Asian Journal of Advanced Research and Reports

Antioxidant Activities and in-silico Evaluation of Selected Active Biomolecules from Syzygium aromaticum and Kalanchoe pinnatum on Target Bacterial Proteins

Ifeoluwa Omotola Omotoso — 2026-05-25

Syzygium aromaticum and Kalanchoe pinnatum possess relevant bioactive compounds rich in antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials. This study evaluates the antioxidant activities and in-silico identification of potential compounds against target proteins (OmpA and CitA) in Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Crude extracts from S. aromaticum and K. pinnatum were obtained by hot and cold aqueous extraction method and concentrated with a rotary evaporator. The antioxidant activities of the crude extracts were evaluated using DPPH free radical scavenging and H₂O₂ assay at different concentrations. Selected compounds from GC-MS analysis were subjected to in-silico ADMET prediction to determine their pharmacokinetic properties. Docking was performed to evaluate binding interactions between ligands and bacterial proteins (OmpA and CitA) from A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 and mean and standard deviation was calculated and accepted at P≥0.05.

The DPPH assay showed that S. aromaticum had the best inhibition at 25% concentration with 65.95% and 63.33% in hot and cold extract respectively while highest inhibition in K. pinnatum was observed at 60.02 % in the cold extract. S. aromaticum increased from 30.07%–60.35% and 38.63%–50.49%, while K. pinnatum increased from 23.55% to 53.31% with increasing concentration. Selected compounds showed Caco-2 permeability ranging from 1.423–1.734×10⁻⁶ cm/s, blood brain barrier penetration and CYP safety. Tannin had the strongest binding affinity at −8.0 kcal/mol against the target proteins.

These plants possess notable antioxidant and antibacterial activities, thus suggesting their promising option for safer and effective therapeutic agent development against rising multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Bioactive Peptides Potential Derived from Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Bohadschia vitiensis Sea Cucumber

Max Robinson Wenno — 2026-05-27

Sea cucumber species Bohadschia vitiensis possesses high nutritional and bioactive potential, and its protein hydrolysates produced using crude and pure papain enzymes may serve as promising natural antioxidant and antibacterial agents for functional food and pharmaceutical applications. This study evaluates the chemical composition and bioactive properties of protein hydrolysates derived from the sea cucumber Bohadschia vitiensis, processed using both crude and pure papain enzymes. The proximate analysis and amino acid profile data are analyzed descriptively by calculating the mean and standard deviation. Yield values are tested using ANOVA. SDS-PAGE and antioxidant activity data are analyzed with linear regression, while antibacterial activity is assessed by calculating the average diameter of the inhibition zone. Proximate analysis showed high moisture content (85.74%), moderate protein (6.21%), and low fat (4.64%). Amino acid profiling revealed a dominance of glycine (18.70%), threonine (15.82%), and methionine (9.35%), indicating functional potential. Antioxidant activity analysis demonstrated superior radical scavenging ability in hydrolysates from pure papain (IC50: 341.37 µg/mL) compared to crude papain (IC50: 448.07 µg/mL). Antibacterial assays indicated effective inhibition zones against Salmonella sp. (26.7 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (20.4 mm), and Escherichia coli (20.6 mm), with hydrolysates from pure papain showing stronger effects. SDS-PAGE results confirmed the presence of low molecular weight peptides (13.86–17.79 kDa). The findings suggest B. vitiensis hydrolysates as promising candidates for functional food and nutraceutical applications.

Planning the Unplanned: Integrating the Informal Sector into Chinhoyi Municipality’s Urban Development Strategies

H. Kabangure — 2026-05-27

Urban informality constitutes a structural and enduring feature of cities in the Global South, yet dominant planning paradigms continue to marginalise it. In Zimbabwe’s secondary cities, including Chinhoyi Municipality, this disjuncture is particularly acute, reflecting inherited regulatory rigidities and limited institutional capacity. Existing literature increasingly reframes informality as integral to urban resilience, but practical integration within planning systems remains uneven and under-theorised in intermediate urban contexts. Therefore, this study employs a convergent mixed-methods design, combining policy and by-law analysis with semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and a survey of informal operators, complemented by spatial mapping of economic activities. This approach enables triangulation of governance, socio-economic, and spatial dimensions of informality. Findings reveal that exclusionary planning frameworks undermine both economic productivity and governance legitimacy, perpetuating spatial injustice and institutional distrust. Despite contributing significantly to employment and service provision, informal actors remain weakly integrated into fiscal and spatial systems. However, evidence indicates strong stakeholder convergence around participatory and adaptive planning approaches. Mechanisms such as flexible zoning, incremental upgrading, and co-production demonstrate potential to reconcile regulatory order with livelihood imperatives. The study critically engages with prevailing theoretical frameworks, arguing that neither regulatory formalisation nor laissez-faire tolerance adequately addresses the complexity of informality. Instead, it advances a hybrid governance model grounded in spatial justice, adaptive regulation, and institutional co-production. This model challenges binary formal–informal dichotomies, proposing an iterative integration continuum responsive to local socio-political dynamics. Integrating informality into urban development is not optional but foundational to achieving inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urbanisation in Chinhoyi Municipality and comparable secondary cities.

