Teaching the Whole Musician

This book offers applied music instructors a practical guide for supporting their students’ wellness by integrating holistic techniques into their pedagogy. The main argument in this book is that the mentorship dynamic within the applied studio situates pedagogues in a unique position to guide and mentor their students toward a healthy and satisfying artistic life. Wellness, as a relatively new dimension within health education for musicians, can be intimidating for applied instructors. Many teachers lack the training and confidence to enter conversations in this arena. Grounded in recent research, coupled with extensive in-person interviews with students, faculty, and healthcare professionals, this book demystifies the causes, challenges, and limiting factors around maintaining a healthy artistic practice, while revealing practical solutions for achieving and maintaining wellness as a performing artist. Each chapter includes a toolkit of practical exercises and activities that can be easily integrated within the applied lesson. Topics covered include injury prevention, alignment and the breathing mechanism, mental health, contemplative practices, Laban Movement Analysis, nutrition, and sleep.

Stacking the Joints

This chapter presents foundational principles of optimal alignment based on biomechanics and body mapping. This approach to physical alignment moves away from a traditional static posture, toward a model that places the breath at the heart of balanced movement. Key components the music instructor can draw from to support retraining students’ physical alignment include heightening their kinesthetic awareness through body mapping movement explorations and sharing factual information about joint alignment and the breathing mechanism. Guidelines for the instructors’ approach to incorporating these elements are introduced. Such guidelines include use of imagery, prioritizing ease, and using appropriate language.

Effect of short-term practice of breathing exercises on the breathing capacity in school-age girls (Efecto de la práctica a corto plazo de ejercicios respiratorios sobre la capacidad respiratoria en niñas en edad escolar)

Background: The breathing mechanism has existed since our birth and accompanies us throughout life. Breathing is an important function in the regulatory process of numerous body functions, its optimization can bring many health benefits. However, many children are unaware of the mechanisms of breathing, namely abdominal or diaphragmatic breathing, and in addition to this, many breathe normally through their mouths. Methods: The present study aimed to verify the influence of a short-term breathing exercise program in school-age girls breathing capacity. Fourteen female students aged between 8 and 10 years were selected, from this selection two groups were formed, the control group (CG) with 7 children and the experimental group (EG) with 7. Through a spirometric test, an assessment of breathing capacity (ABC) was carried out for both groups. The GE participated in a program of breathing exercises (BEP) lasting 15 to 20 minutes for 5 weeks. Then, the ABC was performed again for both groups. Discussion: The results demonstrate a significant increase in the values (p <0.01) of the forced vital capacity (FVC) of the EG, thus suggesting that the application of a BEP promotes the breathing capacity of school-aged girls. Further studies should be performed with larger samples and with a longer protocol. Resumen. El mecanismo respiratorio existe desde nuestro nacimiento y nos acompaña durante toda la vida. La respiración es una función importante en el proceso regulador de numerosas funciones corporales, su optimización puede traer muchos beneficios para la salud. Sin embargo, muchos niños desconocen los mecanismos de la respiración, a saber, la respiración abdominal o diafragmática, y además de esto, muchos respiran normalmente por la boca. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo verificar la influencia de un programa de ejercicios respiratorios de corta duración en la capacidad respiratoria de niñas en edad escolar. Se seleccionaron catorce alumnas de entre 8 y 10 años, de esta selección se conformaron dos grupos, el grupo control (GC) con 7 niños y el grupo experimental (GE) con 7. Mediante una prueba espirométrica, una evaluación de la capacidad respiratoria (ABC) se llevó a cabo para ambos grupos. El GE participó en un programa de ejercicios respiratorios (BEP) que duró de 15 a 20 minutos durante 5 semanas. Luego, se realizó nuevamente el ABC para ambos grupos. Los resultados demuestran un aumento significativo en los valores (p <0.01) de la capacidad vital forzada (FVC) del GE, sugiriendo así que la aplicación de un BEP promueve la capacidad respiratoria de las niñas en edad escolar. Se deben realizar más estudios con muestras más grandes y con un protocolo más extenso.

