Behavior Of Players Research Articles

Mathematical Principles in Texas Hold'em Poker

Texas Hold'em is a skill and strategy game that combines elements of probability, combinatorics, and game theory. This paper explores the mathematical principles behind the game, with a focus on applying probability theory to decision-making and strategy development. Analyzing the win rates of various hand rankings, the expected value of different playstyles, and the impact of player behavior on game outcomes. By applying combinatorial analysis, we calculate the probability of hand strength and assess the strategic significance of bluffing and betting patterns. Additionally, we study game theory concepts such as Nash equilibrium and apply them to poker strategy. The most significant section is game theory. The insights gained from this mathematical approach provide a comprehensive understanding of optimal play and how mathematical rigor enhances decision-making in Texas Hold'em. This research can help us calculate the probability of our hand based on its strength, thereby improving our sensitivity to probability-based problems

The Impact of the Digital Divide on the Development of Network Markets (Using the Example of the Video Services Market)

Introduction. The problem of the digital divide appeared in the 21st century as a result of the dynamic spread of digital technologies and it very soon became the center of numerous studies and scientific discussions. Today the digital divide is considered to be an urgent socio-economic problem that is widely discussed in the scientific community both in the context of asymmetric access to the social infrastructure (in the context of unequal access to education, healthcare, socially significant information through the use of communication technologies) and in the context of the impact of the digital divide on various significant aspects of a person’s life. The impact of the digital divide is felt in the real and monetary spheres, at the level of individuals and at the level of society, in the markets of goods and services. In this article, we suppose to analyze the impact of the digital divide on the development of network markets (using the example of the video services market).Materials and methods. The methodological basis of the study consists of the following research methods: the method of comparative analysis; the method of synthesis; the method of complex analysis of the socio-economic phenomenon; the method of formal logic; the statistical method. Reseach results. As a result of the analysis, it was revealed that the digital divide affects the development of network markets in several directions: the dynamics of growth through the possibility of access and the content of potential consumers; the speed of the distribution of network externalities through an increase in the number of consumers; the consumption structure and attributes of network goods through product personalization, taking into account the specifics of a particular digital divide.Discussion and conclusions. As a result, the article states the necessity to take into account the factors of the digital divide influence both on a company operating in the video services market and on a country interested in the development of the video services market. Considering these factors will allow them to be used in order to optimize the behavior of players in this market. Among the problems hindering the more dynamic development of the video services market in Russia, in addition to the standard challenges (income level, specifics of the digital divide, price limits), it should be noted the continuing negative experience of illegitimate players’ behavior in the market, representing some sort of an institutional trap.

Team-Scouter: Simulative Visual Analytics of Soccer Player Scouting.

In soccer, player scouting aims to find players suitable for a team to increase the winning chance in future matches. To scout suitable players, coaches and analysts need to consider whether the players will perform well in a new team, which is hard to learn directly from their historical performances. Match simulation methods have been introduced to scout players by estimating their expected contributions to a new team. However, they usually focus on the simulation of match results and hardly support interactive analysis to navigate potential target players and compare them in fine-grained simulated behaviors. In this work, we propose a visual analytics method to assist soccer player scouting based on match simulation. We construct a two-level match simulation framework for estimating both match results and player behaviors when a player comes to a new team. Based on the framework, we develop a visual analytics system, Team-Scouter, to facilitate the simulative-based soccer player scouting process through player navigation, comparison, and investigation. With our system, coaches and analysts can find potential players suitable for the team and compare them on historical and expected performances. For an in-depth investigation of the players' expected performances, the system provides a visual comparison between the simulated behaviors of the player and the actual ones. The usefulness and effectiveness of the system are demonstrated by two case studies on a real-world dataset and an expert interview.

Exploring concussion prevalence, knowledge and reporting behaviours in women playing rugby union in the United Kingdom.

