Empirical Investigation Research Articles

Research on Child-Friendly Evaluation and Optimization Strategies for Rural Public Spaces

Public spaces are essential for the implementation of child-friendly principles and the development of child-friendly cities, with positive and healthy environments playing a crucial role in supporting children’s well-being and development. However, existing research on child-friendly public spaces predominantly targets economically developed urban areas with robust public service infrastructure, often neglecting rural areas with less advanced facilities. This study utilizes grounded theory and qualitative analysis to propose a child-friendly public space evaluation framework specifically for rural settings. The framework includes four primary indicators—safety, accessibility, comfort, and multifunctionality—and 19 secondary indicators, such as facility safety and plant safety. An empirical investigation was conducted in Baishoupu Town, a child-friendly pilot area within Changsha, China, which is designated as a United Nations Child-Friendly City, and the study encompassed an analysis of 11 rural villages within this area. The findings reveal that while Baishoupu Town demonstrates a relatively high level of child-friendly development, there is significant disparity among individual villages. Key determinants affecting the child-friendliness of rural public spaces include the type of rural industry, per capita income levels, and the degree of policy support. Specifically, the advancement of public service infrastructure and the tourism sector significantly influence the primary indicators. Moreover, while rural road infrastructure is positively correlated with accessibility, the presence of through traffic adversely affects safety indicators. Based on these insights, this study recommends enhancing child-friendliness in rural public spaces through strategic village planning, spatial design improvements, and ensuring child participation. This research provides valuable insights for government policy development and implementation and offers a replicable framework for child-friendly public space development in rural areas globally.

An empirical investigation of open access scholarly publishing trends in social sciences at high-ranked central universities of India

Purpose This study aims to analyze the adoption of open access (OA) publishing in social sciences within central universities in India, focusing on various aspects such as the growth of OA literature, the use of different OA routes and collaboration patterns in OA publications. Design/methodology/approach Ten central universities were selected based on their rankings in the National Institute Ranking Framework 2022. Data on OA publishing in social sciences were collected from the Social Science Citation Index of the Web of Science (WoS) database using the advanced search query “(CU=India OR AD=India) AND PY=(2003–2022) NOT PY=(2023).” Data analysis was conducted using MS Excel (v16.0), BibExcel (version 2017), Biblioshiny (version 4.1.2) and Google Open Refine (version 3.7). Findings The study found that 30.40% of total publications were OA, with BHU as leading institute in OA publishing. OA publishing in social sciences saw a consistent increase, peaking in 2022 with 209 publications. “Sustainability” and “Plos One” were among the top ten journals, with 103 and 34 OA papers, respectively. OA publications had a higher mean citation rate than closed access publications. Collaboration with seven and nine authors had higher mean citation rates, while six-author collaborations were lower. Indian researchers received the most citations collaborating with the USA, UK and Australia. The Netherlands and Saudi Arabia received the fewer citations, when collaborating with Indian authors. Research limitations/implications The study’s main limitation is its reliance on WoS data, excluding many OA publications from smaller or specialized journals. Additionally, the focus on high-ranked central universities may not represent the entire academic landscape, as OA publishing patterns vary across other institutions and disciplines. Practical implications The study’s findings suggest that advancing OA publishing in social sciences at Indian universities requires raising awareness of OA concepts, enhancing institutional support and policies and informing researchers about funding opportunities. Emphasizing Gold OA and funding publication fees can broaden access to research. Universities with low OA ratios should adopt similar policies, mandate public research deposits and develop technical infrastructure. Encouraging multi-author collaborations can boost research impact and citation rates. Insights from the study can help institutions and policymakers shape effective OA strategies, enhancing the visibility and impact of social science research. Originality/value This is the first study analyzing the adoption of OA in the field of social sciences in high-ranked central universities in India. It has implications for promoting OA and increasing accessibility to research outputs. Universities with higher OA ratios can lead in this regard and encourage others to adopt similar practices for overall OA growth.

