Empirical Level Research Articles

Study on Fractal Damage of Concrete Cracks Based on U-Net

The damage degree of a reinforced concrete structure is closely related to the generation and expansion of cracks. However, the traditional damage assessment methods of reinforced concrete structures have defects, including low efficiency of crack detection, low accuracy of crack extraction, and dependence on the experience of inspectors to evaluate the damage of structures. Because of the above problems, this paper proposes a damage assessment method for concrete members combining the U-Net convolutional neural network and crack fractal features. Firstly, the collected test crack images are input into U-Net for segmenting and extracting the output cracks. The damage to the concrete structure is then classified into four empirical levels according to the damage index (DI). Subsequently, a linear regression equation is constructed between the fractal dimension (D) of the cracks and the damage index (DI) of the reinforced concrete members. The damage assessment is then performed by predicting the damage index using linear regression. The method was subsequently employed to predict the damage level of a reinforced concrete shear wall–beam combination specimen, which was then compared with the actual damage level. The results demonstrate that the damage assessment method for concrete members proposed in this study is capable of effectively identifying the damage degree of the concrete members, indicating that the method is both robust and generalizable.

Why is social life explicable, but unpredictable, or how does freedom give rise to determinism?

The article presents a critical reinterpretation and reconstruction of а key problem of social science: how a logically consistent and empirically substantiated explanation of social phenomena generated by the voluntarism of human actions, linked into complexes by a seemingly infinitely multiple contingency, is possible? In other words, we are talking about an attempt to answer the questions: how such a logically imaginary contingency is capable to generate elements of order at the empirical level, why social interactions have relative stability and reproducible character, what role do so-called unintended consequences of socially oriented (but dictated by «personal motives») human actions play in the processes of morphogenesis of society?

Predictors of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in children with acute osteomyelitis

BackgroundThis study aims to identify risk factors associated with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in children diagnosed with acute osteomyelitis (AO) and to elucidate the laboratory characteristics of these MRSA-infected children to enhance early targeted therapeutic interventions.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis involving 123 children with acute osteomyelitis treated at our hospital. Upon admission, we measured white blood cell (WBC) counts, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR), and platelet counts. Patients were categorized into two groups: the non-MRSA group (n = 73) and the MRSA group (n = 50), with values assigned as follows (non-MRSA group = 0, MRSA group = 1).ResultsThe MRSA group had a significantly higher average age compared to the non-MRSA group (P < 0.05). Notably, the incidence of suppurative arthritis was significantly lower in the MRSA group (P < 0.05). At the time of admission, CRP levels in the MRSA group were markedly elevated compared to those in the non-MRSA group (P < 0.01). After three days of empirical therapy, both WBC and CRP levels remained significantly higher in the MRSA group compared to the non-MRSA group (P < 0.05).ConclusionsIn children newly admitted with acute osteomyelitis, a CRP level exceeding 73.23 µg/mL may indicate a high likelihood of MRSA infection. For children with AO who have been hospitalized for three days on empirical therapy, the presence of WBC > 10.95 × 10^9/L, CRP > 49.56 µg/mL, age > 3.5 years, and the absence of suppurative arthritis suggests a heightened risk of MRSA infection.

FORMATION OF COGNITIVE ACTIVITY OF STUDENTS IN THE PROCESS OF STUDYING CHEMISTRY

he socio-economic transformations in society have reshaped the educational landscape, positioning students as active agents in the learning process. This shift calls for the enhancement of cognitive activity in the educational framework, particularly in subjects like chemistry. This article explores the formation of cognitive activity among students in the context of chemistry education, with an emphasis on developing methods that encourage the transition from empirical to abstract-theoretical levels of understanding. The study aims to organize a comprehensive cognitive activity system that integrates the assimilation of chemical knowledge, cognitive teaching methods, and the development of chemical thinking. The study aims to organize and develop a comprehensive cognitive activity system in students during chemistry lessons, focusing on assimilating subject content, mastering cognitive teaching methods, and developing chemical thinking. The research adopts a systematic approach to managing cognitive activity in chemistry education. It applies a methodology that integrates empirical and theoretical levels of knowledge, facilitating a transition from reproductive to heuristic and research-based learning. The study also focuses on creating tools and methods that help students acquire a comprehensive understanding of chemistry content and develop their thinking processes. The research emphasizes the importance of cognitive operations such as analysis, synthesis, and generalization, fostering students' abilities to solve complex tasks through reproductive, heuristic, and research-based learning approaches. A theoretical model of full-fledged cognitive activity is proposed, incorporating systematic, structural, psychological, and pedagogical principles to optimize learning outcomes. The results demonstrate that effective organization of cognitive activity enhances students' mastery of chemistry, improves reasoning skills, and fosters a style of chemical thinking, ultimately contributing to higher learning achievement.

