Month: July 2021

Jul 31

ETHICAL AND LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE USE OF MARIJUANA FOR CLINICAL PURPOSES

ETHICAL AND LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE USE OF MARIJUANA FOR CLINICAL PURPOSES

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background to the Study

Cannabis,Ganja, Igbo, Weed, Morrocco, Indian hemp, Marijuana; they all refer to arguably the most commonly available naturally occurring psychoactive drug there is in the world. Its psychoactive abilities stem from the fact that it contains active chemical substances that can change brain functions and result in alterations in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition and behaviour. Cannabis is widely used as a recreational drug and sometimes, even for ‘spiritual’ purposes. More recently, its extraordinary medicinal capabilities are more openly acknowledged, resulting in decriminalization in some countries.[1].

Clinical importance surrounding marijuana has garnered much global attention in recent years. Controversies surrounding legal, ethical, and societal implications associated with use; safe administration, packaging, and dispensing; adverse health consequences and deaths attributed to marijuana intoxication; and therapeutic indications based on limited clinical data represent some of the complexities associated with this treatment. Marijuana is currently recognized by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA’s) Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act (Controlled Substances Act) of 1970 as a Schedule I controlled substance, defined as having a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medicinal use in treatment in the United States, and a lack of accepted safety data for use of the treatment under medical supervision.[2]

Cannabis is the most commonly cultivated, trafficked, and abused illicit drug worldwide; according to the World Health Organization (WHO), marijuana consumption has an annual prevalence rate of approximately 147 million individuals or nearly 2.5% of the global population. In 2014, approximately 22.2 million Americans 12 years of age or older reported current cannabis use, with 8.4% of this population reporting use within the previous month.3,4 General cannabis use, both for recreational and medicinal purposes, has garnered increasing acceptance across the country as evidenced by legislative actions, ballot measures, and public opinion polls; an October 2016 Gallup poll on American’s views on legalizing cannabis indicated that 60% of the population surveyed believed the substance should be legalized.[3] Further, a recent Quinnipiac University poll concluded 54% of American voters surveyed favor the legalization of cannabis without additional constraints, while 81% of respondents favored legalization of cannabis for medicinal purposes.[4] Limited data suggest that health care providers also may consider this therapy in certain circumstances.[5]In the United States, cannabis is approved for medicinal use in 28 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico as of January 2017.10

The use and acceptance of medicinal cannabis continues to evolve, as shown by the growing number of country now permitting use for specific medical indications. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has considered how it might support the scientific rigor of medicinal cannabis claims, and the review of public data regarding safety and abuse potential is ongoing.[6]

The agency saddled with the enforcement of drug laws in Nigeria is the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The agency has the job of curtailing the consumption of drugs in Nigeria. The general powers of the agency are contained in section 3 of the NDLEA Act.[7]

Under the NDLEA Act, which came about by the promulgation of Decree Number 48 of 1989, the possession or smoking of cannabis, or even allowing one’s premises to be used for dealing in cannabis, can result in a prison sentence from 15 years to life. Its precursor, the Indian Hemp Act, was even harsher, carrying a maximum sentence of death.

The 2011 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) World Drug Report stated that cannabis use was prevalent among 14.3 per cent of 15 to 64 year olds in Nigeria. The same report in 2014 revealed that Nigeria had made the highest number of cannabis seizures of any African country. Following this report, the NDLEA launched a programme dubbed ‘Operation Weed Eaters’ that aimed to rid the country of cannabis.

