Asian Journal of Advanced Research and Reports
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Gender Differences in Perceptions of Corruption: Insights from Bhutan
No full textCorruption, a global issue harming governance and quality of life, disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, with gender differences in perceptions influenced by cultural norms, social roles, and resource access. A thorough understanding of these differences is essential for creating effective and inclusive anti-corruption strategies. This study investigates gender differences in corruption perceptions among 11,142 respondents in Bhutan, focusing on the seriousness, trends, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) performance, and the prevalence of corruption offences. The findings show significant gender disparities: men view corruption as more severe and increasing over time compared to women, influenced by societal roles and experiences. Women rate ACC performance lower than men, shaped by differing expectations and levels of trust. Furthermore, perceptions of corruption offences vary significantly by gender, highlighting the need for gender-sensitive anti-corruption strategies tailored to societal contexts and roles. These insights enhance understanding of gender dynamics in corruption perception and inform targeted policy interventions
Spatial Matrix Evaluation of Heavy Metals from Heat Ventilating Air Conditioning Filter Dust in Bonny Metropolis
No full textThis study investigates the spatial distribution and concentration of heavy metals in dust collected from heat ventilating air conditioning (HVAC) filters in Bonny Metropolis. The importance of understanding heavy metal contamination lies in its significant health risks and environmental impact, this research is crucial for understanding environmental contamination in enclosed environments. Samples were collected from 15 coordinate points during the dry season (January- February 2024) using sterilized equipment to prevent cross-contamination. Samples were processed in the laboratory, followed by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Flame AAS) analysis to quantify metal concentrations. Data analysis involved statistical methods using SPSS to determine the mean concentrations and standard deviations of the metals and environmental assessment indicators such as Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Enrichment Factor (EF). Results revealed substantial contamination with heavy metals across various sites. Lead (Pb) levels ranged from 1.40±0.01 to 8.70±0.01 mg/kg, Cadmium (Cd) from 0.001±0.00 to 0.97±0.03 mg/kg, and Chromium (Cr) from 2.04±0.04 to 9.39±0.06 mg/kg, among others. Notably, Pb and Cd levels exceeded WHO and DPR recommended values, indicating significant anthropogenic pollution sources. The contamination profiles varied by location, with specific sites showing higher multiple pollution indices, particularly for Pb, Cd, and Cr. Enrichment factors for heavy metals suggested severe enrichment due to human activities, with Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, As, Se, Zn, and Hg significantly elevated at most sites. These findings highlight severe environmental and public health risks, emphasizing the need for urgent remediation and regulatory measures, for improved waste management practices and public awareness of the dangers of heavy metal pollution. Regular maintenance and replacement of HVAC filters, as well as minimizing indoor activities that generate heavy metal-laden dust, are recommended to mitigate exposure. Future research should focus on identifying specific anthropogenic sources and developing effective strategies for mitigating heavy metal pollution in urban environments. The study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and stricter environmental controls to safeguard public health and environmental air quality in Bonny Metropolis
The State of Extension Services Provisions in Urban Areas of Tanzania: A Case of Vegetable Growers in Morogoro Municipality
No full textIn urban areas of Tanzania, the extension service framework is deficient, marked by a decreasingly small number of public extension personnel when compared with rural areas; hence, many farmers still face challenges in accessing and utilizing them effectively. Consequently, farmers lack appropriate knowledge and skills in vegetable production. This study therefore examined the implication of extension services to urban vegetable production. A mixed-method research design was used to collect data from 60 respondents. Questionnaires and interviews were used in the data collection process. Descriptive analysis was used in analyzing quantitative data, while content analysis was used for qualitative data. The finding show that the mean score of respondent’s perceptions implied that there is inadequate provision of technical knowledge (3.28), limited extension services increase the difficulties in overcoming vegetable production challenges (4.38), public extension services is diluted by private extension services (2.30), low demonstration of modern crop production principles (2.20) and public extension services contribution is not appreciated (4.60). The study further found that 46.7% and 66.7% of the respondents were never visited by extension officers per month and had no access to public extension services during their vegetable production cycle, respectively. It also, found that there is a statistically significant relationship between access to extension services from extension agents and knowledge level in vegetable production with P-value= 0.000. The multiple linear regression model shows a statistically significant relationship between various socio-economic characteristics (household size (P = 0.014), marital status (P = 0.042), and age (P = 0.044)) and vegetable production. It is recommended that Morogoro Municipal Council reconsider increasing the number of public extension staffs in all wards in the urban area
Headlines to Hard-Lines: Media Intervention in Managing Bullying and Cancel Culture in the Entertainment Industry
No full textThis research examines the complex dynamics of bullying and cancel culture within the Nigerian entertainment industry, focusing specifically on the impacts exerted by social media and socio-economic factors. Employing a mixed-method approach that incorporates thematic and sentiment analyses of academic literature spanning from 2015 to 2024, the study identifies a predominantly negative sentiment surrounding these phenomena. Detailed analysis reveals profound psychological impacts on celebrities, exemplified by increased instances of anxiety and depression. It also acknowledges the dual nature of celebrity influence, both as victims and perpetuators of online aggression, significantly shaped by their public interactions and media portrayals. The study further delineates how economic disparities heighten online aggressive behaviors, with specific cases illustrating how economic stress contributes to the virulence of online interactions among different socio-economic groups. In response, the study proposes several targeted interventions: the establishment of a comprehensive digital literacy program tailored for entertainment professionals, the creation of an entertainment industry ombudsman to adjudicate disputes, the development of an AI-powered early warning system for detecting potential harassment campaigns, and the implementation of a "Digital Wellness" certification for companies adhering to prescribed best practices in managing digital interactions. These recommendations are designed to not only mitigate the challenges identified but also promote a more resilient, ethical, and supportive entertainment industry in Nigeria. The paper discusses potential models for implementing, monitoring, and evaluating these measures to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability, aiming to forge a pathway towards substantial industry reform
