Asian Practices Research Articles

Optimizing insect repellence in open sun drying of fish through the combined influence of salt, turmeric, pepper and the bacteriocin nisin under tropical conditions

AbstractBackgroundSun drying of fish in open air is an age‐old traditional practice in Asia and some other parts of the world. This study aims to suggest optimal field doses of turmeric, pepper, salt and the bacteriocin nisin (food additive, E234) for open‐sun‐dried silver jewfish (Johnius argentatus) under a tropical environment. Investigations were carried out on the blowfly infestation, proximate composition, water reconstitution properties and organoleptic and microbial quality of open‐air‐dried fish samples.ResultsA direct relationship between moisture reduction and drying period was observed with salt‐treated samples demonstrating accelerated moisture reduction, reaching as low as 14.1% after 34 h. Turmeric and pepper treatments provided some protection against weight loss but ultimately extended the drying time to 38 h. Botanical pesticides like turmeric or pepper exhibited significant efficacy against blowfly adult and larval infestation with similar efficacy observed in 15% and 25% salt‐treated samples. Proximate composition analysis revealed that salt‐treated samples had lower moisture ranging from 14.1% to 16.0% but higher protein of 58.2%–62.1%, while the lipid and ash content did not vary significantly (p > 0.05). The water reconstitution properties of salt‐treated samples exhibited superior rehydration rates, with the highest in nisin (Niseen S) + 15% salt‐treated samples at 60°C, while organoleptic evaluations revealed salt‐treated samples to possess favourable attributes with minimal insect infestation and broken pieces. Finally, microbial analysis demonstrated the lowest aerobic plate count in dried fish samples treated with nisin (Niseen S) alone or in combination with 15% salt and/or 3% turmeric ranging from 3.97 ± 0.20 to 4.33 ± 0.07 log cfu/g.ConclusionIt is concluded that 200 ppm nisin (Niseen S)‐treated samples in combination with 3% turmeric and/or 15% salt are a viable option for producing high‐quality dried fish in traditional open‐air sun‐drying practices.

Feasibility and Safety of the Early Introduction of Allergenic Foods in Asian Infants with Eczema.

There is a lack of data regarding the early introduction of the consumption of allergenic food among Asian infants. We examined infants who had early-onset eczema before 6 months of age and received instructions from certified allergists for the early introduction of hen's eggs, milk, wheat, peanuts, and tree nuts. The consumption rates of hen's eggs were 100% at 24 months. For peanuts and walnuts, the consumption rate was moderate at 12 months (48.5% and 30.3%, respectively), but by 24 months, it had progressed to 78.8% and 81.3%, respectively. In contrast, cashews remained at lower levels than other allergens at 20.7% at 12 months and 41.4% at 24 months. No adverse events related to early introductions occurred. In infants with eczema, allergenic foods could be introduced early and well tolerated in Asian infants. However, having eczema may indicate a predisposition to food allergies, so caution is necessary when introducing allergenic foods. The early introduction of peanuts and tree nuts was still more challenging in real-world practice in Asia as well as in Western countries.

The resettlement policy of Tsarist Russia on the Kazakh steppes of the late XIX � early XX centuries (based on the materials of periodicals and scientific articles)

Relevance. After the conquest of Turkestan in the second half of the XIX century, the tsarist government began to take concrete action. The tsarist government sent special research expeditions to the Kazakh steppes and began to collect a lot of information about the geographical, economic and social situation. The Myrzashol and Kyzylkum districts in the south, notable for their proximity to the fertile and bird-rich banks of the Syrdarya River, offer convenient water access and deserve special attention. The materials collected by the researchers were processed, summarised and published in the Russian periodical �Turkestan Collection�.Purpose. The aim was to show the results of research expeditions and to introduce rulers, military personnel, peasants and peasants of vast Russia in search of work and land in the virgin steppe, where they have not yet plowed.Methodology. This research utilizes a historical review methodology, examining archival materials, periodicals, and previously published scientific articles.Results. The findings suggest that the resettlement was extensively facilitated by the division of Kazakh lands into administrative territories and the systematic imposition of state property laws. The analysis shows that this not only disrupted the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the Kazakhs but also paved the way for significant Russian migration and agricultural development, particularly in cotton cultivation.Conclusions. The study concludes that the resettlement policy was a form of imperial strategy that had lasting impacts on the region's demographic and economic landscapes. It underscores the dual role of economic exploitation and cultural domination in Tsarist colonization efforts, reflecting broader patterns of European imperial practices in Asia. The research highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of these historical dynamics to appreciate the complex legacy of colonial policies in Central Asia.

