Scopus 2023
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/81307
Browse
Recent Submissions
Item Metadata only VILLAGE DEPENDENCY TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN THE VILLAGE HEAD POSITION FILLING ACCORDING TO VILLAGE LAW(2023-04-01) Diamantina A.; Setiawan F.A.; Diamantina A.; Mahidol UniversityThe election of village heads in Indonesia is implementation of democracy and people's sovereignty in Indonesia. However, in practice, the Village Head Election is still very dependent on Regency/ City Government. The aim of the study is to analyze the dependency of the Village Head filling on the Regency/City Government and the involvement of the Regency/City Regional Government in filling the position of Village Head. This study uses a normative juridical research method using a dogmatic legal approach and secondary data as the source. The results of the study indicate that the involvement of the Regency/City Government in filling the position of Village Head is the result of the concept of division of power, which is a territorial division of power adopted by the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. As a result, the Regency/City Regional Government has a relatively large portion of involvement in filling the Village Head positions as regulated by applicable laws and regulations. This is what should be reduced for the sake of village development in Indonesia.Item Metadata only Pathogenesis of Cluster 1 Duck Tembusu Virus in Ducks Reveals the Impact of Viral Genotype on Pathogenicity and Disease Severity(2023-01-01) Tunterak W.; Rungprasert K.; Wannaratana S.; Yurayart N.; Prakairungnamthip D.; Ninvilai P.; Limcharoen B.; Nedumpun T.; Hamel R.; Banlunara W.; Thontiravong A.; Tunterak W.; Mahidol UniversityDuck Tembusu virus (DTMUV), an emerging avian pathogenic flavivirus, causes severe neurological disorders and acute egg drop syndrome in ducks. Currently, several clusters of DTMUV, including clusters 1, 2, and 3, have been identified and caused outbreaks in Asia. However, most of the DTMUV pathogenesis evaluation has mainly focused on cluster 2, while limited information is available on the pathogenesis of other DTMUV clusters, particularly cluster 1. In this study, the pathogenesis of a cluster 1 DTMUV was investigated in Cherry Valley ducks and compared to our previously reported cluster 2.1 DTMUV. Our results demonstrated that cluster 1 DTMUV was generally less pathogenic than cluster 2.1 DTMUV in ducks as evidenced by slower body weight loss, lower morbidity and mortality rates, and milder pathological changes. Concordantly, delayed viremia, reduced viral loads in blood and tissues, and shorter shedding period with lower viral loads were also observed in cluster 1 DTMUV inoculated ducks compared with those reported in cluster 2.1 DTMUV. In addition, we also found that cluster 1 DTMUV exhibited significant antigenic difference compared to cluster 2.1 DTMUV. Altogether, our findings suggest distinct pathogenicity and antigenicity between cluster 1 and 2.1 DTMUVs in ducks, highlighting the potential association between DTMUV genotype and pathogenicity/disease severity. This study enhances our understanding of DTMUV pathogenesis in ducks and provides useful information for the design and development of effective DTMUV vaccines.Item Metadata only Recognising the importance of the research nurse and study coordinators in enhancing retention of people with haemophilia in clinical trials(2023-01-01) Khair K.; Thykjaer H.; Barazani-Brutman T.; Vanderbilt K.B.; Benjamin C.; Wakefield C.; Williams N.; Wongwerawattanakoon P.; Zhong H.; Mulders G.; Khair K.; Mahidol UniversityIntroduction: For retention in clinical trials of investigational medical products (CTIMPS), the strategy and tactics to keep enrolled participants from discontinuing participation (dropouts) are important. Haemophilia trials often have extended follow-up and require motivated participants who commit for theto support it. Methods: We conducted a 12-question online survey at registration for a virtual research study update summit. The survey investigated the thoughts of RNs/SCs about retention in CTIMPS, their experiences and challenges, and interventions to prevent attrition. Results: Eighty-seven RNs and SCs from 24 countries (Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and North America) participated. The majority (62/75 responses) reported having 1-5 or 6-10 clinical trial participants (46.6% and 36% respectively); the remainder reported 11-40 trial participants. The majority reported no or few participants dropping out of haemophilia clinical trials in the preceding three years (42.8% and 33.7% respectively). RNs/SCs believed participants dropped out because of 'loss of interest' (50%), 'study going on too long' (39%), 'too many visits' (virtual or at centre) (37.5%), 'visits are too time-consuming' (34%) and a 'lack of time' (32.8%). Over half of RNs/SCs believed 'dropouts' would be higher if they did not make extra efforts in retention. The top interventions to retain participants were: keeping an open dialogue, organising visits to fit participant schedules, discussing adverse events, understanding the protocol, and allowing