Practical Conditions Research Articles

Getting breastfeeding started under pandemic visiting restrictions: lessons learned in Germany

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic contact restrictions considerably changed maternal visiting contacts during the time in which breastfeeding is initiated. We wanted to know how maternity ward staff and mothers rated the conditions of starting breastfeeding under contact restrictions.MethodsIn the Breastfeeding in North Rhine-Westphalia (SINA) study, Germany, 2021/22, chief physicians as well as ward staff from 41 (out of 131) maternity hospitals (82 members of the healthcare sector in total) were surveyed by telephone concerning structural and practical conditions for breastfeeding support before and during the pandemic; 192 (out of 426 eligible) mothers answered an online-questionnaire about their breastfeeding experiences at 2 weeks and 2 months after birth.ResultsIn almost all of the hospitals, visits were restricted due to the pandemic, with the exception of the primary support person. After more than one year of pandemic experience, the ward staff were convinced that the restrictions were mostly positive for the mothers (97.6%) and for the ward staff themselves (78.0%). A total of 80.5% of the ward staff would maintain the restrictions beyond the pandemic. The mothers themselves mostly rated the restrictions in the hospital as being just right; moreover, many mothers voluntarily maintained the restrictions at home, at least in part.ConclusionsThe unprecedented visiting restrictions in hospitals during the pandemic were like an “experiment” born out of necessity. Restricting visiting arrangements may be an underestimated beneficial component for the development of the mother-infant dyad in perinatal breastfeeding care, particularly in healthcare systems where almost all births occur in the maternity hospital.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) (DRKS00027975).

An experimental investigation on frosting characteristics and performance of microchannel evaporators with varied aspect ratios

Microchannel evaporators are susceptible to frosting, which can significantly impair heat transfer performance. To provide a basis for microchannel evaporators' effective design and broad application, frosting experiments were conducted in this study. Leveraging infrared thermal imaging and digital image processing technology, the impact of different aspect ratios on refrigerant distribution was quantitatively measured, and the microchannel evaporators' frosting behavior and performance under frosting conditions were analyzed. The results showed that a higher aspect ratio for Evaporator C led to reduced uniformity in the refrigerant distribution, resulting in an increased frost height, a larger frosting coverage area, and greater frost accumulation. Consequently, as frost accumulated, Evaporator C exhibited the most discernible reductions in the heat transfer rate, evaporation pressure, and refrigerant pressure loss, which were 61.07 %, 31.7 %, and 52.83 %, respectively. Therefore, microchannel evaporators with small aspect ratios are recommended where practical field installation conditions permit. And the results are anticipated to provide useful guidance for selecting microchannel evaporators with the optimal aspect ratio, tailored to operate efficiently under frosting conditions.

Regression of renal cell carcinoma by T cell receptor-engineered T cells targeting a human endogenous retrovirus

BackgroundWe discovered a novel human endogenous retrovirus (CT-RCC HERV-E) that was selectively expressed in most clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCC) and served as a source of antigens for T...

Two Nitsche-based mixed finite element discretizations for the seepage problem in Richards’ equation

This paper proposes two algorithms to impose seepage boundary conditions in the context of Richards’ equation for groundwater flows in unsaturated media. Seepage conditions are non-linear boundary conditions, that can be formulated as a set of unilateral constraints on both the pressure head and the water flux at the ground surface, together with a complementarity condition: these conditions in practice require switching between Neumann and Dirichlet boundary conditions on unknown portions on the boundary. Upon realizing the similarities of these conditions with unilateral contact problems in mechanics, we take inspiration from that literature to propose two approaches: the first method relies on a strongly consistent penalization term, whereas the second one is obtained by an hybridization approach, in which the value of the pressure on the surface is treated as a separate set of unknowns. The flow problem is discretized in mixed form with div-conforming elements so that the water mass is preserved. Numerical experiments show the validity of the proposed strategy in handling the seepage boundary conditions on geometries with increasing complexity.

