Competitive Research Articles

Fear of hypoglycemia relates to glycemic levels during and after real-world physical activity in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

We explore the association between hypoglycaemia fear (FH) and glycaemia during and after exercise sessions in a large sample of physically active youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D). We used data from the Type 1 Diabetes Exercise Initiative Paediatric (T1DEXIP) Study. Youth self-reported on FH using the Hypoglycaemia Fear Survey-Child (HFS-C). They used a smart phone application to self-report food intake and insulin dosing (multiple daily injection only). We collected pump and continuous glucose monitoring data directly from the device. Our sample included n = 251 youth (mean age: 14 ± 2 years, 55% closed loop pump; 42% women). Youth reporting higher HFS-C Total and Helplessness/Worry scores (HFS-C subscale) had slightly fewer competitive and fewer high intensity exercise events compared to youth with lower HFS-C Total and Helplessness/Worry scores. Youth reporting the highest Maintain High Blood Glucose scores (HFS-C subscale) had the lowest percent glucose time in range, higher mean glucose levels, and higher percent time above range during exercise. Youth reporting the highest Maintain High Blood Glucose scores also tended to have higher mean glucose levels post-exercise and a smaller drop in glucose during exercise. FH relates to glycaemia during and after exercise in adolescents with T1D and may signal an inclination for some youth to engage in avoidance behaviours to reduce their vulnerability to exercise-induced hypoglycaemia.

Balancing Group 1 Monoatomic Ion-Polar Compound Interactions in the Polarizable Drude Force Field: Application in Protein and Nucleic Acid Systems.

An accurate force field (FF) is the foundation of reliable results from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. In our recently published work, we developed a protocol to generate atom pair-specific Lennard-Jones (known as NBFIX in CHARMM) and through-space Thole dipole screening (NBTHOLE) parameters in the context of the Drude polarizable FF based on readily accessible quantum mechanical (QM) data to fit condensed phase experimental thermodynamic benchmarks, including the osmotic pressure, diffusion coefficient, ionic conductivity, and solvation free energy, when available. In the present work, the developed protocol is applied to generate NBFIX and NBTHOLE parameters for interactions between monatomic ions (specifically Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+, and Cl-) and common functional groups found in proteins and nucleic acids. The parameters generated for each ion-functional group pair were then applied to the corresponding functional groups within proteins or nucleic acids followed by MD simulations to analyze the distribution of ions around these biomolecules. The modified FF successfully addresses the issue of overbinding observed in a previous iteration of the Drude FF. Quantitatively, the model accurately reproduces the effective charge of proteins and demonstrates a level of charge neutralization for a double-helix B-DNA in good agreement with the counterion condensation theory. Additionally, simulations involving ion competition correlate well with experimental results, following the trend Li+ > Na+ ≈ K+ > Rb+. These results validate the refined model for group 1 ion-biomolecule interactions that will facilitate the application of the polarizable Drude FF in systems in which group 1 ions play an important role.

Evaluation Framework of Large Language Models in Medical Documentation: Development and Usability Study.