The medical benefits of marijuana are key element of the pro-legalization argument. Advocates suggest that marijuana reduces stress, and has uses as an analgesic, an antiemetic, a bronchodilator, and an anti-inflammatory. It has been found to cure hiccups, helps protect against brain trauma, improves the immune system, and helps the brain terminate bad memories following catastrophic events (Sides, 2015). The anti-legalization campaign periodically argues that states with medical marijuana laws see increases in youth usage rates. Lynne-Landsman, et al. (2013) found that states with medical marijuana laws did not have measurably significant increases in youth usage rates in the few years following medical legalization. Hasin, et al. (2015) adds context to Lynne-Landsman, et al.’s (2013) findings, suggesting that adolescent use is higher in states with legal medical marijuana. Thus, the relationship between medical marijuana legalization and impacts on youth usage rates is not currently known with any exactitude. Thus, the present study seek to investigate the ethical and legal implications of the use of marijuana for clinical purposes

Statement of the Problem

Marijuana use in the Nigeria society has become an issue of serious concern and constitutes one of the most important risks taking behavior among young adult. Despite worldwide concern and education about cannabis use, many only have limited awareness of their adverse consequences (Eneh, 2004).

Cannabis has been used to reduce nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy and people with HIV/AIDS, and to treat pain and muscle spasticity (Borgelt, Franson, Nussbaum &Wang, 2013). According to Borgelt and colleagues, (2013) Safety concerns regarding cannabis include the increased risk of developing schizophrenia with adolescent use, impairments in memory and cognition, accidental pediatric ingestions, and lack of safety packaging for medical cannabis formulations.

Similarly, Gordon, Conley, and Gordon, (2013) reported that exposure to marijuana had biologically-based physical, mental, behavioral and social health consequences and was associated with diseases of the liver (particularly with co-existing hepatitis C), lungs, heart, and vasculature.

Numerous studies have been conducted (e.g Eneh, 2004; Borgelt, Franson, Nussbaum &Wang, 2013; Gordon, Conley, & Gordon, 2013) to unravel the etiological complexities of cannabis use in an attempt to search for effective prevention programs. However, it is evident from studies done that a variety of factors account for frequent use of cannabis in our society. Some of these factors include family and peer-group influence, exposure to mass media content, and low level of self-esteem. The present study intends to understand some of the ethical and legal implications of the use of marijuana approved for clinical purposes.

Aims and Objectives

  1. To examine the legal framework governing the use of medical Marijuana
  2. To critically examine the social impact assessment and marijuana policy

Research Methodology 

The methodology of this research is mainly doctrinal. We applied the ordering analysis of the legal structure, legal framework and case law to establish our objective. This we did by extensive survey of legal literature, even when we did not undertake any form of field work. We however undertook descriptive analysis, interpretation and systemization of legal norms or doctrines. We gave commentaries on the philosophical questions underpinning the research, including the nature or characteristics of the laws themselves. The materials used are sourced from primary and secondary sources. The primary resource materials used in this research include relevant legislation on the subject matter, rules and regulations made pursuant to the relevant legislation.

It will be impossible to undertake a study of this nature, without the complement of previous research works in this field. The secondary source of data used in this research, includes relevant published text books on the subject. Articles, periodicals, magazines, journals, seminar/workshop papers and sundry national and international written materials are utilized in coming to some of the conclusions in this research. We engaged books or other written source materials on the research. Basically, we looked for available source materials in the subject area of research and examined, appraised, critiqued, evaluated, analysed, and used the information thereof as a basis for our recommendations for decision making, enactment of laws and rules and regulations. Other relevant materials, including those from the internet and electronic sources  are deployed in the research.

Significance of the study

The study will equally add to the existing body of knowledge on the subject marijuana legalization, rules and policy. Students undergoing research work similar to the present study who may wish to use this work as a reference material or a spring board for their own work will find this work really useful.

FOOTNOTES

[1] 25 Booth, M., Cannabis: A History (London, 2003), p. 292

[2] Control and enforcement Part B–Authority to control; standards of controlled substances §812. [also known as Controlled Substances Act, 21 United States Code § 812(b)(1), 1970].

