Selected Asian Countries Research Articles

091. Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Breast Cancer Surgery Care in 8 Institutiona Around Southeast and South Asia

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic brought about unprecedented disruptions to surgical services globally, which could have led to delays in surgical care for breast cancer patients. This study analysed the institutional responses of tertiary hospitals from selected Asian countries to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We identified all patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer from 16 institutions (9 countries: Singapore, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam) from 11 Mar 2020 to 10 Mar 2021 (“covid”) and compared them to those diagnosed 11 Mar 2019 to 10 Mar 2020 (“precovid”). The following data were collected and retrospectively analysed: number of breast cancer surgeries and timeliness of surgery (days from diagnosis to surgery); type of surgery (breast conserving surgery [BCS], mastectomy without [Ms] and with reconstruction [MRecon]), and clinical stage at diagnosis. Results: 4816 patients (2550 in “precovid” and 2266 in “covid” cohort) were included. Median age at diagnosis was 57 for both cohorts (r, 20-117) (p=0.79). In overall number of cases (n=4877), there is no statistically significant difference between pre- (n=2515, 51.6%) v. covid (n=2362, 48.4%) period (p=0.26). Sequence of treatments was similar in both cohorts (upfront surgery [n=3983 cases, 53.7% v. 46.3%, p=0.08; or surgery after neoadjuvant therapy [n=878 cases, 48.9% v. 51.1%, p=0.79]). Five of 16 institutions experienced a decrease in number of surgeries (p<0.05) during the first year of the pandemic, and across all 3 types of surgery, while 1 institution received more cases (p=0.002). Two other institutions had statistically significant more patients with neoadjuvant therapy (p=0.003 and p<0.001) and 1 of these two showed an increase in BCS (p=0.04) and MRecon (p=0.04) cases during covid compared to the precovid period. Five of 12 institutions had significantly longer waiting time from diagnosis to surgery (p<0.05). Trend analysis per quartile during covid period demonstrated that number of surgeries and timeliness dipped mainly in the first quartile, followed by rapid rebound in surgeries across all institutions in the next 2 quartiles. There was no difference in clinical stage at presentation in the 2 time periods. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic initially impacted the number of breast cancer surgeries performed by institutions in Asia. This was followed by rapid adaptation and restoration of surgical services by institutions.

ASSERING THE IMPACT OF MACROECONOMIC INDICATORS ON CORPORATE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS IN ASIA

This study investigates the impact of macroeconomic indicators, specifically GDP growth and inflation, on corporate financial performance in selected ASEAN countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam) from 2010 to 2022. Using data sourced from the OSIRIS database and the World Bank's World Development Indicators, the analysis focuses on three key financial metrics: Return on Assets (ROA), Net Profit Margin (NPM), and Market Capitalization (MC). Employing the Generalized Least Squares (GLS) method, the study addresses heteroskedasticity and autocorrelation in panel data, incorporating control variables such as Total Assets, Current Ratio, and Interest Coverage. Results indicate that GDP growth positively correlates with ROA and NPM, underscoring the importance of economic expansion for corporate efficiency and profitability. However, GDP growth does not significantly impact Market Capitalization, highlighting potential differences in market valuation dynamics. Inflation positively affects ROA and NPM, suggesting firms effectively manage inflationary pressures but does not significantly affect Market Capitalization. The findings provide actionable insights for financial managers, investors, and policymakers. Companies should integrate macroeconomic forecasts into business planning and adopt strategies to mitigate inflationary impacts. Future research directions include sector-specific analyses, longitudinal studies, and the incorporation of additional macroeconomic variables to deepen the understanding of these relationships.

Enhancing environmental quality and economic growth through potential effects of energy efficiency and renewable energy in Asian economies

This study examines the potential impacts of energy efficiency and renewable energy on economic growth proxies by gross domestic product and environmental quality proxies by carbon dioxide emissions across eight selected Asian countries from 2000 to 2020. This study contributes by calculating green total factor productivity and carbon total factor productivity based on the famous Solow’s residual via employing a modified extensive growth accounting model that internalized ignored factors such as energy efficiency and renewable energy. The employed panel cointegration techniques confirm that all variables are co-integrated with carbon dioxide emissions and economic growth. The pooled mean group/autoregressive distributed lag model analysis results indicate that energy efficiency is positively associated with both environmental quality and economic growth. Renewable energy hurts economic growth but has a positive effect on environmental quality which suggests the necessity of implementing an effective strategy for renewable energy alongside energy efficiency measures to enhance economic growth and environmental quality in the selected Asian countries. The findings from the fully modified ordinary least squares estimator are consistent with the environmental quality model. The average growth rate of green total factor productivity is positive despite negative contributions from energy efficiency and renewable energy. Similarly, the average growth rate of carbon total factor productivity is negative despite positive contributions from labor and capital. This discrepancy may be attributed to the beneficial effects of labor and capital as input productivity-driven. Embracing renewable energy sources can take significant steps toward improving environmental quality for future generations. Focusing on green technologies that enhance energy efficiency can substantially promote environmental quality and stimulate sustainable economic growth through innovation and climate change integration to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.

