An open learning environment for the diagnosis, assistance and evaluation of students based on artificial intelligence

The personalized diagnosis, assistance and evaluation of students in open learning environments can be a challenging task, especially in cases that the processes need to be taking place in real-time, classroom conditions. This paper describes the design of an open learning environment under development, designed to monitor the comprehension of students, assess their prior knowledge, build individual learner profiles, provide personalized assistance and, finally, evaluate their performance by using artificial intelligence. A trial test has been performed, with the participation of 20 students, which displayed promising results

Measuring Mental Toughness in Firefighters: Preliminary Results on the Concurrent Validity of Two Inventories

Mental toughness (MT) research is predominantly cross-sectional and based on self-assessment. MT has been consistently positively associated with performance metrics when investigated in stressful and demanding environments, such as sports and tactical. The Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ) has been used extensively in sports, while the Military Training Mental Toughness Inventory (MTMTI) in the military. In firefighting, MT research is scarce. There is no firefighting-specific MT instrument. Firefighters are considered tactical athletes. PURPOSE: To examine the concurrent validity of SMTQ and MTMTI in firefighters via a repeated-measure design. METHODS: Male firefighters from two departments (n = 14; Age: 29.0 ± 7.0; BMI: 26.3 ± 2.7) participated in the data collection process that took place over two days (two administrations; once per day). The firefighter’s MT level was assessed via both inventories. SMTQ (14 items; 4-point Likert scale) was administered to participants (self-assessment), while the MTMTI (6 items; 7-point Likert scale) to two of their officers (peer-rating). We computed the mean SMTQ and MTMTI scores over the two days (for the MTMTI scores we first calculated the mean score per day per assessor and then, combined both assessors) and for statistical analysis, we converted them to z-scores. Concurrent validity was assessed with Pearson (r) correlation, Concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), and two-way random Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2k) agreement on z-scores using R statistical packages in Jamovi version 2.3 (p \u3c .05). RESULTS: Inventories were significantly negative correlated (r = -.68, p = .008, 95%CI [-.89, -.23]) and had poor strength of agreement (CCC = -.68, 95%CI [-.88, -.25]) and reliability-agreement (ICC2k \u3c .001, 95%CI [-1.58, .61]). CONCLUSION: Our results do not indicate agreement between the two inventories. Therefore, the inferences of the MT scores of these two different inventories are not in agreement, either. This could suggest the need for a firefighting-specific MT instrument. Regardless, practitioners should be cautious when interpreting the scores of the current MT instruments on this specific tactical population

What experiences are needed to become a Division 1 Baseball, Football, or Track Athlete? A Retrospective Study of the Quantity of Deliberate Play

The acquisition of expert performance in various sports is generally attributed to the extended engagement in deliberate practice activities. Sport-specialization in high-school or earlier derives from the intent of developing sport expertise as well as the economic benefit of obtaining collegiate scholarships. Alternatively, sport-sampling allows for deliberate play. Deliberate play activities provide youths an opportunity to explore a variety of movements and tactics while encouraging innovation, improvisation, and the development of strategies. The influence of the family in the development of talent in sport is already established. Limited research exists that examines how deliberate practice activities in varied extracurricular activities throughout one’s youth contribute to performance in a particular sport. PURPOSE: Investigate the quantity of deliberate play that is required to become a collegiate division 1 athlete in the sports of baseball, football and track and field. METHODS: We used a structured online interview as proposed by Côté, Ericcson and Law (2005) to collect retrospective information. Fifty-one Division 1 collegiate athletes rated the daily activities they were involved when they were young as well as during their current period of development and assessed different factors that may have contributed to their current achievement level. RESULTS: Concerning early activities, 96% of the participants were involved in sports, 65% in musical, 17% in artistic, 72% in organized games with rules, and 48% in other sport-related activities (e.g. watching sports on television). In regards to physical factors that may have contributed to their exceptional athletic achievement, all participants’ height was average or above average when compared to peers and 78% sustained injuries that had adverse effect on their activity involvement. During their current stage of development, the participants tend to spend 26 hours per week sleeping, 10 hours eating, 10 hours socializing, 8 hours for school/career activities, and 8 hours studying. Lastly, although 75% of the athletes’ parents were not top athletes, 75% of them played a role and 86% were very involved when the participants first started in sport, and all parents were supportive/excited when their children decided to specialize in sports. CONCLUSION: The findings provide useful insights to all stakeholders (e.g., parents, coaches, inspiring collegiate athletes, athletic trainers, managers) in regards to developmental issues of D1 collegiate student-athletes, such as early sport and non-sport activity involvement, current daily activities, and the role of family. The developmental path of D1 student-athletes support Simon’s and Chase’s 10-year rule and Côté’s impact of family. Comparing the pattern of results in the developmental history between collegiate and professional and high-school and professional athletes should be included in the goals of future efforts

