Asia Pacific Research Articles

Identifying Culturally Relevant School Support Profiles and Links to Academic Functioning in Adolescents.

There is limited knowledge about patterns of adolescents' experiences of general teacher support and support for critical consciousness and cultural competence development in school settings, which are key experiences proposed to promote academic functioning. Furthermore, less is known about potential developmental and ethnic-racial differences in these patterns. Using a person-centered approach, this study examined culturally relevant school support profiles in a sample of sixth and ninth grade students (N = 717; 49.9% girls) from the U.S. Southwest. Participants were aged 10 to 18 years (M = 13.73; SD = 1.54) and were ethnoracially diverse (31.8% Hispanic/Latinx, 31.5% Multiethnic, 25.7% White, 7.3% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian American or Pacific Islander, 1.4% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 1% Arab, Middle Eastern, or North African). Four culturally relevant school support profiles were identified: (1) low general, devoid cultural & critical support; (2) moderate general, moderate cultural, & devoid critical support; (3) high general, moderate cultural & critical support; and (4) high general, cultural, & critical support. Youth in the high general, cultural, & critical support profile had higher concurrent emotional and behavioral engagement. No significant differences were found between early (6th grade) and middle adolescent (9th grade) youth, pointing to the relevance and associations of the identified profiles across development. One significant difference emerged when comparing White and ethnoracially minoritized youth; among White youth, those in the high general, cultural, & critical support and high general, moderate cultural & critical support profiles had higher academic expectations than those in the low general, devoid cultural & critical support profile. The discussion focuses on characterizing heterogeneous and culturally relevant school support profiles, the associations between these profiles and indicators of academic functioning for ethnoracially diverse youth to advance developmental theory and the importance of promoting culturally relevant school support practices to foster developmental competencies among youth.

Analyzing the influence of Airbnb announcements in the Asia Pacific Region: a sectoral perspective on travel, tourism, and real estate

Analyzing the influence of Airbnb announcements in the Asia Pacific Region: a sectoral perspective on travel, tourism, and real estate

Global burden of atrial fibrillation attributable to high body mass index from 1990 to 2021: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.

To assess the global burden of atrial fibrillation (AF) attributable to high body mass index (BMI) from 1990 to 2021 and analyze its spatiotemporal distribution characteristics. An observational study based on GBD 2021 data. Data on AF burden due to high BMI were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021. Estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was calculated to evaluate temporal trends in age-standardized rates of deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) over 30 years. In 2021, high BMI-related AF caused 27,000 deaths and 725,000 DALYs globally, a 376% increase since 1990. Females and the elderly (aged 70+) bore a higher burden. Upper-middle-income regions surpassed high-income regions in AF burden. Australasia had the highest age-standardized rates, while High-income Asia Pacific and South Asia had the lowest. South Asia showed rapid growth in age-standardized death rates. The global burden of high BMI-related AF varies across regions and time, threatening global health, especially for females and the elderly. Targeted strategies are needed to reduce AF and obesity.

Editorial for IJPHM Special Issue on PHM Asia Pacific Conference 2023

Prognostics and system health management (PHM) remain crucial for maintaining various industrial systems' reliability, safety, and efficiency. However, there remain gaps and challenges that need to be addressed. The special issue compiles 12 extended papers from the 2023 PHM Asia Pacific Conference, showcasing extensive research and a wide range of applications. It showcases research findings on autonomous system monitoring, fault detection, anomaly detection, and predictive maintenance. A common theme across the papers is the balance between computational efficiency, explainability, and real-world applicability. While the research presented here is highly innovative, it also highlights the need for PHM systems that are not only robust and scalable but also transparent and easily interpretable for end-users.

Nexus of firm specific variables and capital structure decisions: an evidence from Asia Pacific region amid covid-19 crisis times

Nexus of firm specific variables and capital structure decisions: an evidence from Asia Pacific region amid covid-19 crisis times

2024 European Heart Rhythm Association/Heart Rhythm Society/Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society/Latin American Heart Rhythm Society expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation

AbstractIn the last three decades, ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has become an evidence‐based safe and efficacious treatment for managing the most common cardiac arrhythmia. In 2007, the first joint expert consensus document was issued, guiding healthcare professionals involved in catheter or surgical AF ablation. Mounting research evidence and technological advances have resulted in a rapidly changing landscape in the field of catheter and surgical AF ablation, thus stressing the need for regularly updated versions of this partnership which were issued in 2012 and 2017. Seven years after the last consensus, an updated document was considered necessary to define a contemporary framework for selection and management of patients considered for or undergoing catheter or surgical AF ablation. This consensus is a joint effort from collaborating cardiac electrophysiology societies, namely the European Heart Rhythm Association, the Heart Rhythm Society, the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society, and the Latin American Heart Rhythm Society

Community-Level Social Vulnerability and Hip and Knee Joint Replacement Surgery Receipt Among Medicare Enrollees With Arthritis.