Adsorption/desorption characteristics of methane on moist shale under high temperature and pressure: an experimental and molecular simulation study

ABSTRACT The adsorption/desorption characteristics of methane (CH4) on moist shale are of great significance for shale gas exploration and production. However, the influence of moisture on CH4 adsorption/desorption under high temperature and pressure conditions, which is consistent to shale reservoirs (burial depths about 3500−4500 m) in China, remained unclear. In this study, quantitative analysis toward moisture dependence of CH4 adsorption/desorption capability on shales was investigated through experimentation and molecular dynamics simulation under moisture contents of 0%, 0.204%, 0.445%, 0.677%, and 0.965%. Results show that with increasing moisture content, the isothermal adsorption capacity of CH4 decrease, and it reaches 36.80% and 10.00% at moisture content of 0.965% in experimentation and simulation, respectively. Simultaneously, the hysteresis index of CH4 desorption increase by 19.64% and 4.52%. The role of water molecules hindering CH4 desorption under low and high moisture content was clarified. At low moisture content, water molecules are mainly adsorbed on the pore walls, thereby reducing the size of the pore throat and hindering CH4 transport pathways. At high moisture content, many water molecules escape from the original adsorption sites and form clusters in the middle of the pores, blocking the pore throats. Meanwhile, CH4 is re-adsorbed onto the exposed adsorption sites of water, which leads to CH4 desorption hysteresis. The results provide valuable insights for shale gas exploration and production under practical water-bearing shale reservoir conditions.

Numerical Investigation of Oblique Currents’ Effects on the Hydrodynamic Characteristics of Ships in Restricted Waters

The influence of oblique currents in narrow and shallow channels causes the fluid flow around ships to become complex. To analyze the hydrodynamic characteristics of a ship in such channels, it is essential to examine the influence of oblique currents on the ship’s hydrodynamic characteristics. In this study, current direction, ship speed, current speed, and water depth were identified as determinants affecting the hydrodynamic characteristics of a ship. Numerical simulations were conducted on a large oil tanker to investigate the effects of these factors on the ship’s hydrodynamic characteristics. The viscous fluid flow was modeled using the unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) equations in conjunction with the k-ε turbulence model. The URANS equations were discretized using the finite volume method. The numerical results indicate substantial differences in the hydrodynamic characteristics of ships under oblique current conditions compared to still-water conditions. At a current direction of β = −45°, the direction of the sway force is consistent with that of still water’s sway force, which is an attractive force. The yaw moment at β = −45° changes from a bow-out moment under still-water conditions to a bow-in moment. Conversely, at a current direction of β = 45°, the sway force shifts from an attractive force under still-water conditions to a repulsive force. The yaw moment acts as a bow-out moment, which is consistent with that observed in still-water conditions. Furthermore, the influence of hydrodynamic characteristics on a ship varies significantly with changes in ship speed, current speed, and water depth. To ensure the safe navigation of ships, it is essential to develop and apply comprehensive strategies and countermeasures that account for practical conditions.

Interfacial double-coordination effect reconstructing anode/electrolyte interface for long-term and highly reversible Zn metal anodes

The highly reversible electrochemical deposition and dissolution of zinc metal anode is a critical feature for the practical application of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). Nevertheless, this process is seriously hindered by the uncontrollable electrodeposition and interfacial side reactions caused by thermodynamically unstable anode/electrolyte interface (AEI). Guided by the electrode/electrolyte interface chemistry, thiamine hydrochloride (TH) as a novel additive is added into traditional ZnSO4 (ZS) electrolyte to induce sustained reversible Zn deposition/stripping. Spectroscopic characterizations and electrochemical tests reveal that TH can adsorbed on the anode surface owning to the strong double-coordination effect between N, S atoms and Zn atoms via Zn-N and Zn-S chemical bonds. In addition, there are polar hydroxyl groups in the TH molecular structure which can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. Thus, the adsorbed TH layer can not only guide the diffusion of Zn2+ ions and achieve dendrite-free electrodeposition process, but also prevent intimate contact between water and anode to suppress the occurrence of interface side reactions. Based on these benefits, the TH additive achieves an ultra-long stable cycle lifespan to 2045 h at 1 mA cm−2 and 1 mAh cm−2. Even at a higher current density of 5 mA cm−2, prolonged cycling performance about 773 h is demonstrated. Besides, the assembled Zn//NVO full cells reveal excellent capacity retention and rate performance under practical conditions, highlighting the efficient and reliable coordination effect of TH additive at the AEI.

