Feeding Structure Research Articles

Wideband miniaturized circularly polarized magnetoelectric dipole antenna array for millimeter‐wave applications

AbstractA wideband and miniaturized circularly polarized (CP) magnetoelectric (ME) dipole antenna is proposed. Two pairs of rotationally symmetric patch structures replace the rectangular structure of the original linearly polarized ME dipole, generating a rotating electric field that results in CP‐radiated waves. And the magnetic dipole is modified to broaden the impedance bandwidth (IBW) and the axial ratio bandwidth (ARBW). Meanwhile，the simple l‐shaped feed structure makes the antenna more compact. To improve the antenna gain, a 2 × 2 CP ME‐dipole antenna array was designed, completed, and measured. The measured results show that the IBW of the antenna array is 41.5% (from 29.2 to 44.5 GHz), and 3 dB ARBW of 26.7% (from 34.7 to 45.4 GHz) has a peak gain of 13.7 dBic.

Ecological Status of a Tropical Inland Water Using Macroinvertebrate Feeding Groups and Sediment Characteristics

Changing environmental conditions have an important influence on the functional and structural organization of macroinvertebrates in water. The involvements of macroinvertebrates in Bio-monitoring have focused largely on their distribution pattern in water while neglecting the functional and feeding structure. This study aims to use the structure and habitat preferences of macroinvertebrates to provide reliable information on the ecological integrity of Atori Reservoir. Macroinvertebrates were sampled once every two months from selected sample stations in Atori Reservoir for a period covering both wet and dry seasons of an annual cycle. The collected macroinvertebrates were categorized into functional groups using feeding patterns, habitat preferences and mode of locomotion. The reservoir sediment was also analyzed for selected physico-chemical characteristics. Predators (feeding pattern) and Skaters (locomotion and habitat preference) were dominant in the collection. Many of the functional feeding groups were more abundant in the dry season. In fact, Collector-gatherers and shredders were recorded only in the dry season. There was no significant difference in the seasonal variation in the distribution of the macroinvertebrates in the reservoir. The physico-chemical parameters of the sediment did not vary significantly across the sample stations but paired samples T-test showed significant differences in the seasonal variations of physico-chemical parameters of the sediment in the reservoir The dominance of predators and skaters, which are known tolerant species have implications for the ecological integrity of the water. The dominance of tolerant species and the physico-chemical characteristics of the sediment suggested the presence of mild pollution in Atori Reservoir. Proactive conservative measures should be taken in order to prevent further degradation of the water quality as well as prevention of loss of biodiversity in the waterbody.

A CPW THz-MIMO antenna with reduced mutual coupling using Frequency Selective Surface for future wireless applications

In this article, we propose a novel THz-MIMO antenna system for future wireless applications. The performance of THz systems is prominently influenced by the MIMO configuration of the antenna. Increased signal attenuation and bit error rate (BER) are major hurdles to system performance at THz frequencies. MIMO antenna diversity techniques at the RF front end can significantly improve system performance. Toward this aim, this work attempts to develop a new THz-MIMO antenna system for future wireless applications. The proposed antenna uses a modified version of a traditional rectangular patch as the radiating element. The combination of a co-planar waveguide (CPW) feed structure and a modified stair-case radiator with an inverted L-shaped arch achieves excellent impedance matching between the feed line and the radiator, resulting in a broad bandwidth in the THz range. To evaluate the diversity performance of the antenna, both spatial and orthogonal 2-port antenna systems are designed and analyzed. Furthermore, isolation is enhanced by placing a frequency-selective surface (FSS) between the radiators of the proposed 4-port antenna. This design offers dual bandwidth, covering the ranges of 2.3–2.7 THz and 5.5–8.9 THz. The proposed antenna achieves very low mutual coupling (less than −30 dB), an extremely low envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) of 0.00001, and a low channel capacity loss (CCL) of 0.1 bps/Hz.

Market structure and price clustering: Maker‐taker versus taker‐maker

AbstractWe examine whether the different fee structures on equity exchanges, maker‐taker or taker‐maker, affects the frequency with which security prices cluster on round increments. We find higher price clustering on traditional maker‐taker venues relative to inverted taker‐maker venues. These results generally hold at the individual exchange level and across transaction‐ and quotation‐level clustering measures. Furthermore, we document that quoted depth, both inside and outside the best prices, is significantly greater on maker‐taker venues than on taker‐maker venues. We show that liquidity supply is the main economic driver behind the difference in price clustering between market structures. Our findings indicate that fees and rebates alter order‐routing strategies, which affect the precision of asset prices.

