Indian Diaspora Research Articles

Effectiveness of biologic treatment for psoriasis in Malaysia: Real-world evidence and review of current evidence from Southeast Asia

Abstract Background: Biological treatments are effective in the management of psoriasis. However, results in the real-world setting may differ from clinical trials. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of biological drugs among patients with psoriasis in Malaysia. Methods: This was a retrospective review of adult patients on biologics who were notified to the Malaysian Psoriasis Registry between 2011 and 2019. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with response to treatment in terms of the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75, PASI 90, and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) 0/1. Results: Of 130 patients, the most prescribed drug was ustekinumab (40.8%), followed by adalimumab (29.2%) and secukinumab (24.6%). Overall, the differences in the median PASI scores from baseline were −23.9 at 3–6 months, −25.8 at 12 months, and −27.8 at 3 years, while the difference in the median DLQI scores was −13.0 at 3–6 months. At 3–6 months, 57.6% achieved PASI-75, 32.9% achieved PASI-90, and 4.7% achieved PASI-100. These responses were sustained at 12 months and 3 years. Adalimumab was the most effective treatment with 88.9% achieving PASI-75, 77.8% PASI-90, and 22.2% PASI-100 at 3 years. However, secukinumab was more effective at achieving a PASI-100 response at 3–6 months (9.1%). Chinese or Indian ethnicity, concurrent use of systemic therapy or phototherapy, comorbidities, and a longer duration of psoriasis were associated with poorer response. Conclusion: Biological treatments, particularly adalimumab and secukinumab, are effective in reducing disease severity and improving the quality of life of patients with psoriasis in Malaysia.

Freedom Inc.: Gendered Capitalism in New Indian Literature and Culture: A Response

AbstractThis essay is a response to Mukti Mangharam’s book Freedom Inc: Gendered Capitalism in New Indian Literature and Culture. The essay commends Mangharam’s intervention in reading the gender, caste, and class implications of neoliberalism embraced by the Indian government and people. Drawing upon Mangharam’s main arguments, this essay extends her analysis to examining the role of the Indian diaspora in promoting Freedom Inc’s narrative, the increased marginalization and precarity faced by Muslims within this new India, and the insidious ways in which Freedom Inc coopts narratives that critique it.

Cardiovascular autonomic evaluation and body fat analysis in COVID-19-recovered patients in Dakshina Kannada, India.

The pandemic, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to a heavy toll on the human health. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of body fat distribution, evolving long-term effect on autonomic function, and its correlation with Chalder Fatigue Severity Score in post-COVID-19-recovered individuals of Indian ethnicity. A case-control study was conducted in the Department of Physiology on 31 cases and 29 age- and gender-matched controls. Cardiovascular evaluation including heart rate variability (HRV), galvanic skin response (GSR), body fat analysis, and Chalder Fatigue Severity Score was performed on the study participants. The continuous variables of basal anthropometric parameters, GSR values, HRV indices, and body fat parameters are expressed as mean and standard deviation (SD). Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was significantly increased among cases (P = 0.04). GSR (average) for cases is higher when compared to controls and was borderline significant (P = 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the HRV parameters. Cases showed significantly higher body fat distribution as compared to the control group indicating increased susceptibility of the obese population to COVID-19. Chalder's post-COVID-19 Fatigue Severity Score of cases showed a negative correlation with LF:HF and RMSSD but it was not statistically significant. In our study, we conclude that there was a significant increase in DBP and GSR (average) with significantly higher visceral fat percentage, body fat percentage, subcutaneous fat percentage, skeletal muscle percentage, and trunk fat percentage in cases as compared to the control group suggestive of higher propensity of obese individuals suffering from COVID-19 and resulting in dysautonomia as compared to the controls.

Leveraging The Indian Diaspora in UAE: Catalyst for Education and Skill Transfer

Abstract: The Indian community in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a substantial and talented group. This paper delves into the potential of utilizing this community to facilitate training and knowledge transfer among India and the UAE. Exploring the present scenario of the Indian community in the UAE, focusing on their educational achievements, professional skills, and business acumen. The paper highlights important areas for the diaspora in regards to knowledge and skill transfer. The paper delves into the challenges and opportunities linked to leveraging the potential of the diaspora. Highlighting the importance of cooperation among administrations, educational organizations, and private sector stakeholders to establish supportive frameworks and mechanisms. Through tapping into the ability, specialization, and connections of the Indian diaspora in the UAE, the two countries have the potential to reap substantial benefits in terms of educational progress, skill enhancement, and economic growth.