Prevalence of Breast Cancer Screening in Asia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality among women above 50 years of age. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at identifying the prevalence and trend of breast cancer screening among selected Asian countries. We searched three databases including, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus using our search terms. Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria specified in the PROSPERO (registration ID: CRD42023401516) and any conflicts were resolved through discussion. Two independent reviewers and conflicts also completed the full-text screening, which was solved. Relevant information was extracted in an Excel sheet and random effects meta-analysis was performed to identify the pooled estimate of breast cancer screening in Asia using Stata 17. We identified 41 studies from 14 selected Asian countries reporting breast cancer screening rates from 2012-2023. The pooled estimate of four countries (China, Iran, Japan, and Korea) with more than three data points on clinical breast examination and mammographic screening showed a screening rate of 24% (95% CI: 0.20 - 0.27) and 18% (95% CI: (0.14 - 0.21) in the last ten years respectively. Most Asian countries do not have sufficient data on breast cancer screening due to a lack of nationally representative surveys or national-level cancer registries. Therefore, it is crucial to strengthen cancer control policies including breast cancer screening programs.

Role of Human Capital, Industrialization and Trade Openness in Economic Growth in Selected Asian Countries

Role of Human Capital, Industrialization and Trade Openness in Economic Growth in Selected Asian Countries

Impact of Economic and Social Infrastructure and Government Final Consumption Expenditures on Economic Growth: An Evidence from Selected Asian Countries

Impact of Economic and Social Infrastructure and Government Final Consumption Expenditures on Economic Growth: An Evidence from Selected Asian Countries

Physicians’ and patients’ perception of biosimilars and factors affecting biosimilar prescribing in selected Asian countries: a survey study

ABSTRACT Background This study evaluated physicians’ and patients’ beliefs about biosimilars in Hong Kong, India, Pakistan, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. Research design and methods An online survey administered to physicians (dermatologists, n = 119; gastroenterologists, n = 148; rheumatologists, n = 161) between 22 October 2021 and 7 January 2022, and patients (n = 90) with rheumatic or inflammatory bowel disease between 25 October 2021 and 12 April 2022. Results Most (68%) physicians reported having a strong knowledge about biosimilars, yet 49% indicated that biosimilars are readily available to them. Physicians cited potential cost savings (81%) as the main benefit of biosimilars, and cost/coverage support (36%), patient support (25%), and increasing biosimilar awareness/education (24%) as main strategies for improving usage. Few (21%) patients reported having a strong knowledge about biosimilars. Patients cited offering alternatives in case of drug shortages (77%) as the main benefit of biosimilars, and cost/coverage support (53%), increasing awareness of product profile (22%), and providing biosimilars with a good efficacy profile/effective product (19%) as main strategies for improving usage. Conclusion Programs focused on cost/coverage support, patient support, and biosimilar awareness could improve acceptance of biosimilars for chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases in Asian countries, thereby increasing patient access to essential biologic therapies.

Socioeconomic Factors Affecting Healthcare Expenditures in Selected Asian Countries

Socioeconomic Factors Affecting Healthcare Expenditures in Selected Asian Countries

Exploring firm and country's specific factors affecting carbon emission reduction performance: Study on selected ASEAN countries

The research aims to analyze the determinants that impact a company's capability to mitigate carbon emissions in various ASEAN countries, specifically Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Singapore. The investigation delves into company-specific factors, including corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy, green innovation, corporate governance, and product responsibility, as well as country-specific factors such as voice and accountability, regulatory quality, government effectiveness, and the rule of law. The results reveal that all examined company-specific factors exhibit a positive and significant influence on a company's capability to reduce carbon emissions. Nonetheless, the influence of country-specific factors on emission reduction performance remains indefinite. While regulatory quality and government effectiveness are significantly associated with a company's emission reduction performance, the same relationship does not apply to voice and accountability and the rule of law.

