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In recent years, pedestrian navigation assistance has been used by an increasing number of people to support wayfinding tasks. Especially in unfamiliar and complex indoor environments such as universities and hospitals, the importance of an effective navigation assistance becomes apparent. This paper investigates the feasibility of the indoor landmark navigation model (ILNM), a method for generating landmark-based routing instructions, by combining it with indoor route maps and conducting a wayfinding experiment with human participants. Within this context, three different cartographic visualization scenarios were designed and evaluated. Two of these scenarios were based on the implementation of the ILNM algorithm, with the concurrent effort to overcome the challenge of representing the semantic navigation instructions in two different ways. In the first scenario, the selected landmarks were visualized as pictograms, while in the second scenario, an axonometric-based design philosophy for the depiction of landmarks was followed. The third scenario was based on the benchmark approach (metric-based routing instructions) for conveying routing instructions to the users. The experiment showed that the implementation of the ILNM was feasible, and, more importantly, it was beneficial in terms of participants' navigation performance during the wayfinding experiment, compared to the metric-based instructions scenario (benchmark for indoor navigation). Valuable results were also obtained, concerning the most suitable cartographic approach for visualizing the selected landmarks, while implementing this specific algorithm (ILNM). Finally, our findings confirm that the existence of landmarks, not only within the routing instructions, but also as cartographic representations on the route map itself, can significantly help users to position themselves correctly within an unfamiliar environment and to improve their navigation performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background: Hazardous pesticides continue to be used in the farming industry purely because of economic reasons. Farmers need to understand this risk. Pesticide labels and pictograms were enforced to propagate this risk information to the farmers in a simple way. However, their effectiveness has not been evaluated in India. This study attempts to evaluate the efficacy of these labels and pictograms to help farmers understand the pesticide risks. Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 172 paddy farmers in Kancheepuram district of Tamil-Nadu, India. Their interpretation of four pesticide labels and fifteen pesticide safety pictograms were analyzed using (SPSS version 20) for descriptive statistics. Chi-square test was used for dichotomic variables. A p value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Of the 172 farmers interviewed, 93% were unaware of the pesticide regulations and 72.6% had never attempted to read the labels. Only, the red color in the label was identified correctly by 66.1% of farmers. Four out of fifteen pictograms were interpreted correctly by more than 60% of the farmers. Educational status had a significant influence on the way the labels and pictograms were interpreted. Conclusion: We need to consider restructuring these labels in a more scientific way. Instead of a top-down approach, we need to start working at the grass root level if we tend to have better appreciated labels. It is recommended that plans and strategies should be devised to educate the farmers about the labels and pictograms

Graphic representation is a little explored technique in the development of assistive products, despite being helpful in the visualization of conceptual aspects, which are then made tangible. This improves the understanding of the process phases by the whole team, which includes practitioners from different areas. Thus, the characterization of graphic symbols used in assistive technology development processes are presented. A literature review was carried out to select: graphic symbols and pictorial images used in health care area; and the design of new proposed methods for assistive products that had some graphic representantion of its processes. From this point the authors developed a preliminar hybrid characterization model based on symbolization of graphical representations (verbal, schematic, and pictorial) and approaches for pictogram design (geons, silhouettes and observation). The results of the characterization were discussed using as reference the hybrid model and the gaps. The assessment showed low use of graphic symbols for design processes representations, even when the authors were designers.

Background: Community health workers (CHWs) have facilitated the move to decentralise tuberculosis (TB) management, but lack access to information appropriate both for personal use and in patient interaction and education. Aim: To explore the impact of a pictorial-based TB booklet on reinforcing CHW knowledge and facilitating patient counselling. Setting: This study was conducted in local primary health care clinics and the Hospice in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. Methods: Quantitative and qualitative methods were used. A simple, 17-page, A5 booklet containing pictograms and simple text was designed in collaboration with CHWs who advised on preferred content. Its influence on knowledge was assessed in 31 CHWs using a 17-item questionnaire in a before-and-after study. The experiences of CHWs using the booklet were qualitatively explored using focus group discussions (FGD) and semi-structured interviews. Results: Overall knowledge increased significantly from 70.6% to 85.3% (p < 0.001) with 8 of 17 questions significantly better answered at follow-up. These addressed meaning of side effects and side effect advice for patients, cause and prevention of TB, action if a dose is forgotten, timing of dose in relation to food intake and the possibility that not all patients are cured.Community health workers reported using the booklet during patient interactions, commenting that it enhanced their confidence in their own TB-related knowledge, improved recall of information and reduced uncertainty. They appreciated the simplicity of the text and its userfriendliness because of the inclusion of pictograms. The booklet was perceived to be valuable as a tool for both patient education as well as improved communication with patients. Conclusion: A simple, user-friendly TB booklet containing pictograms improved CHWknowledge and acted as a valuable tool in patient communication and education.

