Empirical Study Research Articles

Techno-economic evaluation of a seawater source heat pump system with auxiliary heat source in cold region of China

The utilizing of renewable seawater energy through seawater source heat pumps (SWHPs) in coastal areas is considered as a sustainable technology with minimal environment impact. Promotion of this technology needs clear understanding of its techno-economic performance but there are limited relevant studies. An empirical study was conducted in Qingdao, China, based on a practical installation comprising SWHPs supplemented by electric boilers. On-site measurements revealed considerable COP of 3.81 for SWHP and COPs of 2.87 for the whole system, implying SWHP as a viable and efficient solution for space heating in mild winter in this region. Results from TRNSYS simulations showed SWHP with auxiliary gas boilers (SWHP-GB) achieved the lowest annual primary energy demand and best economic and environmental benefits compared with other three schemes, namely SWHP with electric boilers (SWHP-EB), chillers with gas boilers (Chiller-GB) and air source heat pumps with gas boilers (ASHP-GB). SWHP played important roles in energy efficiency of the whole system with a considerable seasonal COP of 3.72 and 3.22 respectively for heating and cooling. Annual primary energy demand of SWHP-GB accounted for 55 %, 78 % and 56 % of SWHP-EB, Chiller-GB and ASHP-GB, respectively. SWHP-GB achieved the lowest life cycle costs and a rapid payback period of 10.9 years. Moreover, using direct or indirect heat exchange with seawater was found with limited impact on techno-economic performance of the system. To conclude, SWHP-GB could be used as an efficient solution for building heating and cooling in northern coastal cities in China.

Crash modification factors for high friction surface treatment on horizontal curves of two-lane highways: A combined propensity scores matching and empirical Bayes before-after approach

Horizontal curves are locations that, as a result of the changing alignment, may be a contributing factor in roadway departure crashes. One low-cost countermeasure to mitigate crashes at these locations is the installation of the high friction surface treatment (HFST), which increases roadway friction and is intended to help keep drivers on the roadway when traversing a horizontal curve. This treatment has been implemented at numerous curves in Pennsylvania, but the overall safety effectiveness is not known. The purpose of this study is to estimate a suite of Crash Modification Factors (CMFs) for HFST applied to curve sections of undivided two-lane roadways. A novel combination of the empirical Bayes observational before-after study design and propensity score matching was used to estimate CMFs for multiple crash types, crash severities, and roadway settings (urban and rural). Propensity score matching was implemented to identify the most appropriate reference group to use within the empirical Bayes methodology. The results indicate that the installation of HFST is associated with a statistically significant decrease in all crash types and severities considered.

Model-Based Reinforcement Learning With Isolated Imaginations.

World models learn the consequences of actions in vision-based interactive systems. However, in practical scenarios like autonomous driving, noncontrollable dynamics that are independent or sparsely dependent on action signals often exist, making it challenging to learn effective world models. To address this issue, we propose Iso-Dream++, a model-based reinforcement learning approach that has two main contributions. First, we optimize the inverse dynamics to encourage the world model to isolate controllable state transitions from the mixed spatiotemporal variations of the environment. Second, we perform policy optimization based on the decoupled latent imaginations, where we roll out noncontrollable states into the future and adaptively associate them with the current controllable state. This enables long-horizon visuomotor control tasks to benefit from isolating mixed dynamics sources in the wild, such as self-driving cars that can anticipate the movement of other vehicles, thereby avoiding potential risks. On top of our previous work (Pan et al. 2022), we further consider the sparse dependencies between controllable and noncontrollable states, address the training collapse problem of state decoupling, and validate our approach in transfer learning setups. Our empirical study demonstrates that Iso-Dream++ outperforms existing reinforcement learning models significantly on CARLA and DeepMind Control.

Evaluation of Dimensions Impacting the Housing Property Retail Price in Noida: An Empirical Study

Abstract: This study looks into the various aspects that affect how housing properties are priced at retail. Understanding the complex interactions between various factors is essential for stakeholders in the modern real estate market, from developers and investors to legislators. The research uses a thorough methodology, examining structural, locational, economic, and demographic aspects that affect housing property values. The research aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the complex web of influences shaping retail prices in the housing market by synthesising existing literature and utilising cutting-edge analytical tools. The study's insights may help real estate market players navigate the complexity and uncertainty involved in housing property pricing, which could influence strategic decision-making in the industry. Ultimately, this study adds to the larger conversation about affordable housing, stable markets, and urban development that is sustainable.