The advancement of large language models (LLMs) offers significant opportunities for health care, particularly in the generation of medical documentation. However, challenges related to ensuring the accuracy and reliability of LLM outputs, coupled with the absence of established quality standards, have raised concerns about their clinical application. This study aimed to develop and validate an evaluation framework for assessing the accuracy and clinical applicability of LLM-generated emergency department (ED) records, aiming to enhance artificial intelligence integration in health care documentation. We organized the Healthcare Prompt-a-thon, a competitive event designed to explore the capabilities of LLMs in generating accurate medical records. The event involved 52 participants who generated 33 initial ED records using HyperCLOVA X, a Korean-specialized LLM. We applied a dual evaluation approach. First, clinical evaluation: 4 medical professionals evaluated the records using a 5-point Likert scale across 5 criteria-appropriateness, accuracy, structure/format, conciseness, and clinical validity. Second, quantitative evaluation: We developed a framework to categorize and count errors in the LLM outputs, identifying 7 key error types. Statistical methods, including Pearson correlation and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), were used to assess consistency and agreement among evaluators. The clinical evaluation demonstrated strong interrater reliability, with ICC values ranging from 0.653 to 0.887 (P<.001), and a test-retest reliability Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.776 (P<.001). Quantitative analysis revealed that invalid generation errors were the most common, constituting 35.38% of total errors, while structural malformation errors had the most significant negative impact on the clinical evaluation score (Pearson r=-0.654; P<.001). A strong negative correlation was found between the number of quantitative errors and clinical evaluation scores (Pearson r=-0.633; P<.001), indicating that higher error rates corresponded to lower clinical acceptability. Our research provides robust support for the reliability and clinical acceptability of the proposed evaluation framework. It underscores the framework's potential to mitigate clinical burdens and foster the responsible integration of artificial intelligence technologies in health care, suggesting a promising direction for future research and practical applications in the field.

A novel in-silico model explores LanM homologs among Hyphomicrobium spp

Investigating microorganisms in metal-enriched environments holds the potential to revolutionize the sustainable recovery of critical metals such as lanthanides (Ln3+). We observe Hyphomicrobium spp. as part of a Fe2+/Mn2+-oxidizing consortia native to the ferruginous bottom waters of a Ln3+-enriched lake in Czechia. Notably, one species shows similarities to recently discovered bacteria expressing proteins with picomolar Ln3+ affinity. This finding was substantiated by developing an in-silico ionic competition model and recombinant expression of a homolog protein (Hm-LanM) from Hyphomicrobium methylovorum. Biochemical assays validate Hm-LanM preference for lighter Ln3+ ions (from lanthanum to gadolinium). This is comparable to established prototypes. Bioinformatics analyses further uncover additional H. methylovorum metabolic biomolecules in genomic proximity to Hm-LanM analogously dependent on Ln3+, including an outer membrane receptor that binds Ln3+-chelating siderophores. These combined observations underscore the remarkable strategy of Hyphomicrobium spp. for thriving in relatively Ln3+ enriched zones of metal-polluted environments.

Empowering Local Tourism through Competitive Swimming Events for Sustainable Development at Swembath Natural Springs

This article presents the results of a community empowerment project aimed at revitalizing local tourism at Swembath Natural Springs in Naga Soppa, Simalungun Regency, North Sumatra. Faced with declining visitor numbers and the need to boost local economic activity, this project integrated competitive swimming events as a new attraction while fostering sustainable development. The construction of an international-standard swimming pool served as the foundation for this initiative, offering a venue for sports tourism that attracts both athletes and recreational visitors. The project also included comprehensive training for local businesses, focusing on tourism management, digital marketing, and service improvement, thereby empowering the community to capitalize on the influx of tourists. The results show a significant increase in visitor numbers during swimming competitions, positively impacting local businesses such as food vendors, craft sellers, and accommodation providers. Moreover, the project fostered environmental conservation efforts, ensuring that the natural beauty of Swembath is preserved for future generations. This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in terms of economic empowerment and environmental sustainability. The community now possesses the tools and infrastructure needed to maintain Swembath as a competitive tourist destination, with a sustainable model that benefits both the environment and the local economy. The project's success highlights the potential of integrating sports tourism and community-based empowerment to foster long-term economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Profile of Trofinetide in the Treatment of Rett Syndrome: Design, Development and Potential Place in Therapy.

