High Level Of Competition Research Articles

Anxiety and Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Elite Athletes

Physical activity is recommended as a strategy for promoting mental health, and it can even be integrated into treatment plans for psychiatric disorders affecting the general population. However, elite athletes are a subpopulation with protective and risk factors inherent to high-level competition and are not shielded from psychiatric symptoms and conditions. The mental health of elite athletes has been the subject of increasing attention, driven in part by the initiatives of the International Olympic Committee and the growing importance of sports psychiatry. This article is a narrative review that provides an overview regarding anxiety, in particular generalized anxiety disorder in elite athletes. Our assessment concluded that competitive anxiety may affect an elite athlete's performance in both harmful and beneficial ways. Assessing the duration, frequency, and functional impact of anxiety symptoms is crucial for ruling out generalized anxiety disorder. Elite athletes do not show a significantly different prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder compared to the general population. Identifying specific protective and risk factors can contribute to adopting more effective preventive and intervention strategies. As in the general population, psychotherapy is recommended for elite athletes as the initial treatment for this condition, combined, if necessary, with pharmacotherapy, according to the World Anti-Doping Agency Code.

KEY STAGES AND INNOVATIVE APPROACHES IN RISK MANAGEMENT UNDER UNCERTAINTY

The purpose of the article is to analyze in detail the process of risk management at enterprises, in particular, its key stages. In addition, the article aims at studying the current instruments of bankruptcy risk management which can be implemented in the modern economy. The relevance of the article is stipulated by the need to improve approaches to risk management in today's dynamic business environment, where enterprises are constantly facing financial and operational threats. Of particular importance is bankruptcy risk management, since economic instability and high level of competition require effective mechanisms to protect financial stability. The following methods are used in the study: the method of analysis and synthesis - for a structured consideration of the stages of the risk management process, identifying the relationships between them and forming a holistic picture of management actions at each stage; the method of logical generalization - for formulating general conclusions and recommendations on the stages and tools of risk management based on the analysis of literature and practical examples. The result of the study is to determine the essential characteristics of the main stages of the enterprise risk management process and the relevant tools for managing the bankruptcy risk. This includes: a structured description of the key stages of risk management – from risk identification and assessment to monitoring and control, which ensures a systematic approach to responding to threats; analysis of current tools for managing bankruptcy risk – identification of tools that facilitate early detection of risks and support the financial stability of the enterprise. The practical value of the article lies in providing enterprises with a clear description of the risk management process, which includes the main stages from identification to monitoring and control, allowing companies to take a more systematic approach to risk management and reducing the likelihood of negative financial consequences. The use of the current tools for managing bankruptcy risk described in the article provides an opportunity to quickly identify early signs of financial instability, which helps to maintain their financial stability. In addition, the proposed recommendations can be integrated into the enterprise management system, creating a flexible and adaptive model to maintain stable development in the face of economic uncertainty.

Analysis of the Application of Effective Communication Strategies in Marketing Public Relations at CV Inti Motor Solo

The development number of motorize vehicle users is increasing. This makes the automotive business have promising business prospects. The high level of business competition requires each company to create the best business strategy to win market competition. This research aims to determine the implementation of effective communication strategies in marketing public relations at CV. Inti Motor Solo. This research was conducted qualitatively descriptively and data was collected through observation and interview at CV. Inti Motor Solo. The results of the research indicate that marketing public relations activities at CV. Inti Motor Solo are still focused on activities to build consumer loyalty. Marketing Public relations activities carried out include the installation of company identity banners, information services, and consumer loyalty programs. Overall, marketing public relations activies at CV. Inti Motor Solo have implemented effective communication strategies well which include respect, emphaty, audible clarity, and humble.

Improving Innovative Work Behavior in Small and Medium Enterprises: Integrating Transformational Leadership, Knowledge Sharing, and Psychological Empowerment

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) significantly contribute to society’s growth and welfare. Nevertheless, SMEs often experience challenges, i.e., high levels of competition and market demands. To maintain SMEs’ existence, a competitive advantage is demanded by increasing innovative work behavior. This study explores and evaluates the relationship between transformational leadership and innovative work behavior and examines the mediating role of knowledge sharing and psychological empowerment on the relationship between transformational leadership and innovative work behavior. This study uses a quantitative approach, where data were gathered from a questionnaire distributed to 190 employees of export SMEs and were further examined using Smart PLS 3.2.9. The findings demonstrate that transformational leadership does not influence innovative work behavior but significantly and positively influences psychological empowerment and knowledge sharing. Psychological empowerment and knowledge sharing significantly and positively influence innovative work behavior. Subsequently, psychological empowerment and knowledge sharing partially mediate the linkage between transformational leadership and innovative work behavior.

