bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Investment Funds Audited by the Big Four Firms Exhibit Different Performances? Evidence from Brazil
Authors: Malaquias Rodrigo Fernandes , Borges Junior Dermeval Martins , Zambra Pablo
Published: July 2024

Investment funds manage a portfolio composed of financial instruments; therefore, their accounting reports should undergo a careful process of preparation and auditing. The main purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of being audited by a Big Four audit company on funds’ risk-adjusted performance. The database is composed of equity funds from the Brazilian financial market, with daily returns spanning from January 2005 to March 2023. The funds’ performance was measured based on three indicators, including the Sharpe Ratio and Jensen’s Alpha. Fama and MacBeth regressions were used to test the hypotheses. The main findings indicate that the benefits of audit quality also include a positive effect on the risk-adjusted performance of investment funds, as the coefficient of the variable “Big Four” was positive and significant based on the proxies for risk-adjusted performance. This study advances this area of research by demonstrating the effects of the type of audit on the risk-adjusted performance indicators of investment funds.
Financial Distress Premium or Discount? Some New Evidence
Authors: Aroul Ramya R. , Kone Noura K. , Sabherwal Sanjiv
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the contradiction in the finding of a positive distress risk premium in Vassalou and Xing’s study and the finding of a negative distress risk premium, i.e., a distress risk discount, in several other studies. Using the default likelihood measure calculated following Vassalou and Xing’s procedure for 1965–2023, we show that excluding outliers and including the time period beyond the end of Vassalou and Xing’s sample period in 1999 makes a difference in the results. Overall, using portfolio sorting and Fama-MacBeth regressions, this study supports the existence of a distress risk discount. This study also documents that the financial distress risk is negatively reflected in security prices even after accounting for size and book-to-market risk factors. Furthermore, it demonstrates that the negative distress risk premium is strong and persistent across economic expansions, recessions, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reforming Sustainability-Linked Bonds by Strengthening Investor Trust
Authors: de Mariz Frederic , Bosmans Pieter , Leal Daniel , Bisaria Saumya
Published: July 2024

This paper explores the emergence of sustainability-linked bonds (SLBs) as an innovative instrument to finance sustainability objectives. SLBs are any type of bond instrument for which the financial characteristics vary depending on whether the issuer achieves predefined sustainability objectives. SLBs were launched in 2019, represent 7% of labeled bonds, and now exceed USD 250 billion. In the context of the growth of sustainable finance and concerns of greenwashing, this paper asks whether SLBs are an effective mechanism to attract sustainable finance. Drawing on a complete revision of the literature and interviews with practitioners, the findings highlight the potential of SLBs to contribute to sustainability financing, especially in hard-to-abate sectors. Recommendations include defining standardized KPIs based on a materiality assessment, requesting SPTs to be supported by science, and tailored step-up mechanisms. The academic literature and experts converge in their description of greenwashing risks posed by SLBs, their signaling effect, and the lack of sophistication in SLB pricing, in particular the optionality represented by step-ups. The literature differs from the practitioners’ perception on the existence of an issuance premium. Enhancing the design of SLBs represents an opportunity to add rigor to sustainable finance and better price externalities, where material topics have an explicit impact on the cost of funding.
Spatial Suitability Index for Sustainable Urban Development in Desert Hinterland Using a Geographical-Information-System-Based Multicriteria Decision-Making Approach
Authors: Abdelkarim Ashraf , Abdelhafez Mohamed Hssan Hassan , Elkhayat Khaled , Alshenaifi Mohammad , Alfraidi Sultan , Aldersoni Ali , Albaqawy Ghazy , Aldamaty Amer , Ragab Ayman
Published: July 2024

This study uses the Aswan Governorate model in southern Upper Egypt to determine the spatial suitability of sustainable urban development in the Egyptian deserts, ensure resource sustainability, and contribute to environmentally sustainable urban and economic growth in line with Egypt’s Vision 2030. To achieve these goals, a GIS-based multicriteria decision-making (GIS-MCDM) approach was used, through an innovative approach for integrating three main indicators: the risk index, environmental sensitivity, and economic resources. These indicators were divided into twenty-four criteria, and their weight was determined according to preference through the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). This study serves developmental, national, and expected regional and local development efforts for developing desert regions in the Aswan Governorate, which exceed 80% of the governorate’s area and represent the future of sustainable urban development. This study found three spatial suitability categories, with the largest between 50 and 70% suitability. The first category, with suitability greater than 70%, covers 27.2% of the Aswan Governorate in the north, on both sides of the Nile. Areas with medium spatial suitability, ranging from 50% to 70%, constitute the second category, accounting for 40.3% of the Aswan Governorate, with a concentration in the central regions. The third category includes areas with low spatial suitability, at less than 50%, which make up 32.5% of the governorate.
A Reflection on the Implementation of a Waterfront Greenway from a Social–Ecological Perspective: A Case Study of Huangyan-Taizhou in China
Authors: Huang Huang , Qi Jiaxin , Xiao Suili , Wende Wolfgang , Xin Yingdu
Published: July 2024

