Game Management Research Articles

Практика внедрения интерактивных технологий в процесс подготовки будущих сотрудников органов внутренних дел

Introduction: Speaking about the relevance of the study, it is necessary to note the positive role of studying the issue of managerial decisions during the training of future employees of the internal affairs bodies in educational institutions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia while studying the academic discipline «Fundamentals of Management in the Internal Affairs Bodies». It seems that in order to strengthen the practical component of studying this issue, it is necessary to search for suitable interactive technologies for conducting training sessions, which we tried to find in the framework of the study. The purpose of the study is dictated by the need to create certain methodological teaching aids, the use of which will make it possible to introduce into the learning process the practical implementation of the study of certain issues within the framework of conducting classes in an interactive form in the discipline «Fundamentals of Management in the Internal Affairs Bodies». Research methods: In the course of the research, such theoretical methods as analysis, synthesis, systematization, generalization, comparison and such empirical methods as observation, conversation, description, testing, experiment were used. Results of the study: We saw the solution to the problem in the testing and application of interactive technologies in the form of «Case method» and the «Business game» method in the training course of the discipline «Fundamentals of Management in the Internal Affairs Bodies». The study reflects new, previously not used, methodological teaching aids developed for this specified academic discipline, containing the designated teaching methods and the results of their practical application, which showed a pronounced positive trend in mastering new knowledge, skills and abilities by learners in the educational process, which allows us to speak about the practical significance of his study results.

Практичні аспекти викладання неонатології студентам медико-психологічного факультету

Purpose - to devote the main peculiarities of teaching neonatology to students of the medical and psychological faculty (MPF). The main principles of distance learning are emphasized as problem-solving, interactivity and orientation on personal development. The advantages of problem-solving learning are declared; it helps students in the development of clinical thinking, of the ability to predict the occurrence of psychological problems, and develops optimal tactics in communication with parents and medical personnel. In teaching the neonatology cycle to MPF students, special emphasis is placed on certain pathological conditions in newborns, which require psychological support for families. The need to provide comprehensive medical and psychological assistance to mothers, the effectiveness of which is based on key professional competencies and in-depth clinical knowledge, is emphasized. A point is placed on the fact that in the process of training in neonatology, students of the MPF must understand their special role in preventing medical stress and medical trauma for both the child and the parents, since the environment of intensive neonatology contains numerous stress factors due to excessive sensory stimulation, such as light, sound and pain, which conflict with the requirements of the brain development of a newborn baby, especially in case of preterm birth. That is why it is important to providing complete information to the parents regarding the role of each member of the team of specialists in the organization of treatment and care of the child and the need to use developmental care that meets the needs of the early development of a premature child is also highlighted. The role of the future medical psychologist in providing support to parents with perinatal loss is also determined. This problem affects many families, most of whom are dealing with their loss often alone without adequate support and help. The problem of perinatal losses and recovery of mothers and families after them is the competence of medical psychologists. The underlined requirements for the teacher are the individual preparation of high-quality learning content, which may require additional time, but the involvement of the students themselves in the preparation of the necessary materials will even more increase the interactivity of the educational process. The possibilities of using the modern educational technologies are analyzed: these are «case technologies» in small groups, «business (role) games», an inverted classroom approach. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Cognitive Modeling of Information Support for Game-Based Automated Learning

Purpose of research. The main goal of this work is to increase the efficiency of automated game learning based on cognitive modeling. Based on the methodology of system analysis and cognitive modeling of weakly structured situations, the structure of a gaming automated training complex is proposed, which can be used in training personnel in various subject areas. In our case, staff training was simulated in stereotypical and non-stereotypical situations.Methods. This work is based on the general provisions of systems theory and system analysis, mathematical graph theory (which is based on cognitive modeling). The main tool of cognitive modeling was the construction of fuzzy cognitive maps of Silov. A modification of the algorithm for calculating the main system indicators of a fuzzy cognitive map was proposed. Game modeling, based on business games, was used for automated learning. The concept of an operational game was introduced, then modeling of the development of some unfavorable situation was carried out using fuzzy cognitive maps..Results. he main result of this work is the method of cognitive modeling of information support for game-based automated learning. Based on the developed methodology, a game simulation simulation of the operational game "House Fire" was carried out, which was based on the construction of a fuzzy cognitive map, for which the main quantitative system indicators of mutual influence, consonance and dissonance were calculated.Conclusion: the developed methodology allows for game modeling of unfavorable (including emergency) situations, which in the future will ensure adequate behavior of students in real situations.

