Empirical Determination Research Articles

Empirical Determination of Transitory and Persistent Delinquency in Chilean Youth: Validation of the Criminal Engagement Severity Scale "EGED".

Evidence from several longitudinal studies has established the relevance of the approach of evolutionary criminology to understanding and intervening with adolescent criminal offenders, seeking to halt the criminal behavior before its potential consolidation in adulthood. The aim of this study is to present the psychometric properties of the Criminal Engagement Severity Scale (EGED) to discriminate between transitory and persistent delinquency in Chilean adolescents of both sexes. The characteristics of the sample are revealed through descriptive analyses, and evidence of validity and reliability is provided that show its discriminant capacity using ROC curves and odds ratios, measures of internal consistency (Cronbach’s α and McDonald’s Ω), intraclass correlation, and unidimensional statistics. The results indicate that the EGED adequately discriminates between transitory and persistent delinquency, so that its use in contexts of assessment and intervention with adolescent criminal offenders can be recommended, because it helps to determine the intensity of the intervention required.

Model-independent determination of the cosmic growth factor

The two most important functions describing the evolution of the universe and its structures are the expansion function E(a)E(a) and the linear growth factor D_+(a)D+(a). It is desirable to constrain them based on a minimum of assumptions in order to avoid biases from assumed cosmological models. The expansion function has been determined in previous papers in a model-independent way using distance moduli to type-Ia supernovae and assuming only a metric theory of gravity, spatial isotropy and homogeneity. Here, we extend this analysis in three ways: (1) We enlarge the data sample by combining measurements of type-Ia supernovae with measurements of baryonic acoustic oscillations; (2) we substantially simplify and generalise our method for reconstructing the expansion function; and (3) we use the reconstructed expansion function to determine the linear growth factor of cosmic structures, equally independent of specific assumptions on an underlying cosmological model other than the usual spatial symmetries. In this approach, the present-day matter-density parameter \Omega_\mathrm{m0}Ωm0 is the only relevant parameter for an otherwise purely empirical and accurate determination of the growth factor. We further show how our method can be used to derive a possible time evolution of the dark energy as well as the growth index directly from distance measurements. Deviations from \LambdaΛCDM that we see in some of our results may be due to possibly insufficient flexibility of our method that could be cured by larger data samples, a real departure from \LambdaΛCDM at a\lesssim0.3a≲0.3, or hidden systematics in the data. The latter could be a matter of concern for all type-Ia supernovae analyses based on \LambdaΛCDM fitting approaches, especially in view of the current dispute on the value of H_0H0. These results illustrate the applicability of our approach as a diagnostic tool.

Theoretical, Empirical and Legislative Determinants of Education of Education Managers in the Slovak Republic

Outputs of different national and international surveys point to the fact that one of the biggest problems of schools in Slovakia is their insufficient funding. Another shortcoming in school seems to be the effective training of school managers. The key to success in the education sector is the degree of its ability to bring new ideas that are useful for the development of theory and that are in practice creating new or added value. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare such workers for the education sector, not limited only to teachers. Educational administrators are no longer expected to be merely good managers but leaders of schools as learning organizations. The paper outlines the theoretical basis of education of school managers and a brief description of its implementation in accordance with current legislation through various providers is focused on the competencies necessary for successful performance as a school principal and to evaluate the scope of powers given to schools in terms of their optimal needs in relation to their real needs and requirements.

Towards in-process evaluation of the precise electrochemical machining (PECM)

Increasing environmental and economic concerns have increased the use of high-strength materials and superalloys, such as the well-known nickel-based alloys. Due to their very high strength, such materials push established machining methods to their economic limits. As a result, non-traditional machining methods such as precise electrochemical machining (PECM) are gaining importance. PECM has shown significant advantages such as high material removal rates and lower surface roughness. Despite these advantages, some challenges still need to be overcome, such as the implementation of an in-process monitoring system and the determination of optimal process parameters to achieve maximum material removal rates and good surface roughness. While the analytical determination of the optimal parameters is difficult due to the high complexity of the process, the empirical determination shows better results. However, a hitherto very unused approach in this respect is the data-driven model. Based on process data, such models have shown great results in other fields, especially for highly complex systems. The first step in developing such a model is to figure out what process data are needed. In this paper, the potential of a data driven model for PECM is presented. Furthermore, current waveforms for different PECM setups are analyzed and various parameters for the in-process monitoring of the process are formulated. The ability of these parameters to differentiate between different processes was investigated. It was found that the formulated parameters could be used to monitor the efficiency of flushing in the working gap.

PSYCHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF MODERN ELDERLY PEOPLE’S ACTIVE LIFE POSITION

The aim: The research is devoted to the analysis of theoretical and empirical determinants of formation of structural components of an active life position of modern elderly people. Materials and methods: Psychodiagnostic techniques were selected as tools for data collection. Experiment participants were people aged 65-72 years old (total number – 78 people). Data processing was done by means of the computer program SPSS 21.0. Results: The psychological features of the formation of elderly people’s active life position were determined by the fact that more than 50% of respondents had an average level of cognitive development, more than 60% demonstrated a low level of emotional-volitional component and more than 50% were at medium level of motivational-behavioural component. Most respondents’ high level of cognitive component development does not correlate with a high level of emotional-volitional component development. The leading role in the formation of elderly people’s active life position is played by the motivational-behavioural component. Conclusions: Based on the theoretical and empirical research of the issue of formation of elderly people’s active life position, three structural components of the phenomenon under study were identified: cognitive, emotional-volitional and motivational-behavioural. The results of the experiment suggest that most respondents had medium-low levels of active life position. The main determinant of the elderly people’s reduced vitality is their low level of emotional-volitional component development. The research outcomes allowed us to track the dependence of the level of active life position on the motivational-behavioral component.

Solution of a mathematical model for the concentration of a hexane solution of technical paraffin to obtain its food modification

For pectin-containing film structures, which are used for the production of biodegradable packaging materials and are hydrophilic in nature, their paraffinization, i.e., applying a thin layer of molten food paraffin to the surface of the film for subsequent protection of packaged food products from moisture and sunlight, will reduce the influence of external factors, primarily moisture, To rationalize the convective preconcentration of a hexane solution, it is necessary to select such regime parameters that will allow not only the removal of hexane with toxic components dissolved in it from the object of study in a relatively simple apparatus, but also significantly reduce the time for the process within temperature restrictions. The latter condition, in view of the complexity of the empirical determination of the temperature distribution in a thin layer of the object of concentration, is advisable to implement by solving the system of equations for the transfer of thermal energy and mass in partial derivatives, however, we can restrict ourselves to one equation for the transfer of thermal energy, using empirical kinetic dependences that describe the removal of n-hexane from the composition. The aim of the study was to adapt paraffin to a hexane solution and solve the model of heat and mass transfer during its concentration in order to exclude the possibility of reducing its temperature below the value of possible preliminary crystallization. The model was implemented numerically by the finite difference method. As a result of the solution, the intensity of the temperature front advancement along the height of the film of the hexanoparaffin composition was found with varying the proportion of paraffin in the process of its concentration with convective supply of thermal energy to it, i.e., it was adapted to the resulting solution and a mathematical model of heat and mass transfer was solved during its concentration to eliminate the likelihood of a decrease in its temperature below the value of possible pre-crystallization. The data obtained do not conflict with the known results of other researchers and can be successfully used for operational calculation and design of the designated processes and units.

Estimation of the Kitagawa-Takahashi diagram by cyclic R curve analysis

The Kitagawa-Takahashi (KT) diagram is a proven concept for describing the fatigue limit in presence of a defect or crack. It can be determined empirically with great experimental effort. It can also be estimated by means of the El Haddad relationship if the endurance limit and the long fatigue crack propagation threshold are available in reasonable accuracy. A third option is the determination using the cyclic R-curve, which describes the dependency of the fatigue crack propagation threshold on the crack growth at the short crack propagation stage. This can be experimentally determined using a closure-free initial pre-crack. It can then be applied to the determination of crack arrest for a given applied load and a given defect or crack size. Compared to the other two methods mentioned above, this option has considerable advantages: It can be applied to any component and any stress ratio. It allows the treatment of multiple cracks and provides estimations of the S-N curve in the finite life regime as well as at the endurance limit. Compared to the empirical determination of the KT diagram, the experimental effort is significantly lower and compared to the El Haddad approach it avoids problems such as the use of non-conservative long fatigue crack propagation thresholds (when the conventional load reduction method is applied to materials prone to corrosion) and the mathematical predetermination of the curve shape. The work introduces the method and provides a critical discussion as well as quantitative comparison between the different methods.

