Searches for the Lightest Supersymmetric Particle at LEP2 when R-parity is violated

Searches for the Lightest Supersymmetric Particle (LSP) are performed under the assumption that R-parity is violated via a single dominant LLEbar, LQDbar or UbarDbarDbar coupling. Data collected by the ALEPH detector at LEP with centre-of-mass energies from 189GeV to 208GeV and a total integrated luminosity of 628pb^{-1} are used. Searches for direct and indirect decays of pair produced neutralinos and charginos are carried out. In the absence of signal, parameter space of the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model is constrained and limits on the mass of the LSP are obtained. Constraints from the Z width measurement, slepton, squark and Higgs searches are also used to exclude parameter space. The lower mass limits for direct decays at 95% confidence on the LSP are 60.2GeV/c^2, 42.3GeV/c^2 and 25.9GeV/c^2 for LLEbar, LQDbar and UbarDbarDbar coupling respectively. The lower mass limits for indirect decays at 95% confidence on the LSP are 58.7GeV^2, 44.2GeV^2 and 42.2GeV^2 for LLEbar, LQDbar and UbarDbarDbar coupling respectively. The limits are valid for all values of \mu, tan\beta, m_{0} and M_{2}

Physiotherapy as a profession.

This case study of the physiotherapy profession is practitioner research, undertaken in the unique research role in which the researcher was also the manager of the organisation being researched and a member of the profession being researched. The dual aim of the study was to contribute to the theory of professions, as well as the practice of managing a profession in the context of an organization (the NHS). The theoretical aim was fulfilled by establishing the "specific pattern of profession" of physiotherapy; its practical contribution was the identification of factors of a management model which were critical to implementing professionalism in the organizational context of the NHS. The factors were: "diffuse organization" in "highly organic, fluid and self-generating" specialist team structures, located at the middle stratum of the organization, which gives the incumbents of "technical" (clinical) knowledge a role on shaping the context to clinical work (in operational and strategic planning). This new professional role of "research-orientated managing clinician" includes the evaluation of work based on research and other investigative procedures. This was at a time when the state bureaucracy's interests coincided with the profession's interests in establishing professional autonomy in physiotherapy and a professional type of knowledge and skill system. Guided by the concept of profession proposed by Kocka and Torstendahl (1990), this case study identified the details of professional knowledge and skill systems and constructed a physiotherapy-specific typology of knowledge and skills (based on the literature about professional knowledge systems and interviews). The typology was used to test the knowledge and skill base in physiotherapy practice by in-depth interviews. Research methods were both conceptual as well as empirical. The empirical part was predominantly based on a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews. The data was supplemented by documentary evidence and my observations as a participant observer. The study contributes to our knowledge and understanding of the physiotherapy profession and the new concept of profession by establishing the specific pattern of profession for physiotherapy. The role of "organization" (a "professional resource" in the actor-based framework) was found to be critical for the implementation of professionalism in practice. "Organization" was specified on the basis of this case study as "organic, fluid and selfgenerating". New knowledge and skill categories were identified in this study. These categories were: breadth of knowledge, the ability to generalise from the technical to nontechnical domains ("knowledge and skill transfers"), "organic" type of communication and confidence. The study also contributes to our understanding of the research methods of practitioner research from this unique triple role

Using Double Tagging to measure the Performance of the Same Side Kaon Tagger in Data

This note describes a method for the measurement of the wrong-tag fraction of the Same Side Kaon tagger, $\omega_{ss}$ in data using the Double Tagging procedure. The importance of such a measurement is explained and the method of Double Tagging described. This measurement was carried out using samples from reconstructed $Bs -> Ds\pi$ and $Bs -> Ds\mu\nu$ decays. The impact of background in both decay channels on the measurement of $\omega_{ss}$ was also studied. A general way of handling tagger correlations is presented. Finally, the Double Tagging measurement and the correlation investigation are performed on the present Monte Carlo data and the results presented. Results show that with 2fb-1 of data, the Double Tagging procedure can be used to measure the SS Kaon wrong-tag fraction to a statistical accuracy of 3.6% and 1.2% for the $Bs -> Ds\pi$ and $Bs -> Ds\mu\nu$ channels respectively

Assessment of the Nutritional Status of Children in a Rural Community of Central Edo State, South-South Part of Nigeria