Trofinetide is a first-in-class pharmacological treatment proposed for patients with Rett Syndrome. It is a long half-life derivative of glycine-proline-glutamate, the tripeptide normally excided from Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 upon degradation. Due to containing glutamate and glycine in its structure, trofinetide is thought to act through NMDA receptor modulation, thus providing a normalization of neuronal activity and survival. Trofinetide was tested in a series of short and long-term trials, showing good efficacy at improving scores on the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement scale and Rett Syndrome Behavior Questionnaire, with specific effect only on some subscales, ie General Mood subscale and Repetitive Face Movement subscale. No effects were documented on other subscales or on epilepsy, heart and bone -related symptoms. The main adverse effects of trofinetide, severe enough to determine discontinuation, include diarrhea, vomiting, and consequent weight loss. These may be scarcely avoidable, given the need to assume a very large amount of trofinetide per day. Other inherent limitations of use possibly regard the limited duration of drug supplies, as one bottle may last three days only, depending on weight, and the relatively high cost per bottle. Trofinetide has no direct competitors: single symptoms of the Rett Syndrome, for instance, seizures or aggressive behaviors, are currently treated with drugs that have been developed for patients without the Rett Syndrome. This leads to suboptimal efficacy and increased risk of adverse effects. The place in therapy of trofinetide is yet to be determined, based on the results of clinical trials, on its practical usability, and on the windows of opportunity for intervention. Moreover, trofinetide may be curative if given early enough during brain development, or merely symptomatic if given to young adults, and no data exist on this aspect. The place in therapy of trofinetide will require reassessment after competing treatments enter the market.

Evaluation of Ferric Ion Adsorption On The Surface Imprinting Adsorbent

&lt;span lang="EN-AU"&gt;Rapidity in technological aspects encourages industrial sector to utilize and apply the latest technology to accelerate and optimize production in its field. Thus, waste from industry polluting various aspects of environment, such as water, gives rise to environmental impacts. Heavy metals, including iron, are one of the most common and dangerous pollutants often found in water environments. Therefore, consideration of methods for heavy metal separation from water becomes important. The adsorption method has been used for separating heavy metals because of its simplicity, thus effectively cuts energy consumption and costs in process. However, heavy metal characteristics in water can vary depending on the element. Consequently, understanding the heavy metal characteristics in water is important, hence capable of formulate appropriate and effective adsorption systems. This study, Fe(III)-IIPs was applied to adsorb and separate iron from water through repeated adsorption with parameter improvements. The pH parameter plays an important role, with ion competition happens at pH &amp;lt;2 and the formation of iron hydroxide species at pH &amp;gt;4.5, which results in adsorption inhibition. The modeling of adsorption kinetic equation was found that the adsorption system carries chemisorption characteristics, with adsorption capacity of 11.15 mg/g and reaction rate constant of 19 min&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;

A competing-risk nomogram for predicting gastric cancer-specific survival in patients over 70 years: A SEER-based study

BackgroundCancer-specific survival in older patients with gastric cancer is competitively affected by death from other causes. This study aimed to investigate cancer-specific survival and associated risk factors by competing-risk analysis in older patients with gastric cancer. MethodsThe data of this study are from the SEER database, using univariable and multivariable analysis of competitive risk model to weaken the impact of competitive events, explore the risk factors of cancer-specific survival, and developed a nomogram model. Then, the performance of the model is verified by C-index, ROC curve, calibration curve and DCA, and the new model is compared with the traditional TNM stage by NRI and IDI. ResultsOur study encompassed a total of 8183 patients, with 5731 in the training cohort and 2452 in the validation cohort. Univariable and multivariable analysis showed that age, years of diagnosis, race, site, SEER stage, TNM stage, surgery, radiation or chemotherapy, LNE, tumor grade and size are independent risk factors for cancer-specific survival in older patients with gastric cancer. Based on the risk factors, we developed a diagram model to predict cancer-specific survival. C-index, ROC curve, calibration curve and DCA also show good results. We compared the new model with the traditional TNM stage model, and the NRI and IDI showed the new model has been significantly improved. ConclusionThis study developed a nomogram to predict the cancer-specific survival of older patients with gastric cancer, which can accurately predict the prognosis and contribute to clinical treatment decision-making.