In recent years, awareness has grown of the vital importance of ecological systems, provoking increased research into how to improve their resilience. Here, one popular new technical/management solution is the creation of greenways along riversides. In practice, however, the practical outcomes of such greenways have sometimes been disappointing due to an excessive focus on technical solutions at the expense of a sufficient consideration of the social impact. This study intends to reflect on the problem by looking at the dynamics of land use for ecosystem functions at the macro scale as well as the relationship between the implementation of greenways and the local demand for diverse everyday activities, in particular, recreation opportunities, at the micro scale. Based on this, it aims to reveal practical solutions to bridge ecological usages and everyday needs that achieve better preservation and services of ecosystems. Taking the greenways along the Yongning River (YRG), which runs through the urban–rural areas and the urban–rural interface of Huangyan-Taizhou, as a case study, GIS analysis and anthropology approaches were applied. The results show that the YRG has systematically improved the riparian ecosystems by better connecting the eco-land use and preserving the waterfront. At the same time, its ability to fulfil the large potential for leisure and recreation services needs to improve. Residents living in different parts of the city had disparate requirements depending on their patterns of daily behaviour. We conclude that the successful implementation of greenways in cities should not only consider technological and nature-based solutions but also consider the socio-cultural background. The diversity of local needs regarding everyday activities and recreation will lead to an equivalent diversity in riparian landscape design.
Quaking Aspen in a High-Use Recreation Area: Challenges of People, Ungulates, and Sodium on Landscape Resilience
Authors: Corkery Georgie , Miller Anna B. , Rogers Paul C.
Published: July 2024

Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) landscapes are valued for their biodiversity, water retention, fire mitigation, aesthetics, and recreation opportunities. Across North America, some aspen populations are experiencing population declines as they face uninhibited ungulate browsing, drought, fire suppression, insects, disease, and inappropriate management. Increased human development and recreational use within aspen landscapes can serve as additive stressors, though there is a dearth of literature examining these elements. At a popular recreational area in Utah, USA, identifying the cause of apparent decline within a larger aspen community is complicated by development upstream and recreation-related activities. We sought to (1) assess the overall condition of the aspen at the site, (2) understand key variables that influence aspen conditions, and (3) elucidate how aspen fitness varies across the site. We collected data from forty-five plots using established aspen sampling methods, including ungulate presence, tree characteristics, soil chemistry, and environmental descriptors. Results suggest that a combination of higher levels of browsing and elevated soil sodium may be causing premature mortality and limiting aspen recruitment in a portion of the study area. These findings will inform future management at this site, as well as similar recreational forest settings experiencing compound stressors.
Modeling the Cadastral Value of Land Plots of Gardening and Horticultural Non-Profit Partnerships Taking into Account the Influence of Local Factors of the Territory
Authors: Bykowa Elena , Banikevich Tatyana , Zalivatskaya Natalia , Pirogova Oksana
Published: July 2024

Concerning the dependence of land taxation on the cadastral or market value of lands in developed and developing countries, the role of land resources in the system of socio-economic development is quite high. World studies show the presence of methodological problems related, among other things, to the composition of price-forming factors of mass assessment. In relation to garden and vegetable garden lands, the issue of taking into account factors related to the immediate environment and soil quality is especially relevant, which is associated with the social justice of land taxation. The current paper aims to determine the influence of factors of the immediate environment and soil fertility on the cadastral value of the lands under consideration by determining which methodological apparatus has been built. Modeling of the specific indicator of cadastral value (SICV) of land plots is performed on the example of five gardening and vegetable gardening partnerships of the Belgorod district, where 79% of the territory is occupied by agricultural lands, which are quite diverse in soil composition, relief, and other studied factors. A linear model of dependence between local factors and the UPCS is proved. The reliability of the model is confirmed by testing for homoscedasticity, autocorrelation, and statistical significance of factors. The results of determining the cadastral value demonstrated an average change of 10%.
Spatiotemporal Evolution of Habitat Quality and Scenario Modeling Prediction in the Tuha Region
Authors: Wang Junxia , Abulizi Abudukeyimu , Mamitimin Yusuyunjiang , Mamat Kerim , Yuan Le , Bai Shaojie , Yu Tingting , Akbar Adila , Zhang Xiaofen , Shen Fang
Published: July 2024

