PokerMapper: : mapping executive functions, poker playing ability and responsible gambling in online environments

Research objectives Poker and responsible gambling both entail the use of the executive functions (EF), which are higher-level cognitive abilities. The main objective of this work was to assess if online poker players of different ability show different performances in their EF and if so, which functions are the most discriminating ones. The secondary objective was to assess if the EF performance can predict the quality of gambling, according to the Gambling Related Cognition Scale (GRCS), the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) and the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). Sample and methods The study design consisted of two stages: 46 Italian active players (41m, 5f; age 32±7,1ys; education 14,8±3ys) fulfilled the PGSI in a secure IT web system and uploaded their own hand history files, which were anonymized and then evaluated by two poker experts. 36 of these players (31m, 5f; age 33±7,3ys; education 15±3ys) accepted to take part in the second stage: the administration of an extensive neuropsychological test battery by a blinded trained professional. To answer the main research question we collected all final and intermediate scores of the EF tests on each player together with the scoring on the playing ability. To answer the secondary research question, we referred to GRCS, PGSI and SOGS scores.  We determined which variables that are good predictors of the playing ability score using statistical techniques able to deal with many regressors and few observations (LASSO, best subset algorithms and CART). In this context information criteria and cross-validation errors play a key role for the selection of the relevant regressors, while significance testing and goodness-of-fit measures can lead to wrong conclusions.   Preliminary findings We found significant predictors of the poker ability score in various tests. In particular, there are good predictors 1) in some Wisconsin Card Sorting Test items that measure flexibility in choosing strategy of problem-solving, strategic planning, modulating impulsive responding, goal setting and self-monitoring, 2) in those Cognitive Estimates Test variables related to deductive reasoning, problem solving, development of an appropriate strategy and self-monitoring, 3) in the Emotional Quotient Inventory Short (EQ-i:S) Stress Management score, composed by the Stress Tolerance and Impulse Control scores, and in the Interpersonal score (Empathy, Social Responsibility, Interpersonal Relationship). As for the quality of gambling, some EQ-i:S scales scores provide the best predictors: General Mood for the PGSI; Intrapersonal (Self-Regard; Emotional Self-Awareness, Assertiveness, Independence, Self-Actualization) and Adaptability  (Reality Testing, Flexibility, Problem Solving) for the SOGS, Adaptability for the GRCS. Implications for the field Through PokerMapper we gathered knowledge and evaluated the feasibility of the construction of short tasks/card games in online poker environments for profiling users’ executive functions. These card games will be part of an IT system able to dynamically profile EF and provide players with a feedback on their expected performance and ability to gamble responsibly in that particular moment. The implementation of such system in existing gambling platforms could lead to an effective proactive tool for supporting responsible gambling. 

L’art de présenter Marguerite Duras à l’étranger : le cas de la Suède

Dans cette communication, nous proposons d’analyser les paratextes des ouvrages durassiens traduits en suédois. Nous nous intéressons surtout aux préfaces (et postfaces) allographes (cf. Genette, Seuils, 1987) ainsi qu’aux couvertures et quatrièmes de couverture. Pour les préfaces, postfaces et quatrièmes de couverture, nous voulons savoir, d’abord, dans quelle mesure il existe des textes allographes dans les traductions suédoises. Ensuite, nous nous intéressons aux références culturelles et artistiques données dans les présentations. Comme l’objectif de ces paratextes est d’introduire une auteure étrangère à un nouveau public et recommander son ouvrage aux acheteurs potentiels, il serait intéressant d’étudier les stratégies éditoriales : dans quel contexte intellectuel et artistique choisit-on d’inscrire Marguerite Duras ? Quels arguments et références sont utilisés ? Pour les couvertures, nous allons étudier l’utilisation des différentes expressions artistiques telles que les photographies, les dessins, les typographies spécifiques, etc. Nous voulons savoir, par exemple, s’il y a des motifs récurrents, et si le public ciblé est le même pour toutes les éditions. Le corpus sera constitué par des paratextes des éditions suédoises de l’oeuvre durassienne, du premier roman traduit (Stilla liv 1947 [La Vie tranquille]) jusqu’aux traductions les plus récentes. Nous tâcherons de savoir s’il y a eu des « médiateurs » prestigieux, c’est-à-dire des personnalités de grande notoriété qui ont contribué à l’introduction de Duras en Suède. Pour ce faire, nous allons discuter aussi le travail des traducteurs – car ces individus ont également participé à la promotion de l’oeuvre durassienne sur le marché suédois.