Thumb-Rest Position and its Role in Neuromuscular Control of the Clarinet Task

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 71-77
Author(s):  
Kathryn E Young ◽  
Sara A Winges
Keyword(s):  
Upper Limb ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Static Loading ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Neuromuscular Control ◽  
Overuse Injuries ◽  
Rest Position ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Impact

Musicians spend long hours of practice and performance to master their instrument. Clarinet players support their roughly 2-lb instrument on the right-hand thumb, which results in cumulative static loading of the arm. This posture in turn can cause discomfort and, in some cases, evolve into debilitating overuse injuries and pain throughout the right upper limb. Altering the thumb-rest position has been proposed as a way to alleviate this discomfort, although no quantitative research has been conducted on this issue. The purpose of this study was to address the impact of thumb-rest position on the neuromuscular control of holding the clarinet. Surface electromyographic recordings of superficial muscles that control the right thumb, wrist, and arm were taken during realistic playing tasks. Twenty clarinetists performed 10 held notes and 10 exercises on the three different thumb-rest positions. The notes and exercises were chosen to isolate specific elements of playing. We hypothesized that a high thumb-rest position would result in a significantly different balance of muscle activity than traditional and low thumb-rest positions. The patterns of muscle activity recorded among clarinetists were idiosyncratic, but for all players these patterns were influenced by the note(s) played and thumb-rest position, and thus the hypothesis was partially supported. Muscles that acted on the thumb and wrist were most influenced by thumb-rest position. These results support the notion that adjustment of thumb-rest position may be a useful way to alleviate discomfort in the supporting limb but must be evaluated for each individual.

Performance measurement and resource sharing among business sub-units in the presence of non-discretionary factors

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rita Shakouri ◽  
Maziar Salahi
Keyword(s):  
Resource Sharing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Level ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Decision Making Unit ◽  
Efficiency Estimation ◽  
Overall Efficiency ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to apply a new approach for resource sharing and efficiency estimation of subunits in the presence of non-discretionary factors and partial impacts among inputs and outputs in the data envelopment analysis (DEA) framework. Design/methodology/approach First, inspired by the Imanirad et al.’s model (2013), the authors consider that each decision-making unit (DMU) may consist of several subunits, that each of which can be affected by non-discretionary inputs. After that, the Banker and Morey’s model (1996) is used for modeling non-discretionary factors. For measuring performance of several subunits, which can be considered as DMUs, the aggregate efficiency is suggested. At last, the overall efficiency is computed and compared with each other. Findings One of the important features of proposed model is that each output in this model applies discretionary input according to its need; therefore, the result of this study will make it easier for the managers to make better decisions. Also, it indicates that significant predictions of the development of the overall efficiency of DMUs can be based on observing the development level of subunits because of the influence of non-discretionary input. Therefore, the proposed model provides a more reasonable and encompassing measure of performance in participating non-discretionary and discretionary inputs to better efficiency. An application of the proposed model for gaining efficiency of 17 road patrols is provided. Research limitations/implications More non-discretionary and discretionary inputs can be taken into consideration for a better analysis. This study provides us with a framework for performance measures along with useful managerial insights. Focusing upon the right scope of operations may help out the management in improving their overall efficiency and performance. In the recent highway maintenance management systems, the environmental differences exist among patrols and other geotechnical services under the climate diverse. Further, in some cases, there might exist more than one non-discretionary factor that can have different effects on the subunits’ performance. Practical implications The purpose of this paper was to measure the performance of a set of the roadway maintenance crews and to analyze the impact of non-discretionary inputs on the efficiency of the roadway maintenance. The application of the proposed model, on the one hand, showed that each output in this model uses discretionary input according to its requirement, and on the other hand, the result showed that meaningful predictions of the development of the overall efficiency of DMUs can be based on observing the development level of subunits because of the impact of non-discretionary input. Originality/value Providing information on resource sharing by taking into account non-discretionary factors for each subunit can help managers to make better decisions to increase the efficiency.

scholarly journals Corporate Governance Role in Improving the Financial Information Quality within the Saudi Electricity Company: دور حوكمة الشركات في تحسين جودة المعلومات المحاسبة في الشركة السعودية للكهرباء

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arwa Hassan Baabbad
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Information Quality ◽  
Survey Methodology ◽  
Governance System ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Right ◽  
Descriptive Survey ◽  
The Impact

