Empirical Test Research Articles

Evidence for Greater Marking along Ethnic Boundaries.

The coordination of beliefs, norms, and behaviors is foundational to theories of group formation. However, because beliefs and norms are not directly observable, signaling mechanisms are required to build reliable signals of latent traits. Although the mathematical theory behind these signals is robust, there is very little testing of ethnic marker theory or of its key propositions that markers become more prevalent along ethnic boundaries and where more than two cultural groups are in contact. We present an ethnographic test of this theory with phonetic differences serving as potential group signals. The data derive from an ethnographic and linguistic investigation in two contrasting secondary school settings in Utah, one that is majority European American and one that is ethnically more diverse. Word list recordings were collected as part of interviews with teens from different backgrounds. We extracted acoustic data from the speech of European Americans (EAs) and Pacific Islanders (PIs), then analyzed differences in the pronunciation of the vowel in words such as "bit." We found evidence of greater phonetic marking at the more diverse school, along more prominent boundaries of ethnic interaction. These results align with predictions made by the theoretical models. This initial empirical test of model predictions provides justification for the development of more complex models that could account for more variables within the environment.

Imaginary latent variables: Empirical testing for detecting deficiency in reflective measures

Imaginary latent variables are variables with negative variances and have been used to implement constraints in measurement models. This article aimed to advance this practice and rationalize the imaginary latent variables as a method to detect possible latent deficiencies in measurement models. This rationale is based on the theory of complex numbers used in the measurement process of common factor model–based structural equation modeling. Modeling an imaginary latent variable produces a potential deficiency within its relative reflective measures through a considerable reduction in common variance indicating the most affected indicator(s).

Hyperspectral Image Classification Algorithm for Forest Analysis Based on a Group-Sensitive Selective Perceptual Transformer

Substantial advancements have been achieved in hyperspectral image (HSI) classification through contemporary deep learning techniques. Nevertheless, the incorporation of an excessive number of irrelevant tokens in large-scale remote sensing data results in inefficient long-range modeling. To overcome this hurdle, this study introduces the Group-Sensitive Selective Perception Transformer (GSAT) framework, which builds upon the Vision Transformer (ViT) to enhance HSI classification outcomes. The innovation of the GSAT architecture is primarily evident in several key aspects. Firstly, the GSAT incorporates a Group-Sensitive Pixel Group Mapping (PGM) module, which organizes pixels into distinct groups. This allows the global self-attention mechanism to function within these groupings, effectively capturing local interdependencies within spectral channels. This grouping tactic not only boosts the model’s spatial awareness but also lessens computational complexity, enhancing overall efficiency. Secondly, the GSAT addresses the detrimental effects of superfluous tokens on model efficacy by introducing the Sensitivity Selection Framework (SSF) module. This module selectively identifies the most pertinent tokens for classification purposes, thereby minimizing distractions from extraneous information and bolstering the model’s representational strength. Furthermore, the SSF refines local representation through multi-scale feature selection, enabling the model to more effectively encapsulate feature data across various scales. Additionally, the GSAT architecture adeptly represents both global and local features of HSI data by merging global self-attention with local feature extraction. This integration strategy not only elevates classification precision but also enhances the model’s versatility in navigating complex scenes, particularly in urban mapping scenarios where it significantly outclasses previous deep learning methods. The advent of the GSAT architecture not only rectifies the inefficiencies of traditional deep learning approaches in processing extensive remote sensing imagery but also markededly enhances the performance of HSI classification tasks through the deployment of group-sensitive and selective perception mechanisms. It presents a novel viewpoint within the domain of hyperspectral image classification and is poised to propel further advancements in the field. Empirical testing on six standard HSI datasets confirms the superior performance of the proposed GSAT method in HSI classification, especially within urban mapping contexts, where it exceeds the capabilities of prior deep learning techniques. In essence, the GSAT architecture markedly refines HSI classification by pioneering group-sensitive pixel group mapping and selective perception mechanisms, heralding a significant breakthrough in hyperspectral image processing.

