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Purpose: This pilot study investigated delivering enhanced milieu teaching tailored for children with Down Syndrome (EMT-DS) through hybrid telepractice. Method: In this multiple-baseline design across behaviors study, a speechlanguage pathologist (SLP) taught EMT-DS to three caregivers and their children with DS (22–40 months) using a hybrid service delivery model. Sessions were conducted in person and via telepractice. The SLP taught caregivers EMT-DS, emphasizing the use of (a) four target EMT strategies: matched turns, expansions, time delays, and milieu teaching episodes; (b) augmentative and alternative communication (AAC; manual signs, speech-generating device); and (c) aided AAC modeling. The SLP provided caregiver instruction following the teach–model–coach–review approach. Caregiver outcomes were the accuracy (primary) and frequency (secondary) of EMT strategy use. Child outcomes were exploratory and included the rate of symbolic communication acts, weighted number of communication acts, and number of different words (NDW). Results: There was a functional relation between the intervention and the accuracy and frequency of EMT strategy use for all three caregivers. All caregivers showed an increase in the accuracy for all four target strategies. Caregivers also increased the frequency of the three EMT strategies: expansions, time delays, and milieu teaching episodes. There were no changes in the frequency of matched turns. Caregiver use of EMT strategies maintained for 6 weeks postintervention. After caregivers learned EMT strategies, gradual increases in the rate of symbolic communication acts and NDW occurred for all three children. Conclusion: Results demonstrate the preliminary efficacy of using a hybrid service delivery model to teach caregivers EMT-DS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the experience of implementing social robotics as an adjuvant during the hospitalization process in pediatric oncology patients. Methods: Before and after cohort study, applying an intervention with the Lego Mindstorms EV3 kit in patients between 8 and 17 years old that are hospitalized with a cancer diagnosis. We excluded patients from the intensive care unit or when their treating physician recommended so. The intervention consisted of a three-phase workshop: an open architecture story, building a car robot using the Lego Mindstorm EV3 kit, and cooperative playing activities such as races and passing obstacles. Results: Thirteen patients received the intervention with robotic lego. The median age was 15 years (IQR = 3), and 84.6% of the population (n = 11) were male. We found significant improvement in the language (topic management p =.011 and communicative intention p =.034). Other characteristics improved, but not significantly (self-care activities index, catching). No adverse events occurred during the intervention. Conclusions: The results of this pilot study suggest that implementing social robotics during hospitalization in children with cancer is a therapeutic adjuvant and safe intervention that promotes better communication, self-care, and a physical activity improvement. For future studies, the impact of this intervention could be measured in hospitalized pediatric cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing number of connected vehicles has led to an increased focus on Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication in the field of transport research. This communication paradigm facilitates cooperation between vehicles and infrastructure to address traffic challenges such as efficiency, sustainability and safety. The development and standardisation of such Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) has been pursued in several projects. Beyond technical considerations, assessing the effect of these applications in terms of various impact categories is of paramount importance. However, existing research tends to examine impact categories such as efficiency, sustainability, safety, psychological or socioeconomic impacts separately, often overlooking potential interactions and interdependencies. This approach is inadequate as impacts on one category can have both cascading effects on others and rebound effects. To address this gap, this paper proposes a system dynamics approach using Causal Loop Diagrams (CLD) to illustrate the interconnectedness of impact categories and the potential impacts of C-ITS services. By depicting general relationships, interdependencies and feedback loops between impact category elements, the model accommodates the introduction of single or multiple C-ITS services as separate modules, allowing an analysis of their combined effects on the overall system. To this end, two use cases demonstrate the applicability of the developed CLD and illustrate some of the multiple interrelations between the effects of C-ITS services. The results of this paper support road operators and researchers when setting up the impact assessment of C-ITS services by revealing the dynamic and intertwined nature of different impact categories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract\nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONPurpose:Unaided (e.g., speech and gestures) and aided (e.g., symbol corpuses) communication modes facilitate older adults’ expression and comprehension. Adults aged 65 years and above constituted 18.27% of