Cancer patients' experience of receiving variant of uncertain significance results: An Asian perspective.

Due to a lack of ancestry-matched, functional, and segregation data, Asians have a higher rate of receiving a variant of uncertain significance (VUS) result following panel testing. Managing VUS results presents challenges, as it often leads to increased anxiety and distress among cancer patients undergoing genetic testing. This exploratory study aims to investigate the experience of Asian cancer patients upon receiving a VUS result. A qualitative, semi-structured interview study was conducted, involving cancer patients who had received a VUS result through the Cancer Genetics Service of the National Cancer Centre Singapore. Twenty participants were interviewed, and their responses were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes. Thematic analysis revealed five major themes: (1) VUS results are interpreted as uncertain outcomes; (2) a VUS result provides relief and prompts positive behavioral adjustments; (3) patients employ fatalism and religion as coping mechanisms to navigate uncertainty; (4) genetic counselors, family, and the community offer reassurance and support; (5) patients value updates on variant classifications for future management. While this novel study provides unique insights into the perspectives of Asian patients who receive VUS results, it also highlights patients' effective management of VUS results and uncertainty, which has implications for improving counseling practices in Asia. Emphasis must be placed on accurate interpretation and clear communication of VUS results to dispel the possibility of misconceptions, misdiagnosis, and mismanagement in cancer care.

A Systematic Literature Review of Sustainable Manufacturing: Green Manufacturing Practices in Asia

Sustainable manufacturing is a popular topic due to its importance. Green manufacturing practices have been widely applied in Asia. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on sustainable manufacturing practices in Asia, with a particular emphasis on green manufacturing practices. Based on the systematic literature review using VOSViewer software to analyze the content of the published articles, the literature on sustainable manufacturing practices can be classified into three main categories, which are Sustainable manufacturing, Sustainability practices, and Environmental management. Most of the literature related to Green & sustainable science & technology, Environmental Science, Engineering, Manufacturing, Engineering, Environmental, and Environmental Studies that is accounted by 18.84%, 17.39%, 10.41%, 10.41% and 8.70% of the total documents included in the review, respectively.

Insights into the diversity of blood donation practice across Asia: How blood collection agencies adapt donor criteria and processes to their population.

Securing an adequate blood supply relies on accurate knowledge of blood donors and donation practices. As published evidence on Asian populations is sparse, this study aims to gather up-to-date information on blood donors and donation practices in Asia to assist planning and strategy development. Ten blood collection agencies (BCAs) provided 12 months' data on donors who met eligibility criteria or were deferred, as well as details of their donation practices. Body mass index and blood volumes were calculated and analysed. Data on 9,599,613 donations and 154,834 deferrals from six national and four regional BCAs revealed varied donation eligibility and collection practices. Seven used haemoglobin (Hb) criteria below the World Health Organization anaemia threshold. Seven accepted donors weighing <50 kg. Data collection on the weight and height of donors and on deferrals was inconsistent, often not routine. Deferred donors appear to weigh less, with corresponding lower estimated blood volume. The diversity in eligibility criteria and donation practices reflects each BCA's strategy for balancing donor health with securing an adequate blood supply. Use of lower Hb criteria substantiate their appropriateness in Asia and indicate the need to define Hb reference intervals relevant to each population. We encourage routine gathering of donor weight and height data to enable blood volume estimation and local optimization of donation volumes. Blood volume estimation formulae specific for the Asian phenotype is needed. Information from this study would be useful for tailoring donation criteria of Asian donors around the world.

