Asian Journal of Advanced Research and Reports
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Financial Challenges and Coping Mechanisms of Automotive Technology Working Students in Northern Luzon: A Qualitative Case Study
No full textThis study aimed to explore the financial challenges and coping strategies of working students enrolled in the Automotive Technology program in Northern Luzon, Philippines, and to examine how these challenges shape their academic engagement, well-being, motivation, and self-efficacy. A qualitative case study design was employed to capture in-depth accounts of students\u27 lived experiences. The study was conducted at Mariano Marcos State University, College of Industrial Technology, during the academic year 2024–2025. The sample consisted of purposively selected Automotive Technology students who were simultaneously engaged in part-time or full-time employment while pursuing their studies. Data were collected through validated semi-structured interviews, which elicited narratives on financial strain, work–study balance, coping mechanisms, and support systems. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis. The results revealed five major themes: financial challenges and instability, academic challenges and commitment, well-being and emotional balance, motivation and self-efficacy through meaning-making, and the role of support systems and future aspirations. Findings indicated that persistent financial hardship significantly affected students’ academic participation and well-being; however, students demonstrated resilience through strategic budgeting, time management, positive reframing, and reliance on family and peer support. Despite physical and emotional strain, strong motivation, self-efficacy, and goal-oriented meaning-making enabled students to persist in their studies. In conclusion, the study highlights that while financial stress remains a central barrier for Automotive Technology working students, adaptive coping strategies and support systems play a critical role in sustaining academic persistence. The findings underscore the need for integrated institutional interventions, including financial aid, flexible academic policies, and mental health support, to holistically address the realities of working students in technical-vocational education
Water Quality and Consumer Perception: A Case Study of Alternative Water Supply (AWS) Sources in Dschang, Cameroon
No full textThe difficulty to supply good quality drinking water is becoming very critical in urban communities of Sub-Saharan countries. In Cameroon, Dschang alternative water supply (AWS) sources (springs) are threatened by contamination because of the high cost of acquiring portable. The main objective of the study was to assess consumers\u27 perception and its effects on water consumption in Dschang municipality, Cameroon, specifically on evaluating the physicochemical and microbiological quality of AWS sources with consumers\u27 perception of water potability. Data for this study was obtained through structured questionnaires administered through simple random sampling techniquw to 150 respondents and an analysis of physicochemical and microbiological water samples was also conducted at key AWS points: Lefock, Madagascar, Gendarmerie camp, La Vallée, and University campus B. The parameters analyzed included pH, conductivity, turbidity, TDS, cations (Ca, Mg, K, Na), total coliforms, and faecal coliforms adapted from Temgoua (2011). The parameters studied included the hydrogen ion concentration or acidity level (pH) of the different AWS sources. The pH values ranged between 5.26 and 7.51. The pH value for good quality water should be between 6.9 and 9.2. Results showed that water from AWS sources was not subjected to any home-based treatment. Lefock (pH value = 5.26), Madagascar (pH value = 5.50), Gendarmerie camp (pH value = 5.60), and La Vallee (pH value = 5.51) all did not meet the pH range for good quality water, except University of Dschang campus B (pH value = 7.51). About 75% of respondents perceived that AWS water is potable. Of the five supply sources studied, only the University of Dschang campus B source is acceptable for human consumption; the rest are unacceptable, with La Vallée source being the most contaminated with the lowest pH level. The study revealed that most Alternative Water Supply (AWS) sources in Dschang Urban Municipality have pH levels unsuitable for consumption, except University of Dschang campus B. Despite this, many respondents perceived the water as potable. Proper handling and control of AWS sources could boost water security and support economic growth
Biological, Metabolic, Lifestyle, and Clinical Factors Leading to a Faster Increase of Gallstone Disease Prevalence in Men
No full textGallstone disease remains one of the most prevalent disorders of the hepatobiliary system and a major driver of healthcare utilization worldwide. Although gallstones have historically been more frequent in women, multiple populations now report a relative rise in incident gallstone disease among men, coinciding with shifts in cardiometabolic risk profiles, aging demographics, and medication exposures. This review synthesizes contemporary evidence on factors that increase gallstone incidence in men, integrating epidemiologic trends with mechanistic pathways in cholesterol supersaturation, gallbladder dysmotility, inflammation, and metabolic dysregulation. Particular emphasis is placed on male-relevant determinants: central obesity and insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and vascular disease, smoking, dietary quality, physical inactivity, and endocrine contexts such as androgen deprivation therapy. Interactions between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and gallstone disease are examined as convergent outcomes of metabolic dysfunction. Evidence from large prospective cohorts, systematic reviews, and population-based studies is discussed to highlight modifiable risk factors, identify high-risk male subgroups, and inform prevention and early detection strategies. The most actionable prevention strategy in men is comprehensive cardiometabolic risk reduction: maintaining healthy body weight and waist circumference, improving diet quality, increasing physical activity, and eliminating tobacco use. Viewing gallstones in men as a potential marker of metabolic dysfunction and broader chronic disease risk can strengthen preventive care and may reduce both biliary complications and downstream cardiometabolic burden
Performance Appraisal Methods as Correlate of Lecturers’ Productivity in Universities in Delta State
No full textAims: This study examined performance appraisal methods as correlate of lecturers’ productivity in universities in Delta State. The study was guided by three research questions and three null hypotheses.
