Asian Journal of Advanced Research and Reports
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Panagdapil: A Reflection of Bayanihan Spirit among Ilocanos in Northern Philippines
No full textThe study examines panagdapil as a historical Ilocano custom rooted in the bayanihan spirit, wherein individuals assist one another in agricultural endeavors. Panagdapil functions as a cultural tradition and economic venture in the rural regions of Ilocos Norte, notwithstanding contemporary industrial and socioeconomic transformations. The research design employs ethnography with interviews among local farmer and elders as qualitative methods to investigate the economic and social relevance of panagdapil, focusing on its function in relationship-building and the obstacles of adaptation in modern society. Panagdapil offers rural communities advantages by enhancing sugarcane production while simultaneously fortifying social bonds through collaborative work practices. The future stability of panagdapil is threatened by three primary factors: urban migration, mechanization, and a declining participation rate among the youth population. The research illustrates the necessity of cultural preservation activities endorsed by the government and community-led programs to save panagdapil as both cultural heritage and a sustainable economic enterprise. The resurgence of panagdapil among the Ilocano community would facilitate the preservation of their indigenous heritage while fostering sustainable rural economies
Socio-Cultural and Economic Drivers of Youth Substance Use in Tamale, Ghana: A Qualitative Exploration
No full textBackground: Substance use among youth is a pressing public health issue, especially in low- and middle-income countries where socio-economic instability and weakened traditional structures increase vulnerability. In Ghana, most studies focus on southern cities, with limited attention to northern regions like Tamale, where distinct cultural and economic factors may shape youth substance use.
Objective: This study explored the socio-cultural and economic influences on substance use among youth (aged 15–24 years) in the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana.
Methods: This study employed a qualitative exploratory design using phenomenological approaches to understand the lived experiences of youth regarding substance use in Tamale Metropolis. Eighteen youth with current or past substance use were recruited through snowball sampling. This study used In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) as the primary data collection tool to explore the socio-cultural and economic influences on substance use among youth in the Tamale Metropolis. Interviews were conducted one-on-one and lasted between 20 to 30 minutes. The interviews took place in private, quiet locations such as participants\u27 homes or neutral spaces within the community, ensuring confidentiality and comfort. Data were collected through in-depth interviews conducted in Dagbani, transcribed, translated, and analyzed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework in Dedoose. Rigor was ensured through member checking, peer debriefing, and intercoder reliability.
Results: The study used Four themes such as socio-cultural influences, economic pressures, gender roles, and mental health. Peer pressure and social conformity were strong initial motivators, often reinforced by weakened traditional norms and limited elder oversight. Economic hardship, especially unemployment, drove substance use for emotional relief, while informal workers used drugs like tramadol to cope with physical demands. Gender dynamics revealed that males associated substance use with masculinity and peer respect, whereas females concealed use due to social stigma. Mental health challenges—including stress, anxiety, and grief—fueled substance use as a form of self-medication in a context with limited psychosocial support.
Conclusion: Youth substance use in Tamale is shaped by intersecting socio-cultural, economic, gendered, and psychological factors. Interventions should include mental health services, gender-responsive programming, economic empowerment, and community-based education, alongside engagement with traditional leaders to restore protective norms. Gender-specific interventions should be introduced to address the distinct pressures faced by young men and women. Collaboration with community leaders and policymakers is also crucial to reinforcing positive cultural norms and creating supportive environments for youth development
Cushing’s Syndrome and Pregnancy: A Systematic Review Protocol on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes
No full textIntroduction: Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is a potentially life-threatening disorder caused by excessive cortisol production due to either adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) or autonomous adrenal cortisol secretion. CS is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications and comorbidities such as hypertension (HTN), dysglycemia, and coagulopathies. Although rare, pregnancy in patients with CS poses significant maternal-fetal risks. Hypercortisolism exacerbates physiological changes in pregnancy, leading to increased maternal morbidity in 60-70% of cases, primarily due to HTN, diabetes mellitus, glucose intolerance, and heart failure. Given the high risk of adverse outcomes, evaluating the association between CS and pregnancy is crucial.