ONE PERSON COMPANY IN ASIA AND EUROPE: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

The introduction of One Person Company (OPC) has revolutionized the concept of Company operations around the world. Many countries have witnessed significant growth in their economy and Gross Domestic Products (GDP) as a result of the development of OPC. The concept of OPC received much reception because it allows one person to operate a company that has a corporate personality distinct from him. This paper is a comparative study of OPC practices in Asia and Europe with focus on legal entity, incorporation procedure, minimum share capital, appointment of a nominee and conversion of OPC. By using the doctrinal data gathering approach, the researchers examine the relevant journals, articles, books, papers, and Internet sources with a view to achieve the objective of the study. In choosing the sample States, the article further uses the GDPs as a yardstick for selecting the participating countries. The reason for adopting the GDP as the criterion is because it provides an economic snapshot of a nationwhich is used to calculate the size of an economy and its growth rate. The findings of the research paper reveal that the economies around the world were boosted since the inception of the OPCs. Countries like the United Kingdom, Singapore and China witnessed 3.5 percent growth in their economy since inception of OPCs. Establishing and operating Businesses have become easy because the single shareholder need not go through the tedious process of documentations, getting minimum requirements for partners as is applicable for other forms of company operations.

Navigating the Politics of Soft Power: Taiwan and Korea’s Regional Approach in Comparison

ABSTRACT This article compares the ways Taiwan and South Korea have navigated the politics of soft power to gradually exert their influence in South and Southeast Asia. It then analyses Taiwan's self-declared ‘warm power' practices. The article is divided into five parts. The first highlights the conceptual evolution of soft power and new policy practices in Asia. The second discusses the transformation and strengthening from soft power to warm power. The third introduces South Korea's New Southern Policy through the lens of soft power. The fourth presents Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy, and the conclusion compares the impact and prospects of the two.

Prevalence of sexualized drug use and risk of HIV among sexually active MSM in East and South Asian countries: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Sexualizeddrug use (SDU), the use of psychoactive drugs in the context of sexual intercourse, has been identified as a risk factor for HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Asia. Given the distinct social and cultural context of same-sex relationships and drug-using practice in Asia, we aimed to describe the prevalence of SDU in East and South Asian countries and its associations with condomless anal sex (CAI) and HIV status. Synthesizing SDU research in this region, including SDU definitions, prevalence and outcomes, provides insights to inform future research and improved programme planning, resourcing and advocacy. We systematically searched OVID Medline, OVID EMBASE, OVID Global Health, CINAHL, PsycINFO and SCOPUS publication databases for scientific articles published from 1990 to 2022 measuring SDU among MSM in East and South Asian countries. A narrative synthesis was utilized to describe key study attributes and findings, and meta-analyses using random pooled effect models were used to estimate SDU prevalence and its associations with CAI and HIV status. Subgroup meta-analyses, sensitivity analysis and assessment of publication bias examined potential sources of heterogeneity for the pooled SDU prevalence estimates. Of the 1788 publications screened, 49 publications met the selection criteria and 18 were suitable for meta-analyses. Findings highlight SDU definitions distinct from other regions but inconsistencies in the definition of SDU between studies that have been highlighted in research elsewhere. The pooled prevalence of recent SDU (past 12 months) was 13% (95% CI = 10-16%; I2 = 97.6) but higher when studies utilized self-administered surveys (15%; 95% CI = 12-19%; p<0.05). SDU was associated with greater odds of CAI (pooled odds ratio [OR] = 3.21; 95% CI = 1.82-5.66) and living with diagnosed HIV (OR = 4.73; 95% CI = 2.27-8.21). SDU is common among MSM in East and South Asian countries, but varying SDU definitions limit between-study comparisons. Responses to SDU-related harms should consider local contexts, including specific drug types used and their relative risks.

