High Performance Group Research Articles

Regional brain activity that determines successful and unsuccessful working memory formation.

Using EEG source reconstruction with Multiple Sparse Priors (MSP), we investigated the regional brain activity that determines successful memory encoding in two participant groups of high and low accuracy rates. Eighteen healthy young adults performed a sequential fashion of visual Sternberg memory task. The 32-channel EEG was continuously measured during participants performed two 70 trials of memory task. The regional brain activity corresponding to the oscillatory EEG activity in the alpha band (8-13 Hz) during encoding period was analyzed by MSP implemented in SPM8. We divided the data of all participants into 2 groups (low- and highperformance group) and analyzed differences in regional brain activity between trials in which participants answered correctly and incorrectly within each of the group. Participants in low-performance group showed significant activity increase in the visual cortices in their successful trials compared to unsuccessful ones. On the other hand, those in high-performance group showed a significant activity increase in widely distributed cortical regions in the frontal, temporal, and parietal areas including those suggested as Baddeley's working memory model. Further comparison of activated cortical volumes and mean current source intensities within the cortical regions of Baddeley's model during memory encoding demonstrated that participants in high-performance group showed enhanced activity in the right premotor cortex, which plays an important role in maintaining visuospatial attention, compared to those in low performance group. Our results suggest that better ability in memory encoding is associated with distributed and stronger regional brain activities including the premotor cortex, possibly indicating efficient allocation of cognitive load and maintenance of attention.

Improvement of attention with amphetamine in low- and high-performing rats.

Attentional deficits occur in a range of neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Psychostimulants are one of the main treatments for attentional deficits, yet there are limited reports of procognitive effects of amphetamine in preclinical studies. Therefore, task development may be needed to improve predictive validity when measuring attention in rodents. This study aimed to use a modified signal detection task (SDT) to determine if and at what doses amphetamine could improve attention in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were trained on the SDT prior to amphetamine challenge (0.1, 0.25, 0.75 and 1.25mg/kg). This dose range was predicted to enhance and disrupt cognition with the effect differing between individuals depending on baseline performance. Acute low dose amphetamine (0.1 and 0.25mg/kg) improved accuracy, while the highest dose (1.25mg/kg) significantly disrupted performance. The effects differed for low- and high-performing groups across these doses. The effect of amphetamine on accuracy was found to significantly correlate with baseline performance in rats. This study demonstrates that improvement in attentional performance with systemic amphetamine is dependent on baseline accuracy in rats. Indicative of the inverted U-shaped relationship between dopamine and cognition, there was a baseline-dependent shift in performance with increasing doses of amphetamine. The SDT may be a useful tool for investigating individual differences in attention and response to psychostimulants in rodents.

Polymorphisms in MCT1, CD147, PDK4, and DMRT3 genes in Arabian and Quarter Horses

Monocarboxylate transporter isoform 1 (MCT1) and its ancillary protein, CD147 function to transport H+ and lactate ions, retarding systemic acidosis and fatigue. The PDK4 gene is involved in the adenosine triphosphate production, and the DMRT3 gene is involved in the locomotor system. This study investigated polymorphisms of MCT1, CD147, PDK4, and DMRT3 in Arabian and Quarter Horses to associate polymorphisms with performance. Arabian Horses were divided into high performance and untrained horses groups based on success in endurance competition, whereas Quarter Horses were separated by a speed index. Polymorphisms were analyzed by sequencing (MCT1 and CD147), ARMS-PCR (PDK4), and PCR-RFLP (DMRT3). To compare the frequencies of SNPs, the Fisher's exact test was performed in the software R at 5% of significance. The A alleles from the polymorphisms Lys457Gln:1573A>C of MCT1 and Ile51Val:168A>G of CD147 were essentially fixed in both breeds. Only two Arabian from the high performance and one from the untrained horses group appeared AC in MCT1. For the DMRT3 polymorphism (g.22999655C>A:ECA23), all the animals were CC, except one Arabian in the high and two Quarter Horses in the low performance group that were AC. For the PDK4 polymorphism (g.38973231A>G:ECA4), Arabian showed a significantly greater frequency of the G allele than Quarter Horses (P < .01). Considering the kind of exercise practiced by each breed, it is likely that the PDK4 polymorphism influences the pathway to energy production.

