The conductor’s intensity gestures

2020 ◽  
pp. 030573562096317
Author(s):  
Isabella Poggi ◽  
Francesca D’Errico ◽  
Alessandro Ansani

This work is aimed at outlining a repertoire of conductors’ gestures. In this perspective, it presents two studies that investigate a specific subset of the body signals of orchestra and choir conductors, namely, the gestures for musical intensity. First, an observational qualitative study, based on a systematic coding of a corpus of fragments from orchestra concerts and rehearsals, singled out 21 gestures, in which either the gesture as a whole or some aspects of it conveyed indications for forte, piano, crescendo, or diminuendo; some are symbolic gestures, used either with the same meaning as in everyday interaction or with one specific of conductors; others are iconic gestures, both directly or indirectly iconic. Second, in a perception study, a questionnaire submitted to 77 participants tested if 8 gestures of intensity out of the 21 singled out by the coding study are in fact shared and understood, and whether they are better interpreted by music experts than by laypeople. Results showed that the tested gestures are fairly comprehensible, not only by experts but also by non-expert participants, probably due, for some gestures, to their high level of iconicity, and for others to their closeness to everyday gestures.

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (7) ◽  
pp. 661-665
Author(s):  
Cunxi Nie ◽  
Fei Xie ◽  
Ning Ma ◽  
Yueyu Bai ◽  
Wenju Zhang ◽  
...  

As a major component of biologically active compounds in the body, proteins contribute to the synthesis of body tissues for the renewal and growth of the body. The high level of dietary protein and the imbalance of amino acid (AA) composition in mammals result in metabolic disorders, inefficient utilization of protein resources and increased nitrogen excretion. Fortunately, nutritional interventions can be an effective way of attenuating the nitrogen excretion and increasing protein utilization, which include, but are not limited to, formulating the AA balance and protein-restricted diet supplementing with essential AAs, and adding probiotics in the diet. This review highlights recent advances in the turnover of dietary proteins and mammal’s metabolism for health, in order to improve protein bioavailability through nutritional approach.


Author(s):  
Kiona Hagen Niehaus ◽  
Rebecca Fiebrink

This paper describes the process of developing a software tool for digital artistic exploration of 3D human figures. Previously available software for modeling mesh-based 3D human figures restricts user output based on normative assumptions about the form that a body might take, particularly in terms of gender, race, and disability status, which are reinforced by ubiquitous use of range-limited sliders mapped to singular high-level design parameters. CreatorCustom, the software prototype created during this research, is designed to foreground an exploratory approach to modeling 3D human bodies, treating the digital body as a sculptural landscape rather than a presupposed form for rote technical representation. Building on prior research into serendipity in Human-Computer Interaction and 3D modeling systems for users at various levels of proficiency, among other areas, this research comprises two qualitative studies and investigation of the impact on the first author's artistic practice. Study 1 uses interviews and practice sessions to explore the practices of six queer artists working with the body and the language, materials, and actions they use in their practice; these then informed the design of the software tool. Study 2 investigates the usability, creativity support, and bodily implications of the software when used by thirteen artists in a workshop. These studies reveal the importance of exploration and unexpectedness in artistic practice, and a desire for experimental digital approaches to the human form.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine V Hayes ◽  
Charlotte V Eley ◽  
Fiona Wood ◽  
Alicia Demirjian ◽  
Cliodna A M McNulty

Abstract Background Antibiotic and dietary behaviour affect the human microbiome and influence antibiotic resistance development. Adolescents are a key demographic for influencing knowledge and behaviour change. Objectives To explore adolescents’ knowledge and attitudes towards the microbiome and antibiotic resistance, and the capability, motivation and opportunity for educators to integrate microbiome teaching in schools. Methods Qualitative study informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and COM-B model. Six educational establishments were purposively selected by rural/city and socioeconomic status, within Gloucestershire, South West England in 2019. Forty 14–18-year olds participated in focus groups, and eight science or health educators participated in interviews. Data were analysed thematically, double-coded and mapped to the TDF/COM-B. Results Adolescents were aware of ‘good microbes’ in the body but lacked deeper knowledge. Adolescents’ knowledge of, and intentions to use, antibiotics appropriately differed by their levels of scientific study. Adolescents lacked knowledge on the consequences of diet on the microbiome, and therefore lacked capability and motivation to change behaviour. Educators felt capable and motivated to teach microbiome topics but lacked opportunity though absence of topics in the national curriculum and lack of time to teach additional topics. Conclusions A disparity in knowledge of adolescents needs to be addressed through increasing antibiotic and microbiome topics in the national curriculum. Public antibiotic campaigns could include communication about the microbiome to increase awareness. Educational resources could motivate adolescents and improve their knowledge, skills and opportunity to improve diet and antibiotic use; so, supporting the UK antimicrobial resistance (AMR) national action plan.


