2025

Background: Non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition affecting adults all over the world. It often leads to disability, reduced quality of life, and high health care costs. In the absence of a specific pathological cause, lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity, poor posture, stress, and unhealthy habits have been identified as key contributors. Lifestyle interventions targeting these factors are increasingly recognized as effective, non-invasive approaches to managing NSCLBP and improving overall well-being. Aim of study: The aim of this study is to synthesize the best available evidence from Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) on the effectiveness of lifestyle and related non- pharmacological interventions for improving pain, disability and functional outcomes in adults with Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain. Methods: A systematic online search was conducted on PUBMED, Cochrane, PEDro, PsychInfo, Science Direct and Google Scholar. All steps of the process followed the recommendation of the PRISMA guidelines. The review included RCTs that evaluated lifestyle interventions such as exercise (e.g. core stabilization, strength training, Tai Chi), complementary and alternative medicine e.g. acupuncture, cupping therapy and biopsychosocial/behavioural approaches, manual therapy and technological based interventions for adults with NSCLBP. Methodological quality of included studies was appraised using the JADAD scale. Results: A total of 27 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The majority (88.89%) were of high methodological quality. Exercise-based interventions (51.85%) of studies including core stabilization and high intensity training consistently demonstrated significant improvements in pain and disability. Complementary/alternative medicine (33.33%) of studies such as acupuncture and osteopathic manipulation showed promising results for pain relief. Technology based and biopsychosocial interventions were also effective with the latter particularly successful in addressing fear-avoidance behaviours. However, a significant geographical skew was noted with 70.37% of the evidence originating from high income countries. Conclusion: A diverse range of lifestyle and non-pharmacological interventions are effective for managing NSCLBP, with exercise serving as a corner stone of care. Biopsychosocial and Technological based approaches represent promising, modern strategies. To optimize patient outcomes, a personalized, multimodal management plan is recommended. Future research should address the identified evidence gap in low and middle-income countries and focus on longer term outcomes. Registration: A review protocol was developed and registered with the PROSPERO database, with the ID: 1123743

The radiography students in Benin and elsewhere must have the full knowledge and prerequisites to follow the best practices and reduce the risk of radiology. According to various researches in Nigeria, the area of protection practices has been identified to be lacking in the radiography field, which implies that the area required targeting in awareness and training. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, which sought to determine the radiation safety awareness, knowledge and practices among radiography students in the University of Benin (UNIBEN). One Hundred and fifty-two [152] radiography students were recruited based on stratified random sampling technique that was used to ensure proportional representation of students. The stratification will be initially done into groups 300lv, 400lv and 500lv. Simple random sampling was used to select participants in each stratum and minimize the selection bias. The structured questionnaire and data collected will be the main tool of data collection and the statistical package of social scientist (SPSS) version 26.0 was used to analyze the data collected. The radiography students were aged and were the participants of the study. Most of the students (79.0%) were aged between 20-24 years, with the rest aged between 25-29 years (14.5%) and those under 20 years (5.3%). The least percentage of students (1.3%) was between 30 years and above. The gender distribution of radiography student who participated in this study. The results indicate that there were more female caregivers (61.2%) than male students (38.8%). Concerning the level of study of respondents, the result illustrates the level of study of radiography students. 500lv constituted the highest portion of radiography student in this study (51.3%), followed by 3000lv (28.9%) and 400lv (19.7%). Those that have attended lectures, seminars and training on radiation protection. The majority of them (91.4%) had attended while 8.6% hasn’t. With regard to radiography students awareness of the principle of radiography safety and protocol. A majority of the radiographers appear to be aware of the principles and radiation safety procedure well with 59.7% strongly agreeing and 18.5% agreeing. With regards to the perception toward radiation protection and safety measures among radiography students. The majority of radiographers appear to be optimistic about radiations and safety measures. In the case of the test of Hypothesis, the p value was found to be <0.017 indicating that there is statistically significant difference in radiation safety awareness among the students who have undergone previous radiation safety training and those who have not. Thereby, the null hypothesis that shows no statistically significant difference of radiation safety awareness among students that have had earlier radiation safety training and those that have not is rejected. This is why when the alternate hypothesis is accepted and it states that there is a statistically significant difference in radiation safety awareness between students who have undergone previous radiation safety training and students who have not is because the study offers some key recommendations on the same in order to foster the radiation safety awareness among radiography students.