 

[3] Swift A. Support for legal marijuana use up to 60% in U.S. Oct 19, 2016

[4] Quinnipiac University. Allow marijuana for vets with PTSD, U.S. voters say 10-1, Quinnipiac University national poll finds; slim majority say legalize marijuana in general. Jun 6, 2016

[5] Adler JN, Colbert JA. Medicinal use of marijuana–polling results. N Engl J Med. 2013;368:e30

[6] food and Drug Administration. FDA and marijuana. Jul 7, 2016

[7] The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, as amended by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (Amendment) Decree 1990 (section 3 (1))

Jul 29

A STYLISTIC ANALYSIS OF THE SELECTED SPEECHES OF THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF BIAFRA

A STYLISTIC ANALYSIS OF THE SELECTED SPEECHES OF THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF BIAFRA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

This chapter presents the background to the study, statement of research problem, aim and objectives of the study, scope of the study, justification of the study, conceptual clarification and organisation of the work respectively

Background to the Study

Throughout history, there has never been total peace in the world. Conflicts sometimes occur between countries or within a country; and they are either resolved or escalated principally through language (Osimen, Aniga & Bateye, 2015). In fact, conflict is bound to occur in a pluralistic society like Nigeria either because of unequal representation in government or unequal resource distribution among the different ethnic groups that make the country. Irrespective of their sociocultural and religious differences, linguistic diversity, unhealthy competition and striking imbalance in development among the diverse ethnic groups, the British Government amalgamated the Northern and Southern Protectorates in 1914 to form a country, Nigeria. According to Ezea (2017), this foundational and systemic defect triggered a series of questions, debates and struggle among the ethnic groups from inception. The nationalist struggle and subsequent formation of political parties were influenced by ethnic rather than national interest, and therefore had no unifying effect on the peoples against the colonial master. At independence, in 1960, Nigeria became a federation and remained one country. Afterwards, the struggle for dominance among the different ethnic groups led to a military coup.

 

The January 15, 1966 coup d’état which claimed several Western and Northern leaders’ lives and the counter-coup in July 29, 1966 – staged mainly by Northern Nigerian officers, who allegedly murdered many Igbo officers – “altered the political equation and destroyed the fragile trust existing among the major ethnic groups” (Atofarati, 1992, p. 2). The events killed the ‘one Nigeria’ mantra that characterised the First Republic politics. Shortly thereafter, Lt. Colonel Ojukwu proclaimed the secession of Eastern Nigeria from the country on May 30, 1967; and the Nigeria-Biafra War began and lasted till January 15, 1970 (Atofarati, 1992). Since then, Nigeria has never been the same again (Achebe, 2013). After the civil war, mutual suspicion between the North and South (especially the South-east) pervaded all the political activities of the country. The Nigeria-Biafra Civil War ended with the slogan ‘No Victor, No Vanquished’. However, the allegation of the structural imbalance of the Nigerian federation; and most importantly, lopsidedness in the distribution of political power and wealth among the different ethnic and geopolitical groups fuelled the renewed struggle for Biafra (Falode, 2011). In 1999, the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) began operation. Led by an India-trained lawyer – Ralph Uwazuruike – MASSOB is a secessionist movement in Nigeria which supports the revival of the defunct independent nation of Biafra. However, a group of young Igbos, who were led by Nnamdi Kanu and were not satisfied with the results of protests by MASSOB, formed the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in 2012. According to Ibeanu, Orji and Iwuamadi (2016, p. 2), IPOB represents “the most highprofile and radical movement for a separate State of Biafra”. To realise their goal, these youths engage in civil disobedience including the declaration of public holidays and closure of markets in the South-Eastern part of Nigeria and Igbo-dominated markets across the nation. They established Biafran Embassies abroad, an online radio and satellite television, and produced a

 

Biafran passport, flag and other symbols of sovereignty. On 19th December, 2013, IPOB proclaimed the expiration of Nigeria’s amalgamation as the country became 100 years; and, therefore, the group called for a referendum in respect of the self-determination of the Biafran People. Like all agitations, the IPOB struggle is the set of actions that attempt to arouse public feeling in support of or against an idea, in this case, the recognition of the State of Biafra. The group therefore employs slogans and attempts to awaken people from apathy by giving them feasible actions to perform. Since the language of agitation usually exploits the grievances of a group in order to induce sympathy from the public and to expose its opponents to condemnation, IPOB relies substantially on the use of strategic language, such as those related to propaganda.

