Asian Journal of Advanced Research and Reports
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An Appraisal of the Design Sustainability of Solar Water Heating Systems Via Cosine Similarity Index
No full textThis study aimed to assess the sustainability of solar water heating systems (SWHSs) to identify the sustainability indicators necessary for improvement. It involves the development of a fuzzified multi-criteria decision model (MCDM) using cosine similarity index for the sustainability assessment of SWHSs namely; integrated collector storage (ICS), thermosyphon (TS), active open-loop (AOL) and active closed-loop (ACL). The article was able to identify the indicators necessary for improvement following the sustainability assessment of SWHSs in domestic and industrial applications. The framework for the sustainability assessment of the SWHSs included the traditional sustainability indicators such as economic (EC), environmental (EN), and social (SO), and peculiar sustainability indicators namely manufacturing (MA), maintenance (MN), reliability (RE), and life-cycle (LC). This study employed conceptual design developed based on working principle of SWHSs and responses of design experts for sustainability data. For future research, practical evaluation, and more sustainability indicators is recommended for increased analysis depth on the sustainability of the systems. The establishment of sustainability indicators and sub-indicators towards the assessment of SWHSs using MCDM considering the indicators identified for the benefit of energy planning from the manufacturer to the end user. This research focus is on sustainability using the computational strength of the fuzzified MCDM method to assess the sustainability of SWHSs using traditional and peculiar sustainability indicators. The highest economic indicator was in ACL at 53% and the lowest in TS at 42%. This shows that it is important for sustainable economic ease and growth, across the domestic and importantly the industrial sector that the rate of heating using SWHSs should be improved for economic sustainability. The highest environmental indicator was in ICS at 54% and the lowest in TS at 39%. The social indicator was highest in ICS with 43% and joint lowest in TS and AOL at 30%
Spatio-temporal Modelling of Land-use/Landcover Dynamics in Owerri West, Imo State Using Geospatial Technique
No full textIn recent times, the pressures from uncontrolled land use has resulted to several environmental problems including flooding, pollution, erosion etc. thereby posing a trait to environmental sustainability in Owerri west. Therefore, this research evaluated Land-use and Landcover changes in Owerri west local LGA in Imo state using multi-dated satellite Imagery. The major aim of the study was to carry out analysis of land-use/land cover development trends, thereby detecting the changes that have taken place between the year 2000 to 2020. Software used include ERDAS Imagine, ArcGIS10.5 and Microsoft excel. Three Landsat images, 5(TM), 7 (ETM+) and 8 (OLI) images of 2000, 2010 and 2020were acquired, pre-processed and classified using supervised classification algorithm. Progressively, accuracy of the classified result and change detection analysis was performed to investigate the changes that has taken placebetween this period. The spatial and temporal analyses indicate that, all LULC classes altered from their initial state within these epochs. The result of the study shows that the built-up areas have been on a significant constant positive expansion covering 22.57% ,36.11% and50.30% of the study area in 2000, 2010 and 2020respectively. Forest decreased from 31.32% to 20.54% and finally to 13.03%.Sparse vegetation decreased from 23.86% to 23.35% and to 15.28%. Exposed surface decreased from 12.24% to 10.04% and increased to11.08%.Water body decreased gradually from9.99%, to 9.97% and 9,89%%. The study further predicted that beyond the year 2050 thick vegetation may vanish and replaced by urban expansion and this is of grave consequences to the eco-environment. Therefore, this study suggests the establishment of forest reserves and planting of trees within the study area
Impact of Credit Risk Management on the Performance of Nigerian Deposit Money Banks: An Analysis from 2010 to 2020
No full textThis study examined the impact of credit risk management on the financial performance of Nigerian deposit money banks over a 10-year period from 2010 to 2020. Understanding the relationship between credit risk management and bank performance is crucial for the stability and growth of the Nigerian banking sector. The Five deposit money banks used were First Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Access Bank Plc, Guarantee Trust Bank Plc, with United Bank of Africa (UBA) Plc. Equity returns measured bank performance while credit risk was explained using non-performing credits, capital adequacy ratio, plus provision for credit loss. Fixed plus Random panel regression was used to analyze the panel data and the Hausman test selected the fixed regression for discussion. The findings revealed that capital adequacy ratio and loan loss provision had a significant positive impact on bank performance, while non-performing loans had a significant negative effect. The study recommends that banks should strengthen their credit risk management practices, including effective credit assessment, monitoring, and diversification, to enhance their financial performance and stability
Psychological Burden and Social Stigmatization due to Lymphatic Filariasis in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Nigeria
No full textBackground: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is associated with both physical and psychological disability. The psychological burden of disability and stigma was not been given proper attention, to the detriment of those affected in the study area. A systematic assessment of the impact of the disease on social life as well as peoples perception and attitudes towards the disease is important for successful implementation of the control programme and prevention of unnecessary suffering and contribute to reduction of poverty.
