Gluon distributions in nuclei probed at the CERN Large Hadron Collider

Using updated gluon distributions from global fits to data, we investigate the sensitivity of direct photoproduction of heavy quarks and exclusive production of vector mesons to varying strength of gluon modifications. Implications of using these processes for constraining nuclear gluon distributions are discussed.Comment: 10 pages, 8 figures; additional results, comments, and references; accepted for publication in Physical Review

Investigation of pollutant removal processes within a combined wetland/aerated pond system for the treatment of airport runoff

An integrated system of aerated ponds together with rafted and horizontal flow sub-surface reedbeds has been Installed to treat the glycol-contaminated runoff from two of Heathrow Airport’s susceptible catchment areas the Southern Catchment and the Eastern Catchment. The original plan was to transfer pre-treated water from the latter through the existing fire main which runs around the airport perimeter to the Mayfield Farm Treatment Facility (MFTF) which receives runoff from the Southern Catchment. However this part of the overall Heathrow treatment scheme for surface runoff has not yet been put into operation. Results from monitoring of the treatment system has shown Significant reductions In Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) throughout the system with levels decreasing by 76 6±10 5% across the constructed wetland cells at the MFTF following high airport deicing fluids applications. However continued exposure to BOD concentrations exceeding the design target of 110 mg/l has resulted in anaerobic conditions being established in the wetland. Background nitrate and phosphate levels observed in two aerated ponds at the MFTF which are used for storage and initial treatment of airport runoff were low Initial results from laboratory experiments conducted to assess the ideal nutrient levels required to support glycol biodegradation in the aerated ponds showed efficient BOD removal (within 5 days) after repeated glycol additions There were also Increases In bacteria populations In aerated pond water samples from average background levels of 107 to 1010 Colony forming units (CFU) per litre Based on the Interpretation of the laboratory experiments a nutrient dosing protocol commenced on 12 November 2004 at the MFTF to ensure that nutrient levels in the aerated ponds were appropriate to treat the contaminated airport runoff received during the winter months Although the BOO levels recorded In the aerated ponds were still high after the commencement of the nutrient dosing regime in November 2004 the BOD removal efficiency of the aerated reservoir following the Influx of high winter BOD load increased to 47 5% (February 2005) from 25 5% recorded In March 2004. In microbiological analyses conducted on the water samples from the MFTF only 18 strains of bacteria, 3 fungal strains and 2 actinomycetes strains were culturable In the laboratory. A combination of API biochemical tests and PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) analyses showed that at least SIX of these bacteria were Pseudomonas species which have been widely reported to have high potential for biodegradation of organic pollutants. However biodegradation experiments conducted using the consortium of the bacteria fungi and actinomycetes Isolates In sterile distilled water dosed With glycol showed that they lacked the ability to efficiently remove the BOD despite the continuously high BOD reductions recorded in some of the natural systems they were isolated from

Characteristics and Behaviour of African Factor Markets and Market Institutions and Their Consequences for Economic Growth

This paper provides a detailed characterisation of the structure and behaviour of African factor markets and the institutions that impact on their operations. It shows that the African factor markets are imperfect and inefficient, thus constraining economic growth. The paper posits that for the current reform programmes to succeed, policy that enhances the efficiency and competitiveness of the African factor markets must be put in place.

The influence of fillers on theophylline release from clay matrices

Abstract: The objectives of this study were to investigate the suitability of magnesium aluminium silicate (MAS) (Veegum®) to control drug release of a model drug, theophylline, from tablet matrices. To this end, the performance of three commonly used fillers namely: lactose, microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel PH102; MCC), and pre-gelatinized starch, Starch 1500 PGS), were evaluated against Veegum®. The physico-mechanical properties of the tablet matrices were studied along with dissolution studies to determine the effect of single or binary mixtures of the excipients on the drug release pattern. A DSC hydration methodology was also employed to characterize the states of water present in the tablet matrices and to determine any impact on drug release. Formulations containing MAS alone produced compacts with the lowest hardness (4.5 kp) whereas formulations containing MCC alone produced the hardest tablets (17.2 kp). Dissolution studies suggested that matrices containing MAS alone released the theophylline quickest as compared to lactose, MCC or PGS. It was difficult to establish a trend of the bound and free water states in the tablet matrices; however the formulation containing only MAS had the highest bound water at 29 %. The results therefore show that theophylline does not interact with MAS. As such the dominant factor in controlling drug release using MAS requires interaction or intercalation with a cationic drug. In the absence of this however, other excipients can play a role in controlling drug release. Keywords: Veegum, clay matrices, DSC hydration, Magnesium aluminium silicate, filler

Evaluating and Improving Marketing Productivity

Adeola Oyebola's poster on how to evaluate and improve marketing productivity

Women, Community Education and Rural Transformation in Nigeria: A Synergy

Women have always been relevant in any development process either at home or in their various communities. They are the key actors in bringing about real changes positively given their population statistics and their active roles in the community. They are often at the grassroots level and are seen to be important in decision making processes though in most cases this is not acknowledged or appreciated given the patriarchal nature of the communities and also at higher levels of human socialisation. This paper seeks to bring to discourse the crucial importance of women and how the transformation process of their communities may not be worthwhile if they are not actively involved. The popular notion that if you train a woman you train a community is the underlying factor guiding this paper. The paper is also premised on the fact that if women are giving the right atmosphere and environment to operate then, a strong synergy is expected to bring about positive rural transformation for the betterment of all the stakeholders. Keywords: Women, Community Education, Rural transformation DOI: 10.7176/JEP/12-25-05 Publication date:September 30th 202