Asian Journal of Advanced Research and Reports
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Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Water and Sediment from Odo Oba River Tributaries in Ogbomoso, Nigeria
No full textHeavy metal pollution in aquatic environments poses significant threats to the environment and human health. This study assessed heavy metal pollution in water and sediment samples from three sites (A, B, and C) along the Oba tributaries, examining regional and seasonal variations. Water analysis revealed Fe levels exceeding the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (0.3 mg/kg), peaking at Site B (8.06 ± 0.22 mg/kg). Cu and Zn levels remained acceptable, while Cr was detected at Sites A and C at concentrations < 0.05 mg/kg, whereas Cd and Pb levels were undetectable. Rainy season samples had significantly greater Fe, Cu, and Zn contents, whereas Cr was only found in the dry season. During the rainy season, Fe concentrations in sediments at Sites B and C surpassed the WHO\u27s 5 mg/kg limit, reaching up to 20.00 ± 1.79 mg/kg. Cu, Zn, and Cr levels were within legal limits but varied spatially. Pb was detected at Sites B and C, with the highest concentration at Site C (0.08 ± 0.02 mg/kg), while Cd was not detected. This study therefore necessitates remediation initiatives and monitoring of Oba tributaries
Structure-Based Docking and Interaction Analysis of Indonesian Phytochemicals Targeting SAP2 (1EAG) for Antifungal Drug Discovery
No full textAims: To evaluate the inhibitory potential of twenty Indonesian phytochemicals against Candida albicans Secreted Aspartic Protease 2 (SAP2; PDB ID: 1EAG) with the biological rationale of inhibiting SAP2-mediated virulence in C. albicans, as this enzyme is essential for fungal tissue invasion and pathogenicity.
Study Design: An in silico, structure-based molecular docking study employing a validated flexible-pocket docking model focused on the catalytic Asp32–Asp218 dyad of SAP2.
Place and Duration of Study: Computational analyses were performed at the Department of Physics Education, Universitas Kristen Indonesia, Jakarta, between January and October 2025.
Methodology: Twenty phytochemicals from Indonesian medicinal plants were prepared using ADFRsuite 1.0 and docked to SAP2 using AutoDock Vina (version 1.2.3). Each ligand underwent five independent docking replicates using a flexible-pocket model encompassing the catalytic and anchoring residues (Asp32, Asp218, Ser282, Leu297, Arg312). Binding free energies (ΔG, kcal mol⁻¹) were evaluated, and protein–ligand interactions were visualized using PyMOL and BIOVIA Discovery Studio Visualizer to identify hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic contacts.
Results: All ligands exhibited reproducible binding profiles (SD ≤ 0.25 kcal mol⁻¹), with ΔG values ranging from −4.1 to −6.0 kcal mol⁻¹. Demethoxycurcumin (−5.98 ± 0.04 kcal mol⁻¹), curcumin (−5.90 ± 0.06 kcal mol⁻¹), and bisdemethoxycurcumin (−5.60 ± 0.06 kcal mol⁻¹) showed the strongest affinities through hydrogen bonds with Ser282, Glu278, and Arg312 near the catalytic dyad. Sesquiterpenoids such as germacrone and β-bisabolene bound stably through compact hydrophobic interactions, while smaller ligands like 6-shogaol and citral localized in a peripheral sub-pocket, suggesting a potential allosteric site.
Conclusion: Curcuma-derived curcuminoids and Zingiber-derived terpenoids are promising natural SAP2 inhibitors. The flexible-pocket docking strategy enhances reproducibility and establishes a robust computational foundation for subsequent molecular dynamics and in vitro antifungal validation. These findings highlight the potential of identified compounds for lead optimization in future antifungal drug development
Exploring Green Entrepreneurship in Business Climate: Towards Change Adaptation in South-South Nigeria
No full textThis study examined the effect of green entrepreneurship on climate change adaptation. The specific objectives were to examine how waste management and recycling affect community-based adaptation; and unveil how resource efficiency affect adaptive capacity of enterprises. The study employed a survey research design. The research focused on business enterprises located in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers states, which are recognized for their diverse industrial activities, including manufacturing, agriculture, and services. The population for this study consisted of 220,765 enterprises. In this study, a sample size of 384 was established. A multi-stage sampling technique was utilized. The study employed both descriptive and inferential statistical statistics for data analysis. All hypotheses were tested using regression at a significance level of 5%, with regression models facilitating the hypothesis testing process. Findings show that waste management and recycling have a strong and statistically significant positive effect on community-based adaptation, suggesting that communities that integrate structured recycling systems and effective waste practices are better equipped to respond to environmental and socio-economic stresses. Finding also reveals that resource efficiency has a strong and statistically significant positive effect on the adaptive capacity of enterprises. The study concludes that green entrepreneurship plays a foundational role in advancing climate change adaptation, as it promotes innovation, environmental responsibility, and sustainable resource use across communities and enterprises. The study therefore recommended that SMEs should invest in structured recycling programs, strengthen waste-segregation systems, and promote public awareness initiatives to enhance resilience against climate-related challenges. SMEs should also prioritize eco-efficient production processes, invest in technologies that reduce material and energy waste, and embed resource optimization strategies into their long-term sustainability plans to strengthen organizational resilience
Knowledge, Perception Regarding the Effect of Tobacco Use and Cessation Practices: A Case Study from College of Health Technology Students, Lagos State, Nigeria
No full textThe study is the investigation of knowledge, perception regarding the effect of tobacco use and cessation practices among students of Lagos state college of health technology in Yaba mainland local government area. Snowball sampling techniques selected by Lagos State, Nigeria, and 200 respondents. A structured and validated questionnaire was used to elicit information from the respondents.
