Asian Journal of Advances in Research

Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Haemodialysis Patients: Clinical Features and Risk Factors

Thamer Almemony — 2026-03-26

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and its often fatal consequence, sudden cardiac death (SCD), represent the single most important cause of mortality among patients maintained on maintenance haemodialysis, accounting for approximately 25–27% of all-cause deaths in this population. The risk of SCD in haemodialysis patients is estimated to be 20 to 30 times higher than in the general population, yet the underlying pathophysiology and optimal preventive strategies remain incompletely understood and actively debated. Unlike in the general population, where ischaemic cardiomyopathy with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction constitutes the principal substrate for fatal arrhythmia, haemodialysis patients exhibit a distinctive constellation of structural, electrophysiological, and dialysis-procedure-related risk factors that render traditional cardiovascular risk stratification tools inadequate. This review synthesises current evidence on the epidemiology, clinical presentation, pathophysiological mechanisms, and modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for SCA in the haemodialysis population. A systematic approach was employed to identify relevant literature for this narrative review. Electronic searches were conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, covering publications since January 1996. The roles of left ventricular hypertrophy, vascular calcification, autonomic dysfunction, electrolyte dysregulation, and dialysis prescription characteristics are examined in detail. The temporal pattern of SCA—with peak incidence on the day following the long interdialytic weekend interval—highlights the unique contribution of the haemodialysis procedure itself. Evidence regarding preventive strategies, including modification of dialysate composition, pharmacotherapy, and device-based interventions such as implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, is critically evaluated. Despite substantial research activity, significant gaps remain in risk stratification and the development of evidence-based prevention protocols tailored to this uniquely vulnerable population.

Effectiveness of Dry Needling in Tendinopathy Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review with Implications for Badminton Players

Vaibhav Ashok Farande — 2026-04-22

Background: Tendinopathy is a common condition among physically active individuals and continues to present therapeutic challenges. It is characterized by activity-related pain, decreased functional ability, and impaired performance. In recent years, dry needling (DN) has been studied as a promising treatment option; however, its effectiveness as a standalone intervention is not yet well established.

Objective: The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of dry needling and related procedures, including tendon fenestration and percutaneous tenotomy, in the management of tendinopathy. Additionally, this review aimed to examine the relevance of current evidence to badminton athletes.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, including studies published up to March 2026. Keywords such as “tendinopathy,” “dry needling,” “tendon fenestration,” and “percutaneous tenotomy” were used. Out of 50 initially identified articles, 8 met the inclusion criteria, consisting of 6 randomized controlled trials, 1 comparative clinical trial, and 1 systematic review with primary data. Methodological quality was assessed using ROB-2 and ROBINS-I tools. Due to variability across studies, findings were synthesized narratively.

Results: The findings from the included studies (total N = 655 participants) suggest that dry needling, when used on its own, does not consistently lead to meaningful clinical improvement. However, better outcomes were observed when it was combined with structured rehabilitation approaches such as eccentric exercises or heavy slow resistance training. In these cases, patients demonstrated reductions in pain and improvements in function over the short to medium term (pooled mean difference: -2.14 on a 0-10 scale, 95% CI -3.02 to -1.26). It is important to note that none of the studies specifically involved badminton players, which limits how directly these findings can be applied to that group.

Conclusion: Dry needling appears to be a safe and beneficial adjunct to exercise-based rehabilitation for tendinopathy but is not recommended as a standalone treatment. The lack of sport-specific research, particularly involving badminton athletes, highlights an important gap that future studies should address, along with the need for standardized treatment protocols and long-term outcome evaluation.

