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This paper focuses on the burial culture of the Isoko and Urhobo people of Delta state, especially from 1990 to 2020, and the aspect of the burial culture as it pertains to returning the body of a woman at death back to her natal home for burial. With the wave of globalization came a number of changes in the burial culture of the Isoko and Urhobo people of Delta state. This paper aims at examining the changes and the continuity in an aspect of the burial culture of the Isoko and Urhobo people of Delta State. It critically examines the practice of returning the body of a deceased woman back to her natal home for burial. This practice has over the years been questioned, interrogated and called for scrutiny by both the Isoko and Urhobo people and some of their neigbours. The work argues that social factors have introduced continuous changes in the Isoko and Urhobo culture with regards to their funeral rites and the burial culture of the people have been greatly affected. This practice have been perceived as one which promotes patriarchal dominance. The work adopts the analytical method, using both primary and secondary sources of data in interrogating the practice of returning the body of a deceased woman back to her natal home for burial rather than burying her in her husband's home and maintains that if this practice is not properly handled, it could affect inter-group relations. The paper therefore concludes that this practice is posing as a serious threat to a peaceful and harmonious inter-group relationship among families that are involved in inter-tribal marriage. It recommends that the Isoko and Urhobo people should rehabilitate properly to blend with modernity in this aspect of their culture while preserving some others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid rise in Nigeria's population has led to a corresponding increase in demand for rental housing prompting real estate investors to capitalize on the opportunity by providing private rental housing for the teeming population and offset government's inability to provide adequate accommodation. As the source of income of a rented house is the tenant, it is important for the landlord or his agent to select the possible tenant. The study assessed gender discrimination in the property market of Delta state with a view to promoting equal access to rights and occupation. The study adopts a survey research method. Structured questionnaires were administered to 120 property owners in Elu residential neighborhood, in which 100 was retrieved. Data collected were analysed using Weight Mean Score (WMS) to rank factors influencing gender discrimination. Findings revealed that though important criteria such as economic and financial constraints, socio cultural norms, power dynamics were important factors however demographic factors such as ethnicity, marital status and religion ranked high in order of importance. The study recommends enactment of legislation (policy reform) that is devoid of bias and discrimination, awareness and education through orientation of citizens as well as landlords against any form of discrimination as regards house occupation, community engagement to improve social integration in the rental housing market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For newcomers and veteran scientists alike, Bay- Delta science is daunting. The number of research and management issues is exceptional, and the scientific literature is well developed but fragmented. There is a substantial history of periodic reviews of Bay-Delta science and policy issues. Between 1979 and 1986 the first widely circulated reviews were published, focused on Bay processes (Conomos 1979) and issues (Kockelman et al 1982; Nichols et al 1986). Similar publications in the mid- to late- 1990s built substantially on this body of knowledge (e.g., Hollibaugh 1996; van Geen and Luoma 1999). The CALFED Bay-Delta program shifted much of the focus to the Delta, resulting in sponsored white papers on major issues in the mid-2000s (e.g., Brown 2003; Kimmerer 2004; Bennett 2005; Williams 2006). The first "State of Bay-Delta Science" was published in 2008 (Healey et al. 2008). The most recent update of the State of Bay-Delta Science (Healey et al. 2016a, 2016b, and accompanying articles) considered species of concern (Delta Smelt, Chinook Salmon), processes (fish predation, nutrient dynamics, food webs, flow and transport), stressors (contaminant effects, climate change), tools (multidimensional models), and human uses and effects on the Delta (Delta landscapes, climate change, agricultural and urban water supply, and the levee system). Other comprehensive overviews are also available; for example, IEP (2015), Johnson et al. (2017), and Sherman et al. (2017). Together, these reviews and the studies they cite give a sense of the historical development of scientific understanding in the Bay-Delta, and provide conceptual models for species' or system ecology. Many of the papers are themselves scientific milestones, and provided a science foundation for current Bay-Delta current management actions (e.g., Delta Smelt Resiliency Strategy, CNRA 2016; and Sacramento Valley Salmon Resiliency Strategy, CNRA 2017). [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 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]