Effects of Regular Consumption of Potash (Akanwu) on Male Reproductive Hormones, Prostate Specific Antigen Level, and Semen Quality in Male Wistar Rats

Nwaefulu Kester Eluemunor — 2026-05-28

Introduction: There have been a global decline in male fertility over recent decades largely due to declining semen quality, this decline is being attributed to several environmental and man-made factors. Potash (akanwu) is a naturally occurring mineral that is composed primarily of potassium salts. In recent years, there have been increased interest in the use of potash as a dietary supplement, There are folkloric claims that akanwu has some anti fertility properties, that consumption of akanwu was traditionally used for suppression of male sexual desire.

Aims: This study evaluated the effects of regular potash (akanwu) administration on reproductive hormones, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, and semen quality in male Wistar rats.

Place and Duration of Study: This experimental study was carried out in the Department of Human Physiology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka for 60 days.

Methodology: Thirty five wistar rats weighing between 114g-140g were randomly divided into 5 groups after two weeks of acclimatization. LD50 was determined using Lorke’s method. Group A served as the control and received normal rat chow and tap water ad libitum. Groups B to E served as the test groups and were daily administered 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg, 750mg/kg and 1000mg/kg of Potash respectively for 60 days. Treatments were administered orally.

Results: The parameters analyzed were relative testicular, relative prostate weights, sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology, blood level of testosterone, follicular stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, Prostate Specific antigen and histology of the testes. Results demonstrated dose-dependent reproductive toxicity. Sperm parameters were markedly impaired, total sperm count decreased significantly at 750mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg (p<0.05). Sperm motility was significantly reduced in a dose dependent manner in all treatment groups (p<0.05) while non-motile sperm increased across all the treatment groups (p<0.05). There was significant decrease in the percentage of sperms with normal morphology (p<0.05) while sperms with abnormal morphology increased progressively with dosage. Relative testicular and prostate weights showed mild increase across the treatment groups, though not statistically significant. Hormonal assays revealed significant decrease in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone levels (p<0.05). PSA levels increased significantly (p<0.05) at doses ≥500 mg/kg. Histological examination revealed dose-dependent degeneration of seminiferous tubules, spermatogenic arrest, necrosis, and hemorrhage at higher doses.

Conclusion: This study has shown that regular consumption of potash (akanwu) impairs sperm quality by reducing sperm motility and morphology, decrease blood level of male reproductive hormones, elevates blood level of PSA. The normal architecture of the testicular histology was also altered.

Mediating Role of Motivation to Work in the Relationship between Instructional Leadership and Organizational Commitment among Private School Teachers

Jiane B. Tabol — 2026-05-28

Weakened organisational commitment may be shaped by a range of school-related factors, particularly leadership practices and levels of teacher motivation. This phenomenon has substantial implications for educational institutions, as diminished organisational commitment is frequently associated with lower instructional effectiveness, reduced teacher engagement, and decreased participation in school-related initiatives and collaborative activities. Furthermore, weakened commitment may adversely affect the overall school climate, thereby limiting the institution’s capacity to achieve its educational objectives effectively. This study examined the mediating role of motivation to work in the relationship between instructional leadership and organizational commitment among 298 private school teachers from eight private schools in Toril District, Davao City. This study utilized three adapted and modified questionnaires. The first questionnaire is the Teachers' Motivation Questionnaire (TMQ) adapted from Ramzan et al. (2023) and consisted of 18 items, yielding a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.919. The respondents were chosen through total enumeration sampling, and the data were analyzed using mediation analysis. Results revealed no mediation; thus, the General Systems Theory was not supported by the findings of this study. Future studies may explore other mediators, use a mixed-method approach, and implement programs that strengthen instructional leadership practices to sustain teacher organizational commitment.