Experimental and numerical study on thermal protective performance of weft-knitted spacer fabric system against hot pressurized steam

Hot pressurized steam is a dangerous environment threatening the safety of workers. Developing steam protective clothing with excellent thermal protective performance (TPP) and clarifying its design mechanism are essential to protecting workers. This study totally developed eleven spacer fabric systems (SFSs) and investigated the effects of four design factors of spacer fabrics (SFs) on TPP, including heat setting, spacer yarn fineness, feeding structure, and top layer structure. Additionally, a heat and mass transfer model was established to analyze the steam protective mechanism of SFSs. The results demonstrated that SF heat setting had a negligible effect on TPP of SFSs. As the spacer yarn thickened to 80 D, the TPP of SFSs improved and the positive effect of feeding structure II on TPP increased. Conversely, dense mesh on the SF top layer had a negative effect on TPP. The model predicted that skin burn times of SFSs decreased with the increasing of pressure. When the pressure was 2.5 kPa, the relative errors between experimental and predicted skin burn times were the smallest (0∼12 %), which could more accurately simulate the steam protective mechanism of SFSs. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the development of high performance steam protective clothing.

Hedge fund fee structure and risk exposure

We provide a closed-form solution for the optimal investment strategy of a hedge fund manager compensated by a management fee and a high-water mark (HWM) contract. The fraction of the assets under management (AUM) allocated to equity is an increasing and convex function of distance to the HWM, with the size of the incentive fee rate enhancing the convexity effect. Importantly, the management fee induces more risk-taking behavior because it provides insurance to the fund manager. Beating the HWM by small amounts is optimal because it mitigates the ratchet feature of the HWM and smooths revenue. The decomposition of revenues between the two fee types is also examined. An extension introduces fund termination triggered by a large AUM drawdown. Risk exposure is either a decreasing or a hump-shaped function of the distance to the HWM.

Did Medicaid Reimbursements Shape the Effects of Medicaid Expansion on Access to Health Care Among the Low-Income Population?

Whether variation in Medicaid reimbursement fees influenced the impacts of the Medicaid expansions is not well understood. We examine whether changes in health care access associated with Medicaid expansion are different in states with comparatively high Medicaid reimbursement rates compared against expanding in states with lower Medicaid reimbursement rates. Using a difference-in-difference-in-difference (DDD or triple-difference) regression approach, we compare relative differences in Medicaid expansion effects between lower and higher reimbursement states. 512,744 low-income adults aged 20-64 in the 2011-2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Health insurance coverage status, unmet medical needs due to cost, regular source for health care, and a regular/scheduled checkup within the past year. Medicaid expansion has significant and positive impacts on health coverage and access in both high- and low-fee states. In states with fee levels above the median Medicare-to-Medicaid ratios, expanding Medicaid eligibility reduced uninsurance rate by 15.2 percentage point (ppt, p < 0.01), shrank the cost-associated unmet medical need by 10.3 ppt (p < 0.01), improved access to usual source of care by 1.9 ppt (p < 0.1), and increased regular checkup by 14.4 ppt (p < 0.01), while such effects in low-fee states were 11.7 ppt (p < 0.01), 8.3 ppt (p < 0.01), 3.1 ppt (p < 0.1), and 12.3 ppt (p < 0.01), respectively. Our results suggest that Medicaid expansion effect on unmet medical need due to cost in higher-reimbursing states was 2.98 ppt (p < 0.05) larger than in lower-reimbursing states. Evidence suggests modest increases in health care access were more strongly associated with expansions in higher-fee states. Medicaid's fee structure should be considered as a factor influencing large-scale coverage expansions.

Quad-PortMIMO dielectric ResonatorAntenna with filtering response for IoT application

ABSTRACT This article presents a four-port Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) antenna based on Dielectric Resonators (DR), showcasing excellent filtering characteristics, high isolation between ports, and strong diversity performance. The initial step introduces a single-port filtering Dielectric Resonator Antenna (DRA) utilizing the HEM11δ mode, featuring a complementary split ring resonator (SRR) feed structure that excites the cylindrical DR. This feed structure enables the independent adjustment of one resonance frequency and two radiation nulls. The experimental results confirm that the designed radiator works in between 2.35 and 2.57 GHz with an isolation level of more than 25 dB. The value of the gain is around 5.0 dBi within the operating band, while it is less than −15 dBi outside the working band. All these features make the designed MIMO radiator applicable for IoT applications.

