International Game Research Articles

Cardiovascular Response and Locomotor Demands of Elite Basketball Referees During International Tournament: A Within- and Between-Referee Analysis

There is little knowledge about within- and between-referee variation (WBRV) in cardiovascular responses (CVR) and locomotor game demands (LMD). Thus, the primary aim of this study was to assess the WBRV of CVR and LMD in male basketball referees during elite international games in preparation [e.g., warm-up (WU) and re-warm-up (R-WU)] and active game phases. The secondary aim was to explore quarter-by-quarter differences in CVR and LMD. Thirty-five international male referees took part in this study (age, 40.4 ± 5.4 years; body height, 184.9 ± 5.7 cm; body weight, 85.1 ± 7.5 kg; BMI, 24.0 ± 1.7 kg × m−2; fat%, 18.8 ± 4.7% and VO2max, 50.4 ± 2.2 L × kg−1 × min−1. In total, 76 games (e.g., 228 officiating cases) were analyzed during the FIBA elite men’s competition. They officiated 4.5 games on average (range 3–9 games). Each referee used the Polar Team Pro system to measure CVR [e.g., heart rate (HR), time spent in different HR intensity categories] and LMD (e.g., distance covered, maximal and average velocity, and number of accelerations). Results showed that the referees had bigger WBRV during the active and preparation (e.g., W-U than R-WU) phase when variables of higher CVR and LMD intensity were observed (e.g., time spent at higher HR zones, distance covered in higher speed zones). The WBRV, CVR, and LMD were higher during WU than R-WU. Moreover, the referees had a lower CVR and LMD in the second half. In conclusion, the referees should establish and follow consistently a game-to-game preparation routine and attempt to spread their on-court preparation time equally within the crew. A half-time preparation routine should be improved to re-establish a sufficient activation level similar to that achieved in pre-game preparation.

Wellness status and training load among Malaysian rugby players during Asia rugby men's champi-onship 2023: a comparative analysis

The Asia Rugby Men's Championship (ARMC) is a well-known platform for rugby teams in the area to exhibit their abilities and compete on an international level. The tournament's physical and psychological strains on competitors may have consequences for their overall health. The purpose of this study is to look at the training load and the acute-to-chronic workload ratio (ACWR) and to evaluate the wellness on the Malaysia Rugby squad during the Asia Rugby Men's Championship 2023. The study enlisted the participation of 30 Malaysia Rugby squad members. Throughout the competition, training load data such as session time, session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE), and numerous wellness indicators such as fatigue, sleep quality, mood, muscular soreness, and stress level were thoroughly evaluated. The ACWR was determined by dividing the chronic workload rolling average by the acute workload rolling average. The data demonstrated differences in training load patterns and ACWR values and self-report questionnaires were used to collect data for wellness status throughout the competition. The study emphasizes the significance of monitoring training load to optimize player performance and reduce the risk of injury during strenuous rugby tournaments. The study reveals wellness difficulties faced by Malaysia Rugby players at ARMC 2023, guiding personalized interventions to enhance well-being and performance during international rugby games. It also enhances understanding of training load management approaches and may guide future training methods for similar events. Keywords. training load monitoring, acute-to-chronic workload ratio (ACWR), Malaysia Rugby, athlete performance, injury risk, wellness status, player well-being.

The Influencing Factors of RMB Exchange Rate in the Background of Anti-globalizationAn Empirical Evidence Based on VAR Model

Affected by the epidemic and geopolitics, global economic growth has slowed down, trade protectionism has begun to emerge, and anti-globalization sentiment has begun to sprout. With the pace of the Federal Reserve's interest rate hike, the global exchange rate, especially the RMB exchange rate, is gradually under pressure, which has a great impact on the economy and financial sector of the whole country. The research topic of this paper is the influencing factors of the RMB exchange rate in the background of anti-globalization, and the empirical analysis of the VAR model based on Stata software. The study found that rising domestic interest rates, a rising balance between import and export trade and rising uncertainty about US economic policy will lead to the appreciation of the RMB, while the growth of money supply will lead to the depreciation of RMB. It is worth noting that the RMB exchange rate is less affected by the uncertain economic policy factors in the United States, which shows that under the current anti-globalization and international game background, China still has a relatively independent control of the foreign exchange market.

