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This paper examines the ripple effects of flooding on the roles and economic activities of women in Isoko-Nation, flood-prone areas that exhibit low-lying plain that resides on the coaster region of Delta State. The region attracts high population due to flooding fluvial deposits on the flood plains that serve as fertilizer to boost agricultural activities of the people. Consequent upon this, the socioeconomic development of the region is facing reversing years of progress, socially and economically in response to the rippling effects thus crippling effective and sustainable role of the women. The situation is worsened by lack of infrastructural facilities to encourage alternative income earning activities. And the dearth of the women socio-economic status means the dearth of socioeconomic development of the region therefore the need to severe the women from the rippling flood effects is vital to the sustainable development of the region. Therefore the paper discussed the implications of the downgrading and reversed economic activities of the women on the sustainable development in the region and noted that though the annual flooding occurrence in the region cannot be completely eliminated however the associated disasters can be mitigated and the rippling effects reduced. The paper recommends that a proper understanding of the season and dynamic climatic trends of the region will create conscious knowledge on the mitigation strategies to reduce the unprecedented effect of incessant flooding and ginger the effort of the government to fulfill its commitment of improving the quality of lives and standard of living in Isoko-nation. The study substantiate that provision of infrastructure would energize the women whose socio-economic status is on the decline to embrace alternative source of income that would revive their hope and faith in the economy of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A contemporary community challenge requires a symbiosis between the police and the community. This paper examined community policing and security in Delta State with focus on vigilante groups in Abraka kingdom. The survey research method was adopted, with a combination of both primary and secondary sources of data collection. Questionnaires were administered and data were also generated from books, journals and newspaper articles. Data collected was tabulated and analyzed using the simple percentage. The study revealed that the Nigerian police force alone cannot secure lives and properties of citizens of Delta state, without complementary efforts from the community. The paper concluded that the police and the community can actually work together to provide security for the state. The paper recommended amongst others that the law making body of the state, which is the State House of Assembly, to enact laws that will encourage the establishment and training of the vigilante groups to enhance community policing in Delta State as it has being in other States of the Federation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examined the topic on information needs and seeking behaviour of Pregnant Women in Ughelli General Hospital, Delta State to this end therefore, the researcher came up with four objectives which are: to identify the information needs of pregnant women in ughelli general hospital, to ascertain the information seeking behaviour of pregnant women in ughelli general hospital, to identify the information sources used by pregnant women in ughelli general hospital, to identify challenges pregnant women faced with when seeking for information. The paper succinctly outline some challenges that tend to hamper information needs and seeking behaviour of Pregnant Women in Ughelli General Hospital, Delta State and they are: erratic power supply, feeling shy asking information, finance Problem, I have childcare needs to take care of, I have family/household needs to take care of, I have no one to accompany me to the clinic, I have no one to discuss my pregnancy with, I have to wait a lot to see the doctor or healthcare professional, ignorance, inadequate functional PHC centre, it is too far to get to clinic, language barrier, my elders think their advice is enough, my partner is not involved, scarring of asking for information, the health staff attitude is not good, there is a lack of proper discussion by health professional. The study was concluded and the following recommendations were outlined which are: Since the information needs from this study has been identified, it is expedient that serious work by health practitioners should be done to ensure that these needs are adequately attended to so as to satisfy the yearning of pregnant women generally. The pregnant women should be exposed especially the literate ones to the use of Internet, library, radio as sources of accessing information that will better their lives during the pregnancy period. There should be adequate functional health centre, doctors should also make it easy for the pregnant women at this period of their pregnancy to easily access them without much constraint and the idea of tasking pregnant women aside the main charges that is required of them to pay should be discouraged and abolished by the health practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper evaluates the dramatic aesthetics of the Ikenge and Ifejioku festivals of Ossissa people of Ndokwa-East Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. The study, which is a survey of the performance tradition, critically analyses the controversy surrounding the views of African dramatic scholars (the evolutionists and the relativists) on the question of what constitutes drama in the context of Nigerian traditional performances. This controversy arose as a result of Aristotle's concept of drama with its emphasis on imitation, plot, dialogue, conflict, etc. Based on this concept, Ruth Finnegan describes the indigenous festival traditions in Africa as "quasi-dramatic phenomena" that lack the Western dramatic structures. While the evolutionist school of thought argues that the traditional festivals are not drama but rituals, the relativist school claims that the traditional festivals in Africa can be considered as dramatic performances since most of the features of drama such as music and dance, audience participation, costumes, stage, etc., are present in the festival traditions. The study employs a field work-oriented methodology, involving participatory observation of the festivals, interviews, documentary analysis, audio records, and photographs of scenes and events. The findings of the study confirm that traditional African festivals are indeed dramatic performances. The study concludes that the African traditional performance mode is indigenous to African people and must not necessarily mirror the Western model. The paper, therefore, submits that the Ikenge and Ifejioku festivals of Ossissa can be seen as complete drama just like any other Western dramatic forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Traditionally, feet are classified as high, normal or low arched. Studies on flat foot (pes planus) have been conducted in different ethnic groups in Nigeria but none has been conducted among young Ika adults. This study is therefore aimed at determining the prevalence of flat foot using plantar arch index among young adults of Ika. Methods: A total of 384 subjects comprising 199 females and 185 males aged 18-37 years participated in the study. Foot prints of subjects were obtained using the simple ink and duplicating paper method. The Plantar Arch Index was calculated by dividing the foot prints in three equidistant regions excluding the toes. The index value was the ratio between the area of the mid foot and the total area of the foot print. Descriptive statistics for each variable included mean and standard deviation while statistical tools included independent sample t-tests and paired samples test respectively. Results: After data analyses, the total prevalence of flat foot was 8.6% while a total of 24(6.3%) males had flat foot on their right foot while 16(4.2%) had on their left. However, 14(3.6%) and 12(3.1%) females had flat foot on their right and left foot sides respectively. The prevalence of Pes planus was significantly higher among males (P< 0.05) than their female counterparts on both foot sides. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant difference between flat and normal foot on both foot sides while the difference between flat foot of the right side and that of the left was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Being the first of its kind in Ika, this study is therefore important to the Orthopaedist and Podiatrist in Nigeria for diagnosis and treatment choices of foot deformities amongst young adults of Ika. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research was to estimate the resource allocation efficiency and profitability of exotic chicken enterprises in Delta State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was adopted to pick a sample of 120 farmers from whom data were elicited using structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings indicate that the average age of respondents was 43 years; majority (85%) of respondents were males with 16 years’ experience in exotic chicken production; 75% were married and 48% had secondary education. The mean household size was 5 persons. Budgetary analysis showed a net return of ₦930,700.00 per annum and return on investment was 1.73 per naira. This means that exotic chicken production is profitable. The double log regression model result shows that cost of day old chicks, feed, drugs and vaccines, labour, shelter and equipment significantly influenced exotic chicken production. The resource use efficiency result infers that DOCs and drugs and vaccine were under-utilized while feeds, labour and housing and equipment were over-utilized by the farmers. The elasticity of production was 1.08. This is increasing returns to scale. This paper concludes that poultry farmers were inefficient in the application of productive resources and recommends capacity building on resource use for farmers. We recommend that credit facilities and specific training opportunities on resource use be extended to farmers to enhance their exotic chicken production efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the hedging error of foreign exchange options. In respect of the typical static and dynamic Delta hedging strategies, under the circumstance of incomplete market, in which hedging process is discontinuous and interest rate parity theory is not established, the hedging error formulas of spot hedging and forward hedging are given, which can be used to measure the risk of actual hedging portfolio more accurately. In the process of studying Delta hedging strategies, this paper presents a forward exchange rate model including the friction coefficient ε. And by analyzing the difference between the spot hedging and forward hedging, a criterion for choosing the optimal hedging method is given. The criterion depends on the friction coefficient ε, so the market maker can choose the optimal risk hedging method only through real-time monitoring of friction coefficient ε, thus improving the hedging efficiency. The specific analytic formula of hedging error and the criterion of optimal hedging method proposed in this paper provide theoretical basis for foreign exchange option hedging and its risk management. The empirical results show that, the expected return difference proposed in this paper is basically consistent with the actual hedging portfolio, which verifies the rationality of the criterion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the paper was to identify the competence level in internet usage among agricultural extension workers is required for assessing effective information dissemination between agricultural extension workers and farmers in Delta and Edo States in Nigeria. This will be useful in improving the productivity of farmers. To solve the proposed topic, it was a paired t-test was used to determine the difference in the competence of agricultural extension in Delta and Edo States, Nigeria. We find that significant difference (t= 6.968 p≤ 0.05) exists in the competence between agricultural extension workers in Delta (Mean =26.59) and Edo States (Mean = 35.48) at p≤0.05. Respondents recorded high competence level only in searching for research based information with a mean of 2.69 and 3.10 for respondents in Delta and Edo States, respectively. Unstable power supply, unavailability of internet facilities in offices and poor connectivity among others were most significant constraints that hinder the usage of internet related activities. The limited number of agricultural extension workers in the study areas was a major limitation. The few extension workers were difficult to locate and this make data collection unnecessarily time consuming. Agricultural extension workers may find internet useful in sourcing and processing information. However, their competence level in the use of internet in Nigeria is unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nigeria is one of Africa's largest aquaculture producers with catfish and tilapia being dominantly farmed. However, the lack of biosecurity and an unclear aquatic animal health strategy have resulted in substantial disease-related production losses. This study aimed to better understand the existing biosecurity management practices and risk factors that could potentially lead to mortality in catfish production systems using Ogun and Delta States as study sites for a regional model. For this purpose, WorldFish and partners developed a Fish Epidemiology and Health Economics digital survey tool (version 1.13) to collect cross-sectional data from farms within the two states. Consenting farms were recruited from four Local Government Areas (LGAs) (Ijebu-Ode, Ikenne, Odogbolu and Shagamu) in Ogun State and five LGAs (Oshimili South, Udu, Ughelli North, Uvwie and Warri South) in Delta State, from which the data of 220 farms raising table-size catfish were analyzed. Descriptive statistics was used to classify findings by state identity and unusual level of mortality (abnormal losses with higher intensity or quantity) according to production systems, biosecurity measures, management practices, and other potential risk factors. Mixed model logistic regression was used to assess the association between high mortality occurrence and potential risk factors. No significant association between unusual farm mortality and state identity was detected (p = 0.314) but those were included as a random effect to account for them as a source of variation. Only 10.45% of farms experienced unusual fish mortality; however, those farms (n = 23) had higher baseline mortality (p = 0.015) at 15.08%, compared to 6.57% in farms without unusual mortality (n = 197). Only 14.55% of farms documented mortality on paper records, while other farms estimated losses from memory. Most farms (96.82%) did not implement biosecurity procedures at stocking. In that aspect, significantly more farms (p = 0.045) that introduced fish after main stocking reported unusual mortality (42.86%) compared to those that did not restock afterwards (9.39%). Farms using solely homemade feed had 5.1 and 18.2 times greater odds of unusual mortality compared to farms using only commercial feed and those depending on both commercial feed and other materials respectively (p = 0.049). Meanwhile, only 1.36% of farms reported using the services of a veterinarian. Findings from this study indicated plenty of room for biosecurity improvement in earthen pond systems rearing catfish in Ogun and Delta states. Risk factor analysis of industry data can inform the development of local biosecurity management plans and national aquatic health strategy guidelines for sustainable aquaculture. • Baseline survey on catfish farm practices in Nigeria linked with unusual mortality. • Biosecurity gaps revealed in farming systems producing market-sized catfish. • Contextualized digital survey tool for assessing epidemiology in fish farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the usage electronic academic databases resources by lecturers and postgraduate students in Western Delta University, Oghara, Delta State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study identified the types of electronic academic databases that lecturers and postgraduate students are aware of, the electronic academic databases that are available and used, purpose of usage of electronic academic database and the problems militating against the effective use of electronic academic databases resources. Four specific objectives with corresponding research questions guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The population of the study is 134 lecturers and postgraduate students in WDU. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire with the title "Usage of Electronic Academic Database Resources Questionnaire (UEADRQ)". Data collected was analyzed using frequency counts and percentages. The findings showed that there was a high level of awareness of the electronic academic database by the lecturers and postgraduate students and they equally made use of them. However, NUC Virtual library, HINARI, Research4life, AGORA and EBSCO Host were not being used as such. JSTOR, Elsevier, DOAJ, ProQuest, Science direct, and LexisNexis where been put to maximum usage. Research, writing of seminar/conference paper, assignments/seminar presentations and getting up-to-date information with subject areas were the purpose of their usage of the electronic academic databases. Lack of search skill, slow internet bandwidth and incessant power outrage were some of the problems militating against the effective usage of electronic academic database resources in WDU. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that electronic academic databases are vital information resources that need to be available in academic libraries for use by lecturers and students in the pursuit of their academic advancement. The study recommended among others, that orientation, workshop and seminar should be organized by librarians and university authorities on how to acquire the needed search skills in order to be able to make adequate use of these electronic academic database resources in order to advance academic excellence. Lecturers and student's attendance at such orientations, workshop and seminars should be made compulsory by the university authority. Also University libraries should endevour to acquire standby generator. This will be very vital particularly in the situation of power outage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the use of social media by teenagers in day secondary school in Delta State. A descriptive survey research design was embraced for the study, with a self-constructed questionnaire as the tool of data collection. The questionnaire was constructed after consultation of related literature to ensure that relevant items were included in it. A structured questionnaire was designed by the researchers with six research questions. The population of the study comprised all teenagers in day secondary school in Delta State, Nigeria. The researchers used a simple random sampling method in selecting samples for the study, because the method allows members of the populace under study to have equal chances of being selected. Data was collected through the use of a self-constructed questionnaire entitled 'The use of social media by teenagers in day secondary (USMTDS)'. The data collected were analysed using simple percentages and descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that a majority of the respondents have access to social media and the devices used were bought for them by their parents; Facebook is mostly used by teenagers; teenagers access social media during the day; they did not know the length of time they spent on social media; teenagers used social media for academic matters; teenagers are monitored by parents on social media; and social media exposes teenagers to pornography materials. The paper recommended that efforts should be made by parents to ensure constant monitoring and supervision of teenagers on social media to reduce the crime rate, as well as restrict the sites they can access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The nonlinear dynamics of slightly curved pipes conveying fluids under the influence of thermal loadings is investigated. • The boundary condition of the pipe changes the variation of the frequency versus fluid velocity. • The initial curvature tends to shift the critical velocity of the clamped simply supported ends more than the other two. • The displacement for the non-vanishing longitudinal vibration exceed that of the vanishing longitudinal vibration. Slightly curved pipes are prevalent in many industries including oil installations especially in the Delta regions of the world. The aim of this paper therefore is to investigate the nonlinear dynamics of these pipes conveying fluids under the influence of thermal loadings. These investigations are for three different boundary conditions, namely simply supported ends, clamped-clamped ends and clamped-simply supported ends respectively. To derive the governing equations, small strains of initial curvature, temperature, tension, pressure, longitudinal and transverse strains are considered. Furthermore, strains due to curvature change during bending which are hitherto neglected in most of the previous works on slightly curved pipes are added. The strain due to initial curvature accounts for the geometric imperfection. Two coupled nonlinear differential equations in both longitudinal and transverse directions are obtained and solved using eigenfunction expansion method, up to four modes. Linear natural frequencies were obtained, and is shown that for various boundary conditions, it increases as the initial curvature increases and decreases as thermal loading increases. The nonlinear results obtained show that the amplitude of the pipe motion becomes larger due to the obvious effect of thermal loading. Nonlinear results for both vanishing and non-vanishing longitudinal displacements are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies a Riemann problem for the isentropic Euler equations and addresses two gaps in the literature concerning positive pressures. Such study is made using a product of distributions and a solution concept that extends the classical solution concept. Under certain conditions, even for positive pressures, it is shown that the Riemann problem has solutions, which are δ -shock waves. As particular cases, this work examines polytropic gases, pressureless gases, and Chaplygin gases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an improved fractional-order model of boundary formation in the Drosophila large intestine dependent on Delta-Notch pathway is proposed for the first time. The uniqueness, nonnegativity, and boundedness of solutions are studied. In a two cells model, there are two equilibriums (no-expression of Delta and normal expression of Delta). Local asymptotic stability is proved for both cases. Stability analysis shows that the orders of the fractional-order differential equation model can significantly affect the equilibriums in the two cells model. Numerical simulations are presented to illustrate the conclusions. Next, the sensitivity of model parameters is calculated, and the calculation results show that different parameters have different sensitivities. The most and least sensitive parameters in the two cells model and the 60 cells model are verified by numerical simulations. What is more, we compare the fractional-order model with the integer-order model by simulations, and the results show that the orders can significantly affect the dynamic and the phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seftianingrum, R.; Suwasono, R.A.; Sulistioadi, Y.B.; Suhardiman, A., and Diana, R., 2020. Floral composition of the Kayan-Sembakung Delta in North Kalimantan (Indonesia) in different disturbance regimes. Journal of Coastal Research, 36(4), 741–751. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. This paper presents the results of a preliminary study that identify the floral composition of the Kayan-Sembakung Delta in North Kalimantan under different disturbance regimes. The landforms described in the Regional Physical Planning Project for Transmigration in Indonesia land-system map were evaluated to define the mangrove ecosystem boundary. The mangrove ecosystem disturbance levels distinguished by reclassifying the land-cover map of the mangrove ecosystem into four categories, i.e. heavily disturbed mangrove (represented by shrimp ponds abandoned five years ago or less), moderately disturbed mangrove (represented by shrimp ponds abandoned more than five years ago), regrown (secondary) mangrove forest (that may have been logged for wood but did not experience terrain alteration for fishpond development), and relatively undisturbed (primary) mangrove forest. A vegetation survey was conducted in several transects for each of these categories. Basal area, density, species diversity, and abundance of species in each location were calculated to understand the floral composition of the mangrove ecosystem. The study reveals that the mangrove forest in the Simanggaris River has the highest total basal area of 44.50 m2/ha, as well as the highest tree density of 1635 individual/ha, which indicates the most dense and mature remaining mangrove forest followed by the Sikang River near Liago Village with 85.75% of canopy cover. The heavily degraded mangrove ecosystem in Ibus Island has the highest importance value index of 278.89%, with Sonneratia sp. as the dominant species. The Kayan-Sembakung Delta hosts at least six original mangrove species, i.e. Rhizophora apiculata, Osbornia octodonta, Lumnitzera littorea, Avicennia sp, Rhizophora sp, and Sonneratia sp. In addition to the six original mangrove species listed, the inner part of the Kayan Delta also has several forest patches dominated by Nypa fruticans, whereas some parts of the Delta host a mixed vegetation composition between freshwater and brackish water ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we show that if b ∈ L 2 ⁢ (ℝ n) {b\in L^{2}(\mathbb{R}^{n})} , then the bilinear form defined on the product of the non-homogeneous Sobolev spaces H s 2 ⁢ (ℝ n) × H s 2 ⁢ (ℝ n) {H_{s}^{2}(\mathbb{R}^{n})\times H_{s}^{2}(\mathbb{R}^{n})} , 0 < s < 1 {0