DEVELOPMENT OF ONLINE GAMBLING IN THE GAMBLING BUSINESS SYSTEM

The proposed study is devoted to the theoretical analysis of the development of online gambling in the gaming business system. In order to better understanding the concept of online gambling, we suggest that it is not monolithic, but is consisting of segments: casinos (commercial and tribal), state lotteries, betting on pairs, sports betting, charitable gambling, gambling on the Internet, standalone electronic gaming devices (such as video poker and video keno), and so on. Each group has its own distinct set of concerns, communities of interest, and balances of assets and liabilities. As it was noted in a report by the National Commission on the Impact of Gambling, technology in this area is developing at a rapid pace, and its potential is only beginning to be seen. The state of development of online gambling is analyzed in countries where it is legalized. And such countries that have legalized online games can be tentatively classified into three groups: 1) countries that offer operators inexpensive licensing with low tax rates and little or no control by regulators; 2) countries from the European jurisdiction, which also regulate online games for economic development, but have more rules compared to the first group; 3) developed countries with complex regulatory policies. Countries falling into the third group face the challenge of having their markets taken over by websites originating from the jurisdictions of the first two groups. Liberalization of slot machines and online gambling has a positive effect on, this growth index will be greater in those countries where gambling is oriented to local consumers. COVID-19 led to lower market revenues in the gambling sector in Europe in 2020 and 2021 compared to previous years and accelerated the previously existing trend of increasing the percentage of online gaming. Although there are significant differences in the share of online gambling in different national gambling markets, it is worth noting that with the increase in the share of online gambling, the amount of income to the budgets of countries also increases.

Game-Based Learning for Supply Chain Management

Game-based learning has proven to be an effective teaching method in a variety of fields, including supply chain management (SCM). This paper discusses the use of simulation-based business games for training and education in SCM by evaluating the complexity of SCM games. The main contributions of this study are twofold. (1) Creation of a database of available games used for training and education in SCM. For the first time, 40 games were selected, and a comprehensive review of the complexity elements included in these games is presented. (2) Development of a game complexity index to classify, evaluate and order the selected games according to their complexity. The findings of this study will be useful to academics and practitioners interested in logistics and SCM professional training and education. It helps educational institutions how to choose the best game for specific SCM topics.

ADVANTAGES OF BUSINESS GAME METHOD IN TEACHING DISCIPLINE "INFECTIOUS DISEASES" TO FUTURE DENTAL DOCTORS

Dentistry as a specialty belongs to the professions carrying a high occupational risk of exposure to several pathogens due to the special features of dental treatment. Knowing the clinical course of these diseases can significantly contribute to the diagnostic process and facilitate the timely detection of the disease thus, reducing the risk of transmission in the dental chair. At the present stage, the training of future dentists requires the incorporation of innovative teaching methods aimed at developing students' creative and critical thinking that can be achieved by the business game method. Therefore, the purpose of the article is to improve the professional competencies of dental students by introducing the business game method in the study of the discipline "Infectious Diseases". The article presents modern approaches to teaching the discipline to future dentists in order to build up and strengthen professional competencies and practical skills in working with patients. The use of a business game allows each student to work out an algorithm of actions in accordance with the chosen clinical situation, to identify errors in working with a patient or using dental instruments that is critically important in preventing the spread of hospital-acquired infections and contributes to the formation of professional skills of a future dentist. The introduction of this teaching method is aimed at improving the quality of dental students' knowledge of the clinical picture of infectious diseases; it will help in the formation of medical alertness for the diagnosis of infectious diseases by mucosal lesions, ways to implement the epidemic process in the dental chair, infection control and measures for the specific prevention of infectious diseases. Thus, the active involvement of students in the educational business game makes it possible to improve the professional competencies of future dental doctors that is essential in their professional activity.