In recent years, increasing urbanization has profoundly impacted the quality of regional habitats, presenting a severe risk to the ability of a region to develop in a high-quality manner. Therefore, the scientific assessment of the features of habitat quality (HQ) evolution over time and space and the prediction of future trends in changes in the HQ are of great significance for the formulation of effective ecological protection policies. Based on five periods of land use and land cover (LULC) data from 2000 to 2020, InVEST model was used to estimate both geographical and chronological trends in the HQ in the Tuha region, China. Spatial autocorrelation analysis methods were used to assess HQ and spatial aggregation of habitat degradation, and ecological zoning was delineated in conjunction with the Human Footprint Index (HFI). Based on the results of ecological zoning, the study predicted changes in habitat quality (HQ) in 2040 under three scenarios: natural development (ND), ecological preservation (EP), and urban development (UD) by applying the Patch-Generating Land Use Simulation (PLUS) model. The results demonstrated that (1) from 2000 to 2020, the habitat quality in the Tuha region exhibited a downward trend, with the proportion of low HQ increasing from 83.63% to 84.24%. Spatially, high habitat quality (HQ) is mainly concentrated in the Tianshan Mountains. From 2000 to 2020, the Moran index for habitat quality (HQ) decreased from 0.967 to 0.959, while the Moran index for habitat degradation declined from 0.805 to 0.780. The habitat quality (HQ) and degradation exhibit significant spatial aggregation, and the degree of degradation has increased incrementally. (2) From 2000 to 2020, human activities in the Tuha area increased continuously and were mainly concentrated in Tuha district and counties. The proportion of high Human Footprint Index (HFI) increased from 0.66% to 1.32%, while the proportion of medium HFI increased from 3.13% to 7.46%. (3) The expansion of urbanized land has exacerbated habitat degradation. The proportion of high HQ in the EP scenario is higher than that in ND and UD scenario. The results show that the ecological protection scenario is more conducive to the sustainable development of habitat quality in the Tuha region. The results can provide a scientific basis for ecological management and protection in the Tuha area.
Application of High-Spatial-Resolution Imagery and Deep Learning Algorithms to Spatial Allocation of Urban Parks’ Supply and Demand in Beijing, China
Authors: Li Bin , Li Shaoning , Lei Hongjuan , Zhao Na , Liu Chenchen , Fang Jiaxing , Liu Xu , Lu Shaowei , Xu Xiaotian
Published: July 2024

The development of green spaces in urban parks can significantly enhance the quality of the urban and ecological environment. This paper utilizes 2021 Gaofen-7 (GF-7) satellite remote sensing images as its primary data source and uses deep learning algorithms for the precise extraction of the green space coverage within Beijing’s fifth ring road. It also incorporates the park points of interest (POI) information, road data, and other auxiliary data to extract green park space details. The analysis focuses on examining the relationship between supply and demand in the spatial allocation of green park spaces from an accessibility perspective. The main findings are as follows: (1) The application of deep learning algorithms improves the accuracy of green space extraction by 10.68% compared to conventional machine methods. (2) The distribution of parks and green spaces within the fifth ring road of Beijing is uneven, showing a clear pattern of “more in the north and less in the south”. The accessibility within a five-minute service radius achieves a coverage rate of 46.65%, with a discernible blind zone in the southeast. (3) There is an imbalance in the per capita green space location entropy within the fifth ring road of Beijing, there is a big difference in per capita green space location entropy (44.19), and social fairness needs to be improved. The study’s outcomes unveil the intricate relationship between service capacity and spatial allocation, shedding light on the supply and demand dynamics of parks and green spaces within Beijing’s fifth ring road. This insight will contribute to the construction of ecologically sustainable and aesthetically pleasing living spaces in modern megacities.
Evaluating the Spatial Heterogeneity and Driving Factors of Sustainable Development Level in Chengdu with Point of Interest Data and Geographic Detector Model
Authors: Ling Yantao , Zhao Yilang , Ren Qingzhong , Qiu Yue , Zhang Yuerong , Zhai Keyu
Published: July 2024

Over the past few decades, China has undergone the largest and fastest urbanization process in world history. By 2023, Chengdu’s urbanization rate had reached 80.5%, significantly higher than the national average of 66.16%. Studying the urbanization experience of Chengdu is of great significance for optimizing urban planning policies in Chengdu and other cities in China. Although much literature has explored the urbanization process from macro and micro perspectives, studies using a top-down approach to examine urban fringe expansion are relatively scarce. This study first applies the entropy weight method to analyze the spatial-temporal evolution trends of urban development, identifying areas of imbalanced development and prominent issues. Secondly, the K-means machine learning algorithm and nightlight data are used to reconstruct and classify urban regions, and a comparative analysis is conducted with administrative divisions to further identify unreasonable areas in urban spatial distribution and structure. Finally, POI data and the geographical detector method are used to analyze the micro-driving forces in areas of imbalanced development, identifying major limiting factors and solutions. The study found that the gap between urban and rural development in Chengdu is narrowing during the urbanization process, but there is severe differentiation in the second circle of Chengdu, where economic development is accelerating but residents’ happiness is declining. Moreover, analysis based on urban nightlight data and land-use data reveals that the expansion areas on the urban-rural fringe are mainly concentrated in the second circle of Chengdu. Micro-level driving factor analysis found that the western region of the second circle has many but small urban settlements, with a dense road network but scattered functional areas. The eastern region has inefficient and extensive use of construction land. Additionally, the mismatch between student status and household registration has resulted in relatively lagging educational resource development, and high entry barriers have hindered the progress of urbanization, leading to low per capita welfare expenditure. These reasons are the main factors causing the decline in residents’ happiness, and this impact shows significant differences at different temporal and spatial scales. Encouraging innovation in research and development or education can serve as a long-term and effective driving force for promoting sustainable urbanization. This study provides valuable insights for scientifically planning sustainable urban development and promoting the urbanization process.
Optimizing Urban Green Spaces for Air Quality Improvement: A Multiscale Land Use/Land Cover Synergy Practical Framework in Wuhan, China
Authors: Bi Shibo , Chen Ming , Tian Zheng , Jiang Peiyi , Dai Fei , Wang Guowei
Published: July 2024

Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), poses a significant health risk, especially in high-density urban areas. Urban green space (UGS) can effectively mitigate this pollution. Despite their potential, strategies for effectively leveraging Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) optimization to combat PM2.5 remain largely unexplored. Ordinary least squares (OLS), geographically weighted regression (GWR) and multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) were employed to investigate the spatial heterogeneity relationship between UGS conversion and PM2.5 fluctuations across various scales and evolutionary stages, developing a multiscale practical framework for LULC synergy in combating air pollution. The areas of UGSs to/from other LULCs, PM2.5 concentrations and corresponding variation zones exhibited significant spatial clustering. These UGS conversions explained more than 65% of the PM2.5 changes in the study area, peaking at 76.4% explanatory power in the fourth stage. Compared to global spatial analysis (OLS: 0–0.48), local spatial regression analysis significantly improved the R2 value (GWR: 0.32–0.75, MGWR: 0.48–0.90), but the fitting quality of local spatial regression analysis decreased with increasing scale, highlighting the importance of scale diagnosis. A 2 km scale was identified as optimal for assessing the spatial heterogeneity impact of UGS and other LULC conversions on PM2.5 changes. Conversion areas from water bodies and bare land to UGSs maintain stable local spatial properties at this scale (bandwidths: 44–99). Our research provides new insights into LULC management and planning, offering a coordinated approach to mitigating urban air pollution. Additionally, a practical framework was established for addressing spatially continuous variables such as PM2.5, revealing effective approaches for addressing urban environmental issues.
Mobility Justice: An Ecolinguistic Perspective
Authors: Caimotto Maria Cristina
Published: July 2024

The climate crisis, migration and urbanization may appear as three separate crises, but under Sheller’s paradigm of Mobility Justice, they become part of a coherent whole that should be tackled as a single, complex and interconnected predicament. This paper observes rhetorical strategies employed in texts about the climate crisis, about cycling advocacy and about the “climate lockdown” conspiracy theory, which developed in Oxford, UK, in 2023. The metaphors, deictic pronouns and identity categories used are the main discourse features analysed through a qualitative approach, showing how mobility-related issues are often discussed through spatial metaphors, while deictic pronouns play a central role in the creation of identities. The findings are employed to contribute to the beneficial reframing of mobility-related discourses, whether global or local, and to react to climate inaction. The overall aim of this approach is to reveal the links between discourses about the climate crisis on a global scale and those on a local, urban scale concerning urban mobility policies. The prism through which both global and local discourses are observed is that of space and access to mobility. The aim of this investigation is to identify new patterns of language that can help us finding “new stories to live by”.
Surgical Site Infections in Colorectal Cancer Surgeries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Impact of Surgical Approach and Associated Risk Factors
Authors: Calu Valentin , Piriianu Catalin , Miron Adrian , Grigorean Valentin Titus
Published: July 2024

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) represent a noteworthy contributor to both morbidity and mortality in the context of patients who undergo colorectal surgery. Several risk factors have been identified; however, their relative significance remains uncertain. Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis of observational studies from their inception up until 2023 that investigated risk factors for SSIs in colorectal surgery. A random-effects model was used to pool the data and calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each risk factor. Results: Our analysis included 26 studies with a total of 61,426 patients. The pooled results showed that male sex (OR = 1.45), body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 (OR = 1.09), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score ≥ 3 (OR = 1.69), were all independent risk factors for SSIs in colorectal surgery. Conversely, laparoscopic surgery (OR = 0.70) was found to be a protective factor. Conclusions: The meta-analysis conducted revealed various risk factors, both modifiable and non-modifiable, associated with surgical site infections (SSIs) in colorectal surgery. These findings emphasize the significance of targeted interventions, including optimizing glycemic control, minimizing blood loss, and using laparoscopic techniques whenever feasible in order to decrease the occurrence of surgical site infections in this particular group of patients.
Non-Invasive Paraclinical Diagnosis of Hepatocutaneous Syndrome in a Dog
Authors: Strichea Anamaria-Hortensia , Hreniuc Ștefania Livia , Solcan Gheorghe
Published: July 2024