New learning method with ERP business simulation game: What can we learn?

This Study explores the effectiveness of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) business simulation games on user competencies. This Study Uses a qualitative descriptive methodology, and the informants of this research have been winning in national and international business simulation games (both students and alums). Traditional pedagogical approaches need to be revised to explain the rich dynamics arising from business environments. As a result, they also consider incorporating new educational aids into their curriculums, i.e., business simulation games. Participants indicated that interacting with these simulations enhanced their understanding of business topics and resulted in soft skills growth. Current working alumni said they felt more capable of acclimating to the professional world. However, the Study unearthed that comparatively few higher education institutions incorporate business simulation games in their teaching practices. The result shows that with the development of technology, there is a transformation in how business functions; integration of these tools into educational frameworks becomes essential to narrow the knowledge theory gap and knowledge application. These results suggest the importance of universities introducing technology tools, particularly ERP business simulations, into their curricula for Business and Economics courses (single or joint honors) alongside accounting.

Problem państw de facto w stosunkach międzynarodowych w okresie dekolonizacji w Afryce

THE PROBLEM OF DE FACTO STATES IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS DURING THE DECOLONISATION IN AFRICA: THE CASE OF KATANGA AND SOUTH KASAI In modern history of Sub-Saharan Africa there have been several attempts of secession, most of which failed. Some of them were successful, such as Eritrea or South Sudan, others were close to success, such as Katanga in the Belgian Congo or Biafra in Nigeria, and some others never had any practical chances of success, such as Cabinda, aiming to separate from Angola, or South Kasai from Congo. The Republic of Congo, one of the largest countries in Sub Saharan Africa, was the first of the independent states in this region to experience civil war and separatism. This former Belgian colony gained independence on 30 June 1960 and was plunged into an internal conflict just two weeks later. The military rebellion and the chaos that arose in the country after the declaration of independence were used by politicians from the mineral-rich Katanga and South Kasai provinces. The conflict, taking place in the realities of the Cold War and decolonisation, became an element of a larger international game between the Western world, the Eastern bloc, and non-aligned countries. Katanga is the only example so far when the international community has made an effort towards ending secession of an unrecognised state and has tried to restore state unity using military force through the United Nations.

Improvement of Jet Lag and Travel Fatigue Symptoms and Their Association with Prior International Travel Experience in Junior Athletes.

Jet lag and travel fatigue can occur after crossing multiple time zones in a short period of time, possibly affecting various aspects of an athlete's behavior. However, there are few studies regarding this issue, particularly considering junior athletes. This study aimed to investigate and quantify the symptoms of jet lag and travel fatigue and the factors impacting these conditions. A survey was completed by 41 Japanese junior athletes (21 men and 20 women), competing at an international game in Finland, to assess their performance, sleeping habits, digestion, fatigue, and jet lag on the first day of arrival and on the opening day of the competition. Although athletes awoke less often during sleep on the opening day of the competition compared with the first day, sleep time, ease of falling asleep, and sleep quality decreased significantly. Prior experience traveling abroad for international competitions was positively associated with improvements regarding ease of falling asleep (coefficient = 2.22, p = 0.01), quality of sleep (coefficient = 2.16, p = 0.02), and alertness after waking up (coefficient = 1.85, p = 0.05) by the opening day of the competition when compared with the results for athletes who had no such prior experiences. Junior athletes experience symptoms of jet lag and travel fatigue that may persist until the day of competition, and prior experience traveling abroad may help in alleviating their symptoms.

