bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caspofungin-induced β(1,3)-glucan exposure in
Candida albicans
is driven by increased chitin levels
Authors: Wagner Andrew S. , Lumsdaine Stephen W. , Mangrum Mikayla M. , Reynolds Todd B.
Published: June 2023

To successfully induce disease,
Candida albicans
must effectively evade the host immune system. One mechanism used by
C. albicans
to achieve this is to mask immunogenic β(1,3)-glucan epitopes within its cell wall under an outer layer of mannosylated glycoproteins. Consequently, induction of β(1,3)-glucan exposure (unmasking)
via
genetic or chemical manipulation increases fungal recognition by host immune cells
in vitro
and attenuates disease during systemic infection in mice. Treatment with the echinocandin caspofungin is one of the most potent drivers of β(1,3)-glucan exposure. Several reports using murine infection models suggest a role for the immune system, and specifically host β(1,3)-glucan receptors, in mediating the efficacy of echinocandin treatment
in vivo
. However, the mechanism by which caspofungin-induced unmasking occurs is not well understood. In this report, we show that foci of unmasking co-localize with areas of increased chitin within the yeast cell wall in response to caspofungin, and that inhibition of chitin synthesis
via
nikkomycin Z attenuates caspofungin-induced β(1,3)-glucan exposure. Furthermore, we find that both the calcineurin and Mkc1 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways work synergistically to regulate β(1,3)-glucan exposure and chitin synthesis in response to drug treatment. When either of these pathways are interrupted, it results in a bimodal population of cells containing either high or low chitin content. Importantly, increased unmasking correlates with increased chitin content within these cells. Microscopy further indicates that caspofungin-induced unmasking correlates with actively growing cells. Collectively, our work presents a model in which chitin synthesis induces unmasking within the cell wall in response to caspofungin in growing cells.

IMPORTANCE

Systemic candidiasis has reported mortality rates ranging from 20% to 40%. The echinocandins, including caspofungin, are first-line antifungals used to treat systemic candidiasis. However, studies in mice have shown that echinocandin efficacy relies on both its cidal impacts on
Candida albicans
, as well as a functional immune system to successfully clear invading fungi. In addition to direct
C. albicans
killing, caspofungin increases exposure (unmasking) of immunogenic β(1,3)-glucan moieties. To evade immune detection, β(1,3)-glucan is normally masked within the
C. albicans
cell wall. Consequently, unmasked β(1,3)-glucan renders these cells more visible to the host immune system and attenuates disease progression. Therefore, discovery of how caspofungin-induced unmasking occurs is needed to elucidate how the drug facilitates host immune system-mediated clearance
in vivo
. We report a strong and consistent correlation between chitin deposition and unmasking in response to caspofungin and propose a model in which altered chitin synthesis drives increased unmasking during drug exposure.
Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra Assay Using Stool: an Effective Solution for Bacilli Identification from Adult Pulmonary Tuberculosis Suspects without Expectorated Sputum
Authors: Yu Xia , Wang Fen , Ren Ruyan , Dong Lingling , Xue Yi , Zhao Liping , Jia Junnan , Huang Hairong
Published: June 2023

This study is aimed at assessing the value of Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra (Xpert-Ultra) in PTB on stool in adult in low HIV settings and Xpert-Ultra assay on stool sample harboring comparable sensitivity with Xpert MTB/RIF on respiratory tract specimens. Although the yield in stool samples by Xpert-Ultra is lower than RTS, it may be useful in detecting disease in presumptive TB patients who cannot expectorate sputum and are not open to BALF collection.
A Two-Step Real-Time PCR Method To Identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infections and Six Dominant Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infections from Clinical Specimens
Authors: Park Jungho , Kwak Naeun , Chae Jong-Chan , Yoon Eun-Jeong , Jeong Seok Hoon
Published: June 2023

Tuberculosis (TB) is an ongoing threat to public health. In addition, infection by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is a nonnegligible issue for global public health, with increasing incidences.
N-Linked Glycosylation and Expression of Duck Plague Virus pUL10 Promoted by pUL49.5
Authors: Li Chunmei , Wang Mingshu , Cheng Anchun , Wu Ying , Tian Bin , Yang Qiao , Gao Qun , Sun Di , Zhang Shaqiu , Ou Xumin , He Yu , Huang Juan , Zhao Xinxin , Chen Shun , Zhu Dekang , Liu Mafeng , Jia Renyong
Published: June 2023

