Technical Demands Research Articles

The Partita in A Minor for Unaccompanied Flute BWV 1013: Problems and Possibilities

Bach’s Partita in A Minor for Unaccompanied Flute BWV 1013 is well known to listeners and especially to flutists, yet the provenance of its sole source remains imprecisely understood, its date and principal copyist unidentified; even the original title is uncertain. There also remain a number of unresolved textual problems. Proceeding from the commonly accepted view that the work was originally composed ca. 1720 at Cöthen, this essay examines BWV 1013 for the first time within the broader context of early eighteenth-century chamber music. Although technically more challenging than other early flute compositions by Bach—the Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 and one or two Cöthen cantatas—the Partita remains entirely idiomatic to the instrument of the early eighteenth century, and its demands on the player are consistent with those of certain other works of the period. Like a number of contemporaries, however, such as Johann Joachim Quantz, Bach purposefully avoids an older French style of writing in favor of one whose technical demands are influenced by the latest trends in violin music. A study of contemporary sources and Bach’s own music further suggests that eighteenth-century performers might have introduced notes inégales and free ornamentation into certain movements. An examination of the four movements with respect to genre, musical text, and style reveals that the Allemande bears comparison with contemporary preludes as well as allemandes; the Corrente similarly shows parallels to works by Johann Martin Blockwitz and Jean-Daniel Braun (including a movement attributed ambiguously to both Quantz and Sylvius Leopold Weiss); the unidentified copyist of the Sarabande may have truncated the phrase in which the opening theme is reprised; and the Bourrée Angloise, far from being an anomaly, is an example of a stylish type of French contredanse common at the time.

Using lean principles to introduce intraoperative navigation for scoliosis surgery.

Intraoperative 3D navigation (ION) allows high accuracy to be achieved in spinal surgery, but poor workflow has prevented its widespread uptake. The technical demands on ION when used in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) are higher than for other more established indications. Lean principles have been applied to industry and to health care with good effects. While ensuring optimal accuracy of instrumentation and safety, the implementation of ION and its associated productivity was evaluated in this study for AIS surgery in order to enhance the workflow of this technique. The aim was to optimize the use of ION by the application of lean principles in AIS surgery. A total of 20 consecutive patients with AIS were treated with ION corrective spinal surgery. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed with real-time modifications. Operating time, scan time, dose length product (measure of CT radiation exposure), use of fluoroscopy, the influence of the reference frame, blood loss, and neuromonitoring were assessed. The greatest gains in productivity were in avoiding repeat intraoperative scans (a mean of 248 minutes for patients who had two scans, and a mean 180 minutes for those who had a single scan). Optimizing accuracy was the biggest factor influencing this, which was reliant on incremental changes to the operating setup and technique. The application of lean principles to the introduction of ION for AIS surgery helps assimilate this method into the environment of the operating theatre. Data and stakeholder analysis identified a reproducible technique for using ION for AIS surgery, reducing operating time, and radiation exposure. Cite this article: Bone Joint J. 2020;102-B(1):5-10.

Match performance in a reference futsal team during an international tournament - implications for talent development in soccer.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that futsal can aid talent development for 11 a-side soccer through the potential for transfer of the game’s skills and constraints. However, additional scientific research is necessary to enhance understanding of the technical and physical demands of futsal and the potential returns for soccer player development. Accordingly, this study examined selected characteristics of physical (internal and external loads) and technical performance in international futsal match-play in order to study the potential of these for skill transfer and aiding soccer player development. Performance was investigated in futsal players (n = 16, 25.74±4.71 years) belonging to a national team during an international tournament. Pre-tournament fitness testing determined maximum heart rate (MHR) via the Yo-Yo IR1 test (194.6±11.1 beats min-1) to aid interpretation of internal load via heart rate measures during match-play. External load (accelerations and deceleration events) was measured using an inertial movement unit. Finally, post-tournament analysis of selected technical events was performed. Results reported a mean heart rate value during ‘court time’ of 164.7±22.3 beats min-1, which as a percentage of participants’ MHR was 87.7%±4.4%, and a mean peak MHR of 98.3±2.5%. Results showed 2.16±0.25 accelerating (>1.5 m·s-2) and 2.78±0.13 decelerating (>1.5 m·s-2) events per player per minute. Team statistics included 647 passing, ~51 dribbling and 78 set play events per team per game. Match analyses showed that 77.3% of ball receptions were completed with the sole of the foot. Assessment of two-footedness showed 80.1±16.7% of individual possessions used the dominant foot to receive and 84.1±10.7% to pass the ball thereby displaying strong foot dominance. These results have quantified characteristics of elite futsal match-play that are no doubt intrinsically related to the environmental and task constraints of the sport. In addition to enhancing understanding of futsal, there are potential learning returns and implications for skills transfer and the development of soccer players.