participants time to ask questions. Retention is achieved through flexibility, timeliness, combining trial activities with routine care, shared decision making and effective communication, including via contemporary technology. Conclusion: This study investigating the retention role of RNs/SCs revealed low dropout rates in haemophilia trials. RNs/SCs are able to offer flexibility to trial procedures by, for example, scheduling visits within trial timing 'windows' to support and facilitate individualised follow-up. Patient-centred care and attention, including trust, attitude and expectations, aid successful retention and trial outcomes. This often unrecognised role is important in supporting people with haemophilia in clinical trials to promote good study outcomes.Item Metadata only Favipiravir and ivermectin show in vitro synergistic antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2(2023-01-01) Jitobaom K.; Boonarkart C.; Manopwisedjaroen S.; Punyadee N.; Borwornpinyo S.; Thitithanyanont A.; Avirutnan P.; Auewarakul P.; Jitobaom K.; Mahidol UniversityDespite the urgent need for effective antivirals against SARS-CoV-2 to mitigate the catastrophic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, favipiravir and ivermectin are among the common repurposed drugs that have been provisionally used in some countries. There have been clinical trials with mixed results, and therefore, it is still inconclusive whether they are effective or should be dismissed. It is plausible that the lack of clear-cut clinical benefits was due to the finding of only marginal levels of in vivo antiviral activity. An obvious way to improve the activity of antivirals is to use them in synergistic combinations. The in vitro antiviral activity of the combinations of favipiravir, ivermectin, niclosamide, and chloroquine against SARS-CoV-2 was assessed in Vero E6 cells and the lung epithelial cell, Calu-3. Here we show that favipiravir and ivermectin had synergistic effects against SARS-CoV-2 in Vero E6 cells. In addition, we found that favipiravir had an additive effect with niclosamide, another repurposed anti-parasitic drug with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. However, the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of favipiravir was drastically reduced when evaluated in Calu-3 cells. This suggested that this cell type might not be able to metabolize favipiravir into its active form and that this deficiency in some cell types may affect the in vivo efficacy of this drug. Favipiravir and ivermectin show the best synergistic effect. This combination is being tested in a randomized controlled clinical trial (NCT05155527).Item Metadata only Identification factors to adjust early combination regimens in adult primary immune thrombocytopenia: An 8-year data analysis(2023-01-01) Iam-arunthai K.; Chamnanchanunt S.; Thungthong P.; Nakhahes C.; Suwanban T.; Rojnuckarin P.; Iam-arunthai K.; Mahidol UniversityPurpose: Recent studies suggested that adding other agents to corticosteroids as a first-line treatment for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) could improve outcomes. However, combination regimens may increase side effects and costs. To determine clinical factors associated with responses to the first-line steroid at 1 month. Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with ITP aged ≥ 18 years, who were treated at Rajavithi Hospital between 2012 and 2020. Clinical data, laboratory results, treatment regimens, and responses to therapy were analyzed. Results: Of the 226 patients, 76.6% were female. The mean age was 46.5 ± 18.1 years, and the median follow-up duration was 40 months. The proportion of chronic ITP was 97.3%. The complete response and response rates to first-line therapy were 65.5% and 88.9%, respectively. The age over 26 years, presentation clinically non-significant bleeding and a difference in platelet count of >50 x 109/L between days 1 and 7 after initial treatment were associated with the response to first-line treatment (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 5.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.50-17.28, p = 0.009); OR 5.87, 95%CI 1.19-28.91, p = 0.029, and OR 3.60, 95%CI 1.10-11.73, p = 0.034, respectively. Younger patients and a difference in platelet count between day 1 and 7 ≤ 50 x 109/L were more likely to require second-line treatments. There were significant increases in the median platelet counts after prescribing azathioprine (baseline vs. 3 months, p = 0.001), cyclophosphamide (baseline vs. 6 months, p = 0.021), or danazol (baseline vs. 12 months, p = 0.039). Conclusion: Adult, severity of bleeding at presentation, and rapid platelet increases within 1 week were related to excellent corticosteroid responses in ITP patients. These patients may not need combination regimens.Item Metadata only Topical Sucralfate for Treatment of Chronic Anal Fissure(2023-01-01) Lohsiriwat V.; Mongkhonsupphawan A.; Lohsiriwat V.; Mahidol UniversityItem Metadata only Philosophical and methodological perspective in developing nursing knowledge through research in diabetes(2023-01-01) Winahyu K.M.; Piaseu N.; Winahyu K.M.; Mahidol UniversityThe development of nursing