Между «ratio» и «irratio»: в поисках оптимальной стратегии изучения доверия в политическом пространстве

The literature on political trust currently continues to be dominated by the cognitive approach, whose adherents perceive trust as a function of political knowledge and social experience. In turn, the psycho-emotional foundations of political trust (personality traits, psychological needs and emotions) are still in the shadow of the cognitive revolution and remain poorly understood. The article attempts to justify the need to study political trust not only as a rational-evaluative construct, but also as a complex psycho-emotional phenomenon that arises at the intersection of cognitive and affective processes occurring at the conscious and subconscious levels. Having consistently analyzed three approaches to understanding the nature of political trust — as knowledge, as heuristics and as affect — the author elaborates his definition of this phenomenon, describing it as a specific psycho-emotional state that accumulates knowledge about objects of political space, emotionally and symbolically significant images of politicians and institutions formed in the process of socialization, as well as the confidence that the expectations arising on this basis will be met to one degree or another in the future. Moving from the conceptual to the empirical level, he examines survey and experimental strategies for distinguishing between cognitive and affective foundations of trust, revealing their possibilities and limitations. The final part of the article outlines potential further directions for research in the field of political trust. According to the author, agent-based modeling is extremely promising in this regard, as it allows looking at the cognitive and affective bases of political trust as a single whole, where cognitive and affective processes are closely interconnected and capable of moving from one state to another.

The Aesthetic Expression of Abstract Calligraphy: Emotion and Form between Brush and Ink

Calligraphy is one of the most important visual art forms inherited from China for thousands of years. The visual formal resources contributed by the dots and structures of Chinese calligraphy are one of the wonders in the world art history. Among them, abstract calligraphy, as a unique art form, contains rich emotional expression and formal aesthetic exploration between brush and ink. This study adopts a qualitative research paradigm, through in-depth interviews with senior abstract calligraphers, art critics and scholars, combined with on-site observation of the creative process of calligraphy, literature analysis and interpretation of works, in order to comprehensively analyze the emotional connotation and formal vocabulary of abstract calligraphy, and to clarify the intrinsic connection and tension between the two. The results of the study show that in abstract calligraphy, the subject's emotional experience is the root power of modeling. Through the refinement and sublimation of life experience, the calligrapher injects the vibration of individual consciousness and philosophical thoughts into the brush and ink with the help of visual elements such as brush strokes, lines, and compositions. The brush and ink become the direct speech of the mind, and the viewer can feel the rhythm and bitterness of life, the struggle and emptiness of desire, the pursuit of tranquility and other rich emotional experiences in the works. At the same time, the careful construction of formal language is also the core of abstract calligraphy exploration. Through the mastery of brush and ink materials and writing momentum, the use of wet and dry contrast, white space, texture and other techniques, to create a shocking visual tension, giving people a strong experience of formal aesthetics. The study emphasizes that abstract calligraphy realizes a high degree of unity between emotion and form. On the one hand, the form itself carries the spiritual experience and inner emotion of the calligrapher; on the other hand, the emotion gives life and inner tension to the form. The two integrate and echo each other, forming an organic whole. It is this perfect combination of mind and form that makes abstract calligraphy become the visualization of human emotion and spiritual world, and triggers endless thoughts and resonance in the viewers. The researcher comprehensively analyzes the emotional core and formal qualities of abstract calligraphy from both theoretical and empirical levels, providing a new perspective for a deeper understanding of the unique aesthetic value of this art form.