Determining the Level of Security Culture of the Entity Using the Midified Shalom Schwartz Value Model

Each consciously existing entity has its own unique, hierarchical set of values, helping to make decisions and set directions for action. This power is a security culture, also defined as a set of universal values, attitudes and beliefs. The foundation upon which the security culture grows is the three pillars of security – the three energy streams of the security culture. The objective is to estimate the level of the entity’s security culture and present its structure. The determination of the empirical size of a security culture is made by adapting Shalom Schwartz’s value theory and his ten types of fundamental values. The values placed on the Schwartz circle model are aggregated to the appropriate energy streams of the security culture, and this move allows for empirical determination of the level of the security culture of an individual. The obtained results show the structure of energy streams and determine the empirical level of the subject’s security culture. The approach taken shows that the level of security culture is computable.

Toward cost-efficient tolerancing of 3D-printed parts: a novel methodology for the development of tolerance-cost models for fused layer modeling

Tolerance allocation methods significantly contribute to the qualification of Additive Manufacturing (AM) for (small-)series production ensuring high performance and efficiency. However, their usage prerequisites the availability of quantitative, reliable information on the impact of the assigned tolerances on the resulting manufacturing costs. The given article proposes a novel methodology for the systematic development of tolerance-cost curves for a cost-efficient tolerancing of 3D-printed parts. The proposed structured workflow aims at serving as a general guideline for both researchers and practitioners, while the exemplarily chosen perspective from Fused Layer Modeling (FLM) illustrates its adaption to a specific AM technology. The indirect, non-apparent interrelations between tolerances and resulting costs are modelled with the aid of an activity-based cost model, whereas the individual costs elements are mapped as function of the values for the machine-specific process parameters for AM, e.g., layer height or printing speed, which are required to achieve the assigned design tolerances. The total procedure covers all relevant steps, viz. the identification and quantification of the single cost items, the design of benchmark artifacts, adapted to given manufacturing and measuring techniques, the empirical determination of data on cost and geometrical accuracy by design of experiments and tolerance-cost curves. Its exemplary application to an academic use case shows its general applicability and benefits, but also its current limitations.

Ways to Measure Loyalty of Service Users

The focus of this study was set on the empirical determination of the differences between the methods of measuring the loyalty of users of services. The research reviewed approaches to evaluating the loyalty of taxi service users in Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam), Moscow (Russia), and Novosibirsk (Russia). The goal implied the segmentation of service users depending on the patterns of conduct and giving advice on the development of loyalty programs. The novelty lies in grouping respondents by age and gender and determining the ways to measure their loyalty. The research findings imply that people under 30 tend to make a choice based on reviews of others. The study developed possible customer behavior models and options for actions depending on their satisfaction and loyalty. This matrix can be used for building a comprehensive strategy to increase the loyalty of their clients. Practical value of the study lies in the possibility of using the data obtained to model the behavior of consumers of different service types based on the proposed loyalty matrix.

Feasibility of Optical Flow Field Measurements of the Coolant in a Grinding Machine

For industrial grinding processes, the workpiece cooling by metalworking fluids, which strongly influences the workpiece surface layer quality, is not yet fully understood. This leads to high efforts for the empirical determination of suitable cooling parameters, increasing the part manufacturing costs. To close the knowledge gap, a measurement method for the metalworking fluid flow field near the grinding wheel is desired. However, the varying curved surfaces of the liquid phase result in unpredictable light deflections and reflections, which impede optical flow measurements. In order to investigate the yet unknown optical measurement capabilities achievable under these conditions, shadowgraphy in combination with a pattern correlation technique and particle image velocimetry (PIV) are applied in a grinding machine. The results show that particle image velocimetry enables flow field measurements inside the laminar metalworking fluid jet, whereby the shadowgraph imaging velocimetry complements these measurements since it is in particular suitable for regions with spray-like flow regimes. As a conclusion, optical flow field measurements of the metalworking fluid flow in a running grinding machine are shown to be feasible.

