Non-competitive Environment Research Articles

Physical stores versus physical showrooms: Channel structures of online retailers

To meet consumers’ expectations for experiential shopping, an increasing number of online retailers are expanding offline channels, with physical showrooms and physical showrooms emerging as the two most popular offline channel modes. Both channels can match consumers’ demand for on-site experiences. However, the two modes differ in terms of service cost, demand promotion efficiency, and channel differentiation generation. The article considers three channel structures: single online channel, online channel with physical store, and online channel with physical showroom, as well as two scenarios: non-competitive and competitive. This study examines whether online retailers should integrate offline channels and which offline channel mode they should use by comparing the profit changes of themselves and rivals when three channel structures are adopted in two scenarios. It is found that: (i) If there is a significant difference between the online and physical store channels, providing physical stores help online retailer raise profits. If the physical showroom is highly effective at promoting demand, omnichannel retailers will dominate the entire online market, and expanding physical showrooms is always profitable; (ii) Whether in a competitive or non-competitive environment, online retailers should weigh channel differentiation and the efficiency of the offline channel modes in promoting demand to select the best channel mode; (iii) Due to channel differentiation, online retailers’ creation of physical stores, as well as increasing competition among physical stores, will have no impact on rival retailers. However, providing physical showrooms will result in lower sales volume and revenue for rival retailers.

Genetic mechanism and petroleum geological significance of calcite veins in organic-rich shales of lacustrine basin: A case study of Cretaceous Qingshankou Formation in Songliao Basin, China

Based on the observation and analysis of cores and thin sections, and combined with cathodoluminescence, laser Raman, fluid inclusions, and in-situ LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating, the genetic mechanism and petroleum geological significance of calcite veins in shales of the Cretaceous Qingshankou Formation in the Songliao Basin were investigated. Macroscopically, the calcite veins are bedding parallel, and show lenticular, S-shaped, cone-in-cone and pinnate structures. Microscopically, they can be divided into syntaxial blocky or columnar calcite veins and antitaxial fibrous calcite veins. The aqueous fluid inclusions in blocky calcite veins have a homogenization temperature of 132.5–145.1 °C, the in-situ U-Pb dating age of blocky calcite veins is (69.9±5.2) Ma, suggesting that the middle maturity period of source rocks and the conventional oil formation period in the Qingshankou Formation are the sedimentary period of Mingshui Formation in Late Cretaceous. The aqueous fluid inclusions in fibrous calcite veins with the homogenization temperature of 141.2–157.4 °C, yields the U-Pb age of (44.7±6.9) Ma, indicating that the middle-high maturity period of source rocks and the Gulong shale oil formation period in the Qingshankou Formation are the sedimentary period of Paleocene Yi'an Formaiton. The syntaxial blocky or columnar calcite veins were formed sensitively to the diagenetic evolution and hydrocarbon generation, mainly in three stages (fracture opening, vein-forming fluid filling, and vein growth). Tectonic extrusion activities and fluid overpressure are induction factors for the formation of fractures, and vein-forming fluid flows mainly as diffusion in a short distance. These veins generally follow a competitive growth mode. The antitaxial fibrous calcite veins were formed under the driving of the force of crystallization in a non-competitive growth environment. It is considered that the calcite veins in organic-rich shale of the Qingshankou Formation in the study area has important implications for local tectonic activities, fluid overpressure, hydrocarbon generation and expulsion, and diagenesis-hydrocarbon accumulation dating of the Songliao Basin.

Independence or cooperation? Evaluating emission reduction strategies in non-competitive and competitive environments

This study combines a dynamic game and the Nash bargaining model to discuss the choice of manufacturers’ emission reduction strategies independently or in cooperation with cleantech firms under the cap-and-trade mechanism. The models comprise one manufacturer and one cleantech firm in a non-competitive environment, and two manufacturers with different emission reduction capacities in a competitive environment. The results show that competition will produce significant substitution effects, and some sensitivity analyses of the disadvantaged manufacturer tend to be opposite to those under a non-competitive environment. On the contrary, cooperation will bring significant positive impacts, carbon reduction rates will be improved after cooperating with cleantech firms. However, when profits are concerned, the Nash equilibrium model (C, C) may fall into a prisoner’s dilemma choice, while cleantech firms with low technical improvement capacities can drive it to become a Pareto optimality strategy, which will cause false prosperity in the cleantech industry. Given this, the objective of carbon neutrality and the cooperation model with the same cleantech firm is further extended, showing effective cooperation and improvement to provide new perspectives into emission reduction strategies.