Prevention of Transition from Acute Kidney Injury to Chronic Kidney Disease Using Clinical-Grade Perinatal Stem Cells in Non-Clinical Study.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is widely recognized as a precursor to the onset or rapid progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, there is currently no effective treatment available for AKI, underscoring the urgent need for the development of new strategies to improve kidney function. Human placental mesenchymal stromal cells (hpMSCs) were isolated from donor placentas, cultured, and characterized with regard to yield, viability, flow cytometry, and potency. To mimic AKI and its progression to CKD in a rat model, a dedicated sensitive non-clinical bilateral kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) model was utilized. The experimental group received 3 × 105 hpMSCs into each kidney, while the control group received IRI and saline and the untreated group received IRI only. Urine, serum, and kidney tissue samples were collected over a period of 28 days. The hpMSCs exhibited consistent yields, viability, and expression of mesenchymal lineage markers, and were also shown to suppress T cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. To ensure optimal donor selection, manufacturing optimization, and rigorous quality control, the rigorous Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) conditions were utilized. The results indicated that hpMSCs increased rat survival rates and improved kidney function by decreasing serum creatinine, urea, potassium, and fractionated potassium levels. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that hpMSCs can prevent the initial stages of kidney structural fibrosis and improve kidney function in the early stages by mitigating late interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy. Additionally, a robust manufacturing process with consistent technical parameters was established.

An Evolutionary Game Model of Market Participants and Government in Carbon Trading Markets with Virtual Power Plant Strategies

The utilization of conventional energy sources commonly leads to heightened energy consumption and the generation of specific forms of environmental pollution. As an innovative power management and dispatch system, virtual power plants (VPPs) have the potential to significantly enhance the flexibility and stability of power systems, while supporting carbon reduction targets by integrating distributed energy resources (DERs), energy management systems (EMSs), and energy storage systems (ESSs), which have attracted much attention in the power industry in recent years. Consequently, it can effectively address the variability and management challenges introduced by renewable energy. Furthermore, optimizing power market dispatch and user-side power management plays a pivotal role in promoting the transition of the energy industry towards sustainable development. The current study highlights the unresolved issue of strategic decision-making among market participants, such as energy companies, generation companies, and power distribution companies, despite the potentially significant benefits of VPPs. These entities must carefully evaluate the costs and benefits associated with adopting a VPP. Additionally, governments face the complex task of assessing the feasibility and effectiveness of providing subsidies to incentivize VPP adoption. Previous research has not adequately explored the long-term evolution of these decisions in a dynamic market environment, leading to a lack of adequate understanding of optimal strategies for market participants and regulators. This paper addresses this critical research gap by introducing an innovative bilateral evolutionary game model that integrates VPP and carbon trading markets. By utilizing the model, simulation experiments are carried out to compare different strategic decisions and analyze the stability and long-term evolution of these strategies. Research findings indicate that the adoption of VPP technology by market participants, in conjunction with government policies, results in an average 90% increase in market participants’ earnings, while government revenues see a 35% rise. This approach provides an alternative method for understanding the dynamic interactions between market participants and government policy, offering both theoretical and practical insights. The findings significantly contribute to the literature by proposing a robust framework for integrating VPPs into electricity markets, while offering valuable guidance to policymakers and market participants in developing effective strategies to support the sustainable energy transition. The application of this model has not only enhanced the understanding of market dynamics in theory, but also provided quantitative support for strategic decisions under different market conditions in practice.

Electrosynthesis of 1,2,3-Benzotriazines through an Iodide-Catalyzed Skeletal Editing of 3-Aminoindazoles.

This report describes an environmentally benign synthesis of 1,2,3-benzotriazines through an iodide-catalyzed electro-oxidative N-centered [1,2]-rearrangement of 3-aminoindazoles. The developed method demonstrates the activation of heteroatoms via electrochemically generated reactive iodide species without using any metal catalysts and peroxides. The protocol features practical and mild reaction conditions and displays a wide substrate scope. Various mechanistic experiments and cyclic voltammetric studies have been instrumental in elucidating the reaction mechanism, operating via a skeletal rearrangement of 3-aminoindazoles.