Fit-for-Purpose Land Administration and the Framework for Effective Land Administration: Synthesis of Contemporary Experiences

Despite the significant and explicit focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), much of the world’s land rights remain unrecorded and outside formal government systems. Blame is often placed on land administration processes that are considered slow, expensive, and expertise-dependent. Fit-For-Purpose Land Administration (FFPLA) has been suggested as an alternative, time and cost-effective approach. Likewise, the UN endorsed Framework for Effective Land Administration (FELA) demands attention to worldwide tenure insecurity by directly linking it to responsible land administration. Implementation of FFPLA and FELA is country-context dependent, and there are now many lessons of execution from various jurisdictions. Undertaken in 2022, this study synthesizes a review of experiences to provide a further update on the best global FFPLA implementation practices and inform approaches for future FFPLA projects. A systematic review is adopted as the research methodology, and contemporary articles from the internationally recognized land administration discourse are examined. The studies focus on FFPLA implementation practices and innovative approaches for delivering land tenure security. A checklist is developed, based on the FELA strategic pathways and the FFPLA fundamental framework principles and characteristic elements, to identify best implementation practices. Success stories across the globe show that the FFPLA characteristic elements and the FELA pathway goals are achieved through effective execution of the FFPLA framework key principles. As a result, the study identified successful FFPLA implementation practices in Asia and Africa, which can be synthesized and extended to realize tenure security in rapidly urbanizing areas. However, further study is necessary to determine the efficacy, practicability, innovativeness, and transferability of the best practices to other land administration scenarios.

Thrombosis and anticoagulation: clinical issues of special importance to hematologists who practice in Asia

There are clinical issues of special importance and practice variation in the management of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and in the use of anticoagulants among hematologists who practice in Asia. In Asian-inherited thrombophilia, coagulation is disturbed due to loss-of-function mutations of protein S and protein C causing protein S and protein C deficiencies, whereas the gain-of-function factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A mutations are almost absent. Thrombophilia screening is not recommended in patients with VTE patients who have major provoking factors. However, it can be considered in unprovoked young patients with VTE who have a strong family history of VTE. Cancer is the most important acquired risk factor for VTE in Asians. Limited cancer screening at the initial presentation of unprovoked VTE is appropriate, especially in the elderly. Direct oral anticoagulants have been shown to have similar efficacy and reduce risk of major bleeding, including intracranial hemorrhage and bleeding requiring hospitalization, compared with warfarin. Most clinical trials evaluating therapies for treatment and prevention of VTE have included small numbers of Asian patients. Despite this lack of evidence, direct oral anticoagulants have been increasingly used in Asia for cancer-associated thrombosis. Individualized assessment of thrombotic and bleeding risks should be used for all hospitalized Asian patients when deciding on pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis. More research is needed to understand the factors that contribute to risks of VTE and anticoagulant-associated bleeding in Asian patients as these may differ from Western populations.

Trends of LIS Education and Practice in Asia and Oceania: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract: This paper identifies the trend of LIS education and practice in the Asia-Oceania region in four areas, namely LIS research, LIS education, library technologies, and library services. A bibliometric analysis was carried out based on the publications indexed by Scopus, ranging from 1979 to 2021. India, China, Iran, and Australia rank the highest for number of publications within the four focus areas and areas of bibliometrics, research productivity, text mining, and big data are frequently being studied recently. Within the past five years, the LIS education sector has been concerned with the quality of LIS education programs and integration of information and communication technology (ICT) in the education delivery. Meanwhile, library technology adoption and services are seeing a positive move toward enhancing the user experience via the latest technology enhancements, such as green technology initiatives, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality apps. Although several studies have reported on the trends in LIS fields, scarcely any research has been carried out in the area of LIS education and practices as a whole, particularly focusing on Asia and Oceania. This study elucidates the most recent trends of LIS education and practices, including all recent innovations and explorations within the specific areas analyzed in the study.