Innovative teaching in infection prevention and control and infectious diseases education: testing and investigation of student perceptions.

Many curricula promote frontal teaching approaches, potentially decreasing interaction and motivation - also within infection prevention & control and infectious diseases (IPC/ID). We aimed to investigate the implementation of three innovative teaching methods (ITM) within IPC/ID education: game-based learning (GBL), peer-teaching (PT) and misinformation detection (MID). Multi-phase study involving third-year medical students was conducted. Phase-1 included a cross-sectional survey, assessing previous ITM-experience and interest to participate in phase-2, where the students were divided into teams. Each team prepared a video covering an IPC/ID-topic with deliberately placed misinformation, which had to be identified and corrected by the opposing team, followed by qualitative evaluation (phase-3). Finally, the MID-concept was incorporated into regular curricula in a non-competitive environment (phase-4) and evaluated within a cohort not involved in phases 1-3. 276 students responded to phase-1. 58% expressed interest in participating in phase-2. Roughly 59% [47-71%] CI-95% of respondents without previous PT-experience stated interest in PT, while the interest in GBL and MID was even higher. 19 students participated in phase-2. All topic MID-scores ranged between 6 and 8/10 points, except for emporiatrics (3/10). Post-hoc analysis revealed a positive student-perception of ITM, particularly GBL. Phase-4 received 103 responses with general positive evaluation. Major agreements existed on the usefulness of critical information evaluation for medical practice (82% [75-91%] CI-95%) and of MID during studies (69% [59-79%] CI-95%). our results hint at a relatively high interest in ITM and show MID applicability in regular IPC/ID curricula, which could be of advantage for the learning environment.

"Extreme sports" in patients with heart disease: an informative approach to patient counseling

The term "extreme sports" includes a range of sporting activities, predominantly individual, practised outdoors in a wild and non-competitive environment, which have in common the critical role of environmental variables, the importance of qualitative parameters in evaluating performance, the centrality of technological elements and the high perceived risk which, together with the spectacularity, attracts the attention of the media, favoring its popularity. Despite their diversity, these disciplines share specific risks and physiological and pathophysiological aspects. The average age of participants is generally higher than that of traditional and competitive sports, and the prevalence of male subjects implies a higher likelihood of cardiological evaluation whose path has yet to be codified like that of traditional sports. The risk of severe injuries in these sports is not higher than that of traditional sports and non-sporting activities. In contrast, the risk of cardiovascular events is documented only for some sports practised in the mountains, such as mountaineering, skiing and mountain biking, and it does not appear to be higher than that of equivalent physical activities performed at low altitudes. The diagnostic and prognostic criteria for cardiological counseling of enthusiasts are not defined. Environmental exposure to extremes of temperature, altitude, wind and humidity, and dehydration are typical characteristics of these activities, which should be addressed with adequate experience, preparation and equipment to minimize the potential impact on health. Finally, many of these activities are often conducted in "remote areas" compared to the possibility of emergency response, which should be considered in the risk assessment of an acute cardiovascular event. The definition of cardiovascular risk constitutes an open area of research to allow the practice of these sports to an increasing number of participants.

Microbiological survey and physicochemical analysis of Moroccan durum, soft and red wheat landraces

