Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
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NEUROMATRIX-INFORMED PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR CHRONIC PAIN MANAGEMENT: A SCOPING REVIEW OF EVIDENCE AND CLINICAL APPLICATIONS
No full textBackground: Pain is a complex, multifaceted experience that extends beyond mere nociception. The neuromatrix theory, introduced by Melzack, reframes our understanding of pain by conceptualizing it as an output of a widely distributed neural network influenced by sensory input, cognitive evaluation, and emotional state.
Aim: This scoping review examined the application of the neuromatrix model within physiotherapy, evaluating its relevance as a comprehensive, non-pharmacological framework for managing diverse pain conditions.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted between January 15 to january 30 2025, across PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar using predefined keywords. After screening 1,273 articles and assessing 127 full-text papers, 36 studies met the inclusion criteria, including randomized controlled trials, observational studies, qualitative research, and mixed-methods designs. The review mapped how physiotherapists apply neuromatrix-informed strategies-such as movement therapy, pain neuroscience education, manual techniques, and psychosocial interventions-to address the multidimensional nature of pain.
Results: Findings underscore a shift from biomedical to biopsychosocial approaches, highlighting the importance of therapeutic alliance, patient beliefs, and neuroplasticity in modulating pain perception and promoting recovery. Interventions targeting chronic pain conditions such as low back pain, fibromyalgia, and phantom limb pain showed evidence of altered brain activity and pain modulation consistent with neuromatrix principles.
Conclusion: However, study heterogeneity and limited high-quality trials suggest that further research is needed to confirm these outcomes and support broad implementation
THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF LASER THERAPY AND TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL NERVE STIMULATION IN CHRONICALLY INFECTED WOUNDS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW
No full textChronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and venous leg ulcers pose a significant global health burden due to prolonged healing, recurrent infections, and high treatment costs. Traditional wound care often fails to adequately manage these complexities with chronic wounds, particularly when complicated by biofilm forming, antibiotic-resistant pathogens. This narrative review evaluates the therapeutic potential of two non-invasive biophysical modalities: Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (LASER) and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for chronically infected wounds. LASER therapy promotes healing through photo-biomodulation by enhancing mitochondrial activity, angiogenesis, collagen synthesis, photodynamic bacterial destruction. and TENS facilitates healing via pain modulation, improved microcirculation, reduced inflammation, and fibroblast stimulation. Clinical and preclinical evidence highlights the efficacy of both modalities in accelerating wound closure, promoting tissue regeneration, and reducing infection. Furthermore, combining LASER and TENS may offer synergistic benefits by targeting multiple aspects of wound pathophysiology. Although current evidence is promising, further randomized controlled trials are necessary to establish standardized protocols and evaluate long-term outcomes. Integrating LASER and TENS into multidisciplinary wound care could significantly enhance healing in patients with chronic wound infections
Appreciative festschrift on the life and times of Professor O.D Onukwuli, FNSCHE, FNSE, FAE
No full textEngr. Prof. Onukwuli Okechukwu Dominic is an accomplished scholar, a renowned Engineer and a super professor of exalted reputation. We met for the first time at the prestigious University of Lagos, Akoka-Lagos between 1984 and 1987 when we were both postgraduate scholars and respectively supervised by the revered and highly scholarly cited Prof A.A SUSU and Prof. O.O Olabisi. We were also academic colleagues at the then Anambra State University of Technology (Now Enugu State University of Science and Technology Enugu Campus between January 1990 and 1992, where we were both staff on lecturer I / Lecturer II Status respectively and later due to State creation by the then military presidents administration of General I.B Babangida, We got separately appointed by Anambra State University of Science and Technology (Now Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka) and Anambra State University Uli (Now Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Uli) He was accordingly appointed Adjunct Professor at COOU, Uli 2005 which enabled him to meticulously supervise my PhD research Thesis from which several published articles were made in both local and internationally revered journals, conference / workshop/seminar proceedings and Brochures. He encourages and mentors individuals and students under his supervision to build confidence and progressively complete their project without much delays or unnecessary drawbacks. On the whole he has supervised several PhD holders at COOU, UNIZIK, FUNAI, MOUA and FUTO making him an outstanding research scholar /academic, a fine Engineer and a repository of knowledge for so many persons, organizations and institutions conducting research analysis in the field of chemical engineering and material sciences. As he retires this year as a professor from the University, he will be re-engaged as Professor Emeritus and this piece will serve as a celebrative writing (Festschrift) for him and may the good Lord add more years to his age with good health, Ame
Investigating mix ratios by volume batching for performance specification of in-situ concrete works
No full textVolume batching of concrete materials is commonly adopted for in - situ concrete works in most construction sites in Nigeria, most especially where small to medium scale concrete works are involved. Prohibitive cost of procurement and maintenance of standard batching plant may be responsible for the adoption of volume – based batching method. The main objective of this study is to validate the characteristic strength of volume batched nominal mix proportions of 1:2:4, 1:1.5:3 and 1:1:2 for purpose of performance specification for in – situ concrete. The validation process adopted involves direct comparison with weight – based batching of similar nominal mix ratios, considering some important properties as density, slump value and compressive strength. The results indicate strength reduction of 16.7%, 30% and 36% for direct volume batching, while the weight batching recorded strength increase of 47%, 25% and 4% over the expected characteristic strength for the strength classes of C12/15, C16/20 and C20/25 respectively. Further analysis indicated that the conventional volume batch (with coarse/fine aggregate ratio of 2) performed better than the non – conventional volume batch method (with coarse/fine aggregate ratio of 1) despite maintaining the same aggregate/binder ratio. It was concluded that the batch method should be specified alongside the target strength for performance specification of nominal mixes for in – situ concrete work.
