Asian Journal of Advanced Research and Reports
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Nutritional Knowledge and Nutritional Status of Energy Drink Consumers in Medical Students of Benghazi University
No full textBackground: Excessive consumption of energy drinks by young adults and athletes raises health risks like cardiovascular problems, nervous system disorders, and addiction, and because of these concerns the study targeted young adults among college students in Libya, where there has been no research regarding energy drink consumption patterns among them.
Objective: This study aimed to analyze energy drink consumption patterns among college students, their prevalence and frequency, and evaluate their nutritional status and knowledge.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 medical students aged 20-31 in Benghazi, Libya, to assess their nutritional status. The study involved questionnaire which include anthropometric measurements, clinical information, and dietary habits. The study also measured energy drink frequency and use nine nutrition-related questions adapted from a standard nutrition knowledge to assess nutrition knowledge of participants. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-Square test and approved by the university\u27s ethics committee.
Results: Data shows the consumption of energy drinks is relatively high amongst student’s participants of Benghazi University, 60% were consumers, and less than half of the participants (40%) were non-consumers. The consumption of energy drinks among male group more than female group. The result demonstrated that the majority of consumed energy drinks were medical students, however, the relation between energy drinks uses and different colleges participants appeared to be un significant, however, the association between energy drink intake and gender was significant. Regarding BMI most of students were uses of energy drinks had normal BMI, the results showed the correlation between consumption of energy drinks and participant’s BMI was indicated unsignificant.
Conclusion: The study reveals high energy drink consumption among Benghazi University students, with 60% being consumers and 40% being non-consumers. The majority are male, with a higher consumption among medical students. The relationship between energy drink use and college was unsignificant, and the correlation between energy drink consumption and BMI was unsignificant
Ameliorative Effects of a Herbal Drink Jigsimur on Paraquat-induced Nephrotoxicity in Wistar Rats
No full textIntroduction: Paraquat is a widely used but highly toxic herbicide known to induce multi-organ damage, especially nephrotoxicity, through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress. Jigsimur, a polyherbal preparation derived primarily from Aloe ferox, is traditionally used in Africa for treating inflammatory and degenerative diseases, though scientific validation of its efficacy remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the potential reno-protective and ameliorative effects of Jigsimur in a rat model of paraquat-induced nephrotoxicity. With increasing concerns about environmental toxins and their impact on renal health, the search for safe and effective natural remedies has intensified. This study investigated the potential reno-ameliorative effects of Jigsimur—a herbal drink derived from Aloe ferox—on paraquat-induced kidney damage in Wistar rats.
Methodology: Thirty adult Wistar rats (100–130 g) were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 6). Group A (negative control) received food and water only, while Group B (positive control) was administered 20 mg/kg of paraquat without treatment. Group C received 200 mg/kg of Jigsimur alone. Groups D and E were administered 20 mg/kg paraquat and subsequently treated with Jigsimur at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, respectively. Paraquat was administered once daily for two weeks, while Jigsimur treatment lasted for four weeks via oral gavage. Blood was collected via ocular puncture for biochemical analysis (urea, uric acid, creatinine), and kidneys were harvested and fixed in 10% formal saline for histological assessment.
Results: Paraquat exposure led to significant elevations in serum urea, uric acid, and creatinine levels, indicating renal dysfunction. Jigsimur treatment significantly reduced these markers (p < 0.05) and improved body weight. Histological evaluation revealed marked renal damage in the paraquat-only group, while Jigsimur-treated groups exhibited comparatively milder alterations, supporting its renoprotective potential.
Conclusion: The findings highlight Jigsimur\u27s promising therapeutic potential in mitigating pesticide-induced nephrotoxicity
Bridging Civilizations: The Silk Road’s Impact on Higher Education and Global Learning
No full textBackground: The Silk Road functioned not only as a trans-Asian trade network but also as a conduit for the exchange of knowledge, technologies, religions, and educational philosophies among Chinese, Indian, Persian, Arab, Greek, and Roman civilizations, thereby creating an early model of globalized learning.
Aim: This paper explores how the legacy of the Silk Road continues to shape modern higher education through curriculum development, international student exchanges, and academic cooperation.
Methods: A narrative review of literature spanning historical sources, UNESCO reports, and peer-reviewed literature of modern educational practices to identify the impact of Silk Road on higher education along the route, trace the diffusion of knowledge, and examine contemporary Silk-Road-inspired programs.