Morocco possesses a significant genetic diversity of wheat cultivars in the form of landraces conserved by local farmers in several regions. This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of refined flour and bran derived from 75 samples of Moroccan durum, soft, and red wheat landraces and to estimate their microbiological stability for controlling and preventing undesirable microbial proliferation. Various microbial and physicochemical parameters were evaluated according to ISO and AOAC standards, and results were interpreted based on Codex Alimentarius Commission regulation. Compliance of the analyzed refined flour and bran samples with current regulatory limits and satisfactory microbiological quality were observed. The phenotypic characterization revealed the identification of 16 yeast species belonging to the genera Trichosporon, Candida, Cryptococcus, Rhodotorula, and Saccharomyces, which had not been previously explored. Furthermore, the biodiversity of lactic acid bacteria is notably characterized by the predominance of Pediococcus acidilactici and Lactobacillus plantarum species. The analysis of moisture content and water activity exhibited values falling below the maximum limits defined by international standards, demonstrating the effectiveness of the implemented processing and storage practices. The neutral pH recorded confirms the absence of excessive proliferation of the assessed microbial contaminants. The abundant availability of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and minerals creates a favorable non-competitive environment essential for maintaining their functional stability in the analyzed samples. These findings hold significant implications for the agricultural and food industries, providing insights into preserving indigenous wheat varieties and producing safe wheat-based products with high nutritional quality.

AI Chatbots: Developing English Language Proficiency in EFL Classroom

The current paper attempts to explore the potential implications and feasibility of AI Chatbots in EFL contexts, as well as how they can help in second language acquisition. To assess data and achieve its intended goals, the current study employs various techniques, including commentaries, online interviews, questionnaires, quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The research’s relevance is limited by the fact that Chinese middle school students often struggle with their spoken English. This study aims to present the outcomes of teaching oral English to Chinese middle school students by using AI Chatbots. The content’s applicability in developing speaking skills is a powerful argument for the research’s practical value. The findings indicate that AI Chatbots foster students speaking skills creating a stress-free and non-competitive learning environment.

Why isn't composite equity issuance favored by the stock market? A risk-based explanation for the anomaly

Composite equity issuance anomaly is puzzling. This study presents a risk-based explanation that complements and transcends the behavior-based explanation by prior mainstream literature. Investors react to the signal embedded in the composite equity issuance and adjust a firm's risk level through implied cost of equity capital, which leads to lower subsequent stock returns. Empirical results show that firms with higher composite equity issuance are associated with more expensive equity financing. This positive effect remains solid after addressing potential endogeneity and is robust to individual and alternative measures of implied cost of equity capital. Moreover, further evidence demonstrates the role of agency problem for both internal and external factors. The positive effect is more pronounced for firms with less independent and diversified boards, lower financial reporting quality and leverage, higher R&D spending, in a non-competitive environment, and during a financial crisis respectively.

Student and Societal Pressures: Exploring Causes, Consequences and Potential Stress-Reduction Strategies

This investigation aims to explore the causes and consequences of student stress in order to design practical strategies that parents, teachers, and schools can use to mitigate stress. In today’s society, many students face high societal pressures and expectations. The desire to meet these high expectations can often be extremely stressful, affecting a student’s mental health and well-being. Understanding and addressing this issue is essential to effectively create a supportive, stress-free environment where students can balance academic achievement and well-being. Some of the consequences of stress include poor academic performance, insufficient sleep, anxiety, depression, physical illness, irritability, and social withdrawal. The investigation results also identified five components that make up a stress-free environment. The components are positive parental involvement, a learning-based, non-competitive school environment, positive peer relationships, and teacher motivation and behavior. Additionally, the results suggest that implementing Social-Emotional Learning courses in schools is an excellent strategy to help students manage stress and foster positive peer relationships.

Analysis of the Zimbabwe heads of Christian denominations’ call for a Sabbath on elections

The Zimbabwe heads of Christian denominations issued a pastoral letter proposing to postpone the general elections for seven years. The leaders argued that Zimbabwe’s political paralysis and the economic decline have a long history and they needed to be addressed. The leaders called for a national Sabbath on all political contestation to allow for the rebuilding of trust, and confidence, reset politics, and chart a shared way forward toward a comprehensive economic recovery path in a non-competitive political environment. Their views were criticised by politicians and individuals resulting in the Church leaders withdrawing the call. This article was aimed at analysing the church leaders’ theological justification of the Sabbath call. It also challenged the leaders’ muting of their prophetic voices at a time when they were supposed to shout louder on issues that direct political leaders to democratic elections that are controversially marred with mistrust, intimidations, abductions, and rigging.