Benchmarks of New Teaching Modalities and Instructional Management in Physical Education in Selected Universities in Asia

The Philippines' education system is still undergoing significant change as it adopts innovative strategies to continue offering high-quality instruction in the face of the pandemic. The COVID-19 epidemic has caused havoc on the economy, exacerbating poverty, undermining the health care system, altering people's lives from the traditional to the new normal, and particularly affecting the education sector. Digital technology is currently being used to improve instructional management and teaching modalities. It will also analyze the practices of colleges and universities across selected Asian countries. This study utilized the mixed method approach, specifically the explanatory mixed method by Creswell (2013). The result shows that blended and flexible teaching modalities are being utilized by physical education teachers across selected Asian countries. It also showed that there is a strong correlation between the variables in teaching modality, such as functionality, accessibility, and efficiency, and the instructional management that includes curriculum, assessment, and evaluation. Moreover, it is also revealed that there are still some concerns that they need to address, including their accessibility whenever and wherever possible and the submission and checking of outputs using the existing teaching modalities. Based on the results of the study, the researcher developed the PEFLEX PLUS teaching modality that will strengthen the best practices and address the concerns of physical education teachers. This teaching modality will utilize the three existing modalities, which are blended, flexible, and interactive modular, simultaneously in one teaching session. This will address the needs of the students and their concerns about how to access quality physical education through the use of technology in the teaching and learning process.

Dijital Ekonomi ve Rekabetçilik: Seçilmiş Asya ülkeleri Üzerine Bir Değerlendirme

The purpose of this study is to provide an assessment of the status and development of the digital economy and digital competitiveness in selected Asian economies. Today's economy has become more digital due to scientific and technological developments. The digital economy is an economy based on digital technologies, knowledge and innovation. It involves the primary use of information technology hardware, software, applications, and telecommunications in all sectors of the economy. The importance of the research is that it presents an approach to determine the competitive position of countries in terms of digitalization. The study assessed the digital competitiveness positions of selected Asian countries on the basis of specially selected indicators. Eight Asian countries were included in the study: Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and China. The study examined and compared the Network Readiness Index, Digital Competitiveness Index and E-Government Index. In addition, the World Bank, UNCTAD and International Telecommunication Union (ITU) databases were used as digital economy indicators. When the indices and indicators included in the study to evaluate competition in the digital economy are evaluated as a whole, Hong Kong, Singapore and South Korea have come to the forefront among the countries studied, while Indonesia and Thailand have lagged behind these countries. As a result, the study discusses what needs to be done for countries to maintain and improve their digital competitiveness and use modern digital technologies in all sectors of the economy.

Trends of liver transplantation in Asia.

Liver transplantation (LT) in Asia started comparatively early in 1964, just 1year after Starzl's trail-blazing first attempt. Despite the quick start, LT was slow to develop in this region. Limited access to universal healthcare, lack of public understanding and support as well as the absence of strong legislation, on a backdrop of a wide range of diverse social, religious, economic and cultural background are all contributory factors. Through strong administrative efforts, the number of DDLTs in selected Asian countries has been slowly rising in recent years. However, Asians are generally still less likely to donate organs than Caucasians after death. The strong demand for LT with limited access to deceased organs has, therefore, led to constant need for innovation in LT this region, with the pioneering of various LDLT techniques and safe expansion of donor pool being driven primarily by Asian centers. Familiarity and the development of technical expertise in donor surgery have also resulted in Asian centers repeatedly pushing the boundaries on minimally invasive donor and recipient surgery. In this article, we focus on the past and present states of LT in Asia and explore the future trends of LT in this region.

GIS-Based and Geospatial Analysis: Mapping and Visualizing the Trend of COVID-19 Data in Selected Asian Countries

GIS-Based and Geospatial Analysis: Mapping and Visualizing the Trend of COVID-19 Data in Selected Asian Countries

The Role of Financial Development in Reducing Income Inequality in Selected Asian Countries

The present study investigated the effects of financial development on income inequality for three income level groups across 12 Asian countries (areas) from 1980-2020. The three groups comprised countries with low, moderate, and high economic development. Using the Quantile-on-Quantile (QQ) approach, The findings showed that the impact of financial development on income inequality differed across the income level groups of the 12 selected Asian countries. The results suggested that financial development exacerbated income inequality in underdeveloped countries, while for moderately developed countries, financial development promoted income equality. Except for South Korea, the other countries in the high economic development group showed that financial development exacerbated income inequality. Therefore, the impact of financial development on income should be examined by groups, in which moderately-developed countries could devote more attention to promoting income equality through reforms focusing on the development of financial diversification and the enhancement of financial depth.