Scientometric Mapping of Indian Scientific Research Footprint on Artificial Intelligence Application in Cancer

Samyak Pratik Pattanaik — 2026-05-29

Cancer remains a major global and public health challenge, with rapidly increasing incidence in countries like India, creating an urgent need for improved early detection and treatment strategies. Artificial intelligence, particularly deep learning, has emerged as a powerful tool in oncology by enhancing cancer diagnosis, imaging analysis, and clinical decision-making. This study maps the Indian research landscape of AI in cancer through a scientometric analysis of publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection from 2021 to 2025. Over a total of 1424 records (articles, review papers, conference proceedings) were analyzed by the use of the tools: Biblioshiny, VOSviewer and SciMAT. The analysis shows an annual growth rate of 73.73% and explains 97.64% of the variability in the number of publications based on the year of publication. Laba Suca, Vellore Institute of Technology and Scientific Reports as the most productive authors, institutions, and journals, respectively, in the Indian AI cancer research landscape. The Collaboration analysis shows that there are many strong international collaboration projects, including with the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and China. Institutions like Vellore Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education and the IIT family made significant contributions. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) Assisted Biomedical Systems for Intelligent Healthcare by Pandiaraj Manickam et al. is the most highly cited document. Deep learning, explainable AI, medical imaging, precision medicine, biomarkers and tumor detection were dominant research areas identified by the thematic and conceptual mapping. In conclusion, this study highlights Indian AI-cancer research's trajectory toward global scientific recognition, clinically aligned innovation, and collaborative efforts.

Influence of Time Management and Job Competence on Teacher Motivation to Work

Diane May P. Sandot — 2026-06-01

Low teacher motivation remains a continuing concern in educational institutions, particularly because it affects teachers’ commitment, productivity, and overall performance in the school setting. This study determined the influence of time management and job competence on teacher motivation to work among private school teachers. Specifically, it examined how teachers’ ability to manage instructional and professional responsibilities, together with their level of competence in performing work-related tasks, relates to their motivation in fulfilling their teaching duties. Using a diagnostic research design, data were gathered from 152 private school teachers who were selected through total enumeration. The collected data were analyzed using multiple linear regression to determine the individual and combined contribution of time management and job competence to teacher motivation to work. Findings revealed that time management and job competence distinctly contribute to teacher motivation. This suggests that teachers who are able to organize their tasks, meet deadlines, and perform their professional responsibilities competently tend to demonstrate higher levels of motivation in their work. Collectively, time management and job competence showed a significant contribution of 0.532, indicating that these variables explain a substantial portion of teacher motivation. However, the remaining 0.468 suggests that other factors may also be associated with teachers’ motivation to work. The results partially support the Self-Determination Theory, particularly in emphasizing the importance of competence and effective self-regulation in sustaining motivation. Future studies may explore other personal, organizational, and environmental variables that may further explain teacher motivation. Educational leaders may develop programs that strengthen teachers’ time management skills and job competence to enhance motivation and professional engagement.

Inter-district Variations in Agricultural Production and the Impact of MSP on Farm Income in Telangana, India

Irfana Samdani — 2026-06-01

The present study examines the differences in agricultural production between the districts of Telangana. The study also examines the effect of Minimum Support Price (MSP) on the income of farmers. The study has been conducted to assess the differences in crop area, crop production, and crop productivity in different districts of Telangana. The study has been conducted using secondary data from 2016-17 to 2025-26. The required data was obtained from the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Government of Telangana. Additional data was also obtained from AGMARKNET and the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). The study has been conducted using descriptive statistics and the Coefficient of Variation (CV) to assess the spatial differences in agricultural production. The study has also been conducted using a paired t-test to assess the differences between MSP and market price. The study has also been conducted using a price transmission model to assess the differences between MSP and market price. The study has also been conducted using panel data regression to assess the determinants of farm income and the effectiveness of MSP.

From the results, it has been observed that there exist differences in crop area, crop production, and crop productivity across the districts of Telangana. The results from panel regression, carried out by employing the Fixed Effects Model, reveal that MSP gap, procurement intensity, and productivity have a significant impact on income in Telangana farms. The negative sign on the MSP gap has been found significant, revealing that in case of a lower market price than the MSP, the level of income for the farmers will be negatively impacted. The positive sign on procurement intensity is significant, implying that procurement intensity is positively related to the income level of farmers, and this is because better prices are realized through procurement programs. Productivity is positively related to the income level of farmers, and the result is significant.MSP is found to be important in stabilizing market prices and hence in improving the income level of farmers in Telangana, and there are significant differences in the levels of irrigation facilities and infrastructure among districts in Telangana.