Strength Versus Deficit Educational-based Mental Toughness Interventions on Mental Health of Female Student-athletes

Educational-based psychological skills training (PST) is effective in terms of Mental Health (MH) outcomes. Mental toughness (MT), a Positive Psychology construct, is positively associated with MH. Sports training emphasizes working on the weaknesses of the athlete. Positive Psychology is rooted in strength-based interventions. In Applied Sports Positive Psychology, where females are underrepresented, the two approaches appear contradictory. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of deficit- versus strength-based MT interventions on MH levels of female collegiate athletes. METHODS: Out of the 161 female athletes of a SUNYAC institution, 95 participated. MH scores were collected via the Mental Health Continuum Short Form (MHC-SF) while MT scores were via the eight-item, Mental Toughness Index (MTI). Each MTI question (score range: 1-7) represents one key MT dimension (e.g., Q7: Buoyancy). We had previously created and successfully pilot-tested eight educational PST videos (one per key dimension). MT scores 1-3 were considered low (deficits) and 6-8 high (strengths). Participants were clustered into two groups. Power analysis yielded a sample size of 34. Group 1 (n=18) received intervention in the form of 1-3 videos based on their deficits, whereas Group 2 (n=18) on their strengths. Descriptive statistics, a two-sided t-test, and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) on the gain scores were produced on SPSS 28. RESULTS: Deficit Group MH scores: MPRE=43.2, SD=10.3; MPOST=51.9, SD=12.5. Strength Group MH scores: MPRE=52.2, SD=7.1; MPOST=52.9, SD=9.4. Gain scores: ΔDEFICIT=8.7, SD=11.7; ΔSTRENGTH=0.7, SD=7.2. T-test of deficit group: t(17)=-3.2, p=.01, d=0.84. T-test of strength group: t(17)=-.4, p=.68, d=0.09. ANOVA: F(1,34)=6.1, p=.19, =.151. CONCLUSION: Both interventions were effective. Only the deficit-based intervention was significant and of large magnitude. The difference between the groups in the effect of the interventions was also significant and of large magnitude. This is the first study to examine the effectiveness of a telehealth education-based PST strength­ versus deficit-based MT intervention on MH