 

Propaganda simply means the clever exploitation of language for the promotion of an idea. It is “the deliberate and systematic attempt to shape perceptions, manipulate cognitions, and direct behaviour to achieve a response that furthers the desired intent” of a person or an organisation (Jowett & O’Donnell, 1986, p. 16). It is usually a vague, deceptive, exaggerated statement (that is, a half-truth) or a complete fabrication and is used either to promote or attack a cause. Propagandists present no argument and they usually associate unrelated objects or ideas (as a mask) with their ideology. In other words, they coerce the audience to believe and support their cause. It is employed in politics not only to project the strengths of a particular candidate, but also to expose the perceived weaknesses of the opponents. Full blown propaganda has, in fact, been employed in war time and warlike ethno-religious crises in many countries, including Nigeria

 

IPOB’s agitation activities became very radical and intolerable to the Federal Government immediately after the assumption of power by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, and Kanu was arrested on 14th October, 2015, detained and charged with treason. As Kanu’s detention and prosecution did not stop the agitation by his supporters, containment measures (codenamed ‘Python Dance’) were taken by the government against the demonstrators. Kanu was denied bail despite several court orders in favour of his release upon meeting the bail conditions until April 2017 when he was released. After several confrontations between the security agencies and IPOB, the group was labeled a terrorist organisation and later proscribed on 20th September, 2017.

However, Kanu’s whereabouts became unknown on 14th September, 2017 after the security agents’ attack on his home. Like advertising, which promotes a product or service, propaganda intends to sell a person, a group or an idea to the public. In this context, IPOB sells Biafra and its ideology to Nigerians and the whole world. In doing this, the group extols the qualities of the Igbo people and the significance of the South-East region to the development of Nigeria, while President Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigerian Government, the North, the South-West, Islam and the Igbo leaders who support Nigeria are denigrated. For example, according to Nwaiwu (2017), the group said: We are not surprise (sic) that the present killings and intimidations in South East … has the backing of the present caliphate in Sokoto, which… follow the steps laid down by their forefathers to wipe out Biafrans and to pave way for the islamization of South east.

 

 

Jul 26

The trends in Human Resources management in the global era of COVID-19 pandemic

QUESTION

What is the trends in Human Resources management management in the global era of COVID-19 pandemic?

ANSWER

  • Shifting demographic patterns

The workforce is getting older with the baby boomer population being at a higher percentage than the younger generation. These employees are approaching their retirement age due to which finding younger talent, knowledge transfer to younger generation etc. has gained importance. From a gender point of view, firms are providing equal opportunities to men and women thus encouraging women to join the workforce. Also, firms are increasing diversity at work place by recruiting individuals from various backgrounds, nationalities and ethnicities etc.

  • The pace of technological changes

Firms are becoming more technology focused to ensure they gain competitive advantage in the market, In a quest to implement new technologies, firms are looking for skilled resources in these technologies and are also providing the required training for its employees to master the technological skills.

  • Increase in globalization

Firms are going global to increase their customer base, take advantage of the cheap labor in other countries, ease of regulations to establish units in other countries etc. This is resulting in increased diversity with employees travelling to other countries, interacting with other distant colleagues over various communication channels etc. Employers are looking for skilled resources irrespective of their nationality or backgorund.

Jul 26

ASSESSMENT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC PERIOD AND ITS EFFECTS ON CHURCH GROWTH A STUDY OF JEHOVA WITNESS

ASSESSMENT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC PERIOD AND ITS EFFECTS ON CHURCH GROWTH A STUDY OF JEHOVA WITNESS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background to the Study

Coronavirus disease (also called COVID-19, 2019-nCov, 2019 Novel Coronavirus) – an infectious disease caused by a new virus that had not been previously identified in humans and causes respiratory illness (like the flu) with symptoms such as a cough, fever and in more severe cases, pneumonia2 – started around December 2019 in Wuhan, China. It ravaged the world unabated in the year 2020 as the pandemic spread like wild fire to every part of the world within months of its outbreak. As parts of efforts to curtail its spread, churches and other public places were locked down in the late March 2020. When this took place, little did the church leaders and other people know that it would take months for churches in particular and other public places in general to be opened again for large gathering. Church leaders with the cooperation of their church members started looking for alternative ways of worship and doing other church activities.