Music is a cultural expression interpreted, determined, moulded and coloured by culture and the cultural environment of a people, it plays a vital role in various aspects of celebrations amongst societies in Nigeria. In festivals, for example, music expresses the culture of the people. This study examined the role and significance of music in African culture in Ogbanigbe festival in Ukwu-nzu with emphasis on ideology, belief systems, organizational structures, significance of music practices, and mode of dressing, dialect, and communal activities. Its main objective is to critically study the music of ogbanigbe festival and collate ethnology materials that distinguish, differentiate and separate one community from another. The theory adopted for this paper is functionalism theory; the functionalism theory is used to define culture in relation to the reality of change. It traces the evolution of phenomena, the emphasis of culture on norms, tenets and values. The methodology used for the study is survey method, oral interview and fieldwork to assess the basic principles that are common in the musical culture of ukwu-nzu people during the ogbanigbe festival. In ukwu-nzu town, New Yam festival is associated with Ogbanigbe festival similar to some villages in Aniocha nomenclature. Four songs texts were selected and interpreted, the paper conclude that the significance of music in festival plays a huge role to showcase the cultural practices and beauty. Suggestions were made for the sustenance of cultural music in festivals. [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]

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]

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]

This paper presents a sensor front end for air pressure sensor, relative humidity (RH) sensor, and accelerometer in a standard CMOS process, equipped with a wide input range high-resolution capacitance-to-digital converter (CDC). For air pressure and RH, interdigitated top metals in air and polyimide are exploited, respectively, which exhibit the change in dielectric constant. For acceleration, separation among three bondwires is exploited. These sensing transducers induce capacitance change that is quantized by a CDC based on a dual-quantization architecture that employs a single-bit first-order $\Delta \Sigma $ modulator and a 7-bit SAR analog-to-digital converter (ADC). Implemented in 0.18- $\mu \text{m}$ CMOS, the air pressure sensor, RH sensor, and accelerometer achieve a noise floor of 0.14 psi/ $\sqrt {\textrm {Hz}}$ , 0.001 %RH/ $\sqrt {\textrm {Hz}}$ , and 4.6 mg/ $\sqrt {\textrm {Hz}}$ , respectively. The CDC achieves a resolution of 864 aF (minimum resolution of 116 aF) when the sensing capacitance is 10 pF and consumes $3~\mu \text{W}$ from 1.1-V supply. [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]

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]

This paper discussed budget preparation, approval and implementation in College of Education libraries in Delta State, Nigeria. It explains the concept of budget, that budget is a specific plan for implementing institutional objectives, policies and programmes for a given period of time, and the need for budgeting in libraries, budgeting and budgetary process in college libraries that Budgeting is the primary means by which formulated plans can be carried out, budget preparation process in college of Education libraries was based on the incremental budgetary approval, approval and implementation of budget in College of Education, Warri. Findings in the research work and factors militating against budget allocations in colleges of Education libraries. Conclusion and recommendations were given that libraries requires budgets and they should cultivate the culture of budgeting before expending funds. [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]

This article examines the dynamics of inequality, poverty and sustainable development of Delta State, Nigeria. A non-probability and probability sampling technique was adopted. Inequality was measured based on Gini coefficient, while poverty categories (non-poor, transient poor and chronic poor) was measured using $1.25 and $2.00 thresholds respectively. The non-poor are living above $2.00 a-day poverty threshold, the transient poor are living below the $2.00 a-day poverty threshold, while the chronic poor are living below $1.25 a-day poverty threshold. The result reveals that a Gini coefficient of 0.4650 was recorded for Delta State in (2004), 0.4698 in (2010), 0.33609 in (2012/2013) and 0.34268 in (2015/2016). There was 343 (41.5%) chronic poor households in Delta South, 283 (33.3%) in Delta Central and 180 (22.2%) in Delta North, while 147 (21.6%) of households in Delta South, 116 (12.7%) in Delta North and 103 (11.3%) in Delta Central were transient poor. One-Way ANOVA significantly explained the spatial variation in distribution of inequality and poverty among households at (p ≤ 0.05). Water source, distance to water source, improved sanitation, road length and household size were important predictors of spatial variation of inequality and poverty. This paper recommends that government at all levels should invest more in livelihood development, inequality and poverty reduction strategies. Increased public spending on social services and enhance geographic access to basic amenities are key fundamentals to reducing inequality and poverty levels and sustainable development of Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel approach to product transshipment is presented in this paper. A heuristic fuzzy network is developed for modelling complex systems by describing the global behaviour of the structure. Managers on a daily basis are confronted with optimization problems which arise in manufacturing systems, oil, and gas sectors, bottling companies etc. Thus, there is need for efficient and robust computational algorithms which can solve these problems arising in different fields. Unfortunately, managers rely on classical methods while making allocation decision which does not guarantee optimal solution. In this study, fuzzy logic is applied by effectively designing and simulating an outbound system and creating membership functions and rules. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated using data from an LPG plant in Delta State. The company spent approximately 41,500NGN to supply products from source to two transshipment points using classical perception. The cost of distribution was quite high compared to result obtained by using fuzzy inference system (FIS). FIS gave a better solution of 32,790NGN. A total sum of 8,710NGN would have been saved using the Fuzzy inference system model developed. This method provides much faster response and accurate solution to cost optimization in transshipment operations. [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]