High spectral resolution and high signal-to-noise ratio optical spectra of red giants in the globular cluster Omega Centauri are analysed for stellar parameters and chemical abundances of 15 elements including helium by either line equivalent widths or synthetic spectrum analyses. The simultaneous abundance analysis of MgH and Mg lines adopting theoretical photospheres and a combination of He/H ratios proved to be the only powerful probe to evaluate helium abundances of red giants cooler than 4400 K, wherein otherwise helium line transitions (He  i 10830 and 5876 Å) present for a direct spectral line analysis. The impact of helium-enhanced model photospheres on the resulting abundance ratios is smaller than 0.15 dex, in agreement with past studies. The first indirect spectroscopic helium abundances measured in this paper for the most metal-rich cluster members reveal the discovery of seven He-enhanced giants (⁠|$\Delta Y=+0.15 \pm 0.04$|⁠), the largest such sample found spectroscopically to date. The average metallicity of −0.79 ± 0.06 dex and abundances for O, Na, Al, Si, Ca, Ti, Ni, Ba, and La are consistent with values found for the red giant branch (RGB-a) and subgiant branch (SGB-a) populations of Omega Centauri, suggesting an evolutionary connection among samples. The He enhancement in giants is associated with larger s-process elemental abundances, which correlate with Al and anticorrelate with O. These results support the formation of He-enhanced, metal-rich population of Omega Centauri out of the interstellar medium enriched with the ejecta of fast rotating massive stars, binaries exploding as supernovae, and asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a stabilized second order in time accurate linear exponential time differencing (ETD) scheme for the no-slope-selection thin film growth model is presented. An artificial stabilizing term Aτ2∂Δ2u∂t A τ 2 ∂ Δ 2 u ∂ t $ A{\tau }^2\frac{\mathrm{\partial }{\Delta }^2u}{\mathrm{\partial }t}$ is added to the physical model to achieve energy stability, with ETD-based multi-step approximations and Fourier collocation spectral method applied in the time integral and spatial discretization of the evolution equation, respectively. Long time energy stability and detailed 𝓁∞(0,T;𝓁2) l ∞ (0 , T ; l 2) $ {\mathcal{l}}^{\mathrm{\infty }}(0,T;{\mathcal{l}}^2)$ error analysis are provided based on the energy method, with a careful estimate of the aliasing error. In addition, numerical experiments are presented to demonstrate the energy decay and convergence rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the energy supercritical d + 1-dimensional semi-linear heat equation ∂tu = Δu + up, x∈Rd+1, p ≥ 3, d ≥ 14. A fundamental open problem on this canonical nonlinear model is to understand the possible blow-up profiles appearing after renormalisation of a singularity. We exhibit in this paper a new scenario corresponding to the first example of a strongly anisotropic blow-up bubble: the solution displays a completely different behaviour depending on the considered direction in space. A fundamental step of the analysis is to solve the reconnection problem in order to produce finite energy solutions which is the heart of the matter. The corresponding anistropic mechanism is expected to be of fundamental importance in other settings in particular in fluid mechanics. The proof relies on a new functional framework for the construction and stabilisation of type II bubbles in the parabolic setting using energy estimates only, and allows us to exhibit new unexpected blow-up speeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is mainly devoted to the study of time decay estimates of the higher-order Schrödinger-type operator H = −Δ)m + V(x) in Rn for n > 2m and m ∈ N. For certain decay potentials V(x), we first derive the asymptotic expansions of resolvent RV(z) near zero threshold with the presence of zero resonance or zero eigenvalue, as well as identify the resonance space for each kind of zero resonance which displays different effects on time decay rate. Then we establish Kato-Jensen-type estimates and local decay estimates for higher-order Schrödinger propagator e−itH in the presence of zero resonance or zero eigenvalue. As a consequence, the endpoint Strichartz estimate and Lp-decay estimates can also be obtained. Finally, by a virial argument, a criterion on the absence of positive embedding eigenvalues is given for (−Δm + V(x) with a repulsive potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In randomized clinical trials, the primary outcome, |$Y$|⁠ , often requires long-term follow-up and/or is costly to measure. For such settings, it is desirable to use a surrogate marker, |$S$|⁠ , to infer the treatment effect on |$Y$|⁠ , |$\Delta$|⁠. Identifying such an |$S$| and quantifying the proportion of treatment effect on |$Y$| explained by the effect on |$S$| are thus of great importance. Most existing methods for quantifying the proportion of treatment effect are model based and may yield biased estimates under model misspecification. Recently proposed nonparametric methods require strong assumptions to ensure that the proportion of treatment effect is in the range |$[0,1]$|⁠. Additionally, optimal use of |$S$| to approximate |$\Delta$| is especially important when |$S$| relates to |$Y$| nonlinearly. In this paper we identify an optimal transformation of |$S$|⁠ , |$g_{\tiny {\rm{opt}}}(\cdot)$|⁠ , such that the proportion of treatment effect explained can be inferred based on |$g_{\tiny {\rm{opt}}}(S)$|⁠. In addition, we provide two novel model-free definitions of proportion of treatment effect explained and simple conditions for ensuring that it lies within |$[0,1]$|⁠. We provide nonparametric estimation procedures and establish asymptotic properties of the proposed estimators. Simulation studies demonstrate that the proposed methods perform well in finite samples. We illustrate the proposed procedures using a randomized study of HIV patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For decades, power system stabilizers paired with high initial response automatic voltage regulators have served as an effective means of meeting sometimes conflicting system stability requirements. Driven primarily by increases in power electronically-coupled generation and load, the dynamics of large-scale power systems are rapidly changing. Electric grids are losing inertia and traditional sources of voltage support and oscillation damping. The system load is becoming stiffer with respect to changes in voltage. In parallel, advancements in wide-area measurement technology have made it possible to implement control strategies that act on information transmitted over long distances in nearly real time. In this paper, we present a power system stabilizer architecture that can be viewed as a generalization of the standard $\Delta \omega$ -type stabilizer. The control strategy utilizes a real-time estimate of the center-of-inertia speed derived from wide-area measurements. This approach creates a flexible set of trade-offs between transient and small-signal response, making synchronous generators better able to adapt to changes in system dynamics. The phenomena of interest are examined using a two-area test case and a reduced-order model of the North American Western Interconnection. To validate the key findings under realistic conditions, we employ a state-of-the-art co-simulation platform to combine high-fidelity power system and communication network models. The benefits of the proposed control strategy are retained even under pessimistic assumptions of communication network performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let G be a solvable group, and let Δ(G) be the character degree graph of G. In this paper, we generalize the definition of a square graph to graphs that are block squares. We show that if G is a solvable group so that Δ(G) is a block square, then G has at most two normal nonabelian Sylow subgroups. Furthermore, we show that when G is a solvable group that has two normal nonabelian Sylow subgroups and Δ(G) is block square, then G is a direct product of subgroups having disconnected character degree graphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the Stokes system - Δ ⁢ 𝐮 + ∇ ⁡ ρ = 𝐟 {-\Delta{\mathbf{u}}+\nabla\rho={\mathbf{f}}} , ∇ ⋅ 𝐮 = χ {\nabla\cdot{\mathbf{u}}=\chi} in Ω with three boundary conditions: 𝐧 ⋅ 𝐮 = 𝐧 ⋅ 𝐠 , \displaystyle{\mathbf{n}}\cdot{\mathbf{u}}={{\mathbf{n}}\cdot\mathbf{g}}, 𝐧 × (∇ × 𝐮) = 𝐧 × 𝐡 \displaystyle{\mathbf{n}}\times(\nabla\times{\mathbf{u}})={\mathbf{n}}\times{% \mathbf{h}} on ⁢ ∂ ⁡ Ω , \displaystyle\phantom{}\text{on }\partial\Omega, 𝐧 ⋅ 𝐮 = 𝐧 ⋅ 𝐠 , \displaystyle{\mathbf{n}}\cdot{\mathbf{u}}={\mathbf{n}}\cdot\mathbf{g}, 𝝉 ⋅ [ ∂ ⁡ 𝐮 ∂ ⁡ 𝐧 - ρ ⁢ 𝐧 + b ⁢ 𝐮 ] = 𝐡 ⋅ τ \displaystyle{\boldsymbol{\tau}}\cdot\bigg{[}\frac{\partial{\mathbf{u}}}{% \partial{\mathbf{n}}}-\rho{\mathbf{n}}+b{\mathbf{u}}\bigg{]}={\mathbf{h}}\cdot\tau on ⁢ ∂ ⁡ Ω , \displaystyle\phantom{}\text{on }\partial\Omega, 𝐧 ⋅ 𝐮 = 𝐧 ⋅ 𝐠 , \displaystyle{\mathbf{n}}\cdot{\mathbf{u}}={{\mathbf{n}}\cdot\mathbf{g}}, [ T ⁢ (𝐮 , ρ) ⁢ 𝐧 + b ⁢ 𝐮 ] ⋅ τ = 𝐡 ⋅ τ \displaystyle[T({\mathbf{u}},\rho){\mathbf{n}}+b{\mathbf{u}}]\cdot\tau={% \mathbf{h}}\cdot\tau on ⁢ ∂ ⁡ Ω. \displaystyle\phantom{}\text{on }\partial\Omega. Here Ω is a bounded simply connected planar domain. We find a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of a solution in Sobolev spaces W s , q ⁢ (Ω ; ℝ 2) × W s - 1 , q ⁢ (Ω) {W^{s,q}(\Omega;{\mathbb{R}}^{2})\times W^{s-1,q}(\Omega)} , with 1 + 1 / q < s < ∞ {1+1/q

