Major Competition Research Articles

Shielding competitiveness: Germany’s wage policy during the inflation shock years in comparative perspective

We analyse wage developments in Germany during the inflation shock years of 2021–2023 from three perspectives: cost of living, supply-side cost pressure, and relational. With an export-led growth model, Germany is dependent on a favourable real effective exchange rate. Because of its above-average exposure to the energy crisis and low unemployment, Germany was particularly vulnerable to strong wage demands, putting at risk its cost competitiveness. In response to the inflation crisis, moderate collective bargaining outcomes have resulted from widespread use of one-off payments, longer duration of collective agreements, and ‘zero-month’ clauses, which have delayed wage increases. As in all other eurozone countries, employees have suffered real wage losses, but nominal wage increases at the lower end of the labour market fared better than average. Major competitiveness shifts have occurred in the eurozone, particularly to the detriment of Eastern European countries and the Baltics, but not Germany.

Race and athletic performance: 2015 sports data analysis

Using methods such as literature review, statistical analysis, and logical reasoning, this study analyzes the influence of race on athletic performance based on data from three major competitions. It concludes that there are disparities among different races in terms of biological genetics and social backgrounds, as well as variations in the technical characteristics of different sports. The findings indicate that Black athletes have a significant advantage in track and field events, White athletes excel in swimming and strength-based sports, while Asian athletes perform well in skill-based events.

AN EFFICIENT METHOD TO EVALUATE AND ENHANCE SPORT JUDGES’ PERFORMANCE DURING COMPETITION: A CASE STUDY IN ACROBATIC GYMNASTICS

Who judges the gymnastics judges? How do we measure their accuracy and concordance? How do we know if the judging process is fair? The superior jury has this responsibility. However, they normally lack time to provide effective feedback during competitions. Using macro functions to process statistical and mathematical statements, we designed and validated an automated Excel-based tool called the Automatic Acrobatic Gymnastics Judges Individual Report Tool to evaluate judges’ performances quickly and easily during competition, automatically creating and exporting individual reports showing each judge’s accuracy and concordance performance on a daily basis, rather than after the competition is ended. We present empirical data for 76 experienced international judges evaluating acrobatic gymnastics routines in four major official events. A total of 1240 individual reports were analyzed and sent confidentially to the judges during the competition, and 952 were analyzed to evaluate whether this feedback was effective in improving judges’ performance during the competition. The tool provides efficient and easily understood evidence-based feedback on acrobatic gymnastics judges’ performance during competition, quickly and automatically creating, analyzing and sending individualized information to judges, thus helping with specific Technical Committee scoring control tasks during competitions. We suggest that judges' performances remain high or are enhanced after receiving daily evaluation during major competition events.

The Role of Soft Power in Great Power Rivalries: Challenges, Solutions, and Strategies, Focus on International Relations Theories

The rebirth of major power competition has led to a significant transformation in the global order. This study digs into the complex nature of this occurrence, examining its underlying reasons, displays, and possible outcomes in deferent angle. By utilizing a comparative analysis of realist, liberal, constructivist, and critical theoretical perspectives, the paper aims to shed light on the theoretical foundations of the current geopolitical dynamics. By critically assessing these theories, this paper highlights major obstacles to global stability, such as the escalation of arms races, the decline of multilateral institutions, and the increased threat of interstate conflicts and misunderstanding. Furthermore, this paper explores potential ways for collaboration and conflict resolution, drawing on insights from a variety of theoretical frameworks together with existing and current example from different conflicting countries. Marxism and Feminism are also highly shown in this paper which mostly focus on discussing their views toward GPC. In essence, this paper tries to develop our comprehension of major power competition and guide the formulation of efficient strategies to mitigate its destabilizing impacts.