 

Much remain to be said about the Covid-19 pandemic, but it is clear that one aspect of society that has been hardest-hit is the Church. Congregations were not allowed to meet in person for many months at a time, and when they did, strict protocols had to be complied with. This severely affected the functioning of churches, in many instances leaving the congregation in financial difficulty. With this “scrambling to protect what we have” mindset unfolding in congregations, church growth for many has been relegated to much lower on the list of core focus areas.

Church growth mostly consist of two parts: growing the church in numbers through personal Evangelism and outreach projects, and secondly spiritual growth of existing and new members through discipleship. At WordSpread we are connected to many churches in South Africa and since recently also across Africa in countries like Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, Uganda and Zimbabwe. We therefore follow a process of continuous interaction focused on research and assessment of the trending issues affecting church growth. It is clear from the feedback that Covid-19 affected congregations in different ways, at different stages of the pandemic, with many still suffering from issues like lockdown regulations and its impact on gatherings and other church activities.

“as much as 25% – have no strategy at all to start with Evangelism again after the pandemic recedes”

From research, however, it is clear that many churches – as much as 25% – have no strategy at all to start with Evangelism again after the pandemic recedes. Some indicate that it will recommence during the second part of 2021, but half of all churches at least say they will start again once Covid policy allow. Not a single church reported that they had continued unhindered with Evangelism during the last 12 months, with activity at most churches being affected in some or other way – in some congregations the number of participants reduced, and 20% reported outreaches came to a complete standstill.

Apart from the effect of lockdown regulations, the other major role player in limiting Evangelism activities is the funding thereof. Without regular services, opportunities to receive offerings and tithes reduced, resulting in churches funding only inward facing activities and overhead expenditure. 50% of congregations state that outreach activities are funded from tithes and offerings. One quarter of them involve businesses to fund church growth activities, which again experienced a dry-up of funds. Only churches that require church members to pay registration fees or similar receipts were in a position to continue Evangelisation drives.

“more than 40% of pastors still does not believe in a structured personal Evangelism model”

What is also interesting is that more than 40% of pastors still does not believe in a structured personal Evangelism model, but are sure that members are able to effectively share the Gospel. Just a third of churches seem to apply a formal model, with another quarter prefering team based outreaches.

Exciting feedback is however that churches that upped their Evangelism drive during the past twelve months had seen many souls come to salvation. Some congregations saw as many as 10 people accept Christ.

With regards to Spiritual growth of members through discipleship, interesting feedback was received from church leaders. A statistic that surprised us at WordSpread is that 70% of pastors believe that their members have been equipped to the point that they know very well what the Great Commission requires from Christians. This differs from research by Barna, which indicates that very few Christians have any idea what the Great Commission is.

The sad truth is that many churches have no formal discipleship model, through which existing and new members get taught from the Bible on specific topics and in a structured format. To most pastors basic discipleship means attending church services – often only once a week. That lack of formal Bible schooling result in Christians not understanding the most basic aspects of what they profess to believe. It also leads to the scourge of “prosperity preaching” growing. In the instances where churches do apply some form of structured discipling, more than 40% focus on the new life in Christ after salvation. Very few spend time on the Old Testament, with some selecting to rather focus on “other important topics” like sexuality, work ethic, personal finances and tithing. It is exciting though to notice that some congregations – often the ones where WordSpread had the opportunity to present its Ignite! course – include equipping members in how to share their testimonies with others.

It is clear that church growth will continue to be affected by the Covid-19 pandemic for a long while to come. With that said, more than ever before, now is the time for churches and congregations to assess the effectiveness of their church growth model. Whatever such a model looks like, it should at least cater for membership growth through personal Evangelism and also basic discipleship, in order to provide for Spiritual growth.

