Plant-based food taboos in pregnancy and the postpartum period in Southeast Asia – a systematic review of literature

2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 949-961 ◽  
Author(s):  
Realm Köhler ◽  
Sudathip Sae-tan ◽  
Christine Lambert ◽  
Hans Konrad Biesalski
Keyword(s):  
Southeast Asia ◽  
Postpartum Period ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Practical Implication ◽  
Southeast Asian ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Asian Women ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Taboos ◽  
Increased Risk

PurposeFood taboos during pregnancy and the postpartum period have been linked to increased risk of maternal and neonatal death. This paper aims to present plant-based food restrictions on Southeast Asian women during pregnancy and after giving birth and the rationale behind such cultural practices.Design/methodology/approachGoogle® Scholar, PubMed and Scopus search using the term food taboo, its synonyms and truncations, in combination with the terms pregnancy, postpartum and breastfeeding, and with the name of the Southeast Asian countries, was conducted from January to February 2017. Articles were included in the review if their full texts were accessible online, in English, published from 2005 to 2016 and if they contained primary data from either quantitative or qualitative method.FindingsA total of 281 articles were downloaded, and 28 were included in this review. The food taboos and the reasons for avoidance were collated and grouped per their occurrence and according to the country or countries where they are practiced. In total, 14 papers generated data on food taboos during pregnancy, 16 papers on postpartum food taboos and/or 6 on breastfeeding.Research limitations/implicationsThis review pools together relevant information about plant-based food taboos Southeast Asian women adhere to during pregnancy and after giving birth. However, data are absent for some of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries, and there is a need for more research to get up-to-date information on the local women’s adherence to these cultural practices.Practical implicationThe knowledge of these practices can support stakeholders who are contributing to the reduction of maternal and under-five mortality ratios in Southeast Asia.Originality/valueThis is the first review paper on food taboos covering all ASEAN members and highlighting the need for cultural sensitivity to properly address maternal and child health problems in the region.

Nexus between Southeast Asian stock markets, bitcoin and gold: spillover effect before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yosuke Kakinuma
Keyword(s):  
Southeast Asia ◽  
Stock Markets ◽  
Spillover Effect ◽  
Spillover Effects ◽  
Southeast Asian ◽  
Series Data ◽  
Financial Assets ◽  
Volatility Spillover ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Asset Classes

Purpose This study aims to provide empirical evidence on the return and volatility spillover effects between Southeast Asian stock markets, bitcoin and gold in the periods before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The interdependence among different asset classes, the two leading stock markets in Southeast Asia (Singapore and Thailand), bitcoin and gold, is analyzed for diversification opportunities. Design/methodology/approach The vector autoregressive-Baba, Engle, Kraft, and Kroner-generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity model is used to capture the return and volatility spillover effects between different financial assets. The data cover the period from October 2013 to May 2021. The full period is divided into two sub-sample periods, the pre-pandemic period and the during-pandemic period, to examine whether the financial turbulence caused by COVID-19 affects the interconnectedness between the assets. Findings The stocks in Southeast Asia, bitcoin and gold become more interdependent during the pandemic. During turbulent times, the contagion effect is inevitable regardless of region and asset class. Furthermore, bitcoin does not provide protection for investors in Southeast Asia. The pricing mechanism and technology behind bitcoin are different from common stocks, yet the results indicate the co-movement of bitcoin and the Singaporean and Thai stocks during the crisis. Finally, risk-averse investors should ensure that gold constitutes a significant proportion of their portfolio, approximately 40%–55%. This strategy provides the most effective hedge against risk. Originality/value The mean return and volatility spillover is analyzed between bitcoin, gold and two preeminent stock markets in Southeast Asia. Most prior studies test the spillover effect between the same asset classes such as equities in different regions or different commodities, currencies and cryptocurrencies. Moreover, the time-series data are divided into two groups based on the structural break caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of this study offer practical implications for risk management and portfolio diversification. Diversification opportunities are becoming scarce as different financial assets witness increasing integration.

