Individual Competition Research Articles

Combining multi-objective genetic algorithm and neural network dynamically for the complex optimization problems in physics

Neural network (NN) has been tentatively combined into multi-objective genetic algorithms (MOGAs) to solve the optimization problems in physics. However, the computationally complex physical evaluations and limited computing resources always cause the unsatisfied size of training set, which further results in the combined algorithms handling strict constraints ineffectively. Here, the dynamically used NN-based MOGA (DNMOGA) is proposed for the first time, which includes dynamically redistributing the number of evaluated individuals to different operators and some other improvements. Radio frequency cavity is designed by this algorithm as an example, in which four objectives and an equality constraint (a sort of strict constraint) are considered simultaneously. Comparing with the baseline algorithms, both the number and competitiveness of the final feasible individuals of DNMOGA are considerably improved. In general, DNMOGA is instructive for dealing with the complex situations of strict constraints and preference in multi-objective optimization problems in physics.

Take steps to prevent game‐day confrontations

There are lessons to be learned from the widespread media coverage of assaults that have occurred after an individual play or competition had ended. The incidents involved athletes physically confronting members of the opposing team, or obnoxious spectators who charged the field or who retaliated by charging the stands. While the circumstances have varied, the outcomes of these types of confrontations serve as an increasingly significant reminder from a liability perspective.

Scheduling non-permutation flowshop with finite buffers and two competitive agents

Flowshop scheduling is a popular and valuable optimisation model in academia. Application of the scheduling model for industrial problems has to consider real-world scenarios, such as non-permutation scheduling, finite buffers and individual competition from different customers. These non-negligibly factors can lead to a huge solution space, leaving it barely able to be effectively solved. Therefore, this study investigates a non-permutation bi-agent flowshop scheduling problem with limited buffers, where tasks are released over time and minimisation of a linear criterion (i.e. weighted combination of makespans) improves customer satisfaction. Mixed integer programming model is established for this strong NP-hardness problem that the optimum cannot be found in polynomial time. For small-scale instances, a branch and bound (B&B) algorithm is provided to achieve exact solutions, where effective non-delay pruning rules, well-designed lower and upper bounds are utilised to eliminate invalid nodes during searching. For medium-scale instances, a hybrid particle swarm optimisation (HPSO) algorithm is proposed to seek high-quality solutions, where a two-stage collaborative evolution promotes deep exploration, an efficient sequence-based rule amends infeasible solutions and several validated mechanisms enhances convergence. Evaluation of extensive computational experiments, including components evaluation and nonparametric test, demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented algorithms.

The "Agent-Based Modeling for Human Behavior" Special Issue.

The "Agent-Based Modeling for Human Behavior" Special Issue.

A review of the application of digital identity in the Metaverse

The development of the internet has immensely expanded people’s social scope, which has necessitated the utilization of digital identity. In regard to social networks, the utilization of anonymity or pseudonyms increases the attractiveness of the network. Nevertheless, because online payments, online transactions, and online assets are becoming prevalent features, virtualization is gradually exhibiting highly negative impacts. With respect to the Metaverse, digital identity is potentially a key factor, which can influence the balance that affects the association between anonymity and pseudonyms. To enhance the contemporary scenario and to facilitate the potential utilization of digital identity, this study considers the application of digital identity in the Metaverse, and it utilizes the “Enterprise IA” miniature model (Morey et al.). With regard to the current debate on digital identity, we analyzed the most prominent topic; thus, we explored the application rules pertaining to digital identity. We propose that the Metaverse is primarily characterized by its ability to digitalize the physical world. Furthermore, with respect to digital identity, the power of ownership still represents the fundamental issue. Using technologies such as blockchain and privacy filters, we can not only alter the governance logic and methods, but we can also balance the correlation between private rights and public interests. Thus, to solve the burgeoning identity trust crisis, individual competition for identity authorization rights, and privacy problems that characterize the Metaverse, we explore novel governance approaches.