This article details the process involved in the development of a new and revolutionary solution for medical communication. Our solution precisely tracks head and eye movement and allows the user to interact with an intuitive, pictogram-based interface. Around the world, many people rely on written instruction and verbal or nonverbal communication to accompany medication or provide additional information on a patient's symptoms. However, poor language skills and a host of health problems, psychological disorders, and trauma can limit a person's ability to speak or move. Our solution could drastically improve the quality of life of patients suffering from brain injury, hearing loss, and many other communication disorders and disabilities. They can begin to communicate with greater ease and fluency, feel connected to the world, and experience better and more accurate medical care. The potential applications have many incredible advantages, ranging from improved communication with family to emergency medical uses that can save the life of an affected individual. The use of augmented reality in our solution, as well as the secondary camera to improve accuracy in eye tracking, makes this solution for more accuracy, whereas the inclusion of a pictogram-based interface makes it a practical solution that cuts down on the error margins of traditional accessibility devices and makes it equally accessible to children and speakers of foreign languages. According to the data gathered, we confirm that the solution we propose has many possible practical applications in improving the health, safety, and quality of life of the user. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landmarks, objects in the environment used for orientation, navigation and the formation of cognitive maps are often represented in maps as pictograms. In order to support these tasks effectively and efficiently, landmark pictograms also need to be salient, as the map user needs to identify and process them quickly and easily. Two additional relevant characteristics for the usability of landmark pictograms are their meaningfulness and recognition performance. Meaningfulness is required to understand which categories of objects are represented by the pictograms. Ease of recognition prevents the necessity to consult a map repetitively and may support the formation of a cognitive map of the environment. In the present study, we investigated the relation between salience, meaningfulness and recognition performance of OpenStreetMap (OSM) pictograms and the potential effects of the visual complexity of pictograms on these usability characteristics. Salience was measured via eye fixations on specific pictograms, meaningfulness with an explicit continuous scale and recognition performance with a yes/no recognition memory paradigm. Statistical analyses showed that pictograms drew more visual attention if they were visually complex or if their meaning was inapprehensible or ambiguous. Less apprehensible pictograms were also recognized more often. Interestingly, the data indicated that longer fixations could lead to worse recognition performance. Long fixations on a pictogram may increase the likelihood of false recognition in subsequent situations where the pictogram is no longer valid or relevant. Based on the findings, we suggest balancing the meaningfulness and visual complexity of contiguous pictograms to enhance their recognition and to provide an optimal level of salience of single objects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The patients with low literacy have difficulty in understanding instruction in medication labels. International pictograms would help resolve this problem. The purpose of the study is to develop a local pictogram for low literate Thai patients and to evaluate its effectiveness in improving patient's understanding of prescription directions, medication adherence, and satisfaction. A four phase, mixed method study was designed. In phase I, a brainstorming discussion (n=21) was used to gather essential information to devise the first draft pictogram. An interview was used in phase II (n=20) and III (n=30) to adjust and finalize the pictogram. In phase IV, a randomized controlled trial was conducted. Low-literate and poor adherence patients were recruited from primary healthcare in northeast Thailand. The experimental (n=67) and control (n=67) groups received medications with attached final pictogram and traditional labels, respectively. Participants were assessed understanding and adherence of medication use on day 0 and 14 with a reminder on day 7. Satisfaction of pictogram use was also evaluated on day 14. The experimental group had post intervention understanding scores that were significantly higher than the control group (100.00 vs. 97.10±3.64; p<0.046). Moreover, the adherence score in the experimental group was statistically higher than the control group (97.41±3.62 vs. 95.84±4.72; p<0.033). Most participants in the experimental group were satisfied with the final pictogram and also agreed that the local pictogram may improve their understanding and adherence. Pictograms improved both understanding and adherence among low literate participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study draws attention to the challenging perception of two public information pictograms, 'elevator' and 'toilet'. Both indicate the location of a destination. Although the semantic information is completely different, both pictograms partly depict the same: front view of standing human figures. In certain contexts (e.g., at airports or train stations), with people in a hurry and with users from different cultures, this can lead to confusion. In addition, the representation