Working memory performance is related to intrinsic resting state functional connectivity changes in community-dwelling elderly cohort

Characterization of normal age-related changes in resting state brain networks associated with working memory performance is a major prerequisite for studying neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between performing a working memory task (under MRI) and resting-state brain networks in a large cohort of healthy elderly subjects (n=337).Functional connectivity and interactions between networks were assessed within the default mode (DMN), salience (SN), and right and left central executive (CEN) networks in two groups of subjects classed by their performance (low and high).The low performance group showed lower functional connectivity in both the DMN and SN, and higher functional connectivity in the right and left CEN compared to the high performance group. Overall the functional connectivity within the DMN and the CEN were correlated.The lower functional connectivity within the DMN and SN in the low performance group is suggestive of altered attentional and memory processes and/or altered motivation. The higher functional connectivity within the CEN could be related to compensatory mechanisms, without which the subjects would have even lower performances. The correlation between the DMN and CEN suggests a modulation between the lower functional connectivity within the DMN and the higher functional connectivity within the CEN when performance is reduced.Finally, this study suggests that performance modifications in healthy elderly subjects are associated with reorganization of functional connectivity within the DMN, SN, and CEN.

Quantification of MCT1 and CD147 in Red Blood Cells of Arabian and Quarter Horses

During anaerobic glycolysis for energy production, lactate and H+ ions accumulate in muscle fibers and pass into the blood stream. The monocarboxylate transporter isoform 1 (MCT1) and its ancillary protein cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147) transport H+ and lactate ions from the plasma into red blood cells (RBCs), thereby maintaining acid/base homeostasis and retarding systemic acidosis and fatigue. The aim of this study was to compare the levels of MCT1 and CD147 protein in the RBC membranes of Arabian and Quarter Horses with different levels of athletic ability. Blood samples were collected from 40 Arabian and 40 Quarter Horses, both males and females, ranging from 3 to 16 years and 2 to 23 years, respectively. The horses were divided into two groups: 20 animals of low performance and 20 animals of high performance for each breed. The amount of MCT1 and CD147 in the plasma membranes of their RBCs was determined by Western blotting analysis with arbitrary optical density (OD) units, using a human-specific anti-MCT1 and anti-CD147 antibodies that were previously validated for horses. The means ± standard errors were analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS software. The effect of age was included as covariate and sex as a class effect in the model. The correlations were analyzed by Pearson correlation test at P < .05. Monocarboxylate transporter isoform 1 with a molecular mass of approximately 52 and 49 kDa was found in the RBC membranes of all the Arabian and Quarter Horses, respectively. Cluster of differentiation 147 also was observed in all Arabian and Quarter Horses at approximately 52 and 48 kDa, respectively. A positive correlation was observed between the total amount of MCT1 and CD147 (r = 0.932, P < .001) in the RBC. The amount of MCT1 was significantly (P < .0001) higher in Quarter Horses (3.03 ± 0.37 OD) than in Arabians (1.02 ± 0.07 OD). Quarter Horses (3.23 ± 0.39 OD) also showed increased contents of CD147 than Arabians (0.89 ± 0.06 OD). However, there was no statistical difference in the amount of the protein between the low- and high-performance groups in either breed. Results indicate that the levels of MCT1 and CD147 are different between Arabian and Quarter Horses and the most probable explanation is that different pathways are used for the production of energy for each breed.