Mental Toughness in Sport: Moving towards conceptual clarity and consensus

Although in the past three decades Mental Toughness (MT) has been very popular, recent systematic reviews of the literature reveal that its conceptualization remains vague. The definitional issues and conceptual discrepancies have been hindering both research and practice. PURPOSE: To add on the current state of knowledge and facilitate researchers and practitioners by collating available evidence in regards to construct definitions proposed in literature and by presenting aggregated data about their usage. METHODS: Studies were identified by searching the electronic databases of Embase, Scopus, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus. Only papers in the English language were included. Cases studies and papers that did not specify the theoretical framework were based upon were excluded. Two reviewers were involved in the data extraction process. Disagreements were resolved by discussion between them until consensus was reached. RESULTS: This review consisted of four phases: The first phase, Identification, resulted in 381 results. The second phase, Screening, which included removal of articles electronically as well as manually, resulted in 155 articles left. During the third phase, Eligibility, those 155 articles were checked via the eligibility criteria. As a result, 56 articles were excluded. Therefore, 98 studies entered the fourth and last phase, Included. From those 98 studies, 38 different definitions or conceptual platforms were identified. The results indicated that the most widely-used definitions are: (a) Jones, Hanton, and Connaughton (2002) with 18%, (b) Clough, Earle, and Sewell (2002) with 15%, and (c) Gucciardi, Gordon, and Dimmock (2008) with 13%. CONCLUSION: The inferences of these results attest on Gucciardi’s (2017) conclusions. In more detail, all three popular definitions apply on the person and MT is a prominent psychological construct in situations of competing/performing against adversity/pressure. At the same time, it is apparent that the creators of those definitions and the scholars who used them in their research do not agree on whether to adopt a narrow or broad view of the construct. In accordance to the findings of Lin, Mutz, Clough, and Papageorgiou (2017), there’s still a debate in the scientific community whether a multi- or uni-dimensional model should be used to conceptualize MT. As Cowden (2017) has pointed out, less variation in scope is observed in the more recent definitions. Future research, however, has to identify if/when the literature will start shifting towards using them more often. In addition, it is evident that with the popularity of MT increasing, scholars need to intensify their efforts towards agreement. Poor construct conceptualization and further confusion on what MT represents and what it does not, could continue creating issues in research and practice, such as validation of measurement tools and development of evidence-based MT-training protocols

Strength Versus Deficit Educational-based Interventions on Mental Toughness: A Case Study of Female Student-athletes

Educational-based psychological skills training (PST) is effective in terms of Positive Psychology outcomes. Mental toughness (MT), a Positive Psychology construct, is positively associated with sports performance via mostly correlational research. Sports training emphasizes working on the weaknesses of the athlete. Positive Psychology is rooted in strength-based interventions. In Applied Sports Positive Psychology, where females are underrepresented, the two approaches appear contradictory. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of deficit- versus strength-based interventions on MT levels of female collegiate athletes. METHODS: Out of 161 female SUNY Plattsburgh athletes, 95 participated. MT scores were collected via the eight-item, Mental Toughness Index (MTI). Each question (score range: 1-7) represents one key MT dimension (e.g., buoyancy). We had created and successfully pilot-tested eight videos. Scores 1-3 were considered low (deficits) and 6-8 high (strengths). Participants were clustered into two groups. Power analysis yielded a sample size of 34. Group 1 (n=18) received intervention in the form of 1-3 videos based on their deficits, whereas Group 2 (n=18) on their strengths. Due to ceiling effect, we recruited an extra, third group of “strength” participants (n=13) who retook the MTI without any intervention. The data were analyzed descriptively before using a mixed-effects analysis of variance using time as a within-subjects and matched pairs (e.g., block) and group as between-subjects factors. Descriptive statistics, inferential results, and effect sizes were produced and interpreted. RESULTS: Prior to the intervention, the total MT scores of deficit and strength groups were 32.8 and 44.2, respectively, while 42.9 and 46.9, afterwards. The increase of the deficit group was statistically significant and large (F=8.99, p=.01, ηP=.39). No difference was detected between the two strength groups. CONCLUSION: The deficit-based intervention was effective on a large magnitude. Although MT increased, we could not conclude the same for the strength-based intervention, even after adding an extra group. This is the first study to examine the effectiveness of a telehealth education-based PST strength­ versus deficit-based intervention on MT

Evaluating a Fire Department’s Conditioning Program’s Ability to Predict Tactical Performance from Physical Fitness Testing

