Diversity Performance Research Articles

A compact highly flexible two-element wideband MIMO antenna based on modal analysis for 5G wireless applications

The ever-evolving world of wearable technology demands compact, highly efficient, and flexible antennas to meet a seamless communication. To keep pace, a compact, flexible two element antenna with a low profile of 20 × 30 × 0.1 mm3 is presented in this article for 5G wireless applications. A lotus shaped radiator with stub integrated defective ground structure provides the desired band of interest with a measured impedance bandwidth of 4.56–5.65 GHz and isolation of 21 dB throughout the bandwidth. Characteristic mode analysis is exclusively utilized in this study to investigate and design the decoupling mechanism to improve the isolation. SAR analysis is performed using the Specific Anthropomorphic Mannequin (SAM) head model and a low SAR profile of 1.088/0.276 W/kg for 1 g/10 g is achieved. MIMO diversity performance of the antenna also shows favourable results with ECC < 0.5, DG ∼10, TARC < −10dB, MEG < −3 dB, CCL < 0.4 bps Hz−1 and ME < −0.5 that favours its applicability for real time MIMO applications.

Enhanced 2-port MIMO antenna with composite two-step metasurface for 77 GHz Vehicle-to-Everything applications

The article presents a 2-port multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna array designed for millimeter-wave band operation, specifically optimized for Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) applications. To enhance performance, a novel approach employing two types of metasurfaces on a single plate is utilized. The first metasurface, based on a loop structure, aims to improve the frequency bandwidth, while the second metasurface, utilizing a composite right/left-handed (CRLH) design, focuses on reducing mutual coupling. These two steps result in an improved frequency bandwidth exceeding 45% and a decreased structure width of about 50% compared to other designs. Notably, the compact nature of these metasurfaces, measuring approximately 32 × 3 mm2, is a significant feature that reduces manufacturing costs. The arrayed antenna, with 20 series elements, is suitable for medium-range radar in V2X applications, although our method is generally applicable to other ranges. Additionally, the radiation pattern exhibits a 40-degree beam rotation within the frequency bandwidth, making it well-suited for V2X applications. The results demonstrate impressive diversity performance, with a consistent maximum gain of 16 dB across the entire frequency bandwidth of approximately 68 GHz to 82 GHz, representing an 18.2% coverage.

The association between unilateral and bilateral performance-related measures in elite female soccer players: a multifaceted investigation.

The present study aimed to investigate a) the associations between bilateral performance utilizing countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), speed and unilateral CMJ, isokinetic peak torque in knee extension and flexion with angular velocities of 60°/s and 180°/s and tensiomyography (TMG) parameters; b) whether the asymmetries derived from unilateral tests are associated with bilateral CMJ, SJ and speed in elite female soccer players. Thirty-five elite female soccer players (average age: 20 ± 5years) completed CMJ, SJ, speed, isokinetic muscle strength and TMG tests. Compared to the non-dominant leg, the dominant leg demonstrated greater peak torque output in both knee flexion (7.4%) and knee extension (5.6%) isokinetic tasks, as well as m. vastus medialis contraction time (7.6%), and soccer-specific agility test (4.1%). Conversely, the hamstring to quadriceps peak torque ratio at 180°/s (8.5%) was significantly greater in the non-dominant leg. The associations between CMJ, SJ and speed performance were positive and ranged from weak (r = 0.350) to high (r = 0.710). For speed and TMG-derived variables, correlations were negative and ranged from weak (r = -0.345, p = 0.042, for vastus medialis contraction time) to moderate (r = -0.530, p = 0.001, for biceps femoris contraction time). Furthermore, both bilateral CMJ and SJ negatively correlated with TMG-derived variables, ranging from weak (r = -0.350, p = 0.039, for vastus lateralis contraction time) to moderate (r = -0.537, p = 0.003, for rectus femoris contraction time). The overall significant, albeit inconsistent, correlations between the diverse performance scores obtained highlight the necessity for a multifaceted and thorough diagnostic strategy in female soccer players.

