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Background: Doctors in training (trainees) have higher rates of burnout, anxiety and depression than other professionals. An important psychological tool to combat this crisis is promotion of a growth mindset, which increases resilience and improves mental health outcomes. How growth mindset might be promoted within the clinical learning environment is underexplored. This study aimed to explore the factors promoting a growth mindset versus fixed mindset in trainees from the perspective of the trainees. Methods: This constructivist study employed a novel method of encouraging trainees' reflections on mindset adoption in the clinical learning environment. Trainees played Mindset, a tabletop simulation board game that included challenges encountered within training. This was followed by a facilitated debriefing, focusing on factors that promoted growth or fixed mindset adoption in the clinical learning environment. Debriefing transcripts were analysed using template analysis. Results: Three groups of oncology trainees and one group of medical education fellows participated (16 participants in total). Factors promoting growth mindset adoption included passion, collaboration, diverse career and role modelling. Factors promoting fixed mindset adoption included burnout and competition. Some factors, such as grit, previous success experience and singular training location promoted a fixed mindset when too much or too little were present, and promoted a growth mindset when they were in balance (the Goldilocks principle). Conclusions: The importance of balance versus excess of certain factors, and the ubiquitous competitive culture in medicine promoting a fixed mindset, were compelling reflections. This study may aid invested parties to reflect on what factors they can upregulate and down regulate to optimise trainees' adoption of a growth mindset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In Central Europe, one of the main issues in wildlife management at present is its increasing abundance. As population density increases, diseases that directly or indirectly affect humans are also becoming more prevalent. Although fibropapillomatosis is one of the diseases that does not threaten humans, the accumulation of some heavy metals in tumours has been shown to occur at concentrations that would already be toxic to humans and wildlife. In general, the heavy metal content in wild animal tissues is a partly known topic that was studied on muscle or internal organs but is almost unstudied in tumours. Therefore, we evaluated the content of selected heavy metals in roe deer—the most widespread wildlife species across Europe. If the accumulation of these heavy metals in the tumours also affects the muscle of the individual, which is then intended for consumption by the final consumer, such meat could be considered a health hazard. This pilot study is a cornerstone for further research to clarify the safety or otherwise of meat from wild game affected by fibropapillomatosis. In recent decades, there has been an increase in European wild ungulate populations, often associated with a decline in health and spread of disease. This is true for the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), the most common European cervid, with populations apparently affected by fibropapillomatosis, an increasingly common cancer. To date, however, there has been little research into this disease, thus many interactions remain unclear and descriptions of tumour composition are poorly validated. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence and concentration of toxic heavy metals in roe deer skin tumours. Our results confirmed the presence of virtually all the metals tested for, i.e., Pb, Hg, Cd, As, Cr, Mn, Al, Co, Cu, Ni, Se, Zn, and Fe, with the highest average concentrations found for Cr (0.99 mg/kg−1 ± 2.23 SD), Cd (0.03 mg/kg−1 ± 0.03 SD), and Hg (0.02 mg/kg−1 ± 0.02 SD), exceeding FAO limits for meat from slaughtered animals. We also observed a significant positive relationship between heavy metal concentration and age, especially for Pb, As, Hg, Mn, Se, Al, Zn, and Ni. Our findings provide a strong baseline for further research on the impact of fibropapillomatosis, not only on the welfare and health status of game but also on the final consumer of venison, which in many respects is regarded as a high-quality, ecological, and renewable wild resource. While deer with this disease are not considered qualitatively or medically defective, they could represent a potential reservoir of substances toxic to humans and could affect substance levels in adjacent tissues or the animal as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public transport plays an indispensable role in the whole public transport system. This paper makes an in-depth study on how public transport can provide passengers with higher service quality while meeting the needs of passengers. In order to achieve this research goal, this paper organically incorporates the three key subjects of government supervision, public transport and passengers into the research framework. Evolutionary game theory is used to construct the corresponding research model. It has been found that the decision-making behaviours of government regulators, public transport and passengers are intricately intertwined to influence each other in the evolutionary process. It is particularly noteworthy that the incentive or punishment measures adopted by the government have a great impact on the quality of public transport services. In addition, timely supervision and inspection of government regulatory authorities by higher authorities proved to be crucial for buses to provide stable and high-quality services. This study reveals the mechanisms of interaction between different subjects in the public transport system, particularly the government-guided incentive measures and supervision mechanism to promote the overall service level. To further support the research conclusions, this paper carries on the simulation analysis, and puts forward the countermeasures and suggestions for the bus to provide high-quality service according to the simulation results. These recommendations will help guide the government, public transport and passengers to make better decisions in the synergistic development process, thereby improving the overall level of service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: City simulation games provide players a gaming experience by simulating different aspects of the real city. While there is an increasing scholarly interest in games for social learning and education, little research has been conducted to understand citizen perceptions and understanding of urban planning issues in city simulation games. Aim: This study aims to understand the affective perception and cognitive learning of citizens regarding urban planning elements in the online communities of Cities: Skylines. Research Methods: We develop a new methodological approach based on social media data analytics. Large datasets were scraped from Reddit, the most popular social media platform for video game players. The collected data were subjected to content analysis and sentiment analysis that identify different types of topics and emotions to understand citizens' cognitive and affective perspectives. Key Findings and Conclusion: The findings show that positive emotions were often about the game design, while negative emotions conveyed real-world planning problems such as transportation concerns. The cognitive dimension uncovered citizens' urban recognition tied to personal experiences in various geographical contexts. This study has practical implications for game design for urban planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Student teachers commonly struggle to apply theoretical knowledge to their teaching. This theory-practice gap is a serious problem in teacher education. Over the past decade, simulations and serious games have been shown as an effective way to practice the transfer of theoretical knowledge in authentic settings of skill-use. Approximating theory-based teaching practice via repeated use of simulation games, thus, may be able to close the theory-practice gap in teacher education. Aim: We aimed to assess whether repeatedly engaging with simulated teaching and theory-based feedback would improve student teachers' teaching self-efficacy, transfer of theories into teaching situations and their perceived usefulness of theories. Method: N = 86 student teachers learned twice with either a digital simulation game depicting decision-making in the classroom (simulation condition) or with screenshots of the game (control condition). After each phase, student teachers received theory-based feedback about (their) teaching. Results: Against our hypothesis, there were no