Heavy Quark Parton Distribution Functions

We present the CTEQ6HQ parton distribution set which is determined in the general variable flavor number scheme which incorporates heavy flavor mass effects; hence, this set provides advantages for precision observables which are sensitive to charm and bottom quark masses. We describe the analysis procedure, examine the predominant features of the new distributions, and compare with previous distributions. We also examine the uncertainties of the strange quark distribution and how the the recent NuTeV dimuon data constrains this quantity.Comment: 5 pages, 2 figures; contribution to the XIII International Workshop on Deep Inelastic Scattering (DIS 2005

Frontiers of QCD with Precision nPDFs

Searches for new physics will increasingly depend on identifying deviations from precision Standard Model (SM) predictions. Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) will necessarily play a central role in this endeavor as it provides the framework for the parton model. However, as we move to higher orders and into extreme kinematic regions, we begin to see the full complexities of the QCD theory. Recent theoretical developments improve our ability to analyze both proton and nuclear PDFs across the full kinematic range. These developments are incorporated into the new nCTEQ15 PDFs, and we review these developments with respect to future measurements, and identify areas where additional effort is required.Comment: Published in the "6th International conference on Physics Opportunities at Electron-Ion colliders (POETIC6)

q_T Uncertainties for W and Z Production

Analysis of semi-inclusive DIS hadroproduction suggests broadening of transverse momentum distributions at small x below 1E-3 ~ 1E-2 which can be modeled in the Collins-Soper-Sterman formalism by a modification of impact parameter dependent parton densities. We investigate these consequences for the production of electroweak bosons at the Tevatron and the LHC. If substantial small-x broadening is observed in forward Z boson production in the Tevatron Run-2, it will strongly affect the predicted q_T distributions for W and Z boson production at the LHC.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures; contribution to the XIII International Workshop on Deep Inelastic Scattering (DIS 2005

THE ROLE OF TRADITIONAL RULERS IN CURBING ELECTORAL VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA

The Nigerian state since independence has been bedeviled by electoral violence. The use of security forces and advocacy in the media by government and its agencies, and other measures have so far failed in stemming electoral violence in the country. This study therefore attempts to situate the role of traditional rulers in curbing electoral violence in the country. Using the structural functionalism theoretical framework and relying on personal observation as a primary source of data as well as secondary sources of data, the study found out that the major causes of electoral violence in the country are a consequence of the failure of contemporary security measures, media advocacy and also lack of mentoring of its citizens by relevant institutions and government's present methods. The study recommends that giving traditional rulers and their institutions this role of mentoring their subjects on the dangers of electoral violence, and also establishing an 'indirect homeland security system' will assist in curbing electoral violence in the counhy. It also recommends that traditional rulers should withdraw and refuse honours to people who indulge in electoral violence as well as call to order perpetrators and sponsors of electoral violence

Pawpaw leaves supplemented with three calcium sources and their effects on the african giant land snail in humid Nigeria

The response of one hundred and thirty-two (132) grower African giant land snail (Archachatina marginata) with a weight range of 231.33-234.00 g and fed fresh pawpaw (Carica papaya) leaf-based diet supplemented with three mineral calcium sources was investigated in a humid tropical environment of Nigeria. The grower snails received either pawpaw leaves alone (T1: control), pawpaw leaf + egg shell (T2), pawpaw leaf + oyster shell (T3) or pawpaw leaf + periwinkle shell (T4). Each treatment groups was replicated 3 times in a Completely Randomized Design. The results showed that pawpaw leaf and calcium intakes differed (p 0.05), shell thickness was significantly different (p < 0.05) varying between 0.15 cm for T1 to 0.27 cm for T3. The study suggests that dietary calcium supplementation in the diets of the African giant land snail will improve the intake of a pawpaw leaf basal diet and mineral calcium, weight gain and feed conversion ratio with the oyster supplemented group performing better