SUBTYPING HOARDING DISORDER PATIENTS BASED ON THEORY of MIND - A COMPARATIVE STUDY WITH OCD and PDD PATIENTS

IntroductionTheory of Mind (ToM) is the ability to represent one's own or another person's mental state, and is impaired in various psychiatric illnesses, but most strikingly in patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) [1]. Within the scope of a transdiagnostic approach across disorders characterized by repetitive and ritualistic behaviour, the aim of the present study was to 1) compare patients with ASD, Hoarding Disorder (HD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), on ToM functioning, and 2) to study patient profiles across study groups based on ToM performance. MethodThe study was approved by the ethical review board of the UMC Utrecht. A total of 89 participants were recruited: 17 ASD-, 27 OCD-, 22 HD-patients and 23 controls. Clinical characteristics were assessed with respect to hoarding, obsessive-compulsive, autism, ADHD and inhibition/ approach symptoms. ToM functioning was assessed with the aid of the Faux pas test [2]. This story test measures: total ToM capacity, detection of Faux pas in the story, the skills to determine the content of a social situation, false belief (a misconception resulting from incorrect reasoning) and empathy. ResultsNo between-group differences were found between ASD,HD,OCD and controls when groups were compared on the Faux pas total or subscales. When study subjects were regrouped based on performance on the Faux pas (into a low, average and high performance group), results revealed that subjects with low performance on the Faux pas showed lower behavioral approach scores, higher ADHD total and inattention scores, and higher Autism communication and hoarding scores. Further, when grouped based on performance on the false belief subscale, as expected most (71%)of the ASD subjects were in the ‘low’ or ‘average’ performance domain, whereas most of the OCD patients (88%) and controls (95.6%) were in the ‘average’ or ‘good’ domain. Strikingly, HD patients showed a bimodal pattern; with 36.4% scoring in the "low" performance and 41% scoring in the "high" performance domain. HD patients with low false belief performance reported low behavioral approach scores, low OC symptom scores and high ADHD total and inattention scores, while HD patients with good false belief performance showed high OC symptom scores and low ADHD scores. ConclusionThese data indicate that ASD, HD and OCD show striking similarities with respect to symptom profiles and ToM when studying classical between-DSMIV group comparisons. However, when subjects are grouped based on ToM functioning, differences are brought to light, with ASD patients showing worst and OCD patients showing best false belief performance. Interestingly, in HD patients two subtypes emerge, with on the one hand an "ASD-ADHD-like" HD group characterized by low performance on false belief and low responsiveness to reward, and on the other hand an "OCD-like" group characterized by good performance on false belief, higher responsiveness to reward and high OC symptom scores. These findings have direct treatment implications for the HD group, but need replication in future studies.

Maintaining Efficiency while Integrating Entrants from Lower Performing Groups: an Experimental Study

Efficiently growing a group or firm often requires integration of individuals from lower-performing entities. We explore the effectiveness of two policies intended to facilitate such integration, using a laboratory experiment that models production as a coordination game with Pareto-ranked equilibria. We initially create an efficient group and an inefficient one. We then allow individuals to move into the high-performing group and vary by treatment whether movement is unrestricted, limited to one entrant per period, or subject to an entry exam. We include two additional treatments that combine the two restrictions in different ways to help understand why the institutions are effective in maintaining coordination. We find that both restrictions work to maintain efficient coordination but they are effective for different reasons.

The association between lower limb biomechanics and ball release speed in cricket fast bowlers: a comparison of high-performance and amateur competitors

The aim of this study was to compare the associations between lower limb biomechanics and ball release speed in 15 high-performance (HP) and 15 amateur fast bowlers. Kinematic and kinetic variables of the lower limbs collected in the laboratory environment with a 3D Vicon motion analysis system were compared between groups, as well as their associations with ball release speed. HP bowlers had a significantly higher run-up velocity at back foot impact but this difference became non-significant at ball release. Front knee kinematics were not statistically different, however effect sizes revealed medium-large differences with the HP group displaying a more extended knee joint at maximum flexion (d = 0.72) and ball release (d = 0.76). Only front hip positive power was significantly higher in the HP group and it was suggested that the probable cause was the HP bowlers having less knee flexion after front foot impact. From a joint power analysis, the extensor muscle groups of the hip and knee were shown to be important in developing ball release speed. This highlights the need for lower limb/core strength programmes to be multifaceted and focus on the muscles associated with both power and stability.