A 14-year-old, female spayed Bichon Maltese with no other known previous pathologies was presented for dermatological examination after being referred from a private clinic with the suspicion of generalized, treatment-resistant demodicosis. Upon presentation and clinical examination, multiple deep skin scrapings were performed, returning negative parasitological results. Complete blood count and serum biochemistry revealed mild hepatic damage. Abdominal ultrasound revealed an abnormal echostructure of the liver displaying a honeycomb or Swiss cheese-like pattern, reported as pathognomonic for hepatocutaneous syndrome. The owner declined any further paraclinical examination, including skin biopsy and histopathological examination, requesting a treatment protocol that could be pursued at home, considering the age of the dog and its reactive behavior during the examination. The present case report highlights a non-invasive method of diagnosing the hepatocutaneous syndrome in a dog by clinical examination, routine blood testing, and ultrasound assessment of the abdomen, in the absence of the possibility of doing a histopathological diagnosis.
Detecting Internal Defects in FRP-Reinforced Concrete Structures through the Integration of Infrared Thermography and Deep Learning
Authors: Pan Pengfei , Zhang Rongpeng , Zhang Yi , Li Hongbo
Published: July 2024

This study represents a significant advancement in structural health monitoring by integrating infrared thermography (IRT) with cutting-edge deep learning techniques, specifically through the use of the Mask R-CNN neural network. This approach targets the precise detection and segmentation of hidden defects within the interfacial layers of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP)-reinforced concrete structures. Employing a dual RGB and thermal camera setup, we captured and meticulously aligned image data, which were then annotated for semantic segmentation to train the deep learning model. The fusion of the RGB and thermal imaging significantly enhanced the model’s capabilities, achieving an average accuracy of 96.28% across a 5-fold cross-validation. The model demonstrated robust performance, consistently identifying true negatives with an average specificity of 96.78% and maintaining high precision at 96.42% in accurately delineating damaged areas. It also showed a high recall rate of 96.91%, effectively recognizing almost all actual cases of damage, which is crucial for the maintenance of structural integrity. The balanced precision and recall culminated in an average F1-score of 96.78%, highlighting the model’s effectiveness in comprehensive damage assessment. Overall, this synergistic approach of combining IRT and deep learning provides a powerful tool for the automated inspection and preservation of critical infrastructure components.
Feasibility and Application of Local Closed-Loop Materials to Produce Compressed and Stabilized Earth Blocks
Authors: Reyna-Ruiz Catalina , Gómez-Soberón José Manuel , Rojas-Valencia María Neftalí
Published: July 2024

The validation of a feasible application for the production of sustainable bricks with local materials in humid and hot climates, which would allow the current housing needs of a constantly growing population with scarce economic resources to be met while also reducing energy inputs for climate control, is a current challenge without a definitive solution. Therefore, this research studied the incorporation of local aggregates and two second-generation materials to produce lime-stabilized Compressed Earth Blocks (CSEBs) using a semi-automatic machine for their manufacture. An initial matrix was designed as a baseline, and three more were developed with variations to incorporate second-generation materials individually and as mixtures. The stabilizer was added in concentrations of 5, 10, and 15%, resulting in a total of 12 batches of CSEBs. Eleven of the studied batches exceed the normative limits for simple compressive strength and initial water absorption coefficient. The best result of simple compressive strength was obtained in two batches of the same matrix that used construction demolition waste (CDW), reaching 4.3 MPa (43% above the minimum limit established by the most restrictive regulations and 115% above the least restrictive). It was possible to produce sustainable bricks in situ with average ambient temperatures of 32 °C and relative humidity of 91%.
Unified Solid Solution Product of [Nb][C] in Nb-Microalloyed Steels with Various Carbon Contents
Authors: Yan Yongming , Xue Yanjun , Liu Ke , Yu Wenchao , Shi Jie , Wang Maoqiu
Published: July 2024

In this work, the solid solution product of [Nb][C] in the Nb-microalloyed steels with various carbon contents in the range of 0.20~1.80 wt.% was investigated by means of the extraction phase analysis method. The results showed that the Nb content in austenite tended to first decrease and then increase with the increase of carbon content in the steels. A unified solid solution product of [Nb][C] in austenite at different temperatures was obtained according to the results of the experimental steels. The Nb content in austenite of the experimental steels with high carbon contents was lower than that calculated by Ohtani’s equation. The existence of NbC precipitates in the case and the core of the specimens carburized at 930 °C and 980 °C were verified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations. The pinning effect of NbC precipitates on austenite grain growth was calculated according to the size and amount of NbC precipitates in the carburized case and the core of the carburized specimens. The calculated results of prior austenite grain sizes were in good agreement with the experimental results, which indicated that the unified solid solution product of [Nb][C] in Nb-microalloyed steels with various carbon contents was applicable for the low-pressure carburizing process.
Identifying Optimal Processing Variables and Investigating Mechanisms of Grain Alignment in Hot-Deformed NdFeB Magnets through Design of Experiments
Authors: Ahn Jongbin , Lee Jung-Goo , Lee Wooyoung
Published: July 2024