The aim of this study was to capture information regarding concussion prevalence, knowledge, and reporting behaviors in women rugby players across all competitive levels in the UK. We also investigated whether these outcomes were influenced by the prevailing concussion awareness programme (HEADCASE). Two hundred and thirty players from elite (Premiership), Championship, British Universities, and College Sport and club level completed (n = 133) or partially completed (n = 97) a mixed-methods online questionnaire. Over a mean period of 8 years, 159 players (74%) experienced at least one suspected or diagnosed rugby-related concussion. In total, 408 rugby-related concussions were reported in these players during this time. Prevalence of concussion did not differ across playing level or position. Being tackled was the most common cause of rugby-related concussions, and the act of tackling another player was second. Players across all levels demonstrated good knowledge of concussion symptoms, but only 12% identified that concussion can occur without direct impact to the head. One hundred and forty-six players completed the HEADCASE training (mandatory for Premiership players). Forty-one percent of players admitted to deliberately failing to report a suspected rugby concussion, and this behavior was not influenced by HEADCASE training. These individuals were more likely to avoid reporting a suspected concussion during an important (e.g. semifinal or final) than unimportant (e.g. training) scenario. Those who underwent the graduated return to play pathway (n = 41) were significantly more likely to have completed HEADCASE training. The prevalence of concussion in women's rugby union is high but does not differ by playing level or position. All players had a good knowledge of concussion symptoms, but many were unaware that concussions may occur without direct impact to the head. Almost half of all players admitted to deliberately failing to report a suspected concussion, and this was not significantly influenced by the completion of HEADCASE training.

Understanding User Behavior for Enhancing Cybersecurity Training with Immersive Gamified Platforms

In modern digital infrastructure, cyber systems are foundational, making resilience against sophisticated attacks essential. Traditional cybersecurity defenses primarily address technical vulnerabilities; however, the human element, particularly decision-making during cyber attacks, adds complexities that current behavioral studies fail to capture adequately. Existing approaches, including theoretical models, game theory, and simulators, rely on retrospective data and static scenarios. These methods often miss the real-time, context-specific nature of user responses during cyber threats. To address these limitations, this work introduces a framework that combines Extended Reality (XR) and Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) within a gamified platform. This framework enables continuous, high-fidelity data collection on user behavior in dynamic attack scenarios. It includes three core modules: the Player Behavior Module (PBM), Gamification Module (GM), and Simulation Module (SM). Together, these modules create an immersive, responsive environment for studying user interactions. A case study in a simulated critical infrastructure environment demonstrates the framework’s effectiveness in capturing realistic user behaviors under cyber attack, with potential applications for improving response strategies and resilience across critical sectors. This work lays the foundation for adaptive cybersecurity training and user-centered development across critical infrastructure.

Wheat Value Chains and Vertical Price Transmission in South Africa: A Nonlinear Autoregressive Diagnostic Lag Bound Approach

This study examined the vertical transmission of wheat price among the main value chain, looking at the pricing behaviour of certain role players in the wheat production/supply and the distribution of bread, which is a major staple food consumed in South Africa. A nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model was used to analyse the yearly time series data for the period of 2000 to 2022. The results of the stationarity test showed that all variables were of order one, I (1). The study used two pairs, namely farmgate price and retail price, and farmgate price and wholesale price, to examine the existence of asymmetry between these prices, with rainfall and temperature as control variables. The results indicate the existence of a positive long-run asymmetry of 35.9% between the farmgate price of wheat and retail price of bread, and 3.49% asymmetry between the farmgate price and wholesale price of wheat. To develop informed policies on food security, this study suggests that the government should enhance regular access to data and sustain its monitoring and communication of food price information across the whole country. For farmers, a policy on price transparency can help them to establish a public platform to share market prices, ensuring that they receive fair prices. This paper also recommends the provision of subsidies for wheat farmers to help the wheat industry, reduce the cost of bread production, and make bread more affordable and accessible for consumers.