knowledge through research is crucial for its discipline. It is notable to understand the philosophical view of the researcher in conducting the study; in particular advanced analysis, the method would generate advanced nursing knowledge. Philosophical approaches to knowledge development in ontological, epistemological, and axiological contexts were addressed. Developing new knowledge requires the nurse to understand the nature, source, and ways to access the knowledge. Some philosophical approaches are discussed, including post-positivism, interpretative, humanistic, naturalistic, and critical approaches. Thus, different methods for acquiring knowledge, from observation to intervention studies which are underlying philosophies in nursing for addressing huge nursing phenomena, could enrich the nursing body of knowledge. Great use of evidence-based nursing knowledge leads to improved nursing practice quality. This review discusses the philosophical approach for researchers to use as a foundation for their study of the exemplar of diabetes mellitus.Item Metadata only Finite Element Analysis on Comparative Hyperelastic Material for CTSIB Foam(2023-01-01) Toobunterng T.; Suvanjumrat C.; Prinyakupt J.; Toobunterng T.; Mahidol UniversityThe objective of this research is to investigate the properties of standardized foam materials in clinical balance testing, assuming that the behavior of the foam material is hyperelastic. To simulate the deformation behavior, the finite element method was used in conjunction with the behavior of hyperelastic materials. We perform a value of the properties of materials without the use of destructive compression testing samples. Compression tests were performed on real materials according to standardized test methods that did not cause the destruction of the actual material. The collected data were then used to generate stress-strain relationship curves and compare them with different behavior models of hyperelastic materials using the finite element method. The behavior model of Ogden hyperelastic materials showed the highest similarity to the behavior of foam materials.Item Metadata only Tonal Variation by Region of Tai Khun in Chiang Mai Province(2023-05-01) Thavorn P.; Kraisame S.; Thavorn P.; Mahidol UniversityObjectives: The objective of this paper is to analyze the regional variations of 15 dialects of Tai Khun in Chiang Mai province. Methods: Data were collected from informants who were speakers of Thai Khun and over 60 years of age. There were altogether 150 informants—10 informants per speaking community. The Praat program was used to test, analyze, and convert the 80 found words to semitones. Results: The study found that the tonal system-based dialect in Chiang Mai could be categorized into 3 groups: the main tonal system of 6 tones (B123-4), the sub-system 1, and 2 of 5 tones (B-merge). The cause of the tonal variation was the tone coalescences of the B and B=DL in the sub-system 1 and the tone coalescences of the C123= DL4 in the main tonal system and the sub-system 2. The tone coalescences of the C123= DL4 is considered distinctive and is found only in the tonal system of Thai Khun in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The main phonetic variations by region of Tai Khun were found only in the 1st (A12), while the variations of the sub-phonetic were found in almost all tones (except for the 2nd tone) which changed from the main phonetic characteristics of the same phonetic tone in each region. Regional variations of the entire tonal system, the main phonetic and sub-phonetic features of the Tai Khun tone of Chiang Mai are parallel in that they were both caused by language contact, which is classified as an external factor. The languages that have more speakers, such as Standard Thai, Chiang Mai dialect, and Tai Yai of Kung Tung tend to influence the Tai Khun language which has fewer speakers within the same area. The phonetic variation direction of all tones in Tai Khun supports the predicted mechanism of “ Directionality of Tone Change”: the “ peak sliding” mechanism, the “ perceptual maximization” mechanism, and the “contour reduction” mechanism. Application of this study: The knowledge of tonal regional variations in Tai Khun can be used as a guide for studying tonal regional variations in the Tai languages. Research findings can be used for teaching and learning about Tai dialectology. It can also be used as information for language policy planning of agencies involved in language planning and ethnic language preservation, both at the local and national levels.Item Metadata only The Thai Government and the Problem about the Japanese Prisoners of War after the End of the Second World War(2023-05-01) Boontanondha T.; Boontanondha T.; Mahidol UniversityObjectives: This article studies the Thai government’s solution to the problems regarding Japanese prisoners of war after the Second World War. Methods: This research employed a historical methodology to conduct an analysis of documentary data to produce a descriptive analytical report. The study places significant emphasis on utilizing primary evidence sourced from the National Archives of Thailand. Results: This research found that