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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]

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]

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 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]

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]

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]

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]

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 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]

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]

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]

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]

The next phase of industrialization in the world is the use of 3D printing technology. Various 3D printing technologies are employed all over the world and for different purposes, from 3D printed houses to 3D printed food nutrients. Printer movement is achieved by carriages moving in a clearly defined X, Y, and Z orientation. The 3D printer has a lower work rate; subsequently, many printouts consume a lot of time due to their complexity. This paper elaborates on the design and development of a faster and fixed build platform 3D printer (Delta 3D printer) using locally available materials and e-waste. The Delta 3D printer movement is faster with a stable bed. Printer movement is achieved using three vertical axes placed 120° apart. Accuracy and speed are achieved with the use of NEMA 17 stepper motors to drive the various carriages on the vertical axes. Design calculations show that the least force delivered by the stepper motor is 1.73 N which exceeds 0.8334 N, the weight of the load to be carried. Furthermore, a stepper motor must turn 80 steps (rotational motion) in order to achieve 1 mm advance (linear motion). This ensures a higher printout resolution. In place of traditional linear rails, locally sourced square pipes were adopted coupled with bearings and a 3D printed carriage support, and a relatively cheaper but stable linear rail was developed. The goal of this research was to develop an alternative easy-to-build Delta 3D printer using locally sourced materials. This goal of this research was achieved, and the developed prototype was test-run under load conditions. It is recommended that salvaged e-waste should be properly managed for easy acquisition. [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]

In this paper, we propose a novel algorithm for a decomposition of 3D binary shapes to rectangular blocks. The aim is to minimize the number of blocks. Theoretically optimal brute-force algorithm is known to be NP-hard and practically infeasible. We introduce its suboptimal polynomial heuristic approximation, which transforms the decomposition problem onto a graph-theoretical problem. We compare its performance with the state of the art Octree and Delta methods. We show by extensive experiments that the proposed method outperforms the existing ones in terms of the number of blocks on statistically significant level. We also discuss potential applications of the method in image processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This research work investigated the record management and services delivery of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Delta state chapter. The study was carried out by using descriptive survey research design. Three specific objectives, three research questions were formulated to guide the study. The population of the study comprises 452 staff of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Delta state chapter, with sample size of 213 staff. Questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. Data was analysed with descriptive statistics. The findings of the study revealed that INEC make use of online storage, such as website/webpage and email, and the use of online storage help to preserve record for long period, ensure timely retrieval of information and contribute greatly to effective service delivery. The study revealed that INEC employed degree holders in record management and library and information science to manage their record, and use of degree holders in record management department help in effective service delivery. Also, the study revealed that INEC have existing weeding policy, and existing weeding policy help the record keeper to know the record to dispose and those to keep, and this promotes effective service delivery. Based on the findings, recommendations were made as follows: that management of INEC should acquire more of the latest electronics gadget for record storage purposes. That more graduate from the field of library and information science and record management should be employed to handles INEC record. Also, that, record management staff should be trained periodically to acquire new skill to manage the organizational record for effective service delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) strongly recommends that brief tobacco interventions should be routinely offered in primary care. However, medical doctors do not consistently and effectively intervene during their encounters with cigarette smokers. There is a paucity of studies assessing the effect of training on the tobacco intervention competency of primary care doctors in Nigeria. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of online training in improving competency in brief tobacco interventions among primary care doctors in Delta State, Nigeria. Methods: A cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted among eligible doctors working in government-owned facilities. The 22 eligible Local Government Areas (LGAs) served as clusters. The intervention group received a WHO six-hour online course on brief tobacco cessation intervention, delivered via Zoom. The control group received no intervention. A structured questionnaire was sent to participants via WhatsApp before and six months after the training. The primary outcome variables were scores for knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and practice. Differences in change of scores between intervention and control groups were assessed with t-test. To adjust for clustering, these inter-group differences were further analyzed using linear mixed-effects regression modeling with study condition modeled as a fixed effect, and LGA of practice entered as a random effect. Results: The intervention group had a significantly higher mean of change in scores for knowledge (effect size 0.344) and confidence (effect size 0.52). Conclusion: The study shows that training, even online, positively affects clinician competency in brief tobacco intervention. This is important for primary care systems in developing countries. Mandatory in-service training and promotion of the WHO modules are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper argues that the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and library operations has become inevitable to sustain higher education institutions (HEIs). The deteriorating state of educational standards in Africa, amidst other prevalent factors of nonpolicy formulation and implementation; increasing student enrolment; competition among HEIs for academic excellence; poor technological tools for teaching and learning; inadequate skills among professionals (academics and nonacademics); and the changing nature of best practices in the teaching profession are all reasons for this. Both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were applied in this study of Delta State, Nigeria IHEs. The qualitative approach made use of interpretive content analysis of documents harvested from the databases of Scopus and Web of Science, while the quantitative approach applied the survey research method through a questionnaire for data collection. The findings revealed that different types of ICTs and library operations were key pillars in the sustainability of higher education institutions in Delta State and that the scientific value of available ICTs and library operations was embedded in transitioning from a traditional to a virtual platform for efficient and effective service delivery, restructuring the library environment, and unending accessibility. The study recommends continuous acquisition of recent digital technological tools to sustain and enhance library operations and quality service delivery in HEIs, since ICTs and library operations are the bedrock of HEIs. [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]