Duck plague is a disease with high morbidity and mortality rates, and it causes great losses for the duck breeding industry. Duck plague virus (DPV) is the causative agent of duck plague, and DPV UL10 protein (pUL10) is a homolog of glycoprotein M (gM), which is conserved in herpesviruses. pUL10 plays complex roles in viral fusion, assembly, cell-to-cell spread, and immune evasion, which are closely related to its protein characteristics and partners.
Evolution of the North Qiangtang Block in the late Paleozoic: Paleomagnetism and its tectonic implications
Authors: Cheng Xin , Wei Bitian , Jiang Nan , Zhou Yanan , Kravchinsky Vadim A. , Chen Qinglong , Xing Longyun , Zhang Dongmeng , Li Teng , Lan Shuqi , Deng Xiaohong , Liu Feifan , Wu Hanning
Published: June 2023

Understanding of the geodynamic evolution of the Tethyan realm cannot be complete without paleogeographical reconstructions of the North Qiangtang Block (NQB) that occupies a central position in Tibet. However, the reliability of such a reconstruction for the Paleozoic still requires substantial improvement. In this paper, we present paleomagnetic results obtained from the Middle Permian limestones and Upper Permian volcanic rocks in the Tanggula area, aiming to provide precise constraints on the NQB kinematics during the geodynamic evolution of the Tethys realm. Combined with other available paleomagnetic data from the NQB, our results suggest that the block was stably located at ∼24°S for a long time before the Middle Permian, started to drift rapidly northward in the Middle Permian, and reached ∼8.4°S in the Late Permian. The NQB continued drifting rapidly northward during the Triassic until merging with the southern margin of Eurasia in the Late Triassic. We reviewed new and available paleomagnetic and geological data and proposed a revised model for the tectonic evolution of the eastern Tethys realm. The NQB likely belonged to a ribbon-like separate continental archipelago in the middle of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean during the early−late Paleozoic. The Cimmerian continent, including the South Qiangtang Block (SQB), rifted away from the northern margin of Gondwana and drifted northward to ∼22°S in the Middle Permian. The continent approached or partially collided with the NQB, resulting in the rapid northward movement of the NQB and the formation of the Longmuco−Shuanghu suture between the NQB and SQB.
Numerical Investigation of the Effect of Porous Wing Elements on the Properties of Supersonic Tip Vortices
Authors: Lutskii A. E. , Severin A. V.
Published: June 2023

The effect of a porous wingtip on tip vortex formation and properties in a supersonic flow is studied. It is established that a porous wingtip has a considerable effect on the vortex structure and parameters reducing its intensity.
The Holocene Explosive Eruption on Vetrovoi Isthmus (Iturup Island) as a Source of the Marker Tephra Layer of 2000 cal. yr BP in the Central Kuril Island Arc
Authors: Bergal-Kuvikas O. V. , Smirnov S. Z. , Agatova A. R. , Degterev A. V. , Razjigaeva N. G. , Pinegina T. K. , Portnyagin M. V. , Karmanov N. S. , Timina T. Yu.
Published: June 2023

Geochemical study of volcaniclastic material and radiocarbon dating of charred plant debris from Holocene deposits of the Guram site, which is located in vicinity of Vetrovoi Isthmus on Iturup Island, demonstrate that an explosive eruption (VEI 4-5) occurred there about 2000 years ago. The geochemical and age similarity with the tephra of marker layer CKr that was distinguished on Iturup, Urup, Simushir, Rasshua, and Matua islands of the Kuril Island Arc led to the conclusion that this eruption is possibly a source of this tephra. The data presented are proposed as a motivation for revision of the volcanic hazard on Iturup Island.
Idiopathic acute exudative polymorphous vitelliform maculopathy: the importance of multimodal imaging, systemic workup and genetic testing
Authors: Fernandes Joana Silva , Gomes Pedro Prata , Neves Pedro , Marques João Pedro
Published: June 2023

The authors describe a case of acute exudative polymorphous vitelliform maculopathy (AEPVM) in an otherwise healthy man in his 60s complaining of subacute bilateral blurred vision. At examination, best-corrected visual acuity was 20/32 in the right eye and 20/40 in the left eye. Bilateral central large serous detachments with inferior meniscus-like deposition of a vitelliform-like material were observed at funduscopy and confirmed by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Small vitelliform-like lesions along the temporal superior vascular arcades were also seen. The lesions with vitelliform appearance appeared hyperautofluorescent on fundus autofluorescence. A complete systemic workup and genetic testing were performed and the diagnosis of idiopathic AEPVM was established. Six months later, a complete resolution of the lesions was observed.
Instruments in general practice to identify and to measure (over)burden due to informal care for caring relatives: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Marx Yvonne , Bauer Alexander , Unverzagt Susanne , Stark Undine , Frese Thomas
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Family caregivers provide by far the largest share of long-term, unpaid care for their primarily elderly and chronically ill relatives or friends. This is associated with a higher risk of psychological and physical overload for the caregivers due to the persistently high time, financial and emotional burden.

Recognising the effects of persistent burden on caring relatives at an early stage significantly contributes to the appropriate coordination of available resources and mediation of individual support to maintain a functional caring relationship without excessive demands. General practitioners are usually responsible for the early detection of burden arising from informal care and the coordination of adequate measures. The objective of this review is to give an overview of instruments to identify and measure (over)burden of caring relatives in German general practice and to describe their characteristics.