Does Corporate Governance Explain the Catering Theory of Dividend MENA Region?

Our analysis has several policy implications that are particularly relevant, allowing the passivity to better understand the implication of catering for dividends by examining the moderating role played by certain institutional variables. This idea has not been taken into account in previous studies, neither theoretically or empirically, but our results corroborate a way in which investors value dividends depends on the internal and external characteristics of the company and corporate governance mechanisms. In fact, our study further verifies which institutional variables moderate the payment of the dividend to managers' management actions. We trace firm characteristics and level corporate governance practices in six countries from Mena zone context, and in our empirical tests, we find that firms internal and external environment play an important role on the investor decision to demand or not dividend from firms. Our evidence also provides empirical support that external and internal mechanisms are important to force firms to disgorge cash and force the presence of a more general phenomenon of the catering. Moreover, our empirically estimation indicates a different result from our countries.

Residential Care Facilities for Users with Alzheimer’s Disease: Characterisation of Their Architectural Typology

The design and construction of residences for persons with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have been based on the recommendations of design guides, the results of empirical tests with samples of the population, and the experience of architects and planners. The reiteration of certain patterns, criteria, and guidelines has given rise to a new type of building that has not yet been explicitly described. The aim of this paper is to determine the main characteristics of this typology. This research is based on a critical review methodology, analysing 30 care homes built over the last four decades across various global contexts. Detailed surveys of plans, projects, and buildings were carried out, allowing a comparative analysis of the architectural attributes to determine the most influential parameters for these buildings. The results indicate that environments designed with safety, accessibility, and opportunities for social interaction in mind—and, above all, those that are personalised to the needs of this collective—significantly enhance the behaviour, emotional state, and cognitive state of their residents. The main theoretical contributions include identifying and stating the key features of this type, such as small scale, basic cell housing, comprehensible organisation, and sensory stimulation of spaces, among others. The breakthrough of this study that differentiates it from other works in this field is that it provides concrete guidelines to approach the planning, design, and construction of these kinds of residences. The significance of this research lies in the definition of this unique typology, which is not characterised by its morphology, shape, or formal composition but rather focused on promoting an adequate cognitive and physiological reception of the space by the users. This building concept has important management implications, as its construction must provide for and integrate specific care services in a residential setting for people with AD.

Economic growth and unemployment nexus: empirical test of Okun’s law in Somalia

This paper aims to empirically examine the relationship between GDP and unemployment in Somalia from 2000 to 2021. The study also estimates Okun's coefficient. To evaluate the association between the unemployment rate and economic growth, we employ the Hodrick–Prescott (HP) filter detrending technique, the Augmented Dickey–Fuller (ADF) test, ordinary least squares (OLS), and fully modified OLS. The findings of this study demonstrate that the series is stationary at the level. However, the results confirm a statistically insignificant negative relationship between unemployment and economic growth. Consequently, our findings suggest that Okun's law does not apply in Somalia. For robustness, we employ fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS), canonical cointegrating regression (CCR), and dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS). Nevertheless, the relationship between the GDP gap and unemployment is not strong enough to be considered statistically significant, and other factors may also influence unemployment. Therefore, policies aimed at reducing unemployment should take into account various factors, including education and training, labor market regulations, and social protection measures.