Modelling emission lines in star-forming galaxies

ABSTRACT We present a new model to compute the luminosity of emission lines in star-forming galaxies and apply this in the semi-analytical galaxy formation code galform. The model combines a pre-computed grid of H II region models with an empirical determination of how the properties of H II regions depend on the macroscopic properties of galaxies based on observations of local galaxies. The new model gives a very good reproduction of the locus of star-forming galaxies on standard line ratio diagnostic diagrams. The new model shows evolution in the locus of star-forming galaxies with redshift on this line ratio diagram, with a good match to the observed line ratios at z = 1.6. The model galaxies at high redshift have gas densities and ionisation parameters that are predicted to be ≈2–3 times higher than in local star-forming galaxies, which is partly driven by the changing selection with redshift to mimic the observational selection. Our results suggest that the observed evolution in emission line ratios requires other H II region properties to evolve with redshift, such as the gas density, and cannot be reproduced by H II model grids that only allow the gas metallicity and ionisation parameter to vary.

Empirical determinants of exchange-rate volatility: evidence from selected Asian economies

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the empirical determinants of exchange-rate volatility (ERV) in selected Asian economies, namely, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Pakistan. Specifically, it examines how the volatility of foreign reserves, government spending, industrial production, gold prices and terms of trade affect monthly ERV during the examined period.Design/methodology/approachThe authors carry out the empirical analysis by using monthly data for the period January 1997–March 2019. First, the volatility of the underlying variables is measured based on the conditional variances obtained by estimating the univariate (generalized) autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity [(G)ARCH] model for each variable during the study period. Next, the autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (ARCH)-Lagrange multiplier test is applied to ensure that there are no remaining ARCH effects in the residuals. Finally, the multivariate autoregressive-moving average-GARCH (1, 1) models are estimated to examine whether and how the volatility of the underlying variables affects ERV.FindingsThe results reveal that the current period volatility of exchange rates is significantly affected by ERV in the previous period in all selected countries. The results also indicate that the volatilities of the underlying macroeconomic variables are quite differently related to ERV in examined Asian countries. Foreign-reserve volatility (VFXRES) has negative and significant impacts on ERV in Bangladesh, China and Malaysia. Government-spending volatility is negatively related to ERV in India, whereas it is positively related to ERV in all other examined countries. The results also suggest that although terms-of-trade volatility reduces ERV in both Bangladesh and Pakistan, it amplifies ERV in the remaining examined countries. However, gold-price volatility (VGOLDP) significantly, positively contributes to ERV in Bangladesh, Indonesia and Malaysia. On the contrary, the higher volatility in industrial production (VIPI) results in lower ERV in Indonesia and Pakistan, whereas it increases ERV in China, India and Malaysia.Practical implicationsThe findings have several important policy implications. First, the findings suggest that both Bangladesh and Malaysia should keep an adequate level of foreign reserves to stabilize their foreign exchange rates. Second, as government-spending volatility has a vital role in determining ERV, it is necessary to bring sustainability and continuity in government expenditures. Bangladesh and Pakistan can stabilize their foreign exchange rates by making exports more competitive, viable and accessible.Originality/valueThis paper significantly contributes to the existing literature by exploring how the behavior of unexpected variations in the factors determining exchange rates affects ERV in selected Asia countries. Most of the published studies have examined the determinants of exchange rates by considering the macroeconomic variables at their levels. Departing from the existing studies, this paper significantly relates the volatility (second moment) of exchange rate determinants to the behavior of ERV. Further, this paper provides firsthand empirical evidence on this issue for the selected Asian economies.