A novel dual-band elliptical ring slot MIMO antenna with orthogonal circular polarization for 5G applications

This paper presents a dual-band 4-element multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) antenna featuring orthogonal circular polarization (CP) for Sub-6 GHz 5G applications. The single antenna combines a non-uniform width elliptical ring slot and a feed network, utilizing two L-shaped secondary feed lines to generate CP within the targeted frequency bands (3.55−3.80 GHz and 4.60−4.80 GHz). Using the single antenna as a unit antenna, a 4-element MIMO configuration is devised, employing a mirror technique for element placement to achieve orthogonal CP. This placement method effectively enhances coverage area and enlarges the 3-dB axial ratio bandwidth in the lower band (3.40–3.80 GHz). The common ground connections among elements are established via four strip lines. The antenna shows a good diversity performance considering the envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) result of less than 0.04 and isolation greater than 15 dB. The simulated gains of the MIMO antenna are 4 and 5 dBic in the respective bands. The single and MIMO antennas are fabricated, and the antennas’ performances are evaluated. A good agreement is observed between the measured and simulated results. The dual CP and diversity performances of the MIMO antenna make it more efficient for 5G wireless applications.

Diversified Workforce and Employees' Performance: Moderating Effect of Bureaucratic Leadership in Third Sector

With the global workforce undergoing unprecedented diversification, organizations in the Third Sector are compelled to scrutinize the intricate relationship between a diverse workforce and employees' performance. This paper delves into the nuanced dynamics within the Third Sector, focusing on the moderating effect of bureaucratic leadership on the link between workforce diversity and performance. The unique challenges and opportunities faced by non-profit organizations, NGOs, and social enterprises underscore the significance of this study. The research employs quantitative surveys to offer a holistic understanding of the complex interplay among workforce diversity, bureaucratic leadership, and employee performance. The study aims to identify patterns, correlations, and moderating influences that may provide valuable insights for organizations within the Third Sector. The key variables under investigation include workforce diversity, assessed through established scales regarding age, gender, ethnicity, and educational background diversity; employees' performance and bureaucratic leadership were also measured through established scales. Data was collected from diverse employees across various levels and departments within Lahore's third-sector organizations. The analysis employed statistical tools like regression analysis for quantitative data. This research seeks to contribute to the academic understanding of the subject and provide practical implications for organizational leaders in the Third Sector. The findings aim to guide effective decision-making, foster inclusive leadership practices, and enhance organizational performance in a diverse workforce.

Water-Borne Photo-Thermal Superhydrophobic Coating for Anti-Icing, Self-Cleaning and Oil–Water Separation

Superhydrophobic coatings with photo-thermal effects have advantages in anti-/de-icing and self-cleaning. Here, an eco-friendly and low-cost fabrication of superhydrophobic coating was proposed by spraying a water-borne suspension including carbon black and paraffin wax onto substrate-independent surfaces. The a water-borne suspension coated on stain steel plate showed a strong water-repellence, delaying the ice freezing time to 665 s, which is much higher than that of bare stain steel plate (210 s) under the same experimental condition. The ice-melting time was measured as 120 s under a solar irradiation of 0.1 W/cm2, while the control group had no sign of ice-melting during the same time. As a concept of proof, the self-cleaning, anti-corrosion, and oil–water separation were enabled by spraying the water-borne suspension on various substrates, demonstrating its diverse performances. Hence, the water-borne superhydrophibic coating provides an efficient, safe, and sustainable solution for wettability-related applications.

3D-printed multi-functional foamed concrete building components: Material properties, component design, and 3D printing application

The use of multi-density foamed concretes (FCs) to produce multi-functional building components by 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) is investigated. The use of medium-density 3D-printed foamed concrete (3DPFC_800), primarily serving a load-bearing role, and ultra-lightweight foamed concrete (ULFC_300), as thermal insulation material poured in the voids defined by the former, is proposed. This enables meeting diverse performance requirements within a single cementitious matrix, eliminating the need for multiple materials. The main properties of the proposed mixes are investigated. The compressive strength and thermal conductivity are equal to 7.04 MPa and 0.205 W/mK, and 1.43 MPa and 0.072 W/mK for 3DPFC_800 and ULFC_300, respectively. A successful 2D-printing test validates the suitability of 3DPFC_800 for 3DCP, and a robotic arm is employed for 3DCP tests. The proposed application allows for further knowledge on the use of FC in 3DCP and the identification of some issues and challenges that still need to be addressed.