changes in both conditions regarding student teachers' teaching self-efficacy, perceived usefulness of theories for practice, or integration of theory-based arguments into practical reasoning. Nonetheless, we found positive effects for learning time and motivation favoring the simulation condition. Conclusion: Our results point towards the motivating potential of simulation games that was, however, not sufficient to close the theory-practice gap. It seems that the theory-practice integration within the simulation game needs to be even stronger to reveal the desired effects, which needs to be subject to further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are different interactions and physiological patterns in coordination meetings between non-lean and last planner system (LPS)-based project teams. This phenomenon is the result of the top-down workflow control in the LPS that seems to influence group interaction and physiological processes differently compared to non-lean production planning and control approaches that use a bottom-up workflow control. The current LPS management practices focus on developing performance indicators instead of establishing process-oriented initiatives that optimize the temporal patterns of social interaction and physiological processes. Understanding the differences in behavioral and physiological patterns among non-lean and LPS-based project teams can support non-lean project teams in transitioning to LPS-based social and physiological patterns. Incorporating video recordings and physiological sensors such as electrodermal activity (EDA) can capture group interactions and concurrent physiological responses. The multiuser immersive virtual reality-based LPS simulation game (MILPS) is an innovative simulation tool to investigate these patterns in a controlled environment. This study uses MILPS, EDA sensors, and video recordings to investigate the impact of LPS on social interactions and physiological patterns during coordination meetings. A total of 90 participants, forming 30 groups, participated in a two-round experiment consisting of both non-lean and LPS-based project planning and working tasks. The video and EDA data were analyzed to assess the temporal pattern of interactions and associated shared physiological arousals (SPA) in both rounds. The results indicate that more iterative patterns were observed between interaction phases in LPS-based rounds, whereas more sequential patterns were observed in non-lean rounds. A higher level of SPA was found during the negotiation, identification in LPS-based round compared with the non-lean round. The contribution of this study is twofold: (1) the behavioral and physiological patterns during coordination meetings for both non-lean and LPS-based project teams are characterized; and (2) insights are generated into management and training strategies to facilitate LPS implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, new-energy vehicles are viewed as the ultimate goal for the automobile industry, given the current focus on the "dual-carbon" target. Therefore, it is important to promote the sustainable development of this new-energy market and ensure a smooth transition from fuel-driven vehicles to new-energy vehicles. This study constructs a tripartite evolutionary game model involving vehicle enterprises, consumers, and the government. It improves the tripartite evolutionary game through the mechanisms of dynamic and static rewards and punishments, respectively, using real-world data. The results show the following. (1) A fluctuation is present in the sales of new-energy vehicles by enterprises and the active promotional behavior of the government. This fluctuation leads to instability, and the behavior is difficult to accurately predict, which is not conducive new-energy vehicles' promotion and sales. (2) A static reward and punishment mechanism can change the fluctuation threshold or peak value. Nevertheless, the stability of the system's strategy is not the main reason that the government has been actively promoting it for a long time. However, enterprises are still wavering between new-energy and fuel vehicles. (3) The linear dynamic reward and punishment mechanism also has its defects. Although they are considered the stability control strategy of the system, they are still not conducive to stability. (4) The nonlinear dynamic reward and punishment mechanism can help the system to achieve the ideal stabilization strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The significance of birds in the medieval human diet has been greatly explored in Europe. However, there is a lack of systematic analysis of data from Croatia. Avian remains dated to the Late Medieval and Early Modern Periods from five archaeological sites in continental Croatia underwent skeletal and taxonomic analysis. Age groups were determined and sex identification was conducted using visual and X-ray diagnostics. Chicken bone measurements were taken, and the logarithmic size index (LSI) technique was performed. Statistical analysis was applied to explore differences between sites. A total of 694 avian remains were studied, revealing 10 species/genera. Avian remains ranged from 8.88% to 20.32% across sites, with the highest percentage found at the urban site BAN. Hens outnumbered cockerels across all sites, with adult chickens prevailing over immature and subadult ones. Chicken sizes were generally consistent across sites, except for castle MIL, where a larger breed was identified. Cockerels tended to be larger than hens, except for one small-sized spurred specimen. To conclude, bird exploitation complemented the use of other animals in diets. Chickens were vital for eggs and meat, with monasteries excelling in bird husbandry over castles. Inhabitants of urban areas mainly consumed bird meat. Castles showed high status through game and imported birds. The aim of this article was to fill in the gap of information regarding the exploitation and consumption of birds at Croatian sites during the Late Medieval and Early Modern Periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eco-spatial indices are commonly used tools to improve the quality of the environment in cities. Initially modelled on the Berlin BAF, indices have evolved to address current challenges, particularly climate change adaptation. The Ratio of Biologically Vital Areas (RBVA), introduced in Poland in the mid-1990s, is an early planning tool for implementing Nature-based Solutions (NbSs) at the site level. This research aimed to assess the effectiveness of the RBVA in Poland compared to its counterparts in Oslo and Malmö. The study employed a serious simulation game developed under the Norwegian-funded CoAdapt project, testing six development scenarios, varied in terms of applied NbSs, for a typical multi-family housing estate. The adaptive potential of the tested scenarios was assessed based on the values of five environmental parameters calculated in the game; that is, air temperature, oxygen production, CO2 sequestration, rainwater harvesting, and biodiversity. The findings revealed that the RBVA, in its current form, has limited effectiveness in supporting climate adaptation. Its two-dimensional nature makes it less effective than the more comprehensive Green Factors used in Oslo and Malmö. The research presented in the article proves that better-constructed indices result in the efficiency of applied NbSs and consequently better adaptation to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While game-based learning has demonstrated positive outcomes for some learners, its efficacy remains variable. Adaptive scaffolding may improve performance and self-regulation during training by optimizing cognitive load. Informed by cognitive load theory, this study investigates whether adaptive scaffolding based on interaction trace data influences learning performance, self-regulation, cognitive load, test performance, and engagement in a medical emergency game. Methods: Sixty-two medical students from three Dutch universities played six game scenarios. They received either adaptive or nonadaptive scaffolding in a randomized double-blinded matched pairs yoked control design. During gameplay, we measured learning performance (accuracy, speed, systematicity), self-regulation (self-monitoring, help-seeking), and cognitive load. Test performance was assessed in a live scenario assessment at 2- and 6–12-week intervals. Engagement was measured after completing all game scenarios. Results: Surprisingly, the results unveiled no discernible differences between the groups experiencing adaptive and nonadaptive scaffolding. This finding is attributed to the unexpected alignment between the nonadaptive scaffolding and the needs of the participants in 64.9% of the scenarios, resulting in coincidentally tailored scaffolding. Exploratory analyses suggest that, compared to nontailored scaffolding, tailored scaffolding improved speed, reduced self-regulation, and lowered cognitive load. No differences in test performance or engagement were found. Discussion: Our results suggest adaptive scaffolding may enhance learning by optimizing cognitive load. These findings underscore the potential of adaptive scaffolding within GBL environments, cultivating a more tailored and effective learning experience. To leverage this potential effectively, researchers, educators, and developers are recommended to collaborate from the outset of designing adaptive GBL or computer-based simulation experiences. This collaborative approach facilitates the establishment of reliable performance indicators and enables the design of suitable, preferably real-time, scaffolding interventions. Future research should confirm the effects of adaptive scaffolding on self-regulation and learning, taking care to avoid unintended tailored scaffolding in the research design. Trial registration: This study was preregistered with the Center for Open Science prior to data collection. The registry may be found at https://osf.io/7ztws/. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Regulatory Theory of Temperament distinguishes two traits involving the time course of responses and four relating to how energy is distributed and stored. This theory enables the presentation of entire structures of temperament traits and it is relevant for assessing an individual's ability to process stimulation and influence their performance during competitions. In our cross-sectional study, these structures are examined in relation to the offensive, defensive, and comprehensive effectiveness of an individual player's actions. Methods: The study included 91 football players aged between 20 and 31 years, who had approximately 10 years of training experience. The Formal Characteristics of Behavior - Temperament Inventory was utilized to assess temperamental traits, while a simulation game was employed to evaluate the effectiveness of each individual player's actions. Results: Research demonstrated that football players possessing a temperament structure that is closely aligned harmonized structure with a high capacity to process stimulation showed higher levels of individual efficacy in attack, defence, and comprehensive effectiveness of performance compared to football players with a harmonized temperament structure but a low capacity to process stimulation. Conclusion: The obtained result emphasises the significance of specific temperament structures in terms of matching the individual's stimulation levels and the their ability to process it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article we study the social dynamic of temporal partitioning congestion games (TPGs), in which participants must coordinate an optimal time-partitioning for using a limited resource. The challenge in TPGs lies in determining whether users can optimally self-organize their usage patterns. Reaching an optimal solution may be undermined, however, by a collectively destructive meta-reasoning pattern, trapping users in a socially vicious oscillatory behavior. TPGs constitute a dilemma for both human and animal communities. We developed a model capturing the dynamics of these games and ran simulations to assess its behavior, based on a 2×2 framework that distinguishes between the players' knowledge of other players' choices and whether they use a learning mechanism. We found that the only way in which an oscillatory dynamic can be thwarted is by adding learning, which leads to weak convergence in the no-information condition and to strong convergence in the with-information condition. We corroborated the validity of our model using real data from a study of bats' behaviour in an environment of water scarcity. We conclude by examining the merits of a complexity-based, agent-based modelling approach over a game-theoretic one, contending that it offers superior insights into the temporal dynamics of TPGs. We also briefly discuss the policy implications of our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In rational decision-making processes, the information interaction among individual robots is a critical factor influencing system stability. We establish a game-theoretic model based on mutual information to address division of labor decision-making and stability issues arising from differential information interaction among swarm robots. Firstly, a mutual information model is employed to measure the information interaction among robots and analyze its influence on the behavior of individual robots. Secondly, employing the Cournot model and the Stackelberg model, we model the diverse decision-making behaviors of swarm robots influenced by discrepancies in mutual information. The intricate decision dynamics exhibited by the system under the disparity mutual information values during the game process, along with the stability of Nash equilibrium points, are analyzed. Finally, dynamic complexity simulations of the game models are simulated under the disparity mutual information values: (1) When ν1 of the game model varies within a certain range, the Nash equilibrium point loses stability and enters a chaotic state. (2) As I(X;Y) increases, the decision-making pattern of robots transitions gradually from the Cournot game to the Stackelberg game. Concurrently, the sensitivity of swarm robotics systems to changes in decision parameter decreases, reducing the likelihood of the system entering a chaotic state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development in artificial intelligence has dramatically changed all industries, among which Al-assisted air combat is a representative case of success. An Intelligent air combat model that consists of the attainment of samples and a decision-making model is constructed in connection with air combat simulator. Considering the characteristics of air combat continuous states and actions, DQN algorithm is selected as the model of intelligent air combat by comparison among several algorithms. Meanwhile, the Al network is trained interactively with Al enemies in the air combat simulation game DCS World, resulting in a model that is able to manipulate aircraft to a degree and many cases of air combat, by analyzing which a collection of winning, losing and dual samples is derived. The result of simulation indicates that the Intelligent air combat model has certain ability to generate strategic samples and enrich tactics in air combat environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this paper, we explore the potential of games to collect empirical data for informing agent-based simulation models of migration. To examine the usefulness of game-based approaches, we conducted a simple, yet carefully designed psychological experiment. Methods: In a preregistered study, we used a novel, immersive experimental setting to investigate the risky migration decisions made by migrants and non-migrants. Participants (284 migrants and 284 non-migrants) played a choice-based interactive fiction game—a fully text-based game where players progress by selecting from a list of possible actions—that involved making three risky migration decisions. In one condition, participants were shown a non-linear progress bar and explicit acknowledgements of the choices they made to promote perceived agency: the feeling that one's actions have a non-trivial impact on the game. In the other condition, the progress bar was linear, and the explicit acknowledgements were omitted. Results: Our experimental manipulation was successful; participants in the former condition self-reported higher perceived agency than participants in the latter condition, as did migrants compared to non-migrants. Nevertheless, condition and migrant status did not meaningfully affect the risky migration decisions participants made in the game. Conclusion: These findings indicate that the results of generic studies on risky migration decisions conducted on non-migrants can potentially inform simulation models of migration. However, these findings were obtained from a single experiment, and thus warrant replication and further research before definitive conclusions can be drawn. Furthermore, a simple text-based game may be too superficial to allow deep insights into the idiosyncrasies of migration decision-making. This suggests a possible trade-off between clear interpretability of the results and the usefulness for informing simulation models of complex social processes, such as migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Simulations, ludic or otherwise, have so far struggled to gain a foothold in mainstream historiography. Some authors suggest there may be fundamental incompatibilities between history and the language of simulations and scholarly games. Others