Revolutionizing Collaborative Learning with Virtual Notes Sharing Platforms: An Empirical Study in Educational Environments

Abstract: In the era of technology-driven education, this research paper explores the transformative potential of virtual notessharing platforms in fostering collaborative learning within educational environments. The study aims to delve into the intricate interplay between technology and pedagogy, emphasizing how these digital platforms can revolutionize the traditional classroom setting. By offering an empirical analysis of the utilization and impact of such platforms in various educational settings, the research uncovers novel insights into their role in enhancing student engagement, participation, and knowledge retention. The paper employs a mixed-methods approach, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data gathered from surveys, interviews, and case studies across diverse educational institutions. The findings illustrate a significant increase in student collaboration and active learning, underscoring the pivotal role of these platforms in promoting a dynamic and interactive educational atmosphere.

Examining The Influence of Fintech Adoption on Customer Behavior from The Perspective of Service Providers in Jordanian Bank: An Empirical Study

Examining The Influence of Fintech Adoption on Customer Behavior from The Perspective of Service Providers in Jordanian Bank: An Empirical Study

Investigating the Relationship Between Environmental, Social, and Governance Factors and the Capital Asset Pricing Model

This study delves into the intricate relationship between the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors in the investment landscape. Through an extensive review of existing literature and comparative analyses, the paper uncovers the historical development of CAPM, the rise of ESG considerations, and their convergence in modern financial theory. The research aims to shed light on the ongoing debates surrounding integrating ESG factors into the CAPM framework, revealing both supportive and critical viewpoints. Through a critical evaluation of empirical studies, the paper identifies gaps in the current body of knowledge, emphasizing the need for further research to understand the interplay between ESG factors and CAPM. The study concludes that while ESG considerations have increasingly influenced investment decisions, their precise relationship with traditional financial models, such as CAPM, remains an area ripe for exploration.

Human capital and financial performance of Islamic banks: a meta-analysis

Purpose This paper aims to meta-analyze the results of the prior studies related to the relationship of human capital and financial performance in Islamic banking. Design/methodology/approach To examine the relationship between human capital and financial of Islamic banks, 23 empirical studies having sample of 15,607 are considered for the meta-analysis. Moreover, different measures related to financial performance including return on assets (ROA), return of equity (ROE) and Tobin’s Q have been taken as moderating for further subgroup analysis. Findings The results of meta-analysis reveal a positive correlation between human capital and financial performance with an effect size of 0.268. The subgroup analyses showed significant positive associations of human capital with ROA and ROE, insignificant with Tobin’s Q. Originality/value This study suggests Islamic banking should prioritize human capital development, maintain consistency and adopt a long-term perspective. Future research should consider context-specific factors and harmonize human capital and financial performance measurements for consensus.

Factors Affecting the Land Investment Decisions in the Old Members of the European Union: A Systematic Literature Review

In response to concerns over land concentration and access within the European Union, this study seeks to elucidate the factors influencing farmers’ decisions to invest in land and the consequent growth of farm size. Employing a systematic literature review utilizing the PRISMA method, we delve into theoretical and empirical studies to bridge the gap between agricultural management practices and land market dynamics. Our analysis reveals a complex interplay of endogenous and exogenous factors, including technological advancements, farm characteristics, demographic factors, macroeconomic conditions, and policy environment, significantly impacting investment behaviours and farm growth trajectories. The research highlights the underexplored impact of external factors like policy and land regulation, which are scarcely addressed in empirical studies despite their substantial influence on farm-size evolution and investment decisions. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the need for future research to incorporate a more comprehensive framework that integrates internal farm dynamics with broader economic and policy contexts, thereby facilitating a deeper understanding of the agricultural sector’s resilience and sustainability. The findings underscore the critical role of adopting innovative methodologies and approaches to fully understand the dynamics of farm growth and land investments, aiming to support policymakers, stakeholders, and researchers in fostering sustainable agricultural practices.

An Empirical Study on Wind-solar Energy Reserve in Inner Mongolia in the Context of Carbon Neutrality

This study explores the empirical research of wind and solar energy reserves in the Inner Mongolia region within the broader context of carbon neutrality. Through detailed surveys and data analysis of wind and solar energy resources, we comprehensively assess their potential, reserves, and sustainability. Our findings reveal Inner Mongolia’s abundant wind and solar resources, pivotal in advancing carbon neutrality strategies. However, overcoming challenges such as cost, efficiency, sustainability, and grid coordination of energy storage technologies is imperative to fully leverage this potential. Therefore, this paper proposes suggestions for improvement, including technological innovation, planning optimization, and energy coordination measures. These recommendations aim to address current challenges and enhance the utilization of wind and solar resources in Inner Mongolia, providing valuable insights for future energy planning and policy formulation. This study is a guiding framework for promoting sustainable energy development in the region.