Comparing student-selected and teacher-assigned pairs on collaborative writing

Despite the preponderance of theoretical and empirical evidence that suggests the use of pair/group work to promote second language learning, it is still unclear who can best form high performance groups. Should students be allowed to choose their working partners, or should teachers themselves assign students to pairs? This study set out to compare the nature of student-selected and teacher-assigned pairs while they were engaged in collaborative writing. All learner talk was audio recorded, transcribed and analysed for the quantity, type and resolution of language related episodes (LREs) as well as the patterns of dyadic interaction. Furthermore, the study examined the texts produced using both quantitative and qualitative measures. Our findings suggest that the teacher-assigned pairs generated significantly more LREs than the student-selected pairs, while there was no significant difference in the patterns of interaction between the two pairing methods. Meanwhile, the qualitative analysis of learner talk revealed a considerable amount of off-task behavior among the members of student-selected pairs. Moreover, as far as the outcome of pair work (collaborative writing) was concerned, the teacher-assigned pairs noticeably outperformed the student-selected pairs on measures of fluency and accuracy. Also, they produced significantly better texts in terms of organization, grammar and vocabulary.

Dynamic online peer evaluations to improve group assignments in nursing e-learning environment

ObjectivesThe purpose of this research was to evaluate the use of online peer evaluation forms for online group activities in improving group project outcomes. DesignThe investigator developed and used a web-based Google Forms® self and peer evaluation form of 2 group assignments' rubric for junior and senior nursing students. The form covered elements of the assignments including: research activity, analysis of the literature, writing of report, participation in making of presentation, overall contribution to the project, and participation in the weekly group discussions. Items were rated from 1 (did not contribute) to 5 (outstanding contribution) in addition to NA when one activity did not apply. ProcedureThe self and peer evaluation process was conducted twice: once after group assignment 1 and once after group assignment 2. The group assignments final products were done in the form of VoiceThread online presentations that were shared with the rest of the class reflecting the groups' work on a health informatics topic of interest. Data sourcesData collected as the students completed self and peer evaluations for group assignments 1 and 2. Also, optional comments regarding member performance were collected to add contextual information in addition to ratings. Students received credit for completing the peer evaluations and the grade for the particular assignment was affected by their performance based on peer evaluations of their contributions. ResultsStudents' peer evaluations showed in a color-coded spreadsheet which enabled the course faculty to view real time results of students' ratings after each assignment. The faculty provided timely and tailored feedback to groups or individuals as needed, using positive feedback and commending high performance while urging struggling individual students and groups to improve lower ratings in specific areas. Comparing evaluations of both assignments, there were statistically significant improvements among all students. The mean scores of the entire sample were skewed toward the higher end of the scale, suggesting an overall high performance group. However, analysis of the lower performing individuals showed consistent and statistically significant improvements in all areas of the evaluation criteria. ConclusionsAnonymous peer evaluation activities and timely faculty feedback in e-Learning environment can be a useful tool to faculty to improve group performance over time by engaging the learners within their groups. Peer evaluations provided real time view of group mid-semester formative evaluations that allowed the faculty to provide timely and tailored feedback on student performance which allowed for better outcomes.