Modern approaches to innovation management in the training of expert trainers under the program “management competence of managers in developing the psychological readiness of personnel for innovation”, as the basis for the development of individual competitiveness competence: integrative diagnostic, correctional, digital and stem methods

Modern approaches to innovation management in the training of expert trainers under the program “management competence of managers in developing the psychological readiness of personnel for innovation”, as the basis for the development of individual competitiveness competence: integrative diagnostic, correctional, digital and stem methods

Особливості дослідження пріоритетності психологічних компетентностей конкурентоздатності особистості в умовах інноваційної діяльності організацій, з використанням цифрових і STEM-методів (частина 13)

Особливості дослідження пріоритетності психологічних компетентностей конкурентоздатності особистості в умовах інноваційної діяльності організацій, з використанням цифрових і STEM-методів (частина 13)

Motivational strategies used by English teachers in Polish secondary schools and students’ motivated behaviour during lessons

Motivation is widely considered to be an aspect significantly affecting success in learning a foreign language. While motivation might be developed and maintained by different factors, it is crucial for learning to occur in an environment that is beneficial for the process. Teachers, being responsible for creating the classroom environment, can notably influence students’ motivation through the use of various strategies, and therefore impact their success in learning the language. This study attempts to examine and analyse motivational strategies used by teachers during English lessons in secondary schools, as well as consider students’ motivated behaviour in the classroom. In order to determine what strategies teachers use and how learners’ engagement changes, multiple classroom observations were conducted with the use of an observational sheet adapted from Dörnyei and Guilloteaux (2008). The strategies used by the teachers are analysed in terms of their possible relationship with the variables of students’ motivated behaviour. The presented results suggest that the majority of observed teachers frequently provide students with neutral feedback, while strategies such as promoting integrative values, including individual competition, or promoting instrumental values remain unpopular and not used. The total use of strategies declines from the beginning of the lesson to its final part. Some teachers generally use noticeably more motivational strategies than others. Students’ motivated behaviour was assessed, and the results imply fairly diverse engagement among the observed groups. No correlation was found between teachers’ motivational practices and students’ motivated behaviour. Further research should include a bigger sample and study other factors that could have an impact on students’ motivation.

ГРАФІЧНА ОСВІТА ЯК ВАЖЛИВА СКЛАДОВА ТВОРЧОГО ПРОФЕСІОНАЛІЗМУ МИТЦЯ В АРХІТЕКТУРНО-ХУДОЖНІЙ ПРАКТИЦІ

The specific tasks of training the future acquirer of creative specialties necessitate the mastery of hands graphics, which contributes to the development of spatial thinking, creative and practical skills, and understanding the specifics of graphic work. All the variety of graphic techniques is the basis of the principles on which the technology of building any images is built, which emphasizes the relevance of research issues in this direction. Graphic education consists of training a student in related disciplines, such as Descriptive Geometry, the Art of Font, Drawing and Painting etc. At the basis of any kind of art is an individual artistic form. Graphics is one of the most effective ways of forming and improving creative skills and the quality of learning in a Higher Educational Institution, including the need for comprehensive development and increasing the individual level of graphic culture, which will allow to significantly expand the scope of practical activities in the future. In this study, the greatest attention is paid to the analysis of methodical approaches to the improvement trends in the teaching of certain important sections of the disciplines «Descriptive Geometry» and «The Art of Font», which allow future specialists to increase their individual competitiveness in modern market conditions. Graphic skill is an important component of our students’ creative professionalism in any kind of art. The purpose of the research is to find and determine effective methods of developing the creative abilities of graphic professional training of first-year students of creative specialties. Our research is related to the Scientific-research work «Improving the organization of the educational process using distance learning methods and the methodology of teaching graphic disciplines for students of construction and architecture-art specialties based on the competence approach», which is conducted at the Department of «Descriptive Geometry and Engineering Graphics Odessa State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture (OSACEA) for many recent years.

Take steps to prevent game‐day confrontations between student‐athletes, fans

There are lessons to be learned from the recent widespread media coverage of assaults that occurred after an individual play or competition had ended. The incidents involved athletes physically confronting members of the opposing team, or with obnoxious spectators who charged the field or whose who retaliated by charging the stands. While the circumstances have varied, the outcomes of these types of confrontations serve as an increasingly significant reminder from a liability perspective.

Maternal encouragement of competitiveness and school adjustment in Chinese adolescents.