Designing a game program in a camp for children

The inclusion of the game in the camp program is in the interests of children, teachers, camps. Game change is a creative project, a way of holistic implementation of the plan for teachers. It affects the formation of the face of the camp for parents and children. The task of the research is to identify options where playing is a must-have for the camp. Analysis relies on knowledge about the structure of the game, its elements. The empirical base was the author's camp of role-playing games “Centaurˮ (Kostroma region), the author's camp “City of Hopeˮ (Kostroma region), the group of companies “Collection of Adventuresˮ (Moscow). We studied the experience of these organizations between 1990 and the present. The place of the game in the camp is associated not only with the scale of its use, but also with its functions in the program. We highlighted five options for playing in camp: playing as a form of organization; a combination of games combined by a common theme and plot; the business game as the main construction of the camp; role-playing as the main construction of the camp; role-playing epic. We have developed recommendations for designing the game in the camp. They address such issues: plot choice; the relationship between camp conditions, the plot of the game, and children's activity; game control; roles for children outside the game.

Nash equilibrium in emerging partnership-based Islamic banking industry with a Bayesian game-theoretic approach

PurposeA hypothesis developed in this paper models the relationship between the borrower and the bank as a dynamic game based on incomplete information (business game) and seeks an equilibrium point at which the facilitated applicant can act according to the terms of the loan agreement once the contract is signed and meet the requirements of the contract.Design/methodology/approachThe primary assumption in the formation of the Islamic bank in Islamic society is that the members of the society are Muslims and act according to religious orders. However, the non-fulfillment of divine principles and orders is always possible. In partnership agreements, the risk of infringement is reduced and corrupt contracts are prevented in some circumstances. Our basic model was constructed using the Beer-Quiche classic game, which has been modified dynamically along with a generalization of complexity terms. The information asymmetry led us to use a heterogeneous belief system to evaluate the probability of the customer transmitting a low credit risk signal to the bank and the probability of the customer transmitting a high credit risk signal to the bank. There are several assumptions of the basic model that are released in the extended model by the presence of a social inspector, by exploring credit risk signals in the generalized model and by considering various commitment levels in the comprehensive model.FindingsAs a result, it is observed that there is no Nash equilibrium in cases where the customer applies separation strategies. But if the pulling strategies are applied, the Nash equilibrium can be achieved under certain conditions, including inspection bodies in the banking system, the creation of necessary transparency and the proper treatment of criminals by government and regulatory bodies. So, by using alternative belief systems, applying different filters and paying attention to all sectors of the economy, new Nash equilibrium points can be achieved. Moreover, multi-stage facilities payment reduces the risk of corrupt contracts.Originality/valueThis paper sets out to analyze Nash Equilibrium and its possible encounter in Islamic Banking for the first time, utilizing a Bayesian Game-Theoretic framework. A major aspect of the research is the contribution to a better understanding of the role of transparency and government oversight in the implementation of Islamic banking regulatory standards.