AN EFFICIENT METHOD TO EVALUATE AND ENHANCE SPORT JUDGES’ PERFORMANCE DURING COMPETITION: A CASE STUDY IN ACROBATIC GYMNASTICS

Who judges the gymnastics judges? How do we measure their accuracy and concordance? How do we know if the judging process is fair? The superior jury has this responsibility. However, they normally lack time to provide effective feedback during competitions. Using macro functions to process statistical and mathematical statements, we designed and validated an automated Excel-based tool called the Automatic Acrobatic Gymnastics Judges Individual Report Tool to evaluate judges’ performances quickly and easily during competition, automatically creating and exporting individual reports showing each judge’s accuracy and concordance performance on a daily basis, rather than after the competition is ended. We present empirical data for 76 experienced international judges evaluating acrobatic gymnastics routines in four major official events. A total of 1240 individual reports were analyzed and sent confidentially to the judges during the competition, and 952 were analyzed to evaluate whether this feedback was effective in improving judges’ performance during the competition. The tool provides efficient and easily understood evidence-based feedback on acrobatic gymnastics judges’ performance during competition, quickly and automatically creating, analyzing and sending individualized information to judges, thus helping with specific Technical Committee scoring control tasks during competitions. We suggest that judges' performances remain high or are enhanced after receiving daily evaluation during major competition events.

Advancing athlete safety through real-time ECG monitoring for enhanced cardiovascular health in sports performance

This research paper explores the implementation and efficacy of real-time electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring systems for athletes, emphasizing their potential to significantly enhance safety and performance in sports settings. By utilizing advanced ECG technology, the study investigates how continuous, real-time heart rate and rhythm monitoring can aid in the immediate detection of cardiovascular anomalies during high-intensity activities. The research methodology incorporates the deployment of portable ECG devices in a controlled experimental setup, analyzing data from athletes during training sessions and competitive events. Results from the study highlight the system's ability to provide swift and accurate cardiac assessments, thereby enabling timely medical interventions. Moreover, the paper discusses the technical challenges associated with real-time ECG monitoring, such as signal interference and data accuracy, and addresses privacy and ethical considerations concerning the continuous collection of health data. The discussion extends to the implications of integrating such technology within sports medicine, suggesting that while the systems offer substantial benefits in monitoring and preventing cardiac issues, they also necessitate rigorous standards for data security and ethical oversight. The conclusion advocates for a balanced approach to the adoption of these technologies, proposing future research directions that focus on enhancing system reliability and integrating artificial intelligence to predict potential health risks proactively. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse in sports health technology by providing a comprehensive analysis of real-time ECG monitoring as a transformative tool for athlete healthcare management.

Hierarchical ion interactions in the direct air capture of CO2 at air/aqueous interfaces.

The direct air capture (DAC) of CO2 using aqueous solvents is plagued by slow kinetics and interfacial barriers that limit effectiveness in combating climate change. Functionalizing air/aqueous surfaces with charged amphiphiles shows promise in accelerating DAC; however, insight into these interfaces and how they evolve in time remains poorly understood. Specifically, competitive ion interactions between DAC reagents and reaction products feedback onto the interfacial structure, thereby modulating interfacial chemical composition and overall function. In this work, we probe the role of glycine amino acid anions (Gly-), an effective CO2 capture reagent, that promotes the organization of cationic oligomers at air/aqueous interfaces. These surfaces are probed with vibrational sum frequency generation spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. Our findings demonstrate that the competition for surface sites between Gly- and captured carbonaceous anions (HCO3-, CO32-, carbamates) drives changes in surface hydration, which in turn tunes oligomer ordering. This phenomenon is related to a hierarchical ordering of anions at the surface that are electrostatically attracted to the surface and their ability to compete for interfacial water. These results point to new ways to tune interfaces for DAC via stratification of ions based on relative surface propensities and specific ion effects.