Statement Of The Problem 

Against the backdrop that the lockdown of churches and other public places have prevented pastors from performing their pastoral ministry in the traditional ways through physical contacts, churches had to find other means of holding their church activities, and pastors had to explore alternative means of performing their pastoral ministry. Therefore, this paper is an attempt to find out the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown and how the church can move forward, especially how pastors can be more effective in their pastoral ministry, after the churches are re-opened for congregational gatherings.

Jul 25

IMPACT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ON ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC SERVICE SECTOR IN NIGERIA

IMPACT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ON ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC SERVICE SECTOR IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

 

Since the early years of the 20th century, the world has been experiencing a revolution known as information technology. Some consider it to be the most fascinating development since the industrial revolution around the mid-18th Century (Tom, 1991). This revolution is changing our daily lives at home and at work, in shops and banks, in schools, colleges and universities. It is changing the way people think, communicate and behave. Today, the world has become a global village with the internet, mobile phones and satellite networks shrinking time and space, bringing together computers and communications; resulting in new ways of communication, processing, storing and distributing enormous amounts of information (UNDP, 2001). Advancement in chip, satellite, radio, and optical fiber technology have enabled millions of people around the world to connect electronically regardless of national or international boundaries. This explosion in connectivity is the latest and the most important wave in the information revolution (Evans & Wurster, 1997).

 

Information Technology (IT) is clearly considered as a key growth area in this century, specifically, in a dynamic and highly competitive business environment which requires utilizing advanced IT tools to improve efficiency, cost effectiveness, and deliver high quality products and services to customers (Allen & Morton, 2004). IT is also considered as a tool of marketing, contacting customers and looking for possible customers, as well as presenting IT services as distinguished potential services for customers (UNDP, 2001; Werthner & Klein, 2005).

 

Organisations are increasingly using information technology to develop solutions to business problems, to improve both the efficiency and effectiveness of the decision-making process, to enhance productivity and service quality, to achieve dynamic stability, and compete for new markets (Attewell & Rule, 1984; Molloy & Schwenk, 1995; Boynton, 1993). According to Cerere (1993) organizations have always sought and adopted technologies that enhance efforts of their manpower in production and management. Indeed he noted that although it has evolved over a considerable period of time, information technology has emerged as an important tool in management of organizational operations.

 

  • Information Technology

Information technology refers to anything related to computing technology, such as networking, hardware, software, the Internet, or the people that work with these technologies. According to Daft (1997) IT can be defined as the hardware, software, telecommunications, database management, and other information-processing technologies used to store, process, and deliver information. Information technology is commonly used to assist managers with direct control over business functions, personnel and other resources. As managers oversee resource coordination and allocation, it can be difficult to coordinate business functions across various projects. Information technology is one of the key innovations that is frequently implemented to assist in this process (Hobday, 2000). Peansupap and Walker (2005) maintain that IT is often implemented as it is believed to facilitate communication, improve integration, enhance productivity and service delivery (Bjork, 1999).

 

As organisations grow and change, they depend more and more on information technology for their survival (Feeny & Willcocks, 1998). Companies today implement and use information technology to find solutions to business problems, to improve management decision-making, enhance productivity and quality, and compete for new markets in our global and aggressive business environment (Porter & Millar, 1985). Moreover, IT can be seen as a powerful force that opens exciting opportunities for organisations to achieve their missions and goals in an effective way. Therefore, leaders in organisations must obtain an overall appreciation of the potential of IT and link the acquisition and utilization of IT to the organizational mission (Hacker & Saxton, 2007).

 

Jul 25

ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN CRIME DETECTION AND CONTROL IN NIGERIA

ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN CRIME DETECTION AND CONTROL IN NIGERIA

INTRODUCTION

For better or worse, the Internet has become an integral part of life for most Americans. On the negative side, interconnectivity has spawned new breeds of crime, such as cyber stalking and phishing, causing new headaches for law enforcement, who must remain a step ahead of today’s tech-savvy criminals. On the other hand, the increasing sophistication and improved integration of social media have also created unparalleled opportunities for law enforcement agencies to connect with their communities in innovative new ways.