Theoretical and Empirical Justifications for The Development of the Questionnaire “Subjective Evaluation of Lukism in Humor”

Introduction. The paper deals with the problem of lookism (discrimination based on appearance) on the example of evaluating humorous posts and memes, which in various social situations can act as triggers of lookism. In order to diagnose sensitivity to Lukism in jokes, we attempted to prepare a basic description of the future structure of the methodology by testing a number of statements obtained by other authors in relation to different types of jokes. The novelty of the study lies in the description of the stages of preparation of the stimulus material, which allows us to study the peculiarities of perception of humor that ridicules the features of appearance and sensitivity to such jokes depending on the respondent’s experience (as a victim or a witness). Objective. To test a number of assumptions that are essential for the development of a questionnaire to examine the subjective evaluation of Lukism in humor. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted in five stages, a total of 410 participants (54 men, 356 women), aged 19 to 46 years, each stage included consideration of different components of perception and evaluation of humor in terms of the perception of it as offensive/containing lukism. Results. At each stage the peculiarities of perception of humorous posts that are distributed in social networks were revealed. It was revealed that the way of design (textual, textual-visual, as well as peculiarities of using different visual components), as well as the personal experience of respondents who faced situations of Lukism and self-assessment of respondents’ appearance influence the perception of a joke as containing or not containing Lukism, as well as the prediction of its assessment by other people as “offensive”. Discussion. Considering memes as complex, multilevel texts of identity, we see in them a significant potential for studying social norms, stereotypes and attitudes about appearance and sensitivity to the assessment of it as “non-standard” and a target for jokes. At the empirical level, we have identified a number of requirements for the selection of jokes to be included in the questionnaire: uniformity of design, use of “swear words”, visual content (images of “realistic people”), etc. An approximate structure of the future questionnaire is also presented.

Contextualized Metabolic Modelling Revealed Factors Affecting Isoflavone Accumulation in Soybean Seeds.

Isoflavones, secondary metabolites with numerous health benefits, are predominantly found in legume seeds, especially soybean; however, their contents in domesticated soybean seeds are highly variable. Wild soybeans are known for higher seed isoflavone contents than cultivars. Here we used experimental and modelling approaches on wild soybean (W05) and cultivated soybean (C08) to delineate factors influencing isoflavone accumulation. We found imported nutrients were converted into storage compounds, with isoflavone accumulation in W05 seeds being faster than in C08 ones. The isoflavone accumulation during seed development was simulated using context-specific cotyledon metabolic models of four developmental stages on cultivar C08, and the metabolic burden imposed by increasing biomass was evaluated. Trade-off analyses between biomass and isoflavone suggest that high biomass requirement in cultivars could limit the reallocation of resources for secondary metabolite production. Isoflavone production in mature seeds was also influenced by biomass compositions. Seeds with higher carbohydrate contents favour isoflavone production, while those with highest protein and oil contents had lowest isoflavone contents. Although seeds could synthesize isoflavones on their own, the predicted fluxes from biosynthesis alone were lower than the empirical levels. Shadow price analyses indicated that isoflavone accumulation depended on both intrinsic biosynthesis and direct contribution from the plant.

Nonparametric isotropy test for spatial point processes using random rotations

In spatial statistics, point processes are often assumed to be isotropic meaning that their distribution is invariant under rotations. Statistical tests for the null hypothesis of isotropy found in the literature are based either on asymptotics or on Monte Carlo simulation of a parametric null model. Here, we present a nonparametric test based on resampling the Fry points of the observed point pattern. Empirical levels and powers of the test are investigated in a simulation study for four point process models with anisotropy induced by different mechanisms. Finally, a real data set is tested for isotropy.