The issue of training foreign medical students at the modern stage

Despite the war in Ukraine, medicine remained one of the most popular specialties for this year's applicants. Ukrainian universities should work more actively on the development of innovative solutions in the field of digitization of education, the combination of mixed and modern virtual education with academic mobility. The educational space is characterized by an increase in socio-cultural complexity, the consequence of which is the complication of relations between both Ukrainian and foreign students. With this in mind, the strategic tasks of higher education in Ukraine are the formation of multicultural relationships in the student body, since almost all student groups are multicultural.
 The main goal of this work is to determine the features of training foreign medical students in the multicultural environment at medical higher educational institutions.
 The main issue today is the problem of dialogue between cultures in a multicultural environment. The importance of this question is undeniable, since the dialogue is oriented towards the future and involves deep knowledge of the spiritual structure and intellectual system of the society with which the dialogue is carried out.
 Multicultural education is a process of preparing individuals for social, political and economic realities in which they gain their life experience, and as a result, the individual develops his ability to perceive a multicultural environment. One of the key principles of multicultural education and upbringing is the principle of tolerance.
 The foreign students education process efficacy in the created multicultural environment will be facilitated by the development of skills and interpersonal communication skills. The authors concluded that foreign students’ preparation for interpersonal communication will be hindered by organizing of their creative activity by means of interactive technologies.
 The development of creative abilities can be ensured through the use of interactive learning tools: solving practical medical problems, solving conflict situations with patients or colleagues, role-playing, business games, applying the project method, developing associative thinking, creative independent work. The teacher should offer students of higher education a variety of individual tasks and situations, because the more actively future doctors perform them, the better their creative abilities develop.
 Thus, the process of multicultural education is aimed at forming socially and professionally important qualities of an individual, at creating and expanding the circle of his relations to society, to people in the surrounding world, to himself.
 In view of the foregoing, we conclude that the creation of a multicultural environment in a medical institution of higher education is a necessary condition for the training of foreign students in interpersonal communication.
 We see the prospect of further research in defining the essence of the concept of “multicultural environment of a medical institution of higher education” and clarifying the peculiarities of training foreign students - future doctors - for interpersonal communication in this environment.

GAMIFICATION APPROACH IN SUSTAINABLE E-LEARNING METHOD

This paper aims to address various teaching methods to teach the subject effectively. The learning curriculum should involve participation from both the learner and the teacher. Teaching is not a one-sided endeavor. The instructors' primary duties extend beyond simply imparting knowledge; they also entail that the students understand what has been taught. Different courses require different teaching methods. For. eg. Management education needs to use case study methods, business simulations, management games, etc. Therefore, researchers have discussed different teaching methods, especially gamification.

Developing a Video Game as an Awareness and Research Tool Based on SARS-CoV-2 Epidemiological Dynamics and Motivational Perspectives

In mid-2020, the University of Liège (ULiège, Belgium) commissioned the ULiège Video Game Research Laboratory (Liège Game Lab) and the AR/VR Lab of the HEC-Management School of ULiège to create a serious game to raise awareness of preventive measures for its university community. This project has its origins in two objectives of the institutional policy of ULiège in response to the crisis caused by SARS-CoV-2 to raise awareness among community members of various preventive actions that can reduce the spread of the virus and to inform about the emergence and progression of a pandemic. After almost two years of design, the project resulted in the creation of SARS Wars, a decision-making management game for browsers and smartphones. This article presents the creative process of the game, specifically the integration of an adapted SEIR (susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered) model, as well as the modeling of intercompartmental circulation dynamics in the game’s algorithm, and the various limitations observed regarding the game’s original missions and possibilities for future work. The SARS-CoV-2 video game project may be considered an innovative way to translate epidemiology into a language that can be used in the scope of citizen sciences. On the one hand, it provides an engaging tool and encourages active participation of the audience. On the other hand, it allows us to have a better understanding of the dynamic changes of a pandemic or an epidemic (crisis preparedness, monitoring, and control) and to anticipate potential consequences in the given parameters at set time (emerging risk identification), while offering insights for impact on some parameters on motivation (social science aspect).

Vestibular cognition assessment system: Tablet-based computerized visuospatial abilities test battery.

The vestibular system is anatomically connected to extensive regions of the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala. However, studies focusing on the impact of vestibular impairment on visuospatial cognition ability are limited. This study aimed to develop a mobile tablet-based vestibular cognitive assessment system (VCAS), enhance the dynamic and three-dimensional (3D) nature of the test conditions, and comprehensively evaluate the visuospatial cognitive ability of patients with vestibular dysfunction. First, the VCAS assessment dimensions (spatial memory, spatial navigation, and mental rotation) and test content (weeding, maze, card rotation, and 3D driving tests) were determined based on expert interviews. Second, VCAS was developed based on Unity3D, using the C# language and ILruntime hot update framework development technology, combined with the A* algorithm, prime tree algorithm, and dynamic route rendering. Further, the online test was built using relevant game business logic. Finally, healthy controls (HC) and 78 patients with vertigo (VP) were recruited for the VCAS test. The validity of VCAS was verified using the test results of random controls. In the weeding test, the HC group had a significantly longer span and faster velocity backward than did the VP group. In the 12 × 12 maze, statistically significant differences in step and time were observed between the two groups, with VP taking longer time and more steps. In the mental rotation task, no significant difference was observed between the two groups. Similarly, no significant difference was found in the performance of the two groups on maps 2, 3, and 4 in the 3D driving task. Thus, impaired visuospatial cognition in patients with vestibular dysfunction is primarily related to spatial memory and navigation. VCAS is a clinically applicable visuospatial cognitive ability test for VP.