Digital geographies of home: parenting practices in the space between gaming and gambling

ABSTRACT This paper advances debates at the intersection of geographies of children, youth and families, digital geographies, and geographies of home. We argue that social, seasonal and limited time are vitally important for understanding the new landscape between gaming and gambling and have wider analytical purchase for geographers. This paper reveals parenting practices connected to the multi-billion-dollar industry of paid-for currency in digital games used to access gambling style systems and chance-based mechanisms such as loot boxes. We use this timely example to develop new digital geographies of home from original interviews with families based in England on their everyday lived experiences of gambling-style systems in digital games as well as data from video ethnographies with children and young people and interviews with international game designers. This paper challenges current understandings by examining how parents make sense of gambling-related harms and demonstrates the spatial and temporal dynamics of purchasing decisions, rules, and associated conflicts in domestic space. We argue these systems in digital games shape and are shaped by family geographies. This paper concludes by outlining its relevance for the social and health sciences at a time of intense legislative interest in the increasingly blurred space between gaming and gambling.

The Atlanta University Center’s (AUC) Robert W. Woodruff Library’s Growing Partnerships and Outreach to Support Its Annual International Games Day

The Atlanta University Center’s (AUC) Robert W. Woodruff Library’s Growing Partnerships and Outreach to Support Its Annual International Games Day

Dual Interactive Mode Human-Machine Interfaces Based on Triboelectric Nanogenerator and IGZO/In2O3 Heterojunction Synaptic Transistor.

Imitating human neural networks via bio-inspired electronics advances human-machine interfaces (HMI), overcoming von Neumann limitations and enabling efficient, low-energy data processing in the big data era. However, single-contact mode HMIs have inherent limitations in terms of their capabilities and performances, such as constrained adaptability to dynamic environments, and reduced cognitive processing capabilities. Here, a dual-interactive-mode HMI system based on a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and heterojunction synaptic transistor (HJST) is proposed for both contact and non-contact applications. The TENG incorporates a poly-methyl meth-acrylate (PMMA)-NiCo2S4/S film, in which the NiCo2S4/S composite traps and blocks electrons to optimize charge generation and storage. The heterojunction structure, mitigates the Debye screening effect, thereby improving transistor characteristics and reliability. The integrated TENG-HJST system exhibits synaptic functions, including excitatory/inhibitory postsynaptic current (EPSC/IPSC), paired-pulse facilitation/depression (PPF/PPD), and synaptic plasticity, enabling emulation of neural behavior and advanced information processing. Moreover, neural morphology manipulation is demonstrated in practical tasks, such as controlling international chess games. By integrating the TENG-HJST device with a robotic hand, conscious artificial responses are generated, enhancing event accuracy. This breakthrough in dual-interactive-mode interfacing holds promise for HMI systems and neural prostheses.

Becoming a Chinese football fan: an examination of the influence of national and local identities on the development of Chinese football fandom

ABSTRACT The article explores how national and local identities influence Chinese football fandom. Previous research has failed to provide detailed analysis about how these two social identities influence the process of fans’ self-identification. This study uses fans of Henan Jianye Football Club and Shenzhen Football Club because they can typically represent native and internal immigrant fans in China as examples to fill the knowledge gap. By combining the experiences of these two fan groups, the article reveals that international games and the feeling of supporting the nation can strengthen the influence of national identity on fandom for the national football team. It also reveals that fans’ recognition of their teams’ local symbolic status stimulates local identity in developing native fans’ support for local football clubs. Although internal immigrant fans do not share their local identities, their desire to acquire local affiliation also allows local identity to affect their fandom.

Rugby union, class and ‘Middle Ireland’ in Irish media

Although graduates of elite Irish fee-paying schools are disproportionately represented in the Irish men’s national rugby union team, Irish international games are among the most popular on Irish terrestrial television, signifying rugby’s growth as a spectator sport in Ireland. This article examines the role of Irish print, broadcast media and related publications in popularising elite-level Irish rugby. Employing a principally Bourdieusian theoretical perspective it analyses how media representation obscures the significance of class background and elite schooling in facilitating players’ individual and collective social advancement and material gain prior to, in and beyond rugby careers. One is by highlighting players’ relatability and transcendence of class privilege as the antithesis of the popular Irish caricature of an arrogant, privately educated former schools rugby player, Ross O’Carroll Kelly. The second is the displacement of class, in media representations, onto narratives, and performances, of regional and stylistic variety that are contained within an all-encompassing, inclusive conceptualization of ‘middle Ireland’.

