Competitive Categories Research Articles

The Participation of Trans Women in Competitive Fencing and Implications on Fairness: A Physiological Perspective Narrative Review.

Debate has surrounded whether the participation of trans women in female sporting categories is fair, specifically the retained male physiological advantage due to increased testosterone compared to cisgender females. Recently, individual sporting organisations have been investigating and assessing policies regarding trans women athlete participation in female categories, resulting in several banning participation. This review aims to discuss the scientific evidence and provide appropriate guidance for the inclusion of trans women in elite competitive female fencing categories. Fencing is an intermittent sport, where competitions can span 1 to 3 days. The lunge is the most common movement used to attack opponents, where a successful hit relies on the speed of the action. Male puberty induced increased circulating testosterone promotes a greater stature, cardiovascular function, muscle mass, and strength compared to cisgender females, culminating in a ~12-40% sport performance advantage. Elite cisgender male fencers perform significantly higher, ~17-30%, jump heights and leg power measures compared to elite cisgender female fencers, resulting in faster lunges. Trans women receiving androgen-suppression therapy for 12 months showed significant reductions in strength, lean body mass, and muscle surface area, but even after 36 months, the measurements of these three indices remained above those for cisgender females. Previous male muscle mass and strength can be retained through continuation of resistance training. The literature reviewed shows that there is a retained physiological advantage for trans women who have undergone male puberty when participating in the elite competitive female fencing category. A proposed solution of an open or third gender category for elite fencing competition promotes fair competition, while allowing trans women to compete in their chosen sport.

FEATURES OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF LIGHT INDUSTRY IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES

The category of competitiveness is currently widely used and has a universal character. Solving the problem of competitiveness determines the socio-economic situation in each country. The coercive nature of competition forces producers to continuously strengthen their advantages at the risk of exiting the market, creating an incentive to increase competitiveness. At the same time, competitiveness can be considered as the main criterion for the performance of the subject. In this regard, all developed countries pay exceptionally great attention to the competitiveness of the state and individual enterprises. Light industry plays an important role in the economy of each country since it is a serious source of budgetary funds and has a significant export potential. The state of light industry affects the economic and strategic security of the country. The socio-economic significance of this industry is determined by the fact that it plays an important role in providing employment for the able-bodied population, especially women, and has an impact on people's health. Light industry products are used in all spheres of human activity and are second only to foodstuffs in terms of consumption. Because of this, light industry is designated in Kazakhstan as a priority industry. The relevance of this study is determined by the need for an in-depth study of the problems of ensuring the competitiveness of light industry enterprises and finding ways to overcome them. The goal is to adapt foreign experience in supporting light industry to the realities of Kazakhstan. The subject of the study is organizational and economic means of ensuring the competitiveness of light industry enterprises. The methodological basis was formed by theoretical concepts and practical developments of domestic and foreign authors on the issues under study.

Implementasi Prinsip Animasi dalam Gerak Personifikasi Tokoh di Film Animasi Lakontara

GEMASTIK is a competition among college students from all over Indonesia that is based on the utilization of Information and Communication Technology. Animation is one of the competition categories in GEMASTIK. Lakontara Animation participated in this competition by showcasing the story of Ketoprak art through personified characters to convey information. The values and impressions portrayed in each scene will create communication with the audience. The personified characters in this animation are objects that have to be visually presented as humans, even though they are not physically human. This is achieved by implementing animation principles in the movements of the characters in each scene. The movements of their bodies and facial expressions will represent the characters' nature and personality. The implementation of these principles has been successfully carried out in the Lakontara Animation, resulting in a significant impact on the movements of the personified characters, such as the gamelan, stage properties, and tablets as messengers to the audience, making the scenes come to life and conveying the values and impressions effectively

Gender disparity in STEM education: a survey research on girl participants in World Robot Olympiad.