Aim: This study aimed at assessing the psychological burden and stigmatization status of lymphatic filariasis in Bunza LGA of Kebbi State. The specific objectives of this exploratory study were to assess the community knowledge, attitude and practices about the cause and impact of the disease on the psychological and socio-economic life of the people.
Methods: This study employed a mixed-methods approach, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative techniques through semi-structured questionnaires and interview schedules to gather data from affected and unaffected individuals in the community.
Results: Of the 400 participants (32 affected, 368 unaffected), 97.5% of respondents would not propose marriage to someone with physical disabilities due to LF, yet 59.0% would not divorce their spouse if they contracted LF after marriage. Most of the community and family members 346 (86.5%) would associate with sufferers. Though stigmatization was minimal the psychological impact was deep as affected individuals felt sad (31.3%), shame (25.0%), abnormal (28.1%) and suicidal, 1(3.1%). Many of them (34.4%) believed that it ruins marriage, destroys sexual relationship with partner (62.5%).
Conclusion and Recommendation: While isolation and stigmatization were found to be minimal, the significant psychological burden underscores the need for comprehensive morbidity management, including mental health support, to alleviate the suffering of affected individuals in the community
Osteoid Osteoma Treated with Computed Tomography-guided Percutaneous Microwave Thermo-ablation: A Case Report
No full textBackground: Osteoid osteomas are one of the most common bone tumors. Although benign, they can cause significant pain and distress to the afflicted patient. The main goal of treatment is to relieve pain. More recently, microwave ablation has gained popularity.
The aim is to report a case and the place of computed tomography (CT) guided percutaneous microwave thermo-ablation in osteoid osteoma management.
Case Report: A case of osteoid osteoma of the iliac bone managed by CT-guided percutaneous microwave thermo-ablation with good results.
Conclusion: treating osteoid osteomas with percutaneous microwave thermo-ablation is a safe and effective technique. The disappearance of pain is the first parameter used to define whether the treatment is effective
Assessment of Vegetable Gardening and Its Contribution to Household Income in Tabora Municipality, Tanzania
No full textThis study investigated the contribution of vegetable gardening to household income among vegetable growers in Tabora Municipality, Tanzania. Despite the potential of vegetable cultivation to improve livelihoods, many households remained reliant on limited income sources. This study aimed to ascertain the contribution of vegetable gardening to the household income in Tabora Municipality, Tanzania. Specifically, the study identified the major vegetables grown in the area and examined the relative contribution of income from vegetable sales compared to other income sources. This study employed a cross sectional study design with a mixed method approach during data collection whereas both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. A structured questionnaire was administered to 120 respondents purposively selected from three wards: Ndevelwa, Mlisha, and Kabila. Qualitative data were gathered through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The findings revealed that a significant majority – 55.3%, 55.5%, and 80.5% – of vegetable growers acknowledged the critical contribution of vegetable gardening to their household income across three consecutive cropping seasons (2021/2022, 2022/2023, and 2023/2024). Notably, the income generated from vegetable gardening surpassed that from any other household income-generating activities. However, the study also highlighted substantial constraints: most respondents operated on small plots of land (<0.6 acres) and frequently failed to implement recommended agronomic practices effectively. These factors limited the overall productivity and profitability of vegetable production. To enhance yields and improve household income, it is essential for vegetable growers to expand their gardening plots. Furthermore, it is recommended that the Tanzanian government, through regional or local authorities, provide targeted capacity-building training on best agronomic practices and their associated benefits
Harnessing Abundant Rural Materials and Community Involvement for Nigeria’s Energy Transition: A Pathway to Sustainable Development
No full textEnergy transition is essential for sustainable development in Nigeria, given the country\u27s heavy reliance on fossil fuels and the challenges of energy poverty in rural areas. While global discussions on energy transition emphasize technical and policy innovations, there is a critical need for the early involvement of rural communities in this process. In Nigeria, where rural populations are often marginalized from mainstream energy planning, including them in decision-making, implementation, and management of renewable energy projects can enhance community acceptance and sustainability. Additionally, the current focus of multinational corporations on large-scale projects without community involvement exacerbates energy disparities and environmental issues. This paper explores the importance of harnessing abundant rural materials such as agricultural wastes, afforestation initiatives, and rivers in Nigeria\u27s energy transition strategy, highlighting the necessity of early community involvement. It also discusses the current dependence on the national grid and fossil fuels, the pivotal role of villages in the energy transition, and the need for a comprehensive national plan that prioritizes rural communities. Comparative cost tables and benefits are provided to illustrate the economic viability of decentralized renewable energy solutions. Case studies and recent publications are referenced to demonstrate successful models of community-led energy projects, emphasizing how early engagement can foster local ownership and long-term success