The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional study design. Demographic data were analyed using frequencies and percentages in tabular form to test demographic data of the respondents with chi-square (x2) analysis was used to test the hypothesis at 0.005 level of significance.
The result revealed that majority of the students knows that tobacco use has harmful effects on its users, while few have a perception about tobacco use cessation techniques and majority have the positive perception that role modeling of health professionals on cessation practices plays an important role in patients quitting tobacco use.
Based on these findings, some recommendations were suggested among which are the urgent need of Government to enhance the synergy between the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education so as to include cessation techniques in the training curricula of health professionals as well as the development of improved and effective enforcement and compliance on cigarette ban in public places
Performance Prediction for Spark Ignition Engines Using Artificial Neural Networks: Model Design and Validation
No full textThe demand for efficient and environmentally friendly spark ignition (SI) engines has driven researchers to explore advanced methods for optimizing engine performance and reducing emissions. One such method is the use of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) to develop predictive models that can accurately estimate engine performance under various operating conditions. This study presents the design and implementation of an ANN-based performance prediction system for spark ignition engines, focusing on critical performance metrics. An ANN based model and network architecture were developed and simulated in MATLAB neural network toolbox environment. The search for efficient network architecture was performed in terms of activation function, number of hidden layers, number of neurons in the hidden layers and the type of training function using highest regression value criteria. The ANN predicted results were validated by comparing with corresponding actual values obtained from experiments using t test. The search for efficient network architectures showed that 6 – 13 – 9 – 6 – 8 network architecture gave the best predicted results for the ANN model. Logsig activation function and trainlm training function gave reliable predicted results for the model. The results of the t test and comparison of ANN predicted results with actual experimental results showed that there is no significant difference between the two sets of results at 5% level of significance. The results also showed that 28 neurons distributed into three hidden layers have capability to map and generalize the non-linear data effectively thereby predicting the results accurately. It is observed that Increasing the number of neurons in the network generally increases the ability of the network to predict accurate results but beyond a certain limit this ability decreases due to overgeneralization of the non-linear data. It is concluded that the developed ANN based prediction system for SI engines is robust and capable of giving accurate results
Bioaccumulation of Mercury and Its Consequences on Biochemical Parameters in Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) Plants
No full textMercury is a highly toxic heavy metal that poses severe environmental and ecological issues due to its ability to bioaccumulate in various ecosystems. It persists in the environment and is known to have serious effects on both plants and animals. This study investigates the bioaccumulation of Mercury and its consequences on biochemical parameters in Coriander (Coriandrum Sativum) plants. The experimental design involved four groups, with Group 1 serving as the control, received no mercury treatment, while Groups 2, 3, and 4 were subjected to mercury concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 mg respectively. These varying concentrations of mercury allowed for a detailed examination of the dose dependent effects of mercury exposure on plant growth and metabolic functions. The results demonstrated that mercury treatment caused a marked decline in crucial growth parameters, including germination percentage, root length, shoot length, fresh weight, dry weight and vigor index, all of which were significantly lower in the treated groups compared to the control plants, indicating that contamination of mercury hindered the overall growth and development of the plants. Biochemical analysis revealed that mercury exposure disrupted various metabolic processes, leading to oxidative stress and an imbalance in reactive oxygen species (ROS). Increased mercury concentrations were associated with a significant reduction in carbohydrate metabolism and protein synthesis, reflecting impairments in energy metabolism and overall physiological functions. The reduction in protein content was linked to enzyme inhibition, compromising protein synthesis pathways essential for cellular functions and stress tolerance. These findings highlight the phytotoxic effects of mercury and its detrimental effects on plant physiology, ultimately limiting growth potential and photosynthetic efficiency. This research contributes valuable insights into the ecotoxicological impacts of mercury contamination in plants and underscores the potential of plant-based phytoremediation strategies for mitigating heavy metal pollution in contaminated soils
Analyzing the Impact of Environmental and Behavioral Factors on Flood Risk
No full textThis study aims to analyze the impact of environmental conditions and community behavior on flood risk using OLS regression. Extreme weather changes that occur on Earth had a significant negative impact on various aspects of life. One of the main disasters caused by extreme weather is flooding. Flooding is exacerbated by neglectful behavior towards the environment. This study uses environmental data and community behavior in waste management as independent variables. In addition, this study uses flood disaster index data as the dependent variable. This study uses descriptive analysis and inferential analysis (Ordinary Least Square-OLS). Through OLS, it will be known how big the role and significance of the independent variable is on the dependent variable. Community participation is needed in managing waste and awareness of the dangers of living on riverbanks. The government also needs to discipline people who litter and provide waste disposal sites close to settlements in reasonable amounts. The government also needs to relocate people who still live on riverbanks, because indirectly community activities on riverbanks will trigger flooding
Histopathological and Biochemical Investigations of the Brain upon Sub-Acute Pentazocine Administration
No full textObjective: Despite its common use among sickle-cell disease patients, pentazocine addiction in Nigeria has become a health concern among youths battling with diverse forms of pain. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicological effects of pentazocine on the cerebral cortex.