Unraveling the Guest-Induced Switchability in the Metal-Organic Framework DUT-13(Zn)

A guest-induced flexibility in the framework DUT-13 was investigated in situ to analyze the breathing mechanism upon physisorption of nitrogen (77 K) and n-butane (273 K). The crystal structure of cp phase, solved from PXRD data using the computation-assisted semiempirical approach, shows two times smaller pore volume, compared to the op phase, which is consistent with the corresponding isotherms. The contraction mechanism is mainly based on the conformational isomerism of the benztb4- linker, which transforms from a staggered conformation in op phase to a more eclipsed in cp phase, leading to the contraction of the larger pore. A nearly complete op → cp → op transition was observed in the case of n-butane adsorption at 273 K, while in case of weakly interacting nitrogen molecules a portion of the sample remains in the op phase in the entire pressure range. Apparently, in case of DUT-13 the contraction is crystallite size-dependent, similarly as in a number of other switchable MOFs, which should be investigated more in detail in the future. Methane adsorption at varying temperatures showed a wide hysteresis at the temperatures between 111 K and 140 K. The hysteresis width decreases until it disappears completely at 170 K leading to a reversible isotherm, typical for rigid frameworks. The fact that breathing is observed in a broader temperature range in comparison to DUT‑49 demonstrates that thermodynamics and kinetics favour the DUT-13 contraction. Linker and hinges in DUT-13 are not stiff enough to support the metastable states required for NGA.

Unraveling the Guest-Induced Switchability in the Metal-Organic Framework DUT-13(Zn)

A guest-induced flexibility in the framework DUT-13 was investigated in situ to analyze the breathing mechanism upon physisorption of nitrogen (77 K) and n-butane (273 K). The crystal structure of cp phase, solved from PXRD data using the computation-assisted semiempirical approach, shows two times smaller pore volume, compared to the op phase, which is consistent with the corresponding isotherms. The contraction mechanism is mainly based on the conformational isomerism of the benztb4- linker, which transforms from a staggered conformation in op phase to a more eclipsed in cp phase, leading to the contraction of the larger pore. A nearly complete op → cp → op transition was observed in the case of n-butane adsorption at 273 K, while in case of weakly interacting nitrogen molecules a portion of the sample remains in the op phase in the entire pressure range. Apparently, in case of DUT-13 the contraction is crystallite size-dependent, similarly as in a number of other switchable MOFs, which should be investigated more in detail in the future. Methane adsorption at varying temperatures showed a wide hysteresis at the temperatures between 111 K and 140 K. The hysteresis width decreases until it disappears completely at 170 K leading to a reversible isotherm, typical for rigid frameworks. The fact that breathing is observed in a broader temperature range in comparison to DUT‑49 demonstrates that thermodynamics and kinetics favour the DUT-13 contraction. Linker and hinges in DUT-13 are not stiff enough to support the metastable states required for NGA.

Large Breathing Effect Induced by Water Sorption in the Exceptionally Stable Nonporous Non-MOF Crystalline Material

We report a non-MOF crystalline material {[Mn(imH)]2[Mo(CN)8]}n (imH = imidazole) with exceptional water sorption properties and a very large breathing effect accompanied by an outstanding stability and cyclability – properties that are absolutely unique for this class of compounds (Prussian Blue Analogs). Some previously published PBAs indeed show some sorption properties, but their cyclability is extremely limited - usually 1-3 cycles - followed by significant decomposition/amorphization. Our compound can be cycled more than 50 times without any fatigue and the sorption/desorption proceeds through four different crystal phases, which we have fully characterized structurally enabling the complete understanding of the sorption and breathing mechanism in this material - an achievement rarely reported for MOFs or PBAs. <br>The unique structure of {[Mn(imH)]2[Mo(CN)8]}n enables very strong coupling of its exceptional water sorption performance with the magnetic and photomagnetic properties of the framework, e.g. the sorption process can be followed by in-situ EPR spectroscopy with huge changes in the EPR signal intensity depending on the hydration level.<br><br>

Large Breathing Effect Induced by Water Sorption in the Exceptionally Stable Nonporous Non-MOF Crystalline Material