Morphological Characterization and Production Performance of Begait Sheep Breed in Tigrai, Ethiopia
No full textThis study was conducted in two districts of Tigray region, northern Ethiopia in 510 animals from 144 small holder farmers aimed to estimate morphological parameters and evaluate production traits, and inbreeding levels in Begait sheep. Data were collected between 2019 and 2022 and analyzed using descriptive statistics of SPSS V20 and GLM of SAS V9.1 for the qualitative data and linear body measurements respectively. Large muscular body frame, long thin tail, markedly convex facial profile were distinctive features of Begait sheep population with predominantly plain (49.80%) coat color followed by plain (44.51%) and spotted (5.69 %) of various colors. Of the total Begait sheep, white with black patchy (49.00%) was the most frequent coat color followed by white (33.33%), light red (7.45%) and fawn (4.31%). The population has relatively heavy live body weight and large body size with a mean live body weight of 55.76 ±0.70kg and 42.40 ±0.36kg for males and females respectively, which indicates the potential of the population for meat production. GLM revealed almost all the morphometric measurements were significantly (p < 0.05) different among districts, sexes and age groups of Sheep. The higher body weights (49.22 ±1.09 kg) and most other linear body measurements were also recorded in the age group of three pair of permanent incisors (3PPI), whereas the lower values (41.49 ±0.85 kg for body weight) were recorded in the age group of one pair of permanent incisors (1PPI) and bdy weight was significantly correlated (P<0.01) with linear body measurements with the correlation coefficients ranging from 0.069 - 0.768. Begait sheep are known as early maturing and prolific breed with Twin (39.66%) and triple (0.98%) births. To concluded Begait sheep may possess unique adaptive features that should be useful and considered in designing and implementing a sustainable sheep improvement program
Carbon Sequestration and Linear Models for Individual Tree Biomass Estimation in Bebi Mixed Forest Plantation, Cross River State, Nigeria
No full textThe study developed allometric models for estimating aboveground biomass for Tectona grandis and Gmelina arborea in Bebi Mixed Plantation, Cross River State, Nigeria. Simple random sampling technique was used to lay a total of twenty sample plots; six sample plots for Gmelina arborea and fourteen sample plots for Tectona grandis. A total of 606 individual tree species were measured for total height and diameter at breast height (DBH). DBH, total height and specific wood density of each tree species were fitted into allometric equations to determine the green aboveground biomass of each tree species. Gmelina arborea, mean diameter at breast height, total height and aboveground biomass of 25.2 cm, 11.1m and 40.3kg respectively were obtained. Mean basal area of 18.6m2ha-1 was obtained with a mean volume of 40.2629m3ha-1. The mean stand level green biomass was determined to be 96.65777 tons/ha-1 while mean dry stand level dry biomass was 70.07686 tonha-1 and stand level means of carbon stock and carbon-dioxide emission were 35.03843 tonha-1and 128.5911 tonha-1 respectively. Meanwhile, for Tectona grandis, mean diameter at breast height, total height and aboveground biomass of 16.4 cm and 13.8 m and 35.8kg respectively were obtained. Mean basal area of 25.61m2ha-1 was obtained with a mean volume of 64.1082m3ha-1. The mean stand level green biomass was determined to be 108.4855 ton/ha-1 while mean dry stand level dry biomass was 78.6519 tonha-1 and stand level means of carbon stock and carbon-dioxide emission were 39.3259 tonha-1and 144.3264 tonha-1 respectively; each developed models were correspondingly validated Permanent sample plots should be established in the plantation to enhance monitoring and evaluation
Students Perception of Facebook Usefulness in COVID-19 Information Dissemination in Anambra State, South Eastern Nigeria
No full textThis research aimed to investigate how exposure to covid-19 information on Facebook influenced students\u27 perceptions and attitudes during the pandemic in Anambra state, Nigeria. by employing a purposive sampling method and analyzing data collected through structured questionnaires from 381 respondents, the study highlighted Facebook\u27s significance as a primary information source during the pandemic. results revealed widespread reliance on the platform for updates, with recommendations for health communication managers to enhance their strategies in leveraging social media for effective outreach