Why emerging and disruptive capabilities are a mixed blessing for NATO as a nuclear alliance

ABSTRACT Over the past decade, the world has entered the third nuclear age. One of the most important characteristics of this new nuclear age is the rise of emerging and disruptive capabilities that could influence and have implications for the credibility of nuclear deterrence, next to renewed major power competition and an emerging nuclear multipolarity. These capabilities create both benefits and challenges for the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). This was recognised in the new Strategic Concept of the Alliance adopted at the 2022 Madrid Summit. This article reviews the existing literature on emerging and disruptive capabilities and discusses the implications of these capabilities for NATO as a nuclear alliance. As these capabilities will be further developed and deployed by both allies and potential adversaries, they are likely to prove a mixed blessing for the alliance as a whole.

Stepping back or stepping in: A qualitative investigation of self-distanced versus self-immersed stressor reflections with competitive swimmers.

High performance sport consists of stressor events which can disrupt an athletes' functioning and negatively influence performance. The way in which one reflects upon stressor events and develops insights regarding how they coped is essential to overcoming similar experiences in the future. We conducted a pilot randomised controlled trial with a qualitative analysis to explore the coping insights among 48 highly trained/national level swimmers in the lead up to major swimming competitions, who reflected on stressor events from self-distanced or self-immersed perspectives over a 3-week period. Using the self-reflection and coping insight framework as a guideline, we captured diverscoping insights across both groups. Irrespective of the group to which they were assigned, athletes showed positive signs towards re-interpreting their stressor experience and embracing the stressor event, whereas consideration of individual values and adoption of a future-focus viewpoint were areas lacking. The emotionality described by athletes in their written reflections varied across both groups and influenced the development of coping insights. Our findings indicate a necessity to examine the emotionality associated with unique stressor events and consider integrating reflection strategies, while also enhancing the operational definitions within conceptual models of stress reflection protocols.

Analysis on the Training Path of Team Cohesion of Cheerleading Teams in Colleges and Universities

After years of development, college education has undergone significant changes. Most of the training content is to enable students to grow better, enrich the teaching content, strengthen the individual team spirit and competitiveness, which is of great significance for college students to enter the society in the future. Nowadays, cheerleading is an important part of many universities major competitions. By cultivating students team cohesion, students can have better results in the team. This paper analyzes the development history of cheerleading and focuses on the cultivation strategy of cheerleading cohesion. ??Cheerleading is a sport that has been developed in recent years. It is still in the early stage in our country, but it is favored by Chinese people. Now most universities have cheerleading operations as their main large-scale competitions. By cultivating cohesion, students sense of teamwork is improved. Cheerleading is a kind of sports and fitness program, which can not only make you happy, but also shape your physical beauty. Therefore, cheerleading integrates the movements of body cheerleading and bodybuilding cheerleading, which can show the team spirit of youth and vitality. In the training process of colleges and universities, cultivating students cohesion is the most important, which needs everyone to work together to complete. Therefore, in the teaching stage, we need to encourage students to improve their team consciousness.

Казахская народная музыка в саксофонных произведениях композиторов Казахстана

This article is about studying the saxophone works of Kazakh composers Arthur Orenburgsky, Alibi Abdinurov and Yulia Lebedeva, based on Kazakh folk music. These compositions have become an important part of the performing and pedagogical practice of saxophonists in Kazakhstan, and they are regularly performed at major concert venues, festivals and competitions. The purpose of the work is to study the process of creating compositions, their role in the formation of the national repertoire and the development of performing practice, as well as to identify the characteristic features in style and performance technique.The authors use various methods in their research: complex approach, including analytical and historical that includes collection and exploration of archival material, as well as anthropological method like interviews with Kazakh composers and teachers of saxophone class of the Kurmangazy Kazakh National Conservatory.The study revealed the main musical characteristics of saxophone compositions corresponding to Kazakh traditional music: metrical freedom, improvisation, uniqueness of rhythm, shaping and timbre. The studied works represent the authors’ reinterpretation of traditional primary sources, through imitation of rhythmic elements of dombra playing and sound production characteristic of folk wind instruments. These elements define the national color in music and can be considered as “ethnic identity”.From a practical point of view, this work will be useful for musicians, teachers and researchers interested in the synthesis of folk and contemporary music, unique stylistic features and new possibilities of using the saxophone in Kazakh musical culture.