This paper concerns the study of some bifurcation properties for the following class of Choquard-type equations: { − Δu = λƒ(x) [u + (Iα∗ƒ(⋅)H(u))h(u)], in R3, lim|x|→∞u(x) = 0, u(x) > 0, x ∈ R3, u ∈ D1,2(R3), (P) where Iα(x) = 1/|x|α, α ∈ (0,3), λ > 0, ƒ : R3 → R is a positive continuous function and h : R → R is a bounded Hölder continuous function. The main tools used are Leray–Schauder degree theory and a global bifurcation result due to Rabinowitz. [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]

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]

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]

In recent times, there has been an increase all kinds of constructions both local and foreign types in Isoko Community in Delta State, Nigeria, and the tools used are both local and foreign made. Most of these construction activities going on in the Isoko communities are poorly managed and monitored. Thus, the poor performance and inadequate management of construction projects has led to lapses in reliability resulting in unexpected events that suffice as failures and delay in project delivery. Thus, the study focused on assessment of construction managers' performance on project delivery in Isoko, Delta State. To achieve this, three (3) research questions and three (3) hypotheses guided the study. The study employed descriptive survey design. Population of the study was 169 registered builders, civil engineers, architects, estate surveyors, valuers and quantity surveyors in Isoko of Delta State. From the population, a sample of 118 was taken using Taro Yamane's formular. The instrument used for the study was structured questionnaire constructed in a four Likert scale. This instrument was both content and face validated by experts in the fields of research and used for data collection. The reliability was done using the test-retest method from other local government other than the one used for the study. Thus, the reliability result was 0.73, considered reliable for the study. The data obtained from the questionnaire administered were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and multiple regression analysis was used to test for the relationship between the variables. The results showed that the level of competence significantly affects construction managers' performance on project delivery in the study area; success factor does not influence the construction manager's performance on project delivery in the area of study. Given that success recorded in one project may not significantly influence the success or performance in another project delivery; and the effectiveness of construction managers on maintaining quality, cost and time within necessary boundaries significantly boost the construction manager's performance on project delivery in the area of study. From the findings, it was therefore recommended among others that since the level of competence of the construction managers significantly affects their performance on project delivery, there is need to for them to always upgrade themselves, academically and professionally by acquiring more certification. Also, that awareness should be heralded to ensure gender balance in the construction management. [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 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]