Innovative SVM optimization with differential gravitational fireworks for superior air pollution classification

Amid escalating tension between environmental conservation and economic development, the imperative to enhance air quality has become increasingly urgent. This study elucidates a sophisticated approach for the assessment and remediation of air pollution issues through the integration of an enhanced particle swarm optimization algorithm and a differential gravitational fireworks algorithm-optimized support vector machine (SVM). In the initial phase of this research, a series of intricate data preprocessing and augmentation procedures were conducted, and the differential evolution algorithm played a pivotal role. The differential gravitational fireworks algorithm was subsequently introduced to optimize the SVM parameter settings, thereby bolstering classification accuracy and mitigating issues such as overfitting. Through rigorous and meticulous empirical testing, the augmented SVM model demonstrated notable performance in terms of classification accuracy and sequential and nonsequential data fusion, surpassing conventional SVM techniques. Notably, our sequential fusion method achieved an accuracy of up to 91%, at least 3% higher than that of nonsequential techniques. In conclusion, this study reveals an innovative and enhanced technological approach that is highly effective for the precise measurement and control of air pollution levels.

Frequency of internet use, economic income, and health of the population-comparative analysis of urban and rural areas based on Chinese General Social Survey.

People's health is one of the important supports for China's economic development. This study uses the 2021 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) data to empirically test the impact of residents' Internet use frequency and economic income on residents' health level, and analyzes the differences between urban and rural areas. The empirical test results show that, firstly, the frequency of Internet use can promote the health level of residents, and the promotion effect of Internet use frequency on the health level of rural residents is higher than that of urban residents; Secondly, economic income has a positive promoting effect on the health level of the entire sample of residents, but in urban samples, the regression between economic income and residents' health level is not significant. Third, in the heterogeneity test of region, gender and age, it is found that the impact of residents' Internet use frequency and economic income on residents' health level also has urban-rural differences. Based on this, this study suggests that the government can continue to make efforts to further promote the health level of residents by improving the Internet penetration rate, strengthening the use of Internet skills, carrying out Internet professional skills training and promoting the high-quality development of Internet content.

Development of a Guided Inquiry-Scientific Laboratory (GISL) Based Health Chemistry Practicum Module

Chemistry practicum learning requires a comprehensive approach, which improves understanding of concepts and develops various essential skills needed in the professional and academic world. This research aims to develop a Guided Inquiry-Scientific Laboratory-based Health Chemistry module and conduct empirical feasibility tests. This module is designed with a guided inquiry approach integrated with scientific methods in laboratory activities. The practicum module was developed for second-grade vocational school students in health expertise with material covering colloids, hydrocarbons, polymers, biomolecules, and chemical separation. This development research uses the Borg and Gall model, which consists of planning, organizing, implementing, assessing, and analyzing data. This research was only carried out to the validation stage by material experts, media experts, peer reviewers, and reviewers (five Health Vocational School teachers). The assessment carried out by the reviewer includes eight assessment aspects with 30 assessment indicators. Data was collected through questionnaires, observations, and interviews. Data analysis was carried out descriptively, quantitatively, and qualitatively, guided by ideal assessment criteria to determine the quality of the practicum module. The research results show that the Guided Inquiry-Scientific Laboratory (GISL) based Health Chemistry practicum module that has been developed has a score of 132.52 with an ideal percentage of 88.3467% in the very good (SB) category. This indicates that this module is suitable for use in health chemistry practicum learning, and it is hoped that this research can be continued at the next stage.

Expected idiosyncratic moment risk and the cross-section of REIT returns

ABSTRACT In this paper, we investigate whether expected idiosyncratic volatility (IV) and expected idiosyncratic skewness (IS) risk are both present and significant in the cross-section of expected REIT returns. Our firm-level empirical tests indicate a significant and negative relationship between REIT returns and both IV and IS risk. The observed risk-return trade-off remains significant even after controlling for firm-level characteristics and common risk factors. The empirical results document that firm-level IS risk is consonant with firm-level IV and that IS risk is not subsumed by IV and vice versa. Using Hou and Loh’s (2016) cross-sectional decomposition analysis, we find that firm-level IV and IS capture a very small percentage of each other’s average return premium, while a residual component accounts for the rest.

