Asian Journal of Advanced Research and Reports
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Advanced Nanocomposite Polymer-Biomaterial Catalysts for Integrated Biodiesel and Battery Systems in Sustainable Energy Applications
No full textThe rising issues of pollution and the depletion of fossil fuels have also accelerated the search for sustainable alternatives. The aim of this research is to improve the efficiency of the reaction, the reusability of the catalyst, and the purity of the produced fuel by producing biodiesel from waste vegetable oil through the use of a polymer-CaO-TiO2 nanocomposite catalyst, as described, but without the two “nanocomposite catalyst” instances. The catalyst was produced through the Sol-gel assisted incorporation process, where calcium oxide, extracted from calcined eggshells, was compounded with titanium oxide nanoparticles and the biodegradable polymer. The physico-chemical properties of the WVO and the properties of the catalyst were assessed through standardized procedures. The optimization of the transesterification reaction was carried out by varying three significant factors, namely temperature (55-75°C), amount of catalyst (1-5 wt%, CaO), and molar ratio of methanol-to-oil (6:1-10:1) while other factors kept constant in each test run. Methanol acted as both the reactant and solvent, thereby giving FAME as products. The experimental works revealed an increase in the amount of produced biodiesel and reaction time by the polymer-CaO-TiO₂ catalyst compared to CaO catalyst. This work illustrates the possibility of combining nanocomposite catalyst development techniques and the processes associated with the generation of waste-to-energy as a viable and environmentally friendly means of producing biodiesel. The proposed process ensures an efficient, cleaner, and recyclable method of generating high-quality biodiesel from waste vegetable oil
Design and Development of a Fuel Injector Nozzle Cleansing Machine for Small Scale Workshops
No full textThe development of a fuel injector nozzle cleansing machine addresses the challenge of clogged and inefficient nozzles in internal combustion engines, particularly within small-scale workshops. Conventional cleaning methods are slow, hazardous, and often ineffective, leading to poor spraying patterns and reduced engine efficiency. This study presents the design, fabrication, and performance evaluation of a dual-process injector nozzle cleansing machine capable of both cleaning and spray testing. The machine consists of a mild steel frame stand, fuel tank, submersible fuel pump, nozzle rail, and 12V DC power supply. Fabrication involved welding, fastening, and soldering to achieve a rigid and safe structure. Performance evaluation was conducted using anti-rust thinner for cleansing and petrol (PMS) for spray testing at a pressure of 8 psi. Experimental results revealed an average cleaning efficiency of 88% and spraying efficiency of 95% across nozzles with two, three, and four holes. Findings indicate that nozzles with a higher number of holes demonstrated faster cleaning and more effective spray distribution. The study concludes that the proposed machine provides a cost-effective, safe, and reliable alternative to industrial injector cleaning systems, making it suitable for small-scale workshops and automotive maintenance applications
Ethical Governance of Agricultural Biotechnology in Kenya: A Critical Narrative Review on Innovation, Inclusion, and Indigenous Systems
No full textThis study critically examines the ethical governance of agricultural biotechnology in Kenya, focusing on the regulatory frameworks, stakeholder engagement, and socio-cultural considerations shaping policy implementation. Drawing on document analysis and expert interviews, the research identifies significant gaps in ethical oversight, including limited public participation, inadequate risk communication, and fragmented institutional mandates. The findings reveal that while Kenya has made strides in biosafety legislation, ethical governance remains underdeveloped, particularly in addressing distributive justice, indigenous knowledge systems, and long-term ecological impacts. The study argues for a pluralistic and anticipatory governance model that integrates ethical reflexivity, inclusive deliberation, and adaptive regulation. These insights have implications for policy reform, capacity building, and the democratization of biotechnology governance in Kenya and similar contexts
AI-driven Green Logistics: Optimizing Last-mile Delivery Networks with Electric Vehicles for Carbon Neutrality in U.S. Metropolitan Areas
