A joint occurrence of atypical behavioral lateralization and schizophrenia: coincidental or causative?

The association between atypical lateralization of hand preferences (still a stigmatized behavioral trait in some cultures) with schizophrenia has been studied over the four last decades, repeatedly showing an increased incidence of atypical lateralization of hand dominance in this population. However, no final verdict on the causal direction between these two phenomena has been given. Atypical hand preferences, at the phenotypic level, have been subject to diverse classifications – commonly as left-handedness, but increasingly often as ‘non-right-handedness’, a ‘pooled handedness’ category made of two more homogeneous classes, and finally ‘left- and mixed-handedness’. Research has identified many associations of atypical lateralization of hand preferences with structural and functional brain asymmetries, cognitive performance, and clinical features in the population of schizophrenia patients. In this article, we critically appraise this work and suggest that both complex phenotypes, atypical lateralization of hand dominance and schizophrenia, most likely have common neurodevelopmental and genetic origin

A natureza do feedback no ensino e na aprendizagem de piano com o uso de tecnologia digital no ensino superior [The nature of feedback in higher education studio-based piano learning and teaching with the use of digital technology]

The aim of the current research was to investigate the nature of feedback when a digital technology system was introduced in the higher education (HE) piano studio alongside three teacher and student pairs in Brazil. Data were collected by using video- recorded observations of lessons, participant interviews, and also data related to the use of a specific technology. A thematic analysis of the resultant data suggests that participants used verbal and non-verbal feedback in three areas of lesson focus: music (score), performance (e.g., dynamics, articulation), and technology (Musical Instrument Digital Interface [MIDI] parameters). The application of technology seems to allow the focus of the lesson to become clearer, making students more aware of their performances and their learning processes. Data suggest that the engagement with technology varied across the three observed cases. There seems to be a valuable use for technology-mediated feedback; this could, in turn, optimize more traditional pedagogical approaches in HE piano learning and teaching, and also enrich private practice

Perspectivas de alunos de Bacharelado em Piano quanto ao uso do software MIROR- Impro para desenvolvimento de improvisação

Estudos de pesquisa recentes forneceram evidências sobre os benefícios do uso de tecnologia, quando utilizada, para aprimorar os aspectos específicos na aprendizagem de instrumento e canto, no contexto de aulas individuais. A aplicação de tecnologia pode gerar tipos de feedback adicionais ao provido pelo professor, comumente encontrado em aulas individuais. Tipos de feedback adicionais seja visual em tempo real ou visual combinado com auditivo em tempo posteriori aumentam a consciência do aluno sobre seu processo de aprendizagem. A improvisação é uma prática comum entre os licenciandos, pois é uma das habilidades funcionais essenciais para a atuação com professores na escola básica. No entanto, a improvisação pode ser um desafio para os bacharelandos, que têm o piano como instrumento principal em aulas individuais em que o foco está na interpretação pianística de repertório solo de diferentes períodos. O objetivo desta pesquisa é investigar o desenvolvimento da improvisação com alunos regulares do curso de Bacharelado em Piano de uma instituição de ensino superior brasileira, com o uso da interação reflexiva com o software MIROR-Impro. Dois alunos de bacharelado tiveram duas sessões com tecnologia registradas em vídeo; duas entrevistas semiestruturadas foram conduzidas a fim de compreender as perspectivas dos alunos quanto ao uso dessa tecnologia. Os relatos dos bacharelandos auxiliam na compreensão sobre a aplicação do software MIROR-Impro, destacando seus benefícios e suas limitações, para o desenvolvimento de improvisação em instrumentos de teclado

The pedagogical use of technology-mediated feedback in a higher education piano studio: an exploratory action case study