Податкові надходження в доходах місцевих бюджетів України та їх фіскальний потенціал

The aim of the article is to analyze the dynamics of tax revenues of local budgets in Ukraine for the period from 2018 to 2023 and to study their structure and share in the total revenues of local budgets, the consolidated budget and the country’s GDP to identify their fiscal potential and influencing factors. Analyzing the dynamics of tax revenues of local budgets from 2018 to 2023, it is worth noting the overall growth of these revenues during the mentioned period. However, the ongoing war that began in 2022 and other external factors have significantly affected this dynamic, leading to fluctuations. The article examines not only the general dynamics of tax revenues, but also their structure, distribution by main components and their relation to the total revenues of local and consolidated budgets, as well as a percentage of GDP. The share of tax revenues in total local budget revenues in Ukraine has undergone significant changes, increasing during the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in 2022, but slightly decreasing in 2023. The share of these revenues in total consolidated budget revenues also decreased in 2022 and 2023, indicating the impact of economic instability and war. The share of local tax revenues in GDP increased in 2022 and 2023, reflecting the increased role of local taxes in financing and adapting to new economic conditions. The dynamics and structure of local taxes and fees, as well as their contribution to the tax revenues of local budgets, are also considered. Analysis of the dynamics of local taxes and fees shows a steady growth in 2019–2020, but a sharp decline in 2022 due to hostilities. However, in 2023, there is a positive trend along with growth, which indicates the stabilization and recovery of the economy. The structure of local taxes and fees is undergoing changes, in particular, there is an increase in the share of the single tax, which indicates a strategic rethinking of the taxation system to simplify and increase the efficiency of tax collection. The increase in the share of local taxes and fees in the tax revenues of local budgets testifies to their importance in the financial support of local authorities and their economic self-sufficiency and stability. In general, the analysis provides an opportunity to understand the economic situation in the regions of Ukraine and the impact of external and internal factors on financial processes in Ukraine. The results obtained can be useful for government agencies, economists and researchers interested in the financial stability and economic development of the regions of Ukraine.

Dealership or Marketplace with Fulfillment Service: A Dynamic Comparison

We consider two business models for a two-sided economy under uncertainty: dealership and marketplace. Although both business models can bridge the gap between demand and supply, it is not clear which model is better for the firm or for the consumers. We show that while the two models differ substantially in pricing power, inventory risk, fee structure, and fulfillment time, both models share several important features, with the revenues to the firm from the two models converging when the markets are thick. We also show that for thick markets there is a one-to-one mapping between their corresponding optimal policies. We provide guidelines and insights as to which business model is preferable under different conditions when the markets are not thick.

A Simplified Extended Multilayer SIW Supporting TE&lt;sub&gt;01&lt;/sub&gt; Mode Integrated with a Feeding Structure

A Simplified Extended Multilayer SIW Supporting TE&lt;sub&gt;01&lt;/sub&gt; Mode Integrated with a Feeding Structure

The Structure and Impact of Fees on Investor and Manager Returns

The Structure and Impact of Fees on Investor and Manager Returns

Incentives in Private Equity: The Impact of Fee Structures on Investment Behavior

Incentives in Private Equity: The Impact of Fee Structures on Investment Behavior

Environmental and Socioeconomic Impact Analysis of Quarry Operations in General Santos City on its Host Communities

Several international policies have been formulated to address the environmental and social impacts of the quarrying industry. However, this multifaceted issue persists, particularly in the Buayan River System in General Santos City. This study examined the environmental and socioeconomic repercussions of quarry operations in General Santos City, focusing on 14 commercial sand and gravel quarries along the Buayan River system. A mixed-methods approach was employed, collecting quantitative data through structured questionnaires, direct observations, and secondary data analysis, and incorporating qualitative insights from key informant interviews. Stakeholders within a 500-meter radius of the quarries were sampled using Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) to ensure representation. The findings revealed significant environmental impacts, including increased dust levels, soil erosion, and changes in water quality, which have adversely affected the local ecosystem and residents' health. The socioeconomic effects were mixed: while quarrying created jobs and improved infrastructure, it also showed deficiencies in community engagement and training programs. Regulatory analysis identified strengths in collaboration but highlighted weaknesses in enforcement, fee systems, and monitoring. The results indicated that although quarrying provides economic benefits, enhanced regulatory enforcement and sustainable practices are imperative to mitigate associated costs. Recommendations include strengthening enforcement, improving community engagement, updating fee structures, and implementing sustainable quarrying practices in General Santos City. By incorporating these recommendations, General Santos City can ensure the quarrying industry operates responsibly, balancing economic benefits with environmental and social well-being.