Screen Time on Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) as Mediator Between Trash-Talking and Aggressive Behavior of Esports Players

While extensive research has examined the relationship between gaming and aggression, few studies have focused on the factors that mediate the connection between trash-talking behavior and aggressive outcomes in multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games. This study addresses this gap by investigating the role of screen time as a mediator between trash-talking and aggressive behaviors in young players of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB). Unlike previous research that primarily explored direct links between gaming and aggression, this study introduces screen time as a novel variable that influences this relationship. The study sampled 390 gamers aged 10 to 24 years, all enrolled at Southern Luzon State University in Lucban, Quezon, Philippines. Key variables, including verbal aggression, hostility, and anger, were assessed using standardized questionnaires, along with measures of trash-talking attitudes and screen time. Using mediation analysis, the study identified screen time as a key factor that explains the relationship between trash-talking and aggression. The findings revealed that trash-talking indirectly contributes to aggressive behavior through prolonged gaming exposure. In other words, the negative effects of trash-talking on aggression are amplified by increased screen time. This discovery offers a fresh perspective by highlighting screen time as a critical channel through which trash-talking influences aggression. The results underscore the importance of addressing both toxic communication and excessive screen time to foster a healthier and more sustainable gaming environment. As mobile gaming continues to dominate youth leisure activities, these findings provide actionable insights for developing interventions that reduce aggression and encourage positive competition in esports

Beyond the Classroom: Exploring Teacher Loyalty in Vocational Education

While extensive research has examined the relationship between gaming and aggression, few studies have focused on the factors that mediate the connection between trash-talking behavior and aggressive outcomes in multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games. This study addresses this gap by investigating the role of screen time as a mediator between trash-talking and aggressive behaviors in young players of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB). Unlike previous research that primarily explored direct links between gaming and aggression, this study introduces screen time as a novel variable that influences this relationship. The study sampled 390 gamers aged 10 to 24 years, all enrolled at Southern Luzon State University in Lucban, Quezon, Philippines. Key variables, including verbal aggression, hostility, and anger, were assessed using standardized questionnaires, along with measures of trash-talking attitudes and screen time. Using mediation analysis, the study identified screen time as a key factor that explains the relationship between trash-talking and aggression. The findings revealed that trash-talking indirectly contributes to aggressive behavior through prolonged gaming exposure. In other words, the negative effects of trash-talking on aggression are amplified by increased screen time. This discovery offers a fresh perspective by highlighting screen time as a critical channel through which trash-talking influences aggression. The results underscore the importance of addressing both toxic communication and excessive screen time to foster a healthier and more sustainable gaming environment. As mobile gaming continues to dominate youth leisure activities, these findings provide actionable insights for developing interventions that reduce aggression and encourage positive competition in esports

Face-Threatening Acts in Online Gaming: A Case Study of Free Fire Players

With the rapid changes in technology, the interests of people specially children and youngsters get shifted or changed. Generally, when we want to enjoy our leisure time: one way is to play games. But with the passage of time, the term ‘playing game’ has been shifted from ‘physical games’ to ‘online games. Now a days, Free Fire which is an online mobile battle royale game, has emerged as a premier platform for online gaming, attracting a vast and diverse players. This study helps to identify the face-threatening acts within Free Fire, by examining 2 cases with the aim to illuminate the complexities of online gaming sociality, and which language they are using while playing the game and how they became habitual of using that language in their homes. The findings highlight the need for game developers to eradicate such sort of impolite speech acts which is sabotaging the identity of youth. Multiple suggestions are given in the study to eradicate the face threatening elements from Free Fire and how the same game can play a positive role for people. Moreover, this study contributes to understanding online gaming cultures, social interactions and psychological factors influencing player behavior, informing evidence-based interventions for safer and more respectful gaming communities.

Analisis Cyberbullying pada Game Online Valorant: Studi pada Communication Abuse Antarpemain

Competitive online games such as Valorant as a new medium that provides an interactive and competitive virtual space for online game players. Tension and excitement between players in competing often triggers the emergence of Cyberbullying behavior. Cyberbullying itself is the behavior of game players in the form of hate speech or negative actions that affect communication between online game players. However, researchers see that each player is different in responding to Cyberbullying carried out by other players and their teams. This study aims to find out how the factors, forms and responses of victims in doing, responding to communication abuse. The method in this study uses qualitative descriptive research. The results of the study show that Cyberbullying in the online game Valorant shows that the communication abuse factor is caused by other players who play badly, while the forms are carried out in the form of verbal through text or voice, as well as the response of the victims tends not to care and stay focused on the game to try to save it despite the bad treatment from other players.