Updating Angling Records to Advance Sport Fish Conservation: A Case Study of IGFA's Black Bass World Records

As taxonomic studies revise our understanding of biodiversity, both fisheries managers and the angling public must adapt to best conserve fisheries. Unfortunately, communication gaps between scientists and anglers may result in lags and inaccuracies in the taxonomic information available to anglers. We updated the International Game Fish Association (IGFA)'s black bass Micropterus spp. world records to current taxonomic consensus. Seven new species were acknowledged for all‐tackle world record availability, and four of seven existing species records were revised. Florida Bass M. salmoides (formerly M. floridanus), Neosho Bass M. velox, and four members of the Redeye Bass species complex (M. cahabae, M. chattahoochae, M. tallapoosae, and M. warriorensis) are now recognized. Additionally, Alabama Bass M. henshalli—an emerging invasive species—is now distinguished from the smaller, broadly distributed Spotted Bass M. punctulatus. A misidentified specimen resulted in vacant all‐tackle records for Shoal Bass M. cataractae and Redeye Bass M. coosae. Genetic verification is warranted in the future, but implementation may create accessibility barriers to record submissions. We hope these efforts will encourage anglers to learn more about black bass diversity, to pursue their own world record catches, and to gain awareness of the conservation challenges threatening this iconic group.

Shifts in the size and distribution of marine trophy fishing world records

Abstract The extensive nature of recreational angling makes it difficult to explore trends in global catches. However, trophy fishing world records may provide an insight into recreational fishing pressure on the largest species and size classes. Trophy fishing is promoted and recorded by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), who manage an 80‐year database on the largest individuals of a species caught – called all‐tackle records (ATRs) – with information on the size and location of each record catch. We analyse these data to explore temporal trends in the size of record‐setting fishes, determine how past and present ATR catches are distributed globally, and examine trends in records for International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) threatened species. The number of ATRs, and the number of species awarded an ATR, have increased significantly over the past 80 years. New records are for increasingly smaller maximum‐sized species of fish, with the average sized record shifting from 167.7 kg in the 1950s to 8.1 kg in the 2010s. ATRs for species listed as threatened (Vulnerable or higher) on the IUCN Red List have also declined by approximately 66% over the past two decades. Records were unevenly distributed around the world but have spread globally over time. Historically, ATRs were concentrated around the coastline of the USA but in recent decades more were reported in areas such as Japan and New Zealand. These data either reflect a shift away from mainly targeting large taxa to targeting a wider variety of smaller species, or that there are now limited larger specimens and so fewer ATRs are being set. Additionally, the scarcity of new records for threatened species appears to support IUCN assessments of their poor stock status. The spread of ATRs suggests a growing pressure on the largest size classes in regions with previously little trophy fishing pressure. We encourage the greater use of catch‐and‐release initiatives and mandatory data collection for all near records to better quantify trophy fishing pressure and ensure sustainable practices.

Persian game localization scene in Iran: taking stock

ABSTRACT The present study focuses on providing a descriptive account of the Persian game localization scene by offering a diachronic and synchronic account of the video games localized in the Iranian market. This is done through compiling a list of the officially and unofficially localized video games into Persian between 2000 and 2022. The localized video games are analyzed in terms of localization company, publication date, genre, platform, and localization levels. The findings suggest that official Persian game localization has been in place since the early-2000s, whereas the unofficial localization of video games is a rather incipient phenomenon in Iran, starting in the mid-2010s. Furthermore, partial localization, focused on the dubbing of games’ audio assets, used to be the most frequent localization level aimed at by official Iranian localization companies, while official game localization is currently carried out at the level of box and docs localization. Additionally, partial localization is the preferred localization level by unofficial Iranian game localization teams, with subtitles and user interface of video games being localized into Persian. The findings have implications for international game development and localization companies considering Iran, and similarly oft-ignored locales, as a potential target market.

