Behavior model of an intelligent agent based on a genetic algorithm

A solution of improving the behavior model of a non-player character as an intelligent agent by optimizing input parameters based on a genetic algorithm is presented. The proposed approach includes the development of a non-player character model: a skeleton, rigid bodies, the implementation of a dynamic model based on the Featherstone algorithm, and modeling of the character's behavior based on a genetic algorithm. The formation of a behavior model using a genetic algorithm that simulates the physical properties of a character, taking into account his actions, is proposed. The stages of the genetic algorithm include creating an initial population, fitness score, selection, crossing and mutation. Based on the results of the experiments, the input parameters of the non-player character behavior model were determined, maximizing the cumulative fitness score, which acts as an estimate of the reward, which can be used as initial values for further experiments. Keywords: non-player character, intelligent agent, simulation, genetic algorithm

Pengaruh Penambahan Latihan Core Stability Terhadap Peningkatan Nilai Kesegaran Jasmani B Pada Prajurit

An Army soldier must be able to foster physical fitness so that his body becomes healthy and can carry out his main duties to maintain the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Indonesia. This study aims to determine the effect of adding core stability exercise to increasing the value of physical fitness B in soldiers. Quasi experimental design research held at Yon Armed 4 Cimahi. A sample of 20 soldiers divided into 2 groups. The dependent variable is the physical fitness score B and the independent variable is the core stability exercise. Exercise is carried out for 4 weeks with a frequency of 3 times per week. The difference in test results between the experimental group and the control group both before and after core stability exercise was tested by independent T test. There was a difference in the mean physical fitness scores between the experimental group (Mean= 85.80; SD= 2.82) and the control group (Mean= 82.50; SD= 2.32) before the intervention, and the difference was statistically significant (p= 0.011). There was a difference in physical fitness scores before and after the intervention between the experimental group (Mean= 3.90; SD= 1.52) and the control group (Mean= 1.60; SD= 0.70) and statistically significant (p < 0.001), with effect size = 1.94. Conclusion core stability exercise is effective to increase the physical fitness value of B on soldiers of Yon Armed 4 Cimahi

Pengaruh Penambahan Core Stability Exercise Terhadap Peningkatan Kebugaran Jasmani A (Daya Tahan)pada Prajurit Militer Brigif 15 Kujang II Cimahi

Physical fitness is the body's ability to carry out physical activities without causing excessive fatigue. For a military soldier, physical fitness plays an important role in improving and maintaining the military body, in order to support the implementation of the main tasks of military soldiers. Physical fitness can be optimized, one of which is the core stability exercise. This study aims to analyze the effect of adding core stability exercise to increase physical fitness A (endurance) in military soldiers at Brigif 15 Kujang II Cimahi. A quasi-experimental study with a pre-post two group design approach consisting of an experimental group and a control group. With purposive sampling technique, 48 people were selected which were divided into two groups, namely the experimental group (n=24) and the control group (n=24). The experimental group was given a 12-minute running exercise program and core stability exercise while the control group was only given a 12-minute running exercise and data collection in the form of a 12-minute running test. There was a difference in the mean physical fitness score A between the experimental group (Mean= 40.33; SD= 3.54) and the control group (Mean= 44.17; SD= 6.72) before the intervention, and the difference was statistically significant (p= 0.017). There was a difference in physical fitness scores before and after the intervention between the experimental group (Mean= 4.38; SD= 1.41) and the control group (Mean= 2.42; SD= 2.04) and statistically significant (p<0.001), with effect size = 1.14. Core stability exercise is effective to increase the value of physical fitness A in Brigif 15 Kujang II Cimahi soldiers.

Metabolic Syndrome and Functional Fitness Abilities

Background: It has been pointed out that moderate to vigorous exercise improves metabolic syndrome (MetS) criteria; however, studies on functional fitness in subjects with MetS are scarce. Aim: This study aimed to assess functional fitness abilities in MetS and non-MetS subjects. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Participants living in the Balearic Islands (n = 477, 52% men, 55–80 years old) with MetS (n = 333) and without MetS (n = 144). Anthropometric, socioeconomic and lifestyle characteristics were measured, and blood samples were collected. Functional fitness tests included: one leg balance, standing and sitting handgrip, 30-s chair stand, arm curl, chair sit-and-reach, back scratch, 8-foot time up-and-go, 30-m walk, and 6-min walk tests. A Functional Fitness Score was created from tests that measured agility and dynamic balance, static balance, lower-and-upper body strength, lower-and-upper body flexibility, aerobic endurance, and speed. Results: All functional fitness tests were lower in MetS subjects, except for back scratch and standing handgrip test. After adjusting for possible confounders (sex, age, civil status, education level, leisure-time physical activity) MetS subjects were more likely to be below average for a sex and age specific cut-off value of one leg balance (Odds Ratio, OR: 2.37; 95% Confidence Interval, CI: 1.25–4.48), chair stand (OR: 2.30; 95% CI: 1.26–3.20), arm curl (OR: 3.43; 95% CI:1.90–6.26), back scratch (OR: 3.49; 95% CI: 2.31–5.91), 8-foot up-&-go (OR: 13.03; 95% CI: 6.66–25.55), 30-m walk (OR: 8.10; 95% CI: 4.33–15.57) and 6-min walk test (OR: 3.28; 95% CI: 1.76–6.52), whereas they were more likely to be above average for sitting handgrip test (OR:1.69; 95% CI:1.21–2.95). Functional Fitness Score was lower in MetS subjects (5.44 ± 2.40 vs. 7.04 ± 1.72, p < 0.001), independently of sex and age. Conclusion: MetS participants showed lower functional fitness abilities and lower Functional Fitness Score than non-MetS peers, independently of sex, age, body mass index and waist circumference, showing lower ability to perform everyday activities safely and independently.