Firefighters’ (FF) physical fitness (PF) levels affect their ability to carry out daily tasks and meet unforeseen emergencies. Fire departments (FD) design simulations via the physical ability test (PAT) as an occupational-specific metric of PF. PAT is used both in recruitment and as an indicator of FFs’ on-going PF. However, PATs are labor-/time-/cost-sensitive. Could PF tests reveal recruits’ level of conditioning and predict PAT scores in frugality? PURPOSE: Identify relationships between selected PF components’ scores and PAT performance on City of Hialeah’s Fire Department’s (HFD) specific PAT. METHODS: Forty-five FF (age 26±5SD) performed a battery of PF tests assessing body composition (BF%), cardiorespiratory endurance (1½ mile run), upper-body muscular endurance (pullups, pushups, situps). A timed PAT of nine consecutive events (stair climb, hoist evolution, forcible entry, hose advance, victim-mannequin drag, ladder carry/climb, extrication exercise, confined space crawl) performed to assess tactical performance. Same PF tests repeated following a non-customized 8-week conditioning program. Linear regressions for PAT (Y) and PF tests (X’s) at pre- and post-conditioning period performed to explore relationships and create the pre-/post-prediction models. T-test performed on unstandardized coefficients to compare the pre-post models (SPSS, p \u3c 0.05). RESULTS: Pre-PAT significantly correlated with pre-PF: BF% (r=.4, p=.004), 1½ mile (r=.54, pr=-.4, p=.009), pushups (r=-.5, pr=.31, p=.02), pullups (r=-.4, p=.002), pushups (r=-.4, p=.003). PF tests significantly predicted Pre- (R2=.45, F5,39=6.4, pR2=.26, F5,39=2.7, p=.03). Pre-PAT model was significantly higher than the Post-PAT regression model (t44=4.5, pCONCLUSION: HFD’s selected PF tests are significantly correlated with PAT and contributed to the models’ predictive power. Identifying PF components that, not only condition individuals for the PAT, but also predict performance, could be useful for recruits/FFs and officers, respectively. Administrators need to re-evaluate current conditioning practices to better serve the FFs. Future modeling may need to include skilled-related PF tests

Association of Body Composition Methods and Occupational Readiness: Differences between Veterans and Rookies

The increasing prevalence of obesity among United States firefighters has prompted concerns. Current guidelines from National Fire Protection Association 1582 rely on body mass index (BMI) for obesity assessment. However, BMI’s inability to distinguish between fat and lean mass raises validity issues. An alternative measurement, body fat percentage (BF%) has emerged as a potentially more accurate tool for assessing obesity. Moreover, the widely used Physical Ability Test (PAT) may face complexities in evaluating firefighters\u27 readiness due to variations in body composition (BC) among individuals. Additionally, the combined influence of years in service, BC variations, and the aforementioned factors could potentially impact PAT performance and, consequently, firefighters\u27 overall readiness. PURPOSE: To examine whether differences exist in obesity categorization when using BMI compared to BF% and how these measurements affect the performance of rookie (R) and veteran (V) firefighters in the PAT. METHODS: Sixty-two male firefighters were analyzed, categorized per American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Veteran status was determined by having more than one year of experience. Firefighters underwent full gear PAT assessments on separate days. Log-linear and linear modeling, with Obese as the reference for BMI and BF%, and R for experience, were used. Age was controlled in linear modeling. Statistical analysis was conducted in Jamovi version 2.4.8, with significance set at p \u3c 0.05. RESULTS: Categorical modeling was significant, highlighting the impact of years of experience, BF%, BMI, and the interaction between BF% and BMI (x229 = 78.34, p \u3c0.001). The continuous PAT model also showed significance, with significant differences observed in years of experience, BMI, and BF% (F8,53 = 5.02, p \u3c 0.001, R2 = 0.43). CONCLUSION: This study supports previous work from our laboratory and highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the use of BMI in assessing obesity among firefighters. It emphasizes the potential disparities between BMI and BF% categorization and their impact on firefighters\u27 performance in the PAT, shedding light on the complex relationship between body composition, years of experience, and occupational readiness