Towards an Anthropological Perspective on Human Flourishing in Education

ABSTRACT While many recognise the impact formal education has on human flourishing, often overlooked are the forces in society that shape our conception of the good life. Our understanding of flourishing is formed as much by the culture we live in as by the classrooms we learn in. This oversight impacts our ability to think clearly about flourishing because it keeps us from seeing the foundations upon which our idea of the good life is built. Contending that the language used by psychologists often reduces our understanding of human flourishing and existence we argue that the notion of the good life many of us adopt simply by existing in our modern therapeutic culture has been deeply distorted. On this basis, we advance a corrective for constricted therapeutic conceptions of flourishing, arguing that human flourishing needs ‘anthropology’ in two senses – one employed by social scientists and one by theologians and philosophers – and we make the case for the educational importance of turning to ‘anthropologies of the good’ as a positive, constructive examination of flourishing that is philosophically and theologically sophisticated enough to parse the several empirical investigations of human nature and bring clarity and insight to their findings.

Empirical Investigation and Discussion of the Dispute of the Use Right of Homestead

Under the background of the separation of the three rights of homestead, it is necessary to construct the system of how to transfer the use right of homestead. Through the sorting out and analysis of 92 relevant judgment documents since 2021, it is found that there are practical problems such as the single release form of the use right of homestead, the blocked circulation of the use right of homestead, and the difficulty of guaranteeing farmers' rights and interests. Based on this, through the in-depth study of the dispute focus of the selected cases, the following suggestions are put forward: promote the diversification of the use right of homestead, break through the dilemma of the use right transfer of homestead in the double levels of legislation and justice, and effectively protect the farmers' living rights and income rights. In order to provide effective reference for the use of homestead in practice.

How does peer feedback impact academic performance? An empirical investigation in an undergraduate business context

ABSTRACT This study explores the peer feedback process with first-year undergraduate business students at an Irish University. This research explicitly examines (1) whether the act of generating or receiving high-quality peer feedback had a significant impact on student performance (grades) and (2) participants’ attitudes to peer feedback (pre and post-process). A mixed methods approach was adopted where the data gathered included draft and final assignment grades, content analysis and quality ratings of peer feedback and responses to student attitude and perception questionnaires. Results demonstrate that the quality of peer feedback generated has a statistically significant impact on students’ final grades. While the feedback received is often seen as the main benefit derived from the peer feedback process, this study provides empirical evidence that students who generated high quality feedback, were able to self-evaluate and enhance their own work which resulted in improved performance. Together with positive attitudes, this finding suggests that there is more scope to support and encourage students’ role as assessor in higher education. A limitation of the study is that it did not control for intrinsic motivation or innate academic ability.

Empirical investigation and performance evaluation of flat-plate solar water heating systems: a comparative analysis with and without heat exchangers

Abstract Harnessing solar energy through flat-plate solar water heating systems offers an efficient and sustainable solution for residential water heating needs. This study aims to assess and compare the thermal efficiency of two flat-plate solar water heating systems designed for residential use: one with a heat exchanger and one without. Each system features a flat-plate collector with a dark absorber, a transparent cover to reduce heat losses, and a heat-transport fluid. A thin copper sheet with a selective coating forms the absorber. According to the standards of the Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), the evaluation revealed that the system without a heat exchanger achieved a higher efficiency (50 %) compared to the system with a heat exchanger (46 %). This device demonstrated notably lower thermal loss efficiency relative to previous studies, as evidenced by heat loss coefficients of 2.89, 2.66, 1.77, and 2.13 W/m2 k. Despite the higher efficiency of the system lacking a heat exchanger, the importance of heat exchangers in mitigating issues related to water hardness must be acknowledged. This study offers novel insights into the design and optimization of solar water heating systems, highlighting the trade-offs between efficiency and practical considerations.