Existing research evidence suggests that the application of technology can be beneficial in instrumental and vocal learning. However, it is not clear how technology-based feedback might be used in advanced level piano lessons to enhance learning and teaching. An exploratory action case study approach was undertaken in Brazil to investigate systematically the pedagogical use of technology-mediated feedback in a piano studio. Technology-based data were provided by the researcher as a facilitator for three pairs of higher education teachers and students across two lessons each in order to evaluate possible/actual changes and improvement in participant students' performance. Three data sets were captured: video recorded piano lessons, technology-generated data regarding keyboard and pedalling activity, and audio-recorded interviews with teacher and student participants. Two piano lessons for each case study were conducted, and semi-structured interviews were also undertaken with each participant separately after each piano lesson. Qualitative analysis involved a multi-methods approach which focused on reporting and comparing the process and outcomes for each pair of participants. Findings suggest that technology-enhanced feedback provides potentially useful additional feedback, both in real-time and post-hoc. The usefulness of such additional feedback was shown to relate to the individual and to the shared priorities of the particular teacher and student pair. Whilst user biases revealed preferences for either visual or auditory cues, it was shown that shared experience which draws on enhanced sensory modalities can decrease discrepancies between teacher and student perspectives of learning priorities, and increase awareness of appropriate learning foci

Amesbury Early College Program: Second-Year Outcomes

This program involves creating five-year longitudinal community-based program evaluation reports annually based on outcomes for early college program for academically average students in grades 10-12, in a suburban high school partnership with MA community college. The Mixed methodology employed uses surveys and interviews and quantitative student data to illuminate program design, measure student outcomes, investigate changes in teaching practice and examine effective leadership practices. The two-year results show impressive credit accumulation and improved college readiness skills in students. It also shows that strong support mechanisms promote student success. This Program is now being replicated in other communities

Australonannopus aestuarinus gen. nov., sp. nov. (Crustacea, Harpacticoida), an aberrant Cletoid from Australian brackish waters

The new species is described and figured in both sexes from a numerous population found near Hobart, Tasmania; isolated individuals have also been found in brackish waters in New South Wales. The new genus Australannopus is defined, and is shown to be unique among the Cletodidae in that (l) the fourth feet have no trace whatever of an endopod in either sex, and (2) the secondary sexual characters of the male are shown by the exopod of P2, instead of by the endopod of P3 as in all other genera. Three cletodid genera have been described since the most recent key (Lang 1965) to the genera of this fami1y; the way in which they and Australonannopus fit into this key is discussed. Australonannopus is shown to occupy a rather isolated position within the family, although its nearest relative is possibly Nannopus; A. aestuarinus is so far the only known species

Manure and biochar effects on soil properties, in addition to crop growth and yield characteristics, with sweet sorghum as a test crop

Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2022.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Manure use in smallholder farming is common in managing soil and crop productivity but consists of drawbacks like high greenhouse gas emissions and rapid mineralisation. Biochar is currently identified as a sustainable organic amendment that sustains soil and crop productivity, mainly because of its gradual mineralisation and recalcitrant carbon. Regardless of the growing global attention on biochar use, little is known about its effects on soil properties and sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) productivity. This study aimed at evaluating the best manure application management practices in smallholder farming and the potential of sole or co-applied biochar with manure in improving marginal soil functioning, and sweet sorghum performance. Specific objectives: (1) evaluate manure management practices that can best improve crop yields and soil fertility in smallholder farming by conducting a meta-analysis; and (2) evaluate the potential of sole or co- applied biochar with manure (cattle and kraal) on soil physicochemical properties and growth, yield and biofuel components of sweet sorghum. A meta-analysis containing 114 articles from sub-Saharan Africa was conducted to determine the best manure application rate, time, method, and manure type, on crop productivity (biomass and yield), and soil fertility. The findings showed that low and high application rates had the highest crop and biomass yields respectively, whereas all soil fertility parameters were highest with the medium rate except pH. On the application method, all yield and fertility parameters were highest when manure was incorporated than broadcasted. Crop yields did not show differences between application times, but biomass yield was highest when manure was applied before planting, while soil fertility properties were highest with the application before planting besides total nitrogen. Cattle and poultry manure had the highest crop and biomass yield, respectively. Goat manure had the highest total nitrogen and pH, whereas poultry manure had the highest increase in soil organic carbon, available phosphorus, and potassium. Overall, the meta- analysis revealed that if appropriate manure practices are utilised, farmers can optimise their soil and crop productivity. For the second objective, an experiment was conducted at Welgevallen Experimental Farm (Stellenbosch University) under two different fields (Field A and Field B) and a follow-up trial in Field A. We used a randomised complete block design with 6 treatments: control; cow manure; biochar; kraal manure; kraal manure and biochar; and cow manure and biochar. Results in Field A showed that sole biochar and sole kraal manure were significantly higher than the control and other treatments on various soil nutrients, while Field B was inconsistent. Despite no visible differences in growth traits, both co-applied biochar and manure treatments had the highest yield and biofuel traits, followed by sole biochar. Field B performed better than Field A on yield and biofuel components. The Field A follow-up trial decreased the sweet sorghum performance more than the primary trial, both co-applied biochar and manure treatments remained high on all sweet sorghum performance. This objective generally verified that biochar and manure either applied individually or combined are valuable organic materials in modifying soil fertility and sweet sorghum production.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die gebruik van veemis in kleinboerderye is algemeen in die bestuur van grond- en gewasproduktiwiteit, maar bestaan uit nadele soos hoë kweekhuisgasvrystellings en vinnige mineralisering. Biokool word tans geïdentifiseer as 'n volhoubare organiese wysiging wat grond- en gewasproduktiwiteit handhaaf, hoofsaaklik vanweë sy geleidelike mineralisering en weerspannig koolstof. Ongeag die groeiende wêreldwye aandag op biokool gebruik, is min bekend oor die uitwerking daarvan op grond eienskappe en soet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) produktiwiteit. Hierdie studie het ten doel gehad om die beste mistoedieningbestuurspraktyke in kleinboerderye te evalueer en die potensiaal van alleen- of saamtoegediende biokool met veemis om marginale grondfunksionering en soetsorghumprestasie te verbeter. Spesifieke doelwitte: (1) evalueer veemisbestuurspraktyke wat oesopbrengste en grondvrugbaarheid in kleinboerderye die beste kan verbeter deur ’n meta-analise uit te voer; en (2) die potensiaal van alleen- of saamtoegediende biokool met mis (beeste en kraal) op grond fisies-chemiese eienskappe en groei, opbrengs en biobrandstofkomponente van soetsorghum te evalueer. ’n Meta-analise wat 114 artikels van sub- Sahara Afrika, bevat is uitgevoer om die beste mistoedieningshoeveelheid, tyd, metode en mistipe, op gewasproduktiwiteit (biomassa en opbrengs), en grondvrugbaarheid te bepaal. Die bevindinge het getoon dat lae en hoë toedieningshoeveelhede die hoogste oes- en biomassa-opbrengste onderskeidelik gehad het, terwyl alle grondvrugbaarheidsparameters die hoogste was met die medium dosis behalwe pH. Op die toedieningsmetode was alle opbrengs- en vrugbaarheidsparameters die hoogste wanneer mis ingewerk is as wat uitgesaai is. Oesopbrengste het nie verskille tussen toedieningstye getoon nie, maar biomassa-opbrengs was die hoogste wanneer mis voor plant toegedien is, terwyl grondvrugbaarheidseienskappe die hoogste was met die toediening voor plant naas totale stikstof. Bees- en pluimveemis het onderskeidelik die hoogste oes- en biomassa-opbrengs gehad. Bokmis het die hoogste totale stikstof en pH gehad, terwyl pluimveemis die hoogste toename in grondorganiese koolstof, beskikbare fosfor en kalium gehad het. Oor die algemeen het die meta- analise aan die lig gebring dat indien toepaslike mispraktyke gebruik word, boere hul grond- en gewasproduktiwiteit kan optimaliseer. Vir die tweede doelwit is 'n eksperiment by Welgevallen Proefplaas (Universiteit Stellenbosch) uitgevoer onder twee verskillende velde (Veld A en Veld B) en 'n opvolgproef in Veld A. Ons het 'n ewekansige volledige blokontwerp met 6 behandelings gebruik: kontrole ; beesmis; biokool; kraalmis; kraalmis en biokool; en beesmis en biokool. Resultate in Veld A het getoon dat tongbiokool en tongkraalmis aansienlik hoër was as die kontrole en ander behandelings op verskeie grondvoedingstowwe, terwyl Veld B inkonsekwent was. Ten spyte van geen sigbare verskille in groei-eienskappe nie, het beide saamtoegediende biokool- en misbehandelings die hoogste opbrengs en biobrandstof-eienskappe gehad, gevolg deur enigste biokool. Veld B het beter gevaar as Veld A ten opsigte van opbrengs en biobrandstofkomponente. Die Veld A-opvolgproef het die soetsorghumprestasie meer verlaag as die primêre proef, beide saamtoegediende biokool- en misbehandelings het hoog gebly op alle soetsorghumprestasie. Hierdie doelwit het oor die algemeen geverifieer dat biokool en mis, hetsy individueel of gekombineer, waardevolle organiese materiale is om grondvrugbaarheid en soetsorghumproduksie te verander.Master