Study Design: The design of the study was a correlational survey research design.
Methodology: The population of the study comprised one thousand nine hundred and nineteen (1919) lecturers in public universities in Delta State. The sample size comprised 236 lecturers in universities in Delta State. The instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire developed by researcher, titled Performance Appraisal Methods and Lecturers Productivity Questionnaire (PAMLPPUQ).). The instrument was subjected to face and content validation and the reliability of the instrument was ascertained through test re-test method and the reliability yielding a coefficient of 0.89. The research questions were answered using the SPSS software, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient was employed to answer the research questions. The hypotheses were tested using regression at 0.05 levels of significance.
Results: Results of the study, among others, showed that there is a significant relationship between critical incidents, graphic rating scale and essay methods of performance appraisal and lecturers\u27 productivity in public universities in Delta State.
Conclusion: Based on the result, it was concluded that the level of lecturers’ productivity was high attesting to the fact that the provision of adequate reward incentives and evaluation based on a fair system of performance standards improves lecturers’ productivity.
Recommendations: The study recommended a systematic training and retraining programme for universities management staff and all lecturers should be designed to raise the level of knowledge, when and how to apply the various methods of performance appraisal, such as critical incident, graphic rating scale and essay methods, to enhance lecturers’ productivity
Assessing Structural Capacity and Performance of Two – Way Concrete Slabs Reinforced with Reused GFRP Bars for Sustainable Construction
No full textThe mechanical properties of reused Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars retrieved from previously collapsed slabs were first measured before they were used to reinforce two-way concrete slabs. A total of six two-way reinforced concrete slabs measuring 100 mm x 1200 mm x 1200 mm were cast. Three were reinforced with 8mm diameter reused GFRP bars, and the other three were reinforced with 12 mm reused GFRP bars. The mechanical test results revealed that the re-used bars exhibited a complete linear stress-strain relationship without yielding, but with reduced elongation and failure strain that were identical to the original GFRP bars. The Young’s modulus of elasticity was 50.02 N/mm2 and 41.34 N/mm2 for the 8mm and 12mm, respectively. Similarly, the ultimate tensile strength of the 8mm and 12mm reused bars averaged approximately 1079N/mm2 and 800N/mm2, respectively, which confirms the dependence of mechanical properties on bar size as observed in previous studies and in consonance with ACI 440.IR-15 code. Reused GFRP reinforced concrete slabs were tested under monotonic loading. The load-carrying capacity of these slabs maintained approximately similar load levels of 82kN for the 8mm and 76.67kN for the 12mm as the concrete slabs reinforced with the virgin GFRP bars for similar concrete grades. Overall, the experimental results indicate that using reused GFRP bars as reinforcement for two-way concrete slabs, sourced from demolished structures, is feasible and reliable, as they achieved nearly similar outcomes. Furthermore, there was good agreement between the experimental results and the theoretically predicted model
Exploring Sustainability Challenges in Tanzania’s Fast Ferries Transportation System
No full textThe study explored sustainability challenges in Tanzania’s fast ferries transportation system. The study was guided by three predicting variables tested on the sustainability of fast ferries transportation as the dependent variable namely competition, service quality provision and perceived cost. The study was performed using explanatory study design whereas causal relationship testing was conducted to generate new knowledge on the inquired subject. Data were collected from the employees in Azam Marine Company Limited since it is the only company that has survived well for years with prospects of long sustainability useful for information gathering process in the context. The data were assembled and grouped altogether such that were computed in SPSS version 23.0 for the generation of relevant statistical measurements to present the results of the study. Multiple regression analysis was used to show the existing relationship between study variables in filling the inquiry gap on factors affecting sustainability of fast ferries transportation in Tanzania. Study results revealed that among three predicting variables only two namely competition and perceived cost have been generated positive with significant effect statistically on sustainability of fast ferries transportation with p<0.05. However, service quality provision has been generated positive with insignificant effect on the sustainability of fast ferries transportation with p>0.05. This implied that sustainability in fast ferries transportation in Tanzania is affected with competition and perceived cost. It is therefore recommended that the companies in the sector should be rational in cost assessment since it has implications towards the prosperity of the business in terms of returns and sustainability
Awareness and Acceptability, Congruency and the Extent of Implementation of PUP Vision, Mission, Strategic Goals and Core Values