Belief game: Verifying smart contract functionality in player dynamic interactions

Smart contracts, being security-critical code, facilitate consensus among players and ensure secure and accurate value transfer, and formal verification is necessary to guarantee functional correctness of contracts. Game theory serves as one of the tools in formal verification by assessing whether the outcomes of contract executions meet the expected goals. While most studies employing game theory to verify smart contract functionality assume rational players, in practice, players may invoke and deploy smart contracts involving irrational behavior, casting doubt on the correctness of verification results. The aim of this study is to propose an alternative game model to verify smart contract functionality in dynamic player interactions where irrational behavior is involved. Specifically, a belief-based smart contract execution game (BSC-game) model was introduced, utilizing belief – the probability that a player believes in the irrationality of others – to capture how the irrational behavior of others affects a player’s contract execution decisions. Reasonable economic incentives were introduced to encourage honest behavior of players. Moreover, a computationally feasible method was designed to update players’ beliefs in large-scale dynamic smart contract executions. Theoretical analysis discloses the existence of equilibrium in the BSC-game, as well as the conditions for the number of faulty players within the system’s fault tolerance. We conducted the simulation experiments, and verified the business-oriented smart contract written in G language by the BSC-game model. The results further indicate that although players’ beliefs impact their decisions to execute contracts, reasonable economic incentives can motivate players to execute contracts honestly. This ensures that smart contract functionality aligns with expected goals, showing that the BSC-game model can verify and guarantee the correctness of contract functions. This new approach significantly contributes to bolstering smart contract security and credibility, positively influencing blockchain stability.

Mendukung Ekonomi Biru melalui Adopsi Pemasaran Digital bagi UMKM di Wilayah Pesisir Pantai Kota Surabaya

The coastal areas of Surabaya City are filled with residents who work as fishermen. “Husband goes to sea, wife processes the sea catch” is a daily activity. However, depending on the sea catch is insufficient to support daily needs. Therefore, many residents trade in basic necessities or food made from sea catches. However, this step is not matched by the breadth of marketing because the marketing carried out is still limited and conventional among local residents. On the other hand, the Surabaya City Government encourages MSMEs in Surabaya City to utilize technology as much as possible through an e-commerce application called E-PEKEN. Respondents in the study were MSME players in the coastal area of Surabaya City who had sold using the E-peken application, totaling 360 people. The data collection technique was carried out using a questionnaire distributed online (Google Forms) and offline. The analysis technique in this study uses Covariance- Structural Equation Modeling (CB SEM) with the analytical tool used, namely IBM SPSS AMOS version 24.0. Based on the analysis and discussion results, the research concludes that there is a positive and significant influence between performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social support, and facilitating conditions with the behavioral intention of MSME players in Surabaya City to adopt the E-Peken application. In addition, behavioral intention is proven to affect the use behavior of MSME players in coastal Surabaya City to adopt the E-Peken application.

One Class of Stackelberg Linear–Quadratic Differential Games with Cheap Control of a Leader: Asymptotic Analysis of an Open-Loop Solution

We consider a two-player finite horizon linear–quadratic Stackelberg differential game. For this game, we study the case where the control cost of a leader in the cost functionals of both players is small, which means that the game under consideration is a cheap control game. We look for open-loop optimal players’ controls of this game. Using the game’s solvability conditions, the obtaining such controls is reduced to the solution to a proper boundary-value problem. Due to the smallness of the leader’s control cost, this boundary-value problem is singularly perturbed. Asymptotic behavior of the solution to this problem is analyzed. Based on this analysis, the asymptotic behavior of the open-loop optimal players’ controls and the optimal values of the cost functionals is studied. Using these results, asymptotically suboptimal players’ controls are designed. An illustrative example is presented.