Validity & Reliability of Native American Indian Ethnic Identity Measures for Use as an Identity Construct in Criminology

Validity & Reliability of Native American Indian Ethnic Identity Measures for Use as an Identity Construct in Criminology

The Effect of Indian Contact and Glaswegian Contact on the Phonetic Backward Transfer of Glaswegian English (L2) on Hindi and Indian English (L1)

This study examined phonetic backward transfer in ‘Glaswasians’, the ethnolinguistic minority of first-generation bilingual immigrant Indians in Glasgow (Scotland), who present a situation of contact between their native languages of Hindi and Indian English (L1s) and the dominant host language and dialect, Glaswegian English (L2). This was examined in relation to the Revised Speech Learning Model (SLM-r) and Speech Accommodation Framework. These predict that the migrants’ L1 sound categories can either shift to become more Glaswegian-like (‘assimilation’ or ‘convergence’) or exaggeratedly Indian-like (‘dissimilation’ or ‘divergence’) or remain unchanged. The effect of Indian and Glaswegian Contact on transfer was also investigated. Two control groups (Indians and Glaswegians) and the experimental group (Glaswasians) were recorded reading English and Hindi sentences containing multiple phones which were examined for multiple phonetic features (/t/—VOT, /l/—F2-F1 difference, /b d g/—Relative Burst Intensity). In both languages, Glaswasian /t/ and /g/ became more Glaswegian-like (assimilation), whereas F2-F1 difference in /l/ became exaggeratedly Indian-like (dissimilation). Higher Indian Contact was associated with more native-like values in /t/ and /l/ in Hindi but had no influence on /g/. Higher Glaswegian Contact was related to increased assimilation of /g/ in English but had no effect on /l/ and /t/.

Quest for Identity and Difficulties of Cultural Assimilation in Bharati Mukherjee's Desirable Daughters

The emergence of diasporic literature has led to various interpretations by scholars and critics. All of the criticism of the diaspora and its vast literature revolve around issues of alienation and assimilation. The diaspora expelled from their country of origin suffers from a loss of identity as a result of the loss of culture in the past. They are forced to face the dilemma of choosing between living in permanent exile or accepting the culture of the new country through assimilation. Bharati Mukherjee's novel "Desirable Daughters" explores the struggles of Indian diaspora women in navigating their identities and cultural integration, highlighting the challenges of family loyalty and societal expectations. The novel depicts the transformation and reinvention of immigrants and exiles in American society, shedding light on the patriarchal norms and restrictions faced by women in both Indian and Western cultures. Mukherjee’s portrayal of characters like Tara, Padma, and Parvati reflects the complexities of gender roles and the quest for individual freedom within traditional and modern societies

International Migrants from Rural Punjab—Attributes and Characteristics

International migration is a worldwide phenomenon, and it has influenced every economy in the world. Migration plays a significant role in the development of both home and host countries. Remittances sent by non-resident Indians (NRIs) to the country of origin improve the standard of living of their family members and are also helpful in solving the balance of payment problems of the country. This research article deals with the socio-economic background of the emigrants’ households. The size of the family, housing conditions, age group, earning members in the family, number of migrated persons, etc., is the important variables of this analysis. To analyse the socio-economic characteristics of the migrants’ households and to examine the causes behind international migration are the main objectives of this study. It is observed that prime reason behind the international migration from Punjab to other countries is the lack of suitable work opportunities. This article is based on the sample of 375 households that have been selected from 15 villages of the two districts, namely Jalandhar and SBS Nagar. For the analysis of data, simple percentage method and binary logistic regression model have been used. The analysis and findings of the study revealed that a total of 579 NRIs have migrated from the 375 households, and all these households have their own homes. It is observed that the ratio of male migrants is much higher than the females. The study analysed that the proportion of dependent family members is almost same in both districts. It is also noticed that people of general category went to developed countries like the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, but the OBCs and SCs preferred to go to the United Kingdom, Europe and Gulf countries. The main reasons of this difference are that the visa process of developed countries is more complicated and also contains huge costs, while visa process and cost of Gulf and other countries are simple and low, so OBCs and SCs can easily afford it. JEL Codes: F2, F22, D14, O15, O1

Wide spectrum of novel and rare hemoglobin variants in the multi-ethnic Indian population: A review.

