Newsletter : Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University No.79

Word from the Director … Yoko Hayami [4]Khmer Chronicle Manuscripts: Cambodian Historiography from the Pre-colonial to Post-independence Periods … Theara Thun [6]Conservation, Ecotourism, and the Extractive Anthropocene in Komodo National Park, Indonesia … Cypri Jehan Paju Dale [9]A Parsi Community in Madagascar? Research on British Archival Sources … Matteo Miele [12]Monitoring Precipitation over the Peatlands of East Sumatra … Mariko Ogawa [14]Annamnikai Temples in Thailand … Thanyathip Sripana [18]Research on the Economy of Labor at CSEAS … Tomohiro Machikita [20]Publications [22

Unpacking the heritage dimensions of historic urban systems: the case of Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Heritage values of inhabited historic towns are inevitably subject to constant socioeconomic, environmental and cultural changes. A set of concerns lies in a complex system of cultural, social, political, and economic issues, leading to difficulties in achieving a balance between the needs of heritage conservation and the needs of tourism development. If we consider heritage conservation as a process to influence people’s perceptions of heritage values and their willingness to maintain them, it is important to understand, for each context-specific site, what qualifies as heritage in the perception of the locals who are the ultimate heritage care-holders. Identifying what constitutes urban heritage dimensions from the locals’ point of view is critical for heritage and tourism management practice as it can determine what should be sustained and what should be changed in the integrated conservation and development efforts of a historic town. Thus, future conservation and development strategies can be informed. This article aims to develop a framework for defining the multiple, interconnected and dynamic urban heritage dimensions in a way that integrates the principle of cultural sustainability, while also acknowledges the concept of sustainable tourism development, encompassing tangible and intangible attributes as integral parts of a holistic concept of heritage values. The possibilities for using Environmental Cognition Theory to define heritage dimensions, which is fundamental for heritage management of inhabited historic towns, will be explored. The analysis draws on interviews carried out with local stakeholders at Chiang Mai, Thailand, where there are currently discussions for its nomination as a World Heritage Site. The findings show potential of using Environmental Cognition Theory to dimensionally deepen the understanding of heritage dimensions by providing an in-depth understanding of how symbolic attributes, collectively with physical attributes, play an important role in contributing to the heritage values of urban heritage elements

The Influence of Climate Change Considerations on Energy Policy: The Case of Russia

To those working on climate change it is obvious that energy policy should be influenced by climate change considerations. The question that this paper seeks to answer is, to what extent do they influence policy and what contribution can a careful analysis of the costs and benefits of climate change options have on the formulation of that policy. We seek to understand this by looking in some detail at energy policy formulation in Russia. To do so it is necessary to look at the whole set of issues that determine energy policy. These include energy security, macroeconomic and uncertainty factors, local environmental issues and social issues. The analysis has been carried out for a specific case – that of the RF, where energy policy is currently under formulation to 2010. Two options have been looked at: a “High Coal” option, where there would be a substantial change in fuel mix away from gas to coal; and a “High Gas” option where the current fuel mix is retained and the increase in demand is met from all sources in proportion to current use. The analysis shows that, at international prices for fuels, the “High Coal” option is attractive. However, when we include the potential decline of price for natural gas in the European market, the relative preference for this option drops dramatically but it still remains the preferred option. When, account is also taken of the carbon benefits of the High Gas option, using plausible values for carbon, the attraction of the High Coal option is further reduced but not altered. When finally account is taken of the health associated with the lower use of coal in the High Gas option, the preference can be reversed but it requires a critical value for the health benefits. This critical value – at around $3,000 for a life year lost -- is plausible for the RF, if anything the actual value is probably higher. What the analysis shows is the need for a careful evaluation of the different factors determining energy policy. Among these is climate change. It is not the critical factor but it can be an important one. Perhaps more important are the environmental benefits that go with the lower carbon High Gas options.Climate policy, Russia, Ancillary benefits

New Roads to International Environmental Agreements: The Case of Global Warming

We analyze with an integrated assessment model of climate change the formation of interna-tional environmental agreements (IEAs) by applying the widely used concept of inter-nal & external stability and several modifications of it. We relax the assumptions of a single agreement and open membership rule. It turns out that regional agreements are superior to a single agreement and exclusive is superior to open membership in welfare and ecological terms. Moreover, we show the importance of transfers for successful treaty-making. We relate our results to the design of current and past IEAs as well as to other issues of international policy coordination.Design of climate treaty protocol, Coalition formation, Non-cooperative game theory