Methods and analysis

We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist in addition to the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewer’s Manual to describe the aims and methods of the planned scoping reviews. This protocol has been registered with Open Science Framework (OSF),https://osf.io/9ce2k. Two reviewers will run the search to identify studies in four databases (PubMed, LIVIVO, the Cochrane Library and CINAHL) in June and July 2023. Abstracts, titles and full-text publications will be screened to extract data from each included study using a data extraction form. Additionally, an overview of all studies including main study characteristics and detailed information on identification instruments will be given to map the different instruments and tools and to clarify statements concerning their use and practicability in general practice.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval or consent to participate is not required, as data in this study consists of published studies and not individual data from human or animal participants. Dissemination will consist of publications, presentations and other knowledge translation activities.
Palliative care in the treatment of women with breast cancer: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Velasco Yanez Romel Jonathan , Carvalho Fernandes Ana Fátima , Miranda Mattos Samuel , Moreira Thereza Maria Magalhães , Moura Barbosa Castro Régia Christina , Corpes Erilaine de Freitas , Lopes-Júnior Luís Carlos
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Currently, breast cancer ranks first among female malignancies; hence, there are strong recommendations for the early inclusion of these patients in palliative care. Palliative care aims to alleviate symptoms improving the quality of life of dying patients, an essential component of breast cancer care. This study aimed to map and synthesise the available evidence on palliative care for women with breast cancer and to discuss the review results with stakeholders.

Methods

A scoping review protocol is presented in this article, consisting of two phases. In the first phase, a scoping review study will be conducted adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines and guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis. Nine databases, an electronic repository, a trial register website, grey literature and additional sources will be searched. A focus group discussion with six stakeholders will occur in the second phase. The analysis will be performed through inductive and manifest content analysis using the IRaMuTeQ V.0.7 alpha software.

Ethics and dissemination

The scoping review protocol did not require ethical approval. However, the study’s second phase has been approved by the institutional review board of Maternidade Escola Assis Chateaubriand/MEAC/UFC. The findings will be disseminated through professional networks, conference presentations and publications.
Outcomes and prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer patients who underwent curable surgery: a protocol for a real-world, retrospective, population-based and nationwide Chinese National Lung Cancer Cohort (CNLCC) study
Authors: Wang Xin , Liang Yicheng , Wang Yuanzhuo , Meng Xiangzhi , Zhou Boxuan , Xu Zhenyi , Wang Hui , Yang Wenjing , Li Ning , Gao Yushun , He Jie
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Surgery is one of the main approaches for the comprehensive treatment of early and locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study conducts a nationwide multicentre study to explore factors that could influence the outcomes of patients with I–IIIA NSCLC who underwent curable surgery in real-world scenarios.

Methods and analysis

All patients diagnosed with NSCLC between January 2013 and December 2020 will be identified from 30 large public medical services centres in mainland China. The algorithm of natural language processing and artificial intelligence techniques were used to extract data from electronic health records of enrolled patients who fulfil the inclusion criteria. Six categories of parameters are collected and stored from the electronic records, then the parameters will be structured as a high-quality structured case report form. The code book will be compiled and each parameter will be classified and designated a code. In addition, the study retrieves the survival status and causes of death of patients from the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. The primary endpoints are overall survival and the secondary endpoint is disease-free survival. Finally, an online platform is formed for data queries and the original records will be stored as secure electronic documents.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Ethical Committee of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Study findings will be disseminated via presentations at conferences and publications in open-access journals. This study has been registered in the Chinese Trial Register (ChiCTR2100052773) on 11 May 2021,http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=136659.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2100052773.
Cardiac and renal effects of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors
Authors: Karagkounis Dimitrios
Published: June 2023

After initially being licensed as treatment for diabetes, the range of indications for sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors has expanded to include chronic heart failure and chronic kidney disease. This article provides an overview of some of the evidence that supports the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in the management of chronic heart failure and chronic kidney disease, discusses the safety of this group of drugs and considers the practical application of their use.
Bipolar radiofrequency ablation for cancer pain in the trigeminal distribution
Authors: Silva-Ortiz Victor M , Plancarte-Sanchez Ricardo
Published: June 2023