of human figures is increasingly being questioned on the basis of public and political discussions on gender issues. Moreover, attention to accessibility is also being incorporated in these two pictograms. Thus, both pictograms are undergoing an evolutionary process in order to meet current requirements. Do more messages require more complex pictograms? As a starting point, we conducted a comprehension test based on the method recommended by iso 9186-1. The results showed trends, but some questions regarding the two pictograms were not clearly understood by the test group members. Therefore, we conducted another test designed to determine the limits of the graphics depicted in these pictograms. We hope this study will help raise awareness about these issues. Finally, we offer five pointers for consideration when designing the elevator pictogram in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study explores how hospital wayfinding can employ communication design to improve the outpatient experience by using a pictograms based signals system. Communication design might support and empower wayfinding processes in hospitals, where high levels of stress, anxiety and uncertainty can compromise the ability to understand and navigate the environment. The study produced a new set of pictograms for health communication named "Island of pictograms" implemented in the Fatebenefratelli - Isola Tiberina Hospital in Rome. The new set is based on the "HablamosJuntos" set and it represents the first open source set of pictograms for health communication whose comprehensibility has been tested in the Italian cultural (and multicultural) context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Patient education is of paramount importance with regard to the condition of the disease and the treatment given besides lifestyle remodelling in order to get the desired therapeutic outcomes. When verbal information is provided to the patients, they often tend to forget it. Pictorial aids or pictograms, as they are commonly known, are tools that are widely used for imparting knowledge to the patients. The aim of the study is to prepare and validate a Pictogram-based Patient Information Leaflet (P-PILs) on Tuberculosis (TB). Methods P-PILs have been prepared from tertiary, secondary and primary sources. The knowledge-based questions are prepared with respect to the P-PILs. The baseline knowledge of the volunteers and patients has been analyzed before administering the P-PILs by using the validated questionnaire. The post-knowledge of the volunteers and patients has been analyzed after administering the P-PILs (20 minutes) by using the same questionnaire and the user-opinion has also been obtained at the end. Results The study results show that the mean scores of the overall user-testing knowledge assessment are found to have improved significantly from the pre-P-PILs administration score of 62.67 to the post-P-PILs administration score of 91. The overall user-opinion about the P-PILs has been found to be good (75%) followed by average (25%). Conclusion The present study shows that there is significant improvement in the knowledge levels of the patients and volunteers after reading the validated leaflets. The P-PILs are found to be an effective educational tool for TB patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This article details the process involved in the development of a new and revolutionary solution for medical communication. Our solution precisely tracks head and eye movement and allows the user to interact with an intuitive, pictogram-based interface. Around the world, many people rely on written instruction and verbal or non-verbal communication to accompany medication or provide additional information on a patient's symptoms. However, poor language skills and a host of health problems, psychological disorders and trauma can limit a person's ability to speak or move. Our solution could drastically improve the quality of life of patients suffering from brain injury, hearing loss, and many other communication disorders and disabilities. They can begin to communicate with greater ease and fluency, feel connected to the world, and experience better and more accurate medical care. The potential applications have many incredible advantages, ranging from improved communication with family, to emergency medical uses which can save the life of an affected individual. The use of augmented reality in our solution, as well as the secondary camera to improve accuracy in eye-tracking, makes this solution for a more accurate, while the inclusion of a pictogram-based interface makes it a practical solution that cuts down on the error margins of traditional accessibility devices and makes it equality accessible to children and speakers of foreign languages. According to the data we have gathered, we confirmed that the solution we propose has many possible practical applications in improving the health, safety, and life-quality of the user. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The adherence to drug therapy is commonly affected by inadequate levels of Functional Health Literacy (FHL). Therefore, the pictograms, which are graphic resources that aim to convey information clearly, appear as an alternative to overcome the comprehension deficit of the patients. Objectives: To measure the understanding and acceptance of medical prescriptions with pictograms compared with the written prescription, and to associate this factor with the patients' FHL. Methodology: Cross-sectional and quantitative research using a structured questionnaire and the S-TOFHLA instrument for FHL evaluation. 