Internet of Things Using Fog Computing Framework for Smart Refrigeration Maintenance: A Critical Review

Aarti Rani — 2026-06-27

The convergence of the Internet of Things and fog computing has opened substantive new avenues for transforming how refrigeration systems are monitored, diagnosed, and maintained. Traditional reactive and scheduled maintenance approaches impose considerable operational costs, energy penalties, and risks of unplanned failures across refrigeration infrastructure that spans domestic appliances, commercial installations, pharmaceutical cold storage, and large-scale food supply chains. This article critically reviews the state of knowledge concerning IoT-enabled smart refrigeration maintenance facilitated through fog computing frameworks, examining the architectural foundations, sensor integration strategies, communication protocols, data processing pipelines, predictive maintenance algorithms, energy optimisation potential, and security considerations relevant to this rapidly developing field. A narrative review methodology was employed, drawing on peer-reviewed literature published primarily from 2013 onwards across multiple scientific and engineering databases. The review finds that fog computing architectures offer compelling advantages over purely cloud-dependent systems with respect to latency reduction, bandwidth conservation, and real-time responsiveness — qualities that matter a great deal in refrigeration contexts, where a temperature excursion, a compressor anomaly, or a refrigerant leak can escalate within hours into a food safety incident or an equipment failure. Machine learning approaches, particularly anomaly detection algorithms and predictive models deployed at fog nodes, have produced encouraging results in identifying incipient faults before they become disruptive. Even so, persistent challenges remain in achieving interoperability across heterogeneous device ecosystems, ensuring robust cybersecurity, and scaling frameworks economically across diverse deployment contexts. The review concludes by identifying priority research directions, including digital twin integration, federated learning, and standardised open architectures, while acknowledging key gaps in empirical validation and cross-sector implementation studies.

Knowledge and Awareness Regarding Diabetic Foot Complications Among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus in Selected Hospitals Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study

Mohsin Ali — 2026-03-26

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major global public health concern. Among its long-term complications, diabetic foot disease significantly contributes to morbidity, disability, and healthcare costs. In Bangladesh, limited patient awareness and preventive practices may increase the risk of diabetic foot complications. Diabetic foot ulcers represent a major global health burden and are associated with high rates of recurrence and amputation among individuals with diabetes. The global prevalence of diabetic foot ulcers remains substantial, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where healthcare access and preventive practices are often limited.

Objective: To assess knowledge and awareness regarding diabetic foot complications among patients with diabetes mellitus in Bangladesh.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 107 diabetic patients attending Bogra Zilla Sadar Diabetic and Shashthosheba Hospital from January to September 2015. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. SPSS version 16.0 was used for analysis, and descriptive statistics summarized findings.

Results: Among 107 respondents, most were aged 41–50 years (33.6%) with a slight male majority (52.3%). Over half (54.2%) experienced diabetic foot complications, and 9% had undergone foot amputation. While 74.8% knew that uncontrolled diabetes can cause foot problems, only 38.3% were aware of specialized foot care centers. Overall awareness levels varied, with 34.6% highly aware, 29.9% moderately aware, 22.4% poorly aware, and 13.1% unaware of diabetic foot complications.

Conclusion: While moderate awareness of diabetic foot complications exists among Bangladeshi diabetic patients, gaps in knowledge and preventive practices remain. Strengthening patient education and improving access to specialized foot care services are critical to reduce the burden of diabetic foot disease.

Probiotics for Controlling Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) in Dairy Foods

Debasree Saha — 2026-05-01

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasingly significant global challenge that has critical impacts on food safety, public health and the sustainability of dairy production systems. The dairy foods may act as reservoirs and vectors of resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), facilitating the AMR transmission along the farm-to-fork continuum and wider populations. This review critically examines the role of probiotics in combating AMR when it comes to dairy industry. Probiotics have emerged as an eco-friendly, effective and sustainable strategy to mitigate these risks by restoration of the microbial balance, production of antimicrobial compounds, and competitive exclusion of pathogenic bacteria. Evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies shows that specific, characterized dairy-derived probiotic strains are able to suppress resistant bacteria and some may reduce the number of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), but such effects are strain dependent. The potential presence of transferable ARGs in some probiotics also emphasizes the need for careful strain-level characterization, rigorous safety assessment, and proper regulation. By incorporating probiotics in dairy systems and implementing a standardized research approach, regulatory control, and One Health surveillance, the potential of probiotics to combat AMR could be fully realized. This approach offers an environmentally viable and feasible pathway to ensure the health of humanity, increase food safety, and maintain the vitality and resilience of global dairy systems. Future research should prioritize the identification of novel probiotic strains with strong antibacterial properties, particularly those capable of suppressing infections linked to increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in dairy environments.