Integration between East and Southeast Asian equity markets

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 104-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuruzzaman Arsyad
Keyword(s):  
Southeast Asia ◽  
Financial Crises ◽  
Market Integration ◽  
Financial Integration ◽  
Equity Markets ◽  
Equity Market ◽  
Southeast Asian ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
East And Southeast Asia

Purpose – This paper aims to seek to find answers to three questions. First, is there any possibility of long-term cointegration between East and Southeast Asian equity markets? If so, how many cointegrating equations are there? Second, what are the short-term causal relationships between equity markets in East and Southeast Asia? Third, what is the East Asia’s most influential equity market toward their Southeast counterparts, and vice versa? Design/methodology/approach – This study uses Johansen's (1988) cointegration method to test long-run relationships among East and Southeast Asian equity markets. With regards to short-run causal relationships, this study uses Granger-causality test as well as the forecast variance decomposition method. Findings – Johansen test proves that there is cointegration between East and Southeast Asian equity markets, but the integration process is not complete. Cointegrating vector also provides evidence that member countries of ASEAN+3 respond differently to external shocks. With regards to short-run causal direction, this study finds that Japan Granger-causes all equity markets in Southeast Asia, while Singapore and Vietnam Granger-cause all equity markets in East Asia. These results imply that Japan is the market with most linkages in Southeast Asia, while Singapore and Vietnam are the markets with most linkages to East Asia. Furthermore, forecast variance decomposition reveals that Japan is the East Asia’s most influential equity markets, while Singapore is the most influential equity market in Southeast Asia. This study suggests that policymakers in East and Southeast Asian countries to synchronize the capital market standards and regulations as well as to reduce the barriers for capital mobility to spur the regional equity market integration. Research limitations/implications – Increasing integration of East and Southeast Asian capital markets forces policymakers in ASEAN+3 countries to synchronize monetary policies, as it has been found that regionally integrated capital markets reduce the degree of independent monetary policy (Logue et al., 1976). It is therefore important for policymakers in East and Southeast Asian countries to assess the possibility of stock market integration within this region to anticipate the future risks associated with economic integration as well as to build collective regional institutions (Wang, 2004). Click and Plummer (2005) also argued that integrated stock markets is more efficient than nationally segmented equity markets, and the efficiency of Asian capital markets has been questioned in particular after the 1997 Asian financial crises. Yet, the empirical evidence on the extent of financial integration among ASEAN+3 member countries has been limited and inconclusive. This study is therefore an attempt to investigate the recent development of ASEAN+3 equity markets integration. Practical implications – This study focuses its attention on the existence and the extent of financial integration in East and Southeast Asia region, and it provides evidence that equity market integration in ASEAN+3 is far from complete, and for that reason, there is a need for policymakers in ASEAN+3 member countries to synchronize their standards and regulations. Furthermore, the policymakers in East and Southeast Asia can gain benefit from this study, as it provides the evidence that ASEAN+3 member countries respond differently to policy shocks, which may hinder the development of regional financial integration as well as the policy effectiveness of region-wide authority in ASEAN+3. Originality/value – This research is different from previous studies, as it puts the regional financial integration within the context of ASEAN+3 frameworks. Unlike previous research that considers East and Southeast Asian countries as an individual entity, this research considers East and Southeast Asia into two different blocks, following Tourk (2004) who documented that negotiation process for ASEAN+3 financial integration is conducted in sub-regional level (ASEAN vs East Asia), rather than national level (country per country basis). Second, this study covers the period after the 1997 Asian financial crisis. As suggested in Wang (2014), that the degree of stock market integration tends to change around the periods marked by financial crises, the updated study on Asian financial integration in the aftermath of 1997 financial crises is important to document the development of regional financial integration.