believe that designing, employing, and validating historical simulations may be simply too costly and/or labor-intensive to justify their widespread adoption. Intervention: This paper intends to identify points of friction between historiography and simulation-based research and suggest practical solutions to these issues. Methods: My discussion is based on the description and analysis of a case study, the ThomondSim/ The Triumphs of Turlough research project. The initiative consisted of the development and application of an agent-based computational model (ABM) and a scholarly board game to investigate the possible associations between economic, environmental, and military hazards in 13th and 14th centuries Ireland. Results and Discussion: Ensuring the simulations matched historical evidence to a standard deemed acceptable by the historiographical community limited their phase space, compromising their capacity to explore emergent phenomena. The intricacy of the underlying conceptual model suited the ABM better than the board game, which struggled to reconcile complexity with good game design practices. The board game, however, proved to be an effective validating tool for the ABM. Limitations and Suggestions for Further Research: The project espoused an overt simulation- and game-centric approach, paying little attention to unguided play. Recent literature suggests that fostering, rather than hindering, playful exploration could address some of the pitfalls identified by this project. Conclusion: Play could be a means of reconciliation between simulational, ludic, and historiographical practices. However, to ensure that projects adhere to epistemic standards, it is recommended that a methodology is developed to integrate it into research in ways that can be tested and evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interconnection between engineering simulations, real-world experiments, and virtual reality remains underutilised in engineering. This study addresses this gap by implementing such interconnections, focusing on active thermography for a carbon fibre plate in the aerospace domain. Six scenarios based on three parameters were simulated using ComSol Multiphysics 6.2 and validated experimentally. The results were then integrated into a virtual reality serious game developed with Unreal Engine 5.3.2 and aimed at educating users on thermography principles and aiding rapid experimental condition analysis. Users are immersed in a 3D representation of the research laboratory, allowing interaction with the environment, understanding thermographic setups, accessing instructional videos, and analysing results as graphs or animations. This serious game helps users determine the optimal scenario for a given problem, enhance thermography principle comprehension, and achieve results more swiftly than through real-world experimentation. This innovative approach bridges the gap between simulations and practical experiments, providing a more engaging and efficient learning experience in engineering education. It highlights the potential of integrating simulations, experiments, and virtual reality to improve understanding and efficiency in engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Musculoskeletal disorders challenge significantly the performance of many daily life activities, thus impacting the quality of life. The efficiency of the traditional physical therapy programs is limited by ecological parameters such as intervention duration and frequency, number of caregivers, geographic accessibility, as well as by subjective factors such as patient's motivation and perseverance in training. The implementation of VR rehabilitation systems may address these limitations, but the technology still needs to be improved and clinically validated. Furthermore, current applications generally lack flexibility and personalization. A VR rehabilitation game simulation is developed, which focuses on the upper-limb movement of reaching, an essential movement involved in numerous daily life activities. Its novelty consists in the integration of a machine learning algorithm, enabling highly adaptive and patient-customized therapeutic intervention. An immersive VR system for the rehabilitation of reaching movement using a bubble popping game is proposed. In the virtual space, the patient is presented with bubbles appearing at different locations and is asked to reach the bubble with the injured limb and pop it. The implementation of a Q-learning algorithm enables the game to adjust the location of the next bubble according to the performance of the patient, represented by his kinematic characteristics. Two test cases simulate the performance of the patient during a training program of 10 days/sessions, in order to validate the effectiveness of the algorithm, demonstrated by the spatial and temporal distribution of the bubbles in each evolving scenario. The results show that the algorithm learns the patient's capabilities and successfully adapts to them, following the reward policy dictated by the therapist; moreover, the algorithm is highly responsive to kinematic features' variation, while demanding a reasonable number of iterations. A novel approach for upper limb rehabilitation is presented, making use of immersive VR and reinforcement learning. The simulation suggests that the algorithm offers adaptive capabilities and high flexibility, needed in the comprehensive personalization of a rehabilitation process. Future work will demonstrate the concept in clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To effectively grasp the interactive evolution mechanism of relevant entities in the process of competitive neutrality and reveal the impact of the implementation effect of the principle of competitive neutrality on the evolution path of the game system is the key to guiding the development of the government, industry associations and enterprises with reasonable policies. The equilibrium point of the game is analyzed by the four-party evolutionary game model, and the influence of the change of relevant parameters on the evolution result of the game system is further simulated by numerical simulation. The results show that the central government supervision plays an important role in guiding the strategy selection of different game players. By raising the penalty standards for nonneutral competitive behavior of market players and increasing the non-neutral penalty for local governments, the system can evolve faster to the ideal state of "loose supervision by the central government, neutral implementation by local governments, strong supervision by industry associations, and active cooperation by enterprises." Therefore, to improve the execution effect of competitive neutrality, the central government shall formulate a reasonable regulatory system, and to maximize inspire the enthusiasm of local government, industry associations and enterprises, to promote stability in the sustainable development of the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immersive virtual learning environments (iVLEs), particularly serious games and virtual simulations, typically ignore psychomotor skills development, partly due to the difficulty and cost associated with accurately replicating touch. Simulating touch, also known as haptics, requires specialized haptic devices that are not widely accessible at the consumer-level. Using visual (and/or auditory) cues, pseudo-haptics aims to mimic touch sensations without haptic devices. Although pseudo-haptics has predominantly focused on visual cues, a 2019 review by Collins and Kapralos on pseudo-haptics emphasized the role of auditory cues and cross-modal interactions. Since then, great advancements, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic's shift to remote learning, have been made. Here, we build upon the work of Collins and Kapralos with a narrative review on audio-based pseudo-haptics. This narrative review explores 17 articles obtained from the Google Scholar, RefSeek, Scopus, and PubMed databases, with the aim of providing a comprehensive summary of the progress in this field since 2019. Pseudo-haptics presents a viable alternative to simulate various aspects of touch, including weight, stiffness, roughness, dampness, force, and glossiness, when haptic devices are unavailable, enhancing immersion and providing the potential to improve psychomotor skill training within iVLEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last 30 years, the last planner system (LPS), as a Lean-driven production planning and control tool, has consistently demonstrated its capability to improve planning reliability and overall performance in construction projects. Recent research provides evidence suggesting that the LPS ability to do good to projects has not reached its full potential yet. In fact, it has been observed that