Return to sport activity following ultrasonographic diagnosis and conservative management of spontaneous injuries of the serratus cervicis ventralis and serratus thoracis ventralis muscles in 11 endurance horses.

To describe the clinical diagnosis, ultrasound findings, and outcome of 11 endurance horses with injuries to the serratus ventralis thoracis (SVT) or serratus ventralis cervicis (SVC) muscle. 11 endurance horses competing in medium- to high-level competitions and presenting with lameness caused by injuries to the SVT or SVC muscle, as confirmed by ultrasonography. Physical examinations revealed swelling caudal to the shoulder region associated with dorsocranial displacement of the scapula and edema of the ventral thorax for horses with SVT injuries. Swelling cranial to the scapula and edema of the pectoral area were identified among horses with injuries to the SVC. Dynamic examinations revealed moderate-to-severe reduction of the cranial phase of the stride at the walk; at the trot, a lameness score of 2 to 3/5 was assigned (modified American Association of Equine Practitioners Lameness Scale). Ultrasonography revealed moderate-to-severe increases in size of the muscle body, heterogeneous echogenicity, loss of the striated muscle pattern, and varying degrees of perimuscular edema. All horses were able to resume full training and competition in an average of 216 days (range, 74 to 362 days) and 148 days (range, 112 to 309 days) for injuries of the SVT and SVC, respectively. This case series is the first to describe the clinical and ultrasonographic features of spontaneous injuries to the SVT or SVC. Ultrasonography for diagnosis was simple and well tolerated by the horses.

ANALYSIS OF THE PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE IN FIT KID ATHLETES

The aim of this research was to analyze the degree of dissatisfaction with body image—defined as the dissatisfaction resulting from the difference between the desired silhouette and the perceived one—among Fit Kid athletes. The study compared data based on age ranges and levels of competition and examined the possible association between higher weight and BMI with increased concern for body image. The Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) was used, and data were analyzed using the SPSS 28.0 statistical package. The main findings reveal a higher degree of body image dissatisfaction at the highest level of competition (national level) and among athletes with higher BMI and weight. Specifically, the factor with the highest scores was body dissatisfaction with the lower body. This suggests a higher risk of body image issues in late adolescence and at higher competitive levels, as well as among athletes with higher BMI values. These findings could offer valuable insights for coaches, who might address these issues through collaboration with nutritionists and sports psychologists.

Analysis of Micro Business Marketing Strategy in Facing Competition

This study is motivated by the challenges faced in the development of micro-enterprises at Bukit Sion Market, largely due to the high level of competition. Many businesses struggle to determine appropriate financing models and product offerings, as the market is saturated with similar products offered by competitors. The objective of this research is to analyze the marketing strategies employed by micro-enterprises and identify the obstacles they face in dealing with competition at Bukit Sion Market, Lahomi District. The research employs a descriptive qualitative method. The findings reveal that all food stalls adopt marketing strategies that include market selection, product planning, pricing, distribution systems, and marketing communication. Effective marketing strategies, such as offering discounts, special promotions, or hosting promotional events, have been shown to significantly boost sales. However, the food stalls encounter several challenges, including intensified competition due to the emergence of similar businesses offering comparable products, a lack of product innovation and promotion, fluctuations in raw material prices, as well as issues with product quality consistency, customer service, and overall customer experience.

Surviving Science – Coping with Exit-Decisions in Physics and History

AbstractAcademic careers between the completion of a PhD and the acquisition of tenure are characterized by short term contracts, high levels of competition, and future uncertainty. Existing research indicates that uncertainty is a primary cause for postdocs in all disciplines to constantly question the continuation of their career. Despite this commonality between disciplines, we argue that future imaginations, coping strategies and ultimately the decision-making practices to exit or remain in academia differ in each discipline. Drawing from 60 qualitative interviews with physicists and historians, we compared imaginations of the labor market inside and outside of academia, as well as narratives on how they perceive their agency to exit or remain. Our data shows that imaginations of the labor market outside of academia, have considerable consequences for their sense of precarity and planning of career paths. We propose that the uniform concept of future uncertainty must be separated into ‘existential uncertainty’ and ‘secured uncertainty’, which more accurately reflect the problems postdocs are confronted with and the resulting coping strategies. While those who consider their uncertainty as existential either evoke narratives of survival to continue in adverse conditions or begin parallel careers as added security. Those who perceive their future as uncertain but generally secured rely either on their ability to decide when necessary or postpone the question indefinitely. These differences that correlate with our chosen disciplines have important implications for research quality as well as mental-health hazards and further our understanding of self-exploitation and precarity in academia.