352 patients with chronic diseases were interviewed. Results: The use of pictograms was studied using three comparative pairs of prescriptions, with significant increase in the understanding in one of them after pictograms were added. Most of the interviewees (52.6%) showed greater acceptance for the conventional model. One possible explanation is the low prior contact with pictograms (2.6%). Greater acceptability and memorization of prescriptions with pictograms were associated with higher age and lower schooling. Conclusions: This resource may benefit mainly elderly people and individuals of low schooling, although their use should be preceded by medical advice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper challenges Walter Mignolo's influential view that the Renaissance grammarian Nebrija's theory of writing had a role in justifying Spanish imperialism and that it contributed to the diminution or elimination of native language and memory in the Americas. It will be shown that Isidore of Seville's comparatively versatile conception of writing, which accommodated pictograms, was far more pervasive in Spain and the New World, fostering parallel advances in written and pictorial communication by indigenous groups, while European letters provided a flexible means of notation for Amerindian languages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, pedestrian navigation assistance has been used by an increasing number of people to support wayfinding tasks. Especially in unfamiliar and complex indoor environments such as universities and hospitals, the importance of an effective navigation assistance becomes apparent. This paper investigates the feasibility of the indoor landmark navigation model (ILNM), a method for generating landmark-based routing instructions, by combining it with indoor route maps and conducting a wayfinding experiment with human participants. Within this context, three different cartographic visualization scenarios were designed and evaluated. Two of these scenarios were based on the implementation of the ILNM algorithm, with the concurrent effort to overcome the challenge of representing the semantic navigation instructions in two different ways. In the first scenario, the selected landmarks were visualized as pictograms, while in the second scenario, an axonometric-based design philosophy for the depiction of landmarks was followed. The third scenario was based on the benchmark approach (metric-based routing instructions) for conveying routing instructions to the users. The experiment showed that the implementation of the ILNM was feasible, and, more importantly, it was beneficial in terms of participants’ navigation performance during the wayfinding experiment, compared to the metric-based instructions scenario (benchmark for indoor navigation). Valuable results were also obtained, concerning the most suitable cartographic approach for visualizing the selected landmarks, while implementing this specific algorithm (ILNM). Finally, our findings confirm that the existence of landmarks, not only within the routing instructions, but also as cartographic representations on the route map itself, can significantly help users to position themselves correctly within an unfamiliar environment and to improve their navigation performance.

A timely and accurate acquisition of the information provided by variable message signs (VMS) can be crucial while driving. In the current study, we assess the difficulties of adults with dyslexia acquiring the information shown in VMS and provide evidence to discuss the controversial use of pictograms as potential countermeasures. Twenty-two adults with dyslexia and 22 matched controls completed a simulated driving session. The legibility of 12 VMS was assessed, including six text messages (e.g. "ACCIDENT") and six single pictograms (e.g. the icon for "accident ahead"). On average, participants with dyslexia started reading text messages when they were closer to the VMS. In addition, while approaching text VMS, they dedicated more gazes and manifested worse control of speed. Regarding pictogram VMS, we observed no differences in response distance, accuracy, response duration, or number of gazes. To sum up, the evidence provided reveals that adults with dyslexia, despite potential compensation effects, may still find difficulties reading text messages in VMS (shorter legibility distances, longer reading times, and increased cognitive effort), whereas we found no such differences in the recognition of pictograms (only some difficulties keeping a steady speed). Research on inclusive measures to improve reading in low-skilled or dyslexic drivers must be encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been recent debate over whether actions are processed primarily by means of motor simulation or cognitive semantics. The current study investigated how abstract action concepts are processed in the brain, independent of the format in which they are presented. Eighteen healthy adult participants viewed different actions (e.g., diving, boxing) in the form of verbs and schematic action pictograms while functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was collected. We predicted that sensorimotor and semantic brain regions would show similar patterns of neural activity for different instances of the same action (e.g., diving pictogram and the word ‘diving’). A representational similarity analysis revealed posterior temporal and sensorimotor regions where specific action concepts were encoded, independent of the format of presentation. These results reveal the neural instantiations of abstract action concepts, and demonstrate that both sensorimotor and semantic systems are involved in processing actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Conveying information