Objective: This study aims to assess the impact of CS on pregnancy in terms of disease control and maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Methods: A systematic review will be conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for systematic reviews of etiology and risk. Observational studies (prospective and retrospective cohorts, case series with at least three participants), regardless of the year of publication, involving pregnant women diagnosed with CS before, during, or within 12 months after pregnancy will be included. Maternal outcomes include disease control, preterm birth, gestational diabetes, HTN, and miscarriage. Newborn outcomes include perinatal mortality, congenital malformations, low birth weight, and small-for-gestational-age status. Comprehensive search strategies have been developed for the Embase, MEDLINE, LILACS, and CENTRAL databases. Two independent reviewers will assess study eligibility, extract data, and evaluate the risk of bias. Proportional meta-analyses will be conducted using Stata version 18 with the metaprop_one command.
Conclusion: This systematic review will provide insights into the maternal and fetal risks associated with CS during pregnancy. The findings will help guide clinical management and counseling for women with CS who wish to conceive.
PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42024597682
A Novel Phytogenic Solution for Sustainable Poultry Farming: Exploring the Growth-Promoting and Antimicrobial Potential of Sesamum radiatum
No full textAims: This study evaluates the nutritional composition and antioxidant capacity of Sesamum radiatum extracts, with a focus on their potential application as a functional ingredient in poultry feed to enhance growth performance and promote sustainable farming practices.
Study Design: Laboratory-based experimental research supported by a short-term in vivo poultry feeding trial.
Place and Duration of Study: Conducted at the Integrated Bio Chemical Laboratory, Agro Bio Tech Research Centre Ltd (ABTEC), Poovanthuruth, Kottayam, Kerala, India, in April 2024.
Methodology: Proximate analysis was conducted to determine the macronutrient composition of Sesamum radiatum leaves. Soxhlet extraction using hexane, chloroform, and methanol was performed to isolate bioactive compounds from the plant.Antioxidant activity was assessed using the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay. The extract showing the most potent antioxidant profile was incorporated into a custom-formulated poultry feed, which was then evaluated in a controlled feeding trial to measure its impact on growth performance.
Results: The methanolic extract of Sesamum radiatum exhibited the highest concentrations of flavonoids and phenolic compounds, contributing to its strong antioxidant capacity. Nutritional analysis revealed a favorable profile rich in protein, crude fiber, and essential micronutrients. Incorporation of the extract into poultry feed resulted in a noticeable improvement in weight gain among the treated group compared to the control, indicating better nutrient utilization and overall feed efficiency.
Conclusion: The findings support the nutritional and antioxidant benefits of Sesamum radiatum, positioning it as a promising phytogenic feed additive in poultry production. Its application may contribute to the development of natural, cost-effective, and sustainable feed strategies, encouraging further long-term research to validate its broader efficacy in animal health and performance
A Visual “STAGED” Nomogram to Predict the Risk of Full Stomach in Adult Outpatients Undergoing Elective Sedated Upper Endoscopy
No full textBackground: A full stomach during elective sedated upper endoscopy (UE) is highly associated with aspiration. Aspiration is related to increased morbidity and mortality. We aimed to develop a nomogram model to predict the risk of having a full stomach in adult outpatients undergoing elective sedated UE.
Methods: Data of 1171 adult outpatients undergoing elective sedated UE were collected retrospectively between July 2021 and February 2022. Univariable analysis, multivariable logistic regression, and Boruta were used to identify independent risk factors associated with full stomach. Using the identified risk factors, a nomogram was developed. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC), decision curve analysis (DCA), and calibration curve (CC) were used to evaluate the model’s performance.
