Aural modeling and mental representations to elicit young students' metacognitive responses in developing expressivity at the piano

The purpose of this empirical study, whose theoretical framework is based on Bandura’s (1986) social cognitive theory, was to investigate the effectiveness of including a metacognitive approach in teaching expressivity at the piano. The effect of metacognition, combined with that of aural modeling and aesthetic and stylistic mental representations, was assessed regarding the promotion of a higher-order thinking, one that fosters the development of musical expressivity in young pianists. From a social cognitive theory perspective, metacognition is defined as the aptitude to reflect on one’s own thinking to assess and find the most appropriate course of action to control performance of a task (Bandura, 1986; Flavell, 1979). Equally important in the social cognitive theory is the concept of modeling, which is based on the idea that one can learn new skills by observing another individual’s actions. In turn, the mental representations of the observed tasks function to guide the learner’s performance (Bandura, 1986). Results highlighted the central role played by aural modeling. The aesthetic and stylistic mental representations in the metacognitive process allowed young pianists to elicit an expressive musical idiom through a mental conversion process. The constructs of aural modeling and of aesthetic and stylistic mental representations, along with that of musical phraseology, functioned both independently and in conjunction with each other. They provided students with a mechanism with which to reflect on ways to adjust expressivity in their playing. Results also indicated a positive influence of the above constructs on the overall performance of young pianists

Effects of a Prevention Intervention Concerning Screens, and Video Games in Middle-School Students: Influences on Beliefs and Use

Background and aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a prevention intervention on French adolescents’ Internet and video games use and on their beliefs concerning gaming and Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), in order to adjust prevention programs further. Methods: The study comprised a prevention intervention group (PIG) and a control group assessed at three times – baseline, post-test, and 4-month follow-up. At baseline, a total of 434 junior high adolescents from five secondary schools were assessed (Mage = 13.2 years; SD = 0.5). The main outcome measures were adolescents’ gaming and Internet use (amount of time spent during the week and the weekend), the number of adolescents with IGD, and beliefs about gaming and IGD. Results: The results showed significant effects of the prevention intervention on Internet and gaming use (at T2, time spent was significantly lower in the PIG), an important increase of IGD prevalence between baseline and follow-up in the control group, and decreased rates of IGD among adolescents in the PIG between post-intervention and follow-up. Between baseline and follow-up, the control group showed a more significant increase of minutes per day during the week and the weekend on Internet versus during the week on video games. The impact of the prevention intervention on adolescents’ beliefs varied according to gender. Girls had a better understanding generally of the potential dangers of and reasons for IGD. Discussion: Implications for future research and prevention approaches are discussed in this study

Biomechanical analysis and modeling of lumbar belt: Preliminary study.

International audienceLow back pain is a major public health problem in European Countries. In France, about 50% of population is suffering of this pathology every year (Fassier 2011). Because of health care cost and sick leave (Fassier 2011; Leclerc et al. 2009), low back pain has both societal and economic adverse consequences. Many treatments are proposed. However no guideline is provided to physician. Treatment depends on patient, on low back pain type and evolution and also on physician knowledge and believes. Medical devices, as lumbar belt might be proposed to treat low back pain. Several clinical trials have shown their efficacy (Calmels et al. 2009). Nevertheless, both mechanical and physiological effects of lumbar belts remain unclear. In this study, the application of a lumbar belt on the trunk is simulated by a finite element model. It is often assumed that the pain comes from the toe of the intervertebral discs and is related only to the intradiscal pressure and the thoracolumbar posture. Beside, abdominal pressure is used by belt manufacturers as a marker of the lumbar belt efficiency, because a change in the abdominal pressure could bring a change in the thoracolumbar posture and consequently on the intradiscal pressure. That's why the goal of this study is to determine the mechanical effect of wearing lumbar belt: i) on abdominal pressure; ii) on thoracolumbar posture; iii) on intervertebral disc pressure

