Asian Journal of Advanced Research and Reports
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Assessing the Quality and Potential of Fried Noodles: An Analysis of Wheat and Afzelia africana Flour Blends in Chemical, Functional, Physical, and Sensory Dimensions
No full textAfzelia africana flour was produced by roasting, dehaulling and grinding seeds into flour. In this study, the chemical composition, functional, physical properties and sensory characteristics of fried noodles produced from wheat and Afzelia africana (Akpalata) flour blends were evaluated. Wheat and Afzelia africana flours was blended in the ratio of 100:0(WFO), 95:5(WFAA1), 90:10(WFAA2), 85:15(WFAA3) and 80:20(WFAA4) as 100% wheat flour was used as the control. Samples were used to produce fried noodles. The functional qualities of flour mixes were examined. The noodles samples underwent physical, chemical, and sensory investigation. The noodle sample was cooked and sensory evaluation carried out. Result of proximate composition of the noodles ranged from (crude protein; 23.00- 30.05 crude fat; 10.00- 14.7%, ash; 0.95- 3.00%, crude fibre; 1.10- 2.95%, moisture; 7.50-9.00%, and carbohydrate; 50.00-53.11%) respectively. Functional results showed 0.64 to 0.66 g/cm3, 14.00 to 20.00 % oil absorption capacity, 25.20 to 36.50 ml swelling capacity and 21.00 to 25.90 % water absorption capacity. Physical properties results showed 11.65 – 12.75 cm length and 0.26 – 0.43 cm. The sensory scores showed that sample WFAA4 (80:20) was the most overall acceptable by the judges. In conclusion, acceptable noodles with improved protein content and reduce processing cost can be produced from blends of wheat and Afzelia africana flours
Impact of Homelessness on Almajiri Children in Zamfara State, Nigeria
No full textThis paper contributes to the burgeoning debate on the impact of homelessness on children particularly on almajiri children in Zamfara State. The almajiri system in Nigeria which was meant to train children in Qur’anic education has turned into a practice where parents/guardians now abdicate their primary duties of providing the basic needs of life such as food, shelter, medical attention, education to the children. These children do not have where to lay down their heads in the day time or at night. Some sleep on the streets, uncompleted buildings or motor parks. It is based on the foregoing that this paper examines the impact of homelessness on almajiri children in Zamfara state. The sample size of study consisted of 318 almajiri children. Questionnaire was used as the primary instrument of data collection. Data collected was analyzed quantitively using tables and percentages. The findings of the study show that there is high prevalence of homelessness among almajiri children. Poverty, social-cultural practices, parental neglect were the major causes of homelessness among almajiri children. The nature of homelessness showed that almajiri children sleep on the streets, uncompleted buildings and motor parks. Data collected also indicated that majority of the homeless Almajiri children suffer from victimization, had no access to medical services, lack of sleep, isolation from their peers and loss personal belongings. The study recommends that government should ensure that parents who send their children to Almajiri must cater for their welfare and, government and Non-governmental Organizations should persuade parents, religious/traditional rulers and other major stake holders to return to Almajiri model schools built by Federal government during the Goodluck Jonathan’s administration that had all the facilities for a boarding school with the aim of combining Qur’anic education with vocational education for the good of the almajiri children
Osteopenia in HIV Positive Patients After 8 Months on Tenofovir: A Case Study
No full textTenofovir, a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor, is a key component of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for HIV infection. While effective in suppressing viral replication, long-term use of tenofovir has been associated with adverse effects, including bone mineral density (BMD) loss and increased risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis. Tenofovir-induced osteopenia is a significant concern in the management of HIV-infected individuals, as it can lead to increased fracture risk and reduced quality of life.
We present the case of a 40-year-old female patient with HIV who was on a Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)-containing regimen consisting ofTenofovir disoproxil fumarate, lamivudine, dolutegravir (TLD) for 8 months and developed symptoms suggestive of osteopenia. The patient presented with difficulty in walking, knee pain and swelling, hip joint pain, and limited left arm mobility, which had significantly impacted her daily activities, leading to her being bedridden for two months. Laboratory findings revealed reduced BMD in the lumbar spine and femoral neck, along with low serum vitamin D levels, supporting the diagnosis of tenofovir-induced osteopenia. The management of tenofovir-induced osteopenia involves discontinuation of TDF and initiation of alternative antiretroviral therapy, as well as supplementation with calcium and vitamin D. In this case, the patient was switched to abacavir, lamivudine, and dolutegravir, which are not associated with significant bone-related side effects. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation were also prescribed to improve bone health. This case highlights the importance of monitoring bone health in patients on TDF therapy and prompt recognition and management of osteopenia to prevent further bone loss and improve quality of life in these patients. Regular assessment of BMD and serum vitamin D levels is essential to detect osteopenia early and initiate appropriate interventions
Disaster Preparedness and Response Capacity to Incidents of Fire among Residential Buildings in Selected Areas in Lagos and Akwa-Ibom
No full textBackground: In Nigeria, fire incidents have grown to be a recurring issue. As such, its occurrence has been a key cause for concern for built environment stakeholders. The devastation brought forth by a fire disaster is multifaceted and can have effects that are just as intricate as the economy.