Profit Maximization for Cache-Enabled Vehicular Mobile Edge Computing Networks

In this paper, we investigate a multiuser cache-enabled vehicular mobile edge computing (MEC) network, where one edge server (ES) has some caching and computing capabilities to assist the task computing from the vehicular users. The introduce of caching into the MEC network significantly affects the system performance such as the latency, energy consumption and profit at the ES, which imposes a critical challenge on the system design and optimization. To solve this challenge, we firstly design the vehicular MEC network in a non-competitive environment by maximizing the profit of the ES with a predetermined threshold of user QoE, and jointly exploit the caching and computing resources in the network. We then model the optimization problem into a binary integer programming problem, and adopt the cross entropy (CE) method to obtain the effective offloading and caching decision with a low complexity. Simulation results are finally presented to verify that the proposed scheme can achieve the near optimal performance of the conventional branch and bound (BnB) scheme, while sharply reduce the computational complexity compared to the BnB.

Male responses to sperm competition risk associated with increased macronutrient intake and reduced lifespan.

Increased expenditure on the ejaculate is a taxonomically widespread male response to sperm competition. Increased ejaculate expenditure is assumed to come at a cost to future reproduction, otherwise males should always invest maximally. However, the life-history costs of strategic ejaculation are not well documented. Macronutrient intake is known to affect the trade-off between reproduction and lifespan. Intakes of protein and carbohydrate that maximize reproduction often differ from those that maximize lifespan. Here, we asked whether strategic expenditure on the ejaculate by male crickets, Teleogryllus oceanicus, is mediated by macronutrient intake, and whether it comes at a cost of reduced lifespan. Males were exposed to rival song throughout their lifespan or were held in a silent non-competitive environment. Males exposed to song had a higher intake of both protein and carbohydrate, they reached adulthood sooner, produced ejaculates of higher quality, and died sooner than males living in a silent environment. Our findings provide a rare example of both the mechanisms and life-history costs associated with strategic ejaculation.

O.4.2-5 An eight-week pa intervention improves FMS & self efficacy in children with underlying conditions

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness of the “FunFit” pilot intervention, designed to support children awaiting a therapy service within the Irish health system to increase their physical activity (PA) levels and improve fundamental movement skills (FMS). FunFit aims to provide children with a positive experience of PA in a non-competitive, community-based environment. This is a novel collaborative intervention approach for children with underlying conditions in Ireland. Methods A total of 14 children (8 male, 6 female) aged 8-12 years (mean age: 9.19 ± 1.03) participated in the eight-week intervention. Trained exercise professionals delivered 1-hour PA classes each week. Pre and post intervention, a PA questionnaire assessed self-efficacy, enjoyment of PA and days of PA per week. 12 FMS (6 locomotor & 6 object control) skills were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development – 2 (TGMD-2). Paired T-Tests and Wilcoxon Signed Rank Tests were conducted to analyse improvements. Results Nearly all (91.67%) children (N = 13) did not meet the recommended levels of PA before, or after, the intervention and PA levels remained low post intervention (mean days of PA per week: 4.33 ± 1.55). Yet, improvements in overall total locomotor (P = 0.012, effect size (ES) = 0.589), total object control (P = 0.034, ES = 0.499) and total FMS (P = 0.008, ES = 0.629), were evident after the intervention. A positive improvement in enjoyment of PA (P = 0.014, ES = 0.502), and in self efficacy (P = 0.035, ES = 0.430), were also reported after the intervention. Conclusions An eight-week PA intervention for children with underlying conditions did not result in children reaching recommended levels of PA. Yet, improvements in FMS, self-efficacy and enjoyment of PA were evident. This evidence suggests that a focus away from PA levels in interventions is needed with these individuals; and instead, providing an intervention that promotes enjoyment of PA in a non-competitive environment in the community setting could be more effective. By doing so, children could be supported in developing their FMS, which may then have a positive knock-on effect on their PA levels over a longer time period.