Step Towards a Model to Bridge the Gap between Personality Traits and Collaborative Learning Roles

This paper presents a model of relationship between personality traits and students’ roles, based on learning theories, to improve the formation of high performance groups. It has two main contributions: first, a process to model collaborative learning roles based on personality traits; second, an ontological structure to support group formation. Regarding the proposed process, we defined four steps for an effective group formation: (i) determine personality traits characteristics; (ii) identify which personality traits characteristics may affect negatively students’ behavior in educational collaborative settings; (iii) define new collaborative learning roles given the personality traits; and (iv) establish learning strategies to ensure students’ educational benefits. Additionally, we represented those new roles in a collaborative ontological structure. Finally, we performed a case study, which showed evidences that unsociable characteristic may negatively influence students’ behavior, and therefore, it should be considered to design CSCL scenarios and personalized systems to form high performance groups.

Cognitive Performance Does not Limit Physical Activity Participation in the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders Pilot Study (LIFE-P).

We examined whether multiple domains of baseline cognitive performance were associated with prospective physical activity (PA) adherence in the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders Pilot study (LIFE-P). The LIFE-P study was a single-blind, multicenter, randomized controlled trial of a PA intervention compared to a successful aging educational intervention in sedentary, mobility-limited older adults. A 12-month structured, moderate-intensity, multi-modal PA program that included walking, resistance training, and flexibility exercises. For the first 2 months (adoption), 3 center-based exercise sessions (40-60 min) / week were conducted. During the next 4 months (transition), center-based sessions were conducted 2 times / week. The subsequent maintenance phase consisted of optional once-to-twice-per-week center-based sessions and home-based PA. Tests of executive and global cognitive functioning, working memory and psychomotor speed were administered at baseline. Median test scores were used to dichotomize participants into low or high cognitive performance groups. 52 mobility-limited older adults (age: 76.9 ±5 yrs) were randomized to the PA arm of LIFE-P. Compared to participants with high cognitive performance, participants with low performance had similar PA adherence rates (all P ≥ 0.34). Furthermore, weak and non-significant univariate relationships were elicited between all measures of cognition and overall PA adherence levels (r values ranged: -0.20 to 0.12, P ≥ 0.12). These data suggest that cognitive performance does not limit long-term PA adherence in mobility-limited older adults. Additional studies in larger cohorts are warranted to verify these findings.

Multivariate analysis to evaluate genetic groups and production traits of crossbred Holstein × Zebu cows.

The objective of this research was to try to unveil the relationship between production traits and genotypic proportions of crossbred dairy cattle using principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis. The herd consists of crossbred animals of Holstein (H) and Zebu (Z) (Gir and Guzerat) in different genotypic proportions; the composition of which varies from 12.5 to 100.0% of the genetic group H. For this study, 834 milk production records from 257 cows from the years 1997 to 2014 were analyzed. The animals were all managed at a farm located in northeastern Brazil. The variables in the PCA were total milk yield per lactation (MY), milk yield adjusted to 305days (MY305), lactation length (LL), and proportion of H and Z breeding. This analysis reduced the size of the sample space from the original five variables to two principal components (PCs) that together explained 89.4% of the total variation. MY, MY305, LL, and genotypic proportion of H all contributed positively to PC1. The genotypic proportion of Z contributed negatively, which established a contrast between H and Z. Further cluster analysis identified two distinct groups when considering production performance and genotype of the animals. The high-performance group was predominantly Holstein breeding, while the lower performing group consisted mostly of Zebu. Under the environmental and management conditions in which this research was conducted, the best performances for the traits considered were achieved from cows whose genotypic proportion was between 38.0 and 94.0% Holstein breeding.