2006 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 237-246
Author(s):  
Tomas Hellström

This paper presents a qualitative study of mechanisms enabling social network formation in the R&D unit of a large technology-based organization. Drawing on interviews with 37 high-level technical and administrative unit members, a number of social network enablers could be discerned, which related to the need for effective location mechanisms, special “enrolment spaces”, and mechanisms for forging contacts. It was also possible to identify a number of higher-order factors for facilitation of network formation, namely hierarchical enablers and communicative and assimilative factors. Based on these results, the paper makes suggestions as to the theoretical and practical significance of social network enabling mechanisms in R&D organizations.


2014 ◽  
Vol 664 ◽  
pp. 423-428
Author(s):  
Mauricio Plaza Torres ◽  
William Aperador

Hip disarticulation is an amputation through the hip joint capsule, removing the entire lower extremity, with closure of the remaining musculature over the exposed acetabulum. Tumors of the distal and proximal femur were treated by total femur resection; a hip disarticulation sometimes is performance for massive trauma with crush injuries to the lower extremity. This article discusses the design a system for rehabilitation of a patient with bilateral hip disarticulations. The prosthetics designed allowed the patient to do natural gait suspended between parallel articulate crutches with the body weight support between the crutches. The care of this patient was a challenge due to bilateral amputations at such a high level and the special needs of a patient mobility.


2010 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 586-592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Crowe ◽  
Lisa Whitehead ◽  
Mary Jo Gagan ◽  
G. David Baxter ◽  
Avin Pankhurst ◽  
...  

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1146
Author(s):  
Charlotte L. Lee ◽  
Paul N. Aveyard ◽  
Susan A. Jebb ◽  
Carmen Piernas

Background: The ‘Primary Care SHOPping Intervention for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention’ (PCSHOP) trial tested the effectiveness and feasibility of a behavioural intervention to reduce saturated fat in food purchases. The intervention offered feedback from data collected through a supermarket loyalty card to supplement brief advice from a nurse. This qualitative study aimed to describe participants’ experiences of receiving this intervention. Methods: We conducted semi-structured, one-to-one, telephone interviews with participants from the PCSHOP trial. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. We employed the one sheet of paper technique and a thematic analysis to develop high-level themes in NVivo software. Results: Twenty-four participants were interviewed (mean age: 63 years (SD 12)). They reported that the brief advice did not provide any new information but they welcomed the sense of accountability the nurse provided. The personalised shopping feedback and healthier swap suggestions provided novel information that challenged previously held beliefs about the saturated fat content of food purchases and encouraged some positive dietary changes. However, the taste preferences of the participant or other household members were a barrier to changing food shopping behaviours. Conclusion: Harnessing loyalty card data is a novel and acceptable method to offering personalised dietary feedback. Yet, issues on the suitability of the healthier swap suggestions limited the extent of dietary change. Trial registration: ISRCTN14279335. Registered 1 September 2017.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Pessoa de Queiroz Falcão ◽  
Michel Mott Machado ◽  
Eduardo Picanço Cruz ◽  
Caroline Shenaz Hossein

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to investigate how social integration, immigrant networks and barriers to ventureing affect the entrepreneurial activities of Brazilians in Canada, indicating how mixed embeddedness takes place in that context.Design/methodology/approachData were collected in Toronto, through the application of a survey with 74 Brazilian entrepreneur respondents and 42 semi-structured interviews with selected subjects, thus representing a multi-method approach. The analysis included descriptive statistics from the survey data and a qualitative analysis of the trajectories and life stories of Brazilian immigrants.FindingsOur sample comprises respondents with a high level of education and proficiency in English, coming predominantly from the southeast of Brazil, white, aged from 30 to 49. The majority of businesses are small and related to the service sector. The article contributes to the literature by discussing the elements related to mixed embeddedness, including the need for cultural adaptation and for the creation of networks as a crucial element for business venturing.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focuses on entrepreneurs regardless of their businesses sector or formality/informality status. It could be used as an instrument to support Canadian public policies for welcoming Brazilians and for the Brazilian government to prevent the evasion of potential entrepreneurs.Originality/valueThe article contributes to the body of knowledge of immigrant entrepreneurship in Canada and of Brazilian entrepreneurship overseas. The results suggest factors that may be relevant to the expansion of their business, such as social networking, cultural embeddedness and adaptation of the products/services to a wider range of target customers.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clémence Brun ◽  
Alexis Akinyemi ◽  
Laurène Houtin ◽  
Claire Mizzi ◽  
Thierry Cardoso ◽  
...  