Taiwan’s total population in 2023; hence, prioritizing high-quality healthcare for older adults becomes critical. Commercial symbol corpuses, such as Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) and Voice Symbols (VS), play a vital role in aiding older adults with expression and comprehension in Taiwan. Previous studies on iconicity and preference of symbol corpuses have primarily been conducted in Western and South Asian cultural communities. However, these findings may not apply to all Asian communities. Hence, studies investigating these aspects in specific communities are needed. Through quantitative nonexperimental observations, we explored the iconicity of and preference for PCS and VS among 30 healthy older adults in Taiwan.Materials and Methods:A total of 12 practice words and test words each, familiar to the participants and socially and culturally validated, were selected for the developed VS–PCS iconicity and preference measurement. Verbal choices were made to select one line drawing in both measurements.Results & Conclusions:The findings revealed that VS is significantly more transparent and preferred than PCS. Accounting for the iconicity of and preferences for symbol corpuses is pivotal for symbol selection.Awareness about the learnability of the symbol corpuses being influenced by iconicity and preference, in addition to considering the needs and capabilities of older adults, within Taiwanese cultural communities is raised.Perceptions of iconicity cannot be generalized from one cultural community to another community, but transparency in symbol corpuses leads to higher preferences in similar cultural communities.Healthy older adults in Taiwan believed VS is more transparent and preferred.Awareness about the learnability of the symbol corpuses being influenced by iconicity and preference, in addition to considering the needs and capabilities of older adults, within Taiwanese cultural communities is raised.Perceptions of iconicity cannot be generalized from one cultural community to another community, but transparency in symbol corpuses leads to higher preferences in similar cultural communities.Healthy older adults in Taiwan believed VS is more transparent and preferred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) is increasingly recognized as an essential aspect of clinical research, particularly for ensuring relevancy and impact of research to those most affected. This study addresses the gap in involving older patients, particularly nursing home residents, in the research process by exploring motivations, expectations, and experiences of nursing home residents in Bremen, Germany, involved in PPI for developing a clinical trial on polypharmacy. Methods: Two Patient Advisory Boards (PABs) were established in nursing homes as part of the INVOLVE-Clin project. A Patient Advocate (PA) facilitated communication between nursing home residents and researchers. A qualitative case study approach was employed, involving semi-structured interviews and group discussions with nursing home residents and researchers. Data was analyzed using structured qualitative content analysis. Results: The study found varied motivations and expectations between nursing home residents and researchers. Nursing home residents valued the social interaction and the opportunity to voice their health concerns, while researchers aimed to incorporate patients' perspectives into study design. The PA was considered crucial in facilitating communication between nursing home residents and researchers. Challenges included the complexity of the study topic and the need for methodological adjustments to suit nursing home residents´ cognitive abilities. Generally, PAB participation was experienced to provide mental stimulation and increased confidence among nursing home residents in discussing their medication management. The PAB's influence led to the decision not to conduct a polypharmacy study. Discussion: The findings underscore the importance of flexible approaches to PPI, particularly when involving older nursing home residents. Methodological adjustments, such as tailoring content and structure of PABs, and the inclusion of additional boards for diverse perspectives, are vital for effective involvement. The study also highlights the need for ongoing innovation in PPI methods to ensure meaningful engagement of older patients in clinical research. Conclusion: This study contributes essential insights into the practical implementation of PPI with nursing home residents, highlighting the need for patient-centric approaches that recognize their unique challenges and contributions. These findings are critical for shaping scientifically robust but also socially relevant and impactful research, especially in an aging society. Plain English Summary: This study looked at how nursing home residents in two nursing homes in Bremen, Germany, feel about being part of health research. It focused on their reasons for joining, what they hoped to get out of it, and their experiences. The study used two groups, called Patient Advisory Boards (PABs), in these nursing homes. An important part of making this work was having someone called a Patient Advocate, who talked to the nursing home residents and communicated their perspectives to the research team. Researchers talked to the residents and other researchers through interviews and group discussions. The study found that nursing home residents