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE PURCHASE INTENTION OF MICRO TRANSACTIONS IN FREEMIUM MOBILE GAMES IN BANGKOK: A CASE OF HONKAI STAR RAIL

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to determine the significant influence of Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence, Hedonic Motivation, Price Value, and Game Satisfaction towards purchase intention of microtransactions in freemium mobile games in Bangkok in the case of Honkai: Star Rail. Understanding these influencing factors can help game developers and stakeholders gain valuable insights into player behavior and develop monetization strategies to maximize positive player experiences and revenue. Design/methodology/approach: This research uses primary and secondary data collection methods in addition to descriptive and inferential data analysis techniques to analyze the factors influencing the purchase intention of microtransactions in freemium mobile games. The data was collected from 396 respondents who live in Bangkok, have played Honkai: Star Rail on a smartphone, and have the intention to purchase microtransactions in Honkai: Star Rail. This research referenced twelve theoretical frameworks from previous studies to construct a conceptual framework. Findings: This research shows that Performance Expectancy, Hedonic Motivation, and Game Satisfaction have a significant influence on the purchase intention of microtransactions in freemium mobile games in Bangkok in the case of Honkai: Star Rail. Research limitations/implications: Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalizability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further. Practical implications: This research offers valuable insights for game developers and stakeholders to enhance monetization strategies for freemium games like Honkai: Star Rail. Social implications: This research highlights the growing influence of mobile gaming on consumer behavior. This has broader implications for discussions around digital consumption, addictive behaviors, and the ethics of in-game purchases, prompting stakeholders to consider responsible game design and marketing practices that prioritize player well-being while maximizing revenue. Originality/value: This paper fulfils an identified need to study the factors influencing microtransaction purchase intentions within the Bangkok market.

An Empirical Study of the Constituent Factors of Player Behaviour

Background Player behaviour comprises thoughts, decisions and other actions that arise from multiple sources and contexts in games and is based on the players’ complex environment of information, vicarious experiences and perspectives. Learning and superior performance within the game are shaped by the players’ goal orientation, conviction and interactions. Objectives of the study: The study sought to understand the concept, functions and constituents of player behaviour from their perspectives, expectations, beliefs and traits. Recognising player behaviour in terms of its constituent elements would clarify and enhance knowledge of human behaviour and make it simple to use the understanding in deeper enquiry and applications. Method An instrument of 43 statements was first developed based on extant research and refined by the responses of 45 university teachers. It was then administered to 1,260 university students from whom 711 valid responses were received. The sample was processed by exploratory factor analysis under varimax rotation to yield the scale of player behaviour at a Cronbach alpha of .96 and a cumulative variance of 54 percent. Results The seven factors of the scale had an eigenvalue each of more than one, and Cronbach α values of .58 to .90. The exploratory factor analysis generated seven factors that were named conviction, experience sharing, uncertainty, unpredictability, insights, preparedness and planning. Discussion The study identified the factors of player behaviour and studied the effect of gender and education on player behaviour. It showed that player behaviour emerges from convictions which are perspectives backed by ready resources, skills and action plans to simplify, understand and respond to situations and likely problems. The behavioural differences between gender, type of programme and level of education were not significant. The study also discussed the nature of each factor and the limitations, suggestions and implications of the study.

DAMPAK JUDI ONLINE SLOT TERHADAP KEHARMONISAN KELUARGA DI KOTA PEKANBARU

This study aims to examine the impact of online slot gambling on family harmony in Pekanbaru City. Online gambling is increasing among Indonesian people, including in Pekanbaru, and has negative effects both economically, psychologically, and socially for the perpetrators and their families. This study uses a qualitative approach with an in-depth interview method with several informants with different professions and social backgrounds, including workers in government agencies, modern markets, small entrepreneurs, and private workers. The main focus of this research is to identify the driving factors of involvement in online gambling, as well as to see how changes in the behavior of gambling players affect the dynamics and harmony in their families. The results show that environmental influences and economic factors are the main triggers for someone to get involved in Online Slot gambling. In addition, the behavior of online gambling players causes family disharmony, which can be seen from household conflicts, decreased communication quality, and emotional instability. The findings also show that although some players attempt to quit, the temptation to return to gambling remains, creating a pattern of addiction that is difficult to break. Therefore, government interventions as well as community and family support are needed to help gambling players quit and prevent further adverse impacts.