The Impact of Education Level on Real Estate Asset Allocation

As an important asset class, the allocation decision of real estate is of great significance to the wealth accumulation of individuals and families. This paper builds a theoretical framework based on the theoretical perspective of human capital, takes the CHFS database in 2015,2017 and 2019 as the benchmark, and constructs the Probit model, two-way fixed effect model and intermediary effect model to carry out empirical testing, revealing the causal relationship and mechanism between education level and real estate asset allocation. The results show that the education level significantly increases the individual real estate asset allocation, and this causality is still significantly established under multiple robustness tests. Financial information attention and financial knowledge play an important intermediary role in this process. In addition, the impact of educational level on real estate asset allocation was more obvious in the urban sample than in the rural groups. This study not only enriches the theoretical basis of relevant fields, but also provides a scientific basis for policy makers, which helps to optimize the allocation of resources in the real estate market and promote the sustainable economic development.

“Moving choice to center stage” in the relationship between the self and offending: Integrating symbolic interactionism and rational choice

Symbolic interactionism (SI) and rational choice (RC) can inform two parts of one process in which an individual's self guides their choice to offend. Building on the work of others who have referenced their theoretical compatibility, I draw explicit connections between the key concepts of each perspective to propose an integrated framework for examining variation in offending both between- and within-persons. The framework proposes a process by which individuals hold several structured role-identities that inform expectations of the risks, costs, and rewards of offending, and together these role-identities comprise a core self that influences the degree to which one weighs these expectations (preferences) in behavioral decisions. Further development of this integrated model can advance empirical tests of SI and RC.

Sparrowhawk imitation or convergent alarm signal? A new hypothesis for bubbling call of cuckoos with empirical testing

Abstract Alarm calls in bird vocalizations serve as acoustic signals announcing danger. Owing to the convergent evolution of alarm calls, some bird species can benefit from eavesdropping on certain parameters of alarm calls of other species. Vocal mimicry, displayed by many bird species, aids defense against predators and may help brood parasites during parasitism. In the coevolutionary dynamics between brood parasites, such as the common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus), and their hosts, female cuckoo vocalizations can induce hosts to leave the nest, increasing the probability of successful parasitism and reducing the risk of host attacks. Such cuckoo calls were thought to mimic those of the sparrowhawk. However, owing to their similarity to alarm calls, we propose a new hypothesis: female cuckoos cheat their hosts by mimicking the parameters of the host alarm call. In this study, we tested this new hypothesis and the sparrowhawk mimicry hypothesis simultaneously by manipulating the syllable rate in male and female common cuckoo vocalizations and playing them in front of the host Oriental reed warbler (Acrocephalus orientalis) for examination. The results indicate that similar to a normal female cuckoo call, a female call with a reduced syllable rate prompted the hosts to leave their nests more frequently and rapidly than male cuckoo calls. Additionally, the male cuckoo calls with increased syllable rate did not prompt the host to leave their nests more frequently or quickly compared with the male cuckoo calls with a normal syllable rate. Our results further confirm that female common cuckoos mimic the vocalizations of Eurasian sparrowhawks, reveal the function mechanisms underlying such mimicry, and support the theory of imperfect mimicry.

Development of a Building Evaluation Framework for Biophilic Design in Architecture

Biophilic design has gained prominence in architecture as a strategy to integrate natural elements into built environments, aiming to improve human comfort, well-being, and environmental sustainability. This paper critically reviews existing biophilic design frameworks, identifying gaps in their integration of health outcomes and the relationship between indoor and outdoor environments, with a primary focus on indoor environmental quality (IEQ) factors such as air quality, natural light, thermal comfort, and acoustics. The review was conducted systematically, comparing frameworks using criteria such as health benefits, human–nature connections, and user satisfaction. Key findings highlight a lack of comprehensive frameworks that explicitly link biophilic design to measurable improvements in human health, comfort, and satisfaction. To address this gap, the study proposes an enhanced biophilic design framework that bridges IEQ-focused indoor environments with urban outdoor elements, prioritizing human comfort alongside environmental sustainability. The framework also emphasizes the role of post-occupancy evaluation (POE) in assessing the real-world performance of biophilic interventions, particularly in achieving user satisfaction and ensuring long-term effectiveness. This research contributes to the advancement of biophilic design by offering actionable strategies for architects, urban planners, and policymakers to adopt biophilic principles that create resilient, healthy, and sustainable spaces. Additionally, the study emphasizes the need for empirical testing and validation of the proposed framework, including POE and user surveys, to assess its real-world impact on human well-being and satisfaction, thus setting the stage for future research.