Developing Specialized Graduate Curricula for Health Information Professionals: Integrated Findings of a Scoping Review and an Employer Survey

With the aim of informing specialized graduate curriculum development, this two-phase study seeks to identify and bridge gaps in expectation and preparation between and among employers of health information professionals (HIPs), aspiring HIPs, and library and information science (LIS) graduate curricula. Building upon a scoping review of emerging HIP professional roles, an online survey further explored what professional competencies and qualifications employers in various health information organizations expected or desired of entry-level HIPs. The integrated findings of these two phases revealed that the training that HIPs receive in LIS graduate programs may not accurately reflect employers’ priorities and expectations: While research and professional associations identified the same general skill sets as important, employers also valued competencies such as instructional experience, web skills, “soft” and interpersonal skills, and particular subsets of discipline-specific knowledge as well as a foundation in the complex professional contexts that characterize health-sciences workplaces. These results indicate ways in which LIS programs might develop, adapt, and expand specialized graduate curricula and dynamic professionalization opportunities for students in order to better align learning outcomes with professional core competencies and employer expectations, and to better prepare students for both the technical and interpersonal demands of the job field.

Quality function deployment (QFD) reveals appropriate quality of charcoal used in barbecues

ABSTRACT: Charcoal is an important product widely used in food preparation in many parts of the world, both in developing and developed countries. However, most of the time, the main qualitative characteristics for consumers and the environment are not considered during production. Developing energy-efficient products for food preparation has been a constant pursuit of the charcoal supply chain and the aim of this study was to interact with charcoal consumers to become conversant with and classify the characteristics suitable for barbecue use. To achieve our objectives, we used the quality function deployment (QFD) method. The qualitative needs were deployed together with a multidisciplinary team assembled through interviews with several charcoal consumers. The cause and effect factors were also determined by the Ishikawa method. The technical demands of the product had the following priority order: ease of ignition, rapid formation of embers and flames, fast preparation of grilled food, and affordability. The factors relating to raw material, labor, and methodology emerged as decisive in the quality of charcoal for barbecue, and future studies should consider incorporating the results obtained in the production of charcoal and the respective consumer analysis.

Accuracy of mandible-independent maxillary repositioning using pre-bent locking plates: a pilot study

The double splint method is considered the gold standard for maxillary repositioning, but the procedure is lengthy and prone to error. Recent splintless methods have shown high repositioning accuracy; however, high costs and technical demands make them inaccessible to many patients. Therefore, a new cost-effective method of mandible-independent maxillary repositioning using pre-bent locking plates is proposed. Plates are bent on maxillary models in the planned position prior to surgery. The locations of the plate holes are replicated during surgery using osteotomy guides made from thermoplastic resin sheets. Pre-bent plates are subsequently fitted onto the maxilla, and plate holes are properly set to reposition the maxilla. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of this method for maxillary repositioning and the reproducibility of the plate holes. Fifteen orthognathic surgery patients were evaluated retrospectively by superimposing preoperative simulations over their postoperative computed tomography models. The median deviations in maxillary repositioning and plate hole positioning between the preoperative plan and postoperative results were 0.43mm (range 0–1.55mm) and 0.33mm (range 0–1.86mm), respectively. There was no significant correlation between these deviations, suggesting that the method presented here allows highly accurate and reliable mandible-independent maxillary repositioning.