Modeling and dynamic performance of distributed force in high-temperature superconducting pinning magnetic levitation

High-temperature superconducting (HTS) pinning magnetic levitation (maglev) systems are highly promising for future applications in rail transportation. Through the interaction between onboard HTS bulks and the permanent magnet guideway (PMG), this system generates levitation and guidance forces, known as the HTS-PMG relationship. Under practical conditions, this interaction manifests itself as a distributed force. However, past models have only considered concentrated forces. This study aims to design experiments to investigate the HTS-PMG relationship and propose a more realistic discretized lateral-vertical coupling HTS-PMG relationship to accurately reflect torques in dynamic simulations. Based on this, a dynamic model is established to analyze the Sperling index and the five-degree-of-freedom dynamic response of the HTS pinning maglev vehicle system under different HTS-PMG relationship models. The results indicate that the proposed discretized lateral-vertical coupling HTS-PMG relationship accurately characterizes the torque generated by the HTS levitator, influencing lateral, roll, pitch, and yaw motions to some extent. Compared with the concentrated force model, the discrete force model exhibits superior dynamic performance, particularly in terms of lateral dynamics and the lateral Sperling index. This study provides valuable insights into the field of HTS maglev, particularly regarding investigating HTS-PMG relationships and their impact on HTS maglev system dynamic performance.

In‐Situ Solid Electrolyte Interface via Dual Reaction Strategy for Highly Reversible Zinc Anode

AbstractIn situ construction of solid electrolyte interfaces (SEI) is an effective strategy to enhance the reversibility of zinc (Zn) anodes. However, in situ SEI to afford high reversibility under high current density conditions (≥20 mA cm−2) is highly desired yet extremely challenging. Herein, we propose a dual reaction strategy of spontaneous electrostatic reaction and electrochemical decomposition for the in situ construction of SEI, which is composed of organic‐rich upper layer and inorganic‐rich inner layer. Particularly, in situ SEI performs as “growth binder“ at small current density and “orientation regulator” at high current density, which significantly suppresses side reactions and dendrite growth. The in situ SEI affords the record‐breaking reversibility of Zn anode under practical conditions, Zn//Zn symmetric cells can stably cycle for over 1300 h and 400 h at current densities of 50 mA cm−2 and 100 mA cm−2, respectively, showcasing an exceptional cumulative capacity of 67.5 Ah cm−2. Furthermore, the practicality of this in situ SEI is verified in Zn//PANI pouch cells with high mass loading of 25.48 mg cm−2. This work provides a universal strategy to design advanced SEI for practical Zn‐ion batteries.

In-Situ Solid Electrolyte Interface via Dual Reaction Strategy for Highly Reversible Zinc Anode.

In situ construction of solid electrolyte interfaces (SEI) is an effective strategy to enhance the reversibility of zinc (Zn) anodes. However, in situ SEI to afford high reversibility under high current density conditions (≥20 mA cm-2) is highly desired yet extremely challenging. Herein, we propose a dual reaction strategy of spontaneous electrostatic reaction and electrochemical decomposition for the in situ construction of SEI, which is composed of organic-rich upper layer and inorganic-rich inner layer. Particularly, in situ SEI performs as "growth binder" at small current density and "orientation regulator" at high current density, which significantly suppresses side reactions and dendrite growth. The in situ SEI affords the record-breaking reversibility of Zn anode under practical conditions, Zn//Zn symmetric cells can stably cycle for over 1300 h and 400 h at current densities of 50 mA cm-2 and 100 mA cm-2, respectively, showcasing an exceptional cumulative capacity of 67.5 Ah cm-2. Furthermore, the practicality of this in situ SEI is verified in Zn//PANI pouch cells with high mass loading of 25.48 mg cm-2. This work provides a universal strategy to design advanced SEI for practical Zn-ion batteries.