Toward Precision Antimicrobial Medicine: Converging Phage Therapy, CRISPR, Nanotechnology, and Artificial Intelligence against Antimicrobial Resistance

Chaitra Chandran — 2026-05-11

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents one of the most profound threats to global public health, with drug-resistant bacterial infections estimated to have caused 1.27 million direct deaths globally in 2019 and contributed to nearly five million further fatalities. The progressive failure of conventional antibiotics, driven by decades of overuse and a near-stagnant discovery pipeline, has catalysed the search for radically different therapeutic paradigms. This narrative review synthesises evidence across four transformative domains — bacteriophage therapy, CRISPR-Cas-based antimicrobials, nanotechnology-mediated drug delivery, and artificial intelligence — and examines how their convergence may define the frontier of precision antimicrobial medicine. Bacteriophages offer exquisite host specificity and can be engineered to circumvent bacterial resistance mechanisms; CRISPR-Cas systems enable sequence-specific targeting of resistance genes and virulence determinants within living bacterial cells; engineered nanoparticles provide sophisticated delivery vehicles capable of penetrating biofilms and concentrating antimicrobial payloads at infection sites; and artificial intelligence accelerates the discovery of novel antimicrobial compounds, the prediction of resistance emergence, and the computational design of therapeutic phages. Collectively, these technologies address the fundamental limitations of conventional antibiotics — broad-spectrum collateral damage, inability to clear biofilms, and susceptibility to resistance — whilst offering new degrees of therapeutic precision. This review maps the current evidence base for each technology, explores their synergistic integration, and discusses the regulatory, ethical, and equity challenges that must be resolved before precision antimicrobial medicine can be delivered equitably at scale.

The Trust Paradox in Green Nudges in the Indian Context: Mediating the Efficacy of Artificial Intelligence-Driven Interventions with Socio-Cultural Sensitivity

Ruchi Saxena — 2026-06-22

Artificial intelligence is increasingly reshaping behavioural interventions for environmental sustainability by enabling real-time feedback, predictive segmentation, personalised defaults, recommender systems and adaptive social-norm messages. In India, however, the promise of AI-driven green nudges is inseparable from a trust paradox. Trust is necessary for citizens and consumers to accept algorithmic guidance, share data and perceive environmental interventions as legitimate; yet excessive, poorly calibrated or institutionally fragile trust can expose users to manipulation, privacy loss, algorithmic bias, distributive unfairness and resentment against paternalistic steering. This critical review examines how socio-cultural sensitivity can mediate the efficacy of AI-driven green nudges in the Indian context. Drawing on behavioural economics, environmental psychology, human–AI interaction, green consumer research, digital nudging and cultural cognition, the article argues that green nudges cannot be treated as culturally neutral choice architectures. Their effectiveness depends on whether they are intelligible, locally meaningful, linguistically accessible, economically fair, transparent, privacy-preserving and aligned with India’s plural social norms, uneven digital access and diverse consumption aspirations. The review proposes a culturally calibrated model in which socio-cultural sensitivity mediates the relationship between AI-enabled nudge design and pro-environmental outcomes through five mechanisms: trust calibration, perceived legitimacy, contextual relevance, autonomy protection and distributive fairness. The article concludes that AI-driven green nudges should be evaluated not merely by short-term behavioural shifts but by their capacity to sustain environmentally beneficial action without eroding agency, dignity or public confidence.