Towards the empirical determination of correlations in terrestrial laser scanner range observations and the comparison of the correlation structure of different scanners

The determination of a fully populated variance-covariance matrix (VCM) of a point cloud acquired with a terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) is not straightforward as physical correlations between TLS observations are not sufficiently known. Ignoring correlations leads to biased estimates, wrong modeling of surfaces, or the misinterpretation of geometric changes. For this reason, this study aims at progressing the empirical determination of correlations in TLS range observations by investigating short-scale correlations (mm to cm) of TLS rangefinders. Therefore, two methods are proposed to determine spatial correlations between TLS range observations. Both methods are evaluated for simulated laser scans, and then applied to empirical data of four different terrestrial laser scanners. The results demonstrate that short-scale correlations exist, and it is possible to quantify the relevant parameters to fill the VCM. It also shows that the correlation differs between the scanners and with the distance. Furthermore, we analyze the change of the correlation length with changing scanning configurations such as distance, incidence angle, and reflectivity with the result that this must be considered while applying the aforementioned methods to point clouds of large objects. All in all, this study trustfully quantifies physical short-scale correlations yielding from the rangefinder and suggests a guideline to apply this to point clouds of large objects.

Empirical performance of polycrystalline silicon pixel circuit components for monolithic, large-area photon counting arrays

Photon counting detectors (PCDs) offer several advantages for medical x-ray imaging compared to conventional imagers. However, current PCDs, whose circuits are fabricated using crystalline silicon semiconductor material, are not well-suited for large-area imaging applications such as breast CT and kilovoltage cone-beam CT (kV CBCT) in radiotherapy. To address this challenge, prototype PCDs based on polycrystalline silicon (a semiconductor better suited for manufacture of large-area devices) were created and, in this paper, an empirical determination of the maximum count rate of individual pixel circuit components (amplifier, comparator, clock generator and counter) corresponding to those prototypes is reported. For each circuit component, test input pulses (which were generated so as to approximate those in a complete pixel circuit) were used to obtain output response waveforms from which count rate was determined. The maximum count rate (in units of counts per second, cps) for the amplifier was determined to be 20.8 kcps while that of the comparator, clock generator and counter components were determined to be 1.2 Mcps, 98 kcps and 4.9 Mcps, respectively. The comparator and counter components provide count rates beyond that required for breast CT (∼108 kcps at a pixel pitch of 330 μm) while those components as well as the clock generator exceed the rate required for kV CBCT in radiotherapy (∼72 kcps at a pitch of 400 μm). It is anticipated that new polycrystalline silicon circuit designs for the amplifier and clock generator could provide count rates sufficient for both applications.

Health providers’ experiences with mental health specialist video consultations in primary care: a qualitative study nested within a randomised feasibility trial

ObjectiveDespite available effective treatments for mental health disorders, few patients in need receive even the most basic care. Integrated telepsychiatry services may be a viable option to increase access to...

Ефективність застосування пілатесу як засобу фізичної терапії у жінок з дегенеративно-дистрофічними ураженнями поперекового відділу хребта

Degenerative-dystrophic lesions of the lumbar spine are characterized by a systemic multifactorial course and significantly affect the quality of life. Spinal pain due to degenerative-dystrophic diseases very often affects middle-aged people, in particular women, leading to temporary or permanent disability. Degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the spine are accompanied by neurological manifestations, pain syndromes, prone to a protracted course and have repeated relapses. The purpose of the study was to determine the features of physical therapy to improve the functional state of the spine in middle-aged women with degenerative-dystrophic lesions of the lumbar spine. Materials and methods. The following research methods were used in the study: theoretical analysis of scientific and methodological literature, empirical (determination of the functional state of the muscles of the trunk), pedagogical experiment, methods of mathematical statistics. The study involved 28 women. The main group and the comparison group of 14 people each were formed by the method of random sampling, the average age of the subjects was 40.44 ± 1.25 and 41.60 ± 1.14 years old, respectively. The main group was studied according to the developed program of physical therapy with the use of Pilates, the comparison group – according to the program of therapeutic gymnastics (general developmental orientation) of the communal non-profit enterprise "Zaporizhzhya Regional Clinical Hospital". The study of the functional state of the muscles of the trunk was assessed according to the following tests: the time of holding the lateral support; keeping the support lying on the forearms; static body retention; holding the torso at an angle of 60˚; flexion and extension of the spine. Results and discussion. According to the results of the final rehabilitation examination, it was found that in the comparison group it was not possible to record a possible improvement in the functional state of the muscles of the trunk and the amplitude of the spine. At the same time in the main group such changes occurred in all the studied parameters. In particular, the index of lateral support retention in the main group significantly increased by 8.00 s (p <0.05), retention of the support lying on the forearms – by 10.00 s (p <0.05), static trunk retention - by 9.5 s (p <0.05), holding the trunk at an angle of 60˚ - by 10.00 s (p <0.05), flexion of the spine – by 3.00 cm (p <0.05), extension of the spine – by 5.00 cm (p <0.05). Conclusion. The results of the study indicate that Pilates is an effective means of improving the functional state of the muscles of the trunk and the amplitude of the spine, which was confirmed by significantly better indicators of functional tests in the main group compared with the women in the comparison group

