Asian Journal of Advanced Research and Reports
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Storage Fungi Occurrence in Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) Calyx and Effects on it’s Composition
No full textRoselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a tropical plant grown mainly for its vibrant red calyces used in making herbal teas and beverages rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. However, global production of roselle is greatly hampered by severe fungi attack especially at post-harvest stage. This study therefore, investigated the incidence, pathogenicity, and effects of various fungal species on the quality of Hibiscus sabdariffa (zobo) calyx. Samples of infected roselle calyx were collected from Ubani and Ndoro markets located in Umuahia and Ikwuano LGA, respectively in Abia State. Fungi isolation from the infected samples was done using standard procedures. Proximate, mineral and vitamin composition of fungi inoculated roselle samples were done using AOAC procedures. Experiments were laid out in CRD in triplicates. Data were analysed using ANOVA at α0.05. Fungi species including Aspergillus (A. flavus, A. niger), Rhizopus sp., and Fusarium sp. were isolated from zobo samples. Among these, A. niger exhibited the highest incidence (51.39 %), followed by Fusarium sp (28.01%), A. flavus (17.13 %), and Rhizopus sp. (3.47 %). Pathogenicity tests revealed that A. niger and Rhizopus caused 100 % rot in the zobo samples, while A. flavus and Fusarium sp caused 90 % rot. Zobo samples inoculated with sterile water (control) had significantly higher minerals: than those inoculated with fungi. The control samples exhibited the highest concentrations of iron (0.0046 mg/100g), Β-carotene (0.0058 mg/100g), K (1.5250 mg/100g), Ca (0.2600 mg/100g) and vitamin A (4.2800 mg/100g), Vitamin C (2.3550 mg/100g), while fungal-inoculated samples had reduced nutrient levels iron (0.0300-0.0415 mg/100g), Β-carotene (0.0035-0.0051 mg/100g), K (0.9650-1.1300 mg/100g), Ca (0.1400-0.2200 mg/100g), C (1.1650-1.1800 mg/100g) and Vit A (2.4750-3.1400 mg/100g). The proximate composition of zobo calyx was influenced by fungal contamination. Control had the higher ash (1.76 %) and crude fibre (2.68 %) contents than the fungi inoculated samples. Control had the least moisture (12.27 %) content compared to the fungi inoculated roselle (12.68-14.06 %). This study highlights the negative impact of fungal contamination on the nutritional and proximate composition of zobo calyx, emphasizing the need for their control
Leveraging Agile and Hybrid Models to Advance Sustainability Initiatives in the Oil and Gas Industry
No full textAim: This research aims to find out how Agile and Hybrid project management approaches can assist in the sustainability initiatives of the oil and gas sector by combining flexibility, adaptability and structural discipline for a compliance-heavy environment.
Methodology: Among 150 records obtained through databases such as Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar, 20 case studies were selected, and the authors conducted a systematic literature review of those studies.
Key Findings: The findings show that Agile and Hybrid methods stimulate adaptability and creativity, facilitate relationships between stakeholders, and address the regulations and cultural issues. The use of agile models with an iterative nature is good for tackling dynamic sustainability challenges such as carbon reduction and green energy implementation, and the use of hybrid models provides a structured framework to ensure compliance. Despite these advantages, there are many cultural resistance and high costs of deployment that prevent implementation. The proposed framework is based on empirical case studies and industrial practices, while being able to interweave the flexibility provided by Agile models with the phases of the Hybrid models.