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Food Industry: A Critical Review

Nurmalia — 2026-07-03

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the global food industry across every stage of the value chain, from primary production to consumption. This review critically synthesises recent peer-reviewed evidence on the deployment of machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, robotics and generative AI in food safety and quality assurance, processing and manufacturing, supply chain management, primary production, and consumer-facing innovation such as personalised nutrition and flavour design. Across these domains, AI has produced measurable gains in hazard detection, process optimisation, traceability, waste reduction and product development efficiency, while also exposing persistent limitations related to data quality, model interpretability, infrastructural inequality and consumer trust. The review further examines the economic, workforce and ethical dimensions of AI adoption, highlighting tensions between productivity gains and concerns over labour displacement, data governance and algorithmic accountability. Methodologically, the review adopts a narrative rather than systematic approach, given the breadth, heterogeneity and rapid evolution of the literature, and draws on a structured multi-database search of peer-reviewed sources published between 2018 and February 2026. The synthesis suggests that AI is best understood not as a single transformative technology but as a heterogeneous family of tools whose value depends heavily on data infrastructure, regulatory clarity and organisational readiness. The review concludes that realising the full potential of AI in the food sector will require coordinated investment in interoperable data systems, harmonised governance frameworks and closer collaboration between food scientists, engineers, ethicists and policymakers.

Antimicrobial Stewardship in Indian Tertiary Care Hospitals: Current Evidence, Implementation Challenges, and Future Perspectives

S. Jahnavi — 2026-07-08

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as one of the most pressing global public health challenges, compromising the effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy and increasing morbidity, mortality, healthcare expenditure, and hospital stay. India bears a substantial burden of AMR owing to high antimicrobial consumption, inappropriate prescribing practices, inadequate infection prevention measures, and variable implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programmes (AMS). Strengthening AMS has therefore become a national priority to optimize antimicrobial use and limit the emergence and spread of resistant pathogens.

Objective: This review critically synthesizes the current evidence on antimicrobial stewardship programmes in Indian tertiary care hospitals, focusing on stewardship interventions, antimicrobial prescribing practices, AMR trends, implementation barriers, the role of clinical pharmacists, and future policy directions.

Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, supplemented by reports from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Peer-reviewed studies, surveillance reports, clinical guidelines, and policy documents published between January 2010 and March 2025 were reviewed and thematically synthesized.

Results: The available evidence consistently demonstrates that antimicrobial stewardship interventions—including prospective audit and feedback, antimicrobial restriction policies, guideline-directed prescribing, multidisciplinary collaboration, and pharmacist-led interventions—improve prescribing appropriateness, enhance adherence to treatment guidelines, reduce unnecessary broad-spectrum antimicrobial use, and support rational antimicrobial utilization. However, the effectiveness of AMS implementation varies considerably across healthcare institutions because of differences in diagnostic infrastructure, microbiological support, trained personnel, institutional commitment, and resource availability. Persistent challenges such as rising multidrug-resistant organisms, limited surveillance coverage, and inconsistent stewardship practices continue to impede national AMR containment efforts.

Conclusion: Antimicrobial stewardship programmes represent a cornerstone of efforts to combat AMR in India. Strengthening multidisciplinary stewardship teams, expanding diagnostic and surveillance capacity, integrating digital health technologies, and enhancing policy implementation are essential for improving antimicrobial use and preserving the effectiveness of existing antimicrobial agents. Continued investment in stewardship infrastructure, education, and research will be critical to achieving sustainable improvements in patient care and addressing the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.

Microbial Adaptation and Resilience to Waterlogging Stress: Mechanisms, Recovery, and Implications for Agroecosystem Function

Nadira Perveen — 2026-07-13

Waterlogging is increasing globally because of higher rainfall variability and inadequate soil drainage. In waterlogged soils, oxygen diffusion becomes limited, resulting in anoxia and hypoxia, which significantly affect microbial processes, soil biogeochemical reactions, and crop productivity. This review highlights the adaptability of soil microorganisms to waterlogging and explains how they contribute to recovery from stress and support plant tolerance. Under oxygen-limited conditions, soil microorganisms use metabolic adaptations, including denitrification, metal reduction and fermentation, to sustain energy production. In addition to these metabolic defence strategies, microorganisms use physical structures, such as biofilms and exopolysaccharides, and reorganise microbial populations within the environment to cope with flooding-related stress. After water removal, microorganisms experience oxidative stress during re-oxygenation; however, antioxidant defence mechanisms and cell-repair activities can help restore microbial functioning. Soil microbes also support plants under waterlogged conditions by regulating rhizosphere processes, improving nutrient availability, adjusting ethylene levels through ACC deaminase activity and promoting root recovery. These microbial activities are important for nutrient cycling, decomposition, soil aggregation and agroecosystem resilience. The synthesis also indicates that microbial responses during flooding and drainage should be considered together because both phases influence soil biological recovery and plant performance. Improved understanding of microbial adaptation and resilience under changing oxygen conditions may support sustainable management practices that enhance soil fertility and agricultural production in flood-prone systems.