No full textFor a university to fulfill its mandate of delivering quality education and producing competent graduates, its vision, mission, goals, and objectives must be articulated, widely disseminated, and consistently implemented across all levels of the institution. This study aimed to determine the level of awareness and acceptability of the VMGO and the level of congruency and extent of implementation in instruction, extension, research, and production. The study employed descriptive research design using a survey questionnaire distributed to 341 internal and external stakeholders of Polytechnic University of the Philippines’ (PUP) Quezon City Campus. The study also used mean and standard deviation to generate the results of the study. The findings reported that the respondents were very highly aware and highly accepted the VMGO of the university, as well as the high level of congruency, and very well implemented VMGO in instruction, extension, research, and production. The study recommends that the campus institutionalize more aggressive dissemination strategies targeting parents, alumni, and industry partners to transform them from passive observers into active co-contributors. This also implies that PUP and its Quezon City Campus may formalize external stakeholder involvement in strategic reviews, while for practice, VMGO-congruence may be utilized as a key performance indicator (KPI) for institutional quality assurance
Perceptions and Motivations of Students Entering the Technical-Vocational Livelihood – Agri-Fishery Arts Track in Northern Philippines
No full textThis study aimed to examine the perceptions and motivations of incoming senior high school students in choosing the Technical–Vocational Livelihood–Agri-Fishery Arts (TVL–AFA) specialisation in Northern Philippines. A descriptive survey research design was employed and conducted in a selected public secondary school in the Schools Division of Laoag City during the first semester of School Year 2025–2026 (August to November 2025). The respondents consisted of 35 incoming senior high school students who were purposively selected, as the school is the only institution in the division offering the TVL–AFA specialisation. Data were gathered using a self-administered questionnaire comprising demographic items and 35 Likert-scale statements measuring perceptions (career attractiveness, income prospects, social prestige, self-efficacy, and family and peer influence) and motivation. Descriptive statistics, particularly weighted mean, were used for data analysis. Results revealed that students generally held positive perceptions toward agriculture, with strong agreement on career attractiveness, income prospects, and social prestige, and agreement on self-efficacy and family and peer influence. Students also demonstrated a positive level of motivation in choosing the TVL–AFA specialisation. These findings indicate a shifting mindset among students, recognising agriculture as a viable, respectable, and future-oriented career path. In conclusion, the positive perceptions and motivations suggest strong student readiness for the TVL–AFA track, highlighting the importance of sustained instructional support, experiential learning opportunities, and strengthened industry linkages to further enhance engagement and career preparedness in agri-fishery education
The Impact of the Revitalization of Doloksanggul People’s Market on Local and Regional Trade Performance
No full textThis study evaluates the post-revitalization performance of Doloksanggul People’s Market (Humbang Hasundutan Regency, North Sumatra) by combining field observation, trader and market-manager interviews, document review, and spatial mapping of market zones. Quantitative indicators were compiled for 2020–2024, including (i) average daily turnover of formal kiosk traders and outside-market traders and (ii) aggregate market turnover relative to the regency’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP/PDRB). To strengthen inference on directional change, a Mann–Kendall non‑parametric trend test (two‑sided, α = 0.05) was applied to the annual series. Results show that kiosk traders’ average daily turnover increased from IDR 1.5 million (2020) to IDR 2.2 million (2024), while outside‑market traders declined from IDR 1.2 million to IDR 0.85 million. Trend tests indicate a significant upward trend for kiosk turnover and total market turnover (τ = 1.00; p = 0.027) and a significant downward trend for outside‑market traders (τ = −1.00; p = 0.027). At the regional scale, market gross turnover represents about 0.14–0.15% of regency GRDP in 2020–2024, implying limited spillover to structural regional performance. Overall, revitalization improved internal market functionality, but benefits were uneven and constrained by competition from street vendors and modern retail, market governance capacity, and consumer experience factors. Policy implications emphasize inclusive governance, zoning and integration of outside‑market traders, consistent cleanliness and facility maintenance, and targeted promotion to rebuild consumer confidence and regional attraction
ASHA’s are Empowered Feminist Workers in Indian Healthcare Sector: Truths and Myths from Case Studies in West Bengal
No full textIntroduction: Community participation in Primary Healthcare in rural areas was missioned to be accomplished by implementation of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) Programme under National Rural Health Mission in 2005. Primary Healthcare system expected ASHA the female squads to be an optimal vehicle for extending primary healthcare in rural areas by promoting immunization, referral and escort services for reproductive and child health and other health delivery programmes. To fulfil this responsibility ASHAs need to transform into ray of hope by lot of training and empowerment.
Aim: In this context, the present paper aims to identify in short and long term the actual empowerment level achieved by ASHA’s to cater to the deprived communities.
Objective: To fulfill this aim, the paper examines the whole arena of current provisions of the assignments, roles and responsibilities, recruitments, training, remuneration of ASHA’s in Khargram Block of Murshidabad District in West Bengal.
Method: The analysis is based on primary survey through questionnaires of 200 ASHA’s in Khargram Block (100 % enumeration). Student-T test is conducted to reflect the ASHA-ANM response gap, Factor analysis based Performance Index and Logistic Regression is calculated to summarize the existing gap between the expected and actual performance of ASHA’s.
Result: Results show that non-recognition, excessive focus on curative care, priorities of work as extended arm of Primary Healthcare system, lack of induction training and demotivation due to performance-based incentive instead of fixed income, lack of basic infrastructure has hindered ASHA’s from being “an interface between the rural community and rural healthcare delivery system”