Results: After exclusion, 990 patients were enrolled in this study. In the training set, 305 patients (38.5%) had a full stomach, and 71 patients (35.9%) had a full stomach for the testing set. The AUROC (95% Cl) was 0.819 (0.788-0.85) and 0.823(0.759-0.887) for the training and testing set, respectively. The variables incorporated in the development of our STAGED model were Sex = female (OR: 2.147), fasting Time (OR: 0.839), Age (OR: 0.971), GERD (OR: 15.61), diabEtes (OR: 8.614) and Diet (OR: 3.691). DCA and CIC analyses showed that our model had a significant net benefit compared to the "treat all or "treat none" strategies and had high predictive value, making it clinically useful.
Conclusion: The “STAGED” nomogram model was successfully developed and made easily accessible online via a visual web-based calculator.
Summary of the patient’s inclusion along with the study design, the methodology used for model development, the implementation of the model, and model performance
A Study of In vivo Biochemical Estimation of Ethanolic Fruit Extract of Physalis angulate
No full textThe fruits of Physalis angulata are recommended locally for treating infection, infertility, inflammation, postpartum infection, skin diseases. Some medicinal plants may contain toxins that affect the organs in the body, especially the liver and kidneys. In order to validate the use of Physalis angulata fruits in traditional medicine, it is important to evaluate its effect on liver and kidney functions in experimental animals.
Materials and Methods: 18 adults female Wistar rats weighing 120 ± 20 g were grouped into 3 groups, with each group consisting of 6 rats. The control group was on a normal diet and distilled water while the other groups received 500 mg/bwt, and 1500 mg/ body wt of ethanolic extract of Physalisangulata for 28 days respectively. Animals were acclimatized for 2 weeks before commencement of the experiment. Blood samples were analyzed for alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase.
Results: The concentration of AST in the control was significantly (p<0.05) lower than the values in the treatment groups. Concentrations of ALT and ALP concentrations were not significantly different among treatment groups. Serum electrolytes (potassium, sodium, and chloride ions) were not statistically significant. Significantly (p<0.05) higher concentrations of creatinine were observed in Physalis angulate 1500mg/kg group compared to the control.
Conclusion:Physalis angulate fruit extracts is safe and non-toxic to the liver and kidney
Exploring the Perspectives of Health and Social Care Workers on the Influence of CQC-Regulated Services on Providers in the Health and Social Care Sector
No full textWithin the United Kingdom, particularly England, this work is an exploration of the health and social care employees’ perspective on the impacts of Care Quality Commission (CQC)-regulated services. The CQC plays a paramount role in sustaining, maintaining, and improving the quality of service delivery, being the primary regulator. Nonetheless, these roles have practical implications for health and social care frontliners. The CQC regulations influence the quality of service delivery in England. Based on the foregoing, the present study examines the impact assessment of CQC-regulated activities through the health and social care personnel perspective, covering areas like roles, practices, outcomes, and quality of care. This study uses a quantitative research method as well as a survey method to gather data from various healthcare providers by administering a well-structured Google Form (survey questionnaire) to about 250 persons. About 143 participating individuals within the health and social care sector responded. Data was analysed through the lens of descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. Findings reveal a structural disconnect between the approach to inspection and the health and social care service realities. It is, however, compounded by genuine concerns about accuracy, fairness, frontline engagement, and lack of flexibility in implementation—with 64.3% suggesting that CQC is a reflection of true standards; other results, as also shown in RQ2, indicate that CQC ratings are also influenced by internal strategies and external perceptions. 58.1% and 49% viewed CQC as impactful; meanwhile, 12.6% and 11.9% reflect the gaps in capturing staff needs and the daily operational struggles. Critical gaps in regulatory methodologies and potentially biased approaches are voiced out in the analysis and pinpointed by 10.5% and 12.6% of respondents, respectively. The findings further highlighted the challenges and the positive aspects of CQC regulation. Moreover, the research provides substantial input to the ongoing discussion in both academic and health settings regarding regulation in care settings. It also offers service enhancement and insight to regulatory bodies, policymakers, and health providers
Perception of Students on Selective Factors Affecting Their Academic Performance in School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
No full textThe measure of a student’s ability to accomplish his or her academic tasks or studies successfully is referred to as academic performance. It has been observed that often the academic performance of students fall below expectation due to one or more factors militating against their educational objectives. The specific objective of the study was to determine the perception of the respondents on demographic, socio-economic status, environmental and psychological factors affecting the academic performance of final year students of School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. The research utilized a descriptive cross-sectional design; thus, Taro Yamane’s formula was adopted to generate 120 students as the sample size, which were randomly selected from the study population of 172 students. A validated and reliable self-structured questionnaire was developed and utilized for data collection. The students’ cumulative grade point average (CGPA) was used as a measure of academic performance. The data were analyzed quantitatively and the results indicated an overall good academic performance. No statistically significant difference was found between demographic factors and academic performance. The respondents perceived parental income, parent education level, family size, parent occupation, school location, school basic amenities, sleeping, stress and motivation as factors which more significantly affect their academic performance (p = 0.000). Despite the very good academic performance displayed by the respondents, this could be further improved by taking steps to address all the factors perceived by the students as hinderance to their academic performance, such as the socio-economic status of parents, school basic amenities and stress
Assessment of Flood Awareness and Impact in Selected Southern States in Nigeria
No full textBackground: Floods remain one of the most destructive climate-induced hazards in Southern Nigeria, causing extensive damage to lives, properties, and infrastructure.