Robotics competitions boosts the development of STEM education, but gender disparity in this field remains rarely addressed by researchers. This study focused on the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) and tried to explore the gender differences through investigation method. The research questions are as follows: RQ1, what is the tendency of girls' participation in WRO from 2015 to 2019 in terms of the four competition categories and three age groups? RQ2, what advantages and challenges do the all-girl teams have from the perspectives of parents, coaches and students? The results showed that among the 5956 participants in the 2015-2019 WRO finals, girls accounted for only 17.3%. The Open Category that emphasized creativity attracted relatively more girl participants. As age group moved up, the number of girl participants decreased. The qualitative results showed that the focuses of coaches, parents and students was not exactly the same. All-girl team have the advantages in their communication, presentation and collaboration skills but less good at robot building. The results indicated the importance of promoting girl's participation in robot competitions and STEM fields. Coaches, mentors and parents need to provide girls with more support and encouragement in learning STEM subjects, especially at the junior high school level. Organizers of related competitions should give girls more exposure and opportunities by adjusting the mechanism.

SWOT Analysis And Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) To Determine A Sustainable Development Strategy In Indonesia's National Defense Industry

Improving national defense can be done by strengthening the national defense industry. A strong defense industry will produce modern and sophisticated military equipment according to user needs. The large number of military equipment imported from abroad requires efforts to increase the domestic defense industry to meet the needs of military equipment to increase defense capabilities. The purpose of this study is to analyze strategies and programs for the development of the defense industry and to analyze several factors that play a role in the development of the national defense industry. The collection technique in this research is through Focus Group Discussion, the results of which are input for SWOT and AHP analysis. The results of the SWOT analysis show that the defense industry has a strong category of competitiveness, and has a high opportunity to be developed because it has its own market. The three main factors for the sustainability of the defense industry are: the capability of the defense industry, the quality of its human resources, and the accuracy of delivery.

УПРАВЛІННЯ КОНКУРЕНТОСПРОМОЖНІСТЮ БУДІВЕЛЬНИХ ОРГАНІЗАЦІЙ

The article substantiates the need for systematic management of the competitiveness of construction organizations. The theoretical provisions of competitiveness management as a methodology for managing the competitive advantages of the enterprise are summarized. It was found that when defining and understanding the category of competitiveness, it is important to take into account the industry affiliation of the enterprise. The expediency of applying a process approach to managing the competitiveness of construction organizations is substantiated. An analysis of the indicators of the development of enterprises in the construction business of Ukraine was carried out. Internal and external problems and threats to the development of construction organizations are identified. Theoretical-methodical and applied recommendations on the formation of stages of managing the competitiveness of enterprises in the construction industry have been developed. The criteria for assessing the competitiveness of a construction company are structured. Factors shaping the competitive advantages of construction enterprises and organizational measures aimed at increasing their competitiveness are determined.

Projects Grant Competition 2022 Works. The Road Home Foundation’s Case

In 2022, the Road Home Charitable Foundation’s grant competition was recognized as the best program that promotes sustainable development through competitive mechanisms. It won the Donors Forum’s Leaders in Corporate Philanthropy project. Twelve applications were competing in the Best Grant Competition category. In this article, we want to show you how the social projects contest takes place, and what helped it gain the recognition in the professional community.

Multi-site comparison of clonal arrangements for tropical and subtropical hybrids of Eucalyptus

The definition of the ideal eucalyptus clonal arrangement directly affects the forest industrial chain, quality of products, and stand yield. The impact of eucalyptus in mono- versus multiclonal stands on plantation production and sustainability has been frequently discussed by primary stakeholders within the pulp industry, but few studies have examined this topic through direct comparison. In this study, we evaluated the differences in genotype ranking and yield of Eucalyptus spp. and clones displayed in mono- and multiclonal arrangements. In this context, the objectives addressed were: (i) to estimate genetic parameters in multi-environment and site-by-site analyses; (ii) to predict genotypic values of clones and the effects of species in mono- and multiclonal experiments, and (iii) to compare the similarity between the ranks of clones and species in the two types of clonal stands. The study was conducted in 2018 at four different sites of the CMPC Celulose Riograndense company, located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Mono- and multiclonal arrangements were tested at each site, involving 33 eucalyptus clones belonging to 10 species and hybrids. Multiple-tree-plot (MTP) and single-tree-plot (STP) experiments were used to simulate monoclonal stands and multiclonal or composite stands, respectively. In each experiment, a randomized block design was set with three repetitions, 16 plants per plot for MTP, and 24 repetitions and one plant per plot for STP. Traits monitored were diameter at breast height (DBH), total height (H), tree volume (VOL), mean annual volume increment (MAI), and survival (SUV). Data were analyzed using mixed model approaches, considering a normal distribution for growth traits and a binomial family for survival. There was a strong genotype × site interaction for all traits, indicating that edaphoclimatic conditions must be considered for the successful establishment of clonal composites of differing genotypes. There was high similarity in the classification of clones in both mono- and multiclonal experiments, with genetic correlation values above 0.90. The performance of clones differed in mono- and multiclonal experiments, which correlated with their competition behavior toward each other (aggressive, suppressed, or homeostatic). Thus, clonal composites can be recommended based on clonal competition and genetic heterogeneity to maximize the yield of the stand and safeguard the plantations from biotic and abiotic disturbances. This study allowed us to identify the differences between the two types of commercial stands and provide direction for future research regarding the performance of Eucalyptus spp. in differing clonal arrangements. Novel information about competition categories for different eucalyptus tropical and subtropical species were provided.