Mobility of trace elements in a coastal contaminated site under groundwater salinization dynamics

Water pollution is a significant issue resulting from past long-term actions. The remediation projects carried out under law constraints for industrial plants, which have been the major contributors to environmental and water pollution, are currently providing a significant amount of data about contaminated soil, surface waters, and groundwater. Most of such plants worldwide are in coastal zones. Based on a significant amount of chemical and environmental data for a coastal contaminated site subject to variable groundwater salinization, this study aimed to understand the mobility of some trace elements because of coastal zone dynamics. Data concerned 688 groundwater samples, including As, Hg, Cd, Crtot, Cu, Ni, Pb, V, Se, Zn, pH, electrical conductivity, chlorides, total organic carbon and organic contaminants as quantitative variables, enhanced by additional qualitative variables such as groundwater salinity, season, water level, precipitation, and industrial activity type to make the dataset as representative as possible of the site under investigation. The study used robust multivariate statistical analyses to analyse the complex dataset and explain the relevant factors influencing contaminant behaviour under different environmental conditions. The Multivariate Statistical Analysis distinguished three clusters of trace elements with diverse reactivity to changes in groundwater salinization. The first includes Se, Cu, Crtot, V, and Ni, showing the highest correlation with electrical conductivity and chlorides because of their high affinity to form chloride or organic chloride complexes and for ion competition. Zn and Pb cluster in the second group: they are less reactive to groundwater salinization and more influenced by cation and anion competition and organic matter. The mobility of Hg and As (third cluster) significantly correlates with Fe and Mn, underlining the dominant role of reductive dissolution of trace elements-bearing minerals (Fe/Mn/Al-oxy-hydroxides) and metal-organic complexes. The correlation between the clustering of variables in groundwater and soils shows the influence of sediment structure, mineral composition, and physical and chemical soil conditions on the distribution in soils of trace elements and their transport to groundwater. The study proposes a valuable approach for assessing the effects of salinization in contaminated coastal aquifers. It supports planning multi-purpose characterization and monitoring campaigns of contaminated coastal sites and provides guidance on the correct associated remediation projects.

ESTRATÉGIAS DE CONFORTO AMBIENTAL PARA QUADRAS FECHADAS VOLTADAS A ESPORTES DE ALTO RENDIMENTO

Sports architecture, with its particularities, is essential to optimize the efficiency of environments, considering the specific needs of each sport. This article addresses environmental comfort strategies applied to indoor courts intended for high-performance sports, highlighting the importance of an architecturally planned environment to ensure the well-being of athletes and optimize their performance. The study focuses on thermal, visual, acoustic and ergonomic aspects, and analyzes how each of these factors influences sports performance. In addition, it explores the interaction between the body and the physical environment, proposing solutions that favor the creation of functional and comfortable spaces for sports practice and competitive events. The research, of a bibliographic and exploratory nature, brings together concepts of environmental psychology and athletic performance, in addition to highlighting the construction strategies of ventilation, lighting and acoustic control that can be applied to indoor courts with the aim of promoting human well-being. The work proposes solutions so that sports centers offer adequate conditions for sports practice, supporting the creation of environments that favor both the satisfaction and the enhancement of the performance of athletes. From this study, it is possible to define the importance of the preparation and competition environment in the performance of high-performance athletes, and architecture, linked to environmental comfort, is shown to be a tool for the development of these spaces, essential for success in national and international sports competitions.

Reactive Fluorescent and Colorimetric Probe for Highly Selective and Sensitive Detection of Hg2+ in Real Water Samples.

Construction of efficient chemosensors for highly specific and sensitive detection of mercury ions remains a great challenge. In this work a highly selective and sensitive probe CY was designed and synthesized by using coumarin fluorophore as the matrix and thioacetal moiety as the reactive recognition site for Hg2+. By virtue of the thiophilicity of Hg2+, probe CL could be hydrolyzed to deprotect and the thioacetal was transformed to the acyl group after the addition of Hg2+, the blue-green fluorescence was quenched and meanwhile the solution changed from light green to yellow. The detection limit of probe CY for Hg2+ was as low as 6.8 nM, and it could completely react with Hg2+ within 3min. Moreover, probe CY exhibited good resistance against interference from competitive metal ions and biothiols, high stability in pH 1-11 and applicability for fluorogenic and chromogenic dual-modal detection of Hg2+ in real water samples over a broad range of pH 5-10.