Analysing University Students’ Digital Skills Gap and Its Implications for SDGS: an Empirical Investigation

Objective: This paper aims to provide further insight into digital skills and analyse the digital skills gap among university students. Theoretical Framework: The underpinning framework of this study is the digital skills measurement framework and tools that can be used to measure students' digital skills to find the digital skills gap. Method: Data were collected from a sample of international university students using an online questionnaire designed specifically for this purpose. The collected data were analysed using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS). Results and Discussion: The main findings show that the common digital skills gap falls between 10% to 48%, the work digital skills gap falls between 14% and 40%, and the advanced digital skills gap falls between 8% to 54%; where the majority of the related areas to advanced digital skills gap exceeds 30%. The results indicate that reducing the digital skills gap requires a combination of digital skills categories (common, work, and advanced digital skills) to be possessed by university students which are essential for everyday life and the workplace. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in university education. These implications could encompass modifications in the university curriculums to be compatible with SDGs. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by providing further insight to the digital skills gap, and recommends incorporating knowledge and skills for the digital skills activities in universities’ curriculums.

A Critical Analysis of Mitchel Foucault’s Perspective on Governmentality and Higher Education

The article offers a thorough examination of Foucault’s notion of governmentality and its practical implications in empirical investigations, specifically within the realm of education. Utilising recent academic research, this analysis thoroughly evaluated the adoption and application of the concept, followed by an exploration of studies in the fields of education and health that adopt a governmentality perspective. By highlighting the historical aspect, this perspective challenges existing frameworks of these fields and uncovers alternative potentialities. This study addressed the need for empirical research that employs governmentality as an analytical framework, intending to clarify its effectiveness in comprehending power dynamics within societal institutions. In addition, it explored Foucault’s concept of governmentality and its development in modern literature, highlighting its complex and dynamic characteristics. Ultimately, it acknowledged criticisms of Foucault’s concept and proposed possible directions for future investigation, such as examining its influence on the evolution of capitalism and conducting education system studies tailored to specific periods. This paper makes a substantial contribution to academic research by offering a thorough analysis of Michel Foucault’s concept of governmentality and its application in the context of higher education. It improves understanding of power relations within educational institutions and emphasizes the influence of neoliberal policies on governance and educational practices. Keywords: Governmentality, Foucault, Higher Education, Power Dynamics, Critique

An Empirical Investigation of Organizational Readiness towards Hospital Autonomy

Background: We aimed to investigate Tehran’s University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) affiliated hospitals organizational readiness toward implementing the ‘Autonomous Hospitals’ program as a change initiative from a managerial perspective in 2020. Methods: A census covering all eligible managers working in TUMS affiliated hospitals, Tehran, Iran (350 individuals) was carried out. Overall, 281 questionnaires were returned (a 30% non-responsiveness rate). A standard construct was adopted for data collection which was validated through a process of translation- back translation, face validity, and content validity (CVI=0.86, CVR=0.76). The reliability was acquired using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (0.87 and over 0.7). Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to draw conclusions .SPSS 26 was used for data analysis. Result: Total organizational readiness for change (TORC) in hospitals was 60.75%±10.11 showing a state of medium to upper-medium readiness status. Also, the 'Clear mandate and centralized leadership' theme scored the lowest mean (53.02%±15.78) for ORC. 'Hospital accreditation level' (r=-0.14, P≤0.05), ‘bed occupancy rate’ (r=-0.19, P ≤0.05), and 'leadership status' (r=0.26, P≤0.001), also showed significant association with TORC. In addition, 'standardized bed occuPancy rate' (P≤0.05, B=-2.41), a 'male' leader (P ≤0.05, B=3.42), and 'academic affiliation' (P≤0. 1, B=-9.52), were good Predictors of TORC based on ‘Backward Multiple Linear Regression’ analysis. Conclusion: Full support from hospital and headquarters executives, delegation of sufficient decision-making authority to hospital managers, and implementation of comprehensive performance evaluation criteria were prerequisites for robust hospital autonomy in TUMS-affiliated hospitals.