Despite women's substantial participation and productive inputs, their role in broiler production has often being underestimated or ignored by the society. This study was conducted to provide information on the gap that existed on the management technologies observed by the male and female disparity. This study examined gender analysis of broiler production management practices, profitability and constraints. A sample size of 104 respondents was used by the multistage sampling procedure. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The major findings were, the mean age for the males and females were 45 years and 43 years with majority of the females acquiring higher education than the males. The stock size for the male and female practitioners was 185 birds and 327 birds with mean income of N122, 880.86 and N172, 221.72. There was insufficient access to extension services and credit by the practitioners. The predominant management practices adopted were vaccinated by male (93.2 %) and female (100.0%); feeding practices male (84.7%) and female (100.0%) whereas, biosecurity and waste recycle were least adopted. Respondents' best reasons for adopting of broiler management practices increased profits of male (96.6%) and female (95.6%). The male and female respondents realized a profit of N340, 154.24 and N433, 991.01 respectively. The most serious constraint experienced by both was price fluctuation (male = 86.4% and female =80.0%). The results showed relationship between the farming experience, extension access, insurance and bird age and adoption. We concluded that adopting the identified broiler management practices by the practitioners could improve production and income. This study revealed that females performed better than males in the adoption of broiler management technologies. The provision of credit, extension and insurance services and improvement in management practices can address the serious constraints faced by broiler production practitioners. [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 paper x-rayed on impact of social media on the people of Asaba in Delta State in the period of COVID-19. The outbreak of corona virus, known as COVID -19 by the world health organisation has thrown the global community into fear and anxiety. In course of COVID-19, the use of social media contributed in the dissemination of information and information overload among individuals. Social media have long been recognized as powerful forces shaping how we experience the world and ourselves. The following subheadings were discussed; concept of Coronavirus and COVID-19, challenges of Asaba people in the period of COVID -19 pandemic, concept of social media, importance of social media and impact of social media during COVID 19 to Asaba people. The work emphasized the role social media platforms which really contributed a lot to the people of Asaba to gain information about COVID-19. The following recommendation were made among others; a way to encourage Asaba people productivity and students' academic efficacy during this COVID-19 pandemic. It is equally important that government and school authorities checkmate and regulate the use of social media among people of Asaba. This would enhance in building on the positive use of social networking sites such as joining students in group and helping them meet other student groups online. By this, they can bring to limelight the risks and benefits associated with the use of the social sites and help students to overcome the vices behaviourassociated with these sites as well as educating students on the best and most efficient ways of using these sites to support learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need to meet up with the complexity of the education industry and the pressing need for quality education in Nigeria is an intricate task. This paper seeks to identify the basic training needs required by school inspectors and recommends how quality training for school inspectors can enhance Primary school effectiveness. The ex-post facto research design was adopted in the study and the population consisted of 565 School inspectors in the Delta State Central Senatorial District. The findings revealed that inspectors had strong desire to be trained in education law, school communication and school inspection. Recommendation among others in order to achieve the desired level of quality instruction and school effectiveness, the above major needs be incorporated in the training programmes for Primary School Inspectors. [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]

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

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]

This study surveyed healthcare facilities in Delta State, Nigeria in order to discover the major threats to medical records, to examine the strategies and methods of preserving medical information, and to examine the challenges militating against effective preservation of medical records in Delta State. The concepts of medical records and preservation of records were reviewed in literature. The survey method was used for the study. Medical staff members who are involved in handling health records in selected health facilities in Delta State were the target for this study. The questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. The instrument was administered on respondents by hand, social media and e-mail. 300 questionnaires were administered on healthcare officials in 150 healthcare facilities in Delta State. Two questionnaires were administered on two officials of each facility. The healthcare facilities surveyed include public and private hospitals 84, Dental and Eye Clinics 15, Pharmacies 21, and Medical laboratory test centers 30. Thus, a total of 150 health facilities. A total of 280 questionnaires were completed and returned. This implies 93.3% return rate. Data was analyzed using graphical charts. The result indicate that the major threats to medical records in healthcare facilities include Rodents and pests 70%, Tampering 78%, Physical damage 89%, Lack of skilled staff 90%, Dust 90%, Wear and tear 90%, Misplacement 76%, Poor power supply 80%, Lack of ICT deployment 67%. Additional results indicate the strategies and methods of preserving medical records in healthcare facilities to include adherence to Records Preservation strategies 55%, shelving of records 66%, using Cabinets and drawers to store records 78%, use of air conditioners to control temperature 55%, providing alternative source of power supply 52%, and installation of CCTV Security system 50%. More results revealed the challenges militating against effective preservation of medical records to include nonchalant attitude towards preservation 90%, Poor funding of healthcare facility 86%, Lack of records storage space 86%, Lack of modern records storage equipment 92%, Lack of skilled manpower 78%, Lack of records management and preservation policy 90%, Excessive heat 94%, Harsh climatic conditions 88%, Pests and rodents attack 67%, Lack of ICT deployment 82%, Lack of temperature and humidity control equipment 68%, Insecurity 95%, and Erratic power supply 88%. it was consequently recommended that libraries/archives should be established in all healthcare facilities in Delta State, while librarians or archivist should be responsible for managing medical records. Also, healthcare facilities should deploy electronic health record system, while regulators of health facilities should create a comprehensive policy and regulations that guide the management and preservation of medical records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on improving rural agriculture through agricultural extension services. A survey was carried out in the rural area of in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 96 farmers from 10 rural communities who participated in the study. Questionnaire was the instrument for data collection. Likert scale which indicated levels of agreement, such as strongly agree (SA), designated as 4; agree (A), designated as 3; disagree (D), designated as 2 and strongly disagree (SD), designated as 1. Data analysis involved simple percentage, frequencies and correlation analysis. The result shows among other things that majority (65.6%) of the farmers had over 10 years of farming experience, with a large majority (60.4%) without access to extension services in the last one year, and as much as 11.5% who never had access to extension services. The result of negative correlation coefficient suggests that extension services or otherwise information provided by extension workers do not seem to 'significantly' improve agriculture in the rural area in terms of improved crop yield. In view of these findings, the study recommends among others the provision of comprehensive agricultural extension programmes in all rural areas, while extension agents should be better trained and motivated to provide comprehensive, practical and relevant services to rural farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a novel mechanism for the Vth shift of amorphous-indium gallium zinc oxide (a-IGZO) thin film transistors under negative bias illumination stress (NBIS). Three kinds of IGZO TFTs with different gate dielectrics and valence band offsets (VBO) were used in this experiment. Gate dielectric materials used were Al2O3, HfO2 and SiO2. Initial parameters, VBO, and state density (DOS) for each TFT were extracted. After NBIS, the Vth shift was greatest at −3.82 V using a TFT with an HfO2 gate dielectric. VBO was the lowest at 0.38 eV using a TFT with an HfO2 gate dielectric. The smaller the VBO, the larger the generated Vth shift. DOS measurements confirmed the interfacial properties between the gate dielectric and IGZO, and the highest DOS resulted from the interface between Al2O3 and IGZO. Through the experimental results, the correlation between VBO and Δ Vth after NBIS was investigated. We found that the main cause of Vth shift in NBIS is injection of photoinduced hole carriers that cross the VBO by tunneling from IGZO channel to gate oxide. [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]