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]

The free to use Sentinel-2 (S2) sensors with 5-day revisit time at high spatial resolution in 10 spectral bands is a revolution in the remote sensing domain. Including 6 spectral bands in the near infrared, with 3 dedicated for the red-edge (where the vegetation significatively increases), these european satellites are very promising for mapping tree species distribution at a national scale. Here, we study the contribution of three one-year S2 Satellite Image Time Series (SITS) for mapping deciduous species distribution in the southwest of France. The annual cycle of vegetation (called phenology) can contribute to the identification of tree species. For some specific dates, species can have different phenological behaviours (senesence, flowering…). To train and validate the maps, we used the Support Vector Machine algorithm with a spatial cross-validation method. To train the algorithm with the same number of samples per species, we decided to undersample each class to the smallest class using a K-means clustering method. Moreover, a Sequential Feature Selection (SFS) has been implemented to detect the optimal dates per species. Our results are promising with high accuracy for Red oak andWillow (average score of the three one-year respectively F1 = 0.99, F1 = 0.94) based on the optimal dates. However, it appears that the performances when using the each full SITS are far below the optimal dates models (average ΔF1 = 0.32). We did not find, except for Willow and Red oak, that the optimal dates were the same for each year. Perspectives is to find an algorithm robust to temporal or spectral noise and to smooth the time series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined the impact of contemporary globalisation policies of liberalisation, privatisation and deregulation on women in rural communities of Delta, Kano and Kwara states, Nigeria. The general opinion of proponents of globalisation policies is that they were meant to bring about rapid development. In the light of this generic assumption, development paradigm which emphasize neo-liberal policy framework of global development was adopted and implemented by the Nigerian government without a local input. The qualitative analysis of the study was based on the perceptions of women from three study states where significant implementation has taken place. The findings of the study dispute the theoretical assumption as it noted the sweeping generalisation of global development. Though the findings revealed mixed impact, that is positive and negative, the negative impacts seem to be overwhelming. The uneven impact of globalisation policies on women in rural communities is mediated by religious practice and socio-cultural norms prevalent in their respective communities. Hence, the extent to which women in rural communities could benefit from the changes in the rural economy varies in accordance to their access to productive resources, opportunities and skills. The study recommends amongst others, that effort should be made to incorporate socio-economic and gender analysis into policies and programmes. [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]