Cosmology with cosmic web environments I. Real-space power spectra

We undertake the first comprehensive and quantitative real-space analysis of the cosmological information content in the environments of the cosmic web (voids, filaments, walls, and nodes) up to non-linear scales, $k = 0.5$ $h$/Mpc. Relying on the large set of $N$-body simulations from the Quijote suite, the environments are defined through the eigenvalues of the tidal tensor and the Fisher formalism is used to assess the constraining power of the power spectra derived in each of the four environments and their combination. Our results show that there is more information available in the environment-dependent power spectra, both individually and when combined all together, than in the matter power spectrum. By breaking some key degeneracies between parameters of the cosmological model such as $M_\nu$--$\sigma_\mathrm{8}$ or $\Omega_\mathrm{m}$--$\sigma_8$, the power spectra computed in identified environments improve the constraints on cosmological parameters by factors $\sim 15$ for the summed neutrino mass $M_\nu$ and $\sim 8$ for the matter density $\Omega_\mathrm{m}$ over those derived from the matter power spectrum. We show that these tighter constraints are obtained for a wide range of the maximum scale, from $k_\mathrm{max} = 0.1$ $h$/Mpc to highly non-linear regimes with $k_\mathrm{max} = 0.5$ $h$/Mpc. We also report an eight times higher value of the signal-to-noise ratio for the combination of spectra compared to the matter one. Importantly, we show that all the presented results are robust to variations of the parameters defining the environments hence suggesting a robustness to the definition we chose to define them.Comment: 15 pages, 11 figure

Analyzing the n→π* Electronic Transition of Formaldehyde in Water. \ud A Sequential Monte Carlo/Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory

The n→π* absorption transition of formaldehyde in water is analyzed using combined and sequential classical Monte Carlo (MC) simulations and quantum mechanics (QM) calculations. MC simulations generate the liquid solute-solvent structures for subsequent QM calculations. Using time-dependent density functional theory in a localized set of gaussian basis functions (TD-DFT/6-311++G(d,p)) calculations are made on statistically relevant configurations to obtain the average solvatochromic shift. All results presented here use the electrostatic embedding of the solvent. The statistically converged average result obtained of 2300 cm-1 is compared to previous theoretical results available. Analysis is made of the effective dipole moment of the hydrogen-bonded shell and how it could be held responsible for the polarization of the solvent molecules in the outer solvation shells.A transição eletrônica n→π* do formaldeído em água é analisada usando-se um procedimento combinado e seqüencial de Monte Carlo (MC) clássico e mecânica quântica (MQ). MC é usado para gerar configurações do líquido para uso posterior em cálculos de MQ. Usando-se a representação espectral da teoria do funcional da densidade com uma base de funções gaussianas localizadas (TD-DFT/6-311++G(d,p)) cálculos são realizados em configurações estatisticamente descorrelacionadas para se obter o deslocamento solvatocrômico. Todos os resultados são obtidos usando-se uma representação onde o solvente é tratado como um campo eletrostático. O resultado médio obtido de 2300 cm-1 é comparado com resultados teóricos anteriores. Análise é feita do valor do momento de dipolo efetivo da camada associada com as ligações de hidrogênio e como ela pode influenciar as camadas de solvatação mais externas

Mechanical behaviour modelling and finite element simulation of simple part of Ti-6Al-4V sheet under hot/warm stamping conditions

International audienceIn order to reduce production costs and environmental impact, the cycle time reductions associated with a decrease in temperature levels are relevant. This study focuses on the behaviour modelling of Ti-6Al-4V alloy at temperatures between 400 °C and 500 °C in order to obtain greater formability than at room temperature, whilst remaining below SPF conditions to reduce tool, workshop and energy costs. Mechanical tests are conducted to identify elasto-viscoplastic model parameters. They use displacement field measurements obtained by Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and based on innovative surface preparation patterns adapted to high temperature exposures. Different material parameters are identified to define a model that is able to predict the mechanical behaviour of Ti-6Al-4V alloy under hot/warm stamping conditions. Then, an omega shape forming test is developed to validate the behaviour model. Finally, the experimental results are compared with numerical simulations which require the implementation of the behaviour model formulation into an FE code

Caractérisation mécanique des orthèses : Application aux ceintures de soutien lombaire dans le cadre de la lombalgie