How does the role of complementary and alternative medicine in general practice differ between countries? Interviews with doctors who have worked both in Germany and elsewhere in Europe

BackgroundAvailable data suggest that general practitioners (GPs) in Germany use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modalities more frequently than GPs in many other countries. We investigated the country differences perceived by general practitioners who have worked in Germany and in one of four other European countries with regard to the role of complementary and alternative treatments in primary care.MethodsIn this qualitative study we conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 GPs who had worked both in Germany and Italy, the Netherlands, Norway or the United Kingdom (UK; n = 3 for each of the four countries). Participants were asked how they perceived and experienced country differences regarding health system, relevance of CAM modalities, the role of evidence-based medicine (EBM) and science, and how they handle so-called indeterminate situations. For the analysis, we followed a thematic analysis approach according to Braun and Clarke with focus on themes that cover CAM.ResultsParticipants unanimously reported that they perceived CAM to be more relevant in general practice in Germany compared to the other countries. We identified four overarching themes in relation to the perceived reasons for these differences. Firstly, physicians with experiences in countries with a strong EBM and science orientation (Netherlands, Norway and the UK) considered the deeply ingrained view in national healthcare systems and GP communities that CAM modalities are not evidence-based as the main reason for the lower use of CAM by GPs. Secondly, extensive training of communication skills was cited as a reason that reduced the need for CAM in the Netherlands, Norway and the UK. Thirdly, differences in patient expectations and demands were perceived as a factor contributing to greater utilisation of CAM by German GPs compared to the other countries. Finally, country-specific reimbursement mechanisms were considered as a factor influencing the role of CAM in general practice.ConclusionsThe study results point to major differences between countries with regard to the role of CAM in GP care. Differences in basic attitudes in the discipline of general practice, patient expectations and system conditions appear to play an important role here.

The Reform of the “Collège Unique” (1973–1978): Reflections on the Political Economy of Comprehensive Education

ABSTRACT In September 1977, all of France’s middle schools implemented the so-called “collège unique” reform in the seventh year, i.e. the elimination of tracking (or streaming) and the mixing of all pupils and teachers for the first year of secondary education. This article examines the genesis and implementation of this reform from the point of view of the budgetary issues it raised and which shaped it. Drawing on the political economy of education, the article sheds a new light on the introduction of comprehensive education, of which different variants can be observed in Western countries in the 1960s and 1970s. Indeed, far from being anecdotal, budgetary issues very concretely shaped the practical conditions of implementation of this educational reform, putting political and economic considerations ahead of any concern for pedagogical coherence.

Probiotic Lactobacillus salivarius mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-LS): A sustainable approach and multifaceted biomedical application

Biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has emerged as an eco-friendly and sustainable approach with diverse biological applications. This study presents synthesis of AgNPs-LS using a probiotic strain Lactobacillus salivarius (L. salivarius) and explores their multifaceted biological activities, including antibacterial, antibiofilm, anti-quorum sensing, antifungal, antioxidant, anticancer, anticoagulant and thrombolytic properties. The biosynthesis of AgNPs-LS was successfully achieved using L. salivarius cell free supernatants, resulting in well-characterized nanoparticles as confirmed by UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential analysis. The AgNPs-LS demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against different pathogenic bacteria (C. violaceum, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, E. coli and S. marcescens), emphasizing their potential in combating bacterial infections. Moreover, these AgNPs-LS were effective in inhibiting biofilm formation (>60 % at 1/2 MIC), a key mechanism of bacterial virulence, highlighting their utility in preventing biofilm-related infections. AgNPs-LS exhibited anti-quorum sensing activity, disrupting bacterial communication systems and potentially reducing virulence factor such as, violacein production in C. violaceum, pyocyanin production in P. aeruginosa and prodigiosin production in S. marcescens. Additionally, AgNPs-LS also exhibited notable antifungal activity towards a different pathogenic fungus (F. proliferatum, P. purpurogenum, A. niger and R. stolonifer). In terms of health applications, the AgNPs-LS displayed significant antioxidant activity, effectively scavenging DPPH• (IC50 = 42.65 μg/mL) and ABTS•+ (IC50 = 53.77 μg/mL) free radicals. Furthermore, AgNPs-LS showed cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells (MCF-7) (IC50 = 52.29 μg/mL), positioning them as promising candidates for cancer therapy. Moreover, AgNPs-LS were also shown promising anticoagulant and thrombolytic activities under practical conditions. Therefore, the biogenic synthesis of AgNPs-LS using L. salivarius offers a sustainable and cost-effective route for producing AgNPs with an array of biological activities. These AgNPs-LS have the potential to address various challenges in healthcare, ranging from antimicrobial, anticancer applications to biofilm inhibition, antioxidant therapy, anticoagulant and thrombolytic agents.