Polyethyleneimine assisted zeolitic imidazolate frameworks foam embed silver to enhance the uranium recovery from seawater

The powder structure, poor surface wettability and biofouling significantly limited the application potential of ZIFs (zeolitic imidazolate frameworks) in uranium extraction from seawater. Herein, a superhydrophilic polyethyleneimine assisted zeolitic imidazolate frameworks foam embed silver (CPEZ8A) was successfully prepared by simple chemical cross-linking and in-situ growth methods to explore the effects of hydrophilic matrix and silver antimicrobial agent on the uranium adsorption properties of ZIFs materials. The mechanical property and water contact angle test of CPEZ8A foam were performed to confirm its higher compression stress (with 1.314 MPa) and surface superhydrophilic. Moreover, CPEZ8A foam displayed an excellent resistance to biological attachment after 7 days in algae solution. Importantly, CPEZ8A showed the maximum U (VI) uptake capacity (775.19 mg/g) with 4.37 times of pure ZIF-8 at nearly seawater pH and retained relative high U-uptake amount during the broad pH range (4.0–9.0). Ion competition experiments were also investigated to verify the CPEZ8A foam excellent selectivity (Kd = 15,072.1 mL/g). Notably, the removal rate of CPEZ8A foam reach 81.31 % in natural seawater and remain nearly 80 % in simulated contaminated seawater. Therefore, this work provides an effective strategy to develop highly efficient ZIFs adsorbents for uranium capture.

Development of mesoporous silica-based active coatings for methylmercury removal: Towards enhanced active packaging

Active coatings capable of selectively removing pollutants are an innovative approach against human exposure to pollutants via food. This study aimed to develop an active coating capable of removing methylmercury from liquid food media. Thiolation of mesoporous silica particles modified via (3-Mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane increased their mercury adsorption capacity to 100 mg/g. The particles were successfully integrated into industrial, epoxy and polyurethane coatings but the induced mercury adsorption efficiency in the coatings was dependent on their type of binder. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray results revealed that the silica particles were entrapped within the coatings but remained more accessible to the external media in the industrial and polyurethane coatings. Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the successful integration of the components. The kinetics of adsorption showed that the adsorption of methylmercury was achieved within a time range of 20-240 min, depending on the binder used in the coating. The methylmercury adsorption ability of the coatings was preserved in different food simulants and in the presence of competitive ions and in an environment comprising cysteine. In vitro biosafety assays on different cell lines showed no negative effect from the silica modification on the safety of the coatings.

The adsorption of cesium by sulfonic acid functionalized hollow mesoporous silica microspheres

With the development of nuclear industry, radioactive elements such as 137Cs put a threat on the water environment. It is a challenging task to remove the Cs+ in the nuclear wastewater. In the current study, we prepared a new Cs+-adsorbing material by introducing sulfhydryl group onto the surface of hollow mesoporous silica microspheres, then oxidizing the sulfhydryl group to sulfonic acid group. The obtained HMSS-SO3H material had an excellent adsorption capacity for Cs+ in the aqueous solution, with an adsorption capacity of 51.53 mg g−1 in 30 min. Characterization approaches, such as FT-IR and EDS, were used to confirm the result of modification. Adsorption experiments were carried out under. The influence of various parameters on the adsorption process was investigated under the conditions of changing pH, temperature, and time. The effect of competitive ions was also explored. The results indicated that the adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order model and the main adsorption mechanisms are electrostatic interaction and coordination. The material had a best adsorption performance at a neutral pH. The adsorption process could well-fit the Langmuir's model, with a theoretical maximum adsorption capacity of 81.31 mg g−1. And the adsorption capacity was slightly affected by competing ions such as Mg2+ and Ca2+. The results indicate that the HMSS-SO3H prepared in this study is a promising adsorbent for Cs+, with the advantages of high adsorption capacity, fast adsorption rate and high selectivity.