73MO Regorafenib in patients (pts) with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) in real-world practice in Asia: Final analysis of the prospective, observational REFINE study

In an interim analysis of Asian pts with uHCC in the observational REFINE study of regorafenib (NCT03289273), treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were consistent with those reported in the global, phase 3 RESORCE trial. Here, we present the final analysis of Asian pts with uHCC in REFINE.

An Asian version of data journalism?: Uncovering “Asian values” in data stories produced across Asia

Data journalism in Western-centric research has been lauded for its investigative qualities, capable of bringing to light previously concealed information and enabling the press to play its watchdog function. That said, journalism outside the liberal West may operate within vastly different contexts, shaped by different historical experiences, political cultures, and philosophical traditions, thereby creating a different brand of data journalism. This paper examines data journalism practice in Asia specifically, a region known to be home to collaborative press systems that adhere to a set of “Asian values” pertaining to collectivism, social harmony, norm conformity and deference to authority. By examining 210 data stories produced by news outlets in six Asian countries, this study finds that Asian values are displayed in a vast majority of data stories produced in the region, most of which are news stories pertaining to the home country of these news outlets. Continued reliance on government sources for information and a lack of stories that reveal previously hidden information or scrutinize a powerful entity also suggest no strong push to leverage on the investigative qualities of data journalism to produce more “watchdog” journalism; focus is instead placed on the “civic” role of informing the public.

Integrative practice in Asia – India and China

Traditional medical practice in the world has maintained its popularity in spite of the challenges of the rapid development of modern medicine. The World Health Organization observed that 80% of world population still rely on traditional practices of special cultural heritages.In Asia, the traditional practices include mainly that of the Middle East, India and China. The 3000 years of development in the three different regions has resulted in cross-cultural influences and exchanges, particularly revealed in the rich collections of medicinal herbs.Ayurveda medicine has well maintained its traditional philosophy and practice. It has enjoyed very substantial governmental support on the national level and has remained popular. Traditional Chinese Medicine, likewise, has kept its popularity and vibrance. However, with the ever advancing modern medicine which is giving efficient acute care and specific solutions to known target areas of clinical concern, are unavoidable obstacles to an integrative practice.Besides India, China is the only country in the world where Traditional Medicine is still playing a major role in national health care. During the COVID-19 pandemic both Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine practitioners tried hard to contribute by offering integrative treatment to the infected patients. They were getting a lot of national and professional endorsements. One would speculate that with this unknown virus and diverse clinical presentations, a better integrative program would be able to provide better outcome.On the prevention side, medicinal herbs are expected to be able to boost up the innate immunity of the individual so that infection could be better resisted.Given the similarities between the Indian and Chinese Systems of traditional practice, it is suggested that Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine could develop a joint mission with combined efforts, to collaborate in research and trials, with the aim of consolidating Integrative Practice. This article concentrates on the Indian and Chinese areas of traditional practice, viz. Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine.

Guest editorial: Green human resource management and the implications of culture on its practices in Asia

Guest editorial: Green human resource management and the implications of culture on its practices in Asia

Evaluation of the geriatric 8 (G8) screening tool in a multi-ethnic Asian population of older adults with cancer: Results from Geriatric Oncology Longitudinal End to eNd (GOLDEN) Study.