Can Referees Assess Head Contact Penalties Correctly in Canadian Youth Ice Hockey? A Video Analysis Study.

To help address the high concussion burden in Canadian youth ice hockey, our primary objective was to examine the concurrent validity of youth ice hockey referees' ability to assess head contacts (HCs) and associated penalties using video analysis methods after implementation of the "zero tolerance for HC" policy by Hockey Canada. Cross-sectional study. Certified Level II-III referees in Alberta, Canada. A secured online survey with 60 videos (10 to 15 seconds) containing a player-to-player physical contact with or without a HC from elite U15 (ages 13 to 14) youth ice hockey games. Survey questions were completed by all referees for each video, including (1). 'Did you see a player-to-player contact?', (2). 'Should a penalty be assessed?', and if yes, (3). 'Which player, penalty type, and penalty intensity?' Referee assessments were compared with a consensus agreement from 2 national and member (top level) gold standard referees for concurrent validity through percent agreement and sensitivity/specificity measures. Complete-case analysis of 100 referees (131 recruited) showed an overall median agreement of 83.5% (sensitivity = 0.74; specificity = 0.69) with the gold standard. Agreement with the gold standard was highest for HC infractions [85.1% (sensitivity = 0.80; specificity = 0.69)], followed by HC penalty type (81.5%) and penalty intensity (53.7%). Concurrent validity through percent agreement was high (>80%) compared with the gold standard for identifying both HC and other infractions; however, it was moderate for penalty intensity. Although knowledge of identifying HCs and penalties in this survey was acceptable, this study suggests in-game factors (eg, game management and positioning) may be a primary limitation for HC enforcement.

Variation of antlers in individual red deer (Cervus elaphus) stags: repeatability, age and side effects

Antlers are formed anew each year to realise an optimal relationship between their size and weight and the physical body condition in Cervidae. This results in the objective to match fighting abilities with size and mechanical performance of the antlers, as well as to advertise these correlated abilities to other males and females. The resulting variation in individual antler characteristics from year to year can show considerable differences. To characterise and understand these differences is important in hunting, game management and deer breeding, as well as potentially to assess the habitat quality. However, relatively few traits of the antler have been scientifically tested for this purpose, and only a few studies were conducted on the same individual in free-ranging red deer over the years. The objective of the present study was to quantify the influence of the individual (repeatability), the age and the site on the expression of 125 antler characteristics. For this purpose, we collected 35 stags with an average of about 10 consecutive antlers per individual (confirmed by genetic analysis), a total of 355 antlers. The antlers were scanned 3-dimensionally and measured semi-automatically. Numbers, lengths, distances, circumferences, bending, curvatures, angles, forms and CIC (International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation) characteristics were compiled and evaluated in a generalised linear mixed model adapted to the distribution of the characteristics. The complete model explained 1.6 to 83% of character variation. Mean repeatability of the characteristics varied between 2.7 and 74.4%. The stags’ age explained 0 to 36.4%, and the side explained 0 to 2.5% of the variability. Some characteristics of burr, signet, beam and the lower tines reached the highest repeatability; the highest variability was found in characteristics of the crown. Values of 11 features that are frequently used in other studies corresponded very well with the present study. However, some features reached higher repeatability every year, whereas others varied more closely with age. Such characteristics might be selectively included into further research or practical applications to increase informative value.