Examining trade strategies in Europe and Ukraine: Navigating challenges and building economic strength

Today, the global community operates within an integrated global economic system. Against the backdrop of globalised integration of the socio-economic sphere, international trade is positioned as a significant factor in the intensification of economic development. In this context, trade strategies can create new opportunities or risks for the national economy. This article aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the trade strategies of the European Union (EU) and Ukraine in the context of potential advantages and related challenges for economic resilience. The study finds that international trade helps to mitigate the limitations of national resource potential and the narrowness of the domestic market, intensifies the potential for innovative industrialisation, and accelerates economic growth. The specifics of forming the modern concept of international trade development in the context of the European community and Ukraine are identified. The main principles of modern trade strategies are considered, their strengths and weaknesses are analysed, and directions for improvement are highlighted. The impact of trade strategies on the level of economic resilience is examined. It is substantiated that a high level of competition in the global market requires the adaptability of producers’ trade strategies and the formation of appropriate structures to coordinate the functioning of the external economic relations infrastructure complex. The main success factors of a trading strategy when entering new markets are highlighted, including preliminary research of local legislation requirements and market dynamics, the development of adaptive marketing strategies, and effective management of customs processes. Active participation in the international trade environment has proven to open additional opportunities for realising economic potential. At the same time, it is necessary to specify the development strategy to ensure long-term competitive advantages.

Teacher Training Dynamics: Positive and Negative Interdependence in Moroccan Training Centers

This study explores the dynamics of competition and collaboration among trainee teachers at the Centres Régionaux des Métiers de l’Éducation et de la Formation (CRMEF) in Morocco. Given the increasing precarity in teacher training centers and the heightened emphasis on effectiveness and academic excellence, the research examines how these factors shape trainees' learning environment and professional development. Using Social Interdependence Theory, the study assesses how varying levels of competition and collaboration impact trainees' attitudes, behaviors, and overall performance, offering insights into their educational experiences and outcomes. The study employed an exploratory sequential design, beginning with data from two focus group discussions to develop a survey, which was then administered to 157 participants from three regional academies. The findings reveal high levels of competition at the CRMEF, contributing to increased stress and reduced teamwork effectiveness. However, trainees demonstrate strong collaboration in group tasks while displaying competitive behaviors during individual tasks. The study suggests that team-based assessments could mitigate the negative impacts of competition and enhance collaborative efforts.

Does centralization of tax administration regulate tax competition? Evidence from a quasi-natural experiment in China

This study investigates how the centralization of tax administration affects tax competition among local governments in China, using the merger of the State Tax Bureau and Local Tax Bureau in 2018 as a quasi-natural experiment. Our findings demonstrate that the centralization of tax administration effectively curtails the degree of tax competition among local governments, resulting in an increase in the tax burden for enterprises previously managed by the local tax bureaus. Mechanism tests indicate that the reform significantly increases the tax burden on enterprises in regions with high levels of tax competition, and overall reduces the divergence of tax burden among enterprises, restraining cross-regional investments driven by tax avoidance. Additionally, we find that after the means of tax competition among local governments are curtailed, competition continues through fiscal expenditure. Our study provides evidence from China on curbing inter-governmental tax competition from the perspective of administrative institutional reform.

Food Preference of Purple‐Spotted Bigeye (Priacanthus tayenus Richardson 1846) in Northern Coast of Java, Indonesia

ABSTRACTDiet is one of the essential information used in the management of fisheries resource. The objective of this study was to assess the dietary preferences, index of preponderance, trophic level, food niche breadth, and food overlap of purple‐spotted bigeye (Priacanthus tayenus) caught from the northern coast of Java, Indonesia. A total of 407 fish samples were collected from July to October 2023. Each fish sample was measured for total length and body weight. Fish were then dissected to determine sex, gut length, gut volume, and diet composition. Data analysis included relative gut length, diet composition, frequency of occurrence, trophic level, index of preponderance, food niche breadth, and food overlap. The result showed that the purple‐spotted bigeye is a carnivorous fish (trophic level ranges from 3.88 to 4.18), whose main food is fish and shrimp. Based on the niche breadth value, purple‐spotted bigeye from East Java were more diverse in finding food (niche breadth = 0.26) than from West Java (niche breadth = 0.06) and Central Java (niche breadth = 0.09). The purple‐spotted bigeye species from West Java and Central Java exhibited a high level of competition in their search for food, as indicated by a food overlap value of 0.998.