Bridging the academic-practitioner gap in RCTs

Abstract The use of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) to evaluate development programs presents important challenges and opportunities for collaboration between academics and practitioners. Our team of experts measured the effectiveness of multi-stakeholder forums in 107 villages in Uganda over three years using an RCT approach. The focused technical demands of an RCT and the broad reality of practitioner worlds forced the team to tackle questions of: (a) how to manage the tensions of qualitative and quantitative data given the demand for evaluation procedures like power analysis estimation and hypothesis testing; (b) how to define measurable impact so it represents program realities and is amenable to the standardization required by an RCT; and (c) what compromises are required to maintain the spirit and practice of collaboration. We conclude that meaningful collaboration requires immense effort and compromise to leverage the significant benefits possible under this research paradigm.

A conceptual cooperative model designed for processes, digitalisation and innovation

PurposeDigital transformations are changing society, and they force industries to react to the market more frequently. Managers are aware of new technical demands, which increase the pressure of meeting those demands. To meet technical demands, radical innovations are one way to stay competitive. However, it is more complex to make them a part of the business. The purpose of this study was to create a framework for small and medium-sized enterprises to become more efficient by starting to digitalise their business processes with the expertise of an external innovation partner.Design/methodology/approachThe study was performed at a case company with an abductive approach where both deduction and induction were used to study the empirical findings and formulate new theories in relation to recognised theory. Qualitative methods have been used in the empirical study due to their flexibility and the fact that the focus of the information gathering was to create a context.FindingsThe analysis indicates that a certain level of process maturity can be put in relation to a certain innovation level and a certain level of digital change. According to a process maturity model, an adaptable process could respond to changes in customer demands better, which can be related to changes in the business domain and the society. The research resulted in a conceptual cooperative model based on the three domains of the study. The model has been validated using design reviews with the case company, a consultancy firm and together with an innovation partner.Practical implicationsThe model will be a practical template for Small and Medium Enterprises to follow when digitalising business processes and how to prioritise them.Originality/valueThe proposed framework of how to digitalise at different innovation levels coupled to process maturity levels is a novel idea that could be used for further research.

Technical-tactical profile, perceived exertion, mental demands and enjoyment of different tactical tasks and training regimes in basketball small-sided games.

This study aimed to evaluate the technical-tactical, perceptual and mental demands of basketball small-sided games (SSGs). Twelve male semi-professional players participated in four half-court 3vs3 SSGs characterized by different tactical tasks (offensive; defensive) and training regimes (long-intermittent; short-intermittent). The SSGs were video-recorded to perform notational analysis of technical-tactical parameters. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE, CR-100 scale), mental effort (ME) and e njoyment were collected after completion of each SSG. Before and after the SSGs, players reported their perceived mental fatigue (MF); for this indicator, the difference between post- and pre-SSG values was calculated (ΔMF). Notational analysis evidenced a higher volume of play (ball possessions, ball possessions per minute) [large effect size (ES)], dribbles and shot attempts (moderate ES) in short-intermittent regimes compared to long-intermittent. Two-way (tactical task; training regime) repeated-measures ANOVA showed an interaction effect for RPE (moderate ES). Players reported that playing the offensive task required higher mental effort compared to playing defence (moderate ES), while no differences for mental effort were found between regimes. Enjoyment did not differ between tasks or regimes. No effects were found for ΔMF, while this indicator was significantly correlated with RPE scores (r= 0.50, large). This study suggests that, in basketball SSGs, shorter regimes induce higher technical demands, while tactical tasks influence perceived exertion responses and mental effort. Furthermore, perceived exertion appears significantly associated with variations of mental fatigue induced by training drills.

An investigation into the physical, physiological and technical demands of small sided games using varying pitch dimensions in Gaelic football

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of pitch size on the physical, physiological and technical demands of small-sided games (SSGs) in a sub-elite Gaelic football setting. Methods: Thirty-four sub-elite adult male Gaelic football players completed tailored Gaelic football SSGs on three different pitch sizes (40 x 20 m, 60 x 20 m, 80 x 20 m) in a 4v4 format, resulting in 312 individual player observations over the course of the 2018 season. Results: Participants performed significantly greater high-speed running (>17 km∙h−1) (p ≤ 0.001) and sprinting (>22 km∙h−1) (p ≤ 0.001) on the 60x20 m pitch compared to the 40x20 m and 80x20 m pitches. Pitch size had only trivial effects on the average heart rate and the peak heart rate recorded in games. Games played on the 40x20 m pitch resulted in more scores per team (p = 0.062; η2 = 0.071), no-score entries (p = 0.075; η2 = 0.067) and possessions per team (p = 0.015; η2 = 0.106), while ball-in-play percentage was moderately higher (p = 0.040; η2 = 0.082) on the 80x20 m pitch. Conclusion: Coaches should consider pitch size and the associated effects on physical and technical demands when planning training games, with specific reference to the stated objectives of each respective session.