The present study aimed to find out the role of corporate governance in improving the quality of information in the Saudi Electricity Company. The researcher used the descriptive survey methodology. As to achieve the study objectives، the researcher utilized the questionnaire tool، in which the study sample (50) members of SEC distributed into employees، managers and decision makers. The study concluded to many results، among of which are: there is a statistically significant relationship between the availability of corporate governance system and performance improvement of the Saudi Electricity Company، there is a statistically significant relationship between corporate governance and appropriateness in improving the performance of the Saudi Electricity Company، it was also found that there is a statistically significant relationship between corporate governance and optimal disclosure in improving the performance of Saudi Electricity Company. The study also found that there is a statistically significant relationship between corporate governance and the right timing in improving the performance of the Saudi Electricity Company. The study suggested number of recommendations، among of which are: the importance of the shareholding companies to comply with the corporate governance regulations considering the interest of companies and their shareholders and all other parties benefiting from the financial statements، attempting to take advantage of the multiple benefits of corporate governance and expand its application in the various economic units in Saudi Arabia، conduct studies on companies that applies the requirement of the Corporate Governance Regulations، and the impact of the application of corporate governance on the shares of these units to find out the relationship between the quality of accounting information in light of the application of corporate governance and the stock market from another angle، imposing deterrent penalties concerning the Corporate Governance Regulations on companies that did not apply this regulation.

scholarly journals Intelligence Deficits in Chinese Patients with Brain Tumor: The Impact of Tumor Resection

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao Shen ◽  
Rong Xie ◽  
Xiaoyun Cao ◽  
Weimin Bao ◽  
Bojie Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Tumor ◽  
Pituitary Adenoma ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Chinese Patients ◽  
Adult Intelligence Scale ◽  
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Impact

Background. Intelligence is much important for brain tumor patients after their operation, while the reports about surgical related intelligence deficits are not frequent. It is not only theoretically important but also meaningful for clinical practice.Methods. Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale was employed to evaluate the intelligence of 103 patients with intracranial tumor and to compare the intelligence quotient (IQ), verbal IQ (VIQ), and performance IQ (PIQ) between the intracerebral and extracerebral subgroups.Results. Although preoperative intelligence deficits appeared in all subgroups, IQ, VIQ, and PIQ were not found to have any significant difference between the intracerebral and extracerebral subgroups, but with VIQ lower than PIQ in all the subgroups. An immediate postoperative follow-up demonstrated a decline of IQ and PIQ in the extracerebral subgroup, but an improvement of VIQ in the right intracerebral subgroup. Pituitary adenoma resection exerted no effect on intelligence. In addition, age, years of education, and tumor size were found to play important roles.Conclusions. Brain tumors will impair IQ, VIQ, and PIQ. The extracerebral tumor resection can deteriorate IQ and PIQ. However, right intracerebral tumor resection is beneficial to VIQ, and transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma resection performs no effect on intelligence.

scholarly journals The impact of independent learning on students’ accounting learning outcomes at vocational high school

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-150
Author(s):  
Ery Novita Sari ◽  
Zamroni Zamroni
Keyword(s):  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Independent Learning ◽  
Difficulty Level ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Multiple Choice Questions ◽  
Ex Post ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Impact

The independence of student learning in recent years was discussed in several articles. Through the development of an independent attitude in learning, students can diagnose learning difficulties and find the right solution to solve them. This study was aimed at finding out how the influence of learning independence on students' accounting learning outcomes. The type of research used is ex-post facto quantitative research. The population of the research is all students of class XI of Public Middle School in the city of Yogyakarta, with a total of 156 students. The instruments used were questionnaires and multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Validity and reliability of the questionnaire were measured using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) through the Lisrel 8.80 application, while the validity and reliability of MCQs were measured using Rasch approach through the Quest application. Several questionnaires in the form of questionnaires and documentation were used on the testing instrument. The number of instruments for learning independence was 19 statements. The closed statement form used a Likert scale consisting of five alternative answers. The number of MCQs is 18 questions. There were 18 valid statements found after going through the calculation of validation, reliability, difficulty level of the question, and distinguishing power. Simple regression was used for the data analysis technique. The results of the study show that the learning independence variable has a significant and positive influence. It can be seen from the learning independence variable, which has a value of 2.187 and a significance value smaller than 0.05 (0.030 <0.05).

scholarly journals Characterization of kinesiological patterns of the frontal kick, mae-geri, in karate experts and non-karate practitioners

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
António M. VencesBrito ◽  
Marco A. Colaço Branco ◽  
Renato M. Cordeiro Fernandes ◽  
Mário A. Rodrigues Ferreira ◽  
Orlando J. S. M. Fernandes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Neuromuscular Control ◽  
Rectus Femoris ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Maximum Speed ◽  
Ballistic Performance ◽  
The Impact