Does Use of Generic Depictions or Scenarios Matter in Perceptions of Crime Seriousness? An Empirical Test

This study examined the influence of crime type and crime representation in survey design on perceptions of crime severity using one-line crime descriptions and crime vignettes. A unique feature of the study was the use of hate crime as an offence category. A sample of 917 university students completed an online questionnaire measuring perceptions of crime severity for one-line crime descriptions as well as crime scenarios based on actual court cases. Consistent with past research, the results showed that both perceptions of wrongfulness and harmfulness are strong predictors of perceived crime seriousness. Violent crimes ranked highest on measures of wrongfulness, harmfulness, and seriousness, while property crimes like break and enter tended to be ranked lowest in perceived severity. Hate crime was viewed as quite serious by respondents and was rated equivalent to high-scale fraud embezzlement in terms of severity. Comparisons between responses to one-line crime descriptions and crime scenarios revealed that scenarios elicited significantly stronger severity ratings, although hierarchical rankings for crime type remained similar. The representation of crime in academic research may affect participant responses. It is recommended that researchers consider the impact the choice of crime representation in survey tools has on measures of perceived crime severity.

Impact of Gen-AI chatbots on consumer services experiences and behaviors: Focusing on the sensation of awe and usage intentions through a cybernetic lens

Generative AI-based chatbots have surfaced as a magical tool, revolutionizing the service industry. Equipped with superior conversational traits and the ability to attune with the conversant, chatbots have forged a coherent bond with the conversant. The untapped potential of chatbots deserves a better understanding of how consumers interact with them. This study recruits the theory of cybernetics to shed light upon the mechanism of chatbot consumer interaction. The theory helps to explain the psychological perspectives of chatbot users and answers the all-important question as to how to craft a coherent communication by enhancing the antecedents to chatbot efficiency. A mixed-method approach is used to identify factors that add to the dynamics of chatbot efficiency, a sensation of awe, and usage intentions. In method 1, the grounded theory approach is used to identify themes and factors to develop a conceptual model. In method 2, the conceptual model devised is subjected to empirical testing through Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling. The theory of cybernetics highlights the importance of information exchange and attunement which leads to higher usage intention in chatbots. The results disseminate the indispensability of AI-enabled chatbots for retailing businesses to attain commercial competency.

Testing Mortars for 3D Printing: Correlation with Rheological Behavior

Three-dimensionally printed concrete is a transformative technology that addresses housing shortages due to population growth and enables innovative architectural designs. The objective of this study is to investigate the connection between a conventional test and the rheological properties of 3D-printed concrete. A more precise assessment of material quality based on traditional evaluation techniques is proposed. Standard tests are conducted to evaluate the consistency of 3D-printed concrete materials. Complementarily, a rheometer is employed to accurately measure key rheological properties, thereby establishing a link with empiric testing methodologies. The correlation between the flow table test and rheological coefficients, such as yield stress and viscosity, has been identified as the most effective in basic experiments for evaluating material behavior. This approach allows for a preliminary assessment of printability without the need for additional complex equipment. The study has successfully established a relationship between flow table tests and rheological parameters. However, further research involving a broader range of materials and print-test experiments is essential to enhance the correlation between other conventional testing methods and rheometer results.