Finkl, C.W. and Makowski, C., 2020. The Biophysical Cross-shore Classification System (BCCS): Defining coastal ecological sequences with catena codification to classify cross-shore successions based on interpretation of satellite imagery. Journal of Coastal Research, 36(1), 1–29. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. Coastal classification is a complicated endeavor due to the complexity of coasts and the application of special purpose characterizations for a wide range of tasks. The conundrum of coastal classification in general is also partly related to variable definitions and uses of common terms such as coast, coastline, shore, shoreline, and seashore. This research effort was not aimed at replacing extant systems but rather investigating the possibility of using the new Biophysical Cross-shore Classification System (BCCS) to define or classify cross-shore ecological successions in coastal belts based visual analytics and cognitive interpretation of satellite imagery. Approximately 200 coastal images from equatorial to polar regions showed that specific types of ecological successions were repetitive and could be organized by dominant characteristics. Certain ecological characterizations were so prominent and common that they became identified as Archetypes, which included Barrier, Beach, Beach Ridge, Cliff, Coral Reef, Delta, Dune, Flat, Ice, Lagoon, Mountain, Rock, Till (Glacial Material), Upland, and Wetland. When several archetypes are sequentially linked together based on the cross-shore ecological interpretation of the imagery, a generalized or idealized common master sequence is created and deemed the Dominant Catenary Sequence (DCS; e.g., Beach-Dune-Wetland). The more detailed Coastal Ecological Sequence (CES) of a coastal belt, which is presented as a codification sequence, can be formulated by cognitively linking the Dominant Catenary Sequence with a numbered shore-parallel shape distinction and subscripted sub archetypes that further refine the archetypes present in the DCS. Overall, the BCCS was found to be an effective method for the classification of cross-shore ecological successions in coastal belts. Descriptive headers, extended captions, and Coastal Ecological Sequences are provided for randomly selected satellite images, with some examples shown in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dynamics models of flexible link and flexible joint are established. • A novel parallel recursive dynamics modeling method is proposed. • Our approach is closer to actual situation, has higher algorithm efficiency and generality. Based on Hamilton equation of motion and Lagrange principle, this paper proposes a novel parallel recursive dynamics modeling method for robot with flexible bar-groups that comprise flexible link, flexible joint and joint clearance. Using the virtual joint velocity, constraint force impulse and derivative of canonical momentum, the dynamics model of flexible link is established, and the dynamics model of flexible joint is built by the generalized force and energy of flexible joint. Then, based on kinematics constraints and dynamics constraints, the general comprehensive dynamics model of robot with flexible bar-groups is obtained. Finally, the proposed dynamics modeling method is applied to Delta parallel robot and KUKA serial robot, compared with the existing dynamics modeling methods by experiments, our approach is not only closer to the actual situation, but also has higher algorithm efficiency and better universality, which can lay foundation for the prediction of dynamic characteristics, and achieve the accurate and efficient control for different types of robots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the impingement cooling performance on pin-fin heat sinks is experimentally and numerically investigated with different outlet arrangements and pin-fin layouts. Compared with one-way opening arrangement, results show that the two-way opening arrangement can offer a much lower pressure loss ($\Delta p$) due to shorter flow distance of airflow from outer jets. Meanwhile, it is surprising that the two-way opening arrangement still offers appreciable improvements on effective heat transfer coefficient ($h_{\mathrm {eff}}$). This is because the fountain may shift toward the outer jets more rapidly with one-way opening arrangement. Yet the implementation of staggered pin-fin layout has minor improvement on $h_{\mathrm {eff}}$. However, $\Delta p$ can be obviously reduced by 11.1% due to the more effective spreading of impinging airflow in radial direction. The $h_{\mathrm {eff}}$ value can be further increased by 8.8% when a smaller jet-to-target distance is applied. With priority consideration of hot spots in electronic cooling, the nonuniformity of local Nusselt number (${S}$) is further studied through the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method. ${S}$ approaches 18.5% when the airflow directly impinges on a flat surface with optimized jet array. Implementing pin-fin heat sinks can reduce the nonuniformity of Nusselt number distribution to fall below 8.0%. The nonuniformity of local Nusselt number can be further reduced to 1.8% by applying four-way opening arrangement and larger central jet at the same time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the problem of sampling from the Potts model on random regular graphs. It is conjectured that sampling is possible when the temperature of the model is in the socalled uniqueness regime of the regular tree, but positive algorithmic results have been for the most part elusive. In this paper, for all integers q geq 3 and Delta geq 3, we develop algorithms that produce samples within error o(1) from the q -state Potts model on random Delta-regular graphs, whenever the temperature is in uniqueness, for both the ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic cases. The algorithm for the antiferromagnetic Potts model is based on iteratively adding the edges of the graph and resampling a bichromatic class that contains the endpoints of the newly added edge. Key to the algorithm is how to perform the resampling step efficiently since bichromatic classes can potentially induce linear-sized components. To this end, we exploit the tree uniqueness to show that the average growth of bichromatic components is typically small, which allows us to use correlation decay algorithms for the resampling step. While the precise uniqueness threshold on the tree is not known for general values of q and Delta in the antiferromagnetic case, our algorithm works throughout uniqueness regardless of its value. In the case of the ferromagnetic Potts model, we are able to simplify the algorithm significantly by utilizing the random-cluster representation of the model. In particular, we demonstrate that a percolation-type algorithm succeeds in sampling from the random-cluster model with parameters p, q on random Delta-regular graphs for all values of q geq 1 and p < pc (q, Delta), where pc (q, Delta) corresponds to a uniqueness threshold for the model on the Delta-regular tree. When restricted to integer values of q, this yields a simplified algorithm for the ferromagnetic Potts model on random Delta-regular graphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the global existence of solutions to the Cauchy problem for the wave equation with time-dependent damping and a power nonlinearity in the overdamping case: {utt − Δ u + b(t) ut = N(u), t∈[0, T], x ∈ Rd, u(0) = u0,ut(0) = u1, tx∈ Rd. Here, b(t) is a positive C1-function on [0,∞) satisfying b(t)−1 ∈ L1(0,∞), whose case is called overdamping. N(u) denotes the pth order power nonlinearities. It is well known that the problem is locally well-posed in the energy space H1(Rd) × L2(Rd) in the energy-subcritical or energy-critical case 1 ≤ p ≤ p1, where p1 := 1 + 4/d-2 if d ≥ 3 or p1 = ∞ if d = 1,2. It is known that when N(u):= ± |u|p, small data blow-up in L1-framework occurs in the case b(t)−1 ∉ L1(0,∞) and 1 < p < pc(< p1), where pc is a critical exponent, i.e., threshold exponent dividing the small data global existence and the small data blow-up. The