Teaching Squares

The Teaching Squares Program involves the formation of a 3- or 4-member group of educators from different departments or disciplines. The diversity in knowledge and experience helps to promote cross-disciplinary learning and professional growth among teachers. Once the group has been formed, the teachers select a class they will each teach during the observation phase. Other teachers observe each instructor as they lead the students and engage with them. Participants then meet after they make their observations to provide feedback. The teachers meet regularly to provide feedback in a supportive and constructive manner.
 The Teaching Squares Program helps to promote continuous professional growth and development. As teachers observe their peers, they learn practical strategies that their peers use to encourage a collaborative and supportive learning environment. A significant benefit of Teaching Squares is that faculty can observe and learn from their colleagues. In this program, teachers observe their colleagues in the teaching process and give feedback using given criteria. Teaching Squares allows teachers to receive feedback on their teaching approach and strategies from their peers. The program encourages the teachers to reflect on their practice and seek practical opportunities for development and growth. This program is a multidisciplinary model for instructor reflection and assessment. Furthermore, Teaching Squares provides a sense of togetherness and collaboration among faculty members.
 Usually, teachers devote much of their time to preparing lessons, teaching, and assessing students, leaving them with little time to observe and learn from colleagues. Teaching Squares is a structured program that allows teachers to observe and learn from their colleagues. It is a practical approach that can help improve their performance and effectiveness. This is a peer review process that allows collaboration and reflection among faculty members. Teaching Squares is a structured program that involves approximately 3 to 4 faculty members who observe their colleagues in the teaching process and give feedback using given criteria. The program aims to provide faculty with a platform to observe and learn from each other's teaching approaches in a non-competitive and supportive environment. The participating members follow the teaching process of their colleagues and then offer helpful feedback as they engage in reflective discussions.

Determining mechanisms of T cell leukemogenesis using E2A −/−mice

Abstract T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a hematological malignancy caused by the transformation of T-lymphocytes during their development. 60% of pediatric T-ALLs have ectopic expression of Tal1, a gene that promotes leukemogenesis in part by altering the function of E2A. Consistent with this, mice with germline deletion of E2A develop T-ALL that mirrors human Tal1 +T-ALL. In this study, we used mice that delete E2A at different stages in T cell development to investigate the mechanisms causing T-ALL. Mice carrying a VavCre transgene and floxed alleles of E2A (VcKO) delete E2A early in T cell development, have reduced numbers of thymocytes prior to transformation, and develop T-ALL with an average latency of 18 weeks. Mice with an LckCre transgene (LcKO) delete E2A later than VcKO mice, have replete thymi, and rarely develop T-ALL. From this, we hypothesized that 1) E2A regulates a gene program in early T cell development that is antagonistic to transformation, or 2) Having a replete, competitive thymus suppresses transformation. Pre-leukemic VcKO thymocytes showed significantly more differentially expressed genes than LcKO thymocytes, including Notch1 and Myc, and are enriched for cancer associated pathways. To determine if the lack of competition in the VcKO thymus contributes to leukemogenesis, we reconstituted VcKO thymi by transplanting wild type bone marrow into sublethally irradiated VcKO mice. BM transplant significantly increased the number and frequency of DP thymocytes and increased leukemia latency. Together, these data suggest that intrinsic loss of E2A promotes leukemogenesis by changing the gene program of early developing thymocytes and by creating a non-competitive environment that supports transformation.

Intergenerational response to sperm competition risk in an invasive mammal.

Studies of socially mediated phenotypic plasticity have demonstrated adaptive male responses to the 'competitive' environment. Despite this, whether variation in the paternal social environment also influences offspring reproductive potential in an intergenerational context has not yet been examined. Here, we studied the descendants of wild-caught house mice, a destructive pest species worldwide, to address this knowledge gap. We analysed traits that define a 'competitive' phenotype in the sons of males (sires) that had been exposed to either a high-male density (competitive) or high-female density (non-competitive) environment. We report disparate reproductive strategies among the sires: high-male density led to a phenotype geared for competition, while high-female density led to a phenotype that would facilitate elevated mating frequency. Moreover, we found that the competitive responses of sires persisted in the subsequent generation, with the sons of males reared under competition having elevated sperm quality. As all sons were reared under common-garden conditions, variation in their reproductive phenotypes could only have arisen via nongenetic inheritance. We discuss our results in relation to the adaptive advantage of preparing sons for sperm competition and suggest that intergenerational plasticity is a previously unconsidered aspect in invasive mammal fertility control.

