The Subject of AI: A Psychoanalytic Intervention

This article explores psychoanalytic perspectives, particularly Lacanian theory, on artificial intelligence, with a focus on chatbots, such as, ChatGPT. While ChatGPT is often viewed as mimicking human traits, such conceptions overlook the unique aspects of human subjectivity that AI lacks. Instead, psychoanalytic theory can reveal the social structures underlying AI and human interaction. We argue that ChatGPT should be seen as inherently relational, shaped by its developers and users, rather than as an independent quasi-human agent. This relationality fosters a specific mode of sociality, analysed through Lacanian concepts like the big Other, the five discourses, and the analyst-analysand relation. In doing so, we go beyond either completely rejecting the appearance of human qualities or embracing them as a new kind of AI subjectivity, be it technological or quasi-human

Interunit reliability of STATSports APEX global navigation satellite system and accelerometer-derived metrics during shuttle run protocols of varied distances and change of direction frequency

This study assessed the interunit reliability of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and accelerometer-derived metrics during high-intensity shuttle run protocols. Thirty-three female football players completed three shuttle run protocols (2 × 20 m, 4 × 10 m, and 8 × 5 m). Two STATSports Apex Pro units (18 Hz GPS and 10 Hz Augmented GNSS; 100 Hz accelerometer) recorded accelerometer-derived (fatigue index [FI] and dynamic stress load [DSL]) and GNSS-derived (total distance, acceleration and deceleration counts, maximum speed, speed intensity and total metabolic power) metrics. Interunit reliability and agreement were evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and Bland-Altman analysis. GNSS metrics demonstrated good to excellent reliability (ICC: 0.845–0.999), whereas accelerometer-derived metrics, FI (ICC: 0.495) and DSL (ICC: 0.484), showed poor reliability. Percentage bias in accelerometer-derived metrics ranged from -1.76% (FI) to -7.72% (DSL), and in GNSS metrics ranged from -0.1% (speed intensity) to 5.83% (decelerations), limits of agreement increased in protocols with more directional changes. Overall, interunit reliability of accelerometer-derived metrics should be considered cautiously, especially in short, high-intensity activity. ICC and Bland-Altman analysis confirmed close agreement for GNSS metrics but highlighted variability in accelerometer-derived metrics. Practitioners are advised to avoid interchanging units between athletes and sessions to maintain reliability

A scoping review of the research supporting coaching practice in women's football - as the game grows the research strives to keep up.

The aim of this study was to scope the available peer-reviewed literature on competitive women's football, identifying and mapping the current research on supporting coaching practice in women's football. The study reviewed all women's football-related studies scoped by Okholm Kryger et al. (2021) for their relevance to coaching in women's football. Additionally, an updated search was performed from PubMed (1966-2023), PsycINFO (1967-2023), Web of Science (1900-2023), Scopus (1788-2023), SPORTDiscus (1892-2023) on 7 December 2023. The author, journal, title, and abstract of all included studies were scoped. Information extracted during the scoping process included: the population, playing level, age group, environment, study type, and geographical location of the research. A total of 373 articles were scoped. The publication topic most frequently researched was Performance Analysis - Physical (20%), followed by Performance Analysis - Technical/Tactical (18%) and Maturation/Talent Identification (13%). Most studies were focused on coaching senior players (  = 207, 55%) and elite football (  = 189, 51%). Despite the volume of research growing each year, it is noticeable that there are gaps in the research. Five topics only had a single figure number of articles (Teaching and Learning Strategies, Coach Education/Development, Socio-Cultural Experience's of Coaching, Coaching Philosophy, and Responsibilities/Role in Football). At present given there is a particular emphasis on certain playing levels, playing populations, and research topics, there is a dearth of information in certain areas. As such, researchers should work to ensure there is greater thematic depth as well as an increased volume of research in women's football

Mentoring languages teachers in the secondary school: a practical guide

Mentoring Languages Teachers in the Secondary School helps mentors of beginning languages teachers in both developing their own mentoring skills and providing the essential guidance beginning teachers need as they navigate the roller-coaster of the first years of teaching. Offering tried and tested strategies based on the best research and evidence, it covers the knowledge, skills and understanding every mentor needs and offers practical tools such as lesson plans, feedback guides, observation sheets and examples of dialogue with beginning languages teachers. Research suggests that the role of the mentor is highly influential to the beginning teacher, and this book considers language-specific aspects as well as a focus on the holistic well-being of the beginning teacher. Together with analytical tools for self-evaluation, this book is a vital source of support and inspiration for all those involved in developing the next generation of outstanding languages teachers. Key topics explained include the following: Roles and responsibilities of mentors The subject knowledge and understanding required by beginning languages teachers The lesson planning process Guidance on teaching core skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening Development opportunities for languages teachers Observations and pre- and post-lesson discussions Filled with the key tools needed for the mentor’s individual development, this new text offers an accessible guide to mentoring languages teachers with ready-to-use strategies that support, inspire and elevate both mentors and beginning teachers alike