PENJARINGAN BAKAT SISWA-SISWI SMP/MTS PADA CABANG OLAHRAGA ATLETIK MELALUI MADRASAH ISLAMIC COMPETITION (MIC) 2024

The lack of athletic competitions in Jember Regency, causing a decrease in achievement. Therefore, Madrasah Islamic Competition (MIC) cooperates with PASI (Indonesian Athletics Association) Jember Regency to organise competitions, one of which is athletic sports, especially running numbers. Madrasah Islamic Competition (MIC) is a competition event held by MAN 2 Jember to facilitate the talents and potential of junior high school / middle school students throughout Besuki Prefecture. One of the branches contested is the 100 m and 400 m run. Talent screening in this athletic sport is the main focus, with the aim of identifying and developing the potential of young athletes who can represent their schools and regions in larger competitions. This service activity aims to make it easier for PASI (All Indonesian Athletics Association) Jember Regency to choose athletes who are eligible to compete in the PORPROV (Provincial Sports Week). This service method uses several stages including; (1) Preparation Stage, (2) Implementation Stage, (3) Evaluation and Reporting Stage. This service activity aims to facilitate the coaches and administrators of PASI (All Indonesian Athletics Association) Jember Regency in selecting athletic athletes to be prepared for the PORPROV (Provincial Sports Week) event. So that students have the motivation to be selected to join the Jember Regency contingent in facing the event.

Software System SPDIAL

Spiroid gears are direct competitors to traditional technical solutions - worm and hypoid gears; and they have proven themselves in a large number of specific technical applications, providing greater strength, smaller size, and easier production. However, their design process is much less subject to being typical and standard and to resulting in simple engineering techniques. In fact, effective solutions can be obtained only by actually researching the space of parameters. An indispensable tool for this is a computer-aided design and research system. The paper presents the summary of such a system SPDIAL+ for worm-type gears (worm, QN-gears, spiroid) developed at Izhevsk scientific school in the field of gears and gearboxes. In particular, the possibilities of designing a conjugated gear, choice of gearwheel cutting parameters, analysis of gears under the action of errors and loads are considered. The role and results of applying the program as the main tool for research, design and innovations like new varieties of gears, their new properties in specific applications, new methods and techniques of tooth machining are shown.

Developing Graduate Attributes Through Competitive Gameplay and Learning Theories

The term competitive gameplay or gaming is predominantly associated with esports. Esports, a synonym, or abbreviation for electronic sports is an industry that has a global outreach with a lucrative market. This is accentuated by the event driven, business model focus and organised competitive events, often involving sponsorship. These additional characteristics associated with esports is what distinguishes it from traditional or casual gaming. Though esports games can be played individually, they are predominantly viewed as a team activity. Beyond the debate as to whether esports can be classified as a sport, it is an area that has attracted a significant amount of academic research. Research areas have often included esports psychology, esports player health and nutrition and esports management. Some research studies have also reviewed how esports have the potential to e.0quip esports players with relevant 21st century skills such as critical and lateral thinking. One area where esports appears to be under researched is in the relationship between competitive gameplay and learning theories. It can be argued that this is an important consideration when delivering esports from an educational perspective. The aim of this paper is to provide a scoping review of the esports literature identifying empirical research associated with competitive gaming and graduate attributes. Esports game genres will be explored from a gameplay perspective demonstrating via learning theory examples how these games can facilitate graduate attributes in players. Exploring the domain of esports game genres, learning theories and meta-skills, the paper presents a conceptual model illustrating the interrelationship between these areas. The paper also has practical value to educators, who may be as yet unfamiliar with esports, informing them of the subject’s educational benefits from a graduate attribute and employability perspective.