right after the war, a large number of Japanese soldiers previously stationed in Thailand suddenly became Prisoners of War (POWs). The Thai Government, which was officially known as an ally to the Japanese army, was standing in an uncertain status between a winner and a loser, and therefore had to follow the demands of the Alliance. One of its demands was that the Thai government must take care of the Japanese POWs until they were repatriated. Life of the Japanese POWs was difficult due to the government’s limited budget. Moreover, there were crimes committed by the Japanese POWs and crimes in which they were the victims. However, the relationship between Thailand and Japan was good after the war, unlike many Southeast Asian nations which were ferociously ruled by Japan during the War. This is why after the War, the Japanese government transferred the ownership of Japanese factories which had belonged to their private and the public sectors to Thailand. At the same time, the relationship between both nations was rapidly reconciled in the context of the Cold War in which the United States of America acted as the middleman. Application of this study: This study provides a framework for the study of the history of Japanese prisoners of war during the post-World War II period.Item Metadata only The Netherworld, Reincarnation, and Karmic Retribution through the Events of Injustice and Revenge in Sanguozhi Pinghua(2023-05-01) Thaithosaeng P.; Intagorn S.; Thaithosaeng P.; Mahidol UniversityObjectives: This article attempts to explore the influence of Buddhism in the literary work Sanguozhi Pinghua through the stories of injustice and revenge. During the span of approximately 2,000 years, Buddhism and Chinese culture have influenced each other in a complex manner; as a result, local Buddhist beliefs have emerged from this process. In addition to the Buddhist sutras, other forms of literature, such as tales, are also an important source for the laity to understand Buddhism. Sanguozhi Pinghua is a tale recounting the story of the Three Kingdoms period diffused with the local beliefs of Buddhism and other Chinese religions. This research aims to examine the Buddhist influence on Sanguozhi Pinghua in three themes: the netherworld, reincarnation, and retribution. We propose that Sanguozhi Pinghua reveals commoners’ interpretation of Buddhist beliefs, which may not have been recorded in the Buddhist sutras, such as the concept of collective karma. Methods: This research compared literary works and Buddhist scriptures. Results: The results indicate that the concepts of the netherworld, reincarnation, and retribution in Sanguozhi Pinghua are a mixture of Buddhist influence and Chinese local beliefs, resulting in a significant deviation from the teachings in Buddhist scriptures. Application of this study: This study hopes to offer a nuanced interaction between Buddhism and Chinese culture, which can be considered one of the models for studying religions in the society.Item Metadata only BactoBattle: a game-based learning companion for medical bacteriology(2023-01-01) Imwattana K.; Methawirune A.; Voralakkulchai I.; Ngamskulrungroj P.; Imwattana K.; Mahidol UniversityA card game called BactoBattle has been developed to help medical students who have just started learning medical bacteriology to improve their learning efficacy and satisfaction, especially on the topic of antimicrobial resistance. Copies of the game were placed in the students’ study room (approximately 1 set per 12 students) and made available to the students throughout the study period so that they could choose to play the game during their free time if desired. After the study period had ended, the students were asked to complete a questionnaire and a post-test. In total, 33 students completed the questionnaire, and were split into 2 groups: the player group, comprising 12 (36.4%) students who had played the game, and the non-player group. The player group perceived that they could memorize more knowledge compared to the non-player group and indeed recorded higher post-test scores than the non-player group (10.4 vs 8.3 out of 15 points, P=0.031). However, there was no difference in learning motivation (P=0.441) or enjoyment (P=0.562) between the two groups. A majority of the players said they would continue playing the game after the study period and would recommend the game to other students. In short, the BactoBattle game can be a useful tool to improve the learning efficacy of students, but its effect on learning satisfaction remains unclear.Item Metadata only The Residents’ Place Attachment Impacts Tourism in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case in Hue City, Vietnam(2023-01-01) Thi Doan T.T.; Le Doan D.H.; Thi Dang T.H.; Tuan T.H.; Thi Doan T.T.; Mahidol UniversityHue City is situated in the center of Vietnam and is home to a variety of tourist attractions, such as the Huong River, Ngu Binh Mountain, Hue Monument Complex, and beaches. Tourism in Hue has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in the closure of both domestic and international borders. This study investigated whether residents’ place attachment influences their intention to support tourism in