Long Head Biceps Tendon as Superior Capsular Reconstruction (LHBT-SCR) augmentation for Massive rotator cuff repair: “The Chinese Way

Massive or irreparable rotator cuff tears remain a challenging with a high failure rates of the tendon re-tear after surgical treatment in sports medicine practice. Superior capsular reconstruction with either fascia lata autograft or a dermal allograft patch has been described to prevent superior humeral head migration and restore the shoulder muscle force couples to achieve the promising results. A modified and simplified surgical procedure using long head biceps tendon (LHBT) autograft as superior capsular reconstruction (LHBT-SCR) to facilitate the massive rotator cuff repair has been descripted as ”Chinese Way” by a team of French surgeons and Chinese surgeons. The surgical technic has been used in China more than 300 cases. The procedure of this LHBT-SCR has been approved with the advantage of least technical demands, simplifies the original demanding, short the surgical time, satisfy the results and patient acceptance. A multi-center prospective studies with large cohort populations and long-term follow-up has been established in China for its effectiveness. The present will introduce the technic in detail.

Integrated urban regeneration based on an interdisciplinary experience in Lisbon (Regeneración urbana integrada basada en una experiencia interdisciplinar en Lisboa)

ABSTRACTEuropean policies recommend holistic approaches based on interdisciplinary teams when tackling the urban regeneration of residential buildings. This research presents the experience and findings of a collaborative research project between the disciplines of architecture and environmental psychology conducted in the Barrio das Estacas district of Lisbon, which has a significant elderly population. The experience combined a technical diagnosis of the public space and residential buildings together with a diagnosis of the psychosocial variables of its residents, obtained by means of surveys, enabling the development of effective action proposals that promote ‘ageing at home’. The research seeks to highlight the true value of characterizing the resident population and analysing their needs and demands for the purposes of urban regeneration through consultation processes, integrating the interdisciplinary perspective in the design of efficient intervention protocols for society. The results show that the residents are satisfied with their residential environment but have noted significant technical contraventions, requirements and demands for work that would improve their safety, health and comfort.

Syngas-aided anaerobic fermentation for medium-chain carboxylate and alcohol production: the case for microbial communities.

Syngas fermentation has been successfully implemented in commercial-scale plants and can enable the biochemical conversion of the driest fractions of biomass through synthesis gas (H2, CO2, and CO). The process relies on optimized acetogenic strains able to reach and maintain high productivity of ethanol and acetate. In parallel, microbial communities have shown to be the best choice for the production of valuable medium-chain carboxylates through anaerobic fermentation of biomass, demanding low technical complexity and being able to realize simultaneous hydrolysis of the substrate. Each of the two technologies benefits from different strong points and has different challenges to overcome. This review discusses the rationales for merging these two seemingly disparate technologies by analyzing previous studies and drawing opinions based on the lessons learned from such studies. For keeping the technical demands of the resulting process low, a case is built for using microbial communities instead of pure strains. For that to occur, a shift from conventional syngas-based to "syngas-aided" anaerobic fermentation is suggested. Strategies for tackling the intricacies of working simultaneously with communities and syngas, such as competing pathways, and thermodynamic aspects are discussed as well as the stoichiometry and economic feasibility of the concept. Overall, syngas-aided anaerobic fermentation seems to be a promising concept for the biorefinery of the future. However, the effects of process parameters on microbial interactions have to be understood in greater detail, in order to achieve and sustain feasible medium-chain carboxylate and alcohol productivity.