Tumours in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) are associated with a more significant decrease in quality of life compared with the rest of patients with cancer. We present a patient with pain due to HNC successfully treated with bipolar radiofrequency ablation. A man in his 70s presented with a tumour in the left V2 and V3 region, with disabling pain, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score of 10/10, pain on swallowing, chewing and speaking, 3 months of evolution. The patient was evaluated in the pain management department, and the interventional treatment proposed consisted of bipolar pulsed radiofrequency, followed by bipolar thermal radiofrequency of the left V2 and V3 branches with fluoroscopic guidance to achieve better control and coverage of the affected trigeminal branches. Immediately after the procedure, the patient reported a significant improvement in pain with a 0–10 VAS; hypoesthesia in the affected V2 and V3 territory was identified, but no motor weakness. The improvement in pain was maintained for 6 months with a significant improvement in quality of life and pain, which allowed him to speak, chew and swallow without pain. Later, the patient died from complications associated with the disease. The treatment approach in these patients is both pain treatment and achieving independence by allowing better speech ability and improving eating, the above as a pillar of treatment focused on improving the patient’s quality of life. This approach is a potential tool in the early stage of the disease in patients with pain due to HNC.
Suppression of tomato bacterial speck disease (Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Okabe) Young, Dye, & Wilkie) via induced systemic resistance by Pseudomonas and Bacillus strains
Authors: Yildiz Hatice Nilufer , Altinok Hacer Handan , Dikilitas Murat , Günacti Hale , Ay Tahsin
Published: June 2023

Bacterial speck Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) (Okabe) Young, Dye, & Wilkie is a widespread disease in tomato plants. Four plant growth-promoting rhizobacterial (PGPR) strains 5(3), 68(2), 36(1), and 47(3) played a significant role (50% and higher) in reducing spot disease severity. Selected strains were identified as Pseudomonas koreensis 5(3), Bacillus mycoides 68(2), Bacillus mojavensis 36(1), and Bacillus simplex 47(3) using the MALDI Biotyper classification system. In planta assay using tomato seedlings were inoculated with the bacterial strains alone or in dual combination. Pseudomonas koreensis 5(3) (51.9%–74.29%) and Bacillus mycoides 68(2) (36.70%–65.56%) both provided a significant reduction in foliar severity caused by bacterial speck disease agent Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Okabe) Young, Dye, & Wilkie. Bacillus simplex 47(3) and Bacillus mojavensis 36(1) were successful only in combined treatments. Defense enzymes Proline, Peroxidase, and Catalase were induced by PGPR strains in comparison with those of control plants. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and callose deposition were evident at reaction sites induced by PGPR strains. The accumulation of callose, H2O2, and high levels of defense enzymes via the treatment of PGPRs might play a significant role in a practical, safe, and effective way to control Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato.
Approach to hyperuniformity in a metallic glass-forming material exhibiting a fragile to strong glass transition
Authors: Zhang Hao , Wang Xinyi , Zhang Jiarui , Yu Hai-Bin , Douglas Jack F.
Published: June 2023

We investigate a metallic glass-forming (GF) material (Al90Sm10) exhibiting a fragile-strong (FS) glass-formation by molecular dynamics simulation to better understand this highly distinctive pattern of glass-formation in which many of the usual phenomenological relations describing relaxation times and diffusion of ordinary GF liquids no longer apply, and where instead genuine thermodynamic features are observed in response functions and little thermodynamic signature is exhibited at the glass transition temperature, Tg. Given the many unexpected similarities between the thermodynamics and dynamics of this metallic GF material with water, we first focus on the anomalous static scattering in this liquid, following recent studies on water, silicon and other FS GF liquids. We quantify the “hyperuniformity index” H of our liquid, which provides a quantitative measure of molecular “jamming”. To gain insight into the T-dependence and magnitude of H, we also estimate another more familiar measure of particle localization, the Debye–Waller parameter 〈u2〉 describing the mean-square particle displacement on a timescale on the order of the fast relaxation time, and we also calculate H and 〈u2〉 for heated crystalline Cu. This comparative analysis between H and 〈u2〉 for crystalline and metallic glass materials allows us to understand the critical value of H on the order of 10–3 as being analogous to the Lindemann criterion for both the melting of crystals and the “softening” of glasses. We further interpret the emergence of FS GF and liquid–liquid phase separation in this class of liquids to arise from a cooperative self-assembly process in the GF liquid.

Graphical abstract
Risk Management Systems in Clearing and Settlement: Asian and Pacific Equity Markets
Authors: Ghon Rhee S.
Published: June 2023

This paper presents an overview of risk management systems in clearing and settlement. In addition, against the recommendations proposed by the Group of Thirty and revised by the International Securities Services Association, current practices of 13 organized stock exchanges in the Asian and Pacific region are presented. Policy issues related to the coexistence of both underlying equity and financial derivatives markets in the region and the increasing volume of cross-border transactions are also discussed.
Capitalizing on Globalization
Authors: Eichengreen Barry
Published: June 2023