A Study of Multiple Comparison Tests with Imprecise and Uncertain Information

Objectives: This study aims to demonstrate the application of multiple comparison tests in situations involving imprecise, incomplete, and uncertain observations. Such data arises in many practical situations. Methods: Five post hoc multiple comparison tests viz. Fisher's LSD test, Tukey's HSD, Bonferroni ( ), Scheffe, and Hochberg ( ) method is utilized within a one-way design framework, with a significance level of 5%. Simulation studies are applied to the empirical level and power calculation. Findings: The study shows that Tukey's HSD ( ) shows the highest power in the determinant part, not the indeterminant part, compared to other tests. For, e.g., For (5, 5, 5, 5) with location parameter (0, .5, 1, 0), the power interval shows [.3953, .3584] where [ ]. Overall, and shows a prominent result and are preferable compared to other tests. From application, NANOVA provided the P-value is [&lt;.001, &lt;.001], i.e., tests are statistically significant. The P-value of the tests for pairs [1, 1] and [1, 1] accepted (greater than .05) means the average daily ICU occupancy of corona patients of more than 55 years and between 35 and 55 age groups are not equal. Similarly, other tests also show the same. Novelty: Neutrosophic Multiple comparisons are still developing, and computer programs are still unavailable to support them. We have applied a simulation study to check the performance of the tests. Keywords: Multiple comparisons, NANOVA, Neutrosophic Statistics, Indeterminacy, Covid-19

La mediación en el ámbito de familia, niñez y adolescencia, como método efectivo para optimizar el sistema procesal en la ciudad de Milagro

Mediation as an alternative method of conflict resolution is recognised in Ecuadorian legislation, that is, in our Constitution of the Republic of Ecuador, in the Law of Arbitration and Mediation, as well as in the Organic Code of Childhood and Adolescence, and other regulations that refer to it. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness in the area of family, children and adolescents, as a mechanism to decongest the procedural system in the city of Milagro. The research focused on a mixed, descriptive, explanatory and propositional system that allowed us to understand the procedural phenomenon and to make a proposal with the aim of optimising the principle of procedural speed and economy. In the same way, empirical level methods, methods of analysis and documentary review, theoretical level methods and techniques and instruments such as interviews and surveys were used. For this reason, the proposal was made, which implies the obligatory nature of an act of impossibility of mediation that accompanies the lawsuit, prior to the initiation of a judicial process, which promotes the achievement of amicable, fast and satisfactory agreements, as well as the decongestion of the Ecuadorian justice system, based on factors such as speed, confidentiality and a lower amount of expenses for the processing of the process, and safeguards the welfare and interest of minors. A culture of peace prevails between parties, where an agreement is reached that is centred on their needs, contributing to a fair, equitable and collaborative society.

The spectrum of radioactive water vapor: the H219O radio-isotopologue

The absorption spectrum of H219O, a radioactive isotopologue of the water molecule, is predicted using variational nuclear motion calculated based on a high precision potential energy function and ab initio dipole moment surface. Vibrational - rotational energy levels and wave functions, line centers and Einstein coefficients for dipole transitions are calculated. Predicted transition wavenumbers are improved by extrapolating known empirical energy levels of the stable H216O, H217O and H218O isotopologues to H219O. A line list for possible atmospheric application is presented which includes air line broadening coefficients. The calculations span a wide spectral range covering infrared and visible wavelengths, and are appropriate for temperatures up to 1000 K. Windows suitable for observing absorption by H219O are identified and comparisons made with the infrared spectra of water vapor in natural abundance, H215O and H214O.

MARVEL analysis of high-resolution rovibrational spectra of the 18O12C18O, 17O12C18O, and 18O13C18O isotopologues of carbon dioxide

For three rare isotopologues of carbon dioxide, 18O12C18O (828, according to a well-established shorthand notation), 17O12C18O (728), and 18O13C18O (838), 3923, 4318, and 1058 empirical rovibrational energy levels, respectively, are determined, using the MARVEL (Measured Active Rotational–Vibrational Energy Levels) protocol and code. For the isotopologues 828/728/838, the analysis of their spectroscopic network is based on 11353(7665)/11313(7700)/2155(1595) measured(unique) transitions, belonging to 165/113/50 vibrational bands, respectively. The measured transitions collected from the literature span the regions 953–12570 cm−1 (for 828), 628–8197 cm−1 (for 728), and 600–7918 cm−1 (for 838). The number of critically evaluated and recommended energy levels of this study are 3923, 4318, and 1058 for the 828, 728, and 838 isotopologues of CO2, respectively. Comparison of the empirical rovibrational energy levels determined in this study with their counterparts in two published databases, CDSD-2019, Ames-2021 and HITRAN shows very good overall agreement.