Methods: Twenty-eight (28) adult Wistar rats were acclimatized and grouped into four. Group 1 (control) was administered 1ml of normal saline (0.9% NaCl) while groups 2 – 4 served as the experimental groups and administered graded doses of 30 mg/kg, 60 mg/kg, and 90 mg/kg pentazocine (PZ) intramuscularly for 14 days. Brain tissues were obtained and analyzed for biochemical parameters such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as histopathological analyses of sample tissues. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the differences between the groups using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0.
Results: In PZ-treated groups, the activities of CAT and SOD in the brain decreased while MDA levels increased (p < 0.05). The cerebral cortex of PZ-treated groups showed granular cell aggregations, moderate neuronal cell loss, and pyramidal cell loss.
Conclusion: Sub-acute pentazocine administration was shown to cause moderate toxicity and could lead to brain inflammatory responses
Profile of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Patients with Opportunistic Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Pulmonary Infection at Keramat Jati Community Health Center, Jakarta, Indonesia
No full textAims: To determine the profile of co-infected patients with Human immunodeficiency virus and mycobacterium tuberculosis at Keramat Jati Community Health Center for the period January 2018 - January 2023 based on age, educational status, employment status, history of CD4 levels, and clinical stage.
Methodology: This research uses a retrospective methodology. The study population comprised patients who were diagnosed with HIV and TB infection at the Kramat Jati Community Health Center, East Jakarta. Based on calculations using the Slovin method, the research sample consisted of 34 HIV-TB patients. All sampling approaches are used to carry out the sampling process. HIV-TB patient medical records are one source of data. A total of 5 years, from January 2018 - January 2023.
Results: It was observed that the age group of 18-65 years recorded the highest rate at 94.1%, men recorded the highest lift at 79.9%, most worked as private employees at 79.4%, most got hemoglobin <11g/dL at 61.7%, Most high school education was higher with 58.8%, most patients with CD4 count <200 cells/mm3 at 58.8%, most got total lymphocyte count <1000 cells/mm3 at 82.4%, all patients got clinical stage III at 100%, most were get a positive BTA staining result of 100%. Key populations such as homosexuals, customers of FSW (female sexual workers), PWID (Injecting Drug Users), FSW customers (Female Sexual Workers), constituents (injecting drug users), discordant couples, children with ODHIV (people in the Human Immunodeficiency Virus) are one of the factors that have the potential to influence the number of HIV positive cases. The prevalence of HIV cases in Indonesia in the Homosexual group is 41.2%, in the FSW Customer group it is 11.8%, in FSW is 11.8%, in IDUs it is 23.5%, in discordant couples it is 8.8%, in PLHIV children it is 2.9%. Most of the HIV/AIDS cases with pulmonary TB co-infection in the Kramat Jati District Health Center for the period January 2018 - January 2023 were aged > 18-65 years, male, at least high school education level, and working status as private employees. Apart from that, the majority had Hb levels < 11 g/dl, CD4 count < 100 cells/mm3, total lymphocyte count < 1000 cells/mm3, BTA staining results positive, clinical stage III, and for the Key Population most frequently in homosexuals
Legal Empowerment and Financial Literacy: A Transformative Framework for Socioeconomic Equity in Underserved Communities
No full textSocioeconomic inequities persist as formidable barriers to progress in underserved communities, fueled by a lack of financial literacy and limited access to legal resources. Addressing these systemic challenges requires innovative and integrative solutions. The present study introduces the Legal Empowerment and Financial Literacy (LEFL) Framework, a transformative and scalable model designed to bridge these gaps. By combining comprehensive financial education with accessible legal empowerment initiatives, the LEFL-Framework equips marginalized populations with the tools to build resilience, achieve economic stability, and assert their legal rights. The framework emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility, fostering meaningful engagement through community-based programs, digital tools, and culturally relevant curricula. It leverages collaborative partnerships among non-governmental organizations, financial institutions, and legal professionals to deliver cohesive and impactful education. Case studies and evidence-based strategies illustrate the framework’s success in reducing poverty, enhancing financial decision-making, and increasing access to justice. Key benefits of the LEFL-Framework include improved economic resilience, heightened legal awareness, and measurable progress toward equity. However, challenges such as resource constraints and cultural stigmas must be addressed for effective implementation. This study explores these issues, offering actionable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers in the field. As a replicable model, the LEFL-Framework holds potential for nationwide and global application, serving as a cornerstone for addressing systemic inequities and fostering sustainable development. By integrating financial literacy and legal empowerment, this transformative approach provides a roadmap to uplift underserved communities, enabling them to navigate and overcome structural barriers in pursuit of equitable and inclusive growth