No full textThe last-mile delivery process has continued to be the costliest, time-consuming, and environmentally challenging part of logistics systems, and this challenge has been further amplified in the context of quickly increasing large cities worldwide. The conventional logistics delivery chain also faces issues such as traffic congestion, increasing fuel prices, downtime, route inefficiency, and high emissions. Artificial intelligence optimization in logistics systems and electric vehicles have emerged as new approaches to improve last-mile delivery performance. The current research aims to investigate to what degree last-mile delivery can be improved by artificial intelligence optimization in routing and electric vehicles. The research followed a descriptive and analytical research study design, mainly depending on secondary sources with research data collected from peer-reviewed journals, reports published from the logistics industry, case research, and transport data published by concerned government bodies from 2018 to 2025. The data were systematically filtered to determine their appropriateness, sound methodology, measurable variables, and level of empirical research. Important variables such as delivery time, cost of delivery, distance travelled, emissions from vehicles, energy utilization, traffic congestions, and customer density were utilized for comparative analysis and cause-effect analysis. Analysis of the results shows that there was a great improvement in delivery performance through routing via artificial intelligence. The average time reduced by 34.6 percent, cost of delivery fell by 31.5 percent, and distance travelled to complete delivery reduced by 34 percent. The percentage of successful deliveries rose to 89 percent. Failed deliveries fell to less than half. The reduction in carbon dioxide emissions reached 86.6 percent for electric delivery vehicles compared to gasoline vehicles. The emissions of nitrogen oxides were eliminated entirely. Analysis of customer density indicated that areas of high density receive even greater advantages from artificial intelligence clustering and electric vehicles. The trend of congestions also indicated that predictive models of artificial intelligence result in reduced delays within peak hours. All case study comparisons among large cities across America confirmed these results. The paper concludes that combining Artificial Intelligence and electric vehicles represents a scalable, cost-efficient, and sustainable solution for last-mile delivery route optimization. The combination of these solutions improves route optimization performance and helps to avoid disruptions in last-mile delivery operations. In conclusion, it can be seen that modern cities require intelligent route optimization solutions and environmentally sustainable last-mile delivery vehicles to meet the demands of modern cities
Empowering Women in Technical Education: Automotive Instructors’ Mentorship Approaches in Northern Philippines
No full textThis study investigates the mentorship practices employed by automotive technology instructors to support female students in a male-dominated technical education program. The research aims to explore the mentorship strategies used by instructors to address gender dynamics, promote inclusivity, and enhance the academic and professional growth of female students. A qualitative design was adopted, focusing on a state university in Northern Philippines, with purposive sampling selecting five experienced automotive technology instructors. Data were collected through interviews and focus group discussions and analyzed using thematic analysis. The results highlight that mentorship in this program is intentionally gender-conscious, with instructors providing academic, emotional, and professional support to help female students overcome challenges like gender bias and self-doubt. Instructors create a safe, inclusive environment where female students receive encouragement, skill-based mentoring, and exposure to real-world industry opportunities. Despite the progress, challenges such as gender stereotyping and limited representation remain. The study concludes that gender-sensitive mentorship programs are vital in fostering female students’ confidence, technical competence, and success in automotive technology education. Based on these findings, it is recommended that academic institutions establish structured mentorship programs, offer gender-sensitivity training, and invite female industry role models to enhance the visibility and participation of women in automotive technology and related fields.