This cross sectional study assesses the nutritional status of children -as indicated by selected anthropometric parameters, in a rural community in Edo Central Senatorial Zone, South-South, Nigeria. The survey was  conducted amongst 900 primary school pupils in Esan West Local  Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The age, sex, weight and height of the pupil, as well as selected socio-demographic characteristics of the  parents/guardian, were collected by means of a face-to-face interview and questionnaire respectively. Results showed that the overall prevalence of stunting and under-weight were 14.90% and 19.60% respectively. Stunting and under-weight were observed to be prevalent among males (16.2% and 20.8%) and age 9 – 12 years (23.2% and 32.5%). Children living with both parents and those living with mothers only, were most stunted growth and under-weight. Although Nigeria is referred to as the giant of Africa, her nutritional status remains a major public health challenge especially  amongst children. Therefore, to achieve her vision 2020, the nutritional status of children in rural communities must be improved.Keywords: Children, Malnutrition, Growth, Nigeria

Treatment outcomes of tuberculosis patients in a Directly Observed Treatment Short course (DOTS) Referral Centre in Delta State, Nigeria: a five-year review (2012 - 2016)

Introduction: The objective of this study is to observe the trend in treatment outcomes and identify determinants of treatment success among patients recruited into care through the DOTS strategy. Methodology: A retrospective record review of tuberculosis patients (2012-2016) was carried out at the Tuberculosis and Leprosy Referral Centre, Eku, Delta State, Nigeria. Results: Records of four hundred and twenty five (425) tuberculosis patients under DOTS were reviewed over five years. The highest number of cases under treatment, 102 (24.0%), was recorded in 2013. The mean age (SD) of patients was 37.3 (±16.5) years, majority of the patients were male (62.4%) and 18% had TB/HIV co-infection. Treatment outcomes of patients were cured (53.4%), completed (27.8%), died (6.8%), failed (2.4%), lost to follow up (4.9%), transferred out (1.2%) and not evaluated (3.5%). Over all, treatment success rate was 81.2% with a trend of 88.7% (2012), 87.3% (2013), 85.9% (2014), 65.0% (2015) and 65.8% (2016) respectively. Patient characteristics were not associated with treatment success.Conclusion: The treatment success rate was high and in line with the national recommendation of 80% and above. The trend showed a reduction in number of new cases enrolled into the DOTS programme, reduction in success rate with a concomitant increase in loss to follow up. There was no association between patient characteristics and TB treatment success. System strengthening on patient follow up, community health education and treatment adherence is recommended. Keywords: Tuberculosis; DOTS; Treatment Outcome; TB/HIV Co-infection; Delta State

Is exposure to hydrocarbons associated with chronic kidney disease in young Nigerians? A case–control study

IntroductionAlthough environmental exposure to hydrocarbons has been linked to non-communicable diseases, its association with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is still an emerging area. Epidemiological studies associating CKD with prolonged exposure to hydrocarbons have mostly focused on occupational exposure, with fewer studies on environmental exposure from residing in contaminated areas. The aim of this study was to determine any association between long-term exposure to petrochemical products and the risk of CKD by comparing the residence and occupational history of young patients with CKD and non-CKD controls.Materials and methodsA case–control study of 74 cases and 74 age- and sex-matched non-CKD controls was carried out. Cases were patients with CKD who were aged 18–44 years and diagnosed with suspected chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN). Patients were recruited from an outpatient nephrology clinic and medical wards. Patients with CKD from traditional causes were excluded. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire adapted from the WHO STEPwise approach to the non-communicable disease risk factor surveillance (STEPS) instrument. To assess exposure, a detailed work history and all residential addresses where the patients have lived for at least 5 years were recorded. ‘Exposed’ status was regarded as long-term residence in a known oil-polluted area and jobs involving crude oil exploration, processing, transportation and sales, and cleanup of crude oil hazards. Absence of a history of chronic exposure or any form of exposure was regarded as ‘less exposed’.ResultsThere were 52 (70.3%) cases categorized as exposed, compared with 21 (28.4%) controls (p < 0.001). There were 34 (45.9%) cases born near petrochemical refineries and plants, compared with 11 (14.9%) controls (p ≤ 0.001). There were 34 (45.9%) cases residing near petrochemical refineries and plants, compared with 8 (10.9%) controls (p ≤ 0.001). When asked ‘Do you think you have been significantly exposed to crude oil?’, 15 (20.3%) cases and 2 (2.7%) controls answered ‘yes’ (p ≤ 0.001).ConclusionOur findings suggest an association between exposure to petrochemicals and CKD in young Nigerians diagnosed with suspected CGN. Exposure is significantly associated with a higher mean age, waist circumference, and blood sugar levels; however, other traditional risk factors for CKD were not considerably more prevalent in this unique patient population. These findings should prompt more emphasis on occupational history, residential history, and other relevant environmental exposures in the assessment of patients at risk for CKD

Assessment of knowledge and sexual behaviour among undergraduates in a Nigerian tertiary institution