Research on the Influence Mechanism of Tourists’ Pro-Environmental Behavior in Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Sites: A Case Study of the Anxi Tieguanyin Tea Culture System in China

The harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature stands as a paramount objective in the global endeavor towards ecological civilization. By vigorously promoting eco-friendly recreational activities within World Agricultural Heritage sites, we can evoke tourists’ emotional understanding and empathy towards environmental protection. This approach presents an optimal solution to the challenges faced in realizing the ecological value of these heritage sites, thereby fostering an even deeper harmony between people and nature. For this study, the Anxi Tie Guan Yin Tea Cultural System, a site of global agricultural heritage significance, was chosen as the case study. Employing structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis, a survey was administered to 452 local tourists for empirical testing. The research reveals several key findings: (1) Tourists’ environmental concern exerts a notably positive influence on their pro-environmental behaviors; (2) both nature empathy and ecological anxiety serve as mediators in the relationship between environmental concern and tourists’ pro-environmental behaviors; (3) furthermore, nature empathy and ecological anxiety exhibit a sequential, or chain, mediation effect between environmental concern and pro-environmental behaviors; and (4) lastly, the impact of nature empathy and ecological anxiety on tourists’ pro-environmental behaviors differs according to gender. Consequently, managers of agricultural heritage sites should aim to evoke tourists’ sense of nature empathy while appropriately stimulating their ecological anxiety, thereby providing guidance for ensuring a harmonious blend of human activities and the ecological environment and ultimately fostering the sustainable development of World Agricultural Heritage sites.

Tool wear prediction in broaching based on tool geometry

Abstract The aircraft engine is a safety-critical part of an aircraft. Constructive modifications resulting in ecological and economic improvements of the engine lead to necessary changes in manufacturing processes. The turbine discs in the low-pressure section are made of temperature resistant nickel-based superalloys. For the connection of the turbine blades with the disc, fir-tree slots are machined by broaching. The broaching process achieves high geometrical accuracy as well as process reliable rim zone properties. Alternative manufacturing processes such as milling or wire electrical discharge machining are still the subject of research in many applications and do not yet achieve the required process reliability. Especially in finishing operations, tool geometry is complex. In previous research work, the local rake angle and, as a result, the acting cutting force were determined analytically and empirically. Based on these results, the relationship between tool geometry, cutting force, and tool wear will be investigated in this work to enable a cutting length dependent prediction of tool wear. The aim of this work is a model-based prediction of tool wear for a given cutting length and a previously unknown tool geometry. For this purpose, a method was developed to predict tool wear using empirical test data as well as internal machine data. With the results of this work, it is not only possible to identify critical points on newly developed broaching tools by maxima of the cutting force, but also to predict wear locally, depending on the cutting length.

Ethical Decision-Making for Self-Driving Vehicles: A Proposed Model & List of Value-Laden Terms that Warrant (Technical) Specification

Self-driving vehicles (SDVs) will need to make decisions that carry ethical dimensions and are of normative significance. For example, by choosing a specific trajectory, they determine how risks are distributed among traffic participants. Accordingly, policymakers, standardization organizations and scholars have conceptualized what (shall) constitute(s) ethical decision-making for SDVs. Eventually, these conceptualizations must be converted into specific system requirements to ensure proper technical implementation. Therefore, this article aims to translate critical requirements recently formulated in scholarly work, existing standards, regulatory drafts and guidelines into an explicit five-step ethical decision model for SDVs during hazardous situations. This model states a precise sequence of steps, indicates the guiding ethical principles that inform each step and points out a list of terms that demand further investigation and technical specification. By integrating ethical, legal and engineering considerations, we aim to contribute to the scholarly debate on computational ethics (particularly in autonomous driving) while offering practitioners in the automotive sector a decision-making process for SDVs that is technically viable, legally permissible, ethically grounded and adaptable to societal values. In the future, assessing the actual impact, effectiveness and admissibility of implementing the here sketched theories, terms and the overall decision process requires an empirical evaluation and testing of the overall decision-making model.