Artistic Swimming Injuries in Young Elite Athletes: An 11-year Follow-Up.

Artistic swimming is a highly challenging discipline, requiring physical skills and creativity. There are almost no published data on trauma. We aimed to assess the incidence and the nature of injuries in artistic swimmers. An 11-year retrospective single-center cohort study. Department of Sport Medicine of a University Hospital. One hundred and twenty-four elite female artistic swimmers aged 12.9 ± 1.6 years. The cohort was divided into 3 groups according to the competition categories (from 9 to 12 years old called "future", 12-15 years old called "youth", 15-19 years old called "junior"). Injury rate per season and per athlete was assessed. The injury rate was 0.95 injuries/season/athlete and 1.05 injuries/1000 hours of practice. The most frequent injuries were rotator cuff tendinopathy (13.6%), acute low back pain (13.6%), and patellofemoral syndrome (11.9%). Swimmers in the youth and junior categories had significantly more injuries than those in the future category (P = 0.009), possibly because of more training hours (P < 0.001). Twelve major injuries occurred, all in the same group of youth swimmers. This is the first study investigating trauma during artistic swimming practice. A better knowledge of the main injuries is necessary for the physician to provide optimal care for athletes and to develop prevention. Attention should be particularly paid to the swimmers' shoulders and knees.

THEORETICAL AND CONCEPTUAL APPROACHES TO THE ANALYSIS OF LABOR MARKETS COMPETITIVENESS UNDER INCREASING MIGRATION PROCESSES

Abstract. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the content, structure and signifi cance of the labor market competitiveness in preserving the human potential of the national economy under conditions of instability. The research methods used include methods of fundamental economic science, comparative analysis, and a systemic approach. The main theoretical and conceptual approaches to understanding the essence and structural elements of the labor market competitiveness are systematized, and the author’s concept of the studied issue is developed. It is found that the structure of labor market competitiveness is shaped by economic parameters (competitiveness of labor force, jobs, labor performance, motivation, institutional support). In the sectoral aspect, it is possible to consider the competitiveness of the labor markets of individual industries and sectors of the economy. At the same time, the competitiveness of global, national, regional and local labor markets, labor markets of urban/rural, border/remote, stable/depressed areas is based on spatial characteristics. A qualitative approach to constructing the category of labor market competitiveness involves a set of specifi c features that determine it, in particular: quality, fl exibility, balance, stability, resilience of the labor market and safety (security) at work. The transformations of the labor market and human capital structure, which occur under the infl uence of migration, basically refer to gender-age and professional-qualifi cation changes of the economically active population, to restructuring of the labor market conditions, to the changes in the market fl exibility, resilience, effi ciency, safety and functionality. The decisive role of the labor market as a determinant of economic competitiveness and migration security of the state has been proven. It is found that under current geopolitical conditions and with the new stage of the European integration development of Ukraine, increasing the competitiveness of the domestic labor market can act as one of the mechanisms of socio-economic convergence of Ukraine and the European Union. Keywords: human resources, labor market, migration, competitiveness, security, conceptual basis.