Presently, coaches and researchers need to have a better comprehension of the kinesiological parameters that should be an important tool to support teaching methodologies and to improve skills performance in sports. The aim of this study was to (i) identify the kinematic and neuromuscular control patterns of the front kick (<em>mae-geri</em>) to a fixed target performed by 14 experienced karate practitioners, and (ii) compare it with the execution of 16 participants without any karate experience, allowing the use of those references in the analysis of the training and learning process. Results showed that the kinematic and neuromuscular activity during the kick performance occurs within 600 ms. Muscle activity and kinematic analysis demonstrated a sequence of activation bracing a proximal-to-distal direction, with the muscles presenting two distinct periods of activity (1, 2), where the karateka group has a greater intensity of activation – root mean square (RMS) and electromyography (EMG) peak – in the first period on <em>Rectus Femoris</em> (RF1) and  <em>Vastus Lateralis</em> (VL1) and a lower duration of co-contraction in both periods on <em>Rectus Femoris</em>-<em>Biceps Femoris</em> and <em>Vastus Lateralis</em>-<em>Biceps Femoris</em> (RF-BF; VL-BF). In the skill performance, the hip flexion, the knee extension and the ankle plantar flexion movements were executed with smaller difference in the range of action (ROA) in the karateka group, reflecting different positions of the segments. In conclusion, it was observed a general kinesiological pattern, which was similar in karateka and non-karateka practitioners. However, in the karateka group, the training induces a specialization in the muscle activity reflected in EMG and kinematic data, which leads to a better ballistic performance in the execution of the <em>mae-geri</em> kick, associated with a maximum speed of the distal segments, reached closer to the impact moment, possibly representing more power in the contact.

scholarly journals Rapunzel In Developing Economy: A Study About Relationship Between Globalization And Women Workforce Issues In Pakistan

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 225-238
Author(s):  
Roohi Mumtaz ◽  
Syed Shabib ul Hasan ◽  
Afsheen Nizam ◽  
Saima Akhter
Keyword(s):  
Gender Discrimination ◽  
Third World ◽  
Work Force ◽  
Double Standards ◽  
Female Labour ◽  
The People ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

As the globalization is bringing change in the business scenarios, there is a need to bring change in the mindset, beliefs, attitude and performance to bring change in the lives of the people. By definition globalization is the multifaceted financial, supporting, civilizing and the geographical development through which the flow of money, companies, innovative approach, talks and the employees have taken a transitional change. Women in third world economies are generally confined under social, cultural, religious and economic boundaries where they are not be allowed to utilize their true potentials and prosper. Under such suppression, businesses mostly prefer female labour, as they remain cheaper and obedient. The paper focuses on the relationship between globalization and the women work force issues in Pakistan. The study also highlights the impact of discriminatory acts like gender discrimination, gender employment segregation and financial biasness in Pakistani society. The findings reveal that discrimination and double standards in the society for women is very common and prevail, more obviously in Pakistan. There is a need to eliminate all the discriminatory elements from the mindset by taking visionary steps in the right direction.

scholarly journals Teachers’ Opinions about the Effect of Chemistry Demonstrations on Students’ Interest and Chemistry Knowledge

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 9-25
Author(s):  
Luka Vinko ◽  
Seamus Delaney ◽  
Iztok Devetak
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Teaching Experience ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Educational Approach ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Chemical Concepts ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Impact

Chemistry is an experimental discipline that uses experimentation as one of its most important research methods. Laboratory work and other practical work are therefore also essential in chemistry lessons. Chemistry demonstrations are used by teachers as an educational approach that can increase students’ interest in chemistry and motivate them to learn chemical concepts with understanding. However, if the students are actively involved in the chemistry demonstration, it can be just as effective as or even more effective than students’ learning through experiments. The purpose of this research is to examine teachers’ opinions about the impact of chemistry demonstrations on students’ interest and chemistry knowledge. Based on a quantitative research approach, 81 primary and secondary school teachers from different regions of Slovenia participated in this study. Participating teachers completed an online questionnaire on their perceptions of the impact of chemistry demonstrations on students’ interest and performance in chemistry classes and on the quality of students’ knowledge of chemistry. The results show that regardless of the years of teaching experience and the frequency of performing chemistry demonstrations, the participating teachers consider such demonstrations to have a positive effect on the motivation and performance of the students in chemistry and on the quality of the students’ knowledge of chemistry.