Due to rapid urbanization and modernization, individual competitiveness has become increasingly important for individuals to acquire success in the contemporary Chinese society. This 1-year longitudinal study examined the relations between maternal encouragement of competitiveness and adjustment in Chinese adolescents (N = 1,493, 720 boys, Mage = 13 years). Maternal encouragement of competitiveness was assessed using child reports, and information on adolescents' adjustment was obtained from peer reports, teacher ratings, and school records. The results showed that maternal encouragement of competitiveness was negatively related to later teacher-rated learning problems. Moreover, maternal encouragement of competitiveness positively contributed to later peer-assessed assertiveness and social status among those who were initially high on assertiveness and social status. The results were discussed in the Chinese context. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

NEW APPROACHES TO THE RESULTS ANALYSIS OF SEPARATE ATHLETICS MULTISPORT COMPETITIONS

The aim of the research is to study and analyze the dynamics of the results of individual athletic multisport competitions. The research was based on the study of the results of men's decathlon and women's heptathlon at the Olympic Games from 2000 to 2020. The initial data of this study were the existing results of elite and high-class athletes, taking into account some principles known and used in the literature. Athletic Multisport race is considered a complex technical competition, which combines different classical athletic competitions. The athlete is required to demonstrate strong willpower, to master the technique of certain types of competitions, to have a high level of motor abilities. In our opinion, the further improvement of sports results in multisport race among high-class athletes largely depends on the level of development of the speed-strength types of the competition program.

Take steps to prevent game‐day confrontations between student‐athletes, fans

There are lessons to be learned from the widespread media coverage of assaults that have occurred after an individual play or competition had ended.

Esports Players Are Less Extroverted and Conscientious than Athletes.

The worldwide status of esports as a sporting phenomenon has been developed in the past decade. However, as the esports industry has grown, it has remained an understudied scientific field. Esports is often contrasted with traditional sports regarding various aspects, including lack of physical activity and the online nature of social interactions. However, little is known whether individuals competing in esports-esports players-differ from individuals competing in traditional sports-athletes. To address this question, we examined the personality characteristics of both types of performers. We collected cross-sectional data on esports players' (n = 416) and athletes' (n = 452) personalities and performance characteristics. We found that esports players were less extroverted and conscientious than athletes. Furthermore, greater sports and esports experience was positively related to being more extroverted. Our findings contribute to the literature by documenting the preferences for competitive activities based on individuals' personality characteristics. We suggest that esports (rather than sports) might be a more suitable form of competition for less extroverted and conscientious individuals.

Pattern-Matching Kinematic Analysis of Glide Phase after Start with Different Techniques in Medley Swimming: An Olympic Champion Case

<strong>Background:</strong> The analysis of kinematic characteristics in the glide phase after the start of swimming is significantly valuable for the technical optimization of competition. However, in the traditional analysis of kinematic parameters in time series are generally similar in the time axis, but their corresponding relationship is unknown. <strong>Objective:</strong> The objective of this study is to identify the difference in kinematic parameters in underwater phases of hands-free start and hands-together start by using a case of an Olympic champion in men’s 200 m individual medley competition, through the dynamic time warp (DTW) pattern-matching approach. <strong>Methods:</strong> An Olympic gold medal winner in the men’s 200 m individual medley competition is the subject of this study. The start techniques of hands-together and hands-free were included in the comparison. A Marker-Free Subaqueous Motion Recognition System was used to capture the motion, and nonlinear regressions between each kinematic parameter were made according to their theoretical physical relationships. And the DTW was applied to conduct the pattern matching. <strong>Results:</strong> The majority of the resistance loads on the swimmer’s body in the subaqueous glide phase is the pressure drag of the water, and the swimmer will have a higher instantaneous and average velocity at the end of the start when the swimmer keeps his or her hands together and arms straight forward in the subaqueous glide phase due to the dynamic benefit prepared during the whole glide phase. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> A start technique with hands-together and arms straight forwards could create mechanical and kinematical advantages for the swimmer, and the advantages might come from the optimal preload for the muscle activation at the end of the glide phase.

Hegyi competition index decomposition to improve estimation accuracy of Larix olgensis crown radius