Research Aim: This study investigates the level of flood awareness and its impact in three flood-prone southern states—Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Lagos.
Methodology: Using a positivist, cross-sectional survey approach, data were collected from 118 respondents through an online questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS 22 using descriptive and Pearson correlation tools.
Results: Results revealed that 59.3% of respondents reported being aware of flood causes, while 47.5% had personally experienced flooding. Despite this awareness, only 13.6% followed weather alerts regularly, and just 6.8% had received any flood response training. Critically, 79.7% received no warning before flood events. The impact was significant—66.1% experienced property damage, 32.2% reported cholera, and 59.3% received no post-flood assistance. Statistically, flood preparedness negatively correlated with perceived severity (r = -0.273, p < 0.01) and recovery duration (r = -0.607, p < 0.01). Conversely, training positively influenced awareness and reduced flood severity (r = -0.553, p < 0.01). There is a moderately strong level of flood awareness in Southern Nigeria; Flood was found to impact negatively on properties i.e. buildings and human health; The severity of flooding was moderately rated; Participants’ perception of the state of being sufficiently ready for handling flood events negatively correlates with various factors such as the intensity of flood, knowing people who flood affected, previous warnings and duration of recovery from flood events. Findings underscore the urgent need for localized flood risk communication, structural preparedness, and early warning systems. The study recommends a three-tier response involving education, community planning, and policy enforcement to improve resilience
Scalable Machine Learning Algorithms for Processing High-dimensional Data: A Case Study Approach
No full textThe need for highly scalable machine learning algorithms is driven by the fast development of high-dimensional data in various industries, including cybersecurity and finance. Traditional models perform under heavy computational load and suffer reduced predictive performance when handling really massive data sets. This study method explored scalable ML approaches using a 100,000-sample, 5,000-feature dataset. Preprocessing involved normalization and missing value imputation followed by dimensionality reduction using Principal Component Analysis and Recursive Feature Elimination techniques subsequently. DNNs and other models like XGBoost were trained using TensorFlow on massively distributed frameworks pretty quickly. DNNs attained highest accuracy of 94.7% rather slowly after 180 minutes of training while XGBoost struck a nice balance between performance and efficiency with accuracy of 91.2% in just 72 minutes. RFE maintained accuracy with only a 1% drop, while PCA reduced computation time by about 40% at the expense of a negligible 2-3% accuracy reduction. An ANOVA F value of 38.52 at p less than 0.001 indicated significant variations in efficiency across the different models. Distributed XGBoost achieved around a 3.5× speedup hence showcasing great practical scalability in a moderately distributed context. While deep learning models are known for their great accuracy, tree-based models, like XGBoost, provide a better overall solution. Future research should focus on highly adaptive dimensionality reduction approaches and mainly hybrid models in order to substantially increase scalability without significantly sacrificing prediction accuracy