Objectives: Providing quality care requires compassion, and encouraging caregivers to develop a patient-centred care relationship could be beneficial for both patients and caregivers. Such a goal can be achieved through mindfulness-based programmes, which can improve caregivers’ compassion and self-compassion. They are particularly relevant for caregivers, as they have a high risk of experiencing work-related burnout due to the high level of involvement required in their work. We hypothesised that a mindfulness training programme specifically focused on situations that are relevant for caregivers could improve patient–caregiver relationships and the care provided by the latter. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study with 10 interviews designed to explore the perceived psychological consequences of such training programmes amongst caregivers who experienced a mindfulness training programme specifically elaborated for the medical staff at APHP Sorbonne University (i.e., the Mindfulness Based (MB) CARE programme). Results: Content analysis results showed that the training had an overall positive impact on the caregivers’ ability to feel compassion toward their patients and themselves. The caregivers were more attentive to their patients and their needs, without being able to articulate how well they were paying attention to them. The programme also helped them develop kindness towards themselves and their patients. The participants were better able to accept more sympathetically the difficult experiences they might encounter in the workplace or those reported by their patients. Conclusions: We conclude that professional mindfulness training programmes could be operational levers for institutions aiming at fostering a more compassionate caregiver–patient relationship, which in turn, can improve the efficiency of care provision.


Author(s):  
Beschasnyi S.P. ◽  
Lysenko E.M. ◽  
Hasiuk O.M. ◽  
Erlish О.О.

Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that is colourless, odourless, and has the potential to cause momentaryhypoxia by bonding with heme-inspired proteins. Because of these properties, it causes the highest number of toxications. Due to its properties, this gas causes damage to the nervous and cardiovascular system. The development of anoxia is associated with the impact on the system of oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria and the development of oxidative stress in the body. The body produces a small amount of carbon monoxide as a result of erythrocyte breakdown. Picomolar concentrations of carbon monoxide even have anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic,cytoprotective and antiproliferative properties. Kidney is one of the first organs,that responds to the occurrence of hypoxia, are responsible for the removal of products of metabolism and toxicants, including ethanol. For the study, the blood and urine samples were taken from patients with acute intoxication. The amount of methemoglobin in the blood was determined by spectrophotometric method. The concentration of ethanol in blood and urine was measured by gas-liquid chromatography method. The correlation analysis showed that carbon monoxide affects the rate of excretion of ethanol from the body. Among individuals under 40 years of age, there was a correlation between the level of carbon monoxide and the amount of ethanol in the blood. Among older adults this correlation was not established. A direct correlation with the level of this gas in the blood and the level of ethanol in the urine among people under 40 years of age was found. Among older individuals, the opposite was observed –a high level of methemoglobin was responsible for the decreased level of ethanol. There were no correlations between methemoglobin level and age. Comparison of the studied indices did not show any sexual differences in ethanol excretion, but there were age specific features: ethanol excretion under the influence of carbon monoxide among people under 40 years old was more accelerated.Key words:hypoxia, CO intoxication, blood, methemoglobin, kidneys. Монооксид карбону являє собою токсичний газ, який не має кольору,без запаху та здатен спричиняти миттєву гіпоксію шляхом зв’язування з гем-вмісними білками. Через такі властивості він спричиняє найбільшу кількість отруєнь. Цей газ,завдяки своїм властивостям,спричиняє ураження нервової та серцево-судинної системи. Розвиток аноксії пов’язаний із впливом на систему окисного фосфорилювання у мітохондріях та розвиткомоксидативного стресу. В організмі продукується невелика кількість ендогенного монооксиду карбону внаслідок розпаду еритроцитів. Пікомолярні концентрації монооксиду карбону навіть володіють протизапальними, антиапоптичними, цитопротекторними та антипроліферативними властивостями. Нирки є одним із перших органів, який реагує на розвитокгіпоксії, вони відповідають за видалення продуктів метаболізму й токсикантів, зокрема етанолу.Зміни у функціонуванні нирок відображаються на загальному стані організму.Для дослідження отримували зразки крові та сечі від осіб із гострою інтоксикацією. У крові спектрофотометричним методом визначали вміст метгемоглобіну, який утворювався внаслідок вдихання монооксиду карбону та відповідного потрапляння до кровоносної системи. Методом газово-рідинної хроматографії вимірювали концентрацію етанолу у крові та сечі. Розрахунок кореляційних зв’язків показав, що монооксид карбону впливає на швидкість екскреції етанолу. У осіб до 40 років спостерігалася кореляція між показником рівня метгемоглобінута вмістом етанолу у крові. У осіб старшого віку цього зв’язку не встановлено. Виявлено прямий зв’язок із рівнем цього газу у крові та рівнем етанолу в сечі у осіб до 40 років. У осіб старшого віку спостерігалася зворотня реакція–високий рівень метгемоглобінуобумовлював зниження рівня етанолу. Кореляційні зв’язки між вмістом метгемоглобіну та віком не було виявлено. Порівняння досліджуваних показників не виявило статевих відмінностей у екскреції етанолу, проте виявлено вікові особливості: екскреція етанолу в умовах впливу монооксиду карбону в осіб до 40 років була більш пришвидшена.Таким чином, можна стверджувати, що монооксид карбону обумовлює зміни у функціональній активності нирок.Ключові слова:гіпоксія, інтоксикація СО, кров, метгемоглобін, нирки.


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