(1) Explore associations between county minority health social vulnerability index (MH-SVI) and total joint replacement (TJR), and (2) assess associations by individual-level race/ethnicity. An expanded understanding of relevant social determinants of health is essential to inform policies and practices that promote equitable access to hip and knee TJR. Retrospective cohort study of Medicare enrollees. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services claims data were linked with MH-SVI. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the odds of TJR according to the MH-SVI quartile in which enrollees resided. A total of 10,471,413 traditional Medicare enrollees in 2018 aged 67 years or older with arthritis. The main outcome was enrollee primary TJR during hospitalization. The main exposure was the MH-SVI (composite and 6 themes) for the county of enrollee residence. Results were stratified by enrollee race/ethnicity. Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander (AANHPI), Black or African American (Black), and Hispanic enrollees comparatively had 26%-41% lower odds of receiving TJR than White enrollees. Residing in counties within the highest quartile of composite and socioeconomic status vulnerability measures were associated with lower TJR overall and by race/ethnicity. Residing in counties with increased medical vulnerability for Black and White enrollees, housing type and transportation vulnerability for AANHPI and Hispanic enrollees, minority status and language theme for AANHPI enrollees, and household composition vulnerability for White enrollees were also associated with lower TJR. Higher levels of social vulnerability were associated with lower TJR. However, the association varied by individual race/ethnicity. Implementing multisectoral strategies is crucial for ensuring equitable access to care.

Possible development path for agricultural economic and trade cooperation in FTAAP: A numerical simulation

Exploring the path of developing agricultural economy and trade cooperation in the Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific (FTAAP) is of great practical significance for deepening economic integration in the Asia Pacific region and strengthening regional agricultural development. This paper proposes three feasible paths based on RCEP, CPTPP, and the integration of RCEP and CPTPP to establish FTAAP. Moreover, a dynamic computable general equilibrium model of global trade is used to simulate the macroeconomic effects and the agricultural effects represented by China in forming FTAAP under these three paths. The research results show that six common policy nodes will promote macroeconomic growth in participating countries, and the effects of the in-depth implementation of RCEP and CPTPP will be greater than those of the initial implementation. Due to the broader base of participating economies and the higher level of openness, establishing FTAAP under Path 3 will yield greater macroeconomic effects and agricultural effects. Therefore, the path based on the integration of RCEP and CPTPP is an optimal selection for economic and trade cooperation of agriculture in FTAAP. All parties should actively overcome the obstacles to forming FTAAP and provide a stable internal and external industrial development environment for regional agricultural economic and trade cooperation.

Laboratory assessment of predation and fecundity of Laricobius species (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), predators of hemlock woolly adelgid

ABSTRACT The hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), Adelges tsugae (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), is native to the Pacific Northwest and Asia and is an invasive insect in the eastern United States causing widespread decline in health and increased mortality of native eastern and Carolina hemlock. Laboratory experiments conducted at ambient field temperatures were done to determine the adult and larval feeding totals on HWA and fecundity of the introduced predators Laricobius nigrinus and L. osakensis, and the native L. rubidus (Coleoptera: Derodontidae). During the 22-week period when Laricobius spp. adults are active in Virginia, from early November until late March the total mean ( x ¯ ± SE) of HWA eggs, nymphs, and adults were projected to be consumed per L. nigrinus (33.8 ± 4.0), L. osakensis (33.2 ± 4.0), and L. rubidus (16.4 ± 2.5) adults. Laricobius osakensis (102.1 ± 13.7) and L. nigrinus (72.0 ± 10.5), oviposited a similar number of eggs while L. rubidus (24.5 ± 5.2) oviposited a lower number of eggs. Mean larval consumption of HWA progrediens eggs was: L. nigrinus (169.6 ± 7.1), L. osakensis (140.1 ± 8.7), and L. rubidus (135.8 ± 12.8). The mean egg production of HWA was 74.5 ± 2.2. Based on predation and fecundity totals, L. osakensis was predicted to have a greater impact in reducing the number of HWA progrediens eggs than L. nigrinus and L. rubidus.