Competition is the main factor, compared to non-lethal threat of predation, affecting life-history traits of Aedes aegypti (Diptera, Culicidae) mosquitoes.

Mosquito larvae coexist with different species of predators in small freshwater bodies. These environments can vary widely in terms of the amount of food and larval densities. Our objective was to understand the impacts of the non-lethal threat of predation, combined with competition effects on Aedes aegypti development and adult life cycle. We tested the effects of two types of non-lethal threat of predation, divided into nine combinations of larvae densities and resource availability on Ae. aegypti larvae. We measured their isolated and combined impacts on larval mortality rate, time to reach pupation, adult size, and lifespan. Real non-lethal threat of predation resulted in a higher larval mortality (71%), compromised the sizes of the individuals (-7%) and prolonged the lifespan (19%) compared to control. Simulated treatment, the anti-predation behaviors led to an increase in larval mortality (21%) compared to the control treatment. Accelerating the larva's development time (-14%) to escape from a dangerous environment severely compromised the size of the individuals (-23%) and increased adult life (10%). The scarcity of food resources, high levels of competition, and non-lethal threat of predation as well, are effective stressors for Ae. aegypti. We observed that resources (food and space) were more important than predation risk for the fitness of the survivors. However, these stressors, individually or combined, can result in high larvae mortality, altered larval development and pupation, affecting the emergence of the adults, with small sizes and altered lifespan, ultimately reducing the fitness of the individuals. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Competition and stereotypic behavior in Thoroughbred horses: The value of saliva as a diagnostic marker of stress.

Many horses exhibit stereotypies, especially when living in human controlled environments that may prevent horses from satisfying natural needs in terms of feeding, drinking, moving, and socializing. In human medicine, obsessive compulsive disorder and other severe psychiatric disturbances are associated with stereotypic behaviors; salivary biomarkers evaluation is considered a reliable tool for diagnosis of common mental health disorders because saliva collection easy to obtain and noninvasive. In this study, we hypothesized that salivary cortisol concentrations, in addition to alpha-amylase (sAA) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activities, are considered stress biomarkers that may be influenced in horses trained for racing competition with stereotypic behaviors. Saliva at rest condition was obtained from ten non-stereotypic Thoroughbreds horses involved in high-level competition; eleven Thoroughbreds high-level competition horses showing stereotypic behaviors, and five Thoroughbreds leisure non-competition horses. Cortisol was found to be higher in high-level competition non-stereotypic horses and sAA was significantly higher in non-stereotypic leisure horses when compared to horses involved in competition, while BChE did not change between groups. These results may represent the basis for further behavioural evaluation to elucidate how stereotypic horses and horses involved in competition overcome stressful situations.

Early Specialization and Progress of Finalist Swimmers in World Championships and Olympic Games.

Background: The main objectives of this study were to analyze the effect of early specialization in swimming and to observe the general patterns of success of two different sport specialization models [Spanish (SPA) and United States of American (USA) swimmers] participating in World Championships (WCs) and Olympic Games (OGs) between the years 2006 and 2021 of all swimming strokes and distances. Methods: Descriptive analyses and contingency tables were examined for all the variables. Explanatory models of the z scores were estimated from age depending on the events' distances and strokes. Quadratic regression models were developed to capture the behavior of the variable time with parabolic functions, and the significance of the global model and the predictor variables (age) were also evaluated. In addition, the optimal age (peak performance) as well as the curvature of the model were analyzed. These models were compared between SPA and USA swimmers. Results: The results showed that the main differences in the patterns to success between SPA and USA were the earlier participation of USA swimmers in high-level competitions, as well as the greater number of participants for all the strokes, events, genders, and competitions. Age peak performance in short distances was lower for Spanish swimmers, obtaining the opposite situation for long distances. Conclusions: Being a finalist in junior WCs did not influence success in the finals of the senior WCs and OGs. Main differences in general patterns of success between SPA and USA showed younger swimmers participating in short-distance events, backstroke, and butterfly for USA swimmers and older swimmers taking part in butterfly and short-distance events for SPA.