Architectural consulting in the knowledge economy: DEGW and the ORBIT Report

In 1983, the workplace strategy and architecture practice, DEGW, published a highly influential study into the impact of information technology on the future of office buildings and the workplace, titled ‘Office Research: Buildings and Information Technology’ (ORBIT). Representing the first intensive research study into the organisational, technical and architectural demands of office work in Britain, the report concluded that the information age was rendering companies increasingly complex in their organisational and technological requirements, and ultimately more dependent on buildings. Although ostensibly a study about technological change, this paper argues that ORBIT should be viewed as a critical document in the formulation of the relationship between architects, suppliers, users and the state in the closing decades of the twentieth century. Sponsored by industry giants from real estate firms, construction and office supply companies, and government regulators, ORBIT brought together industries that were previously uneasy partners in post-war Britain but were being realigned under the Thatcher government's push for service sector innovation to revive the deindustrialised economy. Examined as both a product and instrument of neoliberal economic policy, the paper argues that the authors, sponsors and subjects of the research were linked by the demands of productivity, competition and performance both in and of the workplace. Within this analysis, DEGW's development of ‘architectural consultancy’, as a service that is distinct from architectural design, is interpreted as mode of repositioning the architect within the knowledge economy.

Physiological Pattern Changes in Response to a Simulated Competition in Elite Women's Artistic Gymnasts.

Isacco, L, Ennequin, G, Cassirame, J, and Tordi, N. Physiological pattern changes in response to a simulated competition in elite women's artistic gymnasts. J Strength Cond Res 33(10): 2768-2777, 2019-The outstanding progress in women's artistic gymnastics in recent decades has led to increased technical and physiological demands. The aim of this study was to investigate (a) the physiological demands of elite French gymnasts and (b) the impact of a competitive routine on physiological pattern changes. Fourteen French elite female gymnasts performed anthropometric measurements, physical fitness tests, and a simulated 4-event competition. Heart rate (HR) was continuously recorded throughout the duration of the simulated competition. Blood lactate concentrations were assessed at rest, before the beginning and at 2, 4, and 10 minutes after completion of the routine on each apparatus. Isometric handgrip strength and anaerobic endurance and power were assessed during the simulated competition. The highest values of HR and blood lactate concentrations were reached during the floor and uneven bar exercises. Blood lactate concentrations and HR kinetics were apparatus dependent and values remained significantly increased at 10 minutes of recovery compared with resting data. Anaerobic endurance and power decreased significantly as the competition progressed (p < 0.001). The present results show specifically cardiorespiratory and anaerobic apparatus-dependent responses throughout a simulated competition. Recovery approaches seem relevant to prevent and minimize fatigue and optimize performance in these athletes.

TF11 Hospitality in the Hospital: A Customer Service Training Program for Emergency Medicine Residents

The practice of emergency medicine (EM) challenges residents on multiple levels. In addition to the cognitive and technical demands of their roles as providers, the interactions that ensue with their patients are contingent on high-level communication skills. Despite this, students and residents receive minimal training on communication skills. A recent study of emergency medicine residents showed that only 38% of residencies had a dedicated patient satisfaction curriculum. While the AIDET® framework has demonstrated improved communication with patients, it only serves as a conceptual heuristic model, and fails to address how providers’ behaviors can influence patient perception and rapport.

Innovative ICU Solutions to Prevent and Reduce Delirium and Post-Intensive Care Unit Syndrome.

Delirium, the most common form of acute brain dysfunction affecting up to 80% of intensive care unit (ICU) patients, has been shown to predict long-term cognitive impairment, one of the domains in "Post-ICU Syndrome" (PICS). The ICU environment affects several potentially modifiable risk factors for delirium, such as disorientation and disruption, of the sleep-wake cycle. Innovative solutions aim to transform standard concepts of ICU room design to limit potential stressors, and utilizing the patient care space as a treatment tool, exerting positive, therapeutic effects. The main areas affected by most architectural and interior design modifications are sound environment, light control, floor planning, and room arrangement. Implementation of corresponding solutions is challenging considering the significant medical and technical demands of ICUs. This article discusses innovative concepts and promising approaches in ICU design that may be used to prevent stress and to support the healing process of patients, potentially limiting the impact of delirium and PICS.