The Influence of the Financial System on the Puzzle of Corporate Financing Decisions: Review

The main purpose of this study is to conduct a literature review on the influence of country-specific characteristics of financial systems on corporate financing decisions, to help complete the complex puzzle on the problematic of capital structure theories. Recently, several international studies have analysed the convergence of firms’ financing decisions according to countries’ financial system, but, in terms of literature review, it becomes necessary to establish the interconnection between the explanatory theories of capital structure and empirical studies in explaining the financing behaviour of firms in different countries. Following this, the methodology of this paper was based on summarizing the empirical literature in a non-systematic way, verifying in several international studies that the capital structure is influenced by the specific characteristics of the country’s financial system, in which the efficiency of the function of financial intermediaries contributes to reducing transaction and information costs, helping to complete the understanding about the similarities and differences in the financing choices of firms in different countries.

Implementing organizational performance measurement systems: measures and success strategies

PurposeThis study assesses performance measurement (PM) system implementation efforts across various organizational contexts and investigates which factors are critical to achieving implementation success (IS).Design/methodology/approachAn empirical field study was conducted to refine a framework of PM system IS that consists of 5 dimensions of success and 29 factors. A survey questionnaire was used to investigate actual organizational practice and exploratory factor analysis was conducted to refine constructs corresponding to potential factors and dimensions of IS. The resulting variables were then investigated using multiple regression analysis to identify critical success factors for implementing PM systems.FindingsThe survey was completed by representatives from 124 organizations and the exploratory factor analysis results indicated that there are three underlying dimensions of IS (i.e. Use of the System, PM System Performance, and Improved Results and Processes) and 12 factors. Of the factors, nine can be considered critical success factors having a significant relationship with at least one dimension of IS: Leader Support, Design and Implementation Approach, Reward System Alignment, Organizational Acceptance, Organizational Culture and Climate, Easy to Define Environment, IT Infrastructure Capabilities, PM System Design Quality, and PM Participation and Training.Originality/valueThe results show that there are distinct dimensions of IS and, although some factors are associated with all dimensions, most are more closely related to only one dimension. This suggests that different strategies should be utilized based on the types of challenges experienced during implementation.

An Empirical Study of Cash Management Practices with reference to Construction Sector in Visakhapatnam District of Andhra Pradesh, India

Cash management plays a significant role in improved profitability of construction businesses. The firms can achieve optimal management of cash by making the trade-off between profitability and liquidity. The construction industry is one of the most complex and multi-purpose economic sectors. Therefore, a well designed and implemented cash management practice is expected to contribute positively to the creation of a firm’s value. A firm is required to maintain a balance between liquidity and profitability while conducting its day to day operations. Effective management of the cash positively influences the firms’ financial position and also have a significant effect on the profitability of the building construction firms. The paper analyses the efficiency of cash management practices in building construction firms.

EFFECT OF PRE-EXPOSURE ON THE INSECTICIDAL AND REPELLENCY PROPERTIES OF Citrus paradisi PEEL ESSENTIAL OIL AGAINST Tribolium castaneum

Although the use of essential oils (EOs) for pest control has gained popularity due to their biodegradability and ecological safety, a major concern regarding their use is stability. Therefore, this aspect deserves empirical studies to enable potential end users to adopt research findings on the pesticidal potential of EOs. This research investigated the insecticidal and repellence impacts of Soxhlet-extracted grapefruit peel (Citrus paradisi Macfad. (Rutaceae) Lane) EO pre-exposed to air for 0, 0.5, 1 and 2 h (before introducing insects) on Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). The ethanol diluents were initially allowed to evaporate for 15 min in all treatments. Contact toxicity was tested on larval and adult stages at 5 and 15% concentrations of the EO, while repellency was tested at a 5% concentration. The impacts of EO on adult behavioural activity were also observed 24 h after exposure. Grapefruit EO was effective in controlling T. castaneum adults and larvae at higher doses. Exposure periods had an immediate significant effect on larvae and adult mortalities 1 and 6 h after the insects were introduced. At a 15% concentration, EO with a 0 h pre-exposure period had significantly higher adult and larva mortalities after 6 h than those of 0.5, 1 and 2 h pre-exposure. Regardless of oil pre-exposure, insects were repelled, especially in test periods between 12 and 30 min. Therefore, grapefruit EO could be formulated for increased stability when an immediate impact is needed.