Hue during COVID-19. Residents’ place identity and place dependence are analyzed to determine how they influence place attachment in relation to tourism changes in Hue during the pandemic. One hundred sixty-five residents of Hue City were surveyed online to acquire data, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data. Results indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly impact residents’ place attachment; however, their place identity and place dependence affected their place attachment and their support of Hue tourism. The findings emphasize the significance of residents’ place identity and place dependence in influencing their place attachment to Hue tourism during crises and demonstrate the role of residents’ support in Hue tourism.Item Metadata only Resilience of Quantum Key Distribution Source against Laser-Damage Attack by a Variety of Lasers(2023-01-01) Ruzhitskaya D.; Zhluktova I.; Ponosova A.; Trefilov D.; Chaiwongkhot P.; Huang A.; Kamynin V.; Makarov V.; Ruzhitskaya D.; Mahidol UniversityItem Metadata only National Human Rights Protection Systems in Asia and the Pacific(2023-01-01) Ramcharan R.; Ramcharan R.; Mahidol UniversityItem Metadata only Analysis of Epstein-Barr virus infection in oral potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer: A cross-sectional study(2023-01-01) Pankam J.; Lapthanasupkul P.; Kitkumthorn N.; Rungraungrayabkul D.; Klongnoi B.; Piboonniyom Khovidhunkit S.O.; Pankam J.; Mahidol UniversityAims and Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and oral cancer (OC) in a group of Thais using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Epstein-Barr encoding regions (EBERs) in situ hybridization (ISH). The secondary objective is to investigate the risk factors of OC and the association between the presence of EBV and risk factors of OC/site of oral lesions. Materials and Methods: Sixty-one participants attending the screening project for OC and OPMDs at the Northeastern district hospitals of Thailand were recruited. Information related to risk factors and biopsy tissues for histopathological diagnosis was collected. Sixty-seven paraffin tissue blocks, including 52 OPMDs and 15 OC specimens, were investigated for EBV infection, using PCR analysis with latent membrane protein-1 (LMP-1) primer and EBERs ISH. Pearson's Chi-square or Fisher's exact test was used to analyze the differences in variables between participants with OPMDs and OC, as appropriate. The association between EBV infection and related risk factors was analyzed using logistic regression with a significant level at 0.05. Results: Using PCR analysis, 8 of 67 specimens (11.94%) were positive for LMP-1. Three cases of OPMDs were positive for both LMP-1 PCR and EBERs ISH. Regarding risk factors of OC, the two most common risk factors were betel nut chewing (52.46%) and working in sunlight (42.62%). The habit of taking alcohol was significantly different between the OC and the OPMDs groups (p = 0.009). The association between LMP-1 and the lesion at the tongue was statistically significant, with odds ratio = 4.900 (95% confidence interval = 1.046-22.943; p = 0.044). Conclusions: The prevalence of EBV infection in this group of participants was low. However, OPMDs at the tongue exhibited a significant association with EBV infection.Item Metadata only Identification of potential molecular mechanisms and prognostic markers for oral squamous cell carcinoma: A bioinformatics analysis(2023-01-01) Chujan S.; Kitkumthorn N.; Satayavivad J.; Chujan S.; Mahidol UniversityAims and Objectives: The goal of this study was to uncover crucial biochemical pathways, prognostic indicators, and therapeutic targets in patients with oral cancer in order to enhance therapy strategies. Materials and Methods: Five gene expression omnibus datasets were analyzed by using bioinformatics approaches to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). To determine biological alterations, gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analyses were implied using the identified DEGs. Hub genes were determined using protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and an interactome was constructed using NetworkAnalyst. Furthermore, five hub genes were evaluated for use as prognostic markers by using the human protein atlas (HPA) and the GEPIA2.0 database. In addition, the correlations between hub-gene expression and immune cell infiltration of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tumors were analyzed using the tumor immune estimation resource (TIMER) database. Results: A total of 2071 upregulated genes and 1893 downregulated genes were identified. GO and pathway analysis showed DEGs were enriched in multiple immune response terms and interaction of inflammatory cytokines. From the PPI network, five hub genes were identified that have a crucial role in OSCC. These included interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4), chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7), TNF receptor superfamily member 17 (TNFRSF17), CD27, and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 4 (S1PR4), which were predicted to be favorable prognostic markers for OSCC using HPA. Overall survival