To Compare the Effect of Competitive and Non-Competitive Environment On Academic Performance in Medical Students

Objectives: To compare the effect of competitive and non-competitive environment on academic progress of students, to assess the effect of competitive environment on motivation levels, anxiety levels and learning strategies of students. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. In this, we assigned target to all the students in one exam (Module 2 Pathology) to create competitive environment. For a non-competitive environment, no target was assigned and students gave their exam (Module 1 Pathology) without any target. The results were taken by informed consent of students. The whole procedure was explained efficiently to the students. To keep the results accurate students were unaware about the non-competitive environment. Results: We found that students performed academically better in competitive environment rather than in non-competitive environment. Positive correlation was found between competitive environment and exam results. We also found positive correlation between motivation and learning strategy and compared them between boys and girls. We also found correlation between sleep hours, study hours and academic progress in competitive environment. Conclusion: Competitive environment in institutes is good for better and improved academic performance. However, it effects the motivation level, anxiety level and learning strategy of students. Keywords: competitive environment, non-competitive environment, academic progress, motivation levels, anxiety levels, learning strategy. How to cite: Nawaz S, Naveed N, Nazar B, Chaudhry MHA, Kazi AN. To Compare the Effect of Competitive and Non-Competitive Environment On Academic Performance in Medical Students. Esculapio - JSIMS 2022;18(04):248-252

Using Bid Rotation and Incumbency to Detect Collusion: A Regression Discontinuity Approach

Abstract Cartels participating in procurement auctions frequently use bid rotation or prioritize incumbents to allocate contracts. However, establishing a link between observed allocation patterns and firm conduct has been difficult: there are cost-based competitive explanations for such patterns. We show that by focusing on auctions in which the winning and losing bids are very close, it is possible to distinguish allocation patterns reflecting cost differences across firms from patterns reflecting non-competitive environments. We apply our tests to two datasets: the sample of Ohio milk auctions studied in Porter and Zona (1999, “Ohio School Milk Markets: An Analysis of Bidding”, RAND Journal of Economics, 30, 263–288), and a sample of municipal procurement auctions from Japan.

Expanding the use of Computer-Based Assessments in Medical Education

The employment of computers for facilitating learning in the field of medicine is a known identity. The purpose of the current review is to explore the role of computer-based assessment in medical education and the potential challenges and strategies that need to be adopted to overcome them. An extensive search of all materials related to the topic was carried out in the PubMed search engine, and a total of 15 articles were selected based upon their suitability with the current review objectives and analyzed. The keywords used in the search include computer-based assessment and medical education. The mode of use of computers in assessment can be decided based on the purpose of the intended assessment and play an important role in helping predominantly the students to expedite their learning. Computer-based assessments offer a good option for the students to assess their knowledge and learning progression in a nonthreatening and noncompetitive environment. In conclusion, computer-based assessments can be acknowledged as an exciting prospect and have the potential to bring about reforms in the assessment in medical education. This calls for the need that each and every medical institution should gradually aim for the introduction of the same within their set-up and thus prepare students better for their future medical career.

The Effect of Digital Game-Based Learning on Learning Motivation and Performance Under Social Cognitive Theory and Entrepreneurial Thinking.

This study aims to investigate the effects of students’ learning motivation and learning performance in a digital game-based learning setting and the structure of competition. This study uses Social Cognitive Theory, which emphasizes the bidirectional effects between personal factors, environmental factors, and behavior. We use the emotional state as the personal factor, social support as the environmental factor, learning performance as behavior. We also use self-efficacy and learning motivation as the mediating factors in the model. Data samples were collected from approximately 600 students in junior high schools in Taiwan. The students learned via either application or conventional lectures in three groups. The Control Group (CG) learned the course through a conventional learning approach. The Experimental group 1 (EG1) learned by a digital game, while Experimental Group 2 (EG2) learned through the digital game in combination with a structure that involved competing and entrepreneurship with classmates. The result of this research shows that the emotional state negatively affects learning motivation and self-efficacy, that self-efficacy will positively affect learning motivation, social support will positively affect self-efficacy, and self-efficacy and learning motivation will both positively affect learning performance. In addition, this research certifies previous works that entrepreneurs prefer to be more aggressive in competitions, have a high demand for accomplishment motivation, and are more likely to facilitate competitive over non-competitive environments.