Conclusion: In this review, practical advice is provided for policymakers, sustainability officers and project members to accelerate progress in the area of sustainability in complex operational environments
An Investigation of Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Bixa orellana Linn. Leaves
No full textHerbal medicine, the application of medicinal plants for the prevention and treatment of ailments, is grounded in millennia of history. This study sought to assess the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Bixa orellana leaf extract utilizing known rat models. The carrageenan-induced paw edema model was used to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity. In contrast, the acetic acid-induced writhing test and the tail flick method were performed to ascertain analgesic efficiency. Rats received 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg of the Bixa orellana extract. In the anti-inflammatory experiment, only the 750 mg/kg dosage yielded statistically significant anti-inflammatory effects (p < 0.05), whilst other dosages had no significant influence. All groups exhibited decreased writhing responses in the acetic acid writhing test; however, none were statistically significant relative to the control group. The tail-flick test, however, had a distinct analgesic effect at elevated doses. The 750 mg/kg dosage demonstrated substantial analgesic effects at 3 and 4 hours (p < 0.05), with significance attained specifically at the 4-hour interval. These findings substantiate the conventional application of Bixa orellana in alleviating pain and inflammation, presumably attributable to its elevated concentrations of flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins. The findings align with prior research and reinforce the conventional application of Bixa orellana in pain and inflammation therapy. Despite being dose-and-time-dependent, the findings indicate the significant medicinal potential of this herb
Unifying Grain Boundary Networks and Crystal Graphs: A HyperGraph and SuperHyperGraph Perspective in Material Sciences
No full textGraph theory provides a foundation for modeling relationships among discrete elements via vertices and edges (Diestel, 2000, 2005). HyperGraphs extend this framework by allowing edges—hyperedges—to join more than two vertices, while superhypergraphs introduce nested powerset layers to capture hierarchical and selfreferential connections. Network analogues—hypernetworks and superhypernetworks—apply these ideas to empirical data structures.
In materials science, graph-based models such as Grain Boundary Networks represent grains as vertices and their interfaces as edges (Schuh et al., 2003; Rohrer, 2011; Frary and Schuh, 2005), whereas Crystal Graphs encode atoms and bonds within lattice structures (Xie and Grossman, 2018; Park and Wolverton, 2020; Schmidt et al., 2021). These representations, however, lack the capacity to describe multi-scale and hierarchical features inherent in complex microstructures.
This paper investigates the theoretical foundations of hypergraphs and superhypergraphs in materials science, which generalize classical graphs by enabling hyperedges, superedges, or supervertices to simultaneously connect multiple vertices. It further examines the relevance of graph-theoretical approaches in material sciences by introducing and formalizing the concepts of Grain Boundary HyperNetworks, Grain Boundary SuperHyperNetworks, and Crystal SuperHyperGraphs. For each structure, we provide precise mathematical definitions, construct detailed examples based on polycrystalline and crystalline material systems, and analyze fundamental properties such as multi-level connectivity, nesting depth, and combinatorial complexity. By integrating hyperstructure theory with the modeling of material architectures, this work establishes a robust framework for multi-scale and hierarchical analysis in materials science
Securing AI-Powered Healthcare Decision Support Systems: A Comprehensive Review of Attack Vectors and Defensive Strategies
No full textBackground: Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a transformative technology in healthcare, enabling the development of AI-powered clinical decision support systems (CDSS). These systems leverage large-scale data and advanced computational algorithms to assist in diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient management. However, the integration of AI into clinical practice faces critical challenges, particularly related to cybersecurity and system vulnerability.
Objectives: This review aims to evaluate the security vulnerabilities of AI-powered healthcare decision support systems by identifying common attack vectors and examining current defensive strategies. It also explores the implications of these vulnerabilities for patient safety, data integrity, and healthcare delivery.
Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, Web of Science, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. Articles published between 2015 and 2025 were screened using PRISMA guidelines. Keywords included "AI in healthcare", "decision support systems", "cybersecurity", "adversarial attacks", and "defensive strategies".
Results: Out of 1,255 initially identified articles, 200 were included after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. The findings reveal that AI-powered systems are susceptible to various threats, including adversarial inputs, model inversion, data poisoning, and privacy breaches. Several defensive mechanisms, such as secure model training, encryption, and adversarial detection frameworks, have been proposed and partially implemented.