The hemoglobin (Hb) variants are qualitative abnormalities due to production of structurally abnormal globin proteins. They are categorized based on the type of mutation present in the α1, α2, β, Gγ, Aγ and δ globin genes. So far, more than 1550 Hb variants are reported in the database. They could lead to Hb polymerization, Hb instability, altered oxygen affinity and decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of Hb or have no clinical manifestations. In India, ethnic diversity, consanguinity, regional variations and migration result in the presence of different Hb variants. We have compiled all the variants of α, β and δ globin chains in heterozygous, homozygous and in compound heterozygous forms reported from India in the last 52 years. Of the 63 rare and novel hemoglobin variants reported from India, 22 were α-globin chain variants, 37 were β-globin chain variants and 4 were δ-globin chain variants. Twelve novel Hb variants (Hb J Rajappan, Hb Koya Dora, Hb Rampa, Hb Godavari, Hb Chandigarh, Hb D Agri, Hb Lucknow, Hb Vellore, Hb Midnapore, Hb Bijnor, Hb A2Tianhe and Hb A2Saurashtra) were identified among persons of Indian origin. Majority of them were picked up on HPLC. Some of the variants like Hb Titusville, Hb Shimonoseki, Hb Chandigarh, Hb D Agri, Hb Yaizu and Hb Vellore eluted in the HbS window whereas variants like HbD Iran, Hb St. Louis, Hb G Coushata, HbM Saskatoon, Hb Lucknow, Hb Grange-Blanche and Hb Tianshui showed falsely elevated HbA2. Hence, careful and systematic investigations are required to identify them.

Do expatriates adjust better when they seek advice from host country nationals? Role of perceived social costs and organizational support in advice-seeking

Our study examines the impact of perceived organizational support (POS) and perceived social costs (PSC) in advice-seeking on the relationship between expatriate advice-seeking from host country nationals (HCNs) and expatriate adjustment. We conducted two studies: (1) a field study with survey data collected from Indian expatriates in the U.S. and (2) an experimental study. Findings from our research reveal a significant three-way interaction between expatriate advice-seeking, POS, and PSC. Specifically, the moderating effect of POS was more pronounced among expatriates perceiving low social costs in seeking advice from HCNs. PSC emerged as a significant barrier to expatriate adjustment, outweighing the positive effects of high POS. However, when expatriates perceive low PSC in advice-seeking, organizational support becomes more effective compared to situations with high perceived social costs. This research advances the understanding of expatriate coping and organizational support theory by highlighting the boundary conditions of POS in facilitating expatriate adjustment.

Validity & Reliability of Native American Indian Ethnic Identity Measures for Use as an Identity Construct in Criminology

Validity & Reliability of Native American Indian Ethnic Identity Measures for Use as an Identity Construct in Criminology

Association between Marital Status and Cognitive Impairment in a Multi-Ethnic Asian Population

Objective: This study aimed to examine the potential factors associated with marital status and determine the association between marital status and cognitive impairment in a multi-ethnic Asian population. Method: This study included 2,321 participants from Singapore Multi-Ethnic Cohort revisit study (aged 40–89). Participants were classified into married and unmarried group at baseline and follow-up according to self-reported marital status. Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) was administered, and cognitive impairment was defined as a MMSE <26. We conducted both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses to examine the association of marital status at 1 timepoint as well as marital transition with cognitive impairment. Results: Of the 2,321 participants, a total of 1,914 (82.5%) were married. The factors associated with marital status included younger age, male sex, higher household income, higher education, and higher physical activity levels. Additionally, married participants also had higher alternative healthy eating index (AHEI-2010) scores and a lower burden of hypertension and diabetes. Among those who were married, the median (Q1, Q3) MMSE score was 29 (28, 30) while among those who were unmarried it was 29 (27, 30) (p < 0.01). Participants who had never been married had the highest odds of cognitive impairment compared to their married counterparts (model III: OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.03, 2.14). Older age (p interaction value = 0.003) and Indian ethnicity (p interaction value = 0.028) further strengthened these associations. Conclusion: Marriage was associated with lower odds of cognitive impairment. Marriage provides social support, companionship, and engagement in mentally stimulating activities contributing to better cognitive health. By identifying risk factors such as marital status, interventions and support systems can be developed to promote healthy cognitive aging.

Maternal height, and ethnicity and birth weight: A retrospective cohort study of uncomplicated term vaginal deliveries in Malaysia.