to patients on how to use medications at the dispensing sessions and retention of this information by the patients is essential to the good pharmaceutical care. The aim of our study was to examine the comprehensibility of the selected three potentially usable pictograms by five groups of subjects who had different levels of literacy in both before and after mini educational sessions. Materials and Methods: Nine experienced pharmacists selected three potentially usable pictograms in Isfahan pharmacies: Pictograms D through F representing respectively: "do not take medication during pregnancy," "keep medication in the refrigerator," and "take medication with plenty of water." Then, graduate students of two major universities (Groups 1 and 2), low-literate and illiterate individuals (Groups 3 and 4), and walk - in patients in the pharmacies affiliated to the Isfahan School of Pharmacy (Group 5) were asked about the comprehensibility of these pictograms before and after mini-education sessions. The American National Standard Institute and International Organization for Standardization standards were used for comparisons. Results: In the pre-follow-up period, D and E pictograms were most understandable (87.4%, 87.2%). In the post-follow-up, E and D pictograms were understood most (98.0%, 95.3%), followed by F (92.9%). Among the improvements measured in post-follow-up, pictogram F showed the biggest improvement (P = 0.0). Conclusion: Pictograms depicting the use of medications during pregnancy (D) and storing medication in the refrigerator (E) was easier to understand by our study population. The groups with the high level of literacy interpreted the pictograms better than those with lower levels of literacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Good understanding of medication instructions is paramount to a good pharmaceutical care. The aim of our study was to examine the understandability of the selected three most applicable pictograms by participants and their recall after educational mini sessions. Materials and Methods: First, nine experienced pharmacists selected the three most potentially applicable pictograms. Pictograms A to C were determined, respectively, "A-take medication with food," "B-medication may cause drowsiness," and "C-take medication before sleep." In the second phase, we measured the comprehensibility of pictograms by three groups of participants (sample of 358): highly educated participants of two major universities of Isfahan (Groups 1 and 2), low-literate and illiterate individuals (Groups 3 and 4), and the rest were participants interviewed in three teaching pharmacies affiliated to the Isfahan School of Pharmacy (Group 5). The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) were used to compare the comprehensibility of pictograms. Furthermore, five qualitative questions were asked about the impact of pictograms on several parameters. Results: In the pre-follow-up period, only Group 1 (75%) understood pictogram A while pictogram B did not pass the ANSI and ISO thresholds for acceptability in none of the groups. In the pre-follow-up period, Groups 1 and 2 surpassed the ANSI threshold and Group 5 passed the ISO limit for C. In the post-follow-up period, C passed the ISO limit in Group 3. Regarding the qualitative questions, 84.1% believed that pictograms had positive impact on the correct use of medications and timing of administration. Conclusion: The groups with high level of literacy interpreted the pictograms better than those with lower levels of literacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For more than 40 years, Marie Neurath designed ISOTYPE charts using pictograms as graphical units to make a variety of information more accessible for the layman. She was a transformer linking science and design by using the benefits of both worlds to meet the public’s interests. Significant insight could be gained from this innovative work. However, many relevant aspects of the transformation process remain elusive and are far too often imitated and misunderstood as simply drawing ‘rows of little men’. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the use and implementation of pictograms by examining how Marie Neurath designed ‘number-fact pictures’. A selection of specific examples from an in-depth case study of Marie Neurath’s sketches created while she was designing a post-war exhibition in Bilston, England, in 1946 forms the basis for a discussion of how pictograms were used as fractions, arrangement, and message accentuation. These three aspects outline recurrent approaches and actions of the transformation process that were shaped according to the situation at hand. The paper provides an in-depth practical perspective on the work and reveals how Marie Neurath, by shaping facts and using pictograms constructively as convincing communication tools, deliberately guided the reader towards a specific agenda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the development and evaluation of PICTOAPRENDE, which is an interactive software designed to improve oral communication. Additionally, it contributes to the development of children and youth who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Ecuador. To fulfill this purpose initially analyzes the intervention area where the general characteristics of people with ASD and their status in Ecuador is described. Statistical techniques used for this evaluation constitutes the basis of this study. A section that presents the development of research-based cognitive and social parameters of the area of intervention is also shown. Finally, the algorithms to obtain the measurements and experimental results along with the analysis of them are presented.