Examining the Interconnections among ICT, Education, and Unemployment Evidence from Selected Asian Economies

Purpose of the research: This study investigates the influence of education and information communication technology (ICT) on economic growth and development in selected Asian countries, with a focus on reducing unemployment rates. Design/methodology: Using the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) technique, the research analyses the relationship between unemployment rates and key independent variables such as secondary education, ICT index, foreign direct investment (FDI), economic growth, and inflation. Results/findings: The findings highlight the significant impact of secondary education, ICT, FDI, economic growth, and inflation on reducing unemployment levels in the selected Asian countries. The study emphasizes the importance of government initiatives to provide free higher education and expand financial debt facilities to boost per capita income and stimulate economic growth. Practical Implications and Conclusions: The research underscores the critical role of education, ICT, and economic policies in addressing unemployment challenges and fostering sustainable development in Asian economies. It recommends prioritizing investments in education and technology infrastructure and implementing measures to enhance financial accessibility and ICT utilization to combat unemployment effectively.

The role of private sector investment in agriculture: A catalyst for sustainable development in Asia

AbstractThe agricultural sector is a crucial driver for sustainable development in many countries, as it directly or indirectly contributes to various United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. However, this sector requires increasing financial investment to rejuvenate and modernise production processes. This study investigates the impact of private sector investment on agricultural production across selected Asian countries from 2001Q1 to 2020Q4. The results of the Driscoll‐Kraay regression and the method of moments quantile regression reveal that private agricultural investment positively affects agricultural production. The findings indicate positive contributions from agricultural aid, domestic credit, and rural population, whereas remittances negatively affect agricultural production. The Dumitrescu‐Hurlin panel causality test results establish bidirectional causality between farm production and its determinants (private agricultural investment, agricultural aid, domestic credit, remittances, and the rural population). Based on these findings, we recommend that policymakers and governments incentivise and facilitate private agricultural investment to drive sustainable development. This strategy could boost agricultural productivity and enhance a more resilient agricultural system capable of withstanding environmental challenges while improving farmers' incomes and livelihoods.

Income Inequality, Institutional Quality, and Trade Openness: An Analysis from Selected Asian Countries

Income inequality with financial development has been observed in most of the Asian economies. A lot of major factors may strengthen this inequality in these countries. Despite discussions on this issue, the policymakers have not found harmony in this relationship. Considering this, we investigate the link between financial development, institutional quality, and income inequality by using panel data from 2008 to 2018. GMM results reveal that financial development, economic growth, and institutional quality lessen income inequality in Asian countries. It is concluded that more access to credit may lessen the inequality in Asian economies. So, there is a need to make easy the availability of credit facilities for the general public. Institutions should also play a positive and contributing role in decreasing income inequality. Finally, political and economic stability also plays an active and effective role by attracting more involvement in economic activities and trade openness.

Market Size, Trade Openness, and Foreign Direct Investment in Selected Asian Countries

Market Size, Trade Openness, and Foreign Direct Investment in Selected Asian Countries

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Among Selected Asian Countries: A Literature Review

This literature review examines the landscape of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in selected Asian countries, focusing on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among healthcare professionals and the general population. Drawing insights from studies conducted in Bangladesh, Iran, Malaysia, Thailand, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the Philippines, the review highlights the increasing interest in CAM as a holistic approach to health and well-being. While positive attitudes towards CAM are prevalent, challenges such as knowledge gaps, concerns about evidence, and limited integration into clinical care persist. The review underscores the importance of education, research, and policy interventions to promote the safe and effective use of CAM, enhance healthcare quality, and meet the diverse healthcare needs of populations in the region. Recommendations include investing in educational programs, supporting research initiatives, and raising public awareness to advance healthcare systems’ capacity in integrating CAM practices effectively.

Role of Economic Growth and Government Health Expenditures in Determining Life Expectancy in Selected Asian Countries

Life expectancy is indispensable to Asian countries that are endeavoring to attain socioeconomic development completely by making many investments in the health and education sectors. Current research focuses on determinants of life expectancy in selected Asian economies by using panel data from 15 nations. Fixed effect results highlight that domestic general government health expenditures, economic growth, and urban population are contributing to improved life expectancy at birth. However, the unemployment rate seems to be deteriorating the life expectancy at birth in these Asian economies. The Governments of these economies must provide more educational and health facilities along with job chances to the general people. Moreover, health and educational expenditures must be the maximum share of GDP in these economies.