main purpose in the present paper is to prove the global well-posedness to the problem for small data (u0,u1) ∈H1(Rd) × L2(Rd) in the whole energy-subcritical case, i.e., 1 ≤ p < p1. This result implies that the small data blow-up does not occur in the overdamping case, different from the other case b(t)−1 ∉ L1(0,∞), i.e., the effective or noneffective damping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we report measurements in Colorado and Utah of the disturbed very-low-frequency (VLF) signals from the NML Navy transmitter in North Dakota during the 2017 solar eclipse. Using an occultation mask of solar fluxes together with detailed chemistry and VLF propagation simulations, we quantify the D-region response to the eclipse, in terms of electron density variation, as well as the expected signatures of VLF transmitter signals. The VLF measurements, including an anomalous amplitude enhancement recorded in UT, can be quantitatively explained using the Wait and Spies ionospheric profile with a sharpness parameter of $\beta = 0.3$ km−1 above ~55 km and an increase in the D-region ionosphere height of $\Delta h' \simeq 8$ km. This sharpness parameter is consistent with previously reported rocket measurements and first-principles calculations. The best-fit results suggest a reduction of D-region electron density by ~90% during the eclipse in the D-region, implying an occultation of Lyman- $\alpha $ by nearly 99%. This finding agrees with detailed calculations of time-dependent obscuration factors utilizing the He 30.4-nm images from Solar Dynamics Observatory as a proxy for the distribution of Lyman- $\alpha $ across the solar disk and limb. Moreover, the present results show that subionospheric VLF propagation is sensitive to the sharpness parameter of the electron density profile in the D-region. Previously reported first-principles simulations have shown that the sharpness parameter is mostly controlled by the background concentration of minor neutral species. Thus, the VLF technique can be likely used to remotely sense these neutral species at and below the effective reflection altitudes of VLF waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the initial value problem for the generalized Allen--Cahn equation, \partial t\Phi = \Delta \Phi \varepsilon 2\Phi (\Phi t\Phi I), x \in \Omega, t \geq 0, where \Phi is an n \times n real matrix-valued field, \Omega is a two-dimensional square with periodic boundary conditions, and \varepsilon > 0. This equation is the gradient flow for the energy, E(\Phi) := \int 1 2 \| \nabla \Phi \| 2 F + 1 4\varepsilon 2 \| \Phi t\Phi I\| 2 F, where \| \cdot \| F denotes the Frobenius norm. The primary contribution of this paper is to use asymptotic methods to describe the solution of this initial value problem. If the initial condition has a single-signed determinant, at each point of the domain, at a fast O(\varepsilon 2t) time scale, the solution evolves towards the closest orthogonal matrix. Then, at the O(t) time scale, the solution evolves according to the On diffusion equation. Stationary solutions to the On diffusion equation are analyzed for n = 2. If the initial condition has regions where the determinant is positive and negative, a free interface develops. Away from the interface, in each region, the matrix-valued field behaves as in the single-signed determinant case. At the O(t) time scale, the interface evolves in the normal direction by curvature. At a slow O(\varepsilon t) time scale, the interface is driven by curvature and the surface diffusion of the matrix-valued field. For n = 2, the interface is driven by curvature and the jump in the squared tangental derivative of the phase across the interface. In particular, we emphasize that the interface when n \geq 2 is driven by surface diffusion, while for n = 1, the original Allen--Cahn equation, the interface is only driven by mean curvature. A variety of numerical experiments are performed to verify, support, and illustrate our analytical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In previous work, the performance of a compact and cost-effective point-of-care (PoC) device based on the increase relative optical power (IROP) methodology is reported and it is determined the enhancement in comparison with standard high-resolution spectrometry in terms of limit of detection. This paper describes a new label-free IROP-based biomedical device capable of working with low concentration of reagents and low sample volume per measurement in order to be used for screening different steps necessary in immunoassay optimization. This new approach significantly improves the sensing performance in terms of read-out signal ($\Delta $ IROP) per nanometer of biofilm in comparison with our previous work. This improvement is achieved due to the implementation of a laser as light source of the optical read-out system and the redesign of Fabry–Perot transducers by optimizing their reflectivity response and reducing their sensing area. For demonstrating the screening capability of this new PoC device in several immunoassays steps and methodologies, a C-reactive protein detection assay was carried out as a potential application and assay model. It is remarkable that only $10~\mu \text{L}$ of sample was used per measurement. This label-free IROP-based device complies an easy-to-use and cost-effective tool for immunoassays optimization in terms of performance, reagents cost, and measuring time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delta's Sky magazine claims to be an influential outlet for entities trying to promote places to investors and tourists. Claiming nearly 6 million readers monthly, the magazine's profiles of cities, states and regions have the potential to reach the niche audiences that shape the spatial practices of firms and influence individual decisions on tourism expenditures. This paper explores how Sky promotes places in the text of these profiles through the dual use of digital humanities tools and close reading-based interpretation to address the following questions. First, we ask how is the South represented in the Sky profiles? Second, what themes are present in the profile texts, given that all places seek to address both unique elements while addressing common themes of importance to business? We find that place promotion practitioners use very similar themes that have been identified in the literature since the 1980s, primarily accessibility. Efforts to attract the creative class are also present in the Sky profiles. The South poses unique challenges to place marketers, and our findings show a convergence in how profiles tackle the concept of southern culture and identity as it is leveraged in many of the profiles. La revista Sky de Delta Airlines afirma ser una fuente importante para las entidades que intentan promover varios lugares para la inversión económica y también para el turismo. Con más de seis millones de lectores mensuales, los perfiles Sky de las ciudades, los estados y las regiones tienen el potencial de llegar a audiencias específicas que dan forma a las prácticas espaciales de empresas e influyen las decisiones personales sobre los gastos en el turismo. Este artículo explora cómo el texto de Sky promueve varios lugares tras el uso dual de herramientas de humanidades digitales y una interpretación cercana basada en la lectura para abordar las siguientes preguntas. Primero preguntamos ¿cómo se representa el sur estadounidense en los perfiles Sky ? Segundo, ¿cuáles son los patrones en el texto de los perfiles, dado que todo lugar trata de presentarse como único pero también importante para el negocio? Encontramos que profesionales de la promoción usan temas similares que se han identificado en la literatura desde los años 1980—sobre todo la accesibilidad. Los esfuerzos para atraer la clase creativa también se presentan en los perfiles Sky. El sur estadounidense plantea desafíos únicos para el marketing. Nuestros hallazgos muestran una convergencia en la forma en que muchos de los perfiles abordan el concepto de cultura e identidad del sur estadounidense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an array wire-to-wire surface dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) structure is used to generate large-scale plasma by bipolar nanosecond pulse power in atmospheric air. The quantity of electrodes can be adjusted from 1 to 10 for varying discharge area. The applied voltage and discharge current are measured, the discharge images are captured, and optical emission spectra (OES) are collected. The discharge power, discharge area, and OES intensity for a single group of/and whole structure are calculated. The vibrational and rotational temperatures are simulated by the OES of N2 (C-B, $\Delta \nu =-2$), and the effects of the quantity of electrodes on discharge current, discharge power, discharge area, OES