Timing and X-ray Spectral Features of Swift J1626.6-5156

In this paper, we extend timing analysis of Baykal et al. (2010) of \src using RXTE-PCA observations between MJD 53724 and MJD 55113 together with a Chandra-ACIS observation on MJD 54897 with a 20 ks exposure. We also present X-ray spectral analysis of these RXTE and Chandra observations. We find that the spin-up rate of the source is correlated with the X-ray flux. Using this correlation, we estimate the distance and surface magnetic field of the source as $\sim 15$kpc and $\sim 9\times 10^{11}$Gauss respectively. From the spectral analysis, we found that power law index increases and Hydrogen column density decreases with decreasing flux.Comment: Revised version; 12 pages, 4 figures, accepted for publication in MNRA

Cointegration, Causality and Fisher Effect in Nigeria: An Empirical Analysis (1970-2011)

This paper empirically investigates the existence of fisher effect in Nigeria. Specifically, it seeks to: examine the relationship between expected  inflation and nominal interest rate in Nigeria; and also  determine the nature and direction of causality between expected inflation and  nominal interest rate in Nigeria. Employing  Cointegration, Granger causality and error correction techniques and using data spanning the period of 1970-2011, the results indicate the existence of long run partial fisher effect in Nigeria. Specifically, there exists a long run positive and significant relationship between inflation and interest rate in Nigeria. Furthermore, there exists a unidirectional causality running from inflation to interest rate in Nigeria. The paper  recommends amongst others that, given the crucial role of interest rate in determining savings and investment which are necessary for economic growth and development,  policy makers and relevant monetary authorities should employ measures that will prevent inflation rate from rising to alarming heights in order to ensure that interest rates are maintained at reasonably low levels in Nigeria. Keywords: Cointegration, Causality, Inflation, nominal interest rate Fisher Effec

Exchange Rate Volatility and Inflation in Nigeria: An Empirical Investigation (1970-2011)

This paper empirically investigates the relationship between exchange rate and inflation in Nigeria using data for the period of 1970 to 2011. Specifically it sought to: analyse the influence of exchange rate volatility on inflation in Nigeria; and to determine the nature and direction of causality between exchange rate and inflation in Nigeria. Employing Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) techniques and  Granger causality tests, the results indicate that Exchange rate (ER) has an insignificant negative influence on Inflation rate (INF). Furthermore, there is no causality between inflation rate(INF) and exchange rate(ER) in Nigeria. The study recommends that, policy makers and relevant monetary authorities should employ measures that will stabilize the exchange rate in order to ensure that the inflation rate is maintained at a reasonably low level. Keywords: Exchange rate volatility, Inflation, Ordinary Least Square, Causality

Poverty Alleviation Strategies In Nigeria: A Call For An Inclusive Growth Approach

Nigeria is now Africa’s largest economy and one of the six fastest growing economies in the world. Ironically, the standard of living of the generality of the Nigerian people is far below the Poverty line. About 69% of the population are classified as poor with over 60% living in absolute poverty. How can Nigerians be so poor in the midst of plenty? Indeed this is a paradox! This paper seeks to assess the various initiatives of the Nigerian government over the years towards tackling the incidence of poverty with a view to proffering a way forward. Employing a descriptive methodology, the study concludes that fostering inclusive growth is necessary to fast-track the progress in poverty reduction efforts. Thus, with the full complement of good infrastructure and efficient social services at both the urban and rural areas, it is absolutely imperative that government at all levels should promote a broad-based growth that generates productive employment, redistributes income, enhances equity and involves the active participation of the poor if the incidence of poverty is to be reduced in Nigeria. Keywords: Poverty, Poverty Alleviation, Inclusive Growth, Development

Hyperbolic Metamaterial Resonator-Antenna Scheme for Large, Broadband Emission Enhancement and Single Photon Collection

We model the broadband enhancement of single-photon emission from color centres in silicon carbide nanocrystals coupled to a planar hyperbolic metamaterial, HMM resonator. The design is based on positioning the single photon emitters within the HMM resonator, made of a dielectric index-matched with silicon-carbide material. The broadband response results from the successive resonance peaks of the lossy Fabry Perot structure modes arising within the high-index HMM cavity. To capture this broadband enhancement in the single photon emitters spontaneous emission, we placed a simple gold based cylindrical antenna on top of the HMM resonator. We analyzed the performance of this HMM coupled antenna structure in terms of the Purcell enhancement, quantum efficiency, collection efficiency and overall collected photon rate. For perpendicular dipole orientation relative to the interface, the HMM coupled antenna resonator leads to a significantly large spontaneous emission enhancement with Purcell factor of the order of 250 along with a very high average total collected photon rate, CPR of about 30 over a broad emission spectrum, 700 nm to 1000 nm. The peak CPR increases to about 80 at 900 nm, corresponding to the emission of silicon-carbide quantum emitters. This is a state of the art improvement considering the previous computational designs have reported a maximum average CPR of 25 across the nitrogen-vacancy centre emission spectrum, 600 nm to 800 nm with the highest value being about 40 at 650 nm

Reliability analysis of bistable composite laminates

Bistable composite laminates are smart composites that have been employed for engineering structures due to their superlative offering of features like ability to change shape and low densities. Because of the embedded geometrical nonlinearity factor, a small variation of input parameters leads to significant changes in the response of the bistable composite laminates. In other words, Uncertainty Quantification (UQ) makes a change in the bistability characteristics. As a result, bistability behavior is extremely reliant on geometrical dimensions and elastic material properties as design parameters. Reliability analysis deals with the quantitative assessment of the occurrence probability due to UQ. In this regard, the reliability and sensitivity analysis of bistable composite plate are investigated through the Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) and multiple types of uncertain parameters, geometry and material properties, are assumed as random variables. The results indicate bistable composite plates have a high probability to be bistability behavior with the assumed statistical properties. Moreover, the sensitivity reliability analysis illustrates that the thickness and coefficient of thermal expansion have more effect on the bistability behavior in comparison to other input parameters. The results are confirmed by comparing them with those determined by the Finite Element Method (FEM)