Management geographical proximity and stock price crash risk

PurposeThis study provides empirical support for the cultural economics model between executive team and firm performance and offers important implications for policy selection and appointment of managers in China.Design/methodology/approachFrom the perspective of relationship embeddedness, the authors explore the impact of management geographical proximity (GP) on stock price crash risk in China. Using archival data from China's unique dataset about birthplace culture, the authors find that management GP experiences a large increase in corporate stock price crash risk for the period 2009–2018.FindingsThe impact of management GP on stock price crash risk is more pronounced when the company is located in areas with weaker formal legal environment and stronger Confucian culture. Furthermore, the impact has a significant links with firm characteristics such as information transparency, over-investment and tax aggressiveness.Originality/valueFirst, the research extends the literature on the empirical determinants of stock price crash risk. These studies focus on formal institution, not on informal institution, such as relational culture. Second, the research provides evidence for economic consequences on relational governance from executive birthplace culture to explore the economic consequences of geographical relational governance but takes stock price crash risk to present executives' behavior strategies and market reaction via exploring asymmetrical variation of market stock price. Finally, the paper provides reference to corporate governance arrangement and executive appointment.

Influence of the Production Process on the Binding Mechanism of Clinched Aluminum Steel Mixed Compounds

The multi-material design and the adaptability of a modern process chain require joining connections with specifically adjustable mechanical, thermal, chemical, or electrical properties. Previous considerations primarily focused on the mechanical properties. The multitude of possible combinations of requirements, materials, and component- and joining-geometry makes an empirical determination of these joining properties for the clinching process impossible. Based on the established and empirical procedure, there is currently no model that takes into account all questions of joinability—i.e., the materials (suitability for joining), design (security of joining), and production (joining possibility)—that allows a calculation of the properties that can be achieved. It is therefore necessary to describe the physical properties of the joint as a function of the three binding mechanisms—form closure, force closure, and material closure—in relation to the application. This approach illustrates the relationships along the causal chain “joint requirement-binding mechanism-joining parameters” and improves the adaptability of the mechanical joining technology. Geometrical properties of clinch connections of the combination of aluminum and steel are compared in a metallographic cross-section. The mechanical stress state of the rotationally symmetrical clinch points is qualified with a torsion test and by measuring the electrical resistance in the base material, in the clinch joint, and during the production cycle (after clinching, before precipitation hardening and after precipitation hardening).

The Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment: A Review and Re‐Analysis of Evidence from Australia

AbstractForeign direct investment (FDI) is foundational to economic growth. Despite this, the Australian empirical literature is limited. Therefore we examine the empirical determinants of Australia's inflow of FDI to understand the factors that motivate FDI. Using autoregressive distributed lag models, the study also highlights how these determinants change across time. While inward FDI can be explained by various theories it is most effectively understood by Dunning's Ownership, Locational and Internalisation framework. Therefore, the factors most important in Australia to attracting FDI are monetary policy, productivity, a competitive tax structure, labour market flexibility and costs of trade and investment.