Sustainable development and spirituality: a critical analysis of GNH index

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (12) ◽  
pp. 1919-1939 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kanupriya Gupta ◽  
Rajat Agrawal
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Socioeconomic Development ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
Practical Implication ◽  
Environmental Conservation ◽  
Cultural Preservation ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Spiritual Values ◽  
Critical Approach ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the relationship between sustainable development (SD) and spirituality. Bhutan, a country believing deeply in Buddhist spiritual values has created a model of Gross National Happiness (GNH) where it is believed that the holistic evolution of human being can take place with a balance of material as well as non-material aspects of spiritual, cultural, societal and environmental. The paper critically analyzes GNH to establish the role of spirituality in SD. Design/methodology/approach The paper analyses the GNH concept using literature review. Further, personal meetings with authorities in Bhutan and interaction with citizens of Bhutan used to gather primary data. A critical approach has been applied to understand the practical implication of the concept. Findings Good governance, sustainable socioeconomic development, cultural preservation and environmental conservation formed the four basic pillars of the GNH index, further elaborated into 9 domains and 33 clustered indicators. The concept has been commendable in giving new direction to the understanding of SD. Nevertheless, certain discrepancies create ambiguity and limitations around the validity of adoption of the concept in other countries. Research limitations/implications A balanced and holistic, yet practical model of SD is necessitated. Bhutan has been a pioneer to suggest the different dimensions that can be acted upon to produce a more honest and sustainable path of being in concord with nature, community and other-related surroundings. Practical implications The paper provides insights to researchers and practitioners in understanding the basic essentials required for the SD agenda. The paper derives the learnings from the GNH model which can help in understanding the areas where the western three-pillar model of development needs more refinement. At the same time, the paper also helps in creating the insights for Bhutanese practitioners and policymakers about the areas where the GNH model still needs to be worked upon to improve its efficacy. Originality/value The paper proposes that SD can only be achieved through spirituality.

scholarly journals Women and Terrorism: A Sketch on Women and Transnational Terrorism in Southeast Asia and Indonesia

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-66
Author(s):  
Herdi Sahrasad ◽  
Dedy Tabrani ◽  
Muhammad Ridwan ◽  
Al Chaidar
Keyword(s):  
Southeast Asia ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Southeast Asian ◽  
Asian Women ◽  
Transnational Terrorism ◽  
Terrorist Organizations ◽  
Asian Region

In Southeast Asia, many women in radical groups have extreme views and they are ready to join Jihadist movement to support her husband's actions as Jihad fi sabilillah.  In this context, experience in Southeast Asia shows the increasing involvement of women in terrorism by reason of following the husband's jihad to fight thogut regimes in the region. Meanwhile, there are a large number of Islamic terrorist organizations involving active women throughout the Southeast Asian region, from Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore to the Philippines.  In this regard, the emergence of ISIS has strengthened and institutionalized acts of terror and violence by Southeast Asian women following the ISIS declaration to establish a regional khilafah (Caliphate). 

Pay the bribe or take the high road: dilemma of a young female Tanzanian entrepreneur

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-96
Author(s):  
Bella L. Galperin ◽  
Chinenye Florence Enueme ◽  
Deirdre Painter Dixon
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Young Female ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Business Climate ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Business Decisions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Level ◽  
Female Entrepreneur

Theoretical basis The purpose of this paper is to raise the question of whether having ethical values dictate actions at defining moments and builds upon theoretical frameworks in ethics, entrepreneurship and national culture. Three ethical approaches recommended for this case are: ends-based, virtue-based and rules-based. Research methodology The methods of data collection were both primary and secondary. Primary data were collected through face to face and phone interviews with the primary subject. Secondary data were obtained through research journals and articles. Case overview/synopsis This case study illustrates the experiences of a young female entrepreneur in Tanzania, Africa. It investigates the role of cultural practices, unemployment, corruption and ethics in shaping business decisions. The Tanzanian culture and business climate typically view women in traditional roles, while men dominate in corporate roles. These factors limit the ability of women to succeed. Elisa King is determined to pursue her dream to create a business beneficial to her community. To realize her dream, King finds herself in an ethical dilemma brought on by an overall corrupt culture. Complexity academic level This case is appropriate for undergraduate- and graduate-level courses with an ethics component.

Re-structuring library resources and services in IIT Delhi library: analytical study from users' perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajender Kumar ◽  
Dinesh K. Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Practical Implication ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Institute Of Technology ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Purpose This study aims to assess users' satisfaction from the re-structured library resources and services due to technological innovations in the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi library. It also identifies and suggests potential improvement areas. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a survey research method to collect data from the end-users of the library. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire. In total, 100 copies of questionnaires were distributed to the students, and out of the filled received questionnaires, 92 were found dully completed and useable. Collected data were analyzed by using percentage and chi-square test for testing of hypothesis. Findings This study shows that users' usage and preference for e-resources and e-services are increasing as there is a general trend to overlook traditional print resources where e-resources are available in the first place. The study recommends that a radical rethinking is required to strengthen the electronic collection and improve the library services. Practical implications The paper has a direct practical implication. It suggests that as technology continues to evolve, it is likely that academic institutes find themselves identifying appropriate areas to redesign library activities and services regularly. This paper reveals the practice of re-engineering in academic library services and knowing students' specific preferences of resources and services to enhance library usage. Originality/value The study is based on the self-designed structured questionnaire. Primary data has been collected from the IIT Delhi library users, thus providing original information and informative inputs to the existing literature.