This study introduces a novel approach for investigating hot-deformed NdFeB magnets by combining the minimal stress deformation process (MSDP) with the design of experiment (DoE) methodology. This study focused on enhancing the crystallographic alignment, particularly the c-axis alignment of the Nd2Fe14B grains, to optimize the magnetic properties. By utilizing the Box-Behnken design matrix and response surface regression, critical processes and variables were identified, determining that a hot-pressing temperature of 700 °C is crucial for achieving optimal grain alignment. Changing the strain rate to 0.019 mm/s under a stress of 110 MPa led to significant enhancements in the alignment, yielding magnets with a remanence of approximately 13.4 kG and a coercivity of 21 kOe. These findings highlight the effectiveness of combining the MSDP and DoE for predicting and achieving improved magnetic properties. Despite the challenges associated with understanding the complexity of crystal alignment mechanisms, this integrated approach successfully improved magnetic characteristics. The methodology represents a significant advancement in the fabrication of high-performance hot-deformed NdFeB magnets, marking a notable contribution to the field.
New Extension of Darbo’s Fixed Point Theorem and Its Application to a System of Weighted-Fractional-Type Integral Equations
Authors: Paunović Marija , Savić Ana , Kalita Hemanta , Deb Sudip , Parvaneh Vahid
Published: July 2024

In this article, we introduce several new extensions of Darbo’s fixed point theorem with newly constructed contraction functions associated with the measure of noncompactness. We apply our new extensions to prove the existence of solutions for a system of weighted fractional integral equations in Banach space BC(R+). At the end, we establish an example to show the applicability of our discovery.
Different Statistical Inference Algorithms for the New Pareto Distribution Based on Type-II Progressively Censored Competing Risk Data with Applications
Authors: Ahmed Essam A. , Alshammari Tariq S. , Eliwa Mohamed S.
Published: July 2024

In this research, the statistical inference of unknown lifetime parameters is proposed in the presence of independent competing risks using a progressive Type-II censored dataset. The lifetime distribution associated with a failure mode is assumed to follow the new Pareto distribution, with consideration given to two distinct competing failure reasons. Maximum likelihood estimators (MLEs) for the unknown model parameters, as well as reliability and hazard functions, are derived, noting that they are not expressible in closed form. The Newton–Raphson, expectation maximization (EM), and stochastic expectation maximization (SEM) methods are employed to generate maximum likelihood (ML) estimations. Approximate confidence intervals for the unknown parameters, reliability, and hazard rate functions are constructed using the normal approximation of the MLEs and the normal approximation of the log-transformed MLEs. Additionally, the missing information principle is utilized to derive the closed form of the Fisher information matrix, which, in turn, is used with the delta approach to calculate confidence intervals for reliability and hazards. Bayes estimators are derived under both symmetric and asymmetric loss functions, with informative and non-informative priors considered, including independent gamma distributions for informative priors. The Monte Carlo Markov Chain sampling approach is employed to obtain the highest posterior density credible intervals and Bayesian point estimates for unknown parameters and reliability characteristics. A Monte Carlo simulation is conducted to assess the effectiveness of the proposed techniques, with the performances of the Bayes and maximum likelihood estimations examined using average values and mean squared errors as benchmarks. Interval estimations are compared in terms of average lengths and coverage probabilities. Real datasets are considered and examined for each topic to provide illustrative examples.
On Finsler Surfaces with Isotropic Main Scalar
Authors: Tayebi Akbar , Koh Wei Sin
Published: July 2024

Let (M,F) be a Finsler surface with the isotropic main scalar I=I(x). The well-known Berwald’s theorem states that F is a Berwald metric if and only if it has a constant main scalar I=constant. This ensures a kind of equality of two non-Riemannian quantities for Finsler surfaces. In this paper, we consider a positively curved Finsler surface and show that H=0 if and only if I=0. This provides an extension of Berwald’s theorem. It follows that F has an isotropic scalar flag curvature if and only if it is Riemannian. Our results yield an infrastructural development of some equalities for two-dimensional Finsler manifolds.
Hidden Abstract Stack Markov Models with Learning Process
Authors: Özbaltan Mete
Published: July 2024