Body Mass Index Misclassify Obesity in Firefighters

Among firefighters the issue of obesity has gained significant attention due to its correlation with adverse health consequences. The National Fire Protection Association 1582 has endorsed the utilization of the body mass index (BMI) to assess obesity. However, long-standing concerns have emerged regarding BMI\u27s reliability in accurately representing body composition (BC), especially in distinguishing between lean and fat mass. Firefighters\u27 work is physically demanding, which often leads to increased muscle mass, BMI use may misclassify them as obese. This can result in false positives where firefighters are categorized as obese based on BMI even when their BC aligns with non-obese definition by body fat percentage (BF%) and/or waist circumference (WC) measurements. PURPOSE: To examine potential misclassifications of obesity using BMI with equivalent BF% and WC standards. METHODS: BMI, WC, and BF% measurements were employed on 62 male firefighters. BMI classifications followed the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, and WC and BF% were assessed based on American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Firefighters categorized as non-obese or obese with specific cutoff criteria: BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, BF% \u3e 25%, and WC \u3e 102 cm. Using the ClinicoPath package in Jamovi 2.4.8, misclassification presence was assessed, with statistical significance set at p \u3c 0.05. The BF% or WC categories served as the golden standard, while BMI-based categories considered the new test. RESULTS: BMI yielded higher rates of obesity at 23%, compared to 10% and 6% recorded by BF% and WC, respectively. Approximately 33% and 50% of BF%- and WC-defined obese participants were misclassified as non-obese using BMI, resulting in false negatives. Conversely, 73.3% and 86.6% of non-obese firefighters defined by BF% and WC were identified as obese using BMI, leading to false positives. BMI exhibited 66.7% sensitivity and 80.4% specificity when compared to BF%, while in contrast to WC, it demonstrated sensitivity of 50% and specificity of 77.6%. CONCLUSION: This inquiry underscores the intricate limitations of BMI as an assessment tool in firefighters. It accentuates the compelling advantages offered by alternative and more precise BC measurement methods, such as BF% and WC, for the accurate identification of obesity among firefighters

Differences in Acute:Chronic Workload Ratio Preceding Injury Occurrence in United Soccer League Players

Professional soccer players are prone to injuries. Training loads (TL), including games, are associated with injury occurrence. Acute:Chronic workload ratio (ACWR), an index of TL, is considered an accurate injury rate metric. In respect to the relationship between injury occurrence and ACWR load obtained using global positioning systems (GPS), little evidence exists in United Soccer League (USL) teams. It is possible high ACWR during the season to lead to injuries. PURPOSE: To investigate the interaction effect of players’ injury status with ACWR of professional soccer players of a USL team. METHODS: In 2019-20, in-season data were gathered from 20 players (Age 26.3 ± 2.7) across six 3-week microcycles. Players’ TL was monitored over 133 training sessions and 40 regular season games using 10-Hz GPS and 400-Hz accelerometer (PlayerTek, Catapult Innovations). All physical, technical, and tactical overload/underload activities consisted of soccer-specific exercises (utilizing possession, small-sided games: 3v3-11v11) and tactical drills (based on coaches’ desired style of play and game-specific situations). ACWR for players’ total load accumulation was calculated for the week’s acute TL prior to injury week by the mean chronic 4-week TL prior to injury week. Injury group include 11 players who got injured during the in-season and 9 that remained healthy. A factorial repeated design in SPSS for injury group (2) and ACWR injury occurrence time (7) was used to examine the interaction effect. RESULTS: Injury group*ACWR injury time was not significant F6,66= .81, p=.56, η2 = .07. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in ACWR index between injured and non-injured players. For every ACWR injury week the injured ones had higher but non-significant ACWR values ranged from .17 to 1.7 than non-injured besides the cycle2/week2 and cycle3/week2. Our findings warrant further investigation with more participants. Possible limitations may include sample size and convenience sample