This paper reviews the challenges facing Asia as it seeks to cope with and capitalize on globalization. It asks how the Asian model of economic development needs to be modified in order for the region’s economies to grow and prosper in an increasingly integrated and intensely competitive global environment. Doing so, it argues, will entail modifying institutions for managing innovation, for managing poverty, and for managing volatility. The paper concludes by asking whether the capacity to adapt existing institutions is best developed at the national, regional, or global level and whether initiatives to address the challenge at these three levels are properly regarded as substitutes or complements.
Technological Spillovers from Foreign Direct Investment—A Survey
Authors: Fan Emma Xiaoqin
Published: June 2023

Increased foreign direct investment (FDI) flows have stimulated intensive debate and research on the impact of FDI on host economies. This paper surveys the substantial literature exploring FDI and spillover effects, summarizes the main findings from previous research, and identifies omissions in existing studies that should be included in future studies. The paper also reviews research on FDI in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) alongside the general literature on FDI. The PRC literature is useful in illuminating the likely direction of FDI research in developing countries, especially transition economies.
Economic Growth, Income Inequality, and Poverty Reduction in People’s Republic of China
Authors: LIN BO Q.
Published: June 2023

The paper proposes a poverty reduction index demonstrating that the selection of growth policies should be to maximize the sum of income and inequality effects. The empirical results indicate that economic growth in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) between 1985 and 2001 was effective in reducing poverty but rising inequality reduced the effectiveness of poverty reduction. The empirical results also indicate that initial level of inequality is important in determining growth policies for a country whose regions are in different development stages. A development stage with low initial inequality will achieve greater poverty reduction from growth, whereas a development stage with high initial inequality will require a deeper poverty focus. In the current stage of economic development in the PRC, economic growth is still effective in reducing poverty. Infrastructure projects that support economic growth will still lead to poverty reduction, even if the nonpoor might get more direct benefits from these projects. Well-designed infrastructure projects with a poverty focus will be more effective in poverty reduction.
Divergent Asian Views on Foreign Direct Investment and Its Governance
Authors: BROOKS DOUGLAS H. , HILL HAL
Published: June 2023

This paper reviews recent trends and effects of FDI in developing Asia; domestic policy changes in six Asian host economies (People’s Republic of China, India, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, and Viet Nam); and how these policies and experiences influence their attitudes toward managing FDI. Not surprisingly, these countries have differed in their approach to the formulation of international regulations governing FDI. To simplify, their negotiating positions have ranged from strongly in favor (Republic of Korea) to strongly opposed (India); from viewing it as a helpful spur to domestic liberalization (Thailand) to a constraint on development policy options (Malaysia); and from acceptance if implementation is gradual (People’s Republic of China) to concern over capability to address the difficulties and challenges of achieving compliance (Viet Nam).
Regional Integration and Benefits from Foreign Direct Investment in ASEAN Economies: The Case of Viet Nam
Authors: MIRZA HAFIZ , GIROUD AXÈLE
Published: June 2023

In recent years Viet Nam has been pursuing the twin goals of promoting inward foreign direct investment (FDI) and regional development in the context of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The paper surveys transnational corporations (TNCs) with operations in ASEAN, and finds that Viet Nam has now largely achieved its initial objective of being a major FDI recipient. The regional aspect is especially manifest in consumer electronics, although most subsidiaries in Viet Nam still perform assembly-type operations oriented toward the local market. This has to change if Viet Nam is to maintain its development momentum. Under the threat of international competition and in order to maximize the dynamic gains from FDI, Viet Nam has to reorient its policies and emphasize a shift toward targeting efficiency-seeking investments and developing more advanced links with TNC regional and global value chains. This new approach would benefit from a full-scale development of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (providing access to a regional market) and the ASEAN Investment Area (securing capabilities in Viet Nam and other ASEAN countries), as well as other regional trade and investment initiatives.
Trade and Workers: Evidence from the Philippines
Authors: HASAN RANA , CHEN LAN
Published: June 2023

This paper combines labor force survey data with trade and production data from 1988 to 1997 to examine the impact of trade on wages and employment in the Philippines’s manufacturing sector. In contrast to findings typically reported for Latin American countries, data indicate that wage inequality in the manufacturing sector declined over a period in which trade liberalization was undertaken. This was despite the fact that reductions in tariff rates were largest in less skill-intensive manufacturing industries. There was also an absence of any secular rise in returns to higher education. Tariff reductions were associated with declines in industry wage premiums in capital-intensive industries. Moreover, these declines were largest for skilled workers. Tariff reductions have had an insignificant effect on both employment as well as average hours of work of full-time employees across industries. These findings are consistent with a scenario where workers in capital-intensive industries, especially the more skilled ones, earned rents prior to trade liberalization, which may have eroded these.
Employment Generation for the Rural Poor in Asia: Perspectives, Patterns, and Policies
Authors: Briones Roehlano M.
Published: June 2023

