Knowledge assets and bilateral-trade flows in ASEAN-5 countries : an extension of gravity panel data model

This study analyses knowledge asset as a determinant factor to bilateral trade flows in ASEAN-5 countries, namely, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand from 2000 to 2015. The gravity model of trade is extended by incorporating the five components of knowledge assets, namely, national’s market capital, financial capital, renewal and development capital, human capital and process capital as explanatory variables. The empirical investigation is based on pooled ASEAN-5 data and done using random effects and fixed effects models. The principle findings corroborate that knowledge assets are positive and have significant effects on bilateral trade flows in ASEAN-5 countries. The consideration of improving human capital and financial capital is vital given that it is a major contribution to the changes of bilateral trade in ASEAN. This study is open for further research on the negative and significant influences of process capital towards bilateral trade flows in ASEAN-5 countries

Perceived learning needs among coronary artery disease patients: a study in a tertiary hospital

Introduction: Determination of learning needs is central for holistic patient education, to sustain behavior changes and to control patient’s risk factor. However, patients often sense that their learning needs are unmet and information provided was too general. Thus, this study aimed to determine the perceived learning needs and their level of importance among Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) patients. Methods: The current investigation is a descriptive, cross-sectional study for which all CAD patients were selected using the cencus method. The data was collected using Cardiac Patients Learning Needs Inventory. The questionnaire was delivered to 140 CAD patients who had their follow-up in a cardiology clinic. The instrument is reliable with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.96. The study design followed STROBE cross-sectional design process guideline. Results: Participants’ mean age was 58.96 ± 9.42 years. More than half of the participants were males (62.9%), employed (52.0%) and had attained secondary level education (69.3%). Around two-thirds (60.7%) of the patients perceived to have high learning needs. Gender and highest educational achievement were significantly associated with perceived learning needs. The most significant perceived learning needs were medication information, risk factors for CAD, information on diet, physical activity, anatomy and physiology, and other related information. Conclusion: This study has identified the important domains of learning needs among CAD patients. Findings from the present study will provide important input for future cardiac educational strategies to reduce the rate of hospital readmission and death