We report a non-MOF crystalline material {[Mn(imH)]2[Mo(CN)8]}n (imH = imidazole) with exceptional water sorption properties and a very large breathing effect accompanied by an outstanding stability and cyclability – properties that are absolutely unique for this class of compounds (Prussian Blue Analogs). Some previously published PBAs indeed show some sorption properties, but their cyclability is extremely limited - usually 1-3 cycles - followed by significant decomposition/amorphization. Our compound can be cycled more than 50 times without any fatigue and the sorption/desorption proceeds through four different crystal phases, which we have fully characterized structurally enabling the complete understanding of the sorption and breathing mechanism in this material - an achievement rarely reported for MOFs or PBAs. <br>The unique structure of {[Mn(imH)]2[Mo(CN)8]}n enables very strong coupling of its exceptional water sorption performance with the magnetic and photomagnetic properties of the framework, e.g. the sorption process can be followed by in-situ EPR spectroscopy with huge changes in the EPR signal intensity depending on the hydration level.<br><br>

Effect of Short-Term Practice of Breathing Exercises on the Breathing Capacity in Children

The breathing mechanism has existed since our birth and accompanies us throughout life. Breathing is an important function in the regulatory process of numerous body functions, its optimization can bring many health benefits. However, many children are unaware of the mechanisms of breathing, namely abdominal or diaphragmatic breathing, and in addition to this, many breathe normally through their mouths. The present study aimed to verify the influence of a short-term breathing exercise program on children's breathing capacity. Twenty-one children aged between 8 and 10 years were selected, from this selection two groups were formed, the control group (CG) with 10 children and the experimental group (EG) with 11. Through a spirometric test, an assessment of breathing capacity (ABC) was carried out for both groups. The GE participated in a program of breathing exercises (BEP) lasting 15 to 20 minutes for 5 weeks. Then, the ABC was performed again for both groups. The results demonstrate a significant increase in the values (p<0.027) of the forced vital capacity (FVC) of the EG, thus suggesting that the application of a BEP promotes the breathing capacity of school-aged children. Further studies should be performed with larger samples and with a longer protocol.

A STUDY ON INFLUENCE OF CLASSICAL INDIAN DANCE PRACTICE ON CARDIO – RESPIRATORY WELL BEING

Dance is a Rhythmic form of exercise. It involves slow to intense kinetic footwork, swaying hand gestures and subtle eye - facial expressions. It activates skeletal muscles, stimulates functioning of smooth muscles and enhances the contractility of cardiac muscles. Along with this dance practice also alters breathing mechanism with reference to enhancement of vital capacity. Thus, dancing regularly helps the overall functionality of Cardio – Respiratory system which changes the individual’s wellbeing. The following study analyses the mode of action of dancing over the system of the internal body and explains the same with Physical and subjective parameters. Regular dancing helps an individual in betterment of functions of cardiac and respiratory system.

Secondary School Students’ Cognitive Structure and Misconception in Respiration Topic

Purpose of the study: This study aims to explore the cognitive structures and identify the misconceptions experienced by secondary school students in the respiration topic. Methodology: This study is a qualitative study. The instruments used for data collection were the Word Association Test (WAT) and the Questionnaire of Writing Sentence (QWS). The data obtained were in word form. The breakpoint technique was used to analyze the data for WAT while the data for QWS were analyzed by category. Purposive sampling was applied in this study. A total of 23 forms four students comprising 12 boys and 11 girls participated in this study. Main Findings: The result showed that the students’ cognitive structures in the respiration topic were incomplete. The students were unable to form a comprehensive relationship for the given keywords, and there were also weak or incorrect associations. The misconceptions that had been identified are largely related to the keywords about cell respiration, anaerobic respiration, and breathing mechanism. Applications of this study: This study provides insights into the students’ cognitive structures and misconceptions about respiration. Thus, it will be useful for teachers in planning their teaching strategies so that they can improve the students’ cognitive structures as well as avoid misconceptions. Novelty: Most of the previous studies only focused on the identification of misconceptions without further investigation into the students’ cognitive structures, especially on the respiration topic. Thus, this study investigates the cognitive structures and misconceptions specifically among secondary school students who have learned respiration in biology.