e24029 Background: The Geriatric 8 (G8) questionnaire has been validated predominantly in Western populations as a screening tool to identify vulnerable older adults with cancer who would benefit from comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). Given the paucity of evidence of the performance of this tool in a multi-ethnic Asian population, there is a need to determine whether the established cut-off score of 14 should be adjusted for improved performance in this population of older adults. Methods: Prospective cross-sectional study was done in older adults aged ≥ 65 years in the outpatient setting of an academic tertiary cancer center, the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS). G8 questionnaire and CGA were conducted for eligible patients. The performance of the G8 screening tool in identifying patients who would benefit from a CGA was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis: area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity (Sn), and specificity (Sp). Results: 180 participants (mean age 74 years) were included in the study. 40.5% were female. 90% were Chinese, 7% were Malay, 2% were Indian. 57.8% were pre-frail and 12.8% were frail. The top five cancers in our study population were colorectal (30%), lung (25%), head and neck (12%), upper gastrointestinal (10%) and gynecological (7.0%). ROC analysis showed an AUC of 0.73 (95% CI 0.65 – 0.80) with an optimal cut-off score of 13 (Sn 71.7%, Sp 74.0%). Conclusions: G8 performed well in identifying older adults with cancer who would benefit from a CGA, in a multi-ethnic Asian population. In our cohort, we found that a slightly lower cut-off score of 13 performed better, and should be taken into consideration as part of daily oncology practice in Asia. Future research efforts should go into examining the biological aspects of frailty in this population.

Six principles to strengthen qualitative assessments in development interventions

ABSTRACT Qualitative research and evaluation is often described as an art rather than a science. This intangible nature has left many programme teams feeling uncertain about how to justify and use qualitative forms of assessment in their monitoring, evaluation, and learning practice. Existing guidance is theoretically based and often focused on applications in the Global North. Building on an expressed need for guidance from a community of practice in Asia and the Pacific, this collaborative action research process aimed to create practical and tested guidance for programme teams. The analysis was conducted as part of a Cambodia-based sanitation programme assessment. Drawing from literature and the collaborative process, we propose a set of six principles to guide insightful, practical, and robust qualitative assessments. We provide examples regarding how the principles can be used to plan, conduct, and review qualitative assessments with a goal to strengthen the future use of qualitative tools in programming.

Systematic Approach to Agroforestry Policies and Practices in Asia

This paper introduces the Special Issue “Systematic Approach to Agroforestry Policies and Practices in Asia”. This Special Issue contains eleven papers on agroforestry at national, regional, and global levels. These papers discuss research trends; dominant services and functions of agroforestry; multiple case studies from Asian countries including Nepal, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Timor-Leste; and the benefits of agroforestry including income generation and carbon sequestration. They also interpret the goals, challenges, and social and cultural norms in agroforestry policies in national and local contexts. The research results can support policy design for the systematization and stabilization of agroforestry. This Special Issue provides us with scientific evidence and practical lessons on agroforestry policies and practices in Asia. It contributes to expanding the knowledge base for agroforestry and towards establishing and implementing agroforestry policies and practices in the region.

Risk stratification of indeterminate thyroid nodules by novel multigene testing: a study of Asians with a high risk of malignancy.

Molecular testing of indeterminate thyroid nodules informs about the presence of point mutations, insertions/deletions, copy number variants, RNA fusions, transcript alterations and miRNA expression. American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines suggest molecular testing of indeterminate thyroid nodules may be considered to supplement risk of malignancy (ROM). Although these recommendations have been incorporated in clinical practices in the United States, molecular testing of indeterminate thyroid nodules is not common practice in Asia. Here, we performed molecular testing of 140 indeterminate nodules from Chinese patients using a novel molecular platform composed of RNA and DNA‐RNA classifiers, which is similar to Afirma GEC and ThyroSeq v3. Compared with reports from North America, the new RNA and DNA‐RNA classifiers had a higher positive predictive value (p1 = 0.000 and p2 = 0.020) but a lower negative predictive value (p1 = 0.004 and p2 = 0.098), with no significant differences in sensitivity (p1 = 0.625 and p2 = 0.179) or specificity (p1 = 0.391 and p2 = 0.264). Out of 58 resected nodules, 10 were borderline and 33 malignant, indicating a 74.1% ROM, which was higher than reports in North America (10–40% ROM). Our findings emphasize molecular testing with the newly reported RNA and DNA‐RNA classifiers can be used as a ‘rule‐in’ test when ROM is high.