CUPID: Improving Battle Fairness and Position Satisfaction in Online MOBA Games with a Re-matchmaking System

The multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) genre has gained significant popularity and economic success, attracting considerable research interest within the Human-Computer Interaction community. Enhancing the gaming experience requires a deep understanding of player behavior, and a crucial aspect of MOBA games is matchmaking, which aims to assemble teams of comparable skill levels. However, existing matchmaking systems often neglect important factors such as players' position preferences and team assignment, resulting in imbalanced matches and reduced player satisfaction. To address these limitations, this paper proposes a novel framework called CUPID, which introduces a novel process called ''re-matchmaking'' to optimize team and position assignments to improve both fairness and player satisfaction. CUPID incorporates a pre-filtering step to ensure a minimum level of matchmaking quality, followed by a pre-match win-rate prediction model that evaluates the fairness of potential assignments. By simultaneously considering players' position satisfaction and game fairness, CUPID aims to provide an enhanced matchmaking experience. Extensive experiments were conducted on two large-scale, real-world MOBA datasets to validate the effectiveness of CUPID. The results surpass all existing state-of-the-art baselines, with an average relative improvement of 7.18% in terms of win prediction accuracy. Furthermore, CUPID has been successfully deployed in a popular online MOBA game. The deployment resulted in significant improvements in match fairness and player satisfaction, as evidenced by critical Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) metrics covering usability, accessibility, and engagement, observed through A/B testing. To the best of our knowledge, Cupid is the first re-matchmaking system designed specifically for large-scale MOBA games.

Parent-spectators’ misbehaviour in grassroots football: an explorative qualitative study

The overall purpose of the present study was to explore the behaviour, comments and unsporting reactions of parent-spectators at football matches. For this, a non-participant naturalistic observation was carried out on 52 groups of parent-spectators of Spanish grassroots football. The observations were supplemented by informal interviews with three referees, a field delegate and three sports facility workers. The results of the study show, on one hand, how parent-spectators often make negative comments about referees, coaches and players. They ridicule and complain about referees’ actions to pressure in favour of their team and may also make gratuitous remarks about their physical appearance. Parent-spectators criticise and occasionally even insult coaches, belittling some of their decisions and even supplanting them in their comments to the players in their team. Players of the opposing team receive negative comments for unsporting actions and those in their own team may receive negative comments on their play. Parent-spectators remain passive in the face of their own and other children’s negative behaviour and may even unconsciously encourage unsporting behaviour in players and coaches. This study examines different implications for the improvement of the social-moral climate at grassroots football matches.

The Impact of Character Creation and Customization on Self-Expression and Identity in RPGs

While a large of research investigates the importance of character creation and customization in role-playing games (RPGs) on players’ motivation and enjoyment to play, little is known about the impact of character creation and customization on players’ self-expression and identity exploration. Video games have been a venue for both developers and gamers to explore complex stories and ideas. Role-playing games (RPGs) are a type of video game in which players can take the role of a character in a fictional setting and interact with the game’s narrative. This paper is part of a larger research on the construction of individual identities using RPG character creation and customization. Building upon existing research on identity adaptation theory, queer theory, the proteus effect theory, and the performance of identity, this paper finds that players’ choices of character creation and customization contribute to opportunities for self-expression and individual agency. This paper also examines the character Creation and Customization preferences among different demographic groups and the association between in-game identity and real-life self-perception and social behaviors of players.

A comparative Study of Aggressive Behaviours in Handball and Volleyball Players

A comparative Study of Aggressive Behaviours in Handball and Volleyball Players