This paper reviews the literature on rural employment and employment generation. It considers three models of rural employment: neoclassical, dual economy, and dynamic linkages. Evidence favors the third model, which explains rural underemployment in terms of labor surplus, and points to local economic linkages as a means for the rural economy to absorb its own surplus labor. The paper summarizes other patterns particularly in relation to the determinants of rural employment, and enumerates elements of an employment strategy for rural Asia. Two of these elements remain controversial, namely, asset reform and prioritization of agriculture. In some cases both elements prove to be beneficial in terms of generating employment; however the evidence is not sufficiently conclusive for a generalization. Hence the rural employment strategy, while rightfully focusing on the rural economy, should be flexible in terms of specifying the mix and focus of interventions within the sector.
Inclusiveness of Economic Growth in the People’s Republic of China: What Do Population Health Outcomes Tell Us?
Authors: Tandon Ajay , Zhuang Juzhong , Chatterji Somnath
Published: June 2023

Despite the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) remarkable economic growth, improvements in population health outcomes slowed during the reform period. Along with increasing commercialization of the health sector, urban−rural disparities in health have increased; there are large health inequalities between the rich and the poor; and income has become a major constraint to health. Noting the current debate in the PRC on models of the health care system, the paper argues that whatever model is followed, there has to be a greater public sector role in funding basic health care, providing protective health cover to the poor and vulnerable groups, and regulating various actors in the health market. If not, the PRC’s growth process risks leaving a large section of its population behind in terms of key development indicators such as health.
Farm Household Production Theories: A Review of “Institutional” and “Behavioral” Responses
Authors: Mendola Mariapia
Published: June 2023

This paper reviews major lines of theoretical and empirical research on farm household production choices in developing countries. It provides a wide-ranging literature review of different microeconomic approaches to peasant economy, shedding light on the underlying reasons that lead modern development economists away from the neoclassical framework to study “real people in real environments.” The paper focuses on recent insights into the way peasant households manage the trade-off between income risk and expected returns when making production decisions in the context of weak or missing institutions. Several contributions point out that farm household behavioral responses to market imperfections in low-income settings may generate situations of efficiency losses and “poverty traps.” Yet, the extent to which such vicious circles are generated by the farm household decisionmaking process itself is currently a major object of study of development economics.
Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction: Evidence from Kazakhstan
Authors: Agrawal Pradeep
Published: June 2023

This paper empirically examines the relation between economic growth and poverty alleviation in the case of Kazakhstan using province-level data. It shows that provinces with higher growth rates achieved faster decline in poverty. This happened largely through growth, which led to increased employment and higher real wages and contributed significantly to poverty reduction. Rapidly increasing oil revenues since 1998 have helped significantly raise both gross domestic product growth and government revenue in Kazakhstan. Part of the oil fund was used to fund a pension and social protection program that has helped reduce poverty. However, expenditure on other social sectors like education and health has not increased much and needs more support. It is also shown empirically that increased government expenditure on social sectors did contribute significantly to poverty alleviation. This suggests that both rapid economic growth and enhanced government support for the social sectors are helpful in reducing poverty.
Inequality in Developing Asia
Authors: Ali Ifzal
Published: June 2023

This paper argues that growing income and nonincome inequalities in developing Asia pose a clear and present danger to social cohesion, political stability, and therefore the sustainability of growth itself. The rapid creation of productive economic opportunities combined with significantly broadening access to these opportunities, particularly for the bypassed and marginalized, must be ensured. Progressively lifting the well-being of a greater share of the population will contribute toward harmony.
Growth Pattern, Employment, and Income Inequality: What the Experience of Republic of Korea and Taipei, China Reveals to the People’s Republic of China
Authors: Li Shi , Luo Chuliang
Published: June 2023

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) achieved rapid economic growth during the last 30 years, but its income distribution has worsened. In contrast, Republic of Korea and Taipei, China experienced high growth for several decades after the 1950s, while managing to keep income inequality low. This paper looks at development experiences of Republic of Korea and Taipei,China in the 1950s–1990s, and concludes that the key to achieving high growth with low inequality in the two economies was the adoption of a growth strategy that promoted development of labor-intensive industries and small- and medium-size enterprises. The creation of large amounts of employment opportunities to absorb rural surplus labor and reduce urban unemployment played a key role in keeping income inequality low. The paper argues that to reduce income inequality in the PRC, the government should shift to a more labor-intensive development strategy, encourage the development of small and medium enterprises, and unify the labor market.
Causes and Consequences of Global Imbalances: Perspective from Developing Asia
Authors: Adams Charles , Park Donghyun
Published: June 2023

Global current account imbalances are one of the key macroeconomic imbalances that underlie the global financial crisis. The central objective of this paper is to analyze the causes and consequences of global imbalances from the perspective of developing Asia. More specifically, the paper examines the root causes of the large and persistent current account surpluses that have emerged in the region since the Asian crisis. The paper also explores the consequences of global imbalances for the region, in terms of welfare and economic growth. Based on the analysis, a number of concrete policy directions are recommended that will help Asia rebalance its demand and growth toward domestic sources.
Asian Trade and Global Linkages
Authors: Brooks Douglas H. , Hua Changchun
Published: June 2023

