Heavy metals pollution potentials in the National Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe

Heavy metals pollution potential in National Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe was investigated. Two mining sites located at the east mining pits such as M3O, which is 370 m above sea level and M2O, which is 350 m above sea level were studied.  Sequential extraction techniques was utilised to examine the distribution effect of the heavy metals pollution potential on the environment. Twelve representative (six-soil, two-sediment, two-plant and two-water) samples were collected, pre-treated and prepared for this study. The atomic absorption spectrometer was used to analyse the concentration of the metals after the sequential and single-stage extractions were determined. Results showed that Chromium, Arsenic, Cadmium and Copper are more bioavailable in the study area than Lead and Iron. This findings indicate that human, animals and plants are exposed to toxic elements (metals and metalloids)

Spheroidal graphite iron production of furnace roof hangers

The wire rod mill of the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited produces coils, wire rods and re-bars of different sizes. Without the furnace hangers, it will be difficult for the mill to continue to operate. This paper describes the production of furnace roof hangers that are required for re-heating furnace using the spheroidal graphite iron (SGI), highlighting the sand-casting process, charge calculation, and the chemical compositions. The facilities within the foundry shop of the steel company are used to produce furnace roof hangers. The available materials used for the casting of the hangers are the pig iron, scrap ends, foundry returns and magnesium. The process of production was performed through the reheating furnace for the heating of 120 m x 120 m x 120 m billets. One ton induction furnace of low frequency was used as the melting vessel. Also, 6 kg of magnesium was introduced in the ladle before the liquid metal was teemed into it. A Spectro analytical instrument was used to determine the chemical compositions of the materials before and after the casting processes. The analysis of the chemical compositions of produced sample of SGI are presented and discussed

Women’s Labour Force Participation: Economic Growth Nexus in Sub-Saharan African Countries

Women’s labour force participation is an aspect of empowerment and a leeway to achieving the SDGs due to the contribution of women’s labour to economic growth. This study investigated the impact of women labour force participation on economic growth in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. Important lessons were drawn from Israel as to how Israel has been empowering and currently improving women’s labour force participation and economic growth in general. The study employed a two-step system Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) with panel data from 35 selected SSA countries. The findings showed a positive relationship between gross fixed capital formation, female labour force participation rate, economic growth in SSA countries, and a negative relationship between growth in the region and fertility rate. The study therefore recommended that governments should provide a policy framework to favour and encourage more women’s participation in the SSA region

The Land-Potential Knowledge System (LandPKS): mobile apps and collaboration for optimizing climate change investments

Massive investments in climate change mitigation and adaptation are projected during coming decades. Many of these investments will seek to modify how land is managed. The return on both types of investments can be increased through an understanding of land potential: the potential of the land to support primary production and ecosystem services, and its resilience. A Land-Potential Knowledge System (LandPKS) is being developed and implemented to provide individual users with point-based estimates of land potential based on the integration of simple, geo-tagged user inputs with cloud-based information and knowledge. This system will rely on mobile phones for knowledge and information exchange, and use cloud computing to integrate, interpret, and access relevant knowledge and information, including local knowledge about land with similar potential. The system will initially provide management options based on long-term land potential, which depends on climate, topography, and relatively static soil properties, such as soil texture, depth, and mineralogy. Future modules will provide more specific management information based on the status of relatively dynamic soil properties such as organic matter and nutrient content, and of weather. The paper includes a discussion of how this system can be used to help distinguish between meteorological and edaphic drought

Assessment of ICT Utilization in Agriculture Across-Gender in Enugu-Ezike Agricultural Zone of Enugu State, Nigeria

The study assessed ICT utilization in agriculture across gender in Enugu-Ezike agricultural zone of Enugu State, Nigeria. Ninety (90) rural farmers (across gender) were interviewed for the purpose of eliciting information. The respondents had high access to mobile phone ( x =1.90), radio sets ( x =1.92) and television ( x =1.18). Agricultural information on available farm inputs was obtained and shared through radio by men (30.0%), youth (26.7%) and women (23.3%) and through mobile phone by men (31.1%), youth (27.8%) and women (25.6%). More men than youth and women perceived factors faciltating the effective utilization of ICT in agriculture. However, out of 83.3% of the respondents who perceived that adequate power supply was one of the factors that could facilitate ICT utilization in agriculture, there were more women (28.9%) compared to men (27.8%) and youth (26.7%). The study recommended among other things appropriate policies that will enhance ICT utilization in agriculture such as ICT packages that are compatible with the culture of the people and adequate ICT infrastructure that will ensure availability of internet and network services at affordable rates

Assessment of ICT Utilization in Agriculture Across-Gender in Enugu-Ezike Agricultural Zone of Enugu State, Nigeria

The study assessed ICT utilization in agriculture across gender in Enugu-Ezike agricultural zone of Enugu State, Nigeria. Ninety (90) rural farmers (across gender) were interviewed for the purpose of eliciting information. The respondents had high access to mobile phone ( x =1.90), radio sets ( x =1.92) and television ( x =1.18). Agricultural information on available farm inputs was obtained and shared through radio by men (30.0%), youth (26.7%) and women (23.3%) and through mobile phone by men (31.1%), youth (27.8%) and women (25.6%). More men than youth and women perceived factors faciltating the effective utilization of ICT in agriculture. However, out of 83.3% of the respondents who perceived that adequate power supply was one of the factors that could facilitate ICT utilization in agriculture, there were more women (28.9%) compared to men (27.8%) and youth (26.7%). The study recommended among other things appropriate policies that will enhance ICT utilization in agriculture such as ICT packages that are compatible with the culture of the people and adequate ICT infrastructure that will ensure availability of internet and network services at affordable rates