Temporary or Permanent Peace? Analysis of the Multi-lateral International Game behind the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict from a Realism Perspective

Territorial disputes have always been a sensitive focus in international politics. After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan and Armenia broke out in large-scale wars in an underdeveloped area of only a few hundred thousand square kilometers, which lasted for almost a century. Thousands of soldiers and civilians died and thousands were displaced. In early September 2023, in the latest battle between the two countries, two soldiers were killed and one injured, which aroused widespread attention and concern from the international community. Against the background of tense situations, major powers such as the United States and Russia began to intervene in an attempt to calm the dispute. However, both sides still blamed each other and resolutely safeguarded their territories and rights. This crisis involves not only the people of the two countries but also the interests of neighboring countries. Both Turkey and Iran have important strategic interests in the region and have close historical and cultural ties with Azerbaijan and Armenia. The situation is changing, and what time is left for this game is only more complex dilemmas and people who are miserable. Based on the theory of international relations, this article attempts to analyze from a realist perspective why Azerbaijan and Armenia have been in a state of conflict for a long time. It also explains the occurrence and evolution of the conflict between the two countries and finally comments on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The study of this incident is conducive to a clearer understanding of the historical changes in the Nagorno-Karabakh region and the far-reaching impact of the conflict between the two countries on regional and international relations.

Under-Fuelling for the Work Required? Assessment of Dietary Practices and Physical Loading of Adolescent Female Soccer Players during an Intensive International Training and Game Schedule.

Previous studies demonstrate that "under-fuelling" (i.e., reduced carbohydrate (CHO) and energy intake (EI) in relation to recommended guidelines) is prevalent within adult female soccer players, the consequence of which may have acute performance and chronic health implications. However, the dietary practices of adolescent female soccer players, a population who may be particularly at risk for the negative aspects of low energy availability (LEA), are not well documented. Accordingly, we aimed to quantify EI and CHO intake, physical loading and estimated energy availability (EA) in elite national team adolescent female soccer players (n = twenty-three; age, 17.9 ± 0.5 years) during a 10-day training and game schedule comprising two match days on day six (MDa) and nine (MDb). The players self-reported their EI via the remote food photography method, whilst the physical loading and associated exercise energy expenditure were assessed via GPS technology. The relative CHO intake was significantly greater (all p < 0.05) on the day before the first match (MD-1a) (4.1 ± 0.8 g·kg-1), on the day before the second match (MD-1b) (4.3 ± 1.1 g·kg-1), MDa (4.8 ± 1.2 g·kg-1) and MDb (4.8 ± 1.4 g·kg-1) in comparison to most other days (<4 g·kg-1). The mean daily measured EA over the 10-day period was 34 ± 12 kcal·kg FFM-1·day-1 (with six players, i.e., 34%, presenting LEA), though, when adjusting the energy intake for potential under-reporting, these values changed substantially (44 ± 14 kcal·kg FFM-1·day-1, only one player was classed as presenting LEA). Such data suggest that the prevalence of LEA amongst female team sport athletes may be over-estimated. Nonetheless, players are still likely under-fuelling for the work required in relation to the daily CHO recommendations (i.e., >6 g·kg-1) for intensive training and game schedules. These data provide further evidence for the requirement to create and deliver targeted player and stakeholder education and behaviour change interventions (especially for younger athletes) that aim to promote increased daily CHO intake in female soccer players.

국제 게임 유통 플랫폼에 대한 게임물 등급분류 제도의 적용 문제

With the advent of the era when games can be downloaded or played in real time regardless of borders, the importance of international game distribution platforms in the game industry is increasing. However, in the case of Steam, the world's biggest international game distribution platform, it is problematic because it is not properly subject to the domestic game classification system.&#x0D; There are many discussions on the need for improvement in the game classification system, but it is problematic that games that have not been classified are exposed to the public through large international game distribution platforms unless the function of youth protection, which is one of the main purposes of the classification system, is overlooked.&#x0D; In the text, we first look at the history and institutional purpose of the game product classification system, and the rating system overseas, and based on this, we look at the disciplinary system under the current game industry law. Furthermore, it examines how overseas game products are handled in the Game Industry Act, whether the concept definition is appropriate, and how the rating for international game distribution platforms such as Steam should be classified.&#x0D; In conclusion, it is necessary to clarify the concept of overseas game products under the Korean Game Industry Act so that it can be harmonized with the current game classification system. This is because there are already separate autonomous classifications and fines for overseas games, but the establishment of a clear concept category will serve as the basis for systematic regulations and responses to flooding overseas games in the future.&#x0D; In addition, it is necessary to go through close cooperation with major international game distribution platform operators in the future, and gradually proceed with basic discussions such as the introduction of a simple age authentication system and random exposure restrictions on adult games.&#x0D; In particular, since the influx of adult games from international game distribution platforms is not only a problem in Korea, it is also possible to consider cooperating with overseas game rating agencies or organizations. Furthermore, it is necessary to come up with legislative policy measures to properly regulate overseas game products in the long-term direction of improving the game classification system, and in-depth discussions need to be conducted in academia in the future.