Gender diversity and financial performance in executive positions in German companies

An underrepresentation of women in executive positions has persisted for decades. This paper aims to analyze the financial impact of women in executive positions in German companies by examining the economic value added and exploring the effects of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors and female supervisory board members on female board members. The results indicate that in the 200 largest German companies, the share of female executives increased between 2018 and 2022. Regardless of industry, female executives started at very low levels at around 4% in 2018; in 2022, this figure reached around 11%. Thereby, the financial sector showed the highest share of female executives at around 14% in 2022, and the industrial sector at around 9%. A closer look reveals that large companies have higher shares of female executives than smaller companies. Large companies show an average of 17% compared to small ones, and in 2022, only 8%. There is a positive correlation between the share of female supervisory board members and female executives, arguing that female supervisory board members seem to hire more female executives. Companies with more female executives tend to have lower ESG controversy scores, and companies with more female executives, measured by the economic value added, perform better financially than companies with few or no women. Companies with female executives show about 2 percentage points higher economic value added than those with the lowest share of females (no or few female executives). Thus, it seems that female executives matter and make a difference in companies.

Dual‐port circularly polarized wideband dielectric resonator antenna for S‐band application

SummaryThis article explains the design and implementation of a multiple input multiple output (two‐port) antenna, based on dielectric resonators. The antenna design not only demonstrates high isolation between its ports but also showcases robust diversity performance. The initial step introduces an asymmetrical ground plane radiating stub microstrip feed for circular polarization generation in a single‐port cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna (CDRA). This approach utilizes an asymmetrical ground plane and incorporates three radiating stubs connected to a microstrip feed line to generate HEM11δ modes in a cylindrical DRA. The proposed dual‐port CDRA offers high impedance bandwidth of 29.73% (2.95–3.98 GHz) and the axial ratio falls below 3 dB specifically from 3.01–3.35 GHz. The antenna demonstrates left‐handed circularly polarized fields with an average gain of 4.95 dBi and a radiation efficiency of 90.56%. All of these characteristics make the developed radiator appropriate for WiMAX (3.3–3.5 GHz) applications.

Silver nanowire-doped conductive polymer hydrogel anode for increasing electron transfer and COD removal rate simultaneously in microbial fuel cell

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) can generate electrons through microbial metabolism of organic matter in sewage. In this paper, carbon felt as base material, the conductive polymers polyaniline and polypyrrole combined with silver nanowires were doped in hydrogel, a super hydrophilicity, low electron transfer resistance, good biocompatibility hydrogel MFC anode (PANI-PPy-Ag NWs/CF) were prepared. It showed a hand-torn bread structure, this three-dimensional (3D) porous structure increased microbial attachment amount. The anode could reach a maximum voltage output of 0.66 V in only 5.5 h, and produce a maximum power density of 2196.61 mW/m3. Due to the doping of silver nanowire, a new electronic mode was explored, coulomb efficiency of 31.01 % and an ultra-high COD removal rate (96.69 %) was obtained. This study introduces a conductive composite hydrogel MFC anode, which provides a new idea for the material diversity, electrical production and sewage removal performance of MFC anode.

Novel associations between within-day energy balance (WDEB) and relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) in recreationally active women

Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) is a syndrome whereby physiological process are downregulated to regain energy balance under conditions of low energy availability (LEA). There is a growing body of research investigating the diverse health and performance complications in relation to energy availability calculated over 24-h. However this may conceal energy deficient periods in the day, which could contribute to RED-S symptoms. There is a handful of research suggesting such periods of deficiency are associated with changes in body composition, and menstrual and endocrine dysfunction, however many RED-S symptoms are yet to be explored in this area. This study therefore aimed to explore within-day energy balance (WDEB) in relation to a variety of, yet to be investigated, RED-S consequences in recreationally active women. Following ethical approval from the Manchester Metropolitan University Ethics Committee, 16 women (age, 27 ± 6 years, stature, 1.67 ± 0.05 m, and mass, 63.5 ± 8.2 kg) engaging in 4-6-h per week moderate-vigorous physical activity were recruited via social media, word of mouth, and posters. Seven-day food and training diaries alongside accelerometery and heart rate were used to estimate 24-h energy availability and hourly WDEB. The largest within-day energy surplus and deficit, the number of hours spent in a surplus and deficit, and the maximum number of consecutive hours in each, were calculated daily and averaged across the 7-days. Quantitative ultrasound of bone, haematocrit, haemoglobin, total cholesterol, maximum voluntary contraction of the knee during flexion and extension, V̇O2peak and lactate profile were all assessed. Gastrointestinal health was assessed via questionnaire. Correlational analysis between WDEB variables and RED-S symptoms was done accounting for 24-h energy availability. Of all 16 participants, 87.5% did not have adequate energy availability (&lt;45 kcal∙kgFFM∙day-1); 12.5% had low energy availability (&lt;30 kcal∙kgFFM∙day-1), and 75% had subclinical energy availability (30-45 kcal∙kgFFM∙day-1), typically associated with weight loss. Gastrointestinal dysfunction was negatively correlated with within-day energy surpluses (r13 = −0.479, P = 0.035) and positively correlated with within-day energy deficit variables (r13 = 0.499 to 0.534, P ≤ 0.029). These correlations were maintained after also accounting for anxiety. Haemoglobin levels were negatively correlated with within-day energy deficit variables (r13 = −0.477 to −0.490, P ≤ 0.036). Radius and tibia, T- and Z-scores were positively correlated with energy surplus values (r13 = 0.593 &amp; 0.681, P = 0.004 &amp; 0.013, respectively). To conclude, this was the first study to show WDEB to be associated with gastrointestinal, haematological, and bone health, illustrating that WDEB in relation to RED-S warrants further research as it may have health and performance implications that are overlooked when assessing LEA alone.

A Low-Profile four-port MIMO Antenna for 5G-n79 Band with high diversity performance

This paper presents a simple design of a compact 4-port multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) microstrip antenna using polarization diversity technique. The proposed structure consists of four monopole elements operating in the fifth generation n79 band (4800–5000 MHz). To achieve good performance with a more compact design, the four identical elements are arranged orthogonally to each other. The proposed antenna is fabricated using a Rogers RT6010 substrate with a compact size of 28 × 28mm2. The measured results of the manufactured antenna in terms of S-parameters and radiation pattern are in good agreement at the operating frequency band. Moreover, the diversity performance of the proposed MIMO antenna is evaluated through the envelope correlation coefficient (ECC), the diversity gain (DG), the total active reflection coefficient (TARC) and the channel capacity loss (CCL).

High gain multi-band circularly polarized wearable leaky wave zipper MIMO antenna

A miniaturized, multi-band, four-port wearable Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna is proposed, which contains a leaky wave textile antenna (LWTA) on denim (εr = 1.6, tanδ = 0.006) as substrate and Shieldit Super Fabric as conductor textile. The concept in this work involves incorporating the metal and plastic zipper into the garment to function as an antenna worn on the body. Simulations and measurements have been conducted to explore this idea. The LWTA has dimensions of 40 × 30 × 1 mm³. Every two ports are separated by a zipper with two different kinds of materials: Acetal Polymer Plastic (APP) and 90 % brass to improve the isolation, gain, and Impedance bandwidth. The antenna operates in the frequency ranges covering the L, C, S, and X bands. Additionally, diversity performance is evaluated using the Envelope Correlation Coefficient (ECC) and diversity gain (DG). Simulation and measurement findings agree well, with a maximum gain of 12.15 dBi, low Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) based on the standards, DG greater than 9.65 dB, circular polarization (CP), and strong isolation (<-23 dB) between each port. Since the antenna's characteristics do not change significantly under bending and when the zipper is opened, the proposed antenna is a viable candidate for body-centric wireless communications on the battlefield. For example, it can facilitate communication covering wireless local area network (WLAN) and fifth-generation (5G) communications.

Explore the feasibility of electrospray ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry in elemental analysis

As a representative soft ionization technique, electrospray ionization (ESI) is commonly applied for the analysis of organic and biological compounds and is less used in inorganic applications. This study introduces the performance of ESI high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) in the detection of elements. The HRMS instrument was equipped with a sub-atmospheric pressure (SAP) ESI source to reduce sample consumption and simplify the sampling operations. In addition, in-source collision-induced dissociation (IS-CID) was introduced into the analysis to generate simple metallic ion species such as atomic ions and charged oxides and reduce organic peak interferences. Various solutions containing metal salts and organometallic compounds were analyzed, demonstrating a picogram-level absolute detection limit and accurate multi-element identification capability of the instrument. Furthermore, SAP-ESI-HRMS exhibits diverse analytical performances, enabling both elemental and organic analyses by simply regulating the IS-CID energy in the measurement.