Impact of Auditor’s Independence on Earnings Management of Listed Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria

This research investigates the impact of auditor’s independence on earnings management in listed deposit money banks in Nigeria. Utilizing a correlational research design, the study explores the relationships between auditors’ independence, measured by audit firm specialization, audit fee, and audit firm size, and earnings management, proxied by accrued earnings. Secondary data from the annual reports and accounts of twelve selected banks over ten years (2013-2022) were analyzed using fixed effect estimation. The findings reveal that audit fee, audit size, and audit tenure positively influence earnings management. The positive coefficients suggest that higher audit fees, larger audit sizes, and longer audit tenures are associated with increased discretionary accruals. However, non-significant p-values caution against accepting these associations at the 5% level. The coefficient of determination (R2) indicates that the chosen variables collectively explain 27.26% of earnings management, offering some explanatory power to the model. In conclusion, the study recommends listed deposit money banks to prioritize engagement with Big 4 Audit Firms and carefully consider audit fee structures. Regulatory bodies, particularly the Central Bank of Nigeria, are advised to enhance surveillance, particularly in the realm of auditor remunerations. The research underscores the need for caution in interpreting the identified associations and highlights avenues for future research, including incorporating control variables and addressing potential endogeneity concerns for a more nuanced understanding of the relationship.

Pulsed Electromagnetic Excitation of a Narrow Slot Between Two Dielectric Halfspaces

The transient electromagnetic (EM) excitation of a narrow slot in a perfectly electrically conducting (PEC) screen that separates two homogeneous dielectric halfspaces, a simplified model of a typical feeding structure of leaky lens antennas, is analyzed numerically in the time domain (TD). The problem is formulated using the TD reciprocity theorem of the time-convolution type and subsequently solved with the aid of the Cagniard-DeHoop method of moments (CdH-MoM). Numerical results are validated using a general-purpose EM-field solver.

Generalized Deterministic Automated Design of Metasurface Antennas with 3D Feeding Structures

Generalized Deterministic Automated Design of Metasurface Antennas with 3D Feeding Structures

Miniaturized circularly polarized metasurface antenna based on characteristic mode analysis

AbstractA miniaturized circularly polarized (CP) metasurface (MTS) antenna is investigated based on characteristic mode theory (CMT). The 4 × 4 square patch structure was used as the initial structure for characteristic mode analysis (CMA) and improvement using CMT to guide the evolution of antenna structures. The square ring is bent and the capacitive strips are introduced to obtain the final miniaturized MTS. Comparing the proposed MTS with traditional MTS, the proposed antenna size is significantly reduced. To give the proposed antenna a CP, a feeding structure with a 90° phase difference is designed to excite a pair of orthogonal target patterns. The final antenna structure has a reduced overall size and has circular polarization characteristics. For verification, the proposed CP MTS antenna is fabricated and measured. The measured results show an impedance bandwidth of 2.9–3.65 GHz and 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth of 3.1–3.57 GHz, and a stable gain in the operating frequency band.

Factors Affecting Audit Quality: Evidence from Jordan

Objective - This study explores the factors influencing audit quality in Jordan, focusing on professional competence, auditor qualifications, availability and independence, professional experience, awareness of audit importance, and audit fees. Methodology/Technique –. Drawing from a sample of 454 Jordanian legal auditors, the research employs a questionnaire-based methodology. Findings - Results indicate a significant impact of the studied factors on audit quality, with audit fees being the most influential, followed by auditor objectivity and independence. Professional competence, academic qualifications, professional experience, and awareness of the importance of audits also contribute to audit quality. These findings underscore the importance of fair fee structures, maintaining auditor independence, and emphasizing professional competence to enhance audit quality and public trust. Novelty - The study recommends setting fees aligned with task complexity and upholding auditor independence for meaningful audit opinions. Type of Paper: Empirical JEL Classification: M41, M42, M48 Keywords: Audit Quality, Professionalism, Availability, Professional Experience, Audit Fees. Reference to this paper should be referred to as follows: Aburisheh, K; Nofal, S. (2023). Factors Affecting Audit Quality: Evidence from Jordan, Acc. Fin. Review, 8(3), 54 – 63. https://doi.org/10.35609/afr.2023.8.3(1)

Evaluating Workforce Mental Health and Well-Being: A Review of Assessments.

Given the importance of mental health and well-being assessments to employers' efforts to optimize employee health and well-being, this paper reviews mental health assessments that have utility in the workplace. A review of publicly available mental health and well-being assessments was conducted with a primary focus on burnout, general mental health and well-being, loneliness, psychological safety, resilience, and stress. Assessments had to be validated for adult populations; available in English as a stand-alone tool; have utility in an employer setting; and not have a primary purpose of diagnosing a mental health condition. All assessments were reviewed by a minimum of two expert reviewers to document number of questions, subscales, fee structure, international use, translations available, scoring/reporting, respondent (ie, employee or organization), and the target of the assessment (ie, mental health domain and organizational or individual level assessments. Sixty-six assessments across the six focus areas met inclusion criteria, enabling employers to select assessments that meet their self-identified measurement needs. This review provides employers with resources that can help them understand their workforce's mental health and well-being status across multiple domains, which can serve as a needs assessment, facilitate strategic planning of mental health and well-being initiatives, and optimize evaluation efforts.