intensity, and vibrational and rotational temperatures are investigated. The results show that the discharge current has two main peaks during single applied pulse voltage, and decays in a fluctuant type. As the quantity of electrodes increases, the peak value of discharge current increases and the decaying time from peak value to zero around becomes longer. The discharge power, discharge area, and OES intensity have increasing tendencies, and those of the single group of wires decrease. In addition, when the quantity of electrodes increases, the vibrational temperature increases first and then decreases, and the rotational temperature varies in a fluctuant type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study uncertainty in estimating extreme floods of the Dongting Lake basin, China. We used three methods, including the Delta, profile likelihood function (PLF), and the Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods, to calculate confidence intervals of parameters of the generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution and quantiles of extreme floods. The annual maximum flow (AMF) data from four hydrologic stations were selected. Our results show that AMF data from Taoyuan and Xiangtan stations followed the Weibull class distribution, while the data from Shimen and Taojiang stations followed the Fréchet class distribution. The three methods show similar confidence intervals of design floods for short return periods. However, there are large differences between results of the Delta and the other two methods for long return periods. Both PLF and Bayesian MCMC methods have similar confidence intervals to reflect the uncertainty of design floods. However, because the PLF method is quite burdensome in computation, the Bayesian MCMC method is more suitable for practical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we report the characterization and modeling of multi-finger gate all around (GAA) nanowire (NW) FETs (NWFETs) from dc to 14 GHz. The self-heating effect (SHE) in NWFETs is investigated experimentally using the small-signal output conductance (${g}_{{\text {ds}}}$) technique. The frequency-dependent complex thermal impedance, ${Z}_{{\text {th}}}({f})$ , is extracted by fitting an ${n}$ th-order thermal network with the experimental data. We show that the temperature rise $\Delta {T}$ (=85 °C) due to SHE is significant in short-channel silicon on insulator (SOI) NWFETs. Finally, we have evaluated the RF figure of merit (FOM) for these NWFETs as ${f}_{T}$ (=70 GHz) and ${f}_{\text {max}}$ (=80 GHz). We also report the RF performance metric sensitivity on temperature, $\partial {f}_{\text {max}}/\partial {T}_{{\text {amb}}}$ ($\approx -0.104$ GHz/K). The reported BSIM-CMG compact model shows a good correlation with the measurement data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-heating in fully depleted silicon-on-insulator (FDSOI) metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) is experimentally studied using the gate resistance thermometry technique, in a wide temperature range from 300 down to 4.2 K. We demonstrate that below 160 K, the channel temperature increase ($\Delta {T}$) due to self-heating starts to deviate significantly from the linear variation with the dissipated power, leading to an apparent power dependent thermal resistance. This power dependence is interpreted in terms of temperature dependent thermal conductivity. The thermal resistance dependence on the active device temperature (${T}_{\text {Device}}$) indicates that the former one is mainly driven by the thermal conductivity of the oxide layer. Moreover, based on this dependence we reconstructed the channel temperature increase for each dissipated power and ambient temperature, and we found that the calculated values were in a good agreement with the experimental ones. Results indicate that even at low temperatures, thermal resistance does not depend significantly on the silicon channel thickness (ranging from 7 up to 24 nm), whereas the buried-oxide thinning (145 and 25 nm) strongly reduces the magnitude of the thermal resistance. Finally, this paper intends to fill the gap of experimental data concerning self-heating in advanced FDSOI transistors at low temperatures, revealing limitations and perspectives that should be taken into account for future work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim was to x-rayed broiler profitability in the surveyed area. Multi-stage sampling method was used in respondents' selection. Questionnaires were utilized to obtained data which were analysed employing descriptive statistics and benefit cost ratio model. The study witnessed moderate family size with secondary school level in their productive age. Broiler enterprise was engaged upon as a minor occupation with low mean broiler size of 100 birds and 10 years rearing experience. The findings indicated that broiler income and production cost were N285,000 ($693.84) and N239,800 ($583.80) respectively. Benefit cost ratio of 1.2 was realized which indicated 20% profit per cycle (five to six weeks). Considering the rate of quick turn-over the broiler production business is profitable. It recommends that flock size should be increased and effective management of resources to cut down production cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the frequency dependent energy dissipation of typical wood adhesive under cyclic stress was studied on film adhesive samples. Three moisture-curing one component polyurethane (1C-PUR) adhesives with relative ductile behavior, one melamine formaldehyde (MF) and one phenol formaldehyde resorcinol (PRF) adhesives both with a more brittle behavior were prepared to study the viscoelastic properties at different relative air humidities (RH). Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) in tensile mode was used to determine loss modulus, storage modulus and loss factor Tan Delta on free standing adhesive films. It has been shown that 1C-PUR adhesives dissipate proportional more of the stored energy than MF and PRF adhesives. Humidity increased the dissipative processes in all PUR adhesives, especially in the polyamide fiber filled adhesive. PRF adhesive is less influenced by humidity. While for all other tested adhesives the dissipative processes generally increased with higher humidity, humidity decreased the damping of the investigated MF adhesive. The influence of the frequency on the energy dissipation is low for all tested adhesives in the investigated frequency range. Further fatigue tests with glued wood samples are needed to confirm the results observed on the free standing adhesive films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Funding through the Structural Funds has made a major contribution on the economic development of the Delta. • The impact of the absorption of European funds in "Biosphere Reserve" has had three-dimensional effects. • The effects of the European funds have made a major contribution to increasing the competitiveness of the SMEs. Abstract The Danube Delta, declared a Biosphere Reserve, has been a permanent challenge in terms of harmonizing the economic activities with landscape conservation and development interests. Through public and environmental policies, but also through the development plans of the area, it was attempted to optimize the relationship between the functioning of the biosphere (whose natural integrity should be preserved), on the one hand, and the human activity exploiting the resources, on the one hand. The Structural Funds have made a major contribution to achieving this goal, being aimed mainly at meeting the European standards on the environmental protection and economic development of the area, while respecting its biodiversity and the inhabitants' general interest in improving the life quality in the Danube Delta. This paper aims at determining the economic, social or environmental effects of the SMEs from the Danube Delta, as a result of the absorption of European funds, and their impact on competitiveness. By formulating three hypotheses, we determined the impact of the identified effects on competitiveness. The research method consisted in a quantitative investigation based on an assessment questionnaire, as the main tool, addressed to the SMEs from the Danube Delta that benefited from structural funds. The hypotheses were validated by calculating the correlations between the identified variables and competitiveness. The results showed which effects contributed more to the competitiveness of these companies. The comparison of the relationship between the economic, social and environmental effects, on the one hand, and the internal factors that determine competitiveness, on the other hand, represented one of its multidimensional measurements. In conclusion, the results revealed a strong connection between the economic, social and environmental effects and the competitiveness of the SMEs from the Danube Delta, emphasizing that the access of structural funds should be enhanced in the next period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider the self-normalized asymptotic properties of the parameter estimators in the fractional Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process. The deviation inequalities, Cramér-type moderate deviations and Berry–Esseen bounds are obtained. The main methods include the deviation inequalities and moderate deviations for multiple Wiener–Itô integrals [P. Major, Tail behavior of multiple integrals and U-statistics, Probab. Surv. 2 (2005) 448–505; On a multivariate version of Bernsteins inequality, Electron. J. Probab. 