The Role of General Pediatric Physicians as Acting Cardiologists during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Prospective Observational Study Protocol

Thamer Almemony — 2026-05-22

Background: Pediatric in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is a rare but life-threatening event requiring rapid rhythm recognition and strict adherence to Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) guidelines. In many hospitals with limited resources, pediatric cardiologists are not routinely available during resuscitation events. Consequently, general pediatric physicians are often required to assume advanced leadership roles, including rhythm interpretation and decision-making during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Objective: This study protocol aims to evaluate the performance of general pediatric physicians acting as cardiologists during pediatric CPR, with a specific focus on rhythm recognition accuracy, adherence to PALS algorithms, and execution of critical resuscitation decisions in hospitals with limited pediatric cardiology availability.

Methods: This protocol describes a prospective observational study to be conducted in pediatric wards of hospitals with 50–100 beds where on-site pediatric cardiology services are not consistently available. The study population will include general pediatric physicians participating in pediatric resuscitation events. Data collection will involve structured, non-interventional observation of real pediatric CPR events using standardized checklists. Planned outcome measures include accuracy of rhythm recognition, compliance with PALS protocols, time to key interventions, and overall resuscitation team coordination. Data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, with comparative analysis planned based on training status where applicable.

Expected Impact: The findings generated from this protocol are expected to provide evidence supporting structured PALS training, simulation-based education, and formal recognition of emergency resuscitation roles for general pediatric physicians. The study aims to contribute to improved preparedness, guideline adherence, and pediatric resuscitation outcomes in resource-limited hospital settings.

Exploring Income Inequality in Nigerian Families: An Apposite Stance towards Sustainable Development

Annmarie Nkem OKOLI — 2026-01-13

In many countries, including Nigeria, the gap between the rich and the poor has continued to widen over the years. It must be stated that this pervasive issue of income inequality (I.I) has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only economic growth but also social cohesion and sustainable development (S.D). This study explored the nexus between I.I in Nigerian families and S.D. The study was guided by two research questions and was anchored on the relative deprivation theory. The survey research design was adopted for the study and its population comprised residents of Asaba Metropolis. A sample of three hundred and eighty-four (384) respondents was drawn through the purposive sampling technique. To collect data for the study, structured questionnaires were administered, filled out, retrieved and analysed using the arithmetic mean and standard deviation. The analysis of data revealed that several factors facilitate I.I in the Nigerian society such as unemployment, corruption and poor governance, among others, and this inhibits economic growth, instigates crime and insecurity, prevents access to quality healthcare and education in society, etc. In line with the findings, it was recommended that the government should provide more job opportunities for the unemployed in the society to increase their living standard and ensure the selection process is devoid of nepotism, and develop efficient policies to address the I.I in the society such as progressive taxation and provision of social welfare programmes, among others.

Geochemical Assessment and Spatial Variability of Heavy Metals in Urban Mechanic-workshop Soils in Asaba, Southern Nigeria

ONADJE, Festus Ovwighose — 2026-02-17

Automobile repair activities in urban environments contribute significantly to heavy metal accumulation in surface soils, yet detailed geochemical evidence remains limited for many cities in southern Nigeria. This study investigated the concentration levels and spatial distribution of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) in soils from selected automobile mechanic workshops in Asaba, Delta State. Composite surface soil samples (0–15 cm) were collected from four active workshop locations and a control site within Dennis Osadebay University. Samples were digested using a nitric–perchloric acid mixture and analysed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Mean metal concentrations in workshop soils ranged from 5.34–9.01 mg/kg for Cd, 5.32–10.36 mg/kg for Cr, 21.81–52.11 mg/kg for Pb, 23.17–31.85 mg/kg for Fe, 6.80–14.37 mg/kg for Ni, and 18.06–24.46 mg/kg for Zn, compared with substantially lower values at the control site. Cadmium concentrations at all workshop locations exceeded WHO and NESREA guideline limits, while lead exceeded permissible levels at the Mami Market site. Although Cr, Ni, and Zn remained within regulatory thresholds, their enrichment above background levels indicates continuous anthropogenic input. The findings highlight progressive modification of urban soil geochemistry due to automobile repair activities and underscore the need for improved waste management and routine environmental monitoring in mechanic-workshop environments.