Training Load Monitoring in Elite Youth Women's Artistic Gymnasts: A Pilot Study.

Women's artistic gymnastics (WAG) is a complex aesthetic sport in which athletes start at a young age and are exposed to high loads during their careers. Little is known about the external and internal training load characteristics among elite young gymnasts. High training loads, with variations over the weeks, are expected. There is a relationship between external and internal load variables. Cohort study. Level 3. Seven elite-level Brazilian youth artistic gymnasts (age, 11.3 ± 0.4 years; mass, 33.0 ± 7.0 kg; height, 137.7 ± 10.6 cm; experience, 4.0 ± 1.2 years) participated in this study. Five nonconsecutive microcycles were monitored. Both external and internal training loads were quantified by counting the number of elements in video recordings of training sessions and by the session rating of perceived exertion method. A total of 168 individual training sessions were monitored. The microcycle that succeeded the main competition showed a significantly lower training load than ≥3 of the other 4 microcycles for all training load variables, except for vault elements, of which microcycle 4 was inferior only to the microcycle before the competition. Significant correlations were found between weekly internal training load and the total of elements and elements performed on uneven bars. Youth women's artistic gymnasts present fluctuations in external and internal training load variables over the weeks close to a major competition. Training load management in this sport must consider the specificity of each apparatus, as they have different demands and training load behaviors. A better comprehension of external and internal training loads in youth WAG and its apparatuses can benefit coaches and support staff and provide more information to overcome the challenge of training load management in gymnastics.

Setting sail for Paris 2024: Retrospective analysis of world-class ILCA 7 Olympic sailors' cardiorespiratory fitness (2015-2020).

The aim of this retrospective analysis was to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the cardiorespiratory profile of world-class ILCA-7 sailors (n=3, all males), through a longitudinal evaluation offering real-world data on physiological profile and exercise intensity domains. The cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) was performed by the same researchers using the same equipment during the study. Assessments took place twice a year, aligning with major international competition preparations. Participants trained and competed at the same sailing club in Split, Croatia, under consistent supervision from the same team throughout the study, winning a total of 21 medals at major international competitions. The recorded ranged from 51.7±1.6 to 61.9±3.0mLmin-1kg-1, respectively. Similarly, peak power output varied from 352±10 to 426±34W. The changes in physiological responses at the ventilatory thresholds were proportional to the changes in peak cardiorespiratory fitness capacity. Interestingly, the oxygen pulse measured in 2015 was 25±1mLO2beat-1. Over the subsequent 6 years, the O2 pulse marginally increased and appeared to stabilize at 27±1mLO2beat-1 in 2020, when these athletes were 32±3 years old. This work offers a broader understanding of world-class Olympic sailors' cardiorespiratory fitness, going beyond the standard assessment of peak to incorporate an analysis of ventilatory thresholds. While a direct link between cardiorespiratory fitness and competitive success remains ambiguous, the importance of a well-rounded aerobic capacity for excellence in ILCA-7 sailing class is evident. HIGHLIGHTS: What is the central question of this study? What are the temporal changes in the physiological profiles of three world-class ILCA-7 sailors? What is the main finding and its importance? Data on oxygen pulse adjustments suggest the involvement of compensatory cardiovascular mechanisms, likely associated with the isometric and quasi-isometric contractions inherent in ILCA-7 sailing. This is evidenced by the absence of an age-related increase in oxygen pulse, a phenomenon often observed in endurance athletes throughout their competitive careers.