 
Students’ Level of Motivation and Challenges in Pursuing Automotive Technology Program in Northern Philippines
No full textThis study investigated the factors that motivate students to pursue Automotive Technology and the academic, technical, personal, and social challenges that influence their persistence in the program. A descriptive research design was employed. The study was conducted in a state university in Ilocos Norte during the First Semester of Academic Year 2025–2026. All 210 first-year and second-year Automotive Technology students were included using total population sampling. Data were gathered using a researcher-made, pilot-tested questionnaire consisting of three sections – Motivational Factors, Academic and Technical Challenges, and Personal and Social Challenges – rated using a five-point Likert scale. Data collection occurred from August to October 2025. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, and weighted mean were used to analyze the students’ motivation levels and challenges. Findings revealed that students were highly motivated to pursue the program (Composite Mean = 4.07), driven primarily by perceived career opportunities, the value of gaining automotive skills, and interest in hands-on learning. Entrepreneurial aspirations and admiration for industry professionals also contributed to strong motivation. However, students reported moderate challenges in academic and technical areas (Composite Mean = 3.35), particularly regarding financial costs, difficulty balancing workloads, and limited access to tools and hands-on training. Personal and social challenges (Composite Mean = 3.24) included low confidence in technical skills, occasional lack of motivation, family pressure, stress, and teamwork difficulties. While students demonstrate strong motivation toward Automotive Technology, various academic, financial, technical, and psychosocial barriers affect their learning experiences. Strengthening institutional support—such as improving facilities, expanding practical training, offering financial and counseling assistance, and promoting confidence-building opportunities—can enhance student success and better prepare graduates for the demands of the automotive industry.
 
Motivation and Job Satisfaction as Determinants of Teachers\u27 Commitment
No full textAims: The aim of this study is to determine the significant relationship between teachers\u27 motivation and job satisfaction as independent variables and teachers\u27 commitment as a dependent variable.
Study Design: The study used a correlational research design within a quantitative, non-experimental approach.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at public junior high schools in Region XI, Philippines, during the 1st October to 24th November 2025.
Methodology: The respondents of this study were the public junior high school teachers from the Schools Division of Digos City. Specifically, these included Teachers I-III, excluding Master Teachers and Department Heads. A five-part questionnaire was employed to collect the data. All items in each indicator received a high Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, indicating excellent internal consistency and reliability, suggesting that the instruments are highly reliable.
Results: Results revealed that both motivation and job satisfaction significantly contribute to teacher commitment, but motivation is the more powerful determinant. This implies that while improving work conditions, benefits, and job satisfaction can enhance commitment, strengthening intrinsic and extrinsic motivation may yield even greater improvements in teachers’ dedication to their role. The regression analysis demonstrates that teachers’ commitment is strongly shaped by their motivation and job satisfaction, and that efforts to improve these two factors are likely to lead to higher levels of professional commitment, stronger work performance, and greater retention in schools.
Conclusion: Based on the findings, the high level of teacher motivation and job satisfaction in the division is a critical determinant of strong teacher commitment. This commitment, characterised by loyalty and deep professional engagement, is significantly predicted by intrinsic drive, supportive leadership, positive teacher-student relationships, and confidence in one\u27s professional role. The study decisively concludes that focusing on enhancing both intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors, alongside ensuring high job satisfaction, is the essential strategy for cultivating a dedicated teaching force, thereby directly boosting instructional quality and overall school effectiveness
Effects of Selected Soil Amendments on Germination and Emergence of Maize in Kilifi County
No full textKilifi County in the Coastal region of Kenya is mainly semi-arid where rainfall is the most limiting factor to crop production and therefore a source of food insecurity. In the last five years researchers at Pwani University have conducted studies to find out the most appropriate soil amendment to ameliorate the deficit soil moisture and crop performance of maize during the growing season. The tested soil amendments included farm yard manure, super absorbent polymer and DAP fertilizer. Germination and emergence stage were considered important because they determine crop ground coverage and establishment during the early stages of growth, thinning and gapping requirements and final yield. They also inform the state of the planted seed in terms of viability, dormancy and damage by pests/diseases and therefore germination percentage. A study was carried out at Pwani University crop sciences farm where a randomized complete block