Environmental pollution and degradation caused by the processing and refining of crude oil has been on the increase since its discovery in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Its negative impacts are unquantifiable though its refined products are of immense benefits to the nation and the world at large. An assessment of the performance of Pistia stratiotes as affected by the water soluble fraction of Universal Energy Akwa Ibom crude oil was carried out in Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria in 2023. The five levels of WSF (0, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) were used. Pistia stratiotes thalli were obtained from below the Bridge along River Ethiope and exposed to the different treatments. The results showed a significant reduction (p≤0.05) in all the plant parameters measured (leaf area, plant number, fresh weights, dry weight biomass, relative growth rate and survival percentage) in plants grown in the WSF media when compared to their counterparts exposed to the control plots. Against the normal healthy plants observed in the control, signs of dieback, yellowness of leaves, suppress growth and deaths were observed in plants subjected to the water soluble fraction of the crude oil and the effects were WSF dose dependent. There was gradual reduction in the shoot biomass of the plant with increasing level of WSF. There is a gradual increase in the root biomass although there was a total root growth. The study has established that the performance of Pistia stratiotes was significantly affected by the presence of water soluble fraction of crude oil. The study has great implication on water biology and food security. Continuous environmental monitoring and remediation exercises should be conducted in oil producing communities by the government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a novel approach, based on the adaptive rate processing and analysis, of achieving a visual transformation of the isolated speech. The idea is to smartly combine the adaptive rate signal processing and classification for realizing an effective speech recognition and its transformation in sign. The incoming speech signal is digitized with an event-driven A/D converter (EDADC). The output of EDADC is windowed with an activity selection process. These windows are later on resampled uniformly with an adaptive rate interpolator. The resampled windows are de-noised with an adaptive rate filter and their spectrum are computed with an adaptive resolution short time Fourier transform (ARSTFT). Later on, the magnitude, Delta and Delta-Delta spectral coefficients are extracted. The K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) technique is employed to compare these extracted features with the reference templates. The comparison outcomes are the classification decisions. The classification decision is transformed into a systematic sign. The system functionality is tested for a case study and results are presented. A 7.9times reduction in acquired number of samples is achieved by the devised approach as compared to the classical one. It aptitudes a significant computational gain and power consumption reduction of the proposed system over the counter classical ones. An average subject dependent isolated speech recognition accuracy of 96.6% is achieved. It shows that the proposed approach can be employed in potential applications like industrial and noisy environments, integration of people with impaired hearing, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This abstract presents an overview of aquatic macrophytes and their importance for the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems. It also discusses the effect of water quality and nutrient enrichment on macrophyte distribution, and the development of survey and monitoring techniques for characterizing waterside habitats. Finally, it highlights the need for detailed data for detecting changes at individual sites. Physicochemical parameters are major factors when considering the quality of water samples with the presence of macrophytes in an aquatic ecosystem. A study carried out from January to March in 2019 shows that the mean value of the water temperature was the highest in February, with a mean value of 26.5 °C; the PH, alkalinity, sulfate (SO42−), and nitrate (NO3−) were the highest in January, while the conductivity, total hardness of the water, magnesium, biological oxygen demand (BOD), and phosphate were the highest in March. Moreover, the water was 100% transparent during the whole study period. Twelve (12) macrophytes belonging to ten (10) families were encountered. The most abundant macrophytes encountered were the species Bumbusa vulgaris (Poaceae family). A single emergent macrophyte Ipomoea aquatic (Convolvulaceae family) was encountered. Free-floating and submerged macrophytes were absent due to the high flow rate of the river. It was observed that the physiocochemical parameters of River Ethiope fall under the normal range of good quality water, supporting Macrophytic vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the recovery of the metacercariae of a brachylaimid trematode from the rectum of the frog Amnirana galamensis from Ase in Delta State, Nigeria, we investigated the land snails in the locality to establish their roles in the life cycle of the parasite. Of the four land snails investigated from Ase (Limicolaria aurora, Archachatina marginata, A. papyracea, and Thapsia oscitans), and a Limicolaria sp. from Tombia (Bayelsa State), four harboured larval stages of the bracylaimid. Only L. aurora and the Limicolaria sp. harboured cercariogenous sporocysts and are therefore presumed to serve as the first intermediate hosts of the parasite. Metacercariae were recovered from the Limicolaria spp. and the Archachatina spp. and so serve as the second intermediate hosts. No larval brachylaimids were recovered from T. oscitans. Metacercariae from L. aurora and A. papyracea were cultured in vivo in 14 days old chicks of Gallus gallus domesticus. Parasites recovered from the experimental hosts 7, 14, 21 and 28 days post-infection, showed progressive development of the parasite with the full maturity attained by the 28th day post-infection. Adult parasites recovered from the experimental birds and from free range chicken purchased from Ase and Tombia showed that the brachylaimid infecting these birds was Postharmostomum ntowi, a parasite previously reported in domestic chicken in Ghana. There is need to investigate the host range of the parasite in Nigeria as this trematode is also known to infect the Guinea fowl in Ghana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated marketing of library services as a determinant for undergraduate's patronage in Oghara Polytechnic library in Delta State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design using questionnaire as instrument for data collection. The population of the study consists of 31 library staff at the Oghara polytechnic library. A total of 31 questionnaires were distributed only 25 were retrieved. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics mean and percentage mean score of 2.5 and above. The study revealed that the needs for marketing library and information services in Oghara polytechnic libraries is keeping the clients in touch, informed about resources and services that match their interests, aims at determining the needs and aims at determining the wants and demands of undergraduates. The study shows the current techniques employed in marketing library services as library website, orientation tours and workshops, blogs and podcast, and posters. The study affirmed the extent of undergraduate's patronage as once in week, twice a week and during exams. The study recommended that the library management should utilize social media to market their information resource and services to increase undergraduate's patronage, the library staff should improve their relationships with their users so as to portray a good image of the library to their users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assesses the service delivery quality using SERVQUAL to predict library users' intention to revisit Delta State Polytechnic Library, Ogwashi-Uku. Ultimately, the survey helps improve the quality of library services by informing the development and rollout of initiatives that address the concerns voiced by the polytechnic community. The working population of the study was 4545 library users in Delta state Polytechnic, Ogwashi-uku. A sample size of 354 was achieved using Wimmer and Dominick's sample size calculator. Direct data collection using a Questionnaire from Delta state Polytechnic libraries in Delta state, Nigeria, was the primary data collection method. The results of the assessment showed that DSPG library service quality has a significant effect on library users' intentions to revisit. Perceived reliability as a service quality positively affects library users' intentions to return, while assurance and empathy have the slightest positive influence. The study concluded that Library users who are assured and perceive library service as reliable, responsive, empathic, and tangible are more likely to revisit the Library. Therefore, working recommendations were made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open educational resources (OER) are being utilised more often to support pedagogical objectives and learning requirements in higher education institutions all over the world. The OER: opportunities and difficulties for academic staff at private institutions in Delta State, Nigeria were the subject of this research. For this study, the descriptive research design was used. The goal of the research is to determine the extent of academic staff use of OERs, the reason for such usage, the advantages associated with that usage, and the obstacles that academic staff face in using OERs. The study's findings revealed that both institutions' academic staff members used open educational resources (OERs) extensively. Participants also used OERs to learn new things and find inspiration. Some advantages of employing OERs include making research work easily accessible and offering free internet access to books required for study. The usage of OERs was hindered by weak Internet infrastructure and an insufficient power supply. The report suggested, among other things, that tertiary institutions work to develop their own repository where done research might be uploaded. Students and academic staff would gain from it. Additionally, policymakers in Delta State must to think about launching a serious OER campaign at private institutions. This will increase accessibility and use by ensuring that both academic staff and students are aware of their presence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Consumption of herbal products has increased dramatically during the last few decades. Although there have been allegations that herbal products are made in unsanitary conditions resulting in microbial contamination and health hazards consumed by patients. Aim: The study is aimed at investigating the microbial quality of commonly sold herbal products in Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria. Methods: A total of seven (7) liquid herbal products (AB, GW, EC, IM, DR, GC and BM) were randomly purchased from local herbal shops and pharmacy shops in Abraka. Samples were aseptically measured out around the zones of a Bunsen fame and the total viable bacteria and fungi counts of samples were determined using serial dilution and spread plate method. Results: The total bacterial count in the herbal products ranged from 1.8 x 106 to 7.5 x 106. Proteus spp had the highest frequency of occurrence with a percentage of 50% while Staphylococcus spp. occurred the least with a percentage of 10% while Candida spp. had the highest percentage occurrence for fungi isolates and Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus occurs less with percentage occurrence of 10 and 20% respectively. The study also revealed that Tarivid, Streptomycin and Gentamycin were susceptible to all bacterial isolated from the herbal products with average zone of inhibition of 18.25±1.39, 19.75±3.39 and 23.13±2.0.8 respectively. Conclusion: The finding of this study revealed that herbal products sold in Abrakawere contaminated with microorganisms, some of which are pathogenic and thus, these herbal products can serve as a means of spreading infections among the consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The core of this study was to examine via inferential and descriptive statistics, the statistical correlation between organization communication on employee's job motivation and job performance in the broadcast organizations in Delta State, Nigeria. This study was anchored on the unitary theory of industrial relations due to its relevance to the scope of this study. To achieve the general and specific objective of this study, the descriptive survey research design was adopted and primary data were obtained from questionnaire responses administered to one hundred and seventy-one staff of the seven broadcast organizations used for the study. Hypotheses were formulated and tested and findings emerged. This chapter therefore presents the summary of this study's findings, conclusion, contribution to knowledge and recommendations. The findings revealed that, job motivation indicators has no significant linear relationship with employee job motivation in broadcast organizations in Delta State; job performance indicators has a significant positive linear relationship with employee job performance in broadcast organizations in Delta State; Organizational communication has a significant positive linear relationship with employee job motivation in broadcast organizations in Delta State and that Organizational communication has no significant linear relationship with employee job performance in broadcast organizations in Delta State. The study recommends amongst others that, pay policies and procedures that will enable employers to attract, motivate, retain and satisfy their employees should be developed; employers and management of