by identifying the missing social mechanisms in its implementation process and managing more effectively the complex socio-technical nature of the LPS, its implementation effectiveness is improved. However, commonly used research approaches, such as the case study method, have been criticized for lacking scientific control, replicability, and external validity. Alternatively, immersive virtual reality (IVR)-based simulation games have the methodological capability to enable the study of the social mechanisms that the LPS engenders when implemented in projects, by providing a highly controlled, reproducible, and ecologically valid experimental environment. However, how to leverage effectively IVR-based gaming technology to study the social mechanisms that the LPS engenders in construction organizations is not well understood. In order to bridge this gap, this paper established the conceptual and technical foundations to set IVR-based experimental environments and developed an IVR prototype encompassing nonlean and LPS-based rounds. The evaluation of the IVR prototype involved both quantitative and qualitative research approaches, focusing on its functionality, user-perceived presence and usability, task performance, and lean expert feedback. The results demonstrated the prototype's capability to create a controlled experimental environment while offering participants a user-friendly, immersive, and realistic LPS simulation experience. The contributions of this study are twofold: (1) the addition of a new method to the research methodology toolbox in construction engineering and management; and (2) the generation of design insights to develop IVR prototypes for research in construction engineering and management, and preliminary evidence for its ecological validity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural non-point source pollution control (ANSPC) is a complex, long-term and dynamic environmental protection process. In order to motivate multiple subjects to participate in ANSPC, this paper constructs a tripartite evolutionary game model of local government, village collectives and farmers, which explores the strategic choices and influencing factors of different subjects through simulation analysis. The results indicate that: There are five stable strategy points in the ANSPC game system, which can be divided into four stages based on subject interactions. Village collectives should play an intermediary role in ANSPC and try to coordinate the behaviour of different subjects. The ideal and stable evolution state is "weak supervise, positive response, and active participate", but it cannot be realized at present. The strategy selection of subjects is determined by relative net income. Providing penalties requires considering the heterogeneity of subjects, but incentives are beneficial for achieving tripartite governance. This study provides new evidence for understanding the role of multi-agency participation in agricultural non-point source pollution control, and provides theoretical guidance for the government to formulate differentiated intervention mechanisms, which is an important reference for achieving sustainable development goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pinning control of complex networks is a hot topic of research in network science. However, most studies on pinning control ignore the impact of external interference on actual control strategies. To more comprehensively evaluate network synchronizability via pinning control in the attack–defense confrontation scenario, the paper constructs an attacker-defender game model. In the model, the attacker needs to control nodes in the network as much as possible. The defender will do their best to interfere with the attacker's control of the network. Through a series of experiments, we find that the random attack strategy is always the dominant strategy of the attacker in various equilibriums. On the other hand, the defender needs to constantly change dominant strategy in equilibrium according to the set of defense strategies and cost constraints. In addition, scale-free networks with different network metrics can also influence the payoff matrix of the game. In particular, the average degree of the network has an obvious impact on the attacker's payoff. Moreover, we further verify the correctness of the proposed attacker-defender game through a simulation based on the specific network synchronization dynamics. Finally, we conduct a sensitivity analysis in different network structures, such as the WS small-world network, the ER random network, and the Google network, to comprehensively evaluate the performance of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheelchair basketball (WB) is a sport modality adapted for people with disabilities who present functional classification (FC) according to their mobility, from 1.0 for players with lesser functional capacity up to 4.5 for great mobility and trunk control players. This study aimed to analyze and compare the external load (EL) and the internal load (IL) of the WB players according to their FC in 5 × 5 simulation game tasks. The main objective of this task was to develop a simulated game in which two teams of five players faced each other to resemble the physical demands of an official match. The development of these tasks allowed for the players to learn the different systems of play, and to improve tactical skills. To conduct the study, 12 (male) national professional WB players (years: 30.7 ± 4.82 and WB experience: 5 ± 1.43) participated in the study and were grouped according to FC. WIMU PROTM devices monitored the EL manufactured by RealTrack Systems in Almería, Spain, and to measure the player's IL, GarminTM Heart Rate (HR) bands were used (GarminTM in Olathe, KS, USA). The EL variables were divided as kinematic (distance, explosive distance, acc, dec, max. acc, max. dec, average speed, max. speed) and neuromuscular (player load, impact). The IL variables were average HR, max. HR and %max. HR. The main results show that players with greater functional capacity (FC = 4.0) developed higher values in the IL and neuromuscular variables analyzed (p < 0.05), as well as in some kinematic variables like distance, dec and average speed (p < 0.05). This information is relevant because it helps to personalize the training load based on competitive demands and create a gradual and adaptable training program. This information helps athletes to develop better performance during training and prevent injuries caused by overexertion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, to discuss the influence of concussion risk from the long-term use of American football helmets on collegiate teams, accident cases during the game are replicated based on game videos by simulations using whole-body numerical models and helmeted finite element human head models. The concussion risks caused by collisions were estimated using the mechanical parameters inside the skull obtained from finite element analyses. In the analyses, the different material properties of helmets identified by free-fall experiments using headform impactor-embedded helmets were used to represent brand-new and long-term-use helmets. After analyzing the five cases, it was observed that wearing a new helmet instead of a long-term-use one resulted in a reduction in the risk of concussion by 1 to 44%. More energy is attenuated by the deformation of the liners of the brand-new helmet, so the energy transferred to the head is smaller than that when wearing the long-term-use helmet. Thus, the long-term use of the helmet reduces its ability to protect the head. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Openness to experience (OTE) is one of the Big Five traits that describe the personality of the individual. Player satisfaction (Satisfaction) is composed of the factors of excitement, challenge, learning experience, team victory and self-discovery in a simulation game. OTE and Satisfaction appear to have a symbiotic relationship that feeds on their characteristics and outcomes. This study is undertaken to understand the relationship between OTE and Satisfaction in a simulation game. Objectives of the Study: The objectives are to develop a scale of OTE in the context of a simulation game, to identify the factors of OTE and to study the interactive effects of OTE and Satisfaction and their factors. Methods: An instrument of 40 statements was administered to 190 post-graduate management students at the end of a brand-related simulation game. It had 12 statements that represented OTE and 28 statements of the Satisfaction scale. The data was purified and processed for factor analysis ; the variables and their factors were subjected to correlation and regression. Results: Two OTE factors, each of eigenvalue greater than one, were extracted and named search for novelty and passion to know. Discussion: The conclusions of this study may be generalisable only to sample profiles that are most similar to the study sample, but not to other contexts due to the ambiguous effect of personality, contexts and cultures on the study variables. The strong positive correlations between OTE, Satisfaction and their factors show their bases in a common platform, i.e. the experience of the simulation game. The search for novelty predicts Satisfaction more powerfully than OTE predicts Satisfaction. Self-discovery, learning experience and excitement affect OTE positively and more powerfully than challenge, team victory or Satisfaction. Further studies of passion, intrinsic motivation and self-efficacy may enhance our understanding of their impact on Satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are two recognized classes of strategic-form symmetric games, both of which can be conveniently defined through the corresponding player symmetry groups. We investigate the basic properties of these groups and several related concepts. We generalize the notion of coveringness and adapt their results to characterize these player symmetry groups. We study the relationships between the coveringnesses of various symmetry groups. Our results demonstrate that these symmetry groups have rich mathematical structures that are of game theoretical and economic interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study establishes a three-party evolutionary game model that includes marine ranch firms, consumers, and the government, with a focus on the digital transformation pattern of marine ranching. Subsequently, the researchers conduct gaming and simulation to analyze the government subsidy strategy in the digital transformation of marine ranching. The following findings are derived: (1) Government subsidies have the potential to facilitate the digital transformation of marine ranches, benefiting both the supply and demand sides. Government subsidies positively influence both the digital transformation of marine ranch firms and the involvement of consumers in this transformation process. (2) The findings from the evolutionary game system demonstrate that alterations in the cost-benefit dynamics of each participant lead to adjustments in the steady state, thereby prompting the government to adapt its optimal subsidy strategy. (3) More government subsidies are not always better. Excessive government subsidies will destroy the stability of the evolutionary game system, which is not conducive to the realization of the digitization of marine ranch. (4) Subsidizing consumers is more effective in driving the digital transformation of marine ranch than subsidizing marine ranch firms. Subsidies to marine ranch firms will destroy the stability of the evolutionary game system, whereas subsidizing consumers contributes positively to its stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the strategic decision-making abilities of large language models (LLMs) via the game of Tic-Tac-Toe, renowned for its straightforward rules and definitive outcomes. We developed a mobile application coupled with web services, facilitating gameplay among leading LLMs, including Jurassic-2 Ultra by AI21, Claude 2.1 by Anthropic, Gemini-Pro by Google, GPT-3.5-Turbo and GPT-4 by OpenAI, Llama2-70B by Meta, and Mistral Large by Mistral, to assess their rule comprehension and strategic thinking. Using a consistent prompt structure in 10 sessions for each LLM pair, we systematically collected data on wins, draws, and invalid moves across 980 games, employing two distinct prompt types to vary the presentation of the game's status. Our findings reveal significant performance variations among the LLMs. Notably, GPT-4, GPT-3.5-Turbo, and Llama2 secured the most wins with the list prompt, while GPT-4, Gemini-Pro, and Mistral Large excelled using the illustration prompt. GPT-4 emerged as the top performer, achieving victory with the minimum number of moves and the fewest errors for both prompt types. This research introduces a novel methodology for assessing LLM capabilities using a game that can illuminate their strategic thinking abilities. Beyond enhancing our comprehension of LLM performance, this study lays the groundwork for future exploration into their utility in complex decision-making scenarios, offering directions for further inquiry and the exploration of LLM limits within game-based frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sharing of risks and rewards is considered to be one of the key benefits and principles of integrated project delivery (IPD). Despite its importance, risk–reward strategies are not implemented widely in IPD construction projects due to the lack of a well-defined basis for establishing adequate allocation plans. This paper fills this knowledge gap. This research followed a multistep methodology. First, the authors calculated the risk control valuations of all potential combinations of coalitions for IPD stakeholders. This was performed using interrelated steps of risk identification and quantification, risk assignment based on associated contractual analysis, establishment of a coordination network, and Monte Carlo simulation. Second, the authors adopted cooperative game theoretic solutions—including Shapely, Owen, and Myerson partition-graph restricted game values—to allocate risk–reward shares for three IPD relational structures. Third, for each IPD relational structure, the authors evaluated the stability and associated negotiation power of coalitions for the IPD stakeholders using the propensity-to-disrupt ratio. Ultimately, the outcomes of this study show that having a multiparty agreement, in which all stakeholders—the owner, designer, contractor, and subcontractor—have open communication channels, creates the most balanced coalition. In this case, all stakeholders have equal willingness to cooperate in the project. Furthermore, as the engagement of the subcontractor in the IPD coalition decreases, the liability and contribution of the contractor increase in terms of project risk control. The latter emphasizes the importance of the technical capabilities of the contractor in the case of restricted subcontractor's engagement in the project. This research contributes to the body of knowledge by offering a basis for negotiation among various IPD stakeholders in terms of the degree of the subcontractor's engagement on the one hand and the proportionate share of each stakeholder on the other hand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In a world of ever-increasing complexity, organizations and people have an ever-increasing need for support systems that help them understand and shape the world around them. While simulation game design derived from the very idea to propose an instrument able to address complexity, seminal approaches dealt with a different level of complexity. In a networked, digitalized world, complexity has increased, and traditional approaches towards designing games show certain shortcomings that have to be overcome. Aim: This article proposes a new process of game design for complex problems and complex systems that can both be used by game designers as well as the scientific community in the field. This process is represented within a framework, based on two parts. The so-called 'Funnel of Game Design' based on the IDEAS approach represents the process of problem derivation, while the 'House of Game Design' also covers possible steps towards the final game product and process, including de-briefing and evaluation. Method: Based on hands-on experiences and related work, we developed several steps of a game design process (IDEAS approach). In face-to-face interviews, we discussed the first version of the framework with experts in the field of simulation game studies. Results: This process led to the framework presented in this article, which shows the steps of problem derivation as well as challenges that can occur, and proposes adaptive methods to overcome these challenges. The framework includes elements that support the definition of complex problems, and their translation into game designs. Recommendation: We recommend practitioners and scientists to apply the new framework presented here in their efforts to define the underlying problem that should be addressed by an envisioned simulation game, and in translating this into a valid, engaging and meaningful game experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To promote the theoretical research and business development of intellectual property pledge financing, this paper summarizes the research status of multi-agent game in intellectual property pledge financing. At present, scholars' research on multi-agent game in intellectual property pledge financing mainly focuses on the game between borrowers and lenders, the game between