design experiment replicated three times was set during the on-set of 2023-long rains season. The treatments were applied per plot at planting in the holes spaced at 90cm by 60cm where each respective amendment material was thoroughly mixed with the soil before placing the seed and covering it with a thin layer of soil. Data collected included total number of planted maize seeds per plot and number of emergent seedlings above the soil surface per plot after seven days since planting. The collected data was converted to percentage emergence per plot and then subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). The obtained treatment means were then compared using Tukey\u27s Honest Significant Difference (HSD) test at α=0.05. The results showed that the tested soil amendments had significant effects on the emergence of maize seedlings. The manure and control treatments had the highest emergence percentages of 87% and 98% respectively while Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) and DAP-fertilizer recorded the lowest emergence percentages of 36% and 6% respectively. Thus, it would appear that DAP and SAP significantly suppressed the emergence of maize seedlings, suggesting that the amendments could have had some toxic or scotching effects on the maize seeds or created adverse soil moisture conditions for germination and or emergence of the maize seedlings
Women\u27s Financial Empowerment through Access and Awareness: A Socio-economic Perspective from North East India
No full textAims: In this paper the financial empowerment of rural and urban women through access and awareness across the eight north eastern states of India has been analysed. The study aims at investigating the recent status of the access to money by employed women. Moreover, the extent and the variation in the women’s access to money, having bank accounts and familiarisation with micro credit programme in the study area has been analysed across the selected socio-economic factors like employment status, age groups and household structure.
Data Sources: This paper is based on the secondary sources of data collected from National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) Reports 2019-21. The study area is the north east region of India comprising of eight states- Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.
Methodology: Methodology of the study is descriptive in nature using tabular and diagrammatic presentation and the significance level of the different variables has been analysed with the help of t Test and ANOVA.
Results: It has been found in the study that, rural women in the north eastern states are lagging behind the urban women in accessing money in the way to decide the use of money. Employed women in Assam are in most disadvantageous position and employed women in Sikkim are in the most advantageous position in the context of financial empowerment. It has also been found that, the intensity of access to money, having bank accounts and familiarisation with micro credit programme of women increases with their age. Interestingly, women in the joint families as compared to the nuclear families have been found to be more active in all the three dimensions of access to financial services in the north east India.
Conclusion: Across the eight north eastern states of India, women’s financial empowerment is still very low and inadequate in terms of accessing money, having bank accounts and familiarisation with micro credit programmes. Based on the vital findings of the study, policy suggestions are given
Motivation and Coping Mechanisms of Female Students in Automotive Technology: A Case Study in Northern Philippines
No full textThis study aimed to explore the motivation, gender-related challenges, and coping mechanisms of female students pursuing an Automotive Technology degree in Northern Philippines, highlighting how personal, social, and institutional factors influence their persistence in a male-dominated field. A qualitative case study was employed to capture in-depth, contextualized experiences of participants within their real-life educational setting. The study was conducted at a state university in Northern Philippines with seven purposively selected female students enrolled in the Automotive Technology program during the semester of data collection. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis following six-step framework to identify recurring patterns related to motivation, gender bias, coping strategies, and institutional support. Findings revealed that intrinsic motivation, such as personal interest and passion for mechanical work, alongside extrinsic influences from family and role models, significantly shaped students’ engagement, consistent with Self-Determination Theory and Expectancy-Value Theory. Participants also expressed a desire to challenge gender stereotypes, reflecting high self-efficacy and agency as explained by Social Cognitive Theory. Despite encountering gender-related challenges, including skepticism from peers and instructors, students employed adaptive coping strategies, such as cognitive reframing, goal-oriented focus, social support, and emotional regulation, which reinforced resilience, persistence, and skill mastery. Furthermore, participants emphasized the importance of mentorship, visible female role models, hands-on workshops, and inclusive institutional practices in fostering empowerment and motivation. The interplay of intrinsic interest, social support, and self-efficacy underscores the need for gender-sensitive policies and structured support in technical education to sustain female students’ motivation, confidence, and professional development in male-dominated programs