analysis revealed that low expression of the five hub genes was significantly associated with worse overall survival. Our analysis of tumor-associated immune infiltration revealed that increased IRF4 expression was positively correlated with the gene expression profiles suggestive of infiltration of all immune cell types, whereas increased CCR7 expression was negatively correlated with neutrophil infiltration. Increased expression of CD27, S1PR4, and TNFRSF17 was found to be negatively correlated with dendritic cell, M0 macrophage, and neutrophil infiltration. Conclusion: In summary, inflammation, and the immune response play an important role in OSCC. All five hub genes were good predictors of OSCC prognosis, suggesting that they could be used as potential therapeutic targets and tumor markers.Item Metadata only Reflection on feasibility and usability of interactive online international exchange program for occupational therapy students(2023-12-01) Suyama N.; Inoue K.; Sorasak S.; Thawisuk C.; Watanabe M.; Suyama N.; Mahidol UniversityThe COVID-19 pandemic affected international exchange programs due to travel restrictions. There are few reports of online international exchange programs in medical area and no report of interactive activities among students together for several months. To the best of our knowledge, we needed to seek the feasible approach to conduct online exchange program. We experienced online collaboration works to promote internationalization in occupational therapy (OT) undergraduate education. The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility and usability of an interactive online international exchange program, and discuss its challenges and advantages. The three-month program was newly developed, and aimed at cultivating an international perspective, understanding OT, and learning basic research skills. Students’ interests and the development of their motivation were considered in the program consisting of synchronous and asynchronous lectures, a collaboration research project, group work, and report assignments. Through the program, students were satisfied with the program contents and had the precious experience to develop international relationships. The online exchange program provided students with the opportunity to experience and learn OT education internationally at an economical cost, and to achieve program goal during the regular semester. In this program, students not only acquired knowledge in their professional field, but also cultivated their international communication skills in English from small group activities and social activities. Considering various communication methods was an important aspect in the virtual environment leading to a successful program. In medical education, an online program can be an effective and practical measure for international exchange.Item Metadata only Japan’s Relations with ASEAN Post-COVID-19: Navigating the New Cold War(2023-01-01) Ramcharan R.; Ramcharan R.; Mahidol UniversityThe COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated and accelerated existing geo-political tensions in the world. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Japan will need to craft a relationship with each other that navigates the New Cold War (NCW) between China and the United States that is emerging. Japan is signaling a turn toward a realist power-based approach toward security, including in Southeast Asia. ASEAN will need to accommodate a greater political and military role of Japan in the region.Item Metadata only Scales of Affordances: Visibility and Pandemic Encounters among Buddhists in the Javanese Highlands(2023-01-01) Rizzo R.; Rizzo R.; Mahidol UniversityIn this contribution, I explore the encounter between a pandemic-mitigation event initiated by the local administration of Central Java, Indonesia, and a Buddhist village in the highland region of Temanggung. For the minority Buddhist community in the area, the event signified a possibility to pursue media presence. In the previous few years, the village of Surjosari had launched various projects of community and religious revitalization. On the one hand, such projects progressively included the community within the nationwide reach of Theravāda Buddhism. On the other hand, these projects were increasingly aimed at the implementation of a specific ethnopreneurial vision of highland eco-tourism, particularly endorsed by a host of local activists. The article shows how the government’s Candi Siaga in-itiative offered an unprecedented opportunity to advance the residents’ idea of community development, which braids together religious, ethnic and economic strands. By tracing long-term pre-and post-event developments in the village, I frame this opportunity in terms of affordance. Rather than mobilizing vocabularies of coping and responses that are intrinsic in recent virological discourses, affordances can provide an open-ended and undetermined horizon for encounters between broad processes such as a pandemic and the particular practices of a rural community. This requires us to extend the definition of the concept beyond its applicability to the restricted domain of immediate ecological perception.