• A method for calculating the components of the Hegyi competition index is proposed. • Adding Hegyi competition index component to crown radius prediction model. • The role of Hegyi competition index component is explored by using the GAMs. • The quantitative expression of tree competition pressure in different directions. The current individual tree competition indexes cannot provide information on the competitive pressure of trees in different directions. To quantitatively describe the magnitude of competitive pressure on trees in different directions, this study proposes a method to calculate the magnitude of competitive pressure in the east, west, south, and north directions based on the Hegyi competition index. The Hegyi competition index was assumed as a vector and it is decomposed in two vertical directions by attributing a weight in each direction. Under the condition that the Hegyi index is constant, the Hegyi index is allocated to the four directions. Correlation analysis between the Hegyi competition index components in the four directions of trees and the crown radius of the corresponding azimuth was carried out. The crown radius prediction model containing the Hegyi competition index component was established by using Generalized additive models (GAMs). The results show that the Hegyi competition index component was significantly negatively correlated with the crown radius in the corresponding direction, and the correlation coefficient with the crown radius in the corresponding direction was the largest compared with other directions. The crown radius in the four directions decreased with the increase of the Hegyi competition index component in the corresponding direction, indicating that the competition pressure on the crown in a specific direction inhibited the growth and extension of the crown in this direction. After adding the Hegyi competition index component, the fitting effect of crown radius models in different directions is greatly improved. In general, the Hegyi competition index component quantitatively expresses the competitive pressure of trees in different directions. The proposed method has particular significance for the study of tree crown morphology and provides a new idea for studying the competitive growth relationship of plants.

Competitiveness of Individuals in the Labour Market During the Pandemic

The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed the behaviour of individuals and companies. This study aims to determine changes in the labour market behaviour of economically active individuals in the context of the pandemic and to identify competitive segments in this period. For this purpose, a representative survey (n = 3079) conducted in the Czech Republic was used. The paper’s contribution is a perspective of individuals’ behaviour and their perception of the situation. Based on subjective perceptions, respondents provided an assessment of their living situation before and during the pandemic, expressing their opinion on the importance of selected aspects of quality of life, such as their health, active social contacts, creation of financial savings, ability to pay bills, leisure time and coping with stressful situations. The results of a Wilcoxon test showed that individuals re-evaluated each aspect of life and that the pandemic changed the importance for all of them (except leisure time). This change is also reflected in their psyche, attitude towards work organisation, digitalisation and other factors; these were applied in a cluster analysis, which resulted in the identification of three segments in the group of employees in the labour market (competitive individuals, surviving individuals and those reluctant to respond to change). For the group of entrepreneurs, two segments emerged (flexible and loss-creating), while for the unemployed group, the typical segment can be described as dissatisfied and Covid victims. The names of these segments indicate their behaviour and provide possibilities for future use.

TEAM-BASED INNOVATION CONTESTS FOR CROWDSOURCING: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY ON IDEACONNECTION PLATFORM

Crowdsourcing for innovation contests represents a promising mechanism to access and integrate external ideas. Among various crowdsourcing types, online, team-based contest is one of the most prominent one. The objective of this study is to deepen the understanding of team-based crowdsourcing by exploring specifically the issues that characterise the innovation process of crowdsourcing in a virtual team setting. To empirically pursue this aim, we conducted an interview-based case study leveraging interviews of 106 solvers and 24 facilitators moderating the team of solvers, which have participated in contests through the IdeaConnection crowdsourcing platform. We found that five main issues characterise team-based crowdsourcing competitions: Platform support, Solvers skills, Solver motivation, Solutions, and Performance. Specifically, some of these issues are in line with previous literature investigating individual crowdsourcing competition, while others are novel highlighting the peculiarity of the virtual team setting.

The effect of bottom elimination system on individual competition: testing the N-effect

The effect of bottom elimination system on individual competition: testing the N-effect

Disabled students doing activism: Borrowing from and trespassing neoliberal reason in English higher education

The neoliberal rationale in English higher education promotes institutional and individual competition for economic success, often at the cost of equity and universalism. Within such context, there is a tendency to formalise student voice, for example, through professionalisation of students’ unions. This paper argues that neoliberalism and its effects on university practices enforce ableist culture, further marginalising disabled students. More specifically, the paper is concerned with how Disabled Students’ Officers – official full- or part-time student representatives of disabled students in English students’ unions – practise activism in response to universities’ neoliberal agendas. By utilising Foucault’s concept of governmentality and qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews with Disabled Students’ Officers, we explore the ways of doing disability activism in their experience. The findings indicate that activism as it is practised by participants is complex and contradictory, combining neoliberal ways of acting, i.e., evidence production, committee-based work and lobbying, with more subtle forms of critique and resistance related to collectivism, arts and ethics of care. By enabling critical reflections on participants’ experiences, this paper strives to encourage debate on renewed strategies and complexity and contradiction in activism, but also to highlight the potential for trespassing the dominant neoliberal rationale in higher education.