In the run-up to the 2008 global financial crisis, many thought that Asia would be exempt from economic shocks from Europe or North America. These arguments were largely based on the rapid expansion of intraregional trade in Asia. This paper examines the trade linkages among Asian countries and between Asia and other regions, paying particular attention to the role of production sharing processes diversified across geographically diffuse networks. Little or no evidence is found of Asia decoupling from the business cycles of the G-3 economies (United States, European Union, and Japan). Instead, there is a substantial linkage between growth in the G-3 and Asia, particularly since the 1997–1998 Asian financial crisis, because production networks in Asia expanded in response to G-3 demand for final products. The critical factor is the role of the People’s Republic of China as an assembly center in the vertical production integration.
A Multi-Country Analysis of Achievements and Inequalities in Economic Growth and Standards of Living
Authors: Son Hyun H.
Published: June 2023

This paper compares achievements and inequalities in standards of living across countries. Achievement is measured by an index constructed to reflect greater achievement for an increase in the standard of living of a country already at a high level of development compared to an equal increase in a country starting from a lower base. The paper tests for the statistical relationship between indicators of standards of living and per capita income using data from 177 countries covering 2000–2007. It analyzes disparities between countries of achievement in standards of living and explains inequality in achievement in standards of living both within and between regions. Furthermore, the paper estimates the number of years it will take for different regions and selected Asian countries to catch up with the average standard of living of the industrialized countries.
Closing Development Gaps: Challenges and Policy Options
Authors: Brooks Douglas H. , Hasan Rana , Lee Jong-Wha , Son Hyun H. , Zhuang Juzhong
Published: June 2023

There are significant income and nonincome development gaps around the world. Closing these gaps will require not only increasing and sustaining economic growth in low-income regions, but also policies that close nonincome development gaps directly. Governments need to support private investment and entrepreneurship by investing in human capital and infrastructure; developing the financial sector; improving governance; and eliminating other impediments created by market, institutional, or policy failures. Policy makers should improve access to and quality of health, education, and other social services. This means better targeting and increased public spending on social services that directly benefit the poor; innovative delivery mechanisms informed by rigorous evaluation; and social protection systems. The experience of developing Asia and others has shown that external trade and finance—including foreign direct investment, remittances, and aid—play a critical role. It is therefore imperative that governments continue to promote globalization and regional integration.
Asia’s Post-Global Financial Crisis Adjustment: A Model-Based Dynamic Scenario Analysis
Authors: Kawai Masahiro , Zhai Fan
Published: June 2023

Using a dynamic global general equilibrium model, the paper assesses the short- and medium-term impacts of the global financial crisis for Asian economies and the implications of post-crisis adjustment in East Asia for the world economy. The analysis suggests that East Asia may not be severely hit permanently by the global financial crisis, and that a worldwide fiscal stimulus could play an important role in stabilizing the global economy in crisis. East Asia’s efforts toward strengthening regional and domestic demand, in conjunction with more flexible exchange rate regimes, will promote more balanced regional growth, facilitating an orderly global rebalancing. However, despite the growing size of emerging East Asia in the global economy, the region’s growth rebalancing has only modest spillover effects on the rest of the world. Emerging East Asia can contribute to global growth, but it alone cannot become the sole engine leading post-crisis growth in the world economy.
Remittances and Household Expenditure Patterns in Tajikistan: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Clément Matthieu
Published: June 2023

The object of this article is to assess the impact of remittances on household expenditure patterns in Tajikistan. More specifically, the paper applies propensity score matching methods to the 2003 Tajikistan Living Standards Measurement Survey. The results do not provide evidence of a productive use of remittances since neither internal nor external remittances have a positive effect on investment expenditures. Migration and remittances are therefore interpreted as short-term coping strategies that help dependent households achieve a basic level of consumption.
Rural–Urban Migration and Employment Quality: A Case Study From Thailand
Authors: Amare Mulubrhan , Hohfeld Lena , Jitsuchon Somchai , Waibel Hermann
Published: June 2023

This study investigates the effects of rural–urban migration on economic development in Thailand. It draws upon a panel database of 2,000 rural households collected from 2008 to 2010 in three provinces from Northeast Thailand and a survey of 650 migrants in the Greater Bangkok area conducted in 2010. The study offers some new findings on migration in Thailand. First, there is evidence that there is a need for better social protection for urban migrants. Second, the study shows that migration offers the benefit of income growth for rural households but is less effective in reducing inequality and relative poverty in rural areas. Generally, migrants are more educated albeit at an overall low education level in the rural areas. The message emerging from this paper is that poor rural households tend to produce poor migrants which could be one of the reasons for the continuous existence of a wide rural–urban divide in welfare. The crucial importance of good quality education for migrants to achieve higher quality employment calls for more investment in education quality in rural areas.
Managing Capital Flows: What Tools to Use?
Authors: Ostry Jonathan D.
Published: June 2023