Control of the physical and technical fitness of elite professional rugby union players

Background. Rugby is one of the most popular sports abroad, that must have good physical, psychological, physiological, functional, technical condition for every athlete. The search for set of tests for monitoring the physical and technical fitness to achieve the successful performance of an athlete or a team in major competitions in Elite Professional Rugby Union Players continues to be an urgent problem. Purpose. This study aims to substantiate and develop a set of tests for monitoring the physical and technical fitness of rugby players aged 17-18. Material and Methods. There were eighty-seven male rugby players aged 17-18 from Ukrainian National team U18. All athletes volunteered to participate in the research. The following research methods have been used to solve the tasks of the research: analysis and synthesis of literature of the research topic; pedagogical observations; testing the technical, tactical and physical fitness; methods of mathematical and statistical analysis which are scientifically based and are widely used in sports science (correlation and factor analysis). The object of research is the indicators of the technical, tactical skills and physical fitness of 17-18 years old rugby players. Results. The authors offer the unified testing program and general quantitative criteria in the tests. Two approaches have been used as the main criteria for the informative tests – logical one, based on the explanation of physiological mechanism that determine high efficiency of players in the conditions of gaming activities, and empirical approach, based on the information about the factor structure and the validity of the tests used for these purposes. Information on the level of fitness of players at each stage can be used selectively in connection with aims and objectives that contribute to the management of the training process in general. Conclusions. With the help of motor and ergonomic tests, a general set of guidelines has been substantiated, which allowed to assess the state of technical, tactical and physical fitness of rugby players aged 17-18.

Dampak VAR Terhadap Keputusan Wasit dan Kualitas Pertandingan Sepak Bola

Football, as the world's most popular sport, has undergone significant changes with the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology. Designed to enhance referee decision accuracy through video replays, VAR has been widely adopted in major competitions despite initial controversy. Studies have shown its effectiveness in reducing referee errors in crucial incidents such as goals, penalties, and red cards. In Indonesia, VAR usage could enhance fairness and reduce match controversies, although domestic leagues currently rely on referees without technological assistance. While VAR offers numerous benefits, including improved referee standards and viewer experience, criticism regarding game flow disruption and inconsistent application persists. Moving forward, it is crucial to balance accuracy and fairness with the excitement of the game and ensure good collaboration among all football stakeholders.

Using Social Media as a Marketing Communication Strategy: Perspectives from Health-Related Non-Profit Organizations

ABSTRACT The continued growth of nonprofit organizations (NPOs) has caused major competition to create awareness of their funding needs and services. Consequently, NPOs have begun to increase the use of social media as a marketing communication strategy. Therefore, the main aim of the study is to examine the drivers and barriers associated with using social media marketing communication tools among health-related NPOs in South Africa. The study employed a qualitative method and conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 marketing professionals from selected NPOs. The results propose that the allure of cost-effectiveness and fundraising potential, as well as fostering donor relationships and deeper community connections, serve as drivers for social media usage in marketing communication activities. Conversely, limited knowledge, budget constraints, time restrictions, and prevailing circumstances are noteworthy barriers. The study makes an important contribution to the drivers and barriers associated with using social media among health-related NPOs in a developing-nation context.

The influence of sports games on the formation of technical skills of athletes in ukrainian belt wrestling

The article reveals current issues of forming the high level of technical fitness of athletes in Ukrainian belt wrestling. The main task of a technical training of an athlete is the formation of skills and abilities to perform competitive actions that allow to effectively use the athlete's capabilities in the process of sports activity. Technical skills training in any sport is aimed at teaching an athlete the technique of movements, improving them to perfection. The purpose of the research: to determine the influence of sports games on the formation of the level of technical skills of athletes in Ukrainian belt wrestling at the stage of preparation for major competitions. Research methods: analysis and synthesis of literary sources, methods of observation and comparison, pedagogical research methods (testing of physical qualities: coordination, speed and strength, power abilities, flexibility), medical and biological research methods, methods of mathematical statistics. Conclusions: the level of athletes' technical skills in the experimental group during the period of the pedagogical experiment by the indicator - throws of the partner, the speed of throws increased by 21.8% in relation to the control group - 4.7%.