Consolidation, Efficiency, and Corporate Performance of Insurance Companies in Nigeria
No full textConsolidation and efficiency are important factors that can impact the corporate performance of insurance firms. While consolidation can lead to economies of scale and increased market power, efficiency can enhance the effectiveness of governance and regulatory frameworks. However, there is a lack of research on the specific effects of these factors on the performance of insurance firms in Nigeria. This study therefore examined the nexus amongst consolidation, efficiency and corporate performance of insurance companies in Nigeria using panel regression analysis for the periods 2010 to 2014; 2015 to 2019; 2010 to 2019 for pre-merger, post-merger, and combined periods respectively. Data analysed were obtained from published financial statements of purposively selected insurance companies. Return on Asset (ROA), and Earning Per Share (EPS) are proxies of endogenous variables, while shareholder funds and expense ratio are exogenous variables for consolidation and efficiency respectively. Empirical findings from the study showed that shareholder funds exert negative and significant impact on ROA during the pre-merger periods (β=-0.48, P=0.04). Expense ratio exert negative but insignificant impact on ROA in the pre-merger periods (β=0.02, P=0.90). Findings from the post-merger periods showed that shareholder funds have positive but insignificant impact on ROA (β= 0.01, P=0.85). Expense ratio has negative but insignificant impact on ROA (β= - 0.026, P= 0.6024). Shareholder funds have positive but insignificant impact on EPS (β= 0.01, P= 0.20), while expense ratio has negative but insignificant impact on EPS (β= -0,003, P= 0.43). Furthermore, findings from the combined period showed that shareholder funds have positive and significant impact on ROA (β= 0.025, P= 0.05). Expense ratio has negative but insignificant on ROA ((β= - 0.04, P= 0.06). Shareholder funds have positive but insignificant impact on EPS (β= 0.001, P= 0.80), while expense ratio exert negative and significant impact on EPS ((β= - 0.005, P= 0.00)). It is therefore recommended that managers of merged or acquired insurance firms adopt robust cost cutting measure in order to enhance profitability
Effective Marginal Field Production Using Electric Submersible Pump: Niger Delta Case Study
No full textOperators often abandon marginal field development and production to find reliable and available equipment and services to enable the field to be developed. These challenges make it difficult to produce such fields economically. This research uses industry-based simulators (PIPESIM, INTERSECT, and PETREL) to design a well-completion with an electric submersible pump (ESP) and simulate to evaluate the performance of ESP on a typical marginal oilfield. INTERSECT software was used to describe the reservoir. PIPESIM was used to design the artificial lift system of the wells (ESP), and PETREL was used to integrate the entire system for effective production optimization. Three economic indicators, Net Present Value (NPV), Profitability Index (PI), and Internal Rate of Return (IRR), were used to analyze the economic viability of these projects. The performance of the electric submersible pump (ESP) wells was simulated and compared with the performance of the natural flowing wells and the projected production forecast. The results obtained from the production forecast showed that the ESP wells provided superior oil production compared to the unassisted natural flow conditions. ESP-assisted wells increased production at an average rate of 400% of the natural flow capacity to the surface flow network. The cumulative production increase was 392% during the simulated period of 5023 days before a significant production decline occurred in the ESP\u27s performances. The economic analysis indicated that all wells assisted with ESPs are profitable at 12%, 15%, and 20% discounted rates, representing the operator’s capital cost. All NPVs are positive, with PI greater than 1. For IRRs, the IRR values for ESP wells were observed to be between 20.1 and 45.83%, which are higher than the discounted rates of 12%, 15% and 20%. Furthermore, the study\u27s findings offer new and exciting ways to develop and transform abandoned oilfields into productive and economically sustainable marginal oilfields
Water Quality Monitoring of Tigris and Euphrates Basin by Using Geographic Weighted Regression (GWR)
No full textWater is a vital resource required for agriculture, industry, ecosystems and human life. However, Iraq faces severe water quality challenges due to pollution. Climate change urbanization and agricultural runoff which affected the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. This study uses geospatial tools for remote sensing. Including salinity, turbidity, soil pH, nitrogen data from Landsat 8, Sentinel-5P and other sources. Used to assess important water quality indicators. Including oxide (NO2) levels and chlorophyll concentrations. Areas at danger of eutrophication were indicated by amounts of chlorophyll, which is a measure of phytoplankton levels. Measurements of soil pH also revealed changes that can impact water chemistry and nutrient availability. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) divides water quality into five risk levels from very low to very high. The findings revealed significant regional variation, namely downstream areas having high salinity levels. Meanwhile, turbidity measurements showed sediment accumulation in the central highlands. Areas with intense agricultural and industrial activity have increased. NO2 concentrations, signaling the point of pollution. Chlorophyll data points to risk of eutrophication in still waters. Variations in soil pH also affect nutrient availability and water chemistry. Affecting the aquatic ecosystem The study identifies high-risk areas that require immediate water management intervention. It provides important insights for developing a sustainable water resources strategy in Iraq
Development and Nutritional Assessment of Ginger Candy Supplemented with Beetroot Pomace Powder
No full textAims: To standardize and develop candy incorporated with ginger and supplemented with beetroot pomace powder and assess the nutrient composition, physiochemical parameters, phytochemical properties, examining of the supplemented hard candies using Scanning Electron Microscope and to analyze the acceptability by conducting sensory analysis.