Gender diversity, intellectual capital, and family ownership: An empirical test of Kanter's hypothesis

AbstractThis study examines the relationship between gender diversity and intellectual capital performance, and moderating role of family ownership on this relationship. The study used 3730 firm‐year observations of 307 nonfinancial firms listed on Pakistan Stock Exchange over the period 2008–2020 and employed ordinary least squares regression analysis to test the hypotheses. More specifically, the study used group composition (skewed board, tilted board, and balanced board) to examine multiple significance levels of gender diversity on boards, and used five measures (modified value‐added intellectual coefficient, human capital efficiency, structural capital efficiency, relational capital efficiency, and capital employed efficiency) of intellectual capital performance. Using lens of agency theory and resource dependence theory, we found that gender diversity positively influences intellectual capital performance, however, the strongest impact is apparent in case of balanced board. Moreover, family ownership positively influences this relationship. Our study complements the efforts of policy makers by providing empirical support for the mandatory placement of females on boards and urge them to increase number of females on corporate boards to derive maximum benefits of female directors. In addition, our results recommend the enhancement of the professional skills of women work force to ensure their maximum participation in the corporate sector.

Board gender diversity and corporate social performance: the moderating effect of family firms

Board gender diversity and corporate social performance: the moderating effect of family firms

CHINESE AESTHETIC CHARACTERISTICS, ARTISTIC PERFORMANCE, AND MODERN SIGNIFICANCE OF LITERARY LANGUAGE

Literary language holds a distinct and crucial aesthetic value within literature and art. As a fundamental element of literature, it is an aesthetically refined form of language characterized by rhythm, implication, rhetoric, and strangeness. Its artistic performance is multifaceted, encompassing the creation of indirect artistic images, the depiction of the grand and intricate material world, and the exploration of profound emotional landscapes. Literary language's aesthetics and diverse artistic performance significantly contribute to historical traditions, literature evolution, and individual experience, securing its vital and irreplaceable role in contemporary society

Metasurface loaded ceramic based MIMO antenna with improved gain and circular polarization characteristics

In this communication, the conceptualization involves the design of a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) (dual-port) ring dielectric resonator antenna and the integration of a meta-surface onto this configuration. It introduces three distinctive attributes, which characterize the novelty of the proposed design: (a) facilitates the conversion of linearly polarized waves into circularly polarized counterparts; (b) contributes to a substantial enhancement in gain in between the working band; and (c) there is notable improvement in the isolation between the antenna ports to more than 25 dB. The experimental measurements validate the simulated results of proposed design and confirms its applicability in between 2.45–3.0 GHz. Notably, a 3-dB axial ratio is created in the frequency span of 2.56–2.99 GHz, along with an impressive gain of approximately 8.3 dBi. Its consistent radiation pattern and excellent diversity performance make it suitable for WiMAX (2.6 GHz) use.

A novel penalty function-based interval constrained multi-objective optimization algorithm for uncertain problems

To directly address problems involving uncertain objectives and constraints, a novel penalty function-based interval constrained multi-objective optimization algorithm (PF-ICMOA) was developed. It comprises three main components: an uncertainty propagation-based interval constraint solver, an interval constraint violation function, and a two-stage penalty function. The uncertainty violation of interval constraints can be accurately evaluated by the proposed advanced multi-objective optimization algorithm using a segmentation function without requiring multiple interval analyses. Additionally, by applying penalties to infeasible solutions in the two-stage process, partially feasible and superior infeasible solutions are retained in the early stages of evolution, while superior feasible solutions are favored in the later stages. A novel benchmark was designed and the effect of the imprecision factor on the Pareto front was examined in details. Comparisons with seven deterministic constraint handling techniques demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method for solving interval constrained multi-objective optimization problems, demonstrating that PF-ICMOA is a highly competitive method for balancing the feasibility, convergence, and diversity performance characteristics.

Financial performance, gender diversity and corporate environmental performance: the moderating role of firm size

Financial performance, gender diversity and corporate environmental performance: the moderating role of firm size