Onze prelúdios para piano solo de Edmundo Villani-Côrtes: uma análise para a compreensão do potencial didático da obra para o desenvolvimento de habilidades técnico-interpretativas

Edmundo Villani-Côrtes (1930) é um dos compositores brasileiros de maior destaque da atualidade. Este artigo vemcelebrar os noventa anos de nascimento do compositor por meio de um recorte da pesquisa de mestrado realizada há 15 anos. Dentre o acervo de mais de quatrocentas obras, encontram-se os onze prelúdios para piano solo compostos em diferentes épocas. O objetivo deste artigo foi realizaruma análise musical das obras seguindo as ideias de Schmalfeldt (2002) e Kochevitsky (1967) e identificar o potencial pedagógico dos prelúdios avaliando as habilidadestécnico-interpretativas a serem desenvolvidas de acordo com os parâmetros de Uszler (1995). Além disso, uma revisão dosprelúdios foi realizada junto ao compositor. A pesquisa revelou a importância da obra como material didático e a sua posição no repertório de música brasileira para piano

Uso pedagógico de feedback adicional gerado por tecnologia no ensino e aprendizagem de piano de nível avançado: um estudo de caso

Há evidências de que a aplicação de tecnologia pode ser benéfica no ensino e aprendizagem de instrumento e voz de nível avançado. Estudos relatam que a complexidade que a performance musical envolve pode ser verificada pela representação gráfica de performances musicais. No entanto, o que ainda precisa ser investigado é como a tecnologia pode ser usada sistematicamente em uma aula de piano de nível avançado. Um estudo de caso foi realizado no Brasil, com o objetivo de avaliar o uso pedagógico de feedback adicional gerado por tecnologia no ensino e aprendizagem de piano de nível superior. Os participantes consistiram em três pares formados por professores e respectivos alunos, de nível de graduação, e a pesquisadora (a autora), a fim de aprimorar a performance de uma peça do repertório de cada aluno em duas aulas de piano. Os dados foram coletados em três fontes: vídeos das aulas, entrevistas com os participantes e informações geradas pela tecnologia. A tecnologia aplicada na aula envolveu o uso de piano digital, conectado a um computador portátil com uso de digital audio workstation software com musical instrument digital interface. Os dados das observações e das entrevistas foram analisados tematicamente, tendo-se como ferramenta um software de análise de dados qualitativos. A análise temática sugere que feedback adicionais (auditivos e visuais) foram gerados por tecnologia em tempo real e post-hoc (playback), além dos tipos de feedback verbal e não verbal, providos pelos participantes. O feedback adicional parece deixar o foco da aula mais claro, diminuindo assim as diferenças de perspectivas de professores e alunos sobre as prioridades de aprendizagem na aula de piano. Apesar de os feedback auditivo e visual adicionais terem sido gerados por tecnologia, simultaneamente os pares participantes evidenciaram possuir preferências individuais quanto ao uso de feedback auditivo ou feedback visual