The use of capital controls is an old issue. It arose in the 1930s and is steeped with ideological overtones. It sparked controversy even at the inception of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Two of the IMF’s founders issued the following statements as regards the subject of capital flow restrictions...
Fine-Tuning an Open Capital Account in a Developing Country: The Indonesian Experience
Authors: Jayasuriya Sisira , Leu Shawn Chen-Yu
Published: June 2023

Indonesia has operated a liberal capital account permitting relatively free flow of international non-FDI flows since the early 1970s. In this paper, we review the Indonesian experience and the effectiveness of capital restrictions during 1990–2010 using a SVAR model of the Indonesian economy. Because of severe data problems in the pre-1997 period and because the Indonesian monetary policy and broader macroeconomic regime underwent fundamental changes since the 1997 crisis, we also estimated a model separately for the 2000–2010 period. Both sets of results suggest that inflow and outflow restrictions have been effective for FDI but largely ineffective for portfolio capital. However, the 2000–2010 model results indicate not only that restrictions on inflows have a short-term impact on restricting portfolio flows, but also suggest that controls on inward portfolio investments have some ability to shift funds from short-term to longer-term markets, though the impact is short-lived.
Growth with Resilience in East Asia and the 2008–2009 Global Recession
Authors: Briguglio Lino , Piccinino Stephen
Published: June 2023

This paper assesses why the 2008–2009 global economic recession impacted East Asia less than it did the United States (US) and the European Union (EU). The paper utilizes a “growth-with-resilience” (GWR) index aimed at measuring the extent to which a country can absorb or counteract external shocks and at the same time promote economic growth. The main findings show higher GWR index scores for East Asia compared to those for the EU and the US, which may explain why the global recession had a milder impact on the region. The study also shows East Asia as being very heterogeneous, with major differences in the countries’ economic, political, and social realities, more so than in the US and EU. Therefore, the overall picture for the region may not apply to individual economies.
Performance and Development Needs of Asian Agriculture
Authors: Tacke E. F.
Published: June 2023

The Asian Development Bank has carried out two major surveys of the agriculture sector in its Asian developing member countries (DMCs). The first survey was conducted in 1967 and the second survey in 1976. The first survey was carried out in an atmosphere of optimism based on the expectation that the new production technologies, centered around high-yielding varieties of foodgrains, would revolutionize farming in large parts of Asia and would be able to neutralize or overcome the effects of inequitable land distribution and inadequate institutions. It was believed that widespread application of new technologies would transform agriculture and the rural economy…
Irrigation Development and Cereal Production in Asia
Authors: Takase Kunio
Published: June 2023

During the past 15 years, the overall progress in the production of cereals in Asia was impressive. Many factors contributed to this performance, but probably the most important was the expansion and improvement of irrigation, drainage, and flood control facilities. At the beginning of the 1980s, total production of cereals in 15 Asian developing countries was nearly 50 per cent higher than in the mid-1960s, while the population increased by about 30 per cent over the period. As a result, there was an improvement in the average calorie intake per capita of about 5 per cent. However, there were marked differences among these countries. Calorie intake per capita increased considerably in the East and Southeast Asian countries but declined in the “Indochina” countries and in some South Asian countries…
The Public Sector in the Market Economies of Developing Asia
Authors: Tanzi Vito
Published: June 2023

Discussions on the role of the public sector tend to be on what the public sector ought to do on the basis of assumptions about the existence of public goods, the existence of externalities in the economy, the need to create infrastructure and the need to redistribute income. These discussions are inevitably influenced by ideological considerations and by an implicit concept of the public sector as an all-knowing entity that makes few if any mistakes and that always aims at maximizing the “general” welfare. These “normative” discussions that fill the pages of public finance textbooks are useful for providing a framework for reference. However, more attention must be directed toward the “positive” role of the public sector, recognizing that it is run by individuals who have biases and who make their share of mistakes…
Informal Credit Markets in Asian Developing Countries
Authors: Ghate P. B.
Published: June 2023

Informal credit markets form an important part of the financial systems of Asian developing countries, constituting as much as half of rural credit and a significant part of urban credit in many of them. They play a particularly important role in channeling credit to small and poor borrowers in both urban and rural areas, serving to underpin the credit requirements of a large part of total employment, income and output. Moreover, they constitute a major source of working capital for enterprises of all sizes and serve generally to ameliorate inefficiencies in the allocation of credit from the formal sector. However, information about informal credit markets is fragmentary. Much of it is impressionistic, or based on stereotypes. Despite some excellent microeconomic studies, they do not provide us with an understanding at the macroeconomic level of the existing or potential role of informal credit markets in financial and overall development…