Computational fluid dynamics: Its carbon footprint and role in carbon reduction

Turbulent flow physics regulates the aerodynamic properties of lifting surfaces, the thermodynamic efficiency of vapor power systems, and exchanges of natural and anthropogenic quantities between the atmosphere and ocean, to name just a few applications of contemporary importance. The space-time dynamics of turbulent flows are described via numerical integration of the non-linear Navier–Stokes equation—a procedure known as computational fluid dynamics (CFD). At the dawn of scientific computing in the late 1950s, it would be many decades before terms such as “carbon footprint” or “sustainability” entered the lexicon, and longer still before these themes attained national priority throughout advanced economies. The environmental cost associated with CFD is seldom considered. Yet, large-scale scientific computing relies on intensive cooling realized via external power generation that is primarily accomplished through the combustion of fossil fuels, which leads to carbon emissions. This paper introduces a framework designed to calculate the carbon footprint of CFD and its contribution to carbon emission reduction strategies. We will distinguish between “hero” and “routine” calculations, noting that the carbon footprint of hero calculations—which demand significant computing resources at top-tier data centers—is largely determined by the energy source mix utilized. We will also review CFD of flows where turbulence effects are modeled, thus reducing the degrees of freedom. Estimates of the carbon footprint are presented for such fully and partially resolved simulations as functions of turbulence activity and calculation year, demonstrating a reduction in carbon emissions by two to five orders of magnitude at practical conditions. Besides generating a carbon footprint, the community's effort to avoid redundant calculations via turbulence databases merits particular attention, with estimates indicating that a single database could potentially reduce CO2 emissions by approximately O(1) × 106 metric tons.

Comparison of Durability of Composite‐Based Shear connectors

AbstractThis research paper offers an in‐depth comparative analysis focused on the long‐term durability of shear connectors fabricated from composite materials within a composite and concrete beam structure, extending over a length of six meters. To carry out this evaluation, the experiment employs a four‐point bending test designed to rigorously assess the performance and efficacy of two distinct types of tie straps utilized within the structure. The central element of this investigation, a composite beam integrated within a concrete deck, serves as the primary test specimen, providing a realistic and applicable context for the assessment. The overarching goal of this study is to meticulously examine and compare the resilience and resistance of these shear connectors when subjected to realistic, practical loading conditions. By doing so, the research aims to shed light on the critical performance characteristics of composite shear connectors, especially their role and effectiveness in enhancing the structural integrity and durability of composite and concrete beams in various structural applications. The outcomes of this study are expected to offer significant insights and contribute valuable knowledge to the field of structural engineering, particularly in understanding and improving the performance of composite shear connectors in structural frameworks.

Copper(I) Iodide-Catalyzed Perfluoroalkoxylation Reaction of Alkyl Halides.

We report an efficient perfluoroalkoxylation reaction of alkyl halides catalyzed by copper(I) iodide (CuI), which facilitates the simultaneous activation of both perfluoroalkoxide and alkyl halides. This methodology is tolerant of a wide range of functional groups and eliminates the need for costly metal reagents. The reaction is conducted in a single step under mildly practical conditions.

Comparing Real and Imitative Practice with No Practice during Observational Learning of Hand Motor Skills from Animations

In two experiments, we compared the effects of practice (real and imitative) with no practice on the observational learning of hand motor skills from animated videos. Experiment 1 investigated learning to play a series of piano clips of varying complexity. Results demonstrated improved learning efficiency with imitative practice compared to no practice. Experiment 2 featured a paper-folding task, and results indicated that real practice led to significantly greater learning than no practice. Furthermore, a significant interaction was found with gender and practice, where females learned best with both real and imitative practice, but males did not benefit from these interventions. However, males outperformed females in the no practice condition. Overall, we found benefits of practice versus no practice for both tasks. However, the most effective type of practice was dependent upon the task: imitative practice for piano playing, and real practice for paper folding. Task complexity and gender were also found to be moderating factors.