Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
Not a member yet
5579 research outputs found
Sort by
Influence of particle size and loading variations on the tensile properties of Newbouldia laevis fibre particle reinforced polyester composite
No full textThis study investigated the tensile properties of Newbouldia laevis fibre particle-reinforced polyester composites as potential sustainable eco-friendly replacement materials for synthetic fibres in lightweight polymer composite applications. The bulk density of the fibre was found to be 0.098 g/cm3. The tensile properties of fibre particle polyester composites fabricated on the basis of varying fibre particle sizes and fibre particle loading were examined. The results revealed an increase in the tensile and yield strengths increased as the particle size decreased. Additionally, the tensile strength, yield strength, and elastic modulus decreased as the fibre particle loading increased. Furthermore, the maximum tensile and yield strengths obtained from the 10 wt% fibre particle-loaded composite were 31.35 N/mm2 and 31.277 N/mm2, respectively. The results obtained from this study reveal that Newbouldia laevis fibre particles are suitable reinforcement biomaterials for lightweight composite application
Evaluation of Carbonized Hamburger Seed Shells for Methylene Blue Dye Removal: Adsorption Efficiency and Dose-Response Analysis
No full textThis study evaluates the adsorption efficiency of carbonized and potassium hydroxide (KOH), activated hamburger seed shells (CPAHS) for methylene blue dye removal from aqueous solutions. The adsorbent was characterized for surface area, fixed carbon content, ash content, volatile matter, and functional groups to determine its suitability for adsorption applications. The data employed in this study was primary data obtained from experimental methods, which involved gathering, preparing, and analysing chemicals and raw materials in a laboratory. To evaluate the impact of pH, adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration, and contact time on removal efficiency, batch adsorption studies were carried out. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were employed to analyze the functional groups and surface morphology of CPAHS. Results indicated that CPAHS exhibited a high surface area (400.9–548.6 m²/g) and significant adsorption capacity, with the optimal pH for dye removal identified between 6 and 8. The adsorption process was analyzed using a four-parameter log-logistic function, with dose-response modelling revealing an Effective Dose (ED)₅₀ value indicative of efficient adsorption at moderate CPAHS concentrations. The adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order model, suggesting a chemisorption-dominated mechanism. Furthermore, a first-order decay model demonstrated that dye concentration reduction was most rapid at near-neutral pH levels. These findings highlight the potential of CPAHS as a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable adsorbent for dye-contaminated wastewater treatment. The study underscores the value of utilizing agro-waste materials for pollutant removal, contributing to both waste management and water purification effort
Design, Optimization, and Determination of Lift and Drag forces of NACA Aerofoils for Enhanced Performance
No full textThe National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) aerofoil shapes are widely used in aviation for wings, tails, and rotor blades but face challenges such as low lift, high drag, and poor stall behavior, leading to increased fuel consumption and accident risks. This study analyzes and optimizes the aerodynamic performance of NACA 4415, 2412, and 0015 aerofoils using XFLR5, considering parameters like wingspan, chord length, and thickness. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis and optimization tools in XFLR5 were used to evaluate and enhance performance. Results show that the modified NACA 4415, with higher camber, achieved the highest lift coefficient (Cl = 1.472) with an 8.47% improvement, a 52.11% reduction in drag, and an optimized lift-to-drag ratio of 48.34 (135.8% improvement), making it ideal for high-lift applications such as small aircraft and model planes. NACA 2412, with moderate camber, demonstrated a balanced performance with a Cl of 1.259 (3.71% improvement), a 47.41% drag reduction, and the highest lift-to-drag ratio of 50.163 (122.93% improvement), making it suitable for light aircraft, sailplanes, and aerodynamic research. NACA 0015, a symmetric aerofoil, exhibited the lowest lift coefficient (Cl = 1.033, 16.07% increase), 47.31% drag reduction, and the lowest lift-to-drag ratio of 36.903 (74.06% improvement), making it suitable for applications such as helicopter rotors, wind turbine blades, and marine technologies. The optimization results, showing convergence for most angles of attack except at 0° for all aerofoils, likely due to numerical instability or insufficient flow separation data. Additionally, NACA 0015 fails to converge at α = 13° and α = 14° due to excessive flow separation and vortex shedding, leading to unsteady aerodynamic forces that cause divergence in the solution. NACA 4415 and NACA 2412, while generally stable, exhibit minor convergence issues at α = 14° and α = 15°, respectively, likely due to the onset of stall, causing unsteady flow behavior. At α = 15°, the simulation converges, but NACA 0015 shows a sharp drop in Cl (0.445) and a Cd increase (0.152), confirming high drag due to stall effects, limiting its aerodynamic efficiency at high α. These modifications significantly enhance aerodynamic efficiency, improving fuel economy and performance across various aviation and engineering applications
DETERMINING GREEN MARKETING PRACTICES AND SATISFACTION OF MEMBERS OF MARKETING COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN AWKA SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA
No full textThe study investigated the relationship between green marketing practices and satisfaction of members of marketing cooperative societies in Awka South Local Government Area. Two research questions and two hypotheses tested at 0.05 level of significance guided the study. The survey design was adopted for the study and the population of the study was 100 members of marketing cooperative societies in Awka South LGA of Anambra State, Nigeria. Two validated instruments were used to collect data for the study. Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to analyze the research questions and test the hypotheses in the study. The findings of the study revealed that eco-labeling and eco-branding practices have high positive relationship with satisfaction of members of marketing cooperative societies in Awka South Local Government Area. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher recommended that heads of cooperative societies should emphasise the use of eco-labels on products to inform members about the environmental benefits of their purchases. Furthermore, the researchers recommended that cooperative societies should develop strong eco-branding strategies that would show the cooperative’s commitment to sustainability.