Economic Implication of Human - wildlife conflict in Lupande Game Management Area – Mambwe District, Eastern Province

Purpose: The study aimed at establishing the economic loss caused by Human - wildlife conflict amongst small scale farmers and government. To achieving the purpose, the research was mainly guided by three objectives. To estimate the economic value of damage in agriculture, to estimate the economic value related with control by killing of problematic animals and effectiveness of response strategies in addressing Human - wildlife conflict.
 Methodology: The study utilised descriptive research design where primary data was collected from key informants by applying semi-structured interview guide using convenient sampling. Purposive sampling during focus group discussion meetings using focus group discussion guides was administered in Human - wildlife conflict hot spot areas. The researcher further used secondary data to gain more understanding and gather adequate information about the area of study. Therefore, 70% of the affected households from Department of National Parks and Wildlife Human - wildlife conflict SMART raw data was used. Subsequently, Descriptive Statistics, using averages and totals to analyse quantitative data, was used while qualitative data was analysed using Content and Thematic Analysis.
 Findings: The summary of the results showed that economic damage in agriculture was quite enormous affecting farmers with K180, 317.00 being the highest in the damage range of 25-50 percent. Regarding the estimation on economic value related with problematic animal control by killing, it was established that the government of Zambia incurred huge revenue loss amounting to K 4,318,049.86 if such animals or trophies were sold. On the effectiveness of response strategies, the majority of the participants stated that few measures were put in place to solve Human – wildlife conflict. In Zambia, several researchers and scholars have reviewed Human – wildlife conflict phenomena. However, there has been no study that has sought to establish economic implication on small scale farmers and revenue loss to the government through control by killing of problematic animals. This study therefore seeks to fill this knowledge gap looking at estimation of economic implications of Human – wildlife conflict in the study area.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The results of this study could influence formulation of appropriate mitigation measures and policies for wildlife conservation and revenue recovery from controlled by killed of such animals in Zambia.

The use of digital games in academic maritime education: a theoretical framework and practical applications

ABSTRACT In search of a way to bring back the positive aspects of an internship into the curriculum, TU Delft identified serious games as a potential solution. The literature studied showed that games could increase motivation and understanding, leading to improve knowledge retention. This paper has brought these insights together in a framework identifying the benefits that contribute to knowledge retention but also the requirements and risks for the application of serious games to be addressed. These insights were used to explain the success of a longstanding business game course for advanced students first. Next was the development of a virtual reality practice in a first-year course to replace the lost internship. In this case, knowledge retention was improved significantly, albeit only by 5%. Furthermore, in light of the developed framework, the VR simulation is a more balanced approach with fewer risks compared to the more extensive master course.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Training Methods on the Performance of Human Resources in Greek Hotel Businesses

The training of human resources in hotel businesses is very important since it is directly related to creating a competitive advantage by improving its performance. The main research objective of the present study is to investigate the effectiveness of training methods with regard to the improvement of human resources performance in hotel businesses. Field research was conducted by collecting quantitative data from 17/3/2022 to 17/5/2022 in Greece through a questionnaire from a "convenience" sample of 135 hotel employees. Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis was used to analyze the collected data statistically. The improvement of the performance of the human resources of a hotel is related to a mixture of training methods that favor formal and informal learning: Case Studies, Business Games and Mentoring. The results of this study have led a) to the creation and validation of four new Likert-type scales that other researchers in the future can use, and b) to the creation of specialized mixtures of training methods that hotel managers can apply to improve the performance of human resources in specific fields of interest.

Boggy Slough: A Forest, a Family, and a Foundation for Land Conservation by Jonathan K. Gerland