269 - Mobility of radiological technologists within the Asia Pacific: a comparative study between Japan and Australia

269 - Mobility of radiological technologists within the Asia Pacific: a comparative study between Japan and Australia

Asian Pacific Society of Cardiology Consensus Statements on the Use of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention on Stenosis of the Left Main Coronary Artery

Stenosis of the left main coronary artery (LM stenosis) is associated with significant mortality and morbidity due to the large area of affected myocardium. Evidence on the use of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for the treatment of LM stenosis is growing. However, the role of Western guidelines on patients in the Asian-Pacific region is unclear due to anatomical variations, substantial heterogeneity in healthcare resources and infrastructure, and the lack of consensus on the optimal management of LM stenosis in the Asia-Pacific region. Hence, an Asian Pacific Society of Cardiology (APSC) working group developed consensus recommendations on the use of PCI in the management of LM stenosis in the Asia-Pacific region. The APSC expert panel reviewed and appraised the available evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. Consensus recommendations were developed and put to an online vote. Consensus was reached when 80% of votes for a given recommendation were in support of ‘agree’ or ‘neutral’. The resulting 12 statements provide guidance for clinical practitioners in the region on the use of PCI in the treatment of patients with LM stenosis.

S274 Contemporary Nationwide Trends and Predictors of Venous Thromboembolism and Mortality in Elderly Asian American and Pacific Islander Patients Hospitalized With Colorectal Cancer: A Comprehensive Analysis (2016-2020)

S274 Contemporary Nationwide Trends and Predictors of Venous Thromboembolism and Mortality in Elderly Asian American and Pacific Islander Patients Hospitalized With Colorectal Cancer: A Comprehensive Analysis (2016-2020)

Cachexia in tuberculosis in South-East Asian and African regions: knowledge gaps and untapped opportunities.

Tuberculosis (TB) and cachexia are clinical entities that have a defined relationship, making them often found together. TB can lead to cachexia, while cachexia is a risk factor for TB. This article reviews cachexia in Tuberculosis patients in Southeast Asian and African regions by conducting a comprehensive literature search across electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Research Gate between 2013 and 2024 using keywords including 'Africa', 'cachexia', 'prevalence', 'implications', 'tuberculosis', and 'Southeast Asia. This article utilized only studies that satisfied the inclusion criteria, revealing knowledge gaps and untapped opportunities for cachexia in TB across Southeast Asian and African regions. Many Southeast Asian and Western Pacific patients initially receive a tuberculosis diagnosis. Sub-Saharan African countries are among the 30 high TB burden nations, according to the WHO. Food inadequacy and heightened energy expenditure can impair the immune system, leading to latent TB and subsequently, active infection. Symptoms needing attention: shortness of breath, productive cough, hyponatremia at 131mmol/l, hypoalbuminemia at 2.1g/dl, elevated aspartate transaminase at 75U/l, increased lactate dehydrogenase at 654, and normocytic anemia. Comorbidities, such as kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and asthma, can influence the nutritional status of individuals with TB. While efforts like screening, contact tracing, and utilizing gene Xpert to detect TB cases were implemented, only a few proved effective. It is essential to conduct further studies, including RCTs, in Southeast Asia and Africa to evaluate and manage cachexia in TB patients.

APMP Pilot Study on High Transmittance Haze

Abstract This article presents the results of the Asia Pacific Metrology Programme (APMP) pilot comparison on high transmittance haze (TH), specifically TH >40 %. Various methods, including ASTM D1003, ISO 14782, the double beam method, and the double compensation method were employed. The results revealed that ASTM D1003 is still influenced by failure to compensate for sphere throughput, even in high TH artefacts. In contrast, the other methods exhibit good consistency, as expected. This article also analyses the total transmittance (TT) and diffuse transmittance (DT) obtained using the double compensation method, theoretically capable of determining accurate TT, DT, and TH, discussing the possibility of inconsistency in the reflectance between the sphere wall and the white plate affecting the agreement.