Research Objective: The study evaluated residential building disaster preparedness and firefighting capability in selected areas of Lagos and Akwa-Ibom State.
Methodology: The current research methodology was based on the research onion framework developed. The research philosophy, research approach, research strategy, methodological choice, time horizon, and technique/procedure layer are the six levels that make up the framework. The methodology chosen includes the positivist philosophy, the deductive approach, survey research technique, and quantitative research. Because of the nature of the research and the time constraints, the cross-sectional temporal horizon was chosen in this study. Convenience was used in the selection of a sample size of one hundred and fifty (150) people from both Lagos and Akwa-Ibom. A well-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to gather the data. The goodness-of-fit of the sociodemographic variables was tested using Chi-Square. For descriptive statistical analysis, the mean and median (cut-off point) were employed, whereas linear correlation was employed for testing hypotheses.
Result: There is no positive correlation between knowledge and attitude regarding fire disaster preparedness. Respondents have a good attitude toward fire events and fire safety; participants were unprepared for a fire disaster in terms of available and installed fire safety equipment, materials, and escape plan. The study recommended that the Nigerian government should first mandate all households to install certain firefighting equipment in their homes in order to ensure that individuals are equipped to combat fire
Sugarcane Production in Kenya
No full textKenya envisioned that by 2030 it would have improved citizen livelihood through agricultural industrialization. Some challenges exist in achieving this goal, especially the effects of climate change and technology transfer. Sugarcane production, for instance, has been elusive with several factories in Kenya experiencing losses. In this work, we explore the sugarcane value chain in Kenya compared to other sugarcane-growing regions that have recorded profits from the sugarcane industry. The production matrix of sugarcane in Kenya is approximately 8.7 million metric tons per year. Out of which, approximately 690,000 metric tons of sugar is generated. The remaining biomass is majorly wasted. Major sugar factories in the world earn their profits from this remaining biomass. Kenya needs to impress technology transfer and convert this waste into profitable products
Challenges for Mathematical Modeling of Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis in Sub-Saharan Africa
No full textBackground: In sub-Saharan Africa, where there are inadequate diagnostic and reporting facilities, limited data availability hinders the accurate estimation of key parameters in mathematical models of multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis. Furthermore, gaps in knowledge about multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) dynamics add another layer of complexity to these modeling efforts.
Methods: We analyzed databases such as google scholar, PubMed, scopus, Web of Science etc, using relevant keywords to identify relevant articles on challenges for mathematical modeling of multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis in sub–Saharan Africa covering the period from 2010 to the present.
Results: This review highlights the epidemiology of multidrug resistant tuberculosis in sub–Saharan Africa and the limitations in mathematical modeling of multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in the region.