Requirement analysis and service optimization of multiple category fresh products in online retailing using importance-Kano analysis

Online fresh retailing enriches people's shopping choices and provides convenience to reduce the risk of infection during the pandemic. Online reviews contain consumers' attention, requirements and sentiments, and in-depth analysis of this information has guiding values for service optimization. To better understand this information, a requirement analysis idea based on the attention and sentiment distribution of online reviews was proposed, namely importance-Kano analysis. Seven different customer requirements were found, including express delivery, cost performance, communication, freshness, flavor, specification and packaging. Flavor and freshness are the most concerned attributes, and they and other attributes all influence satisfaction in their unique ways. Consumers care a lot about the shopping experience and product quality and they have a high degree of product involvement in fresh products. Service improvement should be considered as a systematic project, and the influence of competitive environment, category differences and technological development should not be ignored. A service optimization model was developed based on the concept of total quality management, which was constructed by three layers including supply chain, operation management and consumer experience. The systematic analysis is conducive to in-depth understanding of the complexity, systematical and timeliness nature of fresh product operation management.

Youth Judokas Competing in Higher Age Groups Leads to a Short-Term Success.

Coaches of youth judo athletes might be under the influence of some extraordinary elite judo athletes that have won elite competitions at a relatively young age and might put youth athletes under pressure to gain as much fighting experience as fast as possible. The present study aims to present a 5-year competition structure, volume and age competition categories (ACC) range in which youth judokas competed with 10-year dropout status. Data from 46 judokas were collected (M = 24; F = 22) for four categorisation classes (National-NC; Perspective-PC; International-IC; World class-WC). Competitive structure, volume, performance and number of ACC were collected from 2009 to 2013 for all age groups from scores and standings records of the National Federation. Youth judokas competed in 8 (±2) competitions per year and also competed in 3 (±1) ACC. Abroad competitions affect the fighting experience and competitive success (CS). CS showed positive correlations with the number of ACC in the year 2009 (p = 0.01), 2010 (p = 0.01) and 2011 (p = 0.04). The final observed years' CS 2012 (p = 0.009) and 2013 (p = 0.002) showed a negative association with the number of ACC. CS in the final observed year 2013 showed a positive association (p = 0.012) with the dropout status in 2018 and a negative one with the number of abroad competitions in 2013 (p = 0.029). In total, 52% dropout was noted in 10 years. This ''playing-up'' approach was shown to be successful in creating youth medalists. However, just in the short term, if implemented for too long, it starts to affect competition success negatively and increases youth athletes' dropout. Therefore, coaches should include more competitions abroad in competitors' primary age group, while training sessions could be done with higher age groups which would allow for gathering additional experience in a more controlled environment in their yearly periodisation.

Development of an algorithm for determining the individual factor structure of gymnasts' preparedness for the selection of teams in sports aerobics

The purpose of the research is to develop an algorithm for team composition in sports aerobics and to determine the factor structure of the fitness of gymnasts in sports aerobics, taking into account the psychophysiological capabilities of athletes.&#x0D; Material and methods. The following research methods were used to solve the tasks: analysis of literary data; evaluation of the results of competitive activities; determination of functional and psychophysiological state [8–10], physical development and physical fitness, vestibular stability; pedagogical testing; methods of mathematical statistics using multivariate analysis and computer programs "ESXEL" and "SPSS".&#x0D; The results. For team composition in sports aerobics, we developed an algorithm for determining the possibilities of combining athletes into groups for team performances. The main feature of this algorithm was the use of multidimensional analysis tools for the selection of athletes for teams in sports aerobics. Based on the determination of the general structure of the athletes' fitness through factor analysis, individual factor values ​​of the fitness structure were determined for each athlete. Then a hierarchical cluster analysis of the test indicators was conducted and team compositions were selected based on the groups formed as a result of the cluster analysis. Next, programs for performances were created and training programs were developed for each group.&#x0D; Conclusions. The team selection algorithm based on the psychophysiological indicators of athletes is effective, accessible, and allows you to quickly determine the optimal options for combining athletes into groups for performances in various competitive categories; and therefore will contribute to increasing the efficiency of the training process and competitive performance.

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IN ACROBATIC GYMNASTICS: HOW IMPORTANT IS THE ATHLETIC PROFILE?