12 (2007) 966–988; M. Schulte and C. Thäle, Cumulants on Wiener chaos: Moderate deviations and the fourth moment theorem, J. Funct. Anal. 270 (2016) 2223–2248], as well as the Delta methods in large deviations [F. Q. Gao and X. Q. Zhao, Delta method in large deviations and moderate deviations for estimators, Ann. Statist. 39 (2011) 1211–1240]. For applications, we propose two test statistics which can be used to construct confidence intervals and rejection regions in the hypothesis testing for the drift coefficient. It is shown that the Type II errors tend to be zero exponential when using the proposed test statistics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper focuses on the distributed filtering problem over wireless sensor networks (WSNs) for a class of discrete-time T-S fuzzy systems with immeasurable premise variables and Sigma-Delta quantiser. Two defectives are considered including packet losses and multiplicative noises, which can be represented by some mutual independent random variables, respectively. Unlike conventional logarithmic quantiser, by utilising the Sigma-Delta dynamic quantiser, the quantised measurement outputs are broadcasted to the distributed filters over WSNs, only requiring a finite number of quantisation levels, and the static errors can be eliminated simultaneously. Using non-PDC scheme, an estimated premise variable-dependent distributed filter is designed over WSNs. Then treating the premise variables as uncertainties, a robust distributed filtering problem is considered for such an uncertain filtering error system. Based on the fuzzy Lyapunov function, the less conservative mean-square stable conditions with a prescribed performance index for the uncertain filtering error dynamical systems are presented. The filter parameters are determined by solving a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Finally, a tunnel diode circuit model and a numerical example are presented to illustrate the theoretical findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the orbit of |$\widehat{{\mathbb{R}}}$| under the Bianchi group |$\operatorname{PSL}_2(\mathcal{O}_K)$|⁠ , where |$K$| is an imaginary quadratic field. The orbit, called a Schmidt arrangement |${{\mathcal S}}_K$|⁠ , is a geometric realization, as an intricate circle packing, of the arithmetic of |$K$|⁠. This article presents several examples of this phenomenon. First, we show that the curvatures of the circles are integer multiples of |$\sqrt{-\Delta}$| and describe the curvatures of tangent circles in terms of the norm form of |$\mathcal{O}_K$|⁠. Second, we show that the circles themselves are in bijection with certain ideal classes in orders of |$\mathcal{O}_K$|⁠ , the conductor being a certain multiple of the curvature. This allows us to count circles with class numbers. Third, we show that the arrangement of circles is connected if and only if |$\mathcal{O}_K$| is Euclidean. These results are meant as foundational for a study of a new class of thin groups generalizing Apollonian groups, in a companion paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluating the dynamic properties of structures subjected to local modifications is an important issue in the field of structural dynamics. Most studies are focused on estimating the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of modified structures. However, in many cases, evaluating the responses of the modified structure is more direct and useful for the analysis. A general method for predicting the full responses of locally modified structures is proposed in this paper. The concept of equivalent additional force (EAF) is suggested to address this issue in a general framework. Seven typical cases of modifications and the case of multiple modifications are investigated in detail. In this method, the EAFs are expressed by the unknown responses of the modified structures and then the unknown responses can be easily calculated based on the responses of the original structure. The novelty of this paper is that any structural modification can be regarded as some EAFs applied to the original structure, which not only simplifies the response prediction for modified structures but also provides a new perspective for comprehending the problem of structural modification. The proposed method is illustrated by a numerical example and validated using data generated by finite element (FE) simulations. • A novel method for predicting the responses of modified structures is proposed. • The equivalent mechanical models for typical structural modifications are given. • Structural modifications are investigated in a unified framework. • Transmissibility matrices are utilized to simplify the response prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ratification of the Minamata Convention on Mercury has led to the establishment of Peruvian regulations limiting mercury concentrations in air to 2000 ng/m3over a 24-hr measurement period. As a result, three communities in Madre de Dios, Peru were mapped during October 2017 to determine Hg0 vapor concentrations in the air. The town of Tres Islas exhibited Hg0 concentrations less than 200 ng/m3: the minimum risk level defined by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. These low concentrations were reflective of a town in the region with limited exposure to artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). However, the ASGM communities of Laberinto and Delta One exhibited concentrations of Hg0 vapor that exceeded 2,000,000 ng/m3 surrounding active gold shops, where amalgams and processed amalgams were heated with open flames. Laberinto was reevaluated in May 2018 during which time Hg0 levels on the sidewalks in front of gold shops again exceeded 2,000,000 ng/m3. Within the scope of this paper a rapid mapping technique allows for the detection of sources of Hg0 pollution and identifies neighborhoods that require intervention to decrease Hg0 emissions. In addition, this work highlights the difficulties of measuring total gaseous mercury in ASGM communities with gold shops according to the Peruvian law. • Hg0 concentrations were measured and mapped in three towns in Madre de Dios, Peru • Hg0 concentrations exceeding 2,000,000 ng/m3 were measured in and around gold shops • Air Concentrations of Hg0 from ASGM activities greatly exceed Peruvian standards • Existing ventilation and mercury capture systems in gold shops are ineffective • Gold shops in mining communities are a threat to human and environmental health [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This is the fortieth annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system covering 2017. • It summarizes molecular and behavioral effects of opioid peptides, agonists and antagonists. • Opioid peptide effects are examined in pain and analgesia and tolerance and dependence. • Opioid peptide effects are examined in learning and memory, ingestion and drug and alcohol abuse. • Opioid peptide effects are examined in endocrinology, mental illness/mood and neurologic disorders. This paper is the fortieth consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2017 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonists and antagonists. The review is subdivided into the following specific topics: molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors (1), the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia in animals (2) and humans (3), opioid-sensitive and opioid-insensitive effects of nonopioid analgesics (4), opioid peptide and receptor involvement in tolerance and dependence (5), stress and social status (6), learning and memory (7), eating and drinking (8), drug abuse and alcohol (9), sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (10), mental illness and mood (11), seizures and neurologic disorders (12), electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (13), general activity and locomotion (14), gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (15), cardiovascular responses (16), respiration and thermoregulation (17), and immunological responses (18). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]