Building partnerships for sustainable development: case study of Laos, the BRI, and the SDGs

This study examines sustainable development cooperation and the effectiveness of sustainable development partnerships in supporting national development in meeting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study focuses on SDG 17, “Building Partnerships for Sustainable Development” and takes the Lao Democratic People’s Republic (Laos) as its case study. The study assesses Laos’s socio-economic condition, development trajectory and SDGs. It evaluates Laos’s development partnerships with China and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and wider development diplomacy. The study adopts a political economy perspective, drawing in global major power competition. The paper argues that development partnerships are pivotal to success in achieving national and global development goals. Laos holds the ASEAN Chair through 2024, whilst experiencing severe economic challenges domestically. Moving between these two domains, Laos will seek to achieve balance and even-handedness between regional and global interests. Laos’s long-standing development partnership with China and the BRI brings tangible results. However, the study concludes that greater diversification in building partnerships for development will provide additional support to Laos’s development strategy.

Off- to in-season body composition adaptations in elite male and female endurance and power event athletics competitors: an observational study

BackgroundMonitoring elite athletes’ body composition (BC) is vital for health and optimizing performance in sports emphasizing leanness, such as athletics. This study aims to investigate and compare sex- and event-specific off-to in-season BC changes in endurance and power event athletics competitors.MethodsElite male and female endurance athletes (> 800 m runners; n = 21) and power event athletes (sprinters, jumpers; n = 32) underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans for whole and regional lean mass (LM), fat mass (FM), bone mineral content (BMC), and density (BMD) during off-season (September-October) and in-season (April-May). Linear mixed models tested between-group off-season differences in BC, within-group off-season to in-season changes, and between-group differences in change. To assess meaningful or least significant changes (LSC) in BC, DXA precision errors were determined from two consecutive total body scans in a subsample of athletes (n = 30).ResultsMale athletes (n = 26) gained significantly (p < 0.05) more body mass (BM; mean difference 1.5 [95% confidence interval (CI):0.5–2.4] kg), LM (843 [95% CI:-253:1459] g), and trunk LM (756 [-502:1156] g) than female athletes (n = 27). The proportion of changes in athlete’s BC exceeding the LSC threshold for LM and trunk LM were 70% and 65% in males, and 48% and 26% in females. Significant (p < 0.05) within-group off-season to in-season increases in LM were found for male endurance and power athletes, and female power athletes. All groups significantly increased BMD (p < 0.05). Only male and female power athletes had significant in- to-off-season increases in BMC. 80% of all athletes who had a meaningful increase in BMC belonged to the power event group. No significant within- or between group change in FM was observed.ConclusionsThe present study found that male athletes gained more BM, LM and trunk LM than females. Within-group increases in regional and whole-body LM and BMC were predominantly found among power event competitors. Incorporating individual meaningful changes alongside traditional statistics provided additional insights into sex and event-group differences. Future research on elite athletic event groups should include DXA measurements closer to major outdoor-season competitions, coupled with site-specific measures (ultrasound, MRI) for better detection of subtle changes in LM and FM.

Technical Sprinting in the Early Phase of Hamstring Injury Rehabilitation to Accelerate Return to Full Participation in Track and Field Athletes: A Comparative Study of Two Rehabilitation Strategies.