Cognitive impairment at the onset of multiple sclerosis: relationship to lesion location

2011 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 755-758 ◽  
Author(s):  
Françoise Reuter ◽  
Wafaa Zaaraoui ◽  
Lydie Crespy ◽  
Anthony Faivre ◽  
Audrey Rico ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Clinically Isolated Syndrome ◽  
Deep White Matter ◽  
Lesion Location ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Learning Performances

The impact of lesion location on cognitive functioning was assessed in a group of 97 patients with a clinically isolated syndrome. Using the Brief Repeatable Battery, we evidenced that 24% of patients showed at least one abnormal test, 20% at least two and 15% at least three. Verbal learning performances were inversely associated with presence of lesions in Broca’s area, in the right frontal lobe and in the splenium while spatial learning performances were inversely correlated to the presence of lesions in the deep white matter. No associations were evidenced between lesion location and performance of tasks exploring attention and executive functions.

scholarly journals The Ergonomics of the Islamic Ablution: Exploring Considerations for the Elderly in the Mosque

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-77
Author(s):  
Sarah Aliya Che Hasbi ◽  
Sufian Hamat
Keyword(s):  
The Elderly ◽  
Practical Experience ◽  
General Observation ◽  
Design Assessment ◽  
The People ◽  
Current Design ◽  
Physical Abilities ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Impact

A general observation on the state and condition of the ablution area at some mosques in the country has pictured the place as slippery and unsafe and not properly used and maintained.  This has led to the assumptions that the design of the place had not thoroughly considered the ergonomic factors and right anthropometric of the users which has created discomfort in positioning oneself and accessing the fixtures during the act.  The impact of the problems has never been rationalized and always overlooked particularly on how it may affect the elderly group that is has become very common and being repeated in the provision of the ablution area in other mosque’s design and development.  In consideration of the pressing issues and needs for an appropriate ablution area as part of safety and cleanliness measures at Mosque or Surau, the design of the facility must be emphasized and be based on the needs and physical abilities of the users. This particular study on the ablution area is necessary as it has uncovered salient and common problem of the current design of the place.  The methodology selected for the study was a combination of several methods.  It encompassed onsite observation on the practical use and performance of the ablution area, interview survey on users’ practical experience and design assessment focusing on the ergonomic and anthropometric considerations of the place through measured drawing method.  The results were triangulated to determine the overall performance of the present design of ablution area in facilitating spiritual obligation of the people. For the purpose, three different mosques in Kuala Nerus district namely Masjid UNiSZA (Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin), Masjid UMT (Universiti Malaysia Terengganu) and Masjid Tok Jembal were selected as case studies. The study on the 3 sites of ablution area has displayed results indicating problems generally based on the location and proximity of water faucet and seating provision at the area which apparently were not based on the right ergonomic. This has created discomfort to the users and leaving messy and slippery ground after use.

scholarly journals Determining the Role of Hotel Attributes in Building Customer Loyalty Using Importance–Performance Analysis: A Study in the Context of Tourist Nationalities

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (22) ◽  
pp. 105-130
Author(s):  
Engin Üngüren ◽  
Salih Tellioglu ◽  
Nazlı Türker
Keyword(s):  
Performance Analysis ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
Customer Loyalty ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Gap Analysis ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Hotel Service ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Performance Perceptions ◽  
The Impact

Identifying the importance and satisfaction of hotel attributes in the eyes of tourists and their role in building customer loyalty is critical for improving the service quality. Therefore, in our study, customers' importance and performance perceptions regarding the services offered by accommodation businesses were examined in terms of customers’ nationalities. Our research has two main objectives.  The first objective is to determine the importance and performance perceptions of the services provided by the hotels according to the nationalities of the customers using the using importance-performance analysis (IPA) model and to compare the perceptions of importance-performance according to nationality. The second aim is to determine the effect of satisfaction perceptions regarding hotel services on customer loyalty according to customer nationality. The research was designed as a survey-based quantitative research methodology. Convenience sampling was used, which is a non-random sampling method. Data were obtained from 1153 German, Russian, and Turkish tourists accommodating in five-star hotels in Alanya, Turkey. A gap analysis was conducted using pairwise t-tests to evaluate whether the importance and performance perceptions of the participants differed. IPA was conducted with attributes being graphically displayed on the I-P grids. The impact of hotel service satisfaction on customer loyalty was investigated using regression analysis. The research findings reveal that customers' performance perceptions and services attach importance to differ significantly by nationality. And also, it was concluded that satisfaction with the services provided in accommodation businesses has a significant effect on customer loyalty and that this effect differs in customer groups. Determining satisfaction factors affecting customer loyalty according to customer characteristics make a significant contribution to service quality improvement. In this context, the research results provide practical and theoretical contributions to how customer satisfaction and customer loyalty can be improved according to market groups.

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