The carbon offset problem and how SMEs should approach it! A qualitative analysis of carbon offset strategies for SMEs in the Netherlands.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often lack the resources and knowledge to navigate the voluntary carbon offset market (COM), which is characterized by uncertainty, unclear regulations, and opaque practices. However, as SMEs account for a large share of global emissions, it is crucial to encourage and enable them to take actions to reduce their carbon footprint. This thesis aims to provide SMEs with a better understanding of carbon offsetting, the problems associated with it, and how to choose the most effective strategy. The thesis includes a literature review of the background of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) offsetting, including the different types of CO2 markets and the history of mandatory and voluntary carbon offset policies. The expected future of carbon offset policies is also discussed. Carbon offsetting has been developed as a market-based mechanism to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. It allows companies and individuals to offset their own emissions by investing in projects that reduce emissions elsewhere. There are two types of carbon markets, namely mandatory and voluntary. Mandatory carbon markets are implemented through government regulations, while the voluntary carbon market (VCM) is driven by companies and individuals who choose to offset their emissions voluntarily. The history of mandatory carbon offset policies can be traced back to the Kyoto Protocol, which established the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). This mechanism allowed developed countries to offset their emissions by investing in emissions reduction projects in developing countries. However, there were many issues with the CDM, such as the potential for double counting and the lack of additionality (projects financed with offset funds that would also happen without these funds). Voluntary carbon offset policies have been developed by companies and individuals who wish to reduce their carbon footprint voluntarily. This market has grown rapidly in recent years, but it is characterized by a lack of transparency and regulation, making it difficult for SMEs to navigate. The potential risks associated with voluntary carbon offsetting include the quality and sustainability of offset projects, non-additionality, and the potential negative impacts on environments and people located near the offset projects. To address the challenges associated with carbon offsetting for SMEs, this thesis uses the multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) framework to evaluate and select the most appropriate carbon offsetting strategy. The MCDA model is based on the identification of key decision criteria, including cost, transparency, and environmental impact, as well as the development of weightings and scoring for each criterion. The thesis concludes with recommendations for SMEs to address the challenges of carbon offsetting, such as engaging in due diligence, verifying the quality of offset projects, and considering the long-term sustainability of their offsetting strategy. The proposed MCDA framework can be used by SMEs to evaluate their carbon offsetting options and select the most appropriate strategy based on their specific needs and priorities. In conclusion, this thesis provides SMEs with a better understanding of the COM, the challenges associated with carbon offsetting, and how to choose the most effective strategy. The proposed MCDA framework can assist SMEs in making informed decisions about their carbon offsetting practices, leading to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible business ecosystem

<Literature, Film and Culture in Southeast Asia> Twelve Sisters: A Shared Heritage in Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand

Edited by YAMAMOTO HiroyukiList of Contributors [v]Acknowledgements [ix]Introduction /YAMAMOTO Hiroyuki [x]1. Cultural Identity and Creative Tourism: The Folktale Nang Sip Song (Twelve Sisters) in the Global Contexts /Trisilpa BOONKHACHORN [1]2. From Folktale to Buddhist Tale: The Twelve Sisters in the Buddhist Tale, Paññāsajātaka in Thailand /Chanwit TUDKEAO [6]3. Shapes of Love in Lao Tradition: The Legend of the Twelve Sisters in Laos /Khamphuy PHOLLURXA [13]4. Being a Good Son is the Greatest Virtue: The Twelve Sisters in the Cambodian National Language Textbook /VAN Sovathana [26]5. Power of Tales: How Narrating Stories Instilled Hope to Survive during the Pol Pot Regime in Cambodia /PAL Vannarirak [33]6. Male Mountain, Female Mountain: Local Topography and Oral Tradition in Laos /HASHIMOTO Sayaka [36]7. Princess Kongrey's Last Wish: Cambodian Utopia in Ly Bun Yim's Puthisen Neang Kongrey /OKADA Tomoko [50]8. Comical Thevada and Feminine Ogre: Innovative Characters Reflecting Modern Thai /HIRAMATSU Hideki [68]9. The Blooming Season: Thai Short Film /Chalida UABUMRUNGJIT [74]10. Aspiring for the Next "Golden Age" /DOUNG Sarakpich [77]11. For the Development of Lao Film: Film Archives and Film Industry in Laos /Dethnakhone LUANGMOVIHANE [88]12. Boosting Passions for Making Stories: The Short Filmmaking Scene in Laos /Athidxay BOUANDAOHEUANG [95

Characterization of the metabolic profile of adipose tissue in spontaneously hypertensive rats and its involvement with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system