Digital Design Quality Management: The Theory of Faults

Built environment and infrastructure designs are produced in complex information systems. Managing this complexity poses a significant challenge; data scarcity and bias are substantial obstacles. This paper addresses the gap in data availability by mining building information modeling (BIM) meta-databases. Two case study databases are studied and assessed through various analytical tools, including network modeling, statistics, entropy, fast Fourier transform (fft), and information constraint (IC). Through analytical and empirical investigation, insights into the morphology, characteristics, failures, causes, and trajectories of design information systems are derived, showcasing that complex systems can be retroactively deciphered and predicted to a certain extent. This study acknowledges design errors as social and psychological phenomena and proposes behavioristic and systemic remedies for addressing design faults. Applying design quality-control management tools, risk assessment, and responsibility allocation becomes feasible, enabling proactive and real-time corrective actions. This research contributes a theoretical framework and practical methodologies as well as the application of data analysis tools to design quality control management, addressing both the information gap and the complexity challenge.

BMW Is Powerful, Beemer Is Not: Nickname Branding Impairs Brand Performance

This research investigates nickname branding, a novel phenomenon whereby firms incorporate the “street” names consumers give brands into their own marketing (e.g., Bloomingdale's opening a “Bloomie's” store). While practitioners anticipate positive results from deploying this tactic, the current research serves as the first empirical investigation of its likely effectiveness. Drawing on speech act theory, the authors theorize that using a nickname in place of a formal name serves as an act of power redistribution, effectively signaling submission to consumers, thereby reducing the perception of a brand's power and weakening its performance. Through a multimethod approach that incorporates secondary data analyses, field studies, and preregistered experiments, the results support this view across a range of performance metrics. In addition, the authors show that this effect is contingent on two factors, such that nickname branding (1) harms performance more for competent brands than warm brands and (2) is less pronounced when nicknames are used in messages that are communal-oriented (vs. transactional-oriented). This research introduces a new theoretical perspective centering on the illocutionary meanings embedded in the process of naming brands and highlights actionable insights on how marketers should approach or avoid consumer-based slang in their marketing.

Socioemotional classroom environments mediating teacher expectation effects: A multilevel structural equation modeling approach

In higher education, the pathways through which teacher expectations could contribute to students’ academic achievement are an area of limited empirical investigation. In this study, we investigated the mediating role of the socioemotional classroom environment in the relations between university teachers’ early expectations and their students’ later achievement. The participants were 176 teachers and their 6,506 first-year undergraduate students from public universities in China. Data from teachers’ initial expectations, students’ prior and year-end achievement on standardized tests, and students’ perceptions of socioemotional factors within the classroom were collected. As students were nested in classes, multilevel structural equation modeling was employed for data analysis. The results showed that, at the individual level, with students’ prior achievement controlled, the extent of the teacher’s differential treatment, the quality of the teacher-student relationships, and the quality of the peer relationships in turn were statistically significantly related to the university teachers’ initial expectations, which ultimately was associated with the individual students’ year-end academic achievement. Further, the university teachers’ expectations for their individual students played a role in the quality of the peer relationships which subsequently contributed to students’ later academic achievements. Moreover, the university classes whose teachers tended on average to have higher expectations tended to achieve at higher levels. However, we did not identify mediating paths via socioemotional factors from university teacher expectations to student achievement at the class level.