Low back pain is a pain felt in the lumbar region of the spine. Lumbar orthotics might be used to relieve this pain. Efficacy of lumbar orthotics was proved, but mechanical effects remain unclear. Aim of this project if to analyze these mechanical effects for lumbar belts, a specific lumbar orthotic.In relation with clinicians and manufacturer, three different approaches were developed. First, experimental approach permits to determine mechanical properties of lumbar belts and to evaluate applied pressure related to these mechanical properties. Second, applied pressure by lumbar belts was measured using a clinical approach. This pressure has been related to the decrease in pain, to the wellbeing felt, to the modification of posture and to the lumbar belts strain. Third, numerical approach was used to demonstrate the influential parameters on pain relief.One of mechanical effects of lumbar belts, highlighted in this project, is the pressure applied on the trunk which causes change in abdominal and intradiscal pressure and posture. The applied pressure depends on the mechanical properties of the belts. Results demonstrate the importance of mastering the applied pressure and the specificity of the patient on the mechanical effects of belts. The different approaches are complementary; they are orthotics characterization tools that could be used for others orthotics and also helps in the development of new products.La lombalgie est une douleur de la région lombaire du rachis. Un des moyens communément utilisés pour soulager cette douleur est le port d’orthèses lombaires. Bien que l’efficacité de ces orthèses soit démontrée, leur mode d’action reste mal connu. L’objectif de ce projet est d’analyser ce mode d’action dans le cas de ceintures de soutien lombaire.En lien avec des médecins et un industriel, trois approches ont été mises en œuvre. Premièrement, une approche expérimentale a permis de déterminer les propriétés mécaniques des ceintures de soutien lombaire et d’évaluer la pression appliquée suivant ces propriétés. Secondairement, la pression appliquée par les ceintures a été mesurée par une approche clinique. Cette pression a été liée à la diminution de la douleur engendrée par les ceintures, au bien-être ressenti, à la modification de la posture et à la déformation de la ceinture. Troisièmement, une approche numérique a servi à montrer les paramètres influents sur le soulagement de la douleur.Un des modes d’action des ceintures de soutien lombaire, mis en évidence dans ce projet, est la pression appliquée sur le tronc qui engendre une variation des pressions abdominale et intradiscale, ainsi qu’une modification de la posture. La pression appliquée dépend, entre autres, des caractéristiques mécaniques des ceintures. Les résultats mettent en évidence l’importance de maitriser cette pression appliquée ainsi que la spécificité du patient sur les effets mécaniques des ceintures.Les différentes approches sont complémentaires ; elles sont des moyens de caractérisation des orthèses qui pourraient être utilisés pour d’autres orthèses et également aider au développement de produits

Detection of prohibited substances in horses: technical aspects and new prospects

Progress in antidoping control has been closely linked with improvements in analytical methods and equipment. Drug testing became really effective in the sixties with the development of paper chromatography, thin-layer chromatography, gas chromatography, and finally high-performance liquid chromatography. Soon afterwards, mass spectrometry revolutionised the detection of drugs by combining both specificity and sensitivity in a single assay. The different steps of qualitative and quantitative antidoping control are described, as well as its biological and administrative aspects defined by recognised quality standards. More complex molecules, such as peptides hormones (e.g. growth hormone) are now being used as doping substances. Their detection represents a real challenge for laboratories today.Les avancées en matière de contrôle des substances prohibées ont suivi fidèlement l'évolution des méthodes analytiques et de l'instrumentation. Le contrôle est devenu réellement efficace dans les années 1960 avec l'apparition des méthodes de chromatographie, sur papier couches minces, puis en phase gazeuse et enfin en phase liquide à hautes performances. Peu après, l'apparition de la spectrométrie de masse a révolutionné les méthodes de détection en apportant à la fois spécificité et sensibilité. Les différentes étapes du contrôle antidopage qualitatif ou quantitatif sont décrites ainsi que les aspects biologiques, administratifs dans le respect des normes « qualité ». Les nouveaux défis se situent actuellement dans l'introduction de molécules plus complexes telles que les peptides, dans l'arsenal des substances dopantes. Ainsi, les hormones peptidiques telles que l'hormone de croissance par exemple, représentent un réel défi pour les laboratoires

Étude biomécanique d’instrumentations antérieures pour le traitement de la scoliose