Abstract 12065: CPR Prompting Devices: Unintended Consequences Impacting High Performers

Introduction: Prompting devices for chest compressions have been advocated as a means of improving CPR quality in previous AHA guidelines. Studies have shown overall CPR quality improves with the use of these devices. Hypothesis: This study compared the impact of prompting devices on providers with varying levels of experience and proficiency. Methods: A convenience sample of 53 subjects with varying degrees of CPR experience, ranging from zero to frequent opportunities to perform CPR, were enrolled. Using a skills recording CPR manikin, data on each subject’s chest compression performance was obtained. All subjects performed an initial one-minute cycle of continuous chest compressions with no prompting device. After a brief rest, subjects were randomized to use one of two CPR prompting devices (Philips MRX with Q-CPR or Laerdal Medical CPRmeter). An additional one minute of CPR was conducted with the first device. Subjects were then crossed over to use the other prompting device after another brief rest. Results: Across the entire group, nearly all parameters significantly improved with the prompting devices, confirming previous studies on the efficacy of CPR prompting devices. However, when subjects’ results were examined by breaking the group into three performance levels (high, medium and low) based on the Overall CPR Score generated by the manikin software, there were differences in performance. Paired t -tests were conducted on the low and high performance groups. The low-level group significantly improved across 7 of 8 variables with both devices. The high-level group had only minor changes from baseline (both positive and negative) in most variables, but had significant or near significant decrease in proficiency in one variable - percent correctly released compressions ( p = 0.011 for Philips device; p = 0.052 for the Laerdal device). Conclusions: CPR prompting devices improve the overall quality of chest compressions. Individuals with existing high performance CPR skills could be distracted by the device, reducing the quality of compressions compared to using no device. When a CPR prompting device is introduced into a health care system, all providers, especially high performers, require practice with the device in order to acclimate to its use.

Does Visual Performance Influence Head Impact Severity Among High School Football Athletes?

To compare the odds of sustaining moderate and severe head impacts, rather than mild, between high school football players with high and low visual performance. Prospective quasi-experimental. Clinical Research Center/On-field. Thirty-seven high school varsity football players. Athletes completed the Nike SPARQ Sensory Station visual assessment before the season. Head impact biomechanics were captured at all practices and games using the Head Impact Telemetry System. Each player was classified as either a high or low performer using a median split for each of the following visual performance measures: visual clarity, contrast sensitivity, depth perception, near-far quickness, target capture, perception span, eye-hand coordination, go/no go, and reaction time. We computed the odds of sustaining moderate and severe head impacts against the reference odds of sustaining mild head impacts across groups of high and low performers for each of the visual performance measures. Players with better near-far quickness had increased odds of sustaining moderate [odds ratios (ORs), 1.27; 95% confidence intervals (CIs), 1.04-1.56] and severe head impacts (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.05-2.01) as measured by Head Impact Technology severity profile. High and low performers were at equal odds on all other measures. Better visual performance did not reduce the odds of sustaining higher magnitude head impacts. Visual performance may play less of a role than expected for protecting against higher magnitude head impacts among high school football players. Further research is needed to determine whether visual performance influences concussion risk. Based on our results, we do not recommend using visual training programs at the high school level for the purpose of reducing the odds of sustaining higher magnitude head impacts.

University students’ motivation, engagement and performance in a large lecture-format general education course

We investigated how high-performers and low-performers differ with regard to motivation and engagement in a university-level, large-format general education geography course. One hundred and ten students participated in the study. A self-report measure was administered three times (at the beginning, middle and end of the semester). Performance data were obtained from final course grades. Results showed there were significant differences between the high- and low-performer groups in motivation but not in engagement. With regard to students’ perceptions of motivational aspects of the course, the low-performer group showed a significant decrease in attention but the high-performer group showed a significant increase. The relevance perceived by both groups decreased over time. The confidence and satisfaction of the low-performer group decreased whereas there was no change in those of the high-performer group throughout the semester. Findings as well as implications for teaching in a college large-format general education course are discussed.