ПРОВЕРКА ИЗНОСОСТОЙКИХ И ПРИРАБАТЫВАЕМЫХ ПОКРЫТИЙ

It is provided results of works on creation and operational development (improvement) of the unit on the incision, for check of various systems of coverings (wearproof, abradable, etc.), compressor or turbine. It is stated the problems concerning the creation of unit and criteria which must be considered in improvement and unit modernization. Some calculations were made for definition the unit’s operating modes, which should provide the possibility to model to (simulate) the operation of turbine and compressor covering, on various types of engines both modern and future. The unit should provide a wide temperature span and speeds of incision etc., the design of unit details should be technological and provide the possibility to put on the shovel and prorate simulator various systems of coverings. The offered coverings test method will allow to reduce expenses on the check of again developed coverings, and also to reduce terms on the check of again developed coverings. The technical project demands have not been provided during the initial tests of the unit (after designing and manufacturing). For the purpose of maintenance of the technical project, demands took on the tasks of the unit’s modernization. In our opinion, it was necessary to reduce weight and resistance to air medium of the blade to satisfy the requirements. It was able to reduce weight by means of «dovetail», instead of a bolt joint, and also application of turbine airfoil similar in shape to a real blade. According to the results of the spent analysis was accepted the solution to apply the blades of the compressor of real engines, made of various materials EP 718 ID and VT 8 as simulators of blades, for check of turbine coverings, the simulator heat sink nickel alloys will be designed. The improvement works of the available disk simulator were carried out for applying the new simulators of blades. For this purpose, the technology for producing dovetail-type locks was completed by milling. It was completed the improvement of the disk simulator by milling of dovetail-type grooves.

Biofloc technology: a review on the microbial interactions, operational parameters and implications to disease and health management of cultured aquatic animals

AbstractAquaculture is increasingly becoming more intensified leading to challenges to maintain optimal water quality conditions but also reducing effluent discharge to the environment. Therefore, the needs for the development of production systems that can ensure sustainable aquaculture production through minimizing the release of waste to the environment. Such technology should be easy to operate and available at a cheaper cost, both in installation and operations in order to suit the needs of both low and high‐income farmers. Biofloc technology is such a technology that can ensure sustainable aquaculture production, with low technical demands and it is available at a cheap cost. It is essentially a water quality management techniques, through manipulation of microbiota to convert the deleterious waste from aquaculture production to consumable body biomass and it has been established to have many other benefits asides from the intending water quality. This review discusses the developments of the biofloc technology, microbial interactions, important operational parameters and implication of the system to the disease and health management of cultured aquatic animals.

Effects of Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation on Repeated-sprint Ability in Professional vs. Amateur Soccer Players

Soccer is described within the research as a high-speed and high-intensity intermittent sport exposing players across many levels to a continued physical, physiological, technical, tactical and psychological demands. This variance of stressors encountered during actual training and competitive match-play have shown fatigue to become a prevalent issue, especially following periods of high intensity bouts. As a result this investigation has been developed in order to compare the effects of sodium bicarbonate ingestion (NaHCO3) on professional and amateur soccer player’s RSA (7 x professional players: mean±SD: age 21.7±2.1yrs; weight 79.7±9.5kg; and 7 x amateur players: mean±SD: age 22.8±1.2yrs; weight 79.3±4.9kg). Each player ingested 0.3g.kg-1 NaHCO3 or placebo microcrystalline cellulose (MC) in a randomized, double-blind, crossover order, 90-minutes before the repeated-sprint ability (RSA) test (5 x 6-seconds maximal-effort sprints). No differences were found in La- concentrations among professional or amateur players in MC or NaHCO3 conditions pre-exercise (P&gt;0.05). The NaHCO3 trial revealed significantly higher post-exercise La-concentrations in professional (9.57±1.09vs. 10.77±0.90mmol/L-1) vs. amateur players (10.06±1.45 vs. 10.87±1.25 mmol/L-1). NaHCO3 resulted in significant improvements in mean power output in sprints 2 (512.3±199.4 vs. 547.6±185.3W) and 3 (468.6±209.4 vs. 491.6±199.0W) in amateurs, but no effect in professionals. Therefore, it may be suggested that amateur participants in soccer may benefit from NaHCO3 ingestion more than professional players as a result of their reduced physical conditioning level when compared to professional level players.