Hamstring injuries are common in track and field athletes with a higher incidence in males than females. It causes a significant loss in training time and a decline in performance. This study evaluated rehabilitation strategies to accelerate return to full participation following hamstring injury. Thirty-three athletes (22 males; 11 females) were screened from November 2021 to October 2023 until their final major competition. Out of these, 17 athletes with hamstring injuries were included in this study which were further divided into two groups, A (n=8) and B (n=9), using stratified random sampling with single blinding. Group A received technical sprints using mini hurdles as part of their training from the early stages of rehabilitation, while Group B underwent high-volume low-intensity rehabilitation before progressing to sprints. The progress of each group was monitored on a weekly basis. The average time loss was calculated using Microsoft Excel (Microsoft® Corp., Redmond, WA) and Google Forms (Google, Inc., Mountain View, CA) with built-in validation. The two groups demonstrated a significant difference in recovery times. In group A, the length of hamstring tenderness (LHT) improved from 9 ± 2.7 (95% CI 2.27) to 0.15 ± 0.3 (95% CI 0.62), active total knee extension (ATKE) from 161.8 ± 7.1 (95% CI 5.95) to 175.4 ± 2 (95% CI 2.3), and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) in the isometric test from 5.6 ± 1.09 (95% CI 0.88) to 0.6 ± 0.5 (95% CI 0.63) with p<0.05, and in Group B, LHT improved from 6.8 ± 2.1 (95% CI 1.62) to 0.6 ± 0.7 (95% CI 0.55), ATKE improved from 168.7 ± 8.2 (95% CI 6.3) to 178.7 ± 2.7 (95% CI 2.06) and NPRS with resisted isometric test improved from 6 ± 1.4 (95% CI 1.08) to 0.8 ± 0.7 (95% CI 0.51) with p<0.05. However, Group A took an average of 3.55 weeks (1.22 SD 95% CI 1.08) and Group B took an average of 4.53 weeks (1.98 SD, 95% CI 1.52) to resume full participation. Three athletes from Group A and six athletes from Group B experienced hamstring tightness during the competition, two athletes from Group B were forced to withdraw from the competition due to hamstring reinjury. The findings indicate that an early technical sprint program can facilitate an early return to full participation. This research can be a guide towardaccelerated and integrated hamstring injury rehabilitation among track and fieldathletes.

Competitive effectiveness of Kazakhstani athletes specializing in Greco-Roman wrestling in the international sports arena

Despite the great popularity of Greco-Roman style wrestling and the success of Kazakhstan athletes in the international sports arena, there is no in-depth analysis of the competitive performance of our athletes at major sports competitions in the literature available to us. The purpose of the study was to analyze the performances of Kazakhstan Greco-Roman wrestlers at major international competitions. Such research methods as analysis of literary sources, analysis of protocols of performances of Kazakhstan athletes at international competitions, analysis of profiles of Kazakhstan athletes in the International Wrestling Database were used. Analyzing the performances of Kazakhstan Greco-Roman wrestlers at such major international competitions as the World Cup and the Olympic Games, we can conclude that their competitive performance has decreased. In recent years, the share of gold medals in the medal standings of the national team has decreased and the share of bronze medals has increased. Kazakhstan Greco-Roman wrestlers are one of the regular participants of major international sports competitions. During the entire period of participation, Kazakhstan athletes at international competitions have won 12 medals of the European Championship, 43 medals of the World Championship and 16 medals of the Olympic Games. However, in recent years there has been a decrease in the competitive effectiveness of our athletes at major international competitions, including the Olympic Games.

Features injuries handball players 18-20 years old in competition

Handball is a game sport that combines a high level of physical psychological preparedness and technical and tactical skill. The first great successes come to players after 1-12 years of systematic preparation. The most talented young handball players from youth begin to move to the teams of men's clubs, and then join the ranks of the national team, while others, having received injuries, say goodbye to handball. The purpose of the study is to determine the nature of injuries to handball players aged 18-20 years, to identify the main types of injuries to handball players of different ages and playing positions. The data obtained suggest insufficient physical and technical-tactical readiness of handball players under 20 years old for the intense conditions of major international competitions. In turn, this makes it possible to develop effective means of preventing injuries in the early stages of long-term training.

How Does the Resilience of Semiconductor Supply Chain Affected by Major Power Competition ?

How Does the Resilience of Semiconductor Supply Chain Affected by Major Power Competition ?