Conclusions: AI-powered decision support systems hold great promise in enhancing healthcare delivery. However, unresolved security vulnerabilities pose significant risks. Addressing these concerns requires multidisciplinary collaboration among AI developers, healthcare professionals, and cybersecurity experts. Future research and funding should prioritize secure deployment, ethical governance, and regulatory compliance to ensure safe and effective integration into clinical practice
Innovative and Cost-effective Vertical Movement in Multistory Construction in Lagos, Nigeria
No full textIn Nigeria, Lagos, the city, becomes a bustling megacity, and multistory buildings serve as crucial solutions for housing shortages and the need for commercial infrastructure. The city has led to a surge in the demand for multistory buildings due to rapid population growth, economic development, and the need to optimise limited land space. This study investigates innovative and cost-effective approaches to the vertical movement of personnel and materials in multistory building construction in Lagos, Nigeria. As urbanisation accelerates and the demand for high-rise buildings grows, effective vertical transportation systems are essential for improving construction efficiency and reducing operational costs. The research employs a qualitative methodology, incorporating interviews with 20 construction professionals, including construction managers, architects, engineers, and logistics managers, along with site observations and case studies from active construction projects in Lagos. The findings reveal that traditional systems such as cranes and lifts dominate the industry. However, emerging alternatives like modular hoists, automated lifts, and even drones are gaining traction due to their potential for cost savings and increased efficiency. However, the adoption of these innovative systems is hindered by challenges such as high initial investment costs, safety concerns, limited technical knowledge, and a lack of infrastructure for maintenance. The study highlights the need to shift towards more sustainable and affordable vertical transport solutions. It also recommends strategies to improve safety standards, increase awareness, and provide targeted training to ensure these innovative approaches can be more widely adopted and successfully implemented in Lagos\u27 construction sector. To meet Lagos’ vertical building demands, construction firms must adopt smarter, more sustainable vertical movement systems
The Critical Decision: Comparing Chest Radiographs at the Bedside and in the Examination Room
No full textThe transportation of critically ill patients for diagnostic exams requires extreme caution, as it may compromise their clinical stability. To minimize these risks, strict protocols must be followed to ensure patient safety. This study evaluated image quality (IQ) in bedside chest radiographs compared to those performed in the examination room. Ten semi-anatomical phantom images were analyzed while maintaining a constant exposure index. The results indicated that the examinations performed in the examination room increased the contrast (27.19%) (p = 0.003), but also increased the dose at the entrance surface (371.70%) (p < 0.001) due to the use of an anti-scatter grid inherent to the examination room, however, there was a degradation in the average value of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) (42%) (p = 0.02). Conversely, bedside images had lower radiation dose and higher SNR but lower contrast. The decision to transport the patient should balance diagnostic accuracy and radiation safety, guided by clinical judgment. Future studies may optimize protocols to enhance IQ while minimizing radiation exposure
Experimental and Analytical Study on Structural Behaviour of RC Beams Retrofitted with a Hybrid System of CFRP, GFRP, Mas Plates, and Concrete Jacketing
No full textThis study examines the flexural performance of reinforced concrete (RC) beams retrofitted with a first-time hybrid system comprising CFRP laminates, GFRP bars, mechanical anchorage plates, and concrete jacketing. Although similar retrofitting methods are increasingly adopted, detailed analyses in line with BS code provisions remain limited. The research addresses this gap through four-point bending tests, examining crack behaviour, failure modes, load–deflection behaviour, and comparisons between experimental results and analytical predictions based on BS code provisions. Five beams were used as controls and five beams used as the retrofitted beams. Beams A, B, C, and D shared a concrete compressive strength of 37.03 MPa, whereas beam E has a strength of 26.77 MPa. Tension reinforcement was varied between two 12 mm diameter bottom bars and three 12 mm bars. The ratio of the retrofitted beam to the unretrofitted beam ultimate loads were recorded as 140 %, 158 %, 154 %, 144 %, and 146 % for the beams A, B, C, D, and E respectively, indicating a significant increase as