Show that we exist: Iraqi women’s stories, Rita Leistner, and her seeking human(ity) in the images of conflict

This article presents an analysis of one of the socio-artistic projects of the Canadian photographer Rita Leistner. Her work focuses mainly on how humans function during conflict and crises, including internal ones, but also includes initiatives related to environmental protection and fortitude displayed by her characters in everyday life. By focusing on the human condition and the situation of humanism today, Leistner demonstrates concern and a profound sense of empathy. Our reflections focus on the Safer here project, which tells the story of women incarcerated against their will in a Baghdad psychiatric hospital. Leistner presented their daily struggle for survival, their dignified lives, and how they come to terms with their plight. It was originally part of Unembedded, a project of four photojournalists stationed in Iraq. Our aim is to place Leistner’s story in a broader context that considers how war stories are created and presented to the world. We also consider the demanding and difficult role played by artists in this process, who try to find a balance between being interpreters and being historians. Leistner’s work shows her as, above all, an activist fighting for public attention and empathy for war victims. We use storytelling and visual analysis in our empirical investigations.

The Women and Children of India's Red-Light Brothel Districts: An Exploratory Investigation of Vulnerability and Survival During a Global Pandemic.

Globally, women and children were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Vulnerable populations of women and children-including those who live in poverty, lack access to health care, have little informal support, and who face stigma and discrimination-were particularly susceptible to harm incurred by the pandemic. Using social determinants of health framework, this investigation sought to understand the lived experiences of women and children residing in an impoverished, resource-poor, urban brothel red-light brothel area district in India, at the outset of the pandemic and following the national lockdown(s). Four questions guided the investigation: (1) How did participants first hear about COVID-19 and what was learned regarding self-protective measures? (2) What daily life challenges were posed by the national lockdown? (3) To what extent were participants able to access or rely on informal supports support during the initial stages of the pandemic? and (4) What types of assistance, if any, did participants receive from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or other (e.g., governmental) sources? This is one of only a handful of empirical investigations elevating the voices of children residing in urban brothel-based red-light districts. Findings pose significant implications for practice, policy, and continued research.

Beyond service: commercial friendship's impact on trust and student loyalty

ABSTRACT Grounded in social cognitive theory, this study aims to explore how service quality and commercial friendship contribute to enhancing student loyalty and facilitating long-term positive relationships between universities and their students. It also examines the mediating role of trust in management policies and practices, as well as in faculty and staff within this framework. Structural equation modeling is used to test the hypotheses using the survey data collected from students in higher education institutions within Pakistan. The research reveals that service quality has a significant impact on students’ loyalty to their university, with trust serving as a crucial mediator in this relationship. Conversely, commercial friendship does not directly influence student loyalty. However, trust in management policies and practices effectively bridges the gap between commercial friendship and student loyalty. These findings are pivotal for crafting effective student retention strategies. This study makes a unique contribution by identifying the pathways to student loyalty through service quality, commercial friendship, and trust in management and faculty. It represents the first empirical investigation into the role of individual-organizational factors in the context of educational services marketing, offering valuable insights for enhancing student retention efforts.

Multimodal presentation of E-commerce product reviews and ratings: empirical investigation using multimodality

PurposeThe aim of the research is to evaluate different modality for product reviews presentation and its impact on users’ performance, purchase intention and enjoyment.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilized an experimental approach with 48 opportunistic participants in three groups (16 users per group). Participants were randomly assigned to experimental conditions to ensure unbiased treatment. Data were collected through controlled interventions or manipulations, with pre-defined measures to assess specific outcomes. Statistical techniques such as ANOVA were employed to analyse the data, allowing for comparisons between experimental variables.FindingsThe findings revealed that integrating facial expression avatars and emojis into an e-commerce platform effectively communicates product reviews and ratings. Moreover, the use of animation significantly enhanced user enjoyment. This suggests that visual representations not only convey information effectively but also contribute to a more engaging and enjoyable user experience.Research limitations/implicationsWhile this experiment offers valuable insights into the impact of different e-commerce presentation layouts on user behaviour, further research could delve deeper into specific aspects such as the influence of individual user characteristics and the long-term effects of layout preferences.Originality/valueThis study contributes original insights by demonstrating the efficacy of facial expressive avatars and emojis in conveying product reviews and ratings within e-commerce platforms. Moreover, it adds value by highlighting the positive impact of animation on user enjoyment. By combining these elements, the research offers a novel approach to enhancing user engagement and understanding of customer feedback in online shopping environments. The findings provide valuable guidance for e-commerce platforms seeking innovative ways to communicate product information effectively and enhance the overall user experience, ultimately benefiting both businesses and consumers.