Emotional intelligence (EI) is considered to be an important parameter in the world of sports, as it affects the athletic performance and wellbeing of athletes. The purpose of this study was to examine EI in athletes of Acrobatic gymnastics (ACROGYM). Furthermore, potential differences in EI that may be associated with athletic profile (age, years of participation in ACROGYM, number of competitions, competition category) were investigated. In total, 95 acrobatic gymnasts, 9-18 years old (15.92 ± 3.17 years) participated voluntarily. The athletes’ EI was assessed with the Emotional Quotient Inventory-Youth Version (EQ-i: YV), culturally adapted for the Greek population. According to the results, the ACROGYM athletes presented high levels of EI. However, the correlation analyses revealed that the association between the athletes’ profile and scores on EI scales was not statistically significant (p &gt;.05). The t-tests and the MANOVAs applied showed no statistically significant differences in the EI subscales associated with gymnasts’ (a) participation in national competitions (p &gt; .05); (b) frequency of training sessions per week (p &gt; .05); (c) (not) being a member of a duet or a trio (p &gt; .05); (d) position in the group (base, middle, top). It can be concluded that Greek acrobatic gymnasts present high levels of EI regardless of their age, their sport's experience or their level of performance. Moreover, neither their participation in a group nor their role in it seem to differentiate the dimensions of EI. Nevertheless, further research is needed in order to shed more light into EI in gymnastics.

Conflating and misgendering: why World Athletics (and other sports governing bodies) should jettison the competitive labels ‘Women’s’/‘Men’s’

ABSTRACT Martínková et al provide an overview of a tendency to use gender terms in key sports contexts, including eligibility criteria and testing, where gender is unintended. They argue that to avoid conceptual confusion and aid clarity, we should disentangle gender and sex, acknowledging that often gender talk should be interpreted as talk of sex. One of their recommendations is that the labels of competitive categories ‘women’s’/’men’s’ should change to ‘female’/’male’. I first make their argument against gendered labelling more precise by showing that important yet neglected moral and practical reasons support their abandonment. I then argue that in the case of WA regulations, those moral reasons also cut against Martínková et al.’s relabelling proposal ‘female’/’male’. I sketch a testosterone-based proposal which circumvents the problem and which WA itself should accept. More generally, I argue we should be more mindful of the risk that competitive category labels unnecessarily harm athletes.

Impact of product maturity on competitive advantage

In recent years the concept of competitive advantage has taken centre stage in discussions of business strategy; that is why one of the major challenges organizations face today is how to have a competitive advantage. In most cases, a stand-out product will do the job, since products are perceived as both highly relevant and meaningfully, the ability for any one product to stand out in a competitive category will guarantee the success of such an organization. While there are numerous ways to differentiate brands, identifying meaningful product-driven differentiators can be especially fruitful in gaining and sustaining a competitive advantage. Product maturity is when a firm or brand has grown to the point where it outperforms rival brands in the provision of a feature(s) such that it faces reduced sensitivity for other features. This study used a sample of 150 respondents to provide evidence on the relationship between product maturity and firms' competitive advantage in Nigeria. The study employed the ordinary least square (OLS) regression analysis. This study finds a positive and significant relationship between product maturity and firms' competitive advantage, as well as a positive and significant relationship between product differentiation and competitive advantage. This study, therefore, recommends that.

Analysis of Application of Pencak Silat Techniques and Tactics in the National Sports Week in Papua in 2021

This study aims to analyze the application of pencak silat techniques and tactics in the competition category at the National Sports Week (PON) fighters in Papua in 2021. The research method used in this study is a quantitative method. The data source was obtained from video recordings of matches taken by PB IPSI at the 2021 National Sports Week. The sampling technique used is probability sampling, namely the population comes from pencak silat athletes participating in the National Sports Week. The samples were all the silat fighters who passed the final of the National Sports Week for the competition category of pencak silat. Data collection techniques using structured observation. The data obtained then were analyzed using descriptive data analysis techniques. The results od this research were as follows (1) the most frequently used technique was the punch technique, which was 18.59%; (2) the second highest percentage technique used was the sickle kick, which was 17.59%; (3) block technique had a percentage of 12.75%; (4) the front kick occupied the fourth percentage after the block, which was 10.53%; (5) side kicks/ T got a percentage of 9.66%; (6) Scissors technique, namely 8.97%; (7) the catch technique was 5.26%; (8) leverage technique had a percentage of 4.47%; (9) edge technique was 4.20%; (10) the sweep technique was 1.27% and (11) the back kick technique was 0.43%. Based on the results of the research that had been carried out, it can be concluded that the research is; (1) the most frequently used technique was the punch technique.