This study examines the economic potential of household organic waste management and its architectural implications for sustainable environmental design in Ekosodin Community, Benin City. Household organic waste, including food leftovers, vegetable and fruit peels, and garden waste, constitutes a significant portion of municipal solid waste, yet its economic and environmental value remains largely untapped. The research adopted a mixed-method approach, employing structured questionnaires administered to 100 households, key informant interviews with architects and waste management officials, and field observations. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions and percentages, and interpreted in relation to sustainable design principles. Findings reveal that open dumping and burning are the predominant disposal methods, while composting and waste segregation are minimally practiced. Most households lack designated spaces for organic waste storage and management, indicating a critical gap in residential architectural design that could facilitate sustainable waste handling. Awareness of the economic potential of organic waste was generally low, limiting participation in composting, urban agriculture, and biogas production initiatives. The study concludes that integrating waste-responsive design features into residential architecture, coupled with public awareness campaigns, infrastructural support, and policy enforcement, can transform household organic waste into valuable resources while promoting environmental sustainability. Recommendations include incorporating designated waste management spaces in building designs, establishing community composting centers, and implementing economic incentives for organic waste valorization. This research contributes to the understanding of the intersection between household waste management, architecture, and sustainable environmental design in Nigerian urban.

Introduction: Radiography has a significant role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) that are in a critical condition. Nevertheless, it is true that radiographers do face technical and environmental problems that can have an impact on image quality and efficiency. This paper evaluated the functions and issues of radiographers in the ICU and identified the value of the radiographic imaging in diagnosis and clinical decision making. Methodology: A cross sectional method was applied in this study. The self structured questionnaire was employed and the data analyzed using the Statistical Package of the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29. The results were discussed in terms of frequency table, percentage and the inferential statistics including one sample t-test and Wilcoxon signed ranks test with 0.05 level of significance. Findings: 100.0% and 45 (97.8) were respectively aware of radiographers roles in the ICU and had direct experience in the ICU. The most common imaging modality was portable X-ray with the highest percentage at 82.6 (chest radiography). Radiographic monitoring was reported to enhance patient monitoring (91.3) and alteration of treatment (97.8). The patient positioning (87.0%), risk of infection (15.2%), and space were among the major challenges. Radiographic imaging has a significant positive relation (p < 0.05) with clinical decision-making. Summary: Radiographic imaging has a role in the diagnosis and management of patients in the ICU. Constant post graduate education, proper equipments and interprofessional collaboration should be essential in improving the ICU radiographic services.

This study examines the effect of external debt on economic growth in Nigeria for the period 2000–2024. The specific objectives were to investigate the effect of external debt stock on the Nigerian economy, determine the effect of external debt service payments on economic growth, and examine the effect of exchange rate on the economy. The study adopted an ex-post facto research design, relying on secondary data sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin, Debt Management Office (DMO) Annual Reports, and National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Data were analyzed using econometric techniques with the aid of EViews software. The empirical results revealed that external debt stock has a positive and significant effect on economic growth in Nigeria, indicating that judicious borrowing can enhance economic performance when appropriately managed. However, external debt servicing exhibited a negative but statistically insignificant relationship with economic growth, suggesting that high debt servicing obligations may crowd out funds meant for productive investment. Additionally, the exchange rate was found to have a positive and significant relationship with economic growth during the study period. The study concludes that external debt, when effectively utilized and prudently managed, can contribute positively to economic growth in Nigeria. It therefore recommends that policymakers should prioritize the efficient management and productive use of borrowed funds, invest in fixed assets that promote long-term growth, and ensure that regulatory authorities monitor the country’s debt sustainability and repayment capacity to avoid debt distress.

Malaria remains a monumental public health challenge in Nigeria, accounting for a disproportionate share of global cases and deaths. This study examines the critical impact of the World Health Organization (WHO) in driving malaria control and strategic eradication efforts within the country. Utilizing a qualitative, descriptive research design, this paper analyzes secondary data from official WHO global reports, federal health ministries, and empirical public health literature. The study finds that the WHO's interventions—specifically through technical guidance, resource mobilization, universal distribution of Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs), and the standardization of targeted diagnostic and treatment protocols (such as ACTs and Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention)—have heavily transformed Nigeria's medical landscape. These collaborative efforts contributed to a decline in national malaria prevalence from 42% in 2010 to 15% by 2025. Despite these substantial gains, the ideal of complete "eradication" faces aggressive headwind from structural constraints, including local healthcare infrastructure deficits, funding shortages, and rising insecticide and drug resistance. The study concludes that while the WHO has laid an invaluable blueprint for containment, achieving permanent elimination requires the Nigerian government to match global technical frameworks with intensive domestic financing, localized environmental engineering, and rigid political willpower.