How industrial robots affect labor income share in task model: Evidence from Chinese A-share listed companies

This paper analyses the impact of the use of industrial robots on labor income shares at both the theoretical and empirical levels. On the theoretical side, the role of induced technological progress, the creation of new tasks, and the penetration of industrial robots on labor income shares are systematically explored by incorporating industrial robots into task models and endogenizing the task induced technological progress. Empirically, industrial robot penetration at the regional level in China is constructed from the industrial robots data released by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), which is matched with Chinese A-share listed companies in 2011–2019, and the causal strategy of Bartik-style instrumental variables is used to analyze the impact of the penetration of industrial robots and task induced technological progress on the share of labor income. The study shows that the penetration of industrial robots significantly increases the share of labor income, but the task induced technological progress reduces the share of labor income, and that the impact of the penetration of industrial robots varies significantly external financing dependence, ownership, and regions. From the perspective of the impact mechanism, robot penetration increase the levels of inputs complementarity and hence reduce the elasticity of substitution between robots and labor. Meanwhile, robots can effectively increase the wage level of the labor force, thus increasing the labor income share. The findings of this paper provide a decision-making reference for how industrial robots can better serve human beings in the new era so that workers can share the fruits of economic development.

Risk Management Model of the Islamic Ethical Practice Dimension (i-EP)

Adoption of Sharia Compliance (SC) is one of the dimensions of Islamic Ethical Practice (i-EP) or Islamic Corporate Social Responsibility (i-CSR), which can potentially lead companies to obtain several significant capital market benefits, including affecting risk (cost of equity). However, whether and to what extent SC influences the cost of equity is still an issue and has yet to be widely documented at the theoretical and empirical levels, especially in the Indonesian context. Apart from the low level of cash holding, the evidence gap shows that the Indonesian Sharia financial screening criteria are more liberal than the international criteria, which indicates that Indonesian SC leverage contains a higher financial risk premium, thus possibly having implications for estimating the high expected return of investments and in turn the effect of SC on the cost of equity potentially has different empirical significance from international finding. Implications of liquidity and risk premium on the cost of equity indicate that SC's influence on the cost of equity is more complex than simple causality. Therefore, it is necessary to build a more comprehensive system by formulating contingency factors in the relationship between SC and the cost of equity. The finding reveal from 891 observations that the link between SC and cost of equity is fully mediated relationship, which indicates that SC can only affect the cost of equity with good reputation and by improving performance.

Navigating through digitalization challenges in strategic communication: introducing the VUCA radar

PurposeIn recent years, the acronym VUCA has gained traction in strategic communication (SC) as an umbrella term that summarizes the recurrent challenges (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity) of digital communication environments. However, an integrated reflection on how the VUCA dimensions facilitate a deeper understanding of specific digitalization challenges and how to navigate through these challenges is lacking. This article aims to explore and substantiate the descriptive (how) and prescriptive (how to) potential of VUCA for SC under digitalization conditions.Design/methodology/approachWe first provide a systematic discussion of the four VUCA dimensions based on the general strategy literature. While their descriptive value is undisputed, prescriptive advice on how to respond to these challenges is contradictory. We substantiate this observation in a second empirical step based on problem-centered interviews with strategic communicators at the agency and corporate levels.FindingsOur findings reveal that VUCA facilitates a systematic mapping of digitalization challenges consistently identified by professionals. The proposed strategic responses, however, remain contradictory at the theoretical and empirical levels. Hence, we propose the VUCA radar as a comprehensive descriptive and prescriptive framework.Originality/valueThe radar provides (a) a systematic overview of recurrent digitalization challenges to SC at the industry and practice levels and (b) prescriptive advice on how to navigate through these challenges by balancing contradictory strategic responses at the levels of vision, understanding, clarity and agility.