Orientador: Dora Maria Grassi KassisseTese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de BiologiaResumo: A ativação crônica do eixo hipotálamo-hipófise-adrenal, do sistema nervoso simpático (SNS) e, consequentemente, do sistema renina-angiotensina-aldosterona (SRAA) tem papel crucial no desenvolvimento da hipertensão e de doenças metabólicas. Além de presente em diferentes tecidos, já foi comprovado que o adipócito produz todos os elementos do SRAA, envolvendo o eixo adipócito-corticomedular diretamente com a obesidade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar o perfil metabólico do tecido adiposo em ratos espontaneamente hipertensos (SHR) e o seu envolvimento com o sistema renina-angiotensina-aldosterona. O peso corpóreo, ingestão alimentar e hídrica, coleta de sangue para análises séricas e de tecidos para morfometria e FLIM (Fluorescence-lifetime imaging microscopy) foram realizadas na 6ª e na 15ª semana de vida. Os ensaios funcionais foram realizados com adipócitos epididimais isolados de ratos submetidos a jejum prévio de 12-16h na 15ª semana de vida. Os SHR apresentaram valores menores no peso corporal e na glicemia de jejum, além de apresentarem uma taxa basal maior de produção de lactato por volume de adipócitos. A estimulação por angiotensina II (AII) e o bloqueio de seus receptores não interferiram na produção de lactato. A estimulação de noradrenalina e sua combinação com AII sugere uma modulação e/ou competição na cascata downstream para a troca do metabolismo glicolítico pelo lipolítico em todas as linhagens, demonstrando que a hipolipodristrofia exibida em SHR não é ocasionada por nenhum distúrbio nestas vias. Além disso, demonstramos que o fenômeno do whitening está associado com mudanças ocasionadas pela idade, podendo ser moduladas pelo eixo Hipotálamo-Hipófise-Tireóide (TRH-T3). Desta forma, o ambiente hormonal proporcionado pelo desenvolvimento da hipertensão pode destacar moléculas-chave que podem ser o caminho para o desenvolvimento de abordagens terapêuticas inovadoras para o tratamento de disfunções da adiposidade e hipertensão, além de esclarecer o entendimento sobre a relação causal entre hipolipodistrofia e hipertensãoAbstract: Chronic stress is associated with cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. The chronic activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and, consequently, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) plays a crucial role in the development of hypertension and metabolic diseases. It has been proven that the adipocyte produces all elements of the RAAS, involving the adipocyte-corticomedullary axis directly to obesity. The objective of this study was to characterize the metabolic profile of adipose tissue in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and its involvement with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Body weight, food and water intake, blood collection for serum and tissue analyzes for morphometry and FLIM (Fluorescence-lifetime imaging microscopy) were performed at the 6th and 15th week of life. Functional assays were performed with epididymal isolated adipocytes from rats submitted to a previous fast of 12-16h in the 15th week of life. The SHR presented lower values for body weight and fasting blood glucose, in addition to presenting a higher basal rate of lactate production per adipocyte volume. Angiotensin II (AII) stimulation and blockade of its receptors did not interfere with lactate production. Norepinephrine stimulation and its combination with AII suggests a modulation and/or competition in the downstream cascade for the exchange of glycolitic to lipolytic metabolism in all strains, demonstrating that the hypolodystrophy exhibited by SHR is not caused by any disturbance in these pathways. Moreover, we demonstrated that the whitening phenomenon is associated with changes caused by age and can be modulated by the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid (TRH-T3) axis. Thus, the hormonal environment provided by the development of hypertension may highlight key molecules that may be the pathway for the development of novel and innovative therapeutic approaches for the treatment of adiposity dysfunctions and hypertension, in addition to clarify the understanding about the causal relationship between hypolipodystrophy and hypertensionDoutoradoFisiologiaDoutor em Biologia Funcional e MolecularCAPE

Diverse neighborhood design principle for Arrival city of ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) 2015: a case study of Chiang Mai, Thailand

The year 2015 will be another step toward diversity in Thailand due to the initiation for ASEAN Economic Community. Unfortunately, the urban neighborhoods who will be facing this population dynamic were left out of policy planning table. This is going against many literatures as scholars have been suggesting for more focuses on local community level where native and migrant will meet. These encounters could result in both social cohesion community or tension, separation that lead to social segregation. Various studies support that good-quality physical environments are significant stimulator for diversity, including space for interaction, amenities, cultural spaces, public infrastructure. Henceforward, this research is trying to address the neighborhood diversity. Through the cultivation of diverse neighborhood design principle (DNDP) factors from comparative case studies. We found 20 key factors essential for DNDP. In final part of the research we attempted to implement the DNDP in real neighborhood of Chiang Mai along with gaming simulation tools. Eventually, we learned that DNDP with the GS have the ability to promote mutual understanding among local stakeholders and prompt the acceptance of diversity concept that stimulate a powerful dialogue and leads to new local initiation for diverse neighborhood planning. And this is proved to be the fabric that can hold local society together by pushing the boundary of more active communication and breakdown stigma walls for good