Theoretical evaluation of the reaction rates for Al26(n,p)26Mg and Al26(n,α)23Na

The reactions that destroy Al26 in massive stars have significance in a number of astrophysical contexts. We evaluate the reaction rates of Al26(n,p)26Mg and Al26(n,α)23Na using cross sections obtained from the codes empire and talys. These have been compared to the published rates obtained from the non-smoker code and to some experimental data. We show that the results obtained from empire and talys are comparable to those from non-smoker. We also show how the theoretical results vary with respect to changes in the input parameters. Finally, we present recommended rates for these reactions using the available experimental data and our new theoretical results

Measurement of the e r c.m. = 138 keV resonance in the 23 Na(p, γ) 24 Mg reaction and the abundance of sodium in AGB stars

Globular clusters represent some of the oldest stellar aggregations in the universe. As such, they are used as testing grounds for theories of stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis. Astronomical observations have shown star-to-star abundance variations in light-mass elements in all galactic globular clusters that are not predicted by standard stellar evolution models. In particular, there exists a pronounced anticorrelation between Na and O in the cluster stars that is not observed in field stars of similar evolutionary state. The abundance of Na is regulated in part by the 23Na+p reaction, which is also a bridge between the NeNa and the MgAl mass regions, but the 23Na(p,γ)24Mg reaction rate is very uncertain for burning temperatures relevant to stars on the red giant and asymptotic giant branches. This uncertainty arises from an expected but unobserved resonance at Erc.m. = 138 keV. The resonance strength upper limit has been determined to be ωγUL(138 keV) ≤5.17×10-9 eV with indications of a signal at the 90% confidence level. New reaction rates have been calculated for the 23Na(p,γ)24Mg and 23Na(p,α)20Ne reactions and the recommended value for the 23Na(p,γ)24Mg rate has been reduced by over an order of magnitude at T9 = 0.07. This will have implications for the processing of material between the NeNa and MgAl mass regions

Homophobia and perceptions about homosexuality among students of a tertiary institution in Nigeria

The term ‘LGBT’ is intended to emphasize a diversity of "sexuality and gender identity-based cultures”. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) adolescents face challenges growing up healthy in a culture that is often unaccepting. Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Nigeria.2 Discrimination by reason of sexual orientation, termed homophobia, embraces prejudices against LGBT individuals. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of homophobia, explore the perception about homosexuality and associations between sociodemographic factors and homophobia among undergraduate students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among 500 students of OAU using a multistage sampling technique. They completed a semi structured Socio-demographic Data Schedule and a homophobic scale developed by Wright, Adams and Bernatto assess the cognitive, affective, and behavioral components of homophobia. Univariate analysis was used to determine the prevalence of homophobia and this was expressed in percentages. Association at bivariate level was assessed using chi-square and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. About half of the respondents were between the ages of 21 and 25 years. There were slightly more females (56%) than males. most of the respondents (97.8%) were aware of homosexuality, fewer (64.3%) believed it was common while fewer still (36.8%) knew any gay or bisexual persons. Thirty-five (7.2%) respondents believed that homosexuality was acceptable. However, 359 (74.7%) believed that homosexuality was immoral, 326 (67.8%) would feel uncomfortable with a GLB roommate and 23 (4.9%) had actually damaged property belonging to GLB persons. Two hundred and forty-nine (54.5%) respondents had high overall levels of homophobia. Female respondents had significantly lower levels of total homophobia compared to male respondents. Respondents attracted exclusively to the opposite sex were more likely to demonstrate behavioural aggression compared to those attracted to same or both sexes. Although many are aware of same sex sexuality in Nigeria, the restrictive confines of law and social norms make stigmatization and discrimination rife and these may impact negatively on the wellbeing of LGBT individuals.Keywords: LGBT, Homophobia, Homosexuality, Perceptio