Some non parametric tests for umbrella alternatives in experimental design: A simulation study

Testing the null hypothesis against the umbrella alternative arises in various practical situations. This article has studied some non parametric tests that may be used for umbrella alternatives and their performance in different symmetric and asymmetric distributions, including long-tailed, short-tailed, and a mixture of two distributions. We have considered viz., Mack and Wolfe test, Hettmansperger and Norton test, Shi test, SU test, and Modified Mack and Wolfe test. The simulation approach assesses the empirical level and power of test statistics. The study shows that the SU and Shi tests have performed almost the same in Normal, Cauchy, Contaminated normal, and mixture distributions. However, the overall performance of the SU test was found to be better than that of other selected tests.

How Do Location-Based AR Games Enhance Value Co-Creation Experiences at Cultural Heritage Sites? A Process Perspective Analysis

The sustainable development of tourism in cultural heritage sites benefits from the active participation of tourists in the co-creation process. Location-based AR games show great potential in tourists’ participation in creation and positive experiences. This study explores the relationship between the stage factors of the co-creation experience and the overall co-creation. Combining the service-dominant logic and process perspective of value co-creation theory, this research proposes a conceptual framework for co-creating experiences in cultural heritage tourism using augmented reality technology through two studies. In the first phase of the study, quantitative research was conducted on 256 visitors to measure the impact of factors in the three processes of pre-co-creation experience, on-site experience, and post-co-creation experience on the overall co-creation experience. In the study’s second phase, follow-up qualitative interviews were conducted based on multiple linear regression analysis results to expand the interpretation of the relationship and importance of factors affecting the co-creation experience process. The results show that psychological engagement, awareness, knowledge, and social relations during pre-visitation help enhance the overall co-creation experience. In contrast, the overall co-creation experience is enriched by real-time storytelling, interaction, and emotional resonance in both on-site and post-experience processes. The proposal of this framework model advances the discussion of augmented reality technology and co-creation experience to the empirical level. It provides a basis for further tourism co-creation experience design practice.

Deixis and dementia: Insights from phenomenological philosophy

This article provides an overview of the relevance of deixis in dementia from the perspective of phenomenological philosophy with an inter- and transdisciplinary scope. A key objective is to integrate existing approaches and develop hypotheses for future research. The paper seeks to explore the potential of deixis to enhance interaction and communication in the most common form of dementia, Alzheimer's disease. The paper prepares the ground for three sub-goals: (1) Developing a general taxonomy of deixis, differentiating between verbal deixis (e.g., pronouns), corporeal deixis (e.g., pointing gestures), and medial deixis (e.g., arrows). (2) Investigating the diagnostic, therapeutic and care applications of deixis in Alzheimer's disease in the face of the progressive loss of higher cognitive skills. (3) Pinpointing the desiderata emerging from the relation between deixis and dementia at both conceptual and empirical levels. This paper argues for viewing deixis not solely as a deficit-indicator but also as a resource-indicator. Deixis in dementia can serve on two interconnected yet distinct levels: one for diagnosis, and another for therapy and care. On the one hand, verbal indexicals have a deficit-indicating function for the loss of higher cognitive skills, such as language, orientation and memory. This function is relevant for linguistically shaped dementia diagnosis and a holistic interpretation of key symptoms. On the other hand, all three kinds of deixis, the verbal, the corporeal, and the medial, do have a resource-indicating function. The threefold deixis helps us to advance orientation, communication and interaction in both private and institutional living environments. For example, the corporeal deixis is an important communicative resource, which helps to navigate and maintain attention, intention, and emotion. Finally, the paper proposes an index-ability scale to identify personalized communication resources for individuals with dementia.

Intersectional solidarities and inter-individual affinities: enactments of equity and privilege through doctoral supervision relationships

ABSTRACT This article draws on a research project about the transition from PhD student to academic (British Academy-Leverhulme research grant, 2020–2022). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 recent PhD graduates and six PhD supervisors. Transcripts were subjected to a thematic analysis. On a theoretical level, the article is informed by Bourdieu’s concepts of cultural and social capital, with a focus on the differential cultural and social capital available to participants through their doctoral and postdoctoral journeys. On an empirical level, we focus on two interviews with recent PhD graduates to explore how equity and privilege play out in intersectional ways in the post/doctoral journey and are mediated by doctoral supervisors as gatekeepers. In particular, we identify two discourses of supervisory support which emerged in the participants’ narratives: intersectional solidarities and inter-individual affinities, and reflect on their implications for equity.