RÉSUMÉ La scoliose est une déformation 3D du rachis, qui a une prévalence d’environ 2% de la population, dont la progression peut être ralentie voire stoppée par le port d’un corset ou réduite par une chirurgie postérieure. D’autres chirurgies par abord antérieures sont également possibles. Ces chirurgies ont une faisabilité et une efficacité reconnues pour la correction de la déformation dans le plan frontal, mais pas dans les autres plans de l’espace. En outre, des chirurgies minimalement invasives de modulation de croissance vertébrale, qui sont généralement réalisées par abord antérieur, sont en cours de développement pour traiter des scolioses où la déformation est moyennement importante et risque fortement de progresser. La faisabilité de ces chirurgies a été démontrée, alors que son efficacité n’est pas pleinement reconnue. La réduction pré-instrumentation, consistant à diminuer la déformation scoliotique avant l’insertion des implants, serait un moyen d’améliorer la correction chirurgicale dans le plan frontal et sagittal. L’hypothèse de ce projet est donc que la réduction de la déformation scoliotique pré-instrumentation a une influence cliniquement et statistiquement significative (p<0,05) sur la correction dans le plan frontal et sagittal du rachis scoliotique lors d’une instrumentation antérieure. La correction dans le plan frontal et sagittal est caractérisée par la mesure de l’angle de Cobb de la courbure principale, de la lordose lombaire et de la cyphose thoracique, de la cunéiformisation des disques intervertébraux et des contraintes dans les plaques de croissance épiphysaires. L’objectif principal de ce projet est d’étudier la contribution de cette réduction sur le résultat de chirurgies antérieures. Un modèle éléments finis (MÉF) du rachis scoliotique a été développé afin de simuler les différentes étapes de la chirurgie, i.e. la mise en position peropératoire du patient, les différentes manoeuvres chirurgicales et le retour en position debout du patient. Les implants sont représentés par un câble relié aux corps vertébraux par des liens rigides. Différentes stratégies de chirurgie sont modélisables par la modification de la force exercée par le chirurgien sur la colonne avant instrumentation, et des caractéristiques du câble : matériau, tension initiale, distance par rapport aux corps vertébraux.----------ABSTRACT Scoliosis is a 3D deformation of the spine, which has a prevalence of 2% of the population. The treatment of scoliosis includes observation, bracing to limit progression of moderate curves and surgery for severe deformities. Surgery can be performed through a posterior approach or through an anterior approach. Efficacy and feasibility of surgeries performed through an anterior approach are demonstrated in the literature to correct spine deformities just in the coronal plane. Growth modulation has also been recently proposed as a mean to prevent progression, reduce curve severity and preserve mobility. Fusionless minimally invasive surgeries, which are practised by anterior approach, are developing to treat a meanly spine deformation risking to progress. Feasibility of these surgeries was demonstrated, but not their efficacy. Pre-instrumentation reduction, consisting to reduce scoliotic deformation before implants insertion, could be a mean to improve surgery correction in frontal and sagittal plane. The project’s hypothesis is that pre-instrumentation reduction of scoliotic deformity has a clinically and statically significant influence (p<0.05) on the correction in frontal and sagittal plane of the scoliotic spine during an anterior instrumentation. The correction in frontal and sagittal plane is characterised by reduction of the Cobb angle for the principal curvature, the thoracic kyphosis, the lumbar lordosis, intervertebral disc wedging in the frontal plane and internal strain of the epiphyseal growth plate. The main objective of the project is to determine the contribution of this reduction in the overall changes seen post-operatively. Finite elements model (FEM) of scoliotic spine was developed to simulate the different steps of the surgery: per-operative positioning of the patient, surgery manipulation and postoperative positioning of the patient (comeback in stand-up position). Implants modeled include a cable, linked to vertebras by rigid link elements. Different study configurations were modeled by changing the force applied by the surgeon to the spine before instrumentation and the cable characteristic: material type, initial tension, distance between the cable and vertebras. To evaluate the mechanical behaviour of the model, a comparison between in-vitro and simulated mechanical tests of compression (150N and 750N), bending (7.5Nm), torsion (7.5Nm) and lateral flexion (150N) was done in the L1-L2 functional unit. A sensibility study o