 
FIRM PROFITABILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF LISTED MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN NIGERIA
No full textThe study examined the effect of firm profitability on environmental disclosure of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The specific objective was to examine the effect of return on asset on Environmental Disclosure Index. The study adopted ex-post facto research design. The population comprised 42 listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria. A sample size of 30 was chosen using purposive sampling technique. The study collected secondary data from the firms’ annual reports over a thirteen year period from 2012-2024. Descriptive test was used to summarise the data while panel least square regression was used to test the hypotheses. It was found that firm profitability has a significant and positive effect on environmental disclosure of manufacturing firms in Nigeria (β = 0.6101, p = 0.0010). In conclusion, structural attribute of firms particularly those tied to performance carry meaningful implications for how firms respond to environmental concerns. The study recommends that managing directors and internal sustainability teams of profitable manufacturing firms should institutionalize environmental reporting as part of their corporate performance communication, leveraging available profits to invest in structured disclosure systems and third-party assurance mechanisms that enhance credibility.
 
CORPORATE INVESTMENT FINANCING AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF LISTED MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN NIGERIA
No full text The study evaluated the effect of corporate investment financing on the financial performance of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria. Specifically, the study determine the effect of equity financing, long term debt financing, short term debt financing and preferred stock financing on return on investment of manufacturing firms in Nigeria. Ex-post facto research design was used in the study. The purposive sampling was used to select a sample size of 29 firms over a thirteen year period that spanned from 2012 – 2024. Descriptive analysis was carried out together with correlational analysis, multicollinearity test, linearity test, autocorrelation test, cross-sectional dependence test, and heteroskedasticity test. The test of hypotheses was conducted using Panel Estimated Generalised Least Squares. The findings revealed that equity capital financing, long-term debt financing and short-term debt financing have a negative but significant effect on return on investment of manufacturing firms in Nigeria (β = -0.2611, p = 0.0000; β = -0.4857, p = 0.0000; and β = -0.2345, p = 0.0000), while preferred stock financing has a positive and significant effect on return on investment of manufacturing firms in Nigeria (β = 5.3326, p = 0.0213). In conclusion, when financing tools are structured with hybrid features that balance investor expectations with operational flexibility, firms may experience better financial outcomes. The study recommends that managers of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria minimize reliance on equity financing unless absolutely necessary. They should consider other funding options to avoid dilution of ownership and reduce the negative impact on ROI
CORPORATE TAXATION AND FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT IN SELECTED SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN COUNTRIES
No full textForeign Direct Investment remains crucial to the economic growth and development in the Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, but its flow is consistently hampered by tax policies, inadequate infrastructure, as well as macroeconomic volatility. The study assessed the effect of Corporate Income Tax (CIT) on FDI on five of the largest Sub-Saharan African countries—Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, and Ethiopia—between 1999 and 2023. The study employed secondary data collected from the World Bank Development Indicators (WDI), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin, and National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Using country-specific and pooled ordinary least squares (OLS) estimations, high heterogeneity across countries was revealed by the findings. In Ghana, both value-added tax and corporate tax negatively affected FDI and offered proof of the hypothesis that a rising tax burden deterred investment. Kenya and Ethiopia, however, experienced counterintuitive positive VAT effects, and Nigeria and South Africa had no significant tax effects. It was also revealed that VAT and company income tax are not statistically significant, which suggests that tax policy alone is a weak determinant of FDI inflows. Interaction terms between economic growth, inflation, and taxation did not show any consistent effect, although marginal responsiveness to inflation was found in Ghana. It is therefore recommended that the governments of Sub-Saharan Africa should consider reducing high corporate income tax rates and instead institute broader, investment-friendly tax policies complemented by actions that enhance macroeconomic stability, especially through GDP growth and improved ease of doing business
AWARENESS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY TECHNOLOGIES IN PHYSIOTHERAPY PRACTICE AMONG FINAL YEAR PHYSIOTHERAPY STUDENT AT A SUBSAHARAN AFRICAN UNIVERSITY
No full textBackground: Technological innovations such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are transforming healthcare education and clinical practice. These immersive technologies offer opportunities for interactive, experiential learning and can enhance rehabilitation outcomes. However, the extent to which physiotherapy students are aware of, knowledgeable about, and have a positive attitude toward VR/AR remains underexplored, especially in resource-limited settings like Nigeria.