This study examined the relationship between social support and mental health outcomes among women in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State. The study aimed to investigate the availability and types of social support accessible to women, the mental health challenges they face, the influence of social support on their mental well-being, barriers to accessing support, and the role of social workers in strengthening support systems. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and a structured questionnaire was administered to one hundred (100) women selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, and descriptive interpretations. The findings revealed that most women had moderate access to social support, primarily from spouses and family members, while emotional and instrumental support were the most common types received. However, 25% of respondents reported difficulties accessing consistent help. The study further revealed high levels of psychological distress among women, with 60% reporting anxiety, 50% experiencing depression, and 70% feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities. A strong positive relationship was established between social support and mental health outcomes, as 75% of respondents agreed that social support improves mood and reduces stress. Major barriers identified included financial constraints (50%), lack of awareness (40%), and social stigma (35%). Respondents strongly emphasized the need for social workers to provide counseling, create women’s support groups, and lead community education initiatives on mental health. The study concluded that social support significantly influences the mental health outcomes of women in Ikpoba-Okha LGA. It recommended that policymakers and social work professionals should prioritize community-based interventions, strengthen informal support networks, and develop sustainable social support programs that enhance women’s psychological well-being and resilience.

This study investigated the extraction and evaluation of Leaf Protein Concentrate (LPC) produced from Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) leaves using three processing techniques: Heat Coagulation, Alum Precipitation and Acid Coagulation. The research aimed to compare the effects of these extraction methods on the Physical characteristics, Proximate composition, Mineral profile and Phytochemical constituents of the resulting concentrates. Standard laboratory procedures were employed for all analyses. The LPCs obtained from the three methods were dark green when fresh but turned blackish upon drying, indicating chlorophyll degradation during processing. Among the extraction techniques, the Acid Coagulation method yielded the highest Crude Protein value (33.84%), demonstrating its superior efficiency in protein recovery. Alum Precipitation recorded the highest Ash (7.50%) and Crude Fibre (13.33%) contents, suggesting higher mineral and structural residue retention. Heat Coagulation produced the highest Ether Extract (38.33%) and maintained better mineral preservation. Potassium was the most abundant mineral detected, with the highest concentration (231.67 mg/kg) observed in the Heat-treated LPC, while sodium recorded the least concentration (0.01 mg/kg). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds including flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, steroids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, coumarins and cardiac glycosides in varying concentrations across treatments. These bioactive components indicate potential antioxidant, antimicrobial and functional benefits. Based on the findings, the Acid Coagulation technique is most effective for enhancing protein recovery from Oil Palm leaves, while Heat Coagulation is more suitable for retaining lipid and mineral components. Overall, Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) Leaf Protein Concentrate presents a promising, low-cost and underutilized source of plant protein and minerals for animal feed formulation and other nutritional applications.

The aspect of textile design concept of hand decoration commonly referred to as the punch needle embroidery technique is relatively unpopular. This is because most textile designers particularly in Nigeria dwell mostly on dyeing and printing of fabrics. This also is attributable to the fact that fabric surface embellishment is basically restricted to the manual or mechanical process of decorating fabric surfaces popularly known as embroidery; these are being exploited at the expense of the punch needle embroidery technique. Despite, the upsurge in technological exploration of diverse methods and materials, the use of punch needle embroidery technique by most textile designers seem not to have been fully integrated into the realm of fabric decoration and embellishment, hence this identified gap, is the thrust of this research. The aim of this research therefore is exploring punch needle technique of hand embroidery works for interior decoration. In carrying out this research, the researcher adopted the exploratory method in attaining its aim and objectives In the execution of the practical aspect of this research, it was observed that punch needle hand embroidery has several potentials that are yet to be harnessed by textile designers in Nigeria. Furthermore, the research has revealed that punch needle technique of hand embroidery can make textile design have both utilitarian and aesthetic values. The research is significant because it has exposed the materials, tools and procedure in carrying out the punching technique. Punch needle technique of hand embroidery is an interesting aspect of textile Design and it is hoped that this research would be a useful reference materials to textiles students, fashion designers, art lovers and textile collectors

This study investigates the factors influencing career pathway choice among final year students of radiography in the University of Benin. A cross-sectional study design will be employed, using a mixed-methods approach to collect data from students. The study aimed to identify the most important factors influencing career pathway choice and explore the relationship between demographic characteristics and career pathway preferences. The findings of this study will contribute to the existing body of knowledge and provide insights into the factors that influence career pathway choice among radiography students, informing educators, professionals, and policy makers. The study's results will have implications for career guidance programs, education, and policy decisions related to radiography and healthcare.