Evaluating the Performance of a New Gestural Instrument Within an Ensemble

This paper discusses one particular mapping for a new gestural instrument called the AirSticks. This mapping was designed to be used for improvised or rehearsed duos and restricts the performer to only utilising the sound source of one other musician playing an acoustic instrument. Several pieces with different musicians were performed and documented, musicians were observed and interviews with these musicians were transcribed. In this paper we will examine the thoughts of these musicians to gather a better understanding of how to design effective ensemble instruments of this type

Abnormal Pulmonary Artery Stiffness in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: In Vivo Study with Intravascular Ultrasound

BACKGROUND: There is increasing recognition that pulmonary artery stiffness is an important determinant of right ventricular (RV) afterload in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We used intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to evaluate the mechanical properties of the elastic pulmonary arteries (PA) in subjects with PAH, and assessed the effects of PAH-specific therapy on indices of arterial stiffness. METHOD: Using IVUS and simultaneous right heart catheterisation, 20 pulmonary segments in 8 PAH subjects and 12 pulmonary segments in 8 controls were studied to determine their compliance, distensibility, elastic modulus and stiffness index β. PAH subjects underwent repeat IVUS examinations after 6-months of bosentan therapy. RESULTS: AT BASELINE, PAH SUBJECTS DEMONSTRATED GREATER STIFFNESS IN ALL MEASURED INDICES COMPARED TO CONTROLS: compliance (1.50±0.11×10(-2) mm(2/)mmHg vs 4.49±0.43×10(-2) mm(2/)mmHg, p<0.0001), distensibility (0.32±0.03%/mmHg vs 1.18±0.13%/mmHg, p<0.0001), elastic modulus (720±64 mmHg vs 198±19 mmHg, p<0.0001), and stiffness index β (15.0±1.4 vs 11.0±0.7, p = 0.046). Strong inverse exponential associations existed between mean pulmonary artery pressure and compliance (r(2) = 0.82, p<0.0001), and also between mean PAP and distensibility (r(2) = 0.79, p = 0.002). Bosentan therapy, for 6-months, was not associated with any significant changes in all indices of PA stiffness. CONCLUSION: Increased stiffness occurs in the proximal elastic PA in patients with PAH and contributes to the pathogenesis RV failure. Bosentan therapy may not be effective at improving PA stiffness

Trigger Happy Visualised

Custom music visualisation software projected onto a scrim is used to present augmented reality `holograms` that are controlled by the performer (Ilsar) in an hour-long music performance. Audio and graphics are manipulated in real-time using a custom gestural instrument the 'AirSticks'. The audience is invited to question the magic of the AirSticks, and the bespoke technology immerses the audience into an imaginary audio-visual world. This work explores the technological categories of augmented reality visualisation and new interfaces for musical expression

The AirSticks: a new interface for electronic percussion

This paper documents the early developments of a new interface for electronic percussionists. The interface is designed to allow the composition, improvisation and performance of live percussive electronic music using hand, finger, foot and head movements captured by various controllers. This paper provides a background to the field of electronic percussion, outlines the artistic motivations behind the project, and describes the technical nature of the work completed so far. This includes the development of software, the combination of existing controllers and senses, and an example mapping of movement to sound

International MinD Conference 2019. Dresden, 19.-20.September 2019

Music has been shown to positively impact people living with advanced dementia, triggering fleeting recall and recollection and impacting emotional responses. Research and practice have focused on opportunities for people to engage with music by listening to playlists of favourite songs, revisiting existing skills by playing music, or by engaging in group music sessions or music therapy. Research has primarily focused on music and melodic sound, however our day-to-day lives are filled with ambient sound, soundscapes and percussive sound. Research in this area is limited. As is research in how to promote creative engagement with sound for those who do not have any existing musical skills. This paper will discuss a project to adapt an innovative electronic musical instrument, The AirSticks, invented by a professional musical performer for use in his own practice, to suit the needs of people living with advanced dementia. It will provide insights into workshops with a group of residents at two care homes and show the impact on one person in particular as she engaged in an emotive improvisation with the musician

Mitomycin C for pterygium: long term evaluation

Aim: To evaluate long term complications after pterygium excision with mitomycin C (MMC) application. Design: Prospective non-comparative interventional case series. Participants: Ninety nine patients who underwent pterygium surgery and participated in a controlled study for efficacy of MMC for pterygium surgery between 1989 and 1994. Methods: Patients who were located and agreed to come for examination underwent a complete eye examination. The bare sclera area, in particular, was examined for possible complications. The main outcome measures were anatomical findings in area of MMC application. Results: Forty three eyes of 43 patients were examined. Sixty three per cent of patients had pterygium surgery with intraoperative application of 0.02% MMC for 5 minutes and 37% of patients received MMC 1% or 2% drops four times daily for 2 weeks postoperatively. In three patients, pterygium recurred within 18 months. The only complication was mild conjunctival avascularity in areas of pterygium excision in 30% of patients. Conclusion: Long term evaluation revealed that the use of MMC in pterygium surgery is safe, but for a strict selection of patients, controlled use of MMC and long term follow up are required