Intensity of Physical Activity in Physical Education Classes and School Recesses and Its Associations with Body Mass Index and Global Fitness Score in Spanish Schoolchildren

Background: Examining the association between excess weight or physical fitness and intensity of physical activity (PA) during Physical Education (PE) classes or school recesses and in children could be of great interest and importance, especially for future intervention programs or public policies related to PA. The aim of this study was to explore the association between intensity of PA in PE classes or school recesses and excess weight or global physical fitness in a sample of Spanish schoolchildren. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in the Valle de Ricote (Region of Murcia, Spain). A final sample of 350 Spanish schoolchildren between 6 and 13 years of age was included from six different schools. Intensity of PA during PE classes and recesses was assessed by the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C). To assess physical fitness, the extended ALPHA fitness test battery was used. Body mass index (z-score) was calculated following the age- and sex-specific thresholds of the World Health Organization. Results: Both body mass index (z-score) and Global Fitness Score (z-score) were lower in schoolchildren engaging in high intensity of PA in both PE lessons and school (p < 0.05 for all). Lower odds of having excess weight were found in those who reported high intensity of PA in both PE classes and school recesses (OR = 0.54; CI 95%, 0.30–0.96). In these same participants, higher odds of being in the high Global Fitness Score tertile were found (OR = 1.96; CI 95%, 1.01–3.85). Conclusions: Our study showed that higher intensity of PA in PE classes and school recesses was associated with lower excess weight and higher global physical fitness.

Could Physical Fitness Be Considered as a Protective Social Factor Associated with Bridging the Cognitive Gap Related to School Vulnerability in Adolescents? The Cogni-Action Project

The first aim was to compare differences between school vulnerability groups, fitness levels, and their combination in adolescent cognitive performance. The second aim was to determine the mediation role of fitness in the association between school vulnerability and cognitive performance. A total of 912 Chilean adolescents aged 10–14 years participated in this study. The school vulnerability index (SVI) assigned by the Chilean Government was categorized into high-, mid-, or low-SVI. Adolescents were classified as fit or unfit according to their global fitness z-score computed from their cardiorespiratory (CRF), muscular (MF), and speed/agility fitness (SAF) adjusted for age and sex. A global cognitive score was estimated through eight tasks based on a neurocognitive battery. Covariance and mediation analyses were performed, adjusted for sex, schools, body mass index, and peak high velocity. Independent analyses showed that the higher SVI, the lower the cognitive performance (F(6,905) = 18.5; p < 0.001). Conversely, fit adolescents presented a higher cognitive performance than their unfit peers (F(5,906) = 8.93; p < 0.001). The combined analysis found cognitive differences between fit and unfit adolescents in both the high- and mid-SVI levels (Cohen’s d = 0.32). No differences were found between fit participants belonging to higher SVI groups and unfit participants belonging to lower SVI groups. Mediation percentages of 9.0%, 5.6%, 7.1%, and 2.8% were observed for the global fitness score, CRF, MF, and SAF, respectively. The mediation effect was significant between low- with mid-high-SVI levels but not between mid- and high-SVI levels. These findings suggest that an adequate physical fitness level should be deemed a protective social factor associated with bridging the cognitive gap linked to school vulnerability in adolescents. This favourable influence seems to be most significant in adolescents belonging to a more adverse social background.

miRNA-based “Fitness Score” to Assess the Individual Response to Diet, Metabolism and Exercise