and researchers had different reasons for being involved. The nursing home residents enjoyed the chance to talk with others and share their health worries, while the researchers wanted to make sure the study considered the views of older patients. There were some challenges for both, researchers and nursing home residents. The topic of the study, which was about using many different medicines (polypharmacy), was complex. Nursing home residents would need easier methods to take part. Nonetheless, being part of the PABs was experienced to be good by the nursing home residents. It helped them think more about their health and feel more confident talking about their medicines. The study shows that when including nursing home residents in health research, it's important to think about their specific needs to ensure meaningful engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT There is a general consensus that design‐based research (DBR) is a genre of approaches in education research to design interventions for specific problems with the aim to gain an understanding of how they work in the problem context. While there is a considerable body of literature discussing the epistemic and methodological aspects of DBR, we found little guidance on how to actually design an intervention. The majority of research articles about DBR projects focus on the output of the projects rather than the process. In this article, we reflect on our approach to design processes in two DBR projects, with a particular focus on making and grounding design decisions. Our aim is to provide support to other researchers engaged in DBR projects and to contribute to a discussion about practices in DBR to contribute to design methodologies. We conclude with three key contributions. First, we emphasize the significance of awareness of design decisions as well as their groundings, advocating for thorough consideration of the applicability of theories, and transferability of empirical findings, as well as pragmatic and personal factors. Second, we recommend a flexibility in revising design decisions, allowing for meaningful refinement of interventions in response to evolving contexts and insights. Third, we propose a systematic approach to arrive at and document design decisions, facilitating communication within DBR projects and across research communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Teachers serve as critical communication partners for students with intellectual disability (ID) who face communication difficulties. However, teachers may lack sufficient training in using communication partner strategies and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in the classroom. This study aimed to explore teacher application of a communication partner intervention (AKKtiv ComPal) in schools for students with ID. Methods: Video observations were conducted at four schools during a teacher-led group activity at pre- and postintervention, with follow-up 7 months later, focusing on communication partner strategies and AAC use applied as a universal approach in the classroom. Differences and similarities in intervention application and contextual factors that may influence teacher application were investigated using a multiple case study approach, in which the four teachers and their contexts served as the four examined cases. Results: All cases increased the access to communication boards in the classroom and used more augmented input and responsive strategies following intervention. Follow-up measures revealed variability in augmented input and sustained or more use of responsive strategies. Despite increased strategy use, access to communication boards remained inconsistent, and augmented input was used with variability across observation minutes. Influencing factors to teacher application seemed to be classroom setups (such as having a table), previous AAC skills, student characteristics, and postintervention efforts such as repeating the intervention or participating in follow-up sessions. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that classroom teachers for students with ID can use augmented input and responsive strategies as a universal design approach in the classroom following the AKKtiv ComPal intervention. However, teachers may utilize the strategies somewhat differently, partly influenced by their contextual factors. Implications: The findings suggest that while teachers for students with ID can successfully use communication partner strategies in the classroom, their use of augmented input should be nurtured over time to ensure sustained use and possibly improve consistency. Additionally, adapting to the physical environment of the classroom is crucial to optimize the application of these strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Catholic publishing undertaking in China experienced significant growth in the first half of the twentieth century, both in the scale and in the form of organization. This effort's importance is twofold: for the Church in China back then, publications facilitated communications both inside and outside the Church; for researchers today, these files contain a vast amount of information on Catholic life, valuable for the enrichment of historical understanding. This paper uncovers the internal driving mechanism of this process through three Shanghai general meetings: the Plenary Council in 1924, the All-China General Congress of Catholic