Mind Your Category in a Shifting World: New Frontiers in Market Categories and Firm Strategy

Research interests at the intersection of strategic management and market categories has grown significantly in recent years and current market environments have posed tremendous challenge for firms seeking to classify themselves and their offerings for competitive advantage in a rapidly changing market structure. This symposium invites scholars interested in strategic management and market categories to present and discuss their views on firms’ strategic choice of category labels, meanings, and positions as they consider and engage with other key stakeholders in the marketplace. By examining factors associated with firms’ strategic categorization, including motivations, occasions and contexts, we hope to open conversations and future research opportunities to clarify the multiple mechanisms through which categories and categorization processes in the market can be associated with firms’ strategic choices. More broadly, we hope this symposium would also contribute to the understanding of market categories and firm strategy in dynamic market environments. Market positioning, spanning competitive sets or market category features: Effects on firm value Presenter: Elizabeth Pontikes; UC Davis Presenter: Amanda Sharkey; U. Of Chicago Dynamic Positioning and Accelerating Product Launches by Ventures Presenter: Emily Cox-Pahnke; U. of Washington Presenter: Michael Deane Howard; Texas A&M U., College Station Close to Functional Ideal: Product Positioning and Performance Implications in High-growth Markets Presenter: Amy Zhao-Ding; Technical U. of Munich Beef- it’s what’s for dinner: Incumbent responses to category transformation in the U.S. meat market Presenter: Anders Dahl Krabbe; King's Business School Presenter: Eunice Yunjin Rhee; Seattle U. Presenter: Jade Lo; Drexel U. The Role of Categories in Market Coordination: A Framework and Map Presenter: Enlan Wang; U. of Southern California Presenter: Peer Fiss; U. of Southern California

EFFECTS OF PLYOMETRIC TRAINING ON BODY COMPOSITION AND MOTOR SKILLS IN FEMALE FOOTBALL PLAYERS

This paper aims to determine the impact of plyometric training programs of short duration (6 weeks) and high frequency (3 times a week) on the motor skills and body composition of female football players. The total number of participants was 24 female football players, four of whom were excluded due to absence from the final testing (mean value of height 167.53 ± 6.09; and mean value of weight 58.32 ± 8.87). The sample of variables used in the study, to which all the participants were subjected, represents the assessment of body composition, explosive power of the lower extremities, speed, agility, and endurance assessment. The results of the research showed that the six-week program of specific plyometric training for Serbian Super League football players in the basic preparatory period of the season did not affect statistically significant changes in the monitored body composition parameters. Also, the statistically significant changes did not occur in the parameters of explosive power and speed, which was expected according to the age category and level of competition of the participants, which was confirmed by previous research. The changes that occurred with high statistical significance are changes in agility tests with and without a ball as well as in the parameters of cardiorespiratory endurance.

Preferences for the Farmer-Owned Label: Evidence from Cheese Consumers in the United States

Abstract Driven by external developments like industry consolidation and price volatility, organized farm producers seek opportunities to generate rent in the value-added segment of the agri-food industry. Given inherent constraints with cost efficiency and product quality, farm producer organizations (FPOs) may use branding to pursue differentiation. An opportunity is facilitated by the farmer-owned label, which constitutes an ownership signal to consumers. However, empirical evidence of the economic viability of the farmer-owned label is limited. Following a choice experiment with 296 cheese consumers in the United States, we specify a random parameter logit model and find a positive willingness-to-pay for the farmer-owned label which is in excess of private and corporate brands in the same product category. In the final model, the mean willingness-to-pay is estimated at $1.74. While the farmer-owned label is proven to be economically viable in a competitive product category, consumer preferences are heterogeneous. Also, there is no compatibility between the farmer-owned label and indicators of family ownership and product origin.