Background: Regular, especially sustained exercise training plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of multiple chronic diseases. Some of the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms behind the adaptive response to physical activity are still unclear, but recent findings suggest a possible role of epigenetic mechanisms, especially miRNAs, in the progression and management of exercise related changes. Due to the combination of the analysis of epigenetic biomarkers (miRNAs), the intake of food and supplements, and genetic dispositions, a “fitness sore” was evaluated to assess the individual response to nutrition, metabolism and exercise.Methods: In response to a 12-week sport intervention we analyzed genetic and epigenetic biomarkers in capillary blood, including Line-1 methylation, three SNPs and ten miRNAs using HRM and qPCR analysis. These biomarkers were also analyzed in a control group without intervention. Food frequency intake, including dietary supplement intake, and general health questionnaires were surveyed under the supervision of trained staff.Results: Exercise training decreased the expression of miR-20a, -22 and -505 (p < 0.02) and improved the “fitness score”, which estimates eight different lifestyle factors to assess, nutrition, inflammation, cardiovascular fitness, injury risk, regeneration, muscle- and hydration status as well as stress level. In addition, we were able to determine correlations between individual miRNAs, miR-20a, -22 and -101 (p < 0.04), and the genetic predisposition for endurance and / or strength and for obesity risk (ACE, ACTN3 and FTO), as well as between miRNAs and the body composition (p < 0.05). And we identified two miRNAs, miR-19b and -378a (p < 0.05), which could potentially provide information about the micronutrient / vitamin requirements of an athlete.Conclusions: Due to the detailed knowledge of individual regulatory mechanisms in the metabolism of sport intervention and / or nutritional behavior, this knowledge and our results can be used for personalized interventions and in the context of the new field of precision nutrition and precision training.

Mediation Role of Physical Fitness and Its Components on the Association Between Distribution-Related Fat Indicators and Adolescents’ Cognitive Performance: Exploring the Influence of School Vulnerability. The Cogni-Action Project

Background: Physical fitness and fatness converge simultaneously modulating cognitive skills, which in turn, are associated with children and adolescents’ socioeconomic background. However, both fitness components and fat mass localization are crucial for understanding its implication at the cognitive level.Objective: This study aimed to determine the mediation role of a global physical fitness score and its components on the association between different fatness indicators related to fat distribution and adolescents’ cognitive performance, and simultaneously explore the influence of school vulnerability.Methods: In this study, 1,196 Chilean adolescents participated (aged 10–14; 50.7% boys). Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscular fitness (MF), and speed-agility fitness (SAF) were evaluated, and a global fitness score (GFS) was computed adjusted for age and sex (CRF + MF + SAF z-scores). Body mass index z-score (BMIz), sum-of-4-skinfolds (4SKF), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were used as non-specific, peripheral, and central adiposity indicators, respectively. A global cognitive score was computed based on eight tasks, and the school vulnerability index (SVI) was registered as high, mid or low. A total of 24 mediation analyses were performed according to two models, adjusted for sex and peak high velocity (Model 1), and adding the school vulnerability index (SVI) in Model 2. The significance level was set at p &lt; 0.05.Results: The fitness mediation role was different concerning the fatness indicators related to fat distribution analyzed. Even after controlling for SVI, CRF (22%), and SAF (29%), but not MF, mediated the association between BMIz and cognitive performance. Likewise, CRF, SAF and GFS, but not MF, mediated the association between WHtR and cognitive performance (38.6%, 31.9%, and 54.8%, respectively). No mediations were observed for 4SKF.Conclusion: The negative association between fatness and cognitive performance is mitigated by the level of adolescents’ physical fitness, mainly CRF and SAF. This mediation role seems to be more consistent with a central fat indicator even in the presence of school vulnerability. Strategies promoting physical fitness would reduce the cognitive gap in children and adolescents related to obesity and school vulnerability.

Relationship between Biological, Training, and Physical Fitness Variables in the Expression of Performance in Non-Professional Runners

Sports performance is a multifactorial trait that can be associated with individual and environmental characteristics. In this study, the sample comprised 35 male runners, enrolled in the “InTrack” project. Information regarding variables related to runners’ training was obtained via an online questionnaire, while anthropometric and body composition variables, as well as physical fitness components (muscular power, isometric strength, local muscular endurance, agility, and aerobic capacity) were measured, and a global physical fitness score (based on physical fitness components measured) was computed. The Weltman test (3200 m) was used to estimate runners’ pace and their stride frequency. Linear regression was used, taking the running pace as dependent variable. The final model, comprising biological, physical fitness, spatiotemporal, and training variables, explained 86% of the running performance variance. Muscular power (β = −1.02; 95% CI = (−1.69)–(−0.35)), abdominal muscle endurance (β = −4.81; 95% CI = (−7.52)–(−2.10)), isometric strength (β = −422.95; 95% CI = (−689.65)–(−156.25)), global physical fitness (β = 27.14; 95% CI = 9.52–45.03), and stride frequency (β = −2.99; 95% CI = (−4.29)–(−1.69)) were significantly associated with performance, meaning that better results in tests and increasing the stride frequency leads to better performance. Individual characteristics and physical fitness components were demonstrated to be significant predictors for running performance.