This paper analyzes the effect of high current under illumination stress (HCIS) in self-aligned amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide transistors with Al2O3 as high- $\kappa $ gate dielectric. A negative parallel threshold voltage $({V}_{T}$) shift with the appearance of hysteresis $(\Delta {V}_{{hys}})$ is observed after HCIS. In contrast to the double ionized oxygen vacancy ($\text{V}_{\text O}^{\text 2+}$) theory, a peroxide donor theory based on ${ab~ initio}$ calculations is proposed to explain the degradation. Several methods are carried out to support the mechanism, including $\Delta {V}_{{hys}}$ generation, stress recovery behavior and capacitance-voltage ${(C-V)}$ measurements. A linear dependence between initial ${V}_{T}$ and negative ${V}_{T}$ shift is observed that further supports the peroxide theory. This work highlights the importance of evaluating the HCIS for oxide base semiconductor devices. [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]

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]

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 is concerned with the multiplicity and concentration behavior of nontrivial solutions for the following fractional Kirchhoff equation in presence of a magnetic field: (aε2s + bε4s-3 [u]A/ε2) (−Δ)A/εsu + V(x)u = ƒ(|u|2)u in R3, where ε >0 is a small parameter, a,b >0 are constants, s ∈ (3/4,1), (−∆)sA is the fractional magnetic Laplacian, A : R3 →R3 is a smooth magnetic potential, V : R3 → R is a positive continuous electric potential satisfying local conditions and ƒ : R→R is a C1 subcritical nonlinearity. Applying penalization techniques, fractional Kato’s type inequality and Ljusternik-Schnirelmann theory, we relate the number of nontrivial solutions with the topology of the set where the potential V attains its minimum. [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

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]

In this paper, we study the existence of positive solutions to a semilinear nonlocal elliptic problem with the fractional α -Laplacian on Rn , 0 < α < n. We show that the problem has infinitely many positive solutions in Cτ(Rn) ∩ Hlocα/2(Rn). Moreover, each of these solutions tends to some positive constant limit at infinity. We can extend our previous result about sub-elliptic problem to the nonlocal problem on Rn. We also show for α ∊ (0, 2) that in some cases, by the use of Hardy's inequality, there is a nontrivial non-negative Hlocα/2(Rn) weak solution to the problem (− Δα/2u(x) = K(x)up in Rn, where K (x) = K (| x |) is a non-negative non-increasing continuous radial function in Rn and p > 1. [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 study spatial analyticity of solutions to the defocusing nonlinear Schrödinger equations iut + Δu = |u|p-1u, given initial data which is analytic with fixed radius. It is shown that the uniform radius of spatial analyticity of solutions at later time t cannot decay faster than 1/|t| as |t| → ∞. This extends the previous work of Tesfahun [19] for the cubic case p = 3 to the cases where p is any odd integer greater than 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]