lenders and third-party intermediaries (or platforms), and the game between borrowers, lenders and third-party intermediaries (or platforms). Overall, scholars have conducted extensive research on the game between borrowers and lenders, while research on the game between borrowers, lenders, and third-party intermediaries (or platforms) is relatively weak. Especially when the government implements financial subsidies and interest subsidies for borrowers, financial subsidies for third-party intermediaries (or platforms), and risk compensation for lenders, there is a lack of research on the intellectual property pledge financing game with the government as an independent game subject. Future research can focus on the game between borrowers, lenders, and the government under government incentives, as well as the game between borrowers, lenders, third-party intermediaries (or platforms) and the government under government incentives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Path searching is challenging problem in many domains such as simulation war games, robotics, military mission planning, computer generated forces (CGF), etc. Effectiveness problems in military route planning are related both with terrain modelling and path planning algorithms. These problems may be considered from the point of view of many criterions. It seems that two criterions are the most important: quality of terrain reflection in the terrain model and computational complexity of the on(off)-line path planning algorithm. The paper deals with two above indicated problems of route planning effectiveness. Comparison of approaches used in route planning is presented. The hybrid, terrain merging-based and partial path planning, approach for route planning in dynamically changed environment during simulation is described. It significantly increase effectiveness of route planning process. The computational complexity of the method is given and some discussion for using the method in the battlefield simulation is conducted. In order to estimate how many times faster we can compute problem for finding shortest path in network with n big squares (b-nodes) with relation to problem for finding shortest path in the network with V small squares (s-nodes) acceleration function is defined and optimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many undergraduate students hold robust misconceptions about the emergent nature of molecular processes, believing them to be directed rather than random. Interactive simulations might help transform such misconceptions by visualizing stochastic processes in a time-independent medium and enabling students to manipulate the environment to test their naïve hypotheses. Furthermore, game-based learning (GBL) might enhance the effectiveness of such simulations by promoting productive negativity (PN), i.e., learning from failure. In a randomized controlled trial with pre-test, post-test and delayed one-year follow-up, undergraduates (n = 84) engaged with either a GBL or interactive simulation (SIM) environment for 20–45 min and were compared to a baseline group (n = 138). GBL (p = 0.035) and SIM (p = 0.069) resolved more misconceptions than baseline but did not differ from each other (p = 0.992). GBL group also trended toward more positive long-term conceptual change. In-game interactions generated in response to PN were predictive of conceptual change in the GBL group alone, suggesting that PN may only be effective when supported by game design. Participants' native English-speaking status had a moderating effect, with native-speakers performing well in GBL and poorly in SIM environment, while the opposite was true for non-native-speakers, which, as discussed herein, may be aligned with cultural differences in acceptability of GBL. The GBL intervention generated longer voluntary use (p = 0.005), especially amongst frequent game-players. The results inform how GBL/SIM approaches can implement PN as a mechanism for conceptual change about molecular emergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Corporate greenwashing in response to carbon neutrality strategies has received substantial academic attention. Distinct from previous studies, this paper establishes a differential game model incorporating both green and brown enterprise types. The model compares greenness and total profits under two government scenarios: subsidies for green enterprises and the regulation of brown enterprises. It further analyzes the mechanism behind brown enterprise greenwashing formation. The results show that subsidies alone encourage brown enterprises to engage in greenwashing. However, government regulation inhibits such behaviors, with the inhibition effect positively correlated to regulatory intensity. Consumers' green perception of enterprises also significantly drives brown enterprise greenwashing degrees. Higher green enterprise perception coefficients reduce greenwashing, while higher brown enterprise perception coefficients increase it. Differential game and simulation analyses reveal that greenwashing governance should consider both direct policy effects on brown enterprises and indirect subsidy effects on green enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Although healthcare providers (HCPs) are the most trusted source of vaccine information, there is a paucity of easily accessible, multidisciplinary educational tools on vaccine communication for them. Virtual simulation games (VSGs) are innovative yet accessible and effective tools in healthcare education. The objectives of our study were to develop VSGs to increase HCP confidence and self-efficacy in vaccine communication, advocacy, and promotion, and evaluate the VSGs’ effectiveness using a pre-post self-assessment pilot study. Methods A multidisciplinary team of experts in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and simulation development created three VSGs for HCP learners focused on addressing conversations with vaccine hesitant individuals. We evaluated the VSGs with 24 nursing students, 30 pharmacy students, and 18 medical residents who completed surveys and 6-point Likert scale pre-post self-assessments to measure changes in their confidence and self-efficacy. Results There were no significant differences in baseline confidence and self-efficacy across the three HCP disciplines, despite varied levels of education. Post-VSG confidence and self-efficacy (median: 5) were significantly higher than pre-VSG (median: 4–5) for all three HCP disciplines (P ≤ 0.0005), highlighting the effectiveness of the VSGs. Medical residents reported significantly lower post-VSG confidence and self-efficacy than nursing and pharmacy learners despite completing the most significant amount of education. Conclusions Following the completion of the VSGs, learners in medicine, nursing, and pharmacy showed significant improvement in their self-assessed confidence and self-efficacy in holding vaccine conversations. The VSGs as an educational tool, in combination with existing clinical immunization training, can be used to increase HCP confidence and engagement in vaccine discussions with patients, which may ultimately lead to increased vaccine confidence among patients.

This document, titled "Making a Better Future Using Simulation and Gaming," discusses the potential benefits of using gamification and simulation in various fields. The authors highlight the positive impact that games and gaming technology can have on skills, cognition, and well-being. They also emphasize the importance of reliable simulations and gaming scenarios in preparing for and dealing with crises such as natural disasters and global conflicts. The authors express optimism and encourage readers to embrace insights and tools derived from gaming and simulation to address the challenges of today and the future. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Although healthcare providers (HCPs) are the most trusted source of vaccine information, there is a paucity of easily accessible, multidisciplinary educational tools on vaccine communication for them. Virtual simulation games (VSGs) are innovative yet accessible and effective tools in healthcare education. The objectives of our study were to develop VSGs to increase HCP confidence and self-efficacy in vaccine communication, advocacy, and promotion, and evaluate the VSGs' effectiveness using a pre-post self-assessment pilot study. Methods: A multidisciplinary team of experts in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and simulation development created three VSGs for HCP learners focused on addressing conversations with vaccine hesitant individuals. We evaluated the VSGs with 24 nursing students, 30 pharmacy students, and 18 medical residents who completed surveys and 6-point Likert scale pre-post self-assessments to measure changes in their confidence and self-efficacy. Results: There were no significant differences in baseline confidence and self-efficacy across the three HCP disciplines, despite varied levels of education. Post-VSG confidence and self-efficacy (median: 5) were significantly higher than pre-VSG (median: 4–5) for all three HCP disciplines (P ≤ 0.0005), highlighting the effectiveness of the VSGs. Medical residents reported significantly lower post-VSG confidence and self-efficacy than nursing and pharmacy learners despite completing the most significant amount of education. Conclusions: Following the completion of the VSGs, learners in medicine, nursing, and pharmacy showed significant improvement in their self-assessed confidence and self-efficacy in holding vaccine conversations. The VSGs as an educational tool, in combination with existing clinical immunization training, can be used to increase HCP confidence and engagement in vaccine discussions with patients, which may ultimately lead to increased vaccine confidence among patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In basketball defence, it is impossible to keep track of all players without peripheral vision. This is the first study to investigate peripheral vision usage in an experimentally controlled setup, with sport-specific basketball stimuli from a first-person perspective, large viewing eccentricities (up to 90° to the left and right), and natural action responses. A CAVE and a motion-tracking system was used to project the scenarios and capture movement responses of high- and low-skilled basketball players, respectively. Four video conditions were created: (1) a simple reaction time task without crowding (only attackers), (2) a simple reaction time task with crowding (with attackers and defenders), (3) a choice-reaction time task where the player cutting to the basket eventually passed the ball to another player and (4) a game simulation. The results indicated eccentricity effects in all tests, a crowding effect in condition 2, and expertise differences in conditions 3 and 4 only. These findings suggest that viewing eccentricity has an impact on response times, that crowding is a limiting factor for peripheral perception in sports games, and that high-skilled but not low-skilled players can compensate for eccentricity effects in real game situations, indicating their superior positioning and perceptual strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmaceutical residues end up in surface waters, impacting drinking water sources and contaminating the aquatic ecosystem. Pharmacists can play a role in reducing pharmaceutical residues, yet this is often not addressed in pharmacy undergraduate education. Therefore, we developed the educational module "Reducing Pharmaceuticals in Water" for pharmacy students; this was integrated in our pharmacy simulation game for third year Master of Pharmacy students at the University of Groningen. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effects of the module on students' knowledge of pharmaceutical residues in water, to describe students' experiences in taking the module, and to explore their attitudes towards green pharmacy education in general. This mixed-methods study included quantitative measurements, before and after students took the module (intervention group) and in a control group which did not receive the module. Data were collected between February 2023 and June 2023. Overall, 29 students took the module and 36 students were in the control group. The knowledge score of students in the intervention group (N = 29) increased significantly from 9.3 to 12.9 out of 22 (p < 0.001). The knowledge score of the students in the control group was (8.9 out of 22). Students found the e-learning and the patient cases the most exciting part of this module. Students also recognized the need to including environmental issues in pharmacy education. In conclusion, the module contributes towards improved knowledge and increased awareness of the impact of pharmaceuticals found in water. It represents a promising strategy to strengthen pharmacist's role in mitigating the amount and the effect of pharmaceuticals on water and the environment in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the combined use of eXtended Reality and Simulation to improve awareness and confidence in Container Terminal Operations by tailoring a Simulation Systems. Experimentation is proposed as example of the benefits achievable by training virtually operators in this context. The complexity of Port Operations creates a quite dangerous environment where the highly competitive business sector push to increase speed of operations and flows. In additions Port Terminals involve many actors that have to work and interoperate within a multi domain environment, outdoor all around the clock along the year in an almost all- weather context. Ports are growing getting encapsulated within major city that over time turn to be megacities creating additional challenges especially in terms of Safety and Security that require to operate with high performance in a safe framework. The automation obviously is crucial to further increase operations, therefore up to know the human component is still quite critical for many ancillary activities as well as often on main and secondary ones due to the flexibility and reliability required. This aspect could suggest a big potential for Industry 4.0 and its future evolution in this field as well as a continuous struggling with the very conservative mentality of Shipping and Maritime Operations relying in Systems able to operate in the previous mentioned conditions. Indeed, Training and Education are crucial to face these challenges and make it possible to introduce new technologies, policies and approaches in the very strategic field of Port Activities. The authors propose an experimentation carried out to demonstrate the potential to move training and education on virtual interactive solutions based on MS2G paradigm (Modeling, interoperable Simulation and Serious Games) by tailoring a Simulation System on specific criticalities [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cooperative and participatory development of concepts, processes and spaces is becoming increasingly important for libraries. For library teams as well as for administrations it is vital that participatory processes can be initiated in easy ways regarding time and money. The article addresses this question and shows how the use of simulation games can lead to constructive solutions. Furthermore, it presents the "hochdrei – vision game" provided by the German Federal Cultural Foundation – a digital tool to design a simulation game specifically for libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simulation-based training is an acceptable method in medical sciences. The available simulators and the conduct of simulation require both simulators and infrastructural requirements. This narrative review highlights the potential of digital tools for team-based simulation exercises in low-resource settings. This review presents a comprehensive list of affordable digital tools for scenario planning, scenario design, and assessment. It covers various applications and platforms, providing detailed insights into their features, types, and accessibility. Different low-cost digital tools are available, from generative artificial intelligence for scenario planning to online repositories of simulation cases, browser-based assessment designers, and simulation games. These digital tools can make simulation accessible, transforming it into an immersive learning experience to enhance understanding and skill acquisition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of electronic game technology, the content of electronic games presents a larger number of units, richer unit attributes, more complex game mechanisms, and more diverse team strategies. Multi-agent deep reinforcement learning shines brightly in this type of team electronic game, achieving results that surpass professional human players. Reinforcement learning algorithms based on Q-value estimation often suffer from Q-value overestimation, which may seriously affect the performance of AI in multi-agent scenarios. We propose a multi-agent mutual evaluation method and a multi-agent softmax method to reduce the estimation bias of Q values in multi-agent scenarios, and have tested them in both the particle multi-agent environment and the multi-agent tank environment we constructed. The multi-agent tank environment we have built has achieved a good balance between experimental verification efficiency and multi-agent game task simulation. It can be easily extended for different multi-agent cooperation or competition tasks. We hope that it can be promoted in the research of multi-agent deep reinforcement learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]