different industries must find the most crucial factors before implementing their motivational policies; employees that are duly appreciated for satisfactory performance should not take it for granted as it will project their intensions to the employer whether to repeat such good gesture or not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates Users Perception of the role of Academic Library in Private Universities in Delta State. Thus, the study outlined among others, the types of services provided, meaning of the concept users. To achieve this study, four (4) research objectives were formulated and they are: To identify the services of academic library; To ascertain users perception of academic libraries and their services; To know the various challenges that bedevil academic libraries in providing their services; Outline possible ways to remedy challenges of academic libraries. The study adopted a descriptive research method which gives room for the collection of data through questionnaire. The data collected were presented using frequency distribution, tables, and percentage. Data collected were also interpreted and analyzed to arrive at the findings of the study. The study discovered among others, that the respondents centred majorly on online public access catalogue services followed by constant provision of light in the library, locating books and journals for users, constant internet browsing services, Provision of reprographic/photocopying services, Presence of cataloguing and classification services, Effective reference services etc thought of the users towards the services that are been provided by the various institutions is on the positive side it was discovered that the determination of budget by the founder and the board of trustees, followed by High rate of price for books in the country, Noncompliance by management to the request of the academic library staff, Lack of acquaintance with recent trends and skills in the profession. The study was concluded by giving recommendations to the above challenges outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the reading habits of undergraduates in universities in Delta State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the research were to find out the reading habits of undergraduates and the problems militating against effective reading among them. In carrying out this study, two research questions were raised. Descriptive survey design was utilized for the study. The population of the study was forty-three thousand, five hundred (43,500) undergraduates in three universities in Delta State. The sample size for this study was 500. These universities include: Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State University, Abraka and Western Delta University, Oghara. Four hundred and fifty-two (452) copies of the questionnaire were retrieved and found usable. Proportionate stratified random sampling techniques was used for this study. The instruments used for this study was a researcher developed questionnaire with the title "Reading Habits of Undergraduates Questionnaire". Data were analysed using frequencies and percentage. Finding form this study showed that the reading habits of undergraduates in Delta State was low. Distraction from the social media/Internet, lack of interest in reading, distraction from friends and non-availability of books were the reason for the decline in undergraduates reading habits. The study recommended among others that university management should ensure the provision of wellequipped library in order to attract undergraduates to come to the library to read. This can be achieved by making available relevant information technologies that will enable the use of social media for educational purpose. Also, lecturers should engage undergraduates in several assignments and presentations and these should form a greater part of their assessment process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is on Awareness of Undergraduates in Western Delta University, Oghara, Delta State about Reference Management Software. It aims to provide new essential information on a relatively unexplored subject, with the goal of providing background for future understanding and comparison. For the purpose of this, the descriptive study adopted a survey research design. Therefore, 200 - 400 level students from six department of the college were selected. The total population of the students in the College was 358 to which questionnaire was administered. Consequently 240 were retrieved and were used for the analysis. The data collected were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Major finding from the study is that undergraduate in western Delta University are not aware of reference management software. It is however recommended among others that adequate awareness campaign and training be provided to undergraduates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study is focused on examining the information-seeking behaviour of elderly persons in Ethiope East, Local Government Area. Four research objectives guided the study. A survey research design was adopted for the study. Two hundred (200) elderly persons were selected through systematic random sampling from each of the districts in the Ethiope East (Abraka, Otoro-Agbon, and Ovu) amounting to a sample size of six hundred (600) elderly persons used for the study. Questionnaires were used to elicit data from the respondent with the aid of three (3) research assistants who are proficient in the Urhobo language. The data collected via the questionnaire were analysed using the descriptive statistics method. Out of the 600 copies of the questionnaire distributed to the elderly respondents, the researchers were able to get the required information for analysis from 525 copies, thus, there was an 88% return rate. The findings revealed that the information needs of the elderly persons' understudy are mainly health-related information, COVID-19 information, and sources of finance-related information, among others. The findings also revealed that friends and family members, health professionals, radio, and television are the major sources of information for elderly persons, among others. The findings revealed the elderly use the information they get to meet health needs, understand about COVID-19 pandemic, get financial sources, to make a better life decisions, among others. The militating factors against the access and use of information by the elderly include declining physical abilities due to aging, inadequate patience from friends and family members, inadequate finance, lack of awareness of information sources, lack of information literacy/search technique, among others. The researchers recommend that friends and family members caring for elderly persons should try to be patient with them to serve them better in meeting their information needs and government should sponsor information literacy programmes for the elderly to boost their information search and use as they strive to meet their information needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]