The paper presents a part of the Vienna's Gender Mainstreaming project – the campaign called 'Vienna Sees It Differently', the reactions and opinions of German and Czech native speakers to this problem. The purpose of the campaign is to introduce fixed visual habits in a new light. The roles of men and women connected with the well known pictograms in Vienna's buses, trams and underground will be changed. The campaign should compel people to thing and speak about the problems. During spring and summer 2014 there was an interview given by 200 German and 200 Czech native speakers. The results how do they perceive the gender changed pictures and what do they think about it will be also presented in this paper.

The analysis of the logos of 66 Spanish companies included in the Spanish Luxury Association will show the graphical trends of corporate visual identities of this sector. Content analysis was used to record manifest and latent variables. 22 variables were recorded and studied, mainly formal features (color, fonts or iconic components), but other variables have been taken into consideration, such as language and type of reference in the logos (latent in the iconic and textual signs) which usually refers to either the sector or business (product or service offered). This analytical model allowed us to find out logo's connotation of the companies included in the study, as well as to define their degree of functionality and its association with luxury, a booming market in Spain which makes this study particularly relevant. Findings show a clear trend toward minimalism in design, the use of flat pictograms (without volumetric claims), the prevalence of the black, gold and silver chromatic triad as an element of sector's differentiation and the employment of foreign terms that confer an international character to Spanish luxury brands, among other considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the challenges of visually representing pain qualities in pictogram design. An existing set of 12 pictograms designed for people with literacy problems was evaluated to understand more about misunderstandings of pictogram interpretation. Two sets of university students from different disciplines were asked to interpret the pictograms, and a novel classification system was developed to categorise answer types, as 'location', 'affective', temporal' or 'literal'. Several design recommendations are made as a result that will help improve the design of pain pictograms as a whole as well as guide designers of related pictogram work. We demonstrate how, through the robust classification of incorrect responses, it is possible to extract useful comprehension error patterns to inform future design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Signs can provide repetitive training on specific food safety practices for multicultural food processing employees. Posted signs for workers in many food processing facilities tend to be text-heavy and focus specifically on occupational hazard safety. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of newly-developed hand washing pictograms on employees' hand washing behavior using video observation. Five employee hand washing behaviors (soap use, wash completeness, wash time, complete rinsing, and towel use) were evaluated with (a) no intervention, company signs posted and considered the baseline; and compared to (b) hand washing behavior the next day (short term) and two weeks (long term) after experimental hand washing signs were displayed at a raw poultry slaughter facility (Facility A) and a poultry further processing facility (Facility B). Both facilities showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in soap use after the new sign was introduced at both short and long term time periods. There was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in washing, time of washing, and rinsing observed by Facility B employees, when baseline data was compared to the short term. This indicates that a new sign could increase hand washing compliance at least in the short term. Sign color also had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on employee behavior for washing and time of washing. Behavior for four of the five variables (soap, wash, time of wash, and towel use) was significantly different (p < 0.05) between baseline and either experimental observation period. While signs can be a useful tool to offer as recurring food safety training for food processing employees, employees tend to revert back to old habits after several weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundAdults with Down syndrome (DS) are at risk for age-related painful physical conditions, but also for under-reporting pain. Pictograms may facilitate self-report of pain, because they seem suitable for the global visual processing in DS and for iconic representation of abstract concepts. MethodParticipants (N = 39,Mage = 41.2) assigned pain qualities to pictograms, rated pain affect levels in facial scales (pictograms vs. drawn faces), and performed cognitive tests. ResultsRecognition of all intended pain qualities was above chance level. Pain affect levels of both facial scales were ordered equally well. Both facial scales were preferred equally well. Comprehension of the 3 scales was positively associated with mental age, receptive language ability, and verbal memory. Most participants (74%) had pictograms in their direct environment, mainly to communicate activities or objects. ConclusionUsing pictograms may optimise communication about pain for a subgroup of cognitively higher functioning adults with DS. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]