 
Prediction of flexural Strength of Concrete Containing Aloe Vera Gel as Admixture using Ibearugbulem’s Regression Method
No full textThis study examines how aloe vera gel (AVG) affects the flexural strength of concrete when used as an admixture. A mathematical model using the Ibearugbulem\u27s Approach was developed to predict and optimize the flexural strength of AVG-cement concrete. The experimental study assessed both the fresh and hardened properties of AVG-cement concrete at curing intervals of 7, 21, and 28 days. Two concrete mix ratios, 1:1.5:3 and 1:3:5 were employed, each with a water-cement ratio of 0.6. The AVG content varied from 0.5% to 5% by weight of cement. Tests conducted included grain size analysis, specific gravity, workability, setting time, and flexural strength. The results indicate that the 1:1.5:3 mix ratio exhibited better workability than the 1:3:5 ratio. The addition of AVG improved workability and flexural strength. Optimal flexural strength was achieved with 2.0% AVG inclusion at 28 curing days. This study recommends using up to 2.0% AVG by weight of cement at a water-cement ratio of 0.6 for determination of flexural strength of Aloe vera gel-cement concrete. The mathematical model was validated with the Student\u27s T-test, confirming its reliability
Evaluation of anemia determining factors among children in Nigeria using multinomial logistics regression
No full textAnemia is a disorder characterized by insufficient hemoglobin or red blood cells that affects the blood\u27s ability to carry oxygen, which can cause weakness, exhaustion, and other health issues. It is a serious public health concern in Nigeria that affects children under five years old, impeding their growth, immunity, and vulnerability to diseases. This study evaluates factors influencing anemia levels amidst Nigerian children under the age of five years using data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), covering 8,061 observations. The study examined levels of anemia as the dependent variable, socio-demographic factors such as maternal age, region, residence type, education, wealth index, among others as independent variables. Stepwise logistic regression selection procedure was used to identify significant predictors. The Chi-square tests of association, independence and multinomial logistic regression were used to assess the existence of association, independence and influence of these variables on anemia levels respectively. Variables such as educational level, wealth index and residence type are major determinants of anemia level in children below the age of five years. Children whose parents are without formal education were more prone to severe anemia, compared with children whose parents are formally educated. Children from urban areas have a lower likelihood of contracting moderate anemia compared to their rural counterparts. Also, the parents\u27 wealth index is significantly associated with mild anemic levels in children below the age of five years with respective odds of (1.424, 1.376 and 1.252) for the poorest, poorer and middle-wealth index parents compared to the richest The study, therefore, concludes that education, economic status, and types of residence are significant determinants of anemia levels. It recommends enforcing basic education for parents, improving the wealth index and living in urban areas to reduce the prevalence of anemia among children under the age of five years in Nigeria
Shape Formulation and Design for CFRP Reinforced Concrete Nuclear Shell Structures
No full textThe shape formulation and design of nuclear shell structures play a critical role in ensuring structural stability, load resistance, and overall safety in nuclear facilities. This research investigates the optimization of dome shell geometry for CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer) reinforced concrete nuclear shell structures, emphasizing the influence of material properties and loading conditions on the shape angle. A mathematical model is developed to determine the optimal dome shape angle (θ) by considering key design parameters such as shell thickness, external loading, and structural constraints. The study compares steel-reinforced concrete domes, which traditionally exhibit a shape angle of 12 degrees, to CFRP-reinforced concrete domes, where the derived optimal shape angle is 19 degrees. The increase in shape angle for CFRP-reinforced structures is attributed to the superior strength-to-weight ratio and enhanced flexibility of CFRP materials, allowing for optimized load distribution and reduced stress concentrations. Additionally, the integration of CFRP reinforcement significantly improves seismic resilience and overall structural efficiency, making it a viable alternative for next-generation nuclear containment shells. The findings of this study contribute to the advancement of nuclear safety by providing a robust framework for optimizing shell geometry, improving material selection, and enhancing structural performance under extreme loading conditions. The developed shape formulation serves as a practical guideline for engineers in designing lightweight, high-strength, and durable nuclear containment structures reinforced with CFRP
Probabilistic Analysis of Shape Formulation Angle on the Reliability of CFRP Reinforced Shell Roofs for Nuclear Facilities