Community-based Homestay Management Model for Sustainable Tourism: A Case Study in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua

Abraham Salossa — 2026-03-06

Background: Community-Based Tourism (CBT) is a key approach to sustainable tourism, empowering local communities to manage and benefit from tourism, with homestays being a vital component. In Indonesia's Raja Ampat region, homestays have grown rapidly, contributing to household income and women's economic roles, but face challenges like limited managerial capacity and unequal benefit distribution, highlighting the need for effective governance and local institution strengthening.

Objective: This study aims to examine the homestay management model in the Raja Ampat tourism area, located in Southwest Papua, with an emphasis on ownership structures, the role of local institutions, community participation, and the contributions to the economy, culture, and environment.

Method: The study employs a descriptive qualitative approach using a case study method across 13 districts. Data were collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, questionnaires, and document review. Informants were selected using purposive sampling, with criteria of direct involvement in homestay management. To broaden the scope of information, snowball sampling was also employed to reach other relevant actors.

Results: The results indicate that most homestays in Raja Ampat are owned and managed by indigenous communities on a clan-based system, supported by institutions such as tourism awareness groups (Pokdarwis) and village-owned enterprises (BUMDes). Homestays make significant contributions to increased local income, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation. However, implementation faces challenges including limited human resource capacity, uneven participation, restricted access to digital markets, and dependence on external assistance. Strengthening strategies focus on capacity building, institutional reinforcement, digital marketing, and integrating homestays into local tour packages.

Conclusion: This study offers a conceptual contribution to the development of community-based homestay governance models in conservation areas and provides practical implications for strengthening independent, sustainable, and competitive tourist villages.

Preliminary Study on The Biodiversity of Mosquitoes (Insecta: Diptera) from Meghalaya with A Checklist of Some Vector Borne Mosquito

Bankerdonbor Kharbisnop — 2026-03-20

This study investigates the presence and distribution of mosquito species in Mawsiatkhnam, with a focus on medically significant genera and their potential implications for public health. Data analysis reveals a notable prevalence of Culex and Aedes species, both of which are key vectors for arboviral diseases such as Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and filariasis. The adult mosquitoes were collected from the selected study sites by a hand catch method using a mouth aspirator tube in between the hours 7:00 to 9:00 pm both for indoor and outdoor. The ongoing risk of malaria is underscored by the identification of a diverse Anopheles population, with reports of malaria cases in the past decade. Conversely, the presence of Toxorhynchites, a genus known for its role in controlling mosquito populations, highlights a beneficial ecological factor. These findings emphasize the dual nature of the region’s mosquito ecology posing both a health risk due to vector-borne diseases and an ecological advantage through natural mosquito control mechanisms. This study underscores the importance of continued surveillance and vector management strategies to mitigate the impact of mosquito-borne diseases in the area.

Comparative Assessment of Fatty Acid Profile of Clarias gariepinus Fed with Commercial and Locally Formulated Feed