Action in 1935 and the Catholic Press Convention in 1947. The co-ordination fostered by these meetings generated resilience and efficiency for publishing activities allowing them to be sustained and to prosper during an unsettling period. The Council heralded cross-congregational and cross-national co-operation by standardizing publishing practices and forming designated central organizations. Inheriting these guidelines, Catholic journalist delegates of the Catholic Action Congress in 1935 gathered to discuss practical methods, leading to a proliferation of Catholic publications. Despite setbacks during the Sino-Japanese War, Catholic publishing quickly resumed following the Press Convention held in 1947, which reinforced collaboration regardless of affiliations through a central organization. The three general meetings not only showcase the historical trajectory of Catholic publishing, but also the constant endeavor to bridge gaps between communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Collaboration in the field of speech-language pathology occurs across a variety of digital devices and can entail the usage of multiple software tools, systems, file formats, and even programming languages. Unfortunately, gaps between the laboratory, clinic, and classroom can emerge in part because of siloing of data and workflows, as well as the digital divide between users. The purpose of this tutorial is to present the Collaboverse, a web-based collaborative system that unifies these domains, and describe the application of this tool to common tasks in speech-language pathology. In addition, we demonstrate its utility in machine learning (ML) applications. Method: This tutorial outlines key concepts in the digital divide, data management, distributed computing, and ML. It introduces the Collaboverse workspace for researchers, clinicians, and educators in speech-language pathology who wish to improve their collaborative network and leverage advanced computation abilities. It also details an ML approach to prosodic analysis. Conclusions: The Collaboverse shows promise in narrowing the digital divide and is capable of generating clinically relevant data, specifically in the area of prosody, whose computational complexity has limited widespread analysis in research and clinic alike. In addition, it includes an augmentative and alternative communication app allowing visual, nontextual communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate child- and interventionlevel factors that predict improvements in functional communication outcomes in children with motor-based speech sound disorders. Method: Eighty-five preschool-age children with childhood apraxia of speech (n = 37) and speech motor delay (n = 48) participated. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the association between minimal clinically important difference in the Focus on the Outcomes of Communication Under Six scores and multiple child-level (e.g., age, sex, speech intelligibility, Kaufman Speech Praxis Test diagnostic rating scale) and intervention-level predictors (dose frequency and home practice duration). Results: Overall, 65% of participants demonstrated minimal clinically important difference changes in the functional communication outcomes. Kaufman Speech Praxis Test rating scale was significantly associated with higher odds of noticeable change in functional communication outcomes in children. There is some evidence that delivering the intervention for 2 times per week for 10 weeks provides benefit. Conclusion: A rating scale based on task complexity has the potential for serving as a screening tool to triage children for intervention from waitlist and/or determining service delivery for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A preface to the special issue of the "Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research," that includes select papers from the Eighth International Conference on Speech Motor Control, is presented.

To evaluate the effectiveness of a "telestration" system in which the mentor annotates the view of the surgical field, for endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETS). The use of telestration was evaluated for sellar floor-opening during ETS and for a task performed using ETS simulation training. During ETS, the mentor outlined the opening area of the sella turcica on the monitor and then the trainee surgeon opened the sella, either with the telestration displayed (telestration (+) group, n = 8) or without (telestration (−) group, n = 7). In the task using an ETS training model, 18 subjects were asked to touch the indicated targets with the forceps, once with the instructions given via telestration and once with verbal instructions only. During ETS, the telestration (+) group had a significantly higher concordance rate between the planned bone window and actual bone window than the telestration (−) group (92.97 ± 4.16% vs. 77.57 ± 10.51%, P = 0.014). In the ETS model, the time required to finish the task was significantly less with telestration than with verbal instructions alone (P = 0.002). None of the subjects had errors when telestration was used, while subjects made an average of 0.33 ± 0.59 errors and had to re-listen to the instructions 0.27 ± 0.46 times when only verbal instructions were given. The use of the telestration system during ETS facilitated the communication of the mentor's intentions to the trainee surgeon