Gestational weight gain and body mass index in Asian Indian women: Impact of timing and amount on fetomaternal outcomes

ABSTRACT Background: The aim of the study was to describe pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), total gestational weight gain (TGWG), and trimester-specific gestational weight gain (TSGWG) among Asian Indians and examine their association with adverse fetomaternal outcomes (AFMO). Methods: Using a prospective cohort study design, 557 pregnant women were recruited in the first trimester and followed up until delivery. Maternal BMI, TGWG and TSGWG were assessed and categorised according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Asia Pacific BMI guidelines and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations, respectively. Maternal clinical characteristics and pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were assessed to predict AFMO. Logistic regression models in univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to estimate the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: The median BMI was 23.5 kg/m2. Moreover, 24.6% were overweight and 31.2% were obese, according to WHO Asia Pacific BMI cut points. The mean TGWG was 10.8 ± 1.9 kg and the mean TSGWG in the first, second and third trimesters were 1.7 ± 0.7 kg, 4.3 ± 1.1 kg and 4.8 ± 1.2 kg, respectively. We found a significant association of BMI, TGWG and TSGWG with various AFMO. Furthermore, excess third-trimester GWG has been demonstrated as a predictor of adverse maternal outcomes like hypertension and gestational diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: Our study reinforces the importance of optimal BMI and TGWG and further emphasises on assessment of TSGWG, which allows for early diagnosis of weight deviations, when prompt interventions can still improve pregnancy outcomes. We also suggest the adoption of BMI categories and GWG recommendations, specific to the socio-demographic characteristics of the population, to optimise the prevention, early diagnosis, and timely management of AFMO.

Insights Into Antimicrobial Resistance From Dental Students in the Asia–Pacific Region

BackgroundDentists, as prominent prescribers, are key stakeholders in addressing the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis. Dental students’ perceptions about the topic have been underexplored in the Asia–Pacific region, a key location for the development and spread of AMR. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the awareness and confidence to prescribe antimicrobials amongst dental students studying in the region. MethodsStudents from 15 dental schools in 4 countries were invited to participate in a cross-sectional online survey during 2022–2023. A previously validated and standardised 14-item instrument was utilised. ResultsIn all, 1413 responses were collected from Australia (n = 165), Sri Lanka (n = 112), Japan (n = 173), and Vietnam (n = 963). Of those, 201 were from final-year students (14.2%). On a scale from 1 to 10, awareness on AMR was placed at a mean (SEM) priority of 8.09 (0.05). With regards to target areas to address for mitigation of the AMR crisis, participants placed general public awareness at the top (mean [SEM] 8.53 [0.05]). Final-year students presented a mean (SEM) level of confidence to prescribe antibiotics of 6.01 (0.14) on a scale from 1 to 10, whilst 59.7% and 56.8% indicated feeling pressured to prescribe by patients or when lacking time, respectively. Final-year students participating in research activities assigned a higher priority to AMR compared to their peers not involved in research (mean [SEM] 8.6 [0.19] vs 7.81 [0.16]; P = .01). ConclusionsThis study highlights a need for increased awareness and confidence to prescribe amongst dental students in the Asia–Pacific region, an understudied population thus far. To mitigate this issue, the implementation (followed by assessment) of local educational and antibiotic stewardship initiatives is warranted.

Feminist Development Justice as Emancipatory Praxis

Abstract This article offers a comprehensive overview of feminist development justice, a transformative framework designed to reduce global inequalities that is being advanced by the Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law, and Development (APWLD). The piece aims to unsettle and expand mainstream development studies literature, which critical scholars argue remains plagued by Eurocentrism and ongoing colonial modes of knowledge production. Additionally, it advocates for more recognition and citation of the grassroots analysis and frontline praxis of progressive social movements in the Global South that are guided by emancipatory politics and feminist ethics. We begin with a synopsis of development studies’ lack of attention to the enduring consequences of race, colonial power, and imperialism, as well as highlight arguments being made about the radical potential yet qualified merit of knowledges generated by social movements. We then present readers with the concept of feminist development justice, the justice-based pillars on which the framework rests, and the political work of the APWLD. The article ends with a succinct conclusion on what is at stake vis-à-vis extractivism and the seemingly intractable “development” challenges at hand and how grassroots social movements can be rich sources to draw from regarding liberatory change and building better worlds.