A September 2010 International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) survey revealed that 81 percent of law enforcement agencies interviewed now use social media. However, while 62 percent report using tools such as Facebook to aid in criminal investigations, fewer than half acknowledge using social media for crime prevention. Many experts believe the social media sphere holds enormous potential for law enforcement crime prevention units and groups such as Neighborhood Watch. According to the National Crime Prevention Council, “… [W]ith law enforcement personnel being strained by budget cuts and the struggling economy keeping us at home more often, embracing online networks as prevention tools may help us form a deeper connection with our neighbors and local law enforcement while helping to prevent crime.”

The Effects Of Social Media On National Security. They finds out that Social media is a new prodigy that has captured the attention of many people especially, youths. Its quick access to information and ability to create a quick link between and among people, and promote relationships and businesses far and near serves as an added advantage, which has attracted many users. However, the advantages social media affords has and continue to be misapplied by some malicious individuals such as terrorists and criminals. These individuals use this medium to perpetrate various types of crimes. Most importantly, their actions post severe threats to national security.

Jul 22

Question: 3) If the nominal exchange rate between the US dollar and the Canadian dollar is C $ 0.89 to the …

Question: 3) If the nominal exchange rate between the US dollar and the Canadian dollar is C $ 0.89 to the …

3) If the nominal exchange rate between the US dollar and the Canadian dollar is C $ 0.89 to the US dollar, how many dollars is required to buy a $ 2.5 CAD product?

Describe and explain the tools used by the central bank to reduce money supply.

Expert Answer

The correct answer is: 2.5 / 0.89 = 2.8089887 = 2.8

Jul 22

Benefit Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Growth of Nigeria

The Foreign Direct Investment might benefit the Nigerian economy in the following ways:

  • FDI brings in capital into the country for investment in long term assets.
  • There is an inflow of modern technology besides better management practices.
  • FDI creates new employment besides training in new skills.
  • FDI improves efficiency and productivity in various industries, thus enabling better resource
    utilization.
  • MNCs who bring in FDI would also not only assure that there is a considerable exportable
    surplus, but also ensure that these are marketed at attractive prices.
  • the logistics and transportation infrastructure, including ports and roads would improve
    because of FDI.
  • The increased foreign exchange earnings would allow the government to import products which are in short supply, enabling the citizens to have a better quality of lif
Jul 21

Removal of Heavy Metal Ions by Blended Periwinkle Shells From Selected River In Southern Nigeria

Removal of Heavy Metal Ions by Blended Periwinkle Shells From Selected River In Southern Nigeria

INTRODUCTION

Heavy metals are of great ecological significance today due to their toxic and accumulative nature. Warren[1], noted that various activities of man in recent years have increase the quantity and distribution of heavy metals in the atmosphere, land and water bodies. The extent of these wide-spread but generally little contamination has caused concern about its possible hazard on plants, animals and human beings. Mining, dumping of dangerous military wastes on sites and dumping of carcasses of old damaged vehicles are some of the sources of land heavy metal pollution. Pollution of streams and rivers flowing through agricultural areas where fungicides and pesticides may have been used and even pollutants from industrial effluents contribute most of these heavy metals at the reception sites.

In Nigeria, the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) is the body saddled with the responsibility for the protection of the environment. This agency has put in place laws and regulations guiding wastes management and disposal, emphasizing the treatment of wastes before disposal by the concerned industries.