Aim: To assess the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of final-year physiotherapy students toward the application of VR and AR in physiotherapy practice across selected Nigerian institutions. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 final-year physiotherapy students from five Nigerian universities using a self-structured, validated online questionnaire. The tool assessed participants\u27 demographic details, familiarity with VR/AR, practical knowledge, and attitudes. Data was summarized using descriptive statistics and visual representations.
Results: While 74.2% of students were aware of VR/AR applications in physiotherapy, only 1.8% had good knowledge, and just 1.0% had practical experience using VR/AR. However, 62.4% strongly agreed that VR/AR should be integrated into physiotherapy practice, and 58.8% expressed high interest in learning more. Major barriers identified included lack of exposure in the curriculum, insufficient equipment, and inadequate instructor training.
Conclusion: Although final-year physiotherapy students in Nigeria showed high awareness and interest in VR/AR, practical knowledge and experience remain low. The findings support the urgent need to integrate VR/AR into physiotherapy curricula through hands-on training, workshops, and institutional investment to prepare future practitioners for technology-enhanced rehabilitation
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MINDFULNESS PRACTICES, STRESS LEVELS, AND WELL-BEING AMONG LECTURERS AT A NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY
No full textBackground: University teachers (lecturers) face significant stress from their teaching, research, and service duties which negatively impact their health and well-being. Mindfulness, characterized by present-moment awareness and non-judgmental acceptance, can reduce stress, alleviate anxiety and depression, and improve job satisfaction, performance, and work-life balance.
Aim: To examine how mindfulness influences work stress and overall well-being of lecturers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nigeria.
Materials And Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that involved 73 lecturers, with a mean age of 45.7±9.945.7 years. The Five Facets of Mindfulness, work stress, Work-Related Quality Of Life Scale, and WHO-5 Well-Being Questionnaires were used to assess mindfulness, stress level, and well-being respectively. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation with level of significance set at p<0.05.
Results: No significant differences were found in mindfulness (K = 4.213, p = 0.837) or work stress (K = 10.128, p = 0.256) among lecturers of different departments. Male lecturers reported significantly higher work-related quality of life and general well-being than females (WRQoL: U = 429.5, p = 0.023; WHO-5: U = 362.5, p = 0.002). However, no significant correlations were observed among mindfulness, work stress, well-being, age, or years of lecturing experience.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that mindfulness, stress levels, and well-being are not significantly correlated. While gender differences in well-being were evident, other demographic factors such as age and professional experience showed no significant influences
MOLECULAR EVALUATION OF CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS AND NEISSERIA GONORRHOEAE INFECTIONS AND THEIR CO-INFECTION AMONG WOMEN WITH INFERTILITY ISSUES AT GYNEACOLOGICAL CLINICS IN ADO – EKITI, NIGERIA
No full textBackground: Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are obligate intracellular bacteria that cause urethritis, cervicitis, salpingitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, painful urination, abnormal and unusual increase discharge from the vagina and penis. Due to the similarities in these microorganisms’ clinical presentations, one can be taken for the other.
Aim: This study evaluated the level of chlamydia and gonorrhoeae infections and their co-infection among women attending fertility clinics in Ado–Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Methods: 115 urine and 115 high vagina swab samples (230 samples) were collected from women attending selected fertility clinics. Rapid kits specific for C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae were used and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was carried out to further test for these microorganisms in both urine and high vagina swabs samples.
Results: A total of 36 (31.3%) and 39 (33.9%) were positive to C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae respectively when tested with rapid test kit using urine sample; 37 (32.2%) and 49 (42.6%) were positive to C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae respectively when urine samples were tested with qPCR; 13 (11.3%) were positive C. trachomatis when HVS samples were tested with qPCR, 51 (44.3%) were positive to N. gonorrhoeae with HVS samples when tested with qPCR. A total of 19 (16.5%) showed co–infection of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae with rapid kit using urine; 23 (20%) showed co–infection of these microorganisms when tested with qPCR and 9 (7.8%) showed co–infection from HVS samples tested with qPCR. Co–infection of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae were statistically significant (p<0.05).
Conclusion: This study has indicated the need for inclusion of the screening of these organisms routinely especially in fertility centers and gynecological clinics. This will further help in combating the havoc that can be caused by these silent microorganisms