soil nutrient status viz., pH, N, P, K, organic carbon and NPK content in plant after harvesting. Similarly, seed inoculation with B3 (Rhizobium + PSB) significantly enhanced the growth, yield, soil nutrient status and nutrient content in plant over single inoculation of Rhizobium and PSB. Combined inoculation of seed with Rhizobium + PSB (B3) along with 40 kg P/ha (P2) significantly increased the stem girth (1.84 cm), total dry matter (13.91g/plant), green pod yield (196.37g/plant and 120.90q/ha), soil nutrient status viz., pH(6.20), available N (370.89 kg/ha), available P (38.57 kg/ha), available K (168.77 kg/ha), organic carbon (2.80%) and N, P and K (0.17%, 0.16% and 0.39%) content over rest of treatment combination.
The Effects of a Short Forest Recreation Program on Physiological and Psychological Relaxation in Young Polish Adults

Forest recreation is an activity that could be successfully used to alleviate negative symptoms of stress in individuals. Multiple positive psychological and physiological effects have been described in the literature, especially regarding works describing research from Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. In East-Central Europe, however, the effectuality of forest recreation has not been addressed in scientific research. Thus, a special recreation program was developed, and its usability was examined with the involvement of 21 young Polish adults. A pre- and post-test design was used, wherein four psychological questionnaires were applied (Profile of Mood States, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, Restorative Outcomes Scale, Subjective Vitality Scale), and physiological measures were assessed (pulse rate, blood pressure) before and after the program. A field study was also conducted at the nature reserve Redykajny, near the suburban forest of the city of Olsztyn. The recreational program had a significant impact on psychological and physiological parameters. After recreation, the negative mood markers of the negative affect decreased and the positive affect, including restoration and vitality, increased. Furthermore, pulse rates, systolic blood pressures, and mean arterial pressures of the participants were significantly lower after the program. These results reveal that the short forest recreation program may be effective in reducing negative symptoms of stress.
Women in Asia

Women in Asia: Tradition, Modernity and Globalisation surveys the transformation in the status of women since 1970 in a diverse range of nations: Malaysia, China, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, India, Taiwan, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan and Burma. Within these 13 national case studies the book presents new arguments about being women, being Asian and being modern in contemporary Asia.Recent social changes in women's place in society are untangled in recognition that not all change is 'progress' and that not all 'modernity' enhances women's status. The authors suggest that the improvements in women's status within the Asian region vary dramatically according to the manner in which women interact with the particular economic and ideological forces in each nation.Each contributor has focussed on a particular country in their area of expertise. They present innovative arguments relating to the problem of 'being women' in Asia during a period of dramatic social and political changes. Each national case study explores key social and economic markers of women's status such as employment rates, wage differentials, literacy rates and participation in politics or business. The effects of population control programs, legislation on domestic violence and female infanticide, and women's role in the family and the workforce are also discussed. The book poses questions as to how women have negotiated these shifts and in the process created a 'modern' Asian woman.Specialists from a variety of disciplines including history, anthropology, sociology, demography, gender studies and psychology grapple with the complexities and ambivalences presented by the multiple faces of the modern Asian woman. Complete with a list of recommended readings and a web-site with links to electronic resources, the book will be of particular interest to undergraduate students of Asian studies and women's studies as well as scholars and postgraduate students interested in comparative women's studies.
Knowledge, Perceptions, and Attitudes as Determinants of Youths’ Intentions to Use Bioenergy—A Cross-National Perspective

Development of modern bioenergy sector is an important step toward meeting societal demand for reducing CO2 emissions and supplying eco-friendly energy. Young students are the future decision-makers and they will play an important role toward transforming the present fossil fuel driven society into a renewable energy based society. The study aimed to explain young students' intentions to use bioenergy by considering their knowledge perceptions, and attitudes related to bioenergy in Finland, Taiwan, Turkey, and Slovakia. Data for this study came from a previous survey in these countries among 15-year-old 1903 school students. This study with the help of Principal Component Analysis revealed the dimensions of the students' perceptions of and attitudes related to bioenergy. One of the dimensions “pro-environmental intention” was used as the dependent variable in the Multiple Regression Analyses. Results indicated that students' intentions to use bioenergy were mostly guided by their perceptions of the socio-environmental aspects related to bioenergy. Individual level decision-making such as communicating and learning more about bioenergy was also important; however, with a low impact value. Results also suggested that the “critical–environmental” dimension had only minor influence on the students' intentions to use bioenergy. Students' level of bioenergy-knowledge especially those with a relatively higher level appeared to have a strong impact on their intentions to use bioenergy. Young students should be facilitated to become aware of bioenergy in order to influence their intentions to use it in the future.
The Review of SARS-CoV-2: Recent Perspective and Advances in Detection

BackgroundThe outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), which began in Wuhan, China, has rapidly spread in many countries and is currently considered a pandemic. The virus (SARS-CoV-2) causes severe acute respiratory syndrome and is related to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV.MethodsIn this review, an introduction to SARS-CoV-2 was provided comprising the following items: general features; pathogenesis; the existing knowledge on immunological properties; transmission routs; diagnostic features, especially discussion about new approaches for treatment and prevention; and different diagnostic methods including nucleic acid based assays, serological testing, and MALDI TOF-MS and LC-MS technologies.Findings and ConclusionIntroducing the different methods for SARS-CoV-2 detection may be useful to provide new insights into the development and improvement of detection primers, probes, methods/techniques, potential targets for drug designation, and therapeutic candidates against the virus.
Elites, Financial Networks, and Commitment in Dictatorships: Evidence from the Panama Papers∗

A large literature argues that dictatorships can achieve high levels of economic growth if dictators can commit to not expropriate elites. Extant research has focused on the role of formal institutions—legislatures and parties—in helping elites constrain dictators’ predation. I complement this literature by documenting the role of an informal institution, elite financial networks, in constraining the dictator. I argue that dense financial ties among elites diffuse private information on the state of the economy, hence facilitating elites’ monitoring—if the dictator reneges on his commitments to elites, informed elites are able to infer and punish his defection. Accordingly, I hypothesize that dictatorships with denser elite financial networks enjoy stronger property rights. To test my argument, I uncover networks of elites’ co-ownership of offshore companies—a strong type of financial tie—using a large, untapped leak of private financial information, the Panama Papers. A thorough regression analysis of almost all dictatorships in the period 2002–2013 supports my theory: a one standard-deviation increase in financial network density predicts a half standard-deviation decrease in expropriation
The Philippines and Indonesia: changing land distribution since independence and its implications for growth with equity

ABSTRACT The paper compares evidence from the Philippines and Indonesia to examine the argument that the Philippines has a more unequal distribution of both agricultural land and household incomes than Indonesia. It is argued that the evidence from agricultural censuses and household surveys does not support this argument. Instead, the available evidence indicates that there has been a process of convergence in the distribution of land in the Philippines and Indonesia. The percentage of land in holdings over ten hectares has fallen in recent decades in the Philippines, while in Indonesia it may have increased. The cultivated area under large estates continues to grow in Indonesia mainly because of the growth of palm oil cultivation. Evidence on the distribution of household income and of land indicates that neither country has followed the Taiwan model of growth with equity in recent decades.