Discussion: Findings reveal that medieval academies such as Baghdad’s House of Wisdom and Central-Asian Buddhist monasteries institutionalized cross-cultural scholarship; these precedents now inform modern Silk Road Institutes, joint-degree agreements, and study-abroad schemes. The same legacy, however, presents challenges of cultural commodification, asymmetrical power relations, and curricular overload that universities must negotiate when integrating global histories.
Conclusion: Embedding Silk-Road studies through interdisciplinary, ethically reflexive pedagogies can enhance cross-cultural competencies, foster inclusive global citizenship, and guide higher-education policy toward more equitable international collaboration
Eco-friendly Nanocomposites for the Degradation of Emerging Contaminants in Wastewater Systems
No full textEmerging contaminants (ECs) including pharmaceuticals, endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), microplastics, and personal care products have become persistent pollutants in aquatic environments due to their resistance to conventional wastewater treatment methods. This study investigates the green synthesis, comprehensive characterization, and exceptional performance of biodegradable, plant-based nanocomposites for the removal and degradation of ECs from wastewater systems. Eco-friendly nanomaterials were synthesized using cellulose nanocrystals, chitosan, and starch matrices embedded with metal oxide nanoparticles (ZnO, TiO₂, CuO, Fe₃O₄), functionalized through phytochemical reduction using extracts from Camellia sinensis (green tea), Moringa oleifera, Aloe vera, and Azadirachtaindica (neem). The biosynthesized nanocomposites demonstrated optimal physicochemical properties with high surface areas (50–300 m²/g), nano-scale particle sizes (10–100 nm), and zeta potentials of ±30-50 mV ensuring colloidal stability. Remarkable removal efficiencies of 87.3–96.5% were achieved for diverse contaminants: Fe₃O₄/chitosan-green tea (94.2% tetracycline), ZnO/cellulose-moringa (89.7% BPA), TiO₂/alginate-aloe vera (91.5% microplastics), and CuO/starch-neem (87.3% ibuprofen), representing 3-15 fold improvements over conventional methods. Mechanistic studies revealed synergistic tri-modal action through physical adsorption via π-π interactions and hydrogen bonding, photocatalytic degradation generating reactive oxygen species (•OH, O₂•⁻), and enzymatic breakdown through laccase-mediated oxidation. Kinetic analysis confirmed pseudo-second-order behavior (R² > 0.99) with rate constants 2-5 times higher than conventional adsorbents, while thermodynamic parameters revealed spontaneous, exothermic processes (ΔG° = -22.8 to -30.2 kJ/mol). Exceptional reusability was demonstrated over 12-18 cycles with >85% efficiency retention. Comprehensive biodegradation studies under OECD 301F conditions showed >78% mass loss within 45 days, with microbial community analysis (16S rRNA sequencing) identifying specific degradative organisms (Bacillus subtilis, Trichoderma viride, Pseudomonas putida) and enzymatic activities (cellulase: 47.2 U/g, chitinase: 52.8 U/g, amylase: 38.9 U/g). Temperature-dependent kinetics revealed activation energies of 47.3-52.3 kJ/mol and Q₁₀ coefficients of 2.0-2.3, confirming biological degradation mechanisms. Extensive safety assessment showed metal leaching far below regulatory limits (Zn <0.05 μg/L, Cu 0.18 μg/L, Fe 0.45 μg/L), low bioaccumulation factors (BCF: 8-47, BAF: 0.18-0.89), and minimal ecotoxicity (LC₅₀>400-1000 mg/L for Daphnia magna and Lactuca sativa). Life cycle assessment using SimaPro 9.5 revealed dramatic environmental benefits: 68-85% reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuel consumption, and human health risks compared to conventional nanomaterials, with negative carbon footprints (-12.8 to -18.5 kg CO₂-eq/kg) through composting scenarios. Material recovery rates of 78-90% contributed to exceptional circularity indices (0.89-0.95). This study establishes plant-derived nanocomposites as transformative, environmentally compatible solutions for mitigating emerging pollutants, offering unprecedented combination of high efficiency, biodegradability, safety, and sustainability for both centralized and decentralized water treatment applications
Exploring the Illnesses Treated with Medicinal Ingredients Used by Traditional Practitioners in Northwest Nigeria
No full textTraditional medicine has a long history; African traditional medicine is as old as nature itself and has been in use for centuries in the prevention, treatment and management of many acute and chronic diseases. This study explores the spectrum of illnesses treated and the medicinal ingredients employed by traditional practitioners in Northwest Nigeria, a region rich in ethnomedical heritage. The research aimed to document indigenous healing practices, identify commonly used medicinal plants, and assess the cultural relevance of traditional medicine in local healthcare in the region. A qualitative ethnobotanical survey was conducted across Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa and Kaduna states. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with participants, including herbalists, traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs), and herb vendors. Information gathered included plant species used, ailments treated, preparation methods, and practitioner demographics. The data were analysed using thematic analysis software. The findings revealed that over 90 distinct medicinal plants were documented, with families such as Fabaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Combretaceae being most prevalent. Commonly treated illnesses included malaria, typhoid, epilepsy, mental illness, infertility, and skin infections. Frequently used ingredients included Securidacalongepedunculata, Vernonia amygdalina, Garcinia kola, Moringa oleifera, and Allium sativum. Remedies were prepared using plant parts such as roots, bark, leaves, and seeds, often administered as decoctions, infusions, or topical applications. Spiritual healing practices, including divination and incantations, were also integral to diagnosis and treatment, especially for neuropsychiatric disorders. The majority of practitioners inherited their knowledge orally, with limited formal education, underscoring the need for documentation and preservation
In-silico-based Investigation of the Inhibitory Potential of Compounds Obtained from High Performance Liquid Chromatography Analysis of Tobacco against β-Secretase-1
No full textAlzheimer’s disease (AD) has been a huge health threat to the human community from time immemorial, especially among individuals who are at an advanced age. Over the years, there has been no specific therapeutic regimen to cure the disease; however, the available drugs can only manage its symptoms, necessitating the development of better therapeutic regimens. This study aims to investigate the inhibitory potential of phytochemical constituents of Tobacco plant (Nicotiana tabacum) obtained by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis against βeta-secretase-1 using an in-silico-based approach. Herein, we used an in-silico-based approach involving virtual screening-based molecular docking and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation studies to investigate the inhibitory potential of compounds obtained from HPLC analysis of Tobacco plant against βeta-secretase-1. Our molecular docking campaign revealed that nicotelline had a higher binding affinity for the receptor than the standard compound (AZD 3293). A MD simulation run of 100 nanoseconds (ns) demonstrated that Nicotelline had better overall stability and a lesser fluctuation degree than AZD 3293. Our molecular docking and MD simulation studies demonstrated that Nicotelline can putatively bind to the active site of βeta-secretase-1 and inhibit the biological action of the enzyme more than AZD 3293, suggesting Nicotelline as a promising drug candidate. However, further studies (preclinical, clinical, and toxicity) are needed to evaluate and confirm the therapeutic potential of Nicotelline against βeta-secretase-1 towards the development of therapy for AD
Financial Knowledge, Saving Habits and Spending Habits among Fourth Year Students in the University of Eastern Philippines College of Education
No full textThis study aimed to examine the financial literacy and spending habits of fourth-year students from the College of Education at the University of Eastern Philippines – Main Campus, and to determine the correlation between the two variables. A descriptive-correlational research design was utilized, employing a standardized 21-item questionnaire divided into three sections: Spending Habits, Saving Habits, and Financial Knowledge. The study surveyed 359 students selected through simple random sampling from a total population of 423. Data were collected through both printed and online questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlational analysis with Excel’s Data Analysis Toolpak. Findings revealed that students exhibited moderate financial literacy and a combination of prudent and impulsive spending behaviors. While most respondents practiced basic budgeting and saving, few engaged in structured financial planning. A significant negative correlation (r = -0.12, p = 0.03) was found between financial literacy and spending habits, indicating that higher financial literacy is linked to more responsible spending. Among the demographic factors examined, only sex showed a significant relationship with financial literacy. The study concludes that while students demonstrate a general awareness of financial management, there remains a need to strengthen structured budgeting practices and deepen their understanding of financial tools to further improve financial literacy and decision-making
Synergies in Sustainability: Progress and Prospects for India-Japan Energy Cooperation in 21st Century
