The effect of time manipulation on immersion in digital games

Many empirical studies look into identifying factors that influence the quality of experience in video games. In this paper, we present research into the effect of playing time and players’ perception of the time on their immersion in the game. We invited 20 participants to play a puzzle game Bejeweled 2 for 7 min. They played the game in two conditions, namely, correct time (timer was programmed to be exactly 7 min) and wrong time (the countdown was set to be for 6 min, but was presented as a 7 min timer to the player). Players’ immersion scores were measured after the game using the IEQ. The results show no significant difference in immersion scores between the two conditions and participants’ comments also revealed that they perceived no difference in playing time between the conditions. This suggests that there is a dissociation between gaming time and subjective experience of gaming. Further research is required to investigate the relationship between playing time and positive gaming experiences

Semileptonic and non-leptonic B_c decays

We make predictions for the exclusive semileptonic and the non-leptonic decay widths of the B_c meson. We evaluate the B_c semileptonic form factors for different decay channels in a relativistic model, and use factorization to obtain the non-leptonic decay widths.Comment: 11 Pages, 1 Postscript figur

Influence of symmetry breaking on the fluctuation properties of spectra

We study the effect of gradual symmetry breaking in a non-integrable system on the level fluctuation statistics. We consider the case when the symmetry is represented by a quantum number that takes one of two possible values, so that the unperturbed system has a spectrum composed of two independent sequences. When symmetry-breaking perturbation is represented by a random matrix with an adjustable strength, the shape of the spectrum monotonously evolves towards the Wigner distribution as the strength parameter increases. This contradicts the observed behaviour of the acoustic resonance spectra in quartz blocks during the breaking of a point-group symmetry that has two eigenvalues, where the system changes in the beginning towards the Poisson statistics then turns back to the GOE statistics. This behaviour is explained by assuming that the symmetry breaking perturbation removes the degeneracy of a limited number of levels, thus creating a third chaotic sequence. As symmetry breaking increases, the new sequence grows at the expense of the initial pair until it overwhelms the whole spectrum when the symmetry completely disappears. The calculated spacing distribution and spectral rigidity are able to describe the evolution of the observed acoustic resonance spectra.Comment: 11 pages Latex and 4 postscript figure

Integrating vocational training in culinary arts and Islamic studies at juvenile rehabilitation centres: Malaysian experience

The Juvenile Rehabilitation Centres (JRC) in Malaysia aims to provide shelter, counselling and skills training to juveniles specifically for those who wish to transform themselves from the regrettable misdeeds they have committed. At JRCs, an integrated Culinary Vocational Training and Islamic education forms part of their training curriculum. The skills acquired should enable trainees to secure jobs upon completion of training. However, there are some training institutions that lack systematic training structures resulting in trainees becoming less skilful in both vocational and Islamic education. The objective of this research is to identify the effectiveness of an integrated Culinary and Islamic Education curriculum implemented at JRCs in Malaysia. This is a descriptive survey and data was obtained using questionnaire and interview. Respondents comprised 92 trainees, four managers, four culinary trainers and four Islamic education teachers, all from four different JRCs. The findings show that the trainees are happy with their trainings that brought about positive effects for them. Some suggestions have been made to provide improvements in the implementation of the course among them the inclusion of prayers in the Islamic education syllabus

Konsep Gender dalam Al-quran (Kajian Tafsir Tentang Gender dalam Qs. Ali Imran [3]:36)

This paper examines gender in the Qur'an, especially in QS. Ali Imran [3]: 36 with tahlili method. The interpretation of the concept of gender in these verses is the equality of women and men in doing any activity, especially in doing worship. The Qur'an gives spirit for all muslims to reproduce charity without distinction of sex. By doing worship to God, they further improve their safety, and for those who attain taqwa that is more precious in the sight of Allah