Muhammad, Abubakar — 2026-04-04

This study compared the fatty acid profile of Clarias gariepinus (African catfish) fed commercial and locally formulated diets. Two commercial fish diets (Aller Aqua at 60% crude protein and Blue Crown at 45% crude protein) were utilized and a locally designed diet was prepared using fish meal, wheat bran, soybean meal, groundnut cake, maize, lysine, methionine, premix and salt. The Pearson square method was applied to formulate the diet at 40% crude protein. Ninety healthy fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus of average weight (10.12g to 11.30g) were placed at random in three treatment groups and were fed on the experimental diets over a period of 12 weeks. Muscle samples were studied at the end of the feeding trial using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to determine the fatty acid composition of the muscle samples. The data was presented as mean ± SD and were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with p < 0.05. Results showed that there was a significant difference in fatty acid composition in treatments. Fish fed the locally formulated diet had the highest concentrations and variety of the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and a wider distribution of fatty acids in general. Conversely, fish fed the Blue Crown diet contained the most monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) with moderate values recorded in the fish fed Aller Aqua. The most prevalent fatty acid in all groups was oleic acid and the essential fatty acids were more prevalent in fish fed the locally prepared diet including linoleic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Finally, the diet developed locally enhanced the nutritional quality and diversity of fatty acids of Clarias gariepinus. This suggests that well-developed local feeds can be a cheaper substitute of commercial feeds and provide more health benefits to cultured fish.

Biological Characteristics and Seasonal Condition of the African Sardine Sardinella maderensis in the Eastern Mediterranean

Raeda Salah — 2026-04-06

The African sardine Sardinella maderensis is an economically important small pelagic species distributed throughout the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Knowledge of its biological characteristics is essential for stock assessment and sustainable fisheries management. This study aimed to investigate the length–weight relationship (LWR), length–frequency distribution, sex-related size structure, and seasonal variation of the condition factor (K) of S. maderensis along the eastern Mediterranean coast of Syria.

Fish samples were collected monthly from commercial landings between January and December 2023. A total of 390 individuals, ranging from approximately 9 to more than 25 cm in total length, were examined. Length–frequency analysis revealed that the population was mainly composed of medium-sized individuals (10–20 cm), with females slightly dominating the larger size classes. The estimated LWR indicated near-isometric growth for both males (b = 2.97) and females (b = 2.90), suggesting proportional increases in body weight relative to length. Seasonal analysis of the condition factor showed noticeable fluctuations throughout the year, with the lowest values recorded during winter (K ≈ 0.65) and the highest values observed in April during the pre-spawning period (K ≈ 0.93 for females and 0.91 for males).

These findings indicate that although the growth pattern of S. maderensis remains relatively stable, the physiological condition of individuals varies markedly in relation to seasonal reproductive dynamics. The results provide important baseline biological data that can contribute to improved stock assessment and fisheries management strategies for this species in Syrian Mediterranean waters.

A Comparative Morphological and Morphometric Study of the Parotid and Submandibular Glands in Adult Persian Cats (Felis catus) and Adult French Lop Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus Domesticus)

Siraj Saad Abdulhamza — 2026-05-07

Salivary glands, particularly the parotid gland and submandibular gland, show notable interspecies variations in morphology and size, reflecting dietary habits and functional adaptations among mammals. The study to compare the gross morphology of the parotid and submandibular glands in adult Persian cats and adult French Lop rabbits. This study was carried out on 10 healthy adult animals, consisting of 5 Persian cats and 5 French Lop rabbits obtained from the local animal market in Babylon province. For morphological study location, relationship, shape of each gland, also the weigh, volume, length, width, thickness of gland also (length, diameter of duct). The results showed that, the parotid gland was the larger major salivary gland in both species. In the cat, it was quadrilateral, markedly lobulated, white to creamy, and located in the parotid region over the ramus of the mandible. In the rabbit, it was irregular elongated quadrilateral, lobulated, yellow to brown and extended from the ear base to the mandibular angle. The cat showed larger values than the rabbit for parotid length, width, thickness, volume, weight, duct length, and duct diameter. The parotid duct in both species was single and opened into the oral vestibule through the parotid papilla, opposite the first molar in the cat and the third molar in the rabbit. The submandibular gland was smaller than the parotid gland in both animals, in cat, it was oval, smooth to slightly lobulated, brown to yellow and located beneath the ventral part of the parotid gland. In the rabbit, it was pyramidal, slightly lobulated, red-brown, and positioned medially near the mandibular angle. The cat also showed larger measurements than the rabbit for submandibular length, width, thickness, volume, weight, duct length, and duct diameter. In both species, the submandibular duct was single and opened at the sublingual caruncle.