and contributed to safer, more accurate surgery. The system was also thought to be useful in reducing operative time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This research aims to explore the significant impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on literary representations of diasporic experiences, particularly focusing on its role in connecting immigrants worldwide. Methodology: The study employs an analytical approach to examine the influence of ICT on diasporic literature. Key Findings: The findings reveal that ICT has played a crucial role in reshaping the concept and portrayal of diasporic experiences in literature. In Inaam Kachachi's novel The Dispersal (2023), Iskander's technological skills highlight ICT's potential to maintain family connections. He uses technology to preserve his family’s history by creating a virtual graveyard, allowing for the sharing of cultural practices and traditions. Conclusions: The research concludes that ICT is a transformative tool that helps preserve cultural identities, enhance resilience, and strengthen the diasporic experience by facilitating communication and fostering a sense of belonging. Recommendations: The study recommends applying the same analytical approach to other novels within diasporic literature to further explore how technology influences diasporic experiences in literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To present a synthesis of evidence related to the factors influencing communication partners' use of augmentative and alternative communication with persons with severe/profound intellectual disability. Materials and Methods: An integrative review guided by five steps; problem identification, literature search, data evaluation, data analysis and presentation was undertaken. In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement, nine databases were searched, 1,342 studies were screened against the eligibility criteria, and 15 studies underwent thematic analysis. Results: Two themes emerged; (1) Achieving Meaningful Communication and (2) Communication Partners' Preparedness to Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Achieving meaningful communication was central to communication partners' use of augmentative and alternative communication and was two-fold. It involved identifying the persons' communication methods and encouraging them to communicate. Communication partners' preparedness also influenced their use of augmentative and alternative communication. This preparedness was impacted by communication partners' preconceived thoughts about and knowledge of augmentative and alternative communication, nurturing their belief in augmentative and alternative communication, and the interpersonal dynamic between network members. Conclusion: Communication partners' use of augmentative and alternative communication is influenced by multiple and complex factors. The findings contribute to the knowledge of the potential factors to be considered to prepare communication partners to use augmentative and alternative communication. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Multiple, complex factors influence communication partners of persons with severe/profound intellectual disability use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), which include communication partners' beliefs, attitudes, expectations, knowledge and resources such as training, support and time. To offer individuals with severe/profound intellectual disability opportunities to communicate, communication partners need to recognise their attempts and thus, their ability. Continuously being sensitive to the individuals' communication methods, whilst being cognisant that these methods can change may enhance communication partners' awareness and understanding of the individuals' communication attempts. Communication partners' need to feel prepared to use AAC. To feel prepared, they need to be aware of the potential benefits that AAC can offer the interaction and the long-term outcomes, develop their knowledge, and be surrounded by a supportive team dynamic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Play is a fundamental human right and one of the most important occupations in children's lives. Fewer opportunities exist for children with physical disabilities (CWPD) to play. This study aimed to conduct a scoping review of published peer-reviewed literature on using AT to enable "play-for-the-sake-of-play" by CWPD. Method: The review was conducted using a widely accepted scoping review methodology. Literature searches were conducted from January 2000 to March 2022 using MEDLINE, Central, CINAHL, ERIC, Scopus, and EMBASE. Pairs of reviewers used an online systematic review system to manage title, abstract, and full-text screening. Excel was used for data extraction and charting. Data was charted based on type of AT, play types according to LUDI definitions, and level of evidence. Results: The search yielded 5250 papers after the removal of duplicates. Title and abstract screening identified 58 studies for full-text screening. The final sample included 31 papers. Seven types of AT were identified in studies: power mobility, virtual reality, robots, adaptations for upper limb differences, switch-adapted games, augmentative and alternative communication devices, and mobility aids. Twenty-three papers addressed cognitive play, seven addressed social play, and one addressed both