Golden score period in high-level judo competitions: the effect of the scores and penalties at the real contest time

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effect of scores and penalties in real contest time on the contest results in the golden score period. Of 6872 official contests at 10 different high-level competitions, 1414 contests with a golden score (21%) were included. Analyses for sex, weight category and rounds were performed with total match duration. Scores and penalties were recorded separately for real contest time and golden score period. Mutual waza-ari at real time (first 4 min) caused the high rate of matches ending with a score (p < 0.05). The rate of receiving a shido was higher among defeated athletes during the real contest time (p < 0.05). The rate of winning a contest with score during the golden score period was lower than winning a contest with hansoku-make in heavyweight categories. The contests more likely ended with scores and less likely ended with hansoku-make for men than women (p < 0.05). The results showed that the way the contest ended was different between sexes and among weight categories during the golden score period. Receiving a shido during the real contest time can lead to defeat in the golden score, thus athletes should be careful of presenting active judo and refraining from any action leading to penalties.

Bewährungsprobe Europas: Wettbewerbsfähigkeit in einer Welt im Wandel

Abstract Competitiveness is increasingly becoming a political focus. In times of geopolitical uncertainty, a trend of de-globalization and changing economic structures, the EU must assert itself as a business location in the competition between nations. Location characteristics such as a successful digital and green transformation in the face of increasingly scarce human capital, an incomplete internal market and inadequate defense capabilities are important. A high level of competitiveness is only possible with a European single market that is equipped with sufficient resources and a sound cooperation between the member states in the EU.

Measuring Regional Competitiveness Through The Regional Development Index

This research aims to conduct an analysis focusing on measuring the level of regional competitiveness by utilizing the regional development index as a measure of regional development performance in Luwu Raya. This measurement examines several indicators considered influential, namely economic, social, infrastructure, and environmental aspects. The sample in this research includes all regions in Luwu Raya, comprising Palopo City, Luwu Regency, North Luwu Regency, and East Luwu Regency. The method employed in this research is quantitative analysis using the composite performance index as the analytical technique. The primary steps in constructing a composite index involve weighting, literature studies, trend determination, alternative index determination, and composite index determination. The results reveal that the regional competitiveness in Luwu Raya is unevenly distributed. Palopo City is the region with the highest level of competitiveness, while two regencies, North Luwu and Luwu, have the lowest levels of competitiveness. The most influential aspect of regional competitiveness is infrastructure, as measured by data on the condition of paved roads and clean water distribution. The problem that needs to be addressed in almost all regions of Luwu Raya is poverty. Infrastructure is a pioneering indicator that can have a significant positive or negative impact on development in Luwu Raya. Therefore, it is expected that the government can focus its development policies on infrastructure to provide multiplier effects on economic and social aspects through inclusive economic growth and job creation.

Специфика продвижения на российском рынке недвижимости: анализ лучших практик и потребительских предпочтений

The primary real estate market has shown systematic growth since 2020 due to the stimulating demand by using mortgages with state support, as well as the availability of a project financing instrument that protects the buyer from the risks of losing money invested in shared construction. At the same time, the current unstable economic situation leads to a drop in demand caused by a decrease in purchasing power and rising inflation. This dynamics primarily indicates an increased number of proposals, a high level of competition and the risk of oversaturation for developers. In the current conditions the gap emerging in the real estate market between the existing supply and real demand will only increase, which will require developers to use tools and management solutions aimed at promoting the product in the real estate market and building effective personalized communication with clients. The success of marketing tools depends on companies' focus on consumer sentiment, behavior and preferences. The presented work analyzes the civil construction industry's best practices for interaction with buyers, taking into account their emotions, expectations and concerns.

Does corporate digitalization promote labor investment efficiency? Evidence from Chinese listed companies

This study examines whether and how corporate digitalization affects labor investment practices. Using a sample of Chinese listed companies from 2007 to 2023, we find that corporate digital development is positively associated with labor investment efficiency. Mechanism tests show that corporate digitalization can facilitate precise judgment of labor input scales, accelerate employment adjustment responsiveness, recruit high-quality potential workforce, and improve management oversight, thus contributing to making efficient labor investment decisions. Cross-sectional tests indicate that the positive impact of corporate digital development is more prominent for firms located in regions with stronger labor protection systems, industries with higher competition levels and those non-state-owned enterprises. Moreover, corporate digitalization can curb both over- and underinvestment in labor resources, and this effect is primarily manifested in firm’s hiring practices. Our findings contribute to the literature on the determinants of corporate labor investment efficiency and provide practice insight into the role of corporate digitalization in firm’s decision-making.