Background and introduction: The achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), particularly goals 5 and 6, is strongly underpinned by the progress that can be made on sexual and reproductive health education of young adults.The large population of young single adults in tertiary institutions in Nigeria and the present dearth of human resources for health necessitates that interventions for this group of individuals are tailored to meet identified gaps in awareness and sexual behaviour.This study sets out to assess the sexual behaviour and practice among single-undergraduates in a tertiary institution in Nigeria.Method: A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out among 410 consenting students selected through a multistage sampling method. Data was collected using a structured self- administered questionnaire and analysed using Statistical Package for Scientific Solutions (SPSS) version 16.0.Results: Mean age of respondents was 20 + 4.4 years, 228 (55.6%) were females and 182 (44.4%) males.The respondents' awareness of contraceptive devices was 81.7% (335) for condoms and less than 20% knew about other forms of contraception such as intrauterine device, tubal ligation and vasectomy.Over 65.7% (270) opined abstinence and use of condom to be the ideal methods for prevention of HIV/AIDS/ STI transmission. The overall mean age at first sexual contact was 14.0+1.4((14.2+1.6) in males and (13.8 +1.2) in females). A Very high proportion of sexually active respondents (93.6%) volunteered they do not routinely use condom in their sexual encounter.Undesired pregnancies occurred in about 11% of females.Recommendations: There is an urgent need for the establishment of specially designated youth friendly centres in the tertiary institutions in the country, manned with staff appropriately trained in the delivery of reproductive health information and services.Keywords: Sexual Behaviour,Undergraduates,Tertiary Institution,Nigeri

Factors Influencing Knowledge of Hepatitis B Vaccination amongst Healthcare Workers in a Rural Teaching Hospital in Southern Nigeria

Introduction: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are daily exposed to HBV infections from the blood and body fluids of patients and clients they care for in the health sector.  Unfortunately, many of these HCWs are not vaccinated for hepatitis B. This study aimed to assess the factors influencing knowledge of hepatitis B vaccination amongst HCWs in a rural tertiary health facility in Edo State, Southern Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used in this study, and data were collected using the quantitative approach. 280 HCWs were administered with pre-tested, semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. The obtained data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21.0, and the level of significance – alpha (α) was set at 5% (0.05). Results: The mean age of HCWs was 34.90(±9.46) years. Just above half of the HCWs, 146 (52.1%), had a good knowledge of the hepatitis B (HB) vaccine.  Work type (p<0.001) and category of HCWs (p<0.001) were significantly associated with the level of knowledge of hepatitis B vaccination by respondents. Conclusion: There was poor knowledge of hepatitis B vaccination amongst HCWs with work type and category of HCW as determinants. Priority should be given to ensure targeted health promotion programmes that will improve knowledge, with a view to enhance optimal uptake of hepatitis B vaccine amongst HCWs

Knowledge and application of infectious diseases control measures among Primary Care workers in Nigeria: The Lassa fever example

The objective of this study was to investigate the knowledge and practice of Lassa fever control among primary care health workers. The study was a cross-sectional survey of health workers in 34 primary care centres in Esan West and Esan Central Local Government Areas. The LGAs were selected from Lassa fever-endemic areas in the state and studied with 231 self-administered semi-structured questionnaires. The knowledge of respondents was assessed using a ten-question scoring system. Data was analyzed and presented in tables and figures. All respondents were aware of Lassa fever and 77.9% of them had good knowledge of the control of the disease while 9.1% had poor knowledge. There was no significant association between level of knowledge and designation of the health worker (χ2=8.99, df =4, p>0.05). Only 13.0% and 16.9% of them regularly practiced barrier-nursing and hand washing, respectively, as means of containing the spread of the infection. The level of general knowledge about Lassa fever was high. However, there was poor compliance with standard preventive practices. Therefore, sustained education and re-training of Health workers at the primary care level is required to curtail nosocomial transmission of the disease.Key words: Lassa fever, health worker, infection, disease control

Market Sanitation: A Case Study of Oregbeni Market Benin - City Edo State, Nigeria

Poor market sanitation is an intractable problem in Nigeria and has contributed to the spread of infectious diseases and environmental degradation. This study was undertaken to determine the awareness and practice of solid waste management in market places among market users. It involved 180 store owners and customers recruited from Oregbeni market in Benin City, Nigeria. They were administered questionnaires while an in depth interview was conducted with the waste managers in the market. Checklist was used to carry out observation of the market place sanitation status. The data obtained was then analyzed and compared using SPSS. The results showed that a high proportion of respondents were aware of improper waste management (133; 62.8%) and agreed (174; 96.7%) that it is associated with many risks. Despite this high level of awareness, the practice of open dumping of waste was prevalent (108; 60.0%). Interestingly, 96.1% expressed willingness to pay for an improved waste disposal system while 55.6% rated the existing system as poor. Our findings suggest therefore that there is an urgent needs to improve waste collection, and disposal at market places.Keywords: Market sanitation, Solid Waste Management, Health hazards, Environmental degradation