a result of the strengthening. A novel formula for estimating the flexural moment capacity of this first-time hybrid retrofitted beam is proposed and validated against experimental and analytical results. This novel combination of the hybrid retrofitting system significantly increased the flexural moment of the RC beam. The mean ratio of experimental to analytical moments is 0.94, with a variance of 0.00541, indicating strong agreement. The proposed novel hybrid retrofitting system and novel formula demonstrate high accuracy to the experimental results which helps to pre-empt the experimental moments before they are conducted. Also, the novel formula is suitable for application to beams with similar hybrid retrofitting configurations to significantly strengthen the flexural moment capacity of the RC beams
Policy Framework for Fair and Effective Local Taxation of Outdoor Advertising Structures in Rivers State, Nigeria
No full textThis study investigate Policy Framework for Local Taxation on Outdoor Advertising Structures (OAS) in Rivers State. It evaluates the existing legislative and regulatory framework governing Outdoor Advertising Structures (OAS) taxation and its impact on advertisers and local government revenue. Utilizing a mixed-methods design that combines exploratory and descriptive approaches, the research targeted outdoor advertising investors and regulators along Ada-George and Ikwerre roads in Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas (LGAs). This study, anchored on Fair Value, Neutrality, Benefit-Received, and Ability-to-Pay taxation theories. Guided by a pragmatic philosophy, it employed a mixed-methods design surveying 150 respondents and interviewing 20 informants who participated in interviews, achieving a 90% response rate for surveys and an 80% participation rate for interviews. The research highlighted challenges in the taxation system, including ambiguous tax laws, arbitrary enforcement, and jurisdictional conflicts. While public awareness of tax regulations is high, there are gaps in understanding and concerns about inadequate enforcement and tax revenue reinvestment. Key areas for improvement include establishing a standardized tax framework, fostering stakeholder collaboration, and integrating advanced technology for better efficiency and transparency. The study recommends periodic audits, capacity building for local officials, and the use of international best practices, such as Geographical Information System-based digital registries, to create a fairer and more effective taxation system. The proposed framework aims to make the outdoor advertising taxation system in Rivers State equitable, transparent, and sustainable
Relationship between the Alignment of the Project Design with the Donor Priorities and the Grant Award Decisions for Humanitarian Projects in Juba, South Sudan
No full textHumanitarian grants provide the operational and financial foundation of humanitarian assistance. These grants offer vital financial and material resources to assist those impacted by emergencies, ultimately preserving lives, reducing suffering, and advancing respect and dignity for those facing adversity. This study examined the relationship between the alignment of the project design with the donor priorities and the grant award decisions for humanitarian projects in Juba, South Sudan. This study appraised Institutional Theory building on the hypothesis that these theories influence, to a significant extent, the grant award decision on a proposal. A descriptive research design was adopted by the study. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and humanitarian donors operating in South Sudan were targeted by the study, with a sample of 14 NGOs and one donor representative using a stratified random sampling technique by employing Krejcie & amp; Morgan sampling formula. A 5-point Likert scale was used for data collection. Pilot testing was done to check the user-friendliness/appropriateness of the study questionnaire. Data cleaning was carefully done and the completed and returned questionnaires were examined for accuracy, reliability, and coded. Raw data was processed and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The study finds that a grant proposal can hardly be funded if the needs of the affected people are not well articulated, the proposal doesn’t align with donor priorities, the proposal doesn’t showcase experience or the proposal doesn’t demonstrate a realistic sustainability model. The study concludes that it’s paramount to clearly articulate the needs of the affected population in a grant proposal, that alignment with donor priorities is a critical factor to consider when designing grant proposals, that experience is a critical element prioritized by donors when making competitive grant award decisions, that a project’s sustainability model is a key determinant of a positive grant award decision, and that a project may still be funded even if it doesn’t include a theory of change