Epidemiology and Expected Cost of International Medical Repatriation Into South Korea: 2019 to 2021

ObjectiveOverseas Koreans face challenges in accessing adequate medical care abroad. Understanding the epidemiology and costs of international medical repatriation is important. MethodsA retrospective analysis of overseas Korean patients who were repatriated to South Korea between 2019 and 2021 was conducted. The data collected from 121 countries included demographics, medical conditions, and costs. Variables from 9 continents (Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, Southwest Asia–Pacific, Russia–Central Asia, North America, Central and South America, Europe, Middle East‒North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa) and the era of coronavirus disease 2019 (February 2020 and after) were analyzed and compared. Based on the available total cost data, stepwise extrapolation was conducted for the total cohort. ResultsA total of 428 overseas Korean patients who had undergone international medical repatriation via air transport were included in this study. The greatest number of repatriated patients were from Southeast Asia (108 patients), and 279 patients were transported within the coronavirus disease 2019 era. The average cost per patient exceeded $7,000, and the total cost estimated by extrapolation was over $8 million. ConclusionInternational medical repatriation is significant for overseas Koreans. Standardized guidelines and system development are essential for effective air medical services.

The Potential Benefits and Mechanism of Action of Tropical Nuts Against Metabolic Syndrome: A Literature Review

Background: Metabolic syndrome is a significant risk factor for both type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease, with a high prevalence in Asia Pacific, particularly in Indonesia. To reduce its prevalence, several studies have recommended the use of tropical nuts, which can be developed as functional foods and complementary treatment. In this context, the bioactivities of tropical nuts can largely be attributed to their rich content of monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, fiber, minerals, vitamins, phytosterols, and polyphenols. Objectives: This literature review aims to evaluate the potential benefits and mechanism of action of tropical nuts against metabolic syndrome. Methods: The study design was a literature review of several articles from 3 online databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Discussions: The results showed that tropical nuts (peanut, sacha inchi, cashew, tropical almond, and Brazil nut) had several biologically active components, such as arginine, fiber, fatty acid, mineral, vitamin, phenolic compounds, resveratrol, and phytosterol. The test samples were reported to have the ability to modulate Nrf2, SOD, MDA, GSH, GPx, and CAT due to their antioxidant activity. In inflammation, tropical nuts had a significant effect on NF-κB, NLRP3, TNF-ɑ, IL-8, IL-1ꞵ, IL-6, and IL-10. The results also showed their ability to enhance lipid synthesis, nitric oxide production, advanced glycation end-product, prostaglandin, SIRT3, homocysteine, protein kinase C, adhesion molecules, platelet aggregation, GLP-1, PYY, AGRP, PPARɑ/ꞵ/δ, GLUT4, and insulin receptor. Conclusions: Tropical nuts had beneficial effects on metabolic syndrome due to their bioactivities, including antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, anti-dyslipidemia, and cardioprotective.

Differential prevalence of psychiatric disorders and mental health characteristics associated with lifetime suicide attempts in the Asian American and Pacific Islander adult population

BackgroundAsian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) adults are an understudied group in terms of their mental health and mental healthcare needs. This has been complicated by the difficulty of recruiting adequate national samples of AAPI adults for research. ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyze national data to examine the lifetime prevalence of major psychiatric disorders among AAPI adults relative to non-AAPI adults, as well as to identify and compare sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with lifetime suicide attempts among AAPI and non-AAPI adults. MethodsCross-sectional data on 36,109 adults, including 1801 AAPI adults, from the National Epidemiological Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions-III (NESARC-III), were analyzed with a series of chi-square and logistic regression analyses. ResultsWe found a significantly lower lifetime prevalence of mental health disorders in the AAPI versus the non-AAPI population nationally, including 2% of AAPI adults reporting lifetime suicide attempts as compared to about 5% of non-AAPI adults. Female sex and a history of major depressive disorder diagnosis were associated with lifetime suicide attempts in the AAPI and non-AAPI populations. Several unique factors were associated with having a history of suicide attempts in only the AAPI population, including a military service history and a diagnosis of panic disorder. DiscussionOur analysis demonstrated the significant sectors of the AAPI population that merit research, support, and intervention, including the AAPI veteran population. This study identifies several characteristics among AAPI adults that may make them particularly vulnerable to psychiatric problems and suicide risk, which may inform targeted prevention and efforts to provide culturally competent care to this population.