Small for gestational age (SGA) and large for gestational age (LGA) are designations given to neonates based solely on birthweight, with no distinction made for maternal height. However, there is a possibility that maternal height is significantly correlated with neonatal birthweight, and if so, SGA and LGA cutoffs specific to maternal height may be a more precise and useful tool for clinicians. To explore this possibility, we analyzed the association between maternal height and ethnicity and neonate birthweight in women with low-risk, 37- to 40-week gestation, singleton pregnancies who gave birth vaginally between 2010 and 2017 (n = 354,488). For this retrospective cohort study, we used electronic obstetric records obtained from the National Obstetrics Registry in Malaysia. National Obstetric Registry (NOR) data were used to calculate the 10th and 90th birthweight percentiles for each maternal height group by gestational age and neonatal sex. Multiple linear regression models, adjusted for maternal age, weight, parity, gestational age, and neonatal sex, were used to examine the association between neonate birthweight and maternal ethnicity and height. The following main outcome measures were assessed: small for gestational age (<10th percentile), large for gestational age (>90th percentile), and birthweight. The median height was 155 cm (IQR, 152-159), with mothers of Chinese descent being the tallest (median (IQR): 158 cm (154-162)) and mothers of Orang Asli (Indigenous) descent the shortest (median (IQR): 151 cm (147-155)). The median birthweight was 3000 g (IQR, 2740-3250), with mothers of Malay and Chinese ethnicity and Others having, on average, the heaviest babies, followed by other Bumiputeras (indigenous) mothers, mothers of Indian ethnicity, and lastly, mothers of Orang Asli ethnicity. For infants, maternal age, height, weight, parity, male sex, and gestational age were positively associated with birthweight. Maternal height had a positive association with neonate birthweight (B = 7.08, 95% CI: 6.85-7.31). For ethnicity, compared with neonates of Malay ethnicity, neonates of Chinese, Indian, Orang Asli, and other Bumiputera ethnicities had lower birthweights. Birthweight increases with maternal height among Malaysians of all ethnicities. SGA and LGA cutoffs specific to maternal height may be useful to guide pregnancy management.

Perception of Digital Currencies among the Indian Diaspora

This research paper delves into the perceptions surrounding digital currencies among individuals, aiming to elucidate attitudes towards their potential impact on traditional currency systems. A meticulously designed questionnaire was administered to 43 participants, encompassing a diverse range of demographics. The findings reveal a prevailing sentiment among the younger generation, foreseeing a substantial shift towards digital currencies supplanting traditional forms by 2040. While optimistic about the transformative potential of digital currencies, participants voiced concerns regarding security implications inherent in decentralized systems. Their insights provide valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of financial technology and underscore the need for comprehensive approaches to address security challenges in the adoption of digital currencies.

COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Hesitancy among the Elderly in Malaysian Residential Care Homes: A Cross-Sectional Study in Klang Valley.

The elderly are considered a high-risk group for severe outcomes and death from COVID-19 infection. Given the emergence of new COVID variants and the immunity provided by vaccines waning over time, booster doses of the vaccine have been advocated for those at risk to stay protected. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with hesitancy toward the second booster of the COVID-19 vaccine among the elderly residing in residential care homes. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 24 residential care homes in the Klang Valley using a face-to-face interview questionnaire. The study population included individuals aged 60 and above who had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 up to the first booster dose. Second-booster hesitancy was assessed using the Oxford Vaccine Hesitancy Scale with seven items, the aggregate score of which ranges from seven to thirty-five; the higher the score, the greater the level of hesitancy. Multivariate linear regression was employed to determine factors associated with second-booster hesitancy, and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Data from 401 elderly individuals were included for analysis. The mean score of the Oxford Vaccine Hesitancy Scale was 21.6 ± 7.2. Predictors of second booster hesitancy were identified. Age, Indian ethnicity, being a recipient of the Sinovac vaccine as the first COVID-19 booster, experiencing the death of close friends or immediate family members following COVID-19 vaccination, and negative messages (indicating that taking a booster dose is harmful) from caregivers, friends, or family members were found to be associated with an increased second-booster-hesitancy score. Conversely, positive messages (indicating that taking a booster is helpful) from the government and caregivers, friends, or family members were identified as predictors associated with a reduction in the second-booster-hesitancy score. While vaccines effectively combat severe COVID-19, the majority of the elderly hesitate before taking the second booster. Their hesitancy, rooted in the perception of a low self risk and reliance on protection from the initial doses, emphasizes the need for intervention by relevant bodies. Taking into consideration the risk, albeit relatively low, of potentially serious side effects following COVID-19 vaccinations, it is imperative that transparent, appropriate, and positive messaging regarding booster vaccines, particularly in the context of the elderly from residential care homes, be available. Encouraging this high-risk group to embrace the second booster aligns with the goal of maximizing protection within the vulnerable elderly population.