Comparative practices of food label claims from US, EU and selected Southeast Asian countries

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (7) ◽  
pp. 530-541 ◽  
Author(s):  
May O. Lwin
Keyword(s):  
Southeast Asia ◽  
Food Products ◽  
Southeast Asian ◽  
Food Labels ◽  
Food Label ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Southeast Asian Countries

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to fulfil gaps in knowledge regarding food packaging practices in Southeast Asia by examining the informational content of food labels on a variety of packaged foods. Design/methodology/approach – Using local and imported food products found in supermarkets in Singapore, a quantitative content analysis of food label claims in a wide range of packaged food products was conducted. A codebook was developed to capture the attributes of the food labels and claims, content categories, product names, food categories, sources of manufacture and countries of brand origin. The three main regions of analysis of country of manufacture were the USA, European Union (EU) and Southeast Asia. Findings – Analysis of food products manufactured in five Southeast Asian countries revealed the presence of various claims in food products, and a number of specific claims exceeded the percentages found in products from the USA or EU. The results showed that a significant proportion of products from Southeast Asian countries display nutrient content and nutrient function claims, as well as general marketing claims and non-nutrient claims. However, there were variations in practice amongst the five Southeast Asian countries. Research limitations/implications – The sample was limited in being collected from one geographic location. Future research needs to expand data collection both geographically and longitudinally. Practical implications – The findings are valuable for the national health authorities in addressing policies on food package labelling, and homogenization efforts pertaining to regional/international labelling policies. These in turn could influence food marketing practices. Social implications – The findings are useful in crafting educational programming and guidelines for health and nutrition education. Originality/value – This research is the first to explore food labelling practices in multiple Southeast Asian countries and compare them cross-sectionally with EU and US practices.

An Assessment of the Increasing Risk of Marine Oil Spills and the Existing Preparedness Capabilities in the Southeast Asian Region

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 (1) ◽  
pp. 856-868
Author(s):  
Geeva Varghese
Keyword(s):  
Southeast Asia ◽  
Oil Spill ◽  
Oil Spills ◽  
Oil Pollution ◽  
Southeast Asian ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Asian Region ◽  
Response Planning ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Exploration And Production

ABSTRACT A rapidly growing economy has pushed the energy demands and has significantly increased the exploration and production activities as well as the shipping traffic over recent years in the Southeast Asian Region. Since the introduction of offshore exploration and production in the 1960's, Southeast Asia has gone through a remarkable transition from an onshore to an offshore focused region with more than 80% of oil production coming from offshore fields in 2011. Also the region has recently moved into deepwater exploration and production activities which now makes up more than 10% of the offshore production. With the rising production volumes, the transport of oil products has continuously increased both in volume and in number of ships used. This trend is expected to grow further with the investment in new refinery capacity of several Southeast Asian countries. All these factors have significantly contributed to the increased risk of marine spill incidents in the region. An increased risk of oil spills necessitates an increase in the capability to respond and manage major oil spill incidents. Even though the Southeast Asian region has made some notable progress over the past few decades in terms of oil spill preparedness and response, the region's capabilities are arguably less mature compared to other parts of the world. Most of the countries in the region have been successful in establishing the elements of preparedness advocated by the OPRC (International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness Response and Cooperation) convention. But recent spill incidents and preparedness work in the region have revealed a need for greater collaboration between the government and industry stakeholders from oil, shipping and port industries, planning and preparing of major trans-boundary oil spill incidents and alignment of oil spill preparedness and response system of a country from the national to provincial level. This paper examines the increasing risks of oil spills from the growing vessel traffic and exploration and production activities in Southeast Asia against the current level of preparedness in the region. In doing so, the author will share the experience gained from working on various oil spill response planning and preparedness projects with the Governments and industry in the region with lessons learned, current developments and recommendation for improvements.

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