We present hidden abstract stack Markov models (HASMMs) with their learning process. The HASMMs we offer carry the more expressive nature of probabilistic context-free grammars (PCFGs) while allowing faster parameter fitting of hidden Markov models (HMMs). Both HMMs and PCFGs are widely utilized structured models, offering an effective formalism capable of describing diverse phenomena. PCFGs are better accommodated than HMMs such as for expressing natural language processing; however, HMMs outperform PCFGs for parameter fitting. We extend HMMs towards PCFGs for such applications, by associating each state of an HMM with an abstract stack, which can be thought of as the single-stack alphabet of pushdown automata (PDA). As a result, we leverage the expressive capabilities of PCFGs for such applications while mitigating the cubic complexity of parameter learning in the observation sequence length of PCFGs by adopting the bilinear complexity of HMMs.
Multistep Iterative Methods for Solving Equations in Banach Space
Authors: Behl Ramandeep , Argyros Ioannis K. , Alharbi Sattam , Alshehri Hashim , Argyros Michael
Published: July 2024

The novelty of this article lies in the fact that we extend the use of a multistep method for developing a sequence whose limit solves a Banach space-valued equation. We suggest the error estimates, local convergence, and semi-local convergence, a radius of convergence, the uniqueness of the required solution that can be computed under ω-continuity, and conditions on the first derivative, which is on the method. But, earlier studies used high-order derivatives, even though those derivatives do not appear in the body structure of the proposed method. In addition to this, they did not propose computable estimates and semi-local convergence. We checked the applicability of our study to three real-life problems for semi-local convergence and two problems chosen for local convergence. Based on the obtained results, we conclude that our approach improves its applicability and makes it suitable for challenges in applied science.
A Fuzzy-Based Approach for Flexible Modeling and Management of Freshwater Fish Farming
Authors: Gadallah Ahmed M. , Elsayed Sameh A. , Mousa Shaymaa , Hefny Hesham A.
Published: July 2024

Most populated developing countries having water resources, like Egypt, are interested in aquaculture since it supplies around 30% of the cheap protein consumed by customers. Increasing the production of aquaculture, specifically fish farming, in such countries represents an essential need. One candidate water resource for freshwater fish farming in Egypt is the Nile River (1530 km long). Yet, this represents a challenging task due to the existing variations in its water quality (WQ) parameters, such as dissolved oxygen, acidity, and temperature, at different sites. Climate change and pollution negatively affect many water quality parameters. This work provides a fuzzy-based approach for modeling WQ requirements for a set of fish types and evaluates the suitability of a water site for farming them. Thus, it greatly helps managing and planning fish farming in a set of water sites. It benefits from the flexibility of fuzzy logic to model the farming requirements of each fish type. Consequently, it evaluates and clusters the water sites with respect to their degrees of suitability for farming various fish types. The illustrative case study considers 27 freshwater sites spread along the Nile River and 17 freshwater fish types. The result incorporates a set of suitable clusters and a set of unsuitable ones for farming each fish type. It greatly helps managing and planning fish farming, to maximize the overall productivity and prevent probable catastrophic damage. In addition, it shows how to enhance each unsuitable site. We believe that eliminating the causes of pollution in the polluted freshwater sites along a water source could cause a significant boom in the cultivation of multiple freshwater fish types.
Clinical Benefit of Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty over Conventional Total Knee Arthroplasty When Using Mobile-Bearing Implants
Authors: Han Sang-Ho , Lee Min-Soo , Kong Se-Hee
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives: As a treatment modality for advanced knee osteoarthritis, total knee arthroplasty is well established and has been performed on many patients over time. To improve surgical outcomes, fixed-bearing implant insertion with robotic-assisted TKA has been introduced; however, the insertion of mobile-bearing (MB) implants with the same method is challenging. The aim of this study was to compare the short-term postoperative follow-up outcomes of MB implant insertion using a robotic-assisted TKA system and conventional TKA. Materials and Methods: We investigated functional improvement in the knees of 60 patients who underwent the insertion of MB implants using either robotic-assisted TKA or conventional TKA. Isokinetic muscular function, range of motion, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score, visual analog scale (VAS) score, and Knee Society Score (KSS) were measured 6 months after surgery. The statistical analysis of outcome measurements was performed using the Mann–Whitney U test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Some isokinetic muscular functions, as well as Knee Society Scores (pain and function) and VAS scores, were significantly higher in patients who underwent MB insertion with robotic-assisted TKA than in those who underwent conventional TKA. Conclusions: When an MB implant is inserted using a robotic-assisted TKA system, a better surgical outcome can be expected.
The Relationship of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet with Disease Activity and Quality of Life in Crohn’s Disease Patients
Authors: Migdanis Athanasios , Migdanis Ioannis , Gkogkou Nikoleta D. , Papadopoulou Sousana K. , Giaginis Constantinos , Manouras Athanasios , Polyzou Konsta Maria Anna , Kosti Rena I. , Oikonomou Konstantinos A. , Argyriou Konstantinos , Potamianos Spyridon , Kapsoritakis Andreas
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives: Emerging evidence is placing the Mediterranean diet (MD) in the spotlight as a potential dietary model that could benefit inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients in terms of prevention and progress of the disease. The main aim of the present study is to shed some light on the relationship between the adherence to the MD and the degree of disease activity, as well as the quality of life in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). Materials and Methods: An administered questionnaire was used to assess and record a number of parameters, including recent medical and weight history, anthropometric characteristics, disease activity (in remission or active disease), and quality of life of both male and female CD patients. Moreover, the level of compliance of the participants to the Mediterranean diet model was evaluated and its relationship with disease activity and quality of life was investigated. Results: Adherence to the MD was significantly higher in patients with inactive disease than in those with active disease (p = 0.019). According to the correlation analysis conducted, adherence to the MD was negatively correlated with disease activity (p = 0.039) and positively correlated with quality of life (QoL) (p = 0.046) of the participants. Intake of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products was significantly higher in remission patients (p = 0.046, p = 0.001, p = 0.041, respectively). Conclusions: We conclude, according to the findings of the study, that adherence to the MD is associated with disease activity and QoL in patients with CD. Future research should focus on MD intervention studies on IBD patients in order to assess its effect on modulating disease activity/course and related inflammatory biomarkers.
Effect of Annealing Temperature on Microstructure and Properties of DH Steel and Optimization of Hole Expansion Property
Authors: Yang Yuhuan , Ma Xiaoyue , Lu Hongzhou , Zhao Zhengzhi
Published: July 2024