Conclusion: Accurate diagnosis and reliable data are crucial barriers to effective modeling. The review also underscores the potential of machine learning techniques to improve data quality and address issues related to incomplete data, suggesting that these methods could become essential components of future mathematical models
Postural Assessment and Risk Evaluation of Workers among Selected Textile Industries in Lagos, Nigeria
No full textTextile industry workers specifically Nigerians often encounter health challenges associated with Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) stemming from factors like uncomfortable postures, repetitive tasks, prolonged sitting or standing, and inadequate workplace design. This study evaluated the risk level of workers associated with working postures for selected textile industries in Lagos, Nigeria. Five textile manufacturing companies were randomly selected in Lagos State. Standard nordic questionnaires were administered to workers to assess their demography and musculoskeletal issues such as fatigue, stress, back pain, headache, and dissatisfaction. The working postures (neck, trunk, leg, upper arm, lower arm, and wrist positions) of the selected workers were obtained from the pictures captured during engagements on different factory operations. These positions were used to obtain Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) scores and the associated risk levels utilizing the REBA Employee Assessment Worksheet. Based on WRMSDs, the data revealed that 88% of workers suffer from fatigue, 45% experience stress, 73% report back pain, 75% suffer from headaches, and 34% of workers are dissatisfied with their working environment. Analysis of the workers\u27 physical environment showed that 55% are exposed to excessive heat, 71% are subjected to noise and dust, and nearly half (48%) are involved in manual materials handling. A large number of workers in the five selected textile manufacturing industries face significant risks of musculoskeletal disorders
Exploring Student Perceptions and Expectations of Peer Mentoring: A Study of the Lobomentoría Program at Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Mexico
No full textThis study explores the perceptions and expectations of applicants aspiring to join the "Lobomentoría" University Peer Mentoring Program at the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Mexico. The research aims to identify the key factors influencing their preparedness for the mentoring role, particularly in addressing challenges related to dropout rates in higher education. Using a mixed-method approach, a questionnaire and follow-up semi-structured interviews were conducted with 54 participants to examine their understanding of the lobomentor role, the necessary skills, and their anticipated outcomes. The findings reveal that applicants have a clear grasp of a lobomentor\u27s functions and recognize essential skills such as providing assistance and support to incoming students. Additionally, they express a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, promoting a sense of belonging, and reducing dropout tendencies. This study enhances the understanding of peer mentoring programs within Mexican higher education institutions. To complement these findings, it is recommended that future research focus on long-term studies to assess the impact of the Lobomentoría program on student retention and academic success
Assessment of Constraints to the Implementation of International Health Regulation at the Point of Entry in Lagos Nigeria
No full textThe effective implementation of International Health Regulations (IHR) at points of entry is crucial for safeguarding public health and preventing the spread of infectious diseases across borders. However, the process faces significant constraints that hinder its success. This study aims to assess the key constraints impeding the successful implementation of IHR at various points of entry in Lagos, Nigeria, specifically at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Seme Land Border, and the Lagos Sea Port. A descriptive correlational research design was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire administered to customs officials, immigration officers, health professionals, and other relevant stakeholders.The study revealed that factors such as inadequate knowledge among personnel, insufficient resources, and limited interagency collaboration are major barriers to effective IHR implementation. The analysis showed a significant relationship between years of experience and knowledge of IHR implementation, highlighting the importance of continuous training and capacity building. Additionally, challenges related to resource availability, including insufficient equipment, lack of personnel, and inadequate facilities, were found to critically affect the implementation process. Despite the majority of respondents indicating adequate physical facilities, a substantial funding gap was identified, underscoring the need for improved financial support to enhance IHR enforcement.The study recommends that addressing these constraints through targeted interventions, including enhanced training programs, better resource allocation, and stronger interagency coordination, is essential for strengthening health security at points of entry in Lagos. The study emphasizes the critical role of sustained investment in infrastructure, training, and interagency collaboration to achieve the full potential of IHR in protecting public health
Evaluation of Physicochemical, Functional, and Anti-nutritional Properties of Soya Bean Varieties
No full textBackground: Soybean (Glycine max) is an essential leguminous crop, highly valued for its nutritional and economic benefits. In Ethiopia, it holds promise for addressing malnutrition and food insecurity. This study assesses the physicochemical, functional, and anti-nutritional properties of various soybean varieties cultivated at two research centers and local markets.
Methodology: Soybean seeds were collected from Kelafo and Dolo-Ado Research Centers, along with local varieties from markets in Gode and Jigjiga. The seeds were cleaned, sun-dried, and milled into flour for analysis. Physical properties, such as seed weight and bulk density, were measured, while functional properties, including water absorption capacity (WAC) and oil absorption capacity (OAC), were evaluated. Anti-nutritional factors like tannins and phytates were quantified, and statistical analyses were performed using GenStat.
Results: D-Pawa 2 showed the highest seed weight, ideal for food processing applications, while L-Gode had the lowest. Bulk density ranged from 0.766 to 0.683 g/ml, with L-Gode exhibiting the highest, which is advantageous for storage and handling. K-Gizo displayed the highest WAC (2.532 g/g), suited for products needing water retention, while K-Pawa 2 had the lowest. Both K-Gizo and K-Pawa 2 exhibited high OAC. Local varieties had higher tannin and phytate concentrations, affecting protein digestibility and mineral absorption.
Conclusion: This study emphasizes selecting soybean varieties based on physicochemical and functional properties for food processing. Local varieties, despite their nutritional potential, require proper processing methods to reduce anti-nutritional factors and enhance their utility. These findings contribute to promoting soybean use and improving nutrition and food security in Ethiopia