Exploring the Field of Virtual Avatar: A Bibliometric and Content Analysis

The virtual avatar (VA) concept has gained significant attention since the introduction of virtual products. This study aims to investigate the present level of advancement and forthcoming research directions in the domain of VA while also constructing a conceptual framework for VA. A thorough examination of the VA field was carried out by integrating bibliometric and content analytic techniques. Eight hundred ninety-nine journal articles underwent descriptive bibliometric analysis using CiteSpace and VOSviewer software to construct and visualize synthetic networks. Two hundred forty-eight documents were selected for content analysis. VA is mostly focused on a few specific disciplines and journals prioritizing innovation. Conducting empirical investigations in many settings can enhance the research areas of Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Extended Reality (XR), including improving algorithms, exploring accessibility usage, and examining public service applications. Alternative theoretical frameworks can provide novel insights and additional directions for the development of the VA field.

Information diffusion in referral networks: an empirical investigation of the crypto asset landscape

Information diffusion in referral networks: an empirical investigation of the crypto asset landscape

The MAMCABM framework for the evaluation of mobility decision‐making problems: theory and practice

AbstractIn the constantly evolving transportation and mobility industry, objective and reliable decision‐support systems (DSS) are crucial for addressing complex issues such as transit planning, mode selection, and policy formulation. This paper presents multiactor multicriteria analysis plus agent‐based modeling (MAMCABM), a novel framework that combines multiactor multicriteria analysis (MAMCA) and agent‐based modeling (ABM) to provide a comprehensive DSS. MAMCA excels in facilitating stakeholder‐centric evaluations, while ABM, enhanced by data analytics, adeptly models intricate, interactive systems. The combination of MAMCA and ABM enhances adaptability and precision in decision making. This integration utilizes data analytics and optimization algorithms to provide solutions that consider multifaceted criteria and diverse stakeholder perspectives in dynamic and uncertain contexts. The study outlines the mathematical underpinnings of MAMCABM and offers a practical guide for its implementation. The framework's efficacy is demonstrated through an empirical investigation that addresses mobility challenges in the Brussels Capital Region of Belgium. Compared to the previous study, this approach leverages simulated quantitative data alongside qualitative judgments from stakeholders. The integration of a consensus‐reaching algorithm further enhances the robustness of outcomes and effectively addresses uncertainties.

Greenflation, a myth or fact? Empirical evidence from 26 OECD countries

Among the various effects of the green transition on the macroeconomy, we examined the unintended effects of the green transition on inflation, the so-called “greenflation”. We analyzed panel data from 26 OECD countries covering the period from 2005 to 2019 using four models based on the New Keynesian Phillips curve model. To date, only a few studies have examined greenflation, particularly in terms of empirical investigation. The main contribution of this study to the literature is to provide empirical evidence of greenflation. We also provide empirical evidence on the issues in the NKPC literature that the output gap better explains inflation dynamics than unit labor costs and confirm the demise of the Phillips curve. Estimates from the Common Correlated Effect Mean Group (CCEMG), Augmented Mean Group (AMG), and Panel Corrected Standard Error (PCSE) models indicate that the green transition has an upward inflationary impact on headline inflation, but no significant impact on core inflation. In addition, we have examined four circumstances under which the green transition may affect inflation that have not been sufficiently discussed in the literature: increased green transition spending, carbon pricing, increased demand for critical minerals, and the low energy density of renewable energy. Each of these circumstances has the potential to exert both upward and downward pressures simultaneously. Our suggestion to policymakers is that they do not yet need to change their current view of monetary policy with respect to greenflation, but they should carefully consider policy designs that take into account the unintended effects of the energy transition.