In this article, DH steel containing Nb and Nb-Cu above 1000 MPa was designed, and its phase transformation law was analyzed through thermal expansion tests. The influence of annealing temperature on the microstructure and properties of DH steel was studied using a continuous annealing simulation testing machine, SEM, and tensile testing machine. The results showed that under a continuous annealing process, the test steel is composed of ferrite, martensite, a small amount of bainite, and residual austenite. The tensile strength decreases with the increase in annealing temperature, Cu element is dissolved in the matrix which produces solid solution strengthening and results in an increase in the strength of Cu-bearing test steel. Finally, 1180 MPa grade DH steel with excellent comprehensive properties was obtained at an annealing temperature of 840 °C and an overaging temperature of 340 °C. The expansion performance of the experimental steel was studied and optimized. Under the step heating annealing process, the experimental steel is composed of tempered martensite, ferrite, and residual austenite, with smaller differences in hardness between different phases, lower average dislocation density, and better expansion performance. Cu-bearing DH steel achieved an excellent match of strength and plasticity of 1289 MPa × 19.8%, with the hole expansion rate of 21.9% and the loss rate of hole expansion rate of 10%.
High-Performance 2319 Aluminum Alloy via CMT-WAAM: Microstructure, Porosity, and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Pan Yuxin , Yu Ming , Xu Chao , Zhang Jianchao , Geng Lin
Published: July 2024

The process of cold metal transfer (CMT) wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) for 2319 aluminum alloy was studied. The research investigated the coarse and fine equiaxed grain bands and porosity of the 2319 alloy after solution aging treatment, with a focus on the mechanical properties and deformation behavior of the aluminum alloy at different positions and orientations. Pores and coarse second phases mainly appeared at grain boundaries but were also observed within coarse equiaxed grains. The yield strength of the top horizontal samples reached 325.5 MPa, one of the highest yield strengths reported for 2319 aluminum alloy in the literature. The coarse brittle second phases at grain boundaries were the main crack sources during the failure process of the samples. In the fine equiaxed grain layer, cracks propagated along the grain boundaries connected to the second phases, and the presence of pores accelerated crack propagation; in the coarse equiaxed grain layer, cracks directly penetrated through the grains.
Efficient Modeling of Single Event Transient Effect with Limited Peak Current: Implications for Logic Circuits
Authors: Wang Yujian , Lu Hongliang , Yang Caozhen , Zhang Yutao , Yao Ruxue , Dong Rui , Zhang Yuming
Published: July 2024

The problem that the conventional double-exponential transient current model (DE model) can overdrive the circuit, which leads to the overestimation of the soft error rate of the logic cell, is solved. Our work uses a new and accurate model for predicting the soft error rate that brings the soft error rate closer to the actual. The piecewise double-exponential transient current model (PDE model) is chosen, and the accuracy of the model is reflected using the Layout Awareness Single Event Multi Transients Soft Error Rate Calculation tool (LA-SEMT-SER tool). The model can characterize transient current pulses piecewise and limit the peak current magnitude to not exceed the conduction current. TCAD models are constructed from 28 nm process library and cell layouts. The transfer characteristic curves of devices are calibrated, and functional timing verification is performed to ensure the accuracy of the TCAD model. The experimental results show that the PDE model is not only more consistent with TCAD simulation than the DE model in modeling the single event transient currents of the device, but also that the SER calculated by the LA-SEMT-SER tool based on the PDE model has a smaller error than the SER calculated by the LA-SEMT-SER tool based on the DE model.