Reviewed by: Boggy Slough: A Forest, a Family, and a Foundation for Land Conservation by Jonathan K. Gerland Kenna Lang Archer Boggy Slough: A Forest, a Family, and a Foundation for Land Conservation. By Jonathan K. Gerland. (College Station: Texas A&M University Press, 2022. Pp. x, 360. $45.00, ISBN 978-1-62349-995-2.) Jonathan K. Gerland’s Boggy Slough: A Forest, a Family, and a Foundation for Land Conservation is a popular history that combines the beautiful production of a coffee-table book with the methodology and theory of a more traditional history. The book explores the eponymous Boggy Slough Conservation Area, a 19,055-acre tract of hardwood and pine forest in East Texas. Gerland considers the broader economic and social history of the region—discussing land use among the Hasinai Caddo, detailing early efforts at settlement by Europeans and Americans, and deconstructing the productionist mind-set that shaped the region during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. To this framework he adds a natural history that gives tangible form to the landscape using detailed taxonomic references and well-chosen photographs. This interdisciplinary approach works very well. After establishing the broader historical context in chapters 1 and 2, Gerland zeroes in on Thomas Lewis Latane Temple, whose descendants shaped the development of the land from the late nineteenth century to the creation of the conservation area in 2013. Subsequent chapters detail the [End Page 170] Temples’ work with the Southern Pine Lumber Company and identify the forces that shaped their holdings over the course of a century, with a special focus on railroads, ranching, game management, and the challenges of the Great Depression. The final two chapters examine the personalities that shaped Boggy Slough and the processes that ultimately created the conservation area. The book’s topical organization (for example, a chapter on enclosure is followed by a chapter on game management, and then another on land sales) creates occasional issues with repetition, and the narrative does jump around chronologically, but these are minor issues. Gerland’s story flows well, and the book never gets lost in proverbial meanderings. Gerland does not ground this book in a single, overriding argument. Instead, his goal is to describe the history of land use in Boggy Slough while also highlighting enduring connections between the land and the Temple family. He accomplishes these aims by centering “the inseparability of Boggy Slough’s natural and social history” (p. 27). For example, Gerland states more than once that the people living on and working in Boggy Slough shaped the land and were also shaped by the land. This is a basic idea but an important one, and it is a foundational framework for the field of environmental history. Gerland also engages this idea of “inseparability” by articulating sophisticated historical theories. For example, he discusses the power of names and what it means socially and culturally for different groups to name the land or to see their names stripped from the landscape. Gerland has made a valuable contribution to the environmental history of Texas with Boggy Slough. Some readers may feel overwhelmed by the amount of detail in the interior chapters, but the book is well written and well researched, and the content never becomes inaccessible. Indeed, Gerland moves easily between scientific and historical analysis and writes as competently about scientific processes as he does about economic structures. Moreover, the photographs, many of them taken by Gerland himself, add dimension to the portrayal of bottomland forests and the individuals who have shaped the region. Gerland has done credit to Boggy Slough with this compelling portrait. Kenna Lang Archer Angelo State University Copyright © 2023 The Southern Historical Association

Business game as a factor of increasing the effectiveness of the educational process in the professional retraining of doctors

Business game as a factor of increasing the effectiveness of the educational process in the professional retraining of doctors

Factors affecting populations of the endemic Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) after the first myxomatosis outbreaks in Central Spain.

The Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) is an endemic species distributed in Spain and Portugal. Myxomatosis outbreaks affecting this species were detected in 2018 in Central and Southern Spain, spreading afterward. Aiming to evaluate factors affecting the status of hare population after the arrival of myxomatosis, we conducted 108 nocturnal hare counts in Central Spain during two study periods (winter/spring and summer/autumn) in 54 different hunting grounds, covering 1071 km and observing 884 individuals. The mean density in winter/spring was 7.66 hares/100 ha, (range 6.14-9.54/100 ha), while in summer/autumn, it was 3.4 hares/100 ha (range 2.6-4.4/100 ha). Densities of hares were not affected by the dominant habitat and the presence/absence of myxomatosis outbreaks. Hares were more abundant at hunting grounds at a higher altitude and in those conducting targeted management, while detection of myxomatosis was related to lower altitude and higher levels of game management. A MaxEnt model used to generate a risk map for myxomatosis occurrence showed that the temperature annual range was the most important predictor, which suggests that environmental factors affecting myxomatosis vectors (mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks) could play a key role in disease transmission. As myxomatosis in hares is becoming endemic, hare densities may be improved by game management and the monitoring and surveillance of this emerging disease. These surveillance programs could be the basis of effective collaborations between hunters, researchers, and environmental managers.