Navigating Anthropometric Assessment in Sports Settings: Perspectives from ISAK Practitioners in the UK and Ireland

Background Anthropometric assessment in high-performance sports is complex, requiring both physical and psychological considerations. Despite the increasing number of International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) accredited practitioners, the ethical and practical challenges they face—particularly in applying anthropometric data within dynamic sports environments—remain underexplored. Aim This qualitative study explores ISAK practitioners’ experiences of anthropometric assessment in high-performance sport, identifying key challenges and practitioner-informed strategies to enhance practice and athlete well-being. Method Three on-line focus groups were conducted in August and September 2024 with 14 UK- and Ireland-based practitioners (11 female, three male), aged 44.0 ± 7.2 years. Participants had 10.6 ± 5.5 years of experience as ISAK Level 3 accredited practitioners and 11.0 ± 5.9 years of experience providing anthropometric support in sport, with 92% having worked at the international level. A semi-structured topic guide was used to facilitate discussion, and data analysis followed Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis framework. Results Three key themes were identified: (1) Holistic athlete care: Integrating anthropometric and performance data; (2) Bridging the gap: Enhancing education and training for real-world application; and (3) Challenging the status quo: Addressing cultural and organisational barriers. Participants emphasised the importance of holistic, individualised approaches to anthropometric assessment that resist reductionist views of body metrics. They advocated for structured mentorship, expanded professional development, and greater interdisciplinary collaboration to support ethical and effective practice. Conclusions Entrenched data-driven cultures and hierarchical structures hinder athlete-centred care. Overcoming these barriers requires collaboration between regulatory bodies, ISAK practitioners, and multidisciplinary teams. Integrating frameworks such as Entrusted Professional Activities and Communities of Practice, alongside experiential learning approaches, will enhance practitioner autonomy and ensure anthropometric assessment remains both effective and athlete centred

Why the battle for creativity is worth fighting

We hear regularly that the pipeline of future linguists is drying up and, given the views above, we need to ask ourselves as professionals about balance: where is the place of authenticity and creativity within the ‘knowledge rich curriculum’ (Gibb 2010) and reduced teaching time on the timetable? Can they cohabit to develop intrinsic motivation for language learning? This is why St Mary’s University, Twickenham and The Queen’s College, Oxford have joined forces to create a Special Interest Group on Creativity in the MFL classroom. Following our talk on creativity in the MFL classroom session at the Language Show in November 2024, we felt it was time to bring practitioners together to think about creativity and authenticity in languages lessons. So, our Special Interest Group [SIG] for Creativity in MFL was born. This article summarises the work of the SIG and our journey to promote creativity in the MFL classroom

ACL injury prevention in European women's football: exploring knowledge, attitudes and practices in a cross-sectional study.

ObjectiveTo assess the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours regarding anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention among individuals involved in women's football at all levels, including players and staff across Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) nations.MethodsA cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and behavioural adoption of ACL injury prevention strategies among players, coaches, medical staff and other stakeholders in European women's football.ResultsA total of 2384 responses from 47 of the 55 UEFA national associations were analysed. While 95% of participants demonstrated awareness of ACL injuries, knowledge of specific exercise programmes to prevent such injuries was limited in coaches (62%) and players (32%), particularly at grassroots and recreational levels. Participants expressed positive attitudes towards integrating prevention programmes into regular routines with 97% expressing they would perform it if it significantly reduced ACL injuries; however, the actual implementation of these programmes remained low across all levels of play with 22% of players, 51% of coaches and 61% of medical staff reported having performed or facilitated an ACL prevention exercise programme.ConclusionDespite positive attitudes towards ACL injury prevention, the practical application of prevention programmes in women's football is insufficient, especially below the national top-division level. This highlights the need for targeted educational initiatives to enhance knowledge and facilitate implementation among recreational players, coaches and medical staff

Quantification of velocity decrement and kinetic profile during 10 metre resisted sprinting using the Run RocketTM

The Run RocketTM is used to improve acceleration and maximum velocity sprinting performance. However, no empirical data exist to support its efficacy. Accordingly, this study aimed to examine how incremental Run RocketTM loads effect sprint velocity (Vdec), relative ground impulse and relative peak force. Fourteen recreationally active (13 male, 1 female) participants performed 10 m sprints at three Run RocketTM arbitrary (AU) resistance levels (10, 20 and 30 AU and unresisted sprints). One-way repeated measures ANOVA, and Cohen’s d effect sizes identified significant and meaningful differences between conditions. Run RocketTM induced significant, large (d= >4.50) Vdec across all conditions. First and second step ground contact times showed large effects (d= >2.50) when comparing unresisted sprinting to all Run RocketTM conditions. Concomitant moderate increases were observed for first and second step relative horizontal propulsive impulses, while first and second step relative horizontal propulsive forces showed no effect, suggesting Vdec was attributable to increases in ground contact time during resisted sprinting using the Run RocketTM in all conditions. The results indicate most Run RocketTM resistance levels might be too challenging to improve maximum velocity sprinting, yet not challenging enough to improve acceleration. Therefore, lighter Run RocketTM resistances may be preferential