The influence of dark triad on knowledge hiding behavior with workplace spirituality as a moderator in higher education institutions

PurposeIn the knowledge management (KM) literature, there are umpteen discussions on knowledge sharing; however, the scholarly community still faces a dearth of literature on knowledge hiding behavior (KHB) and its determinants. The current study aims to examine the direct effect of dark triad (DT) personality dimensions (machiavellianism, narcissism and psychopathy) on KHB dimensions (rationalized hiding, evasive hiding and playing dumb). Drawing on social control theory, this study also explores the moderating effect of workplace spirituality (WS) on the direct relationship between DT and KHB.Design/methodology/approachUsing purposive sampling, 281 matched-pair datasets from faculty members working with higher education institutions (HEI) in India have been obtained. The direct relationship has been tested through regression analysis and moderation analysis has been performed using the PROCESS macro for SPSS.FindingsThe study has successfully mapped DT dimensions with KHB dimensions, and it is observed that machiavellians mostly use evasive hiding, narcissists believe in rationalized hiding and paying dumb is mostly used by psychopaths. Workplace spirituality (WS) weakens the direct relationship between DT and KHB.Practical implicationsHEIs are advised to foster a climate conducive to WS by getting faculty to realize that their job is something larger than themselves through developing a sense of community among faculty members.Originality/valueThis empirical study extends the KM literature and expands the scope of bridging the gaps on KHB. It is one of the few studies to examine the impact of DT on KHB with WS as a moderator in HEIs.

Sustainability in English Language Teaching: Strategies for Empowering Students to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals

This article systematically reviews the studies integrating sustainability into English Language Teaching (ELT), underlining the critical role of education in addressing global environmental challenges through language learning. Through an extensive literature review encompassing empirical studies, theoretical articles, and case studies from 2013 to 2023, we evaluate the methodologies for incorporating sustainability in ELT, identify the challenges faced by educators, and propose practical solutions. Key findings demonstrate various effective approaches, such as interdisciplinary curriculum designs, innovative classroom activities, specialized teacher training, and novel assessment methods, which enhance language proficiency and significantly raise students’ language-learning awareness. Despite challenges such as limited resources and alignment issues between sustainability topics and language-learning objectives, strategies like developing open educational resources and professional development programs have shown promise in overcoming these obstacles. The review underscores the importance of embedding sustainability in ELT to foster informed, responsible global citizens and highlights future research directions to further this aim. It calls for continued innovation, research, and policy support to fully realize the potential of ELT in contributing to a more sustainable future.

Influence of memorable tourism experience on attitude towards pilgrimage: a moderated-mediation model with memorable religious experience and religiosity

PurposeThe study investigates the mediated moderation impact of Memorable Religious Experience (MRE) and Religiosity (REL) on the relationship between Memorable Tourism Experience (MTE) and Attitude towards Pilgrimage (ATT) finally driving Recommend Intention (RCI) of visitors to a religious site. It suggests visitors' incentive variable religiosity can influence their decision to recommend visiting a religious destination.Design/methodology/approachThe research uses a quantitative cross-sectional approach wherein a self-administered survey was used for data collection from 223 pilgrims who visited a popular pilgrimage site. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed for analysis.FindingsThe results showed that MTE has a significant influence on ATT which further influences RCI (a dimension of behavioral intention-BI) of visitors towards a religious destination. Further, MRE mediates the relationship between MTE and ATT. Nevertheless, REL illustrated a significant moderation influence on the relationship between MRE and ATT, further verifying the mediated moderation impact of MRE and REL in the model.Practical implicationsRecommendation of existing customers is one of the most powerful indicators of customer loyalty and usually leads to revisit. The research provides destination managers/tourism planners of pilgrimage sites to formulate appropriate marketing strategies to develop RCI and sustainable branding.Originality/valueThis study adds to the empirical studies conducted on REL by constructing a composite picture of the memorable tourism experience within a pilgrimage tourism context. The uniqueness lies in the attempt to investigate the mediated moderation impact of MRE and REL using a symmetric (PLS-SEM) approach.

Contributions of the left and right thalami to language: A meta-analytic approach.