Study Design: Experimental research design.
Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted in the Food Science Analysis Laboratory, Department of Food and Nutrition, School of Home Science, and USIC (University Sophisticated Instrumentation Centre), Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, between September 2023 to May 2024.
Methodology: The candies were prepared by incorporating varying concentrations of pomace powder such as 5%, 10%, and 15%, with ginger hard candy as the control sample. The nutritional, physiochemical, and phytochemical properties of the selected supplemented hard candy (T2) and control candy (T0) were examined and sensory analysis was also done.
Results: The formulation with 10% pomace powder was determined to be the most acceptable overall. The supplemented hard candy (T2) had higher levels of fat, fiber, protein, energy, pH, total soluble solids and titratable acidity than the control candy (T0), which had higher levels of moisture, ash and carbohydrates. The presence of phytochemical properties such as flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins and glycosides were observed in both the candies.
Conclusion: The Ginger based hard candy (T0) and Ginger-beetroot supplemented hard candy (T2) have both acceptable sensory and nutritional characteristics but the ginger-beetroot supplemented hard candy was found significantly higher as compared to ginger based hard candy based on both nutritional and sensory attributes
Perception of Parents of Children with Mental Health in Kisii County, Kenya
No full textMany studies done on families and hospitals have shown a high prevalence of children\u27s mental illnesses. Due to discrimination and stigmatization connected to mental illness in children, few parents take their children to hospitals for complaints that are related to emotional and psychological problems despite the high cases of conduct disorders. This study sets out to identify and find out the perception of parents who have children with conduct disorders and what tends to contribute to the causation of these mental disorders and predictors of negative or positive perception. A sample of 179 children were used in the study. A cross-sectional study was carried out, and questionnaires were used to interview parents on the sociodemographic characteristics of children and family attachments. The study was done in Kisii Referral, Nyanchwa Mission, Nyangena, and Mediforte Hospitals. Child mental disorders were assessed using a Reporting Questionnaire for children, Parents’ assessment of diagnostic statistical manual (DSM V) symptoms as being suggestive of childhood psychiatric disorders, and parents’ assessment of contributory factors to the development of childhood psychiatric disorders. The results reveal that the majority of parents (87%) had poor perceptions about their children’s conditions of conduct disorders. Only 27.4% of parents were willing to classify their children as having psychological problems, 10.6% had good knowledge while 77.7% had poor knowledge. Most of the symptoms, parents noticed as conduct disorders were epilepsy, abnormal behaviors, consistent indiscipline and much sleeping in children. In conclusion, most parents had negative perceptions towards their children. The study advocates for programs such as health education and enlightenment to enhance mental health and conduct disorder education for parents so that they can easily identify and recognize their children\u27s health problems and take them for assessment and treatment which could lead to positive adversities
Data Engineering and Privacy Challenges in Loyalty Card Programs: Insights from Retail, Banking, and Hospitality
No full textThis paper explores the data engineering practices surrounding loyalty card programs in the retail, banking, travel, and hospitality industries. It examines how businesses use personal and transactional data to enhance customer retention and gain competitive advantages. The research highlights industry-specific practices, regulatory frameworks (such as GDPR and CCPA), and the security measures adopted to protect Personally Identifiable Information (PII). Key insights into how data is leveraged for targeted marketing and the persistent vulnerabilities in data protection systems are also discussed. The study provides a comprehensive view of the ethical, economic, and strategic implications of loyalty card data on modern businesses and consumers.
With practical and theoretical methods applied, we discover and share our findings from how consumers’ loyalty is segmented across industries, their preferred payment methods, the bridge between points acquired and utilized by customers across various tiers, as well as churn analysis with a focus on clients who left the business and factors that motivated the exist. Recent surveys (in the USA and UK) also help us understand users’ preferences among different age groups, therefore providing insights for businesses to leverage. The invaluable nature of data begs the need for protection laws to be in place, hence, we explore measures that are set in place for all parties involved to protect consumer data from collection to usage. The research also proposes a framework that could be modelled by companies hoping to create a loyalty program