cognitive and social play. Most studies used case study, descriptive, or repeated measures designs. Conclusion: There is limited evidence regarding the use of AT to support play-for-the-sake-of-play in CWPD. Given the importance of play, further research using rigorous methodologies and the development of assistive technology dedicated to promoting play-for-the-sake-of-play is warranted. IMPLICATION FOR REHABILITATION: There is a need to promote play-for-the-sake-of-play for its intrinsic value rather than only focusing on play for its therapeutic outcomes for children with physical disabilities. Existing studies on technology to support play participation for children with physical disabilities seldom consider a holistic view of play that includes both social and cognitive dimensions. A few studies have included the use of assistive technology to enable play, but the wide variety of technologies used limits the identification of patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edge detection is a challenging low-level vision task. After a long period of development, there are already edge detectors whose edge recognition performance exceeds that of humans. However, there are still three problems in the existing modern deep CNN edge detection methods, which can be summarized as low-level under chaos, high-level over suppression, and inter-layer without interaction. For the first problem, we propose a cascade structure of dilated branches with truncated gradient flow, called the low-level proofreading module. A high-level cognition module is used to excavate the global edge cues to solve the over-suppression problem of high level. Considering the limitations of deep supervision, we create a deep hierarchical supervision strategy to facilitate inter-layer communication. We combine all the components to form our network, Stage Enhancement and Hierarchical Supervision Network. It is from the perspective of the deep edge detector, synthesizing and optimizing the advantages of previous works, and creating a new architecture to accommodate edge detection tasks. Our network outperforms the SOTA algorithms on several metrics. For example, when only using BSDS500 dataset for training, we achieved the F-measure ODS of 0.820, breaking the previous best record of 0.808. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) serves as a compensatory intervention approach for individuals with aphasia and is often introduced by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) after outcomes from restorative approaches plateau. Communication partners (i.e., caregivers) have a pivotal role in ensuring the successful use of AAC by adults with aphasia. Despite there being a large body of research on the use of AAC by adults with aphasia little is known about the experience of caregivers of individuals with aphasia who use AAC in supporting its use. Aims: This study conducted in Malaysia was aimed to (a) explore the practices of Malaysian SLPs when introducing AAC to adults with acquired communication disorders (ACD) including aphasia and (b) describe the experience of caregivers regarding the use of AAC by adults with aphasia under their care. Method & Procedures: This mixed-methods study had two phases. In Phase 1, a survey was distributed to 200 SLPs throughout Malaysia. Thirty-seven SLPs who met the inclusion criteria of having a caseload of more than 80% adults and at least 20% adults with aphasia responded to the survey and provided information about their use of AAC. For Phase 2, eight caregivers of adults with aphasia who had been introduced to AAC were interviewed to obtain information about their experience using AAC. Outcomes & Results: Findings from Phase 1 indicated that Malaysian SLPs most often introduced unaided and low-tech AAC to adults with ACD (including aphasia). Most of them felt that they lacked knowledge and skills in the provision of AAC services to adults and hoped for more training. Three themes emerged from the qualitative content analysis conducted on interview transcripts from Phase 2: (a) the positive impact of the use of AAC, (b) challenges faced when using AAC, and (c) hopes for the future. The findings of this study suggest that both SLPs and caregivers recognize the importance of AAC for adults with ACD including aphasia and need to work together closely to promote inclusion of adults with aphasia who use AAC and acceptance of AAC as a form of aphasia rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication is an emerging technology that facilitates communication among vehicles and numerous environmental entities. However, it encounters certain challenges throughout the handover process. This study analyses the challenges and complexity of managing handover, specifically in maintaining uninterrupted connection and meeting the service criteria outlined in the 3GPP 5G new radio (NR) standard. Various applications of V2X technology that require handover management are explored, such as vehicle safety and traffic management, enhanced driver assistance, and autonomous driving. Furthermore, this paper illuminates the most recent developments in V2X communication, highlighting the significance of efficient handover management, resolving technical issues, based on the full potential of the use of V2X apps that contribute to the establishment of a transportation ecosystem that is characterized by enhanced safety, increased intelligence, and improved