No full textCarbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) has revolutionized structural engineering due to its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, surpassing traditional steel reinforcement. When it comes to shell roof structures, shape formulation plays a vital role in optimizing structural performance under various loading conditions. This research aimed to identify the optimal shape formulation angle that maximizes the structural reliability of CFRP-reinforced shell roofs. To achieve this, a comprehensive Monte Carlo simulation and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using ABAQUS CAE were conducted. The study evaluated the impact of uncertainties in material properties, geometric configurations, and loading conditions on the performance of CFRP-reinforced shell roofs. Various shape angles, ranging from 5° to 30°, were analyzed, and failure probability and reliability index (β) were assessed. The key findings revealed that a shape formulation angle of 19° provides the lowest failure probability (0.8%) and the highest reliability index (β = 4.2), making it the most structurally efficient angle. A comparative analysis with traditional steel-reinforced concrete showed that CFRP-reinforced shell roofs exhibit a remarkable 35% improvement in structural reliability and a 40% reduction in failure probability under the same loading conditions. This study contributes significantly to the advancement of CFRP applications in structural engineering by providing a data-driven approach to optimizing shell roof designs. The findings demonstrate that the 19° shape angle formulation significantly enhances safety, load-bearing capacity, and durability while reducing structural failure risks. Future research can build upon this work by incorporating wind-induced effects, long-term creep behavior, and hybrid reinforcement strategies for further reliability improvements
Determination of the Energy for Breaking Palm Kernel Nuts by Single Impact
No full textThis research focuses on determining the energy required to break palm kernel nuts through a single impact. Palm kernel is a valuable byproduct of palm oil, with the nut\u27s oil used in food and other products. The study aims to measure the work done and impact energy required to crack the kernel, considering force, time, and the kinetic phenomena involved. A specially designed machine was used to crack dried and moisture content palm kernel nuts, categorized by their diameter. The nuts were tested under two conditions: with and without moisture content (10%). The following visual criteria were used to evaluate the degree of cracking: shattered, entirely cracked, completely cracked with little damage, shattered without nut separation, difficult to crack, completely cracked. The nuts were cracked using the specially constructed apparatus. Data was collected on a number of variables, such as time, displacement height, kernel size, and shell thickness. The study measured force, work done, and impact energy under both moisture and moisture-free conditions. The integral form of the work or impact load is considered in the design of cracking machines. Results showed that the energy required to crack the kernel was lower in the moisture content condition compared to the moisture-free condition. The efficiency of cracking was also higher when there was no moisture in the kernels. During the experimentation certain kernels refused to crack until a certain height is reached resulting in the variations in height. The average value for force, work done and impact energy for breaking a palm kernel shell were calculated for moisture content and moisture free conditions employing those factors identified significant in the ANOVA tables and according to the models developed out of the actual factors coding in the analysis become: 3.16 Newton and 0.744Newton; 0.079Joule and 0.14Joule; and 0.02 Newton second and 0.03 Newton second respectively. The research suggests that using a double-impact approach may be more effective than the single-impact method. It also recommends further testing with more samples to assess the precision and resilience of the testing equipment
Nutritional composition and sensory evaluation of jam from blends of pineapple and mango enriched with honey for sustainable health
No full textThis study examined the production, nutritional analysis and sensory assessment of Jam made from mango blend with 30%, 40% and 50% size of pineapple and enrich with honey for sustainable health. Fruits are functional foods enriched with nutrients for sustainable health and wellbeing. Fruits especially mangos are generated in such large quantities during their season that they would be a huge waste if not properly maintained. One such food that can be made to increase food value, decrease food waste, generate income, and circulate products in and out of season is jam. This study sought answers to four research questions. A nine-point hedonic scale was employed as the data collection tool, and its reliability was examined, a laboratory analysis of samples and keen observation. In this study, two fruits—mango and pineapple—were utilised to make jam. Mango has a low acid and pectin content. To produce mango jam of acceptable qualities, pectin (from pineapple blends), sweetness and acid were added. The degree of acceptability of the organoleptic qualities of taste, flavour, colour, and texture as well as the overall acceptability of the items were then determined by a sensory evaluation. Findings show that blending mango with pineapple resulted in jam products with acceptable sensory qualities. Mango/pineapple jam blends (samples MP1, 2, 4). The study also revealed that these fruit jams are rich in nutrients that can sustain health and wellbeing. Based on the findings the researchers concluded that homemade pineapple and mango jam blends have good flavour, taste, colour, texture, acceptable nutritional composition and shelf life and recommend production and consumption of same for sustainable health