Despite a pervasive cortico-centric view in cognitive neuroscience, subcortical structures including the thalamus have been shown to be increasingly involved in higher cognitive functions. Previous structural and functional imaging studies demonstrated cortico-thalamo-cortical loops which may support various cognitive functions including language. However, large-scale functional connectivity of the thalamus during language tasks has not been examined before. The present study employed meta-analytic connectivity modeling to identify language-related coactivation patterns of the left and right thalami. The left and right thalami were used as regions of interest to search the BrainMap functional database for neuroimaging experiments with healthy participants reporting language-related activations in each region of interest. Activation likelihood estimation analyses were then carried out on the foci extracted from the identified studies to estimate functional convergence for each thalamus. A functional decoding analysis based on the same database was conducted to characterize thalamic contributions to different language functions. The results revealed bilateral frontotemporal and bilateral subcortical (basal ganglia) coactivation patterns for both the left and right thalami, and also right cerebellar coactivations for the left thalamus, during language processing. In light of previous empirical studies and theoretical frameworks, the present connectivity and functional decoding findings suggest that cortico-subcortical-cerebellar-cortical loops modulate and fine-tune information transfer within the bilateral frontotemporal cortices during language processing, especially during production and semantic operations, but also other language (e.g., syntax, phonology) and cognitive operations (e.g., attention, cognitive control). The current findings show that the language-relevant network extends beyond the classical left perisylvian cortices and spans bilateral cortical, bilateral subcortical (bilateral thalamus, bilateral basal ganglia) and right cerebellar regions.

Unlocking entrepreneurial well-being: exploring the interplay of psychological capital and impostor phenomenon

Purpose The purpose of this empirical investigation was to explore the interrelationship between psychological capital (PsyCaP) and impostor phenomenon (IP) experienced by entrepreneurs. Design/methodology/approach The researchers performed exploratory data analysis, using a correlation matrix that included the composite score of all PsyCap dimensions (psychological capital questionnaire [PCQ-24]) and the factor scores of hope, self-efficacy, resilience and optimism. The data analysis was conducted in relation to participants’ IP scores. Findings The study results demonstrated that a negative relationship was present between entrepreneurs’ Clance impostor phenomenon scale (CIPS) factor scores (consisting of hope, self-efficacy, resilience and optimism) and PsyCap dimensions (PCQ-24) composite subscales. This indicated that higher levels of PsyCaP were associated with lower levels of IP experience by entrepreneurs. Research limitations/implications Theoretically, it must be noted that, based upon these study results, both “impostor phenomenon” and entrepreneurial identity formation occurred among entrepreneurs. It was known to be associated with external environmental, situational and societal factors. The researchers established the relationship between entrepreneurs’ “impostor phenomenon” and “psychological capital (PsyCap)”. Practical implications Entrepreneurs and executives associated with business accelerators and incubators should comprehend the link between IP and PsyCap in entrepreneurs. This would enhance the well-being of entrepreneurs in their challenging context. Entrepreneurs and executives associated with business accelerators and incubators might explore the effectiveness of PsyCap-based interventions, along with IP-related considerations. Originality/value This was one of the first empirical studies investigating and establishing the relationship between entrepreneurs’ “impostor phenomenon” and “psychological capital (PsyCap)”.

Having fun in micro-celebrity restaurants: The role of social interaction, foodstagramming, and sharing satisfaction

Foodstagramming has grown in popularity within foodservice contexts. While it is commonly seen as a tool for impression management and normative behavior, the influence of social interaction on foodstagramming has received limited attention. This research aims to fill this gap by examining the interplay of social interaction, tie strength with peers, and subjective well-being, through the lens of social presence theory. An explanatory sequential mixed methods design with two empirical studies was conducted. Using a survey design, the Study 1 reveals that the need for social interactions serves as a precursor to foodstagramming benefits and establishes a mediated relationship leading to subjective well-being. Study 2 employs a qualitative inquiry to provide an in-depth understanding of the impact of posting food selfies on individual subjective well-being. It further reveals that sharing food selfies not only influences personal happiness at the moment of posting but also continues to affect subjective well-being over a relatively extended period. This research enriches social presence theory by exploring the sense of presence and community created through vivid food photos and by explaining the different effects of strong and weak ties. It also contributes new insights to the hospitality literature, highlighting the interconnectedness of offline and online experiences, which collectively contribute to customers’ enhanced life satisfaction in a commercial setting.