Emotional Bonds in Agha Shahid Ali’s Postcard from Kashmir

Diaspora literature, recognized as an independent academic discipline within universal literary canon, encompasses works produced by authors who have migrated from their home countries. Referred to interchangeably as ‘expatriate’ or ‘migratory’ writing, it has garnered increasing scholarly interest globally, particularly due to escalating socio-political and economic tensions worldwide.Indian Diaspora literature has evolved into a significant component of Indian English literature, reflecting the extensive reach of the Indian Diaspora, which spans the globe and ranks as the third largest after the British and Chinese Diasporas. Its influence extends across various fields, notably in creative writing, where authors of Indian origin have articulated their diasporic experiences. This literary realm boasts a plethora of distinguished male and female writers who have migrated abroad for various reasons.

Characterizing differences inoutpatient dermatologic care utilizationamong disaggregated Asian American subgroups.

Despite having significantly higher rates of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and pigmentary disorders compared to White patients, studies suggest that Asian Americans are underrepresented in outpatient dermatology clinics. In this study, we utilize the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and prioritize disaggregated analyses to evaluate differences between the most populous Asian American subgroups (Chinese, Filipino, Indian, and "Other") in utilization of outpatient dermatologic care. We utilized multivariable logistic regression to compare outpatient dermatologic care use between each Asian American subgroup and Non-Hispanic Whites. Out of 96,559 adults, our study included 5264 self-identified Asian American and 91,295 non-Hispanic White adults. Most Asian participants were female, had health insurance, and had incomes > 2 times above the federal poverty line. We found that, compared to 21.4% for NH whites, lifetime prevalence of total body skin exam was highest among Filipino Americans (12.3%) and lowest among Indian Americans (7%). Additionally, all Asian American subgroups had a significantly lower odd than NH Whites of ever having a total body skin exam, with Indian Americans having the lowest odds. While thebenefitofTBSEs inIndian Americansis unclear,it is possible that differing cultural perceptions about dermatologic needs,barriers to care,orimmigration status may be contributing tothe observed difference. Furthermore, the Indian diaspora encapsulates a range of skin tones, risk factors, and behaviors that maydifferentiallyinfluencedermatologic disease risk,similar totrends identified among Hispanic patients (Trepanowski et al. in J Am Acad Dermatol 88:1206-1209, 2023). Additional researchutilizingthe sevennational databasesthat have been identifiedasprovidingdisaggregated Asian racial information (Kamal et al. in J Am Acad Dermatol, 2023)maybe useful to furtherilluminate avenues for intervention.

Religion in the therapy room: Reflections on the beloved by a child of the Indian diaspora.

Religion in the therapy room: Reflections on the beloved by a child of the Indian diaspora.

Uzbek Diaspora in Germany: Navigating Cultural Identity, Migration Policies, and Economic Cooperation

This study examines the Uzbek diaspora in Germany, focusing on its cultural identity, migration policies and economic cooperation. It uses a global to-specific framework to provide a comprehensive analysis of these dimensions. The research sheds light on the challenges faced by the Uzbek-German community in preserving their heritage, adapting to a new cultural environment, and contributing to the German labour force. The study also examines the implications of the Uzbek-German migration agreement, highlighting diplomatic entanglements, ethical considerations, and potential socio-economic impacts. The economic aspect is analyzed through the theoretical lens of diaspora economics and capital, drawing parallels with the experiences of the Indian and Chinese diasporas. The research contributes to a more holistic understanding of the Uzbek diaspora in Germany, offers valuable insights into their experiences and aims to stimulate further dialogue and research on global diasporas.

Cultural Alienation and Identity Crises in Anita Desai's "Bye-bye Black Bird"

The quest for identity and alienation are the central concerns of Anita Desai's works. She has tendency to look into every aspect of a person's life. In her book Bye Bye Blackbird, Anita Desai explores the lives of Indian immigrants in England before to 1964, the year in which England fundamentally altered its immigration laws. Particularly Indians flying to England are the Blackbirds. The world of three people who are limited by their identities is explored in Bye Bye Blackbird, along with how they must discover who they really are. Three characters -- Adit, Sarah, and Dev takes Centre stage in the story. Adit and Sarah have a greater attraction to India following their terrible events in England, and the narrative exposes their true crises as they struggle to create their own lives in a foreign place. Dev, who had first expressed some sort of hatred towards England, has since come to regard it as his home. This paper critically examines the loss of identity and cultural alienation with reference to the Novel “Bye- Bye Black Bird".