East Asia Research

Efficient poultry production depends on the optimal supplementation of energy and standardized ileal digestible (SID) amino acids to realize the genetic potential for whole-body protein deposition. While the requirements for energy and SID amino acids-such as the SID lysine-to-energy ratio-are well-documented, industry adoption of these findings remains slow. Consequently, many commercial formulations still rely on crude protein (CP) as a primary constraint. This reliance on high levels of protein meal inclusion leads to increased indigestible protein and excess absorbed amino acids, which in turn trigger various metabolic, health, welfare, and environmental challenges. This symposium paper explores how the poultry industry can effectively manage nitrogen emissions while maintaining optimal growth performance by leveraging the latest advancements in precision nitrogen (N) nutrition.

Against the backdrop of China’s “Dual Carbon” strategy, transitioning to high-quality energy development (HQED) is imperative for balancing decarbonization with economic resilience. This study explores the transformative role of the digital economy as a primary driver of this transition. Using provincial panel data from 2013 to 2023, we employ a two-way fixed effects model to quantify the impact of digital economy on high-quality energy development. Our empirical results demonstrate that the digital economy significantly bolsters high-quality energy development, a finding that holds across rigorous robustness and endogeneity checks. Mechanism analysis reveals three critical transmission pathways: fostering technological innovation, accelerating industrial structure upgrading, and promoting industrial sophistication. Furthermore, heterogeneity analysis indicates a pronounced positive effect in the Eastern and Central regions, whereas the impact in the Western region remains limited, highlighting a “digital divide” in energy transition. These findings suggest that policymakers should prioritize digital infrastructure in lagging regions and leverage digital tools to bridge the gap between industrial upgrading and energy efficiency.

The Northeast Asian region is characterized by unique geographical and climatic conditions which harbor a rich diversity of lichens. Lichens in Northeast Asia are understudied as there is a lack of comprehensive studies synthesizing scientific knowledge on this group. This paper compiles a detailed historical overview of lichen research in various countries across Northeast Asia, including China, Japan, the Korean Peninsula, the Russian Far East, and Mongolia. The paper summarizes the current state of knowledge as well as future research trajectories on lichens for each country. We describe the inception of lichen research, major publications, key researchers and institutions involved in these studies, and a catalogue of lichens described in each nation.

Polyethylene (PE) is susceptible to photo-oxidative degradation under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, exhibits limited thermal/oxidative stability, and faces stiffness-toughness trade-offs. This work examines TiO₂ and ZnO nanoparticles-employed as bare and surface-modified fillers with a PE-g-MA compatibilizer-to optimize the UV resistance, thermal stability, and mechanical performance of PE composites. Composites were produced by melt compounding and solution casting. Accelerated UV weathering was performed, and specimens were characterized by FTIR carbonyl index, UV-Vis, TGA/DSC/DMA, and SEM/TEM; differences were evaluated using ANOVA. Coated TiO 2 ⁄ ZnO at 1 − 3 wt % delivered the best balance, increasing oxidative-induction time, raising TGA onset temperature, and elevating crystallinity and storage modulus while preserving tensile strength after aging. Surface modification suppressed photocatalytic discoloration and embrittlement, whereas compatibilization improved interfacial stress transfer. The improvements arise from UV attenuation, heterogeneous nucleation, and strengthened polymer-filler interfaces. The findings demonstrate applicability to industrial packaging and outdoor parts; limitations include agglomeration and viscosity growth at higher loadings.

Developing countries sign free trade agreements aimed to expand their access to markets, improve trade balance, revitalise their economies by increasing production and create jobs opportunities. Keeping in view these objectives, the RCEP agreement was signed by 15 countries which collectively account for 30% of economic production of the whole world and 25% of global trade. Thus, it became the biggest FTA of the world. This study answers two questions. First, what are the trade creation effects of RCEP? and second, what is the trade potential of the RCEP? Results of this study show that RCEP is helping member countries strengthen their trade and increased market access. The 90% tariff reductions serving under RCEP determine its effects on trade, both inside and beyond the union. Intraregional exports are supposed to increase 2%, or 42 billion dollars. This is due to two forces: trade creation and trade diversion. Trade creation is expected to crease trade among member by 17 billion dollars while the trade diversion will increase trade 25 billion dollars among the member countries. On country level China will obtain the highest benefits in terms of improved trade, followed by Japan. While least will go to Cambodia followed by Loas.