No full textThe India-Japan energy relation rolls back to 2006 when India-Japan Energy Dialogue was set up between the two nations to promote energy sector in a comprehensive manner. India sets the target to achieve net zero by 2070 while Japan by 2050. India- Japan Clean Energy Partnership (CEP) was launched in March 2020. The study gives a background to renewable energy sector along with various related initiatives in India and Japan, and sets its objective to observe the GDP growth in two nations and the requirement of renewable energy to maintain the growth with sustainability. This paper digs deeper into the strategic relationship among the two nations and the prospects of greater energy ties between them. The study utilizes graphical and descriptive method to analyze the trends and patterns of growth in energy sector employing time series data sets from 1990 to 2020. The percentage of renewable energy consumption in 2020 in Japan and India is 37% and 8%, respectively. Over the period of 2000 to 2020, both carbon emissions and energy intensity have accorded a declining trend in both nations. However, there is a huge gap between GDP between India and Japan, underlining their developing and developed nation status, respectively. Finally, the study looks into the future energy partnership to strengthen the relationship among the two nations and highlights policy directives to enhance inclusivity and sustainability to fasten the achievement of set goals. The study also brings to notice the limitations based on analysis in its way towards sustainable and inclusive development
The ICT Effectiveness Used by Agricultural Extension Agents in Nigeria
No full textInformation has become a vital resource in agriculture, with knowledge and timely data playing a crucial role in equipping extension agents to help farmers take advantage of opportunities that can enhance their agricultural productivity. Agricultural extension services are central to the dissemination of innovations, transfer of knowledge, and empowerment of rural farmers. Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) are essential tools that aid information processing and transfer, promoting efficient resource utilisation and improved service delivery. This study assessed the limitations of ICTs in evaluating the job functions of agricultural extension agents in Delta and Edo States, Nigeria. The objectives were to: identify available ICT facilities; the availability of ICT facilities among extension agents; usage of ICTs by extension agents; and identify constraints to ICT usage. A multi-stage sampling method was used to select 300 respondents. The study adopted a multi-stage sampling technique across four stages. Data were gathered through structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics, t-test, and regression analysis. Findings revealed that mobile smartphones (x̅=4.00) and internet services (x̅=3.99) were the most accessible ICT tools. The pooled result indicates that the extension agent were competent in the use of search engine like google and yahoo (x̅=2.98), can connect to the internet using an internet browser (Mean=2.97), know how to find a particular page (x̅=2.96), can download instructional videos from internet (x̅=2.80), know how to download software (x̅=2.63) and can create and send e-mail to other people (x̅=2.54). The result revealed that there was no significant difference in the ICT competency in ICT usage of extension agents in Delta and Edo states, respectively. The null hypothesis is therefore accepted. This implies that there was no difference in competence among the EAs in the two states. The study recommends improved infrastructure and support for ICT deployment, especially in rural areas. Furthermore, for this growth to be in place, the communications infrastructure should be able to meet the delivery thereby improving farmers’ knowledge about agricultural technologies and bettering their attitude towards innovation adoption
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles as Emission-mitigation Strategies: Lessons from Nigeria within Global Sustainable Transportation Discourses
No full textThe transport sector in Nigeria is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and urban air pollution. This study investigates the contrasting trends in emissions from electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid-electric vehicles (HEV) and fossil fuel-powered vehicles in Nigeria. The objective of this paper is to explore the role of electric and hybrid vehicles as sustainable transportation options that contribute to emission reduction. It examines the environmental, economic, and technological implications of adopting these vehicles, with a specific focus on Nigeria. It also evaluates global best practices and how they can inform domestic policies and infrastructure development. Using recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), International Energy Agency (IEA) and the World Bank, scholarly articles and industry sources, the study finds that emissions from EVs are declining, driven by increased adoption, government incentives, and rising public awareness of environmental issues and climate change mitigation. In contrast, emissions from fossil fuel vehicles continue to rise due to rapid growth in vehicle ownership, the prevalence of aging and inefficient vehicles, substandard fuel quality, and inadequate public transport infrastructure. The study concludes that while Nigeria’s efforts to promote EVs are yielding positive results, these gains risk being undermined unless systemic challenges in the broader transport sector are addressed. The paper recommends a comprehensive policy approach, including stronger EV incentives, improved fuel quality regulations, modern public transport investment and stricter emissions standards, to achieve sustained reductions in transport-related emissions. These findings contribute to the discourse on sustainable transportation pathways in developing economies