Identifying latent patterns in undergraduate Students’ programming profiles

This study aims to explore and reveal profiling patterns in the measurement of cognitive and noncognitivecharacteristics of undergraduate students’ programming performances. Spatial skills, workingmemory, perceived programming self-efficacy, mathematics scores, and academic grade point averagescores were taken indicative variables to be explored. Participants of the study are 100 undergraduatestudents registered to the Programming-I course at two different universities. The data were analyzedthrough multi-dimensional profile analysis. The result of the multidimensional scaling analysis indicated twodifferent profiles for the two groups: high and low programming performance groups. For both groups,relationship between the most similar variables was found to be verbal memory, mathematics achievementand perceived programming self-efficacy. The results indicated that there was a relatively similarrelationship between visual-spatial memory and spatial orientation skills in the low-performance group,while mental rotation skill was significantly different than the other variables. It was noted that two profiles forhigh- and low-performance groups were quite different in terms of mental rotation skill. It was also found that spatial orientation, visual-spatial memory and mental rotation performances were all different from eachother, and from the other three variables in the group with high programming performance. The mostdefinitive variables for low- and high-performance groups were self-efficacy, verbal memory andmathematics achievement. This study revealed that only verbal memory was the determinant variable inboth groups for working memory.

SHARED REGULATION IN COLLABORATIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS MEDIATED BY COMPUTER: DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HIGH AND LOW PERFORMANCE GROUPS

The study presented below focuses on shared regulation processes carried out by small groups of students with different levels of performance in a CSCL environment. The term shared regulation used in the study refers to the process in which multiple students, as a group, act intentionally on their own participation, motivational and cognitive group processes. A case study was conducted, aimed to analyze a small-group collaborative task developed by university students in an asynchronous communication environment for 27 days. A comparative analysis of two groups with high performance in the task and two groups with low performance in the task was developed. The results revealed that the two high performance groups, in contrast to low performance groups, displayed a greater number and more diverse regulation on motivational elements. Regarding regulation on cognitive and participation elements, clear quantitative differences between the groups were not found. However, the qualitative analysis of the data showed a greater involvement of students and better quality of regulation in the two high performance groups.

Can functional exercise capacity discriminate older individuals with poor postural control?

AbstractPostural instability can be related to functional limitations as a result of the aging process. This study aimed to compare functional exercise capacity and postural control in older adults. Participants were allocated into three groups according to their functional exercise capacity based on the six minute walking test (6MWT): 1) Low performance group (LP: distance walked ≤ 80% of the predicted value n = 19), 2) Normal performance group (NP: distance walked 81-100% of the predicted value n = 21) and, 3) High performance group (HP: distance walked &gt;100% of the predicted value n = 23). All groups performed three trials of a one-leg stance for 30s on a force platform. LP showed worse postural control in comparison to NP and HP, and significant differences (p &lt; .05) were found between groups for area, velocity antero-posterior of center of pressure and time limit variables during the one-leg stance task. These results have implications for rehabilitation management with regard to exercise, balance assessment and intervention in older adults.

Process modeling and decision mining in a collaborative distance learning environment

This paper is divided into four main parts. In the first part of the study, we identified the most significant factors that affect the performance of groups in collaborative learning situations. The results showed that the extent of communication, interactions and involvement/participation between students have crucial impacts on the performance of groups. In the second part of the study, we defined and explained specific alphabets and keywords derived from a collected event log during a distance learning activity using a real-time multi-user concept mapping service. Our aim was to interpret the data in such a way that eventually can increase the instructor’s awareness about entire the collaborative process. In the third part of the study, we used several statistical and process mining techniques in order to discover and compare distinguished patterns of interaction and involvement between the groups with high and low performance. The results showed that the extent of students’ interaction was four times greater in the high performance groups. Similarly, the extent of students’ involvement and participation was three times greater in the high performance groups compared with the low performance groups. In the fourth part of the study, we analyzed the extent of communication with respect to textual and semantic contributions of the students written/typed and shared in the chat rooms during the online distance activity. The results showed that the level of students’ communication was two times greater in the groups with high performance. And finally, we applied a Decision Tree/Rules technique to extract a model of decisions (as well as their possible consequences) about performance of groups in collaborative learning situations.