델파이기법을 통한 한국야구 국가대표팀의 경쟁력강화 방안도출

The purpose of this study was to present factors that can strengthen the competitiveness of the Korean national baseball team through the Delphi technique. In this study, Delphi survey was conducted on players with experience in the Korean national baseball team, leaders(coaches, staffs, trainers) and players with experience in Korean professional baseball league, professional baseball field experts and physical education professors. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 people in the first Delphi survey and 15 people in the second Delphi survey. As a result of the analysis, a total of four top factors were derived, including “operation in international competitions”, “support for international games”, “selection and composition of the national team squad”, and “national team player management”. In addition, 21 sub-categories were finally selected to improve competitiveness for the Korean national baseball team, and their validity was verified. This study is meaningful in that the findings suggest practical strategies to improve the competitiveness of international competitions in Korean baseball.

On the C-E Translation of the Chengdu Public Signs from the Perspective of Communication Theory

With the rapid development of economy and technology, China’s overall national strength, international status and influence have increased considerably. China has entered into the cultural output era, and it is important to tell China’s stories well, spread China’s voice and present a real and comprehensive China to the world. In the past several decades, China’s practical cooperation with other countries continues to develop, as well as the larger international games and conferences, attracting a quantity of people from overseas travelling in and out of China. Most public places have offered pubic signs in bilingual language, which effectively serve people at home and abroad. The public signs have become the most direct and common medium for people around the world to get to know China. Meanwhile, the quality of public signs’ translation directly reflects the social landscape and human civilization of a country and a city. This essay will focus on the Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games to be held from July to August 2023, and jointly study the 5W mode of communication with the Chinese-English Dictionary of Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games Public Signs, discuss and analyze the quality and communication effect of Chinese-English public signs in the five aspects of communication subject, content, media, audience and effect, hoping can provide some new insights to the public signs’ translation.

Is there a liability of foreignness or foreign privilege in developing nation compliance monitoring?

PurposeDrawing on the international business and game theory literature, this study assesses foreign firm treatment in the early stages of regulatory enforcement.Design/methodology/approachTreating regulation intensity as an exposure variable, negative binomial regression models were applied to firm-level data from 32 emerging markets (n = 15,331) to identify the determinants of inspection interactions. Robustness checks also were performed via variable substitutions for several predictors and an alternative form of statistical testing (i.e. Tobit regression, since it arguably better addresses dependent variables with corner solution responses).FindingsControlling for multiple organizational, regulatory and national characteristics, the findings are consistent with a foreign privilege, manifesting in reduced vulnerability to multiple encounters with labor inspection officials. Moreover, inward FDI stock was negatively related to the general probability of repeat interactions regardless of locus of ownership, an effect that was not moderated by stage of development or the regulatory influence of host interest groups. This collectively suggests that foreign firms not only are favored in compliance monitoring but also work post-entry to influence agencies to generally benefit business.Research limitations/implicationsMore comprehensive assessments were precluded given the lack of information on reasons for contact, citations and fines, and inspectorate reactions to company responses. Second, enforcement-risk management was measured indirectly since investors' internal dealings and actions toward officials are unavailable in secondary sources.Practical implicationsThese findings have important implications for social responsibility, suggesting CSR stakeholders need to track enforcement more closely and exert pressure where needed so rights are not sacrificed for economic development.Originality/valueThis study provides the most rigorous assessment to date of the role that firm, government and economic factors play in national inspection targeting. It also examined whether foreign owners pool and leverage their political influence to impact general inspection activity, a previously untested prospect.