Jul 21

ADSORPTION OF HEAVY METALS FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS USING MANGROVES

ADSORPTION OF HEAVY METALS FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS USING MANGROVES

Chapter One/Introduction

Heavy metal release to the environment has been increasing continuously as a result of industrial activities and technological development, posing a significant threat to the environment, public and soil health (Cerbasi and Yetis; 2001). Among the heavy metals released into environment, chromium is an important pollutant. Chromium is a redox active element, with oxidation states from –2 to +6, but only the +3 and +6 states are prevalent in the aqueous environment. Cr(III) and Cr(VI) are environmentally stable oxidation states and exhibit different types of toxicity mechanism on biota. Chromium is released into the environment by a large number of industries such as mining, iron sheet cleaning, chrome plating, leather tanning and wood preservation (Krishna and Philip; 2005). These industries contains Cr(III) and Cr(VI) at a concentration ranging from 10 to 100 mg/L (Park et al; 2005). Long-term release of such wastewater may result in the accumulation of heavy metals in soil exerting a selection pressure on soil micro-biota. Cr(VI) is a highly soluble and toxic chromate anion, and is a suspected carcinogen and mutagen (Costa; 2003). Also the wide use of chromium (Cr) by modem industries has resulted in a large quantity of this element being discharged into the environment via air emission, waste water or land disposal. One of the important sources of the Cr in the waste water is due to the use of chromates in cooling water for corrosion control. Cr may exist in water in both hexavalent and trivalent states. Trivalent Cr has a lower toxicity than that in the hexavalent state.

Important sources which add chromium (Cr) to the environment are: Ferro-chromium production units, refining of ores, chemical industries and the combustion fossil fuels. In rural areas chromium content in ambient air is usually less than 0.1 ~g/cubic meter, while in industrial areas it may range from 0.01-0.03 pg/cubic meters. Particulate ejected from coal fired power generation plants may contain 2.3-32 ppm of chromium. Waste waters from tanneries may contain 10-50 ppm, textile wastes up to 32 ppm while spent chrome liquors may contain up to 4500 mg/litre of Cr. Only trivalent and hexavalent forms of Cr are of biological significance. Trivalent Cr is the most common form of the metal in nature and it is in this state the metal almost always occurs in a living system. Hexavalent Cr is capable of crossing the cell membrane and is rapidly reduced to trivalent state inside a living cell. Small quantities of trivalent Cr are essential to carbohydrate metabolism in mammals while it is also a co-factor for action of insulin. A little amount of Cr is helpful in improving glucose tolerance in diabetic patients, weak and old individuals. Most of the mammals can tolerate almost a hundred times more Cr in trivalent state than their usual body burden without any toxic effects. Acute Cr toxicity causes serious renal tubular necrosis. Exposure to hexavalent Cr has been found to cause dermatitis, allergic skin reactions, chronic ulceration and injury to nasal septum, gastrointestinal ulcers etc. Chronic Cr toxicity has been associated with incidence of cancers of respiratory track in occupationally involved workers. Both forms of Cr (hexavalent and trivalent) are considered equally
3 potent carcinogenic agent. In view of the paradoxical role of the Cr, as an essential micronutrient in human and animal nutrition at low concentrations, and a known carcinogen at the elevated levels, there is a growing concern about the fate and effects of Cr in the environment. The conventional methods for removing Cr (VI) ions from wastewater are based on the combination of different physical and chemical reduction processes (Kurniawan et al; 2006). However, such processes are becoming undesirable due to the use of expensive and toxic chemicals.

Further these methods are also inefficient in the removal of Cr(VI), particularly with wastewater containing with a low Cr concentration and also associated with the production of secondary effluents (Baral and Engelken, 2002). Prakasham et al., (1999) and Kadimpati et al. (2013) suggested that the removal of heavy metals by adsorption on various biomass surfaces is the best alternative to the physico and chemical methods. In recent years, many researchers used the various bio-materials such as tea factory waste (Cay et al. 2004; Malkoc and Nuhoglu 2005, 2006), sawdust (Acar and Malkoc 2004; Yu et al. 2003), soya cake (Daneshvar et al; 2002), sugarcane bagasse (Gupta and Ali 2004), green algae (Gupta et al. 2001; Malkoc and Nuhoglu 2003), distillery sludge (Selvaraj et al. 2003) for removal of heavy metals from waste waters. Most of the low-cost sorbents have the limitation of poor sportive capacity, and thereby, for the same degree of treatment it generates more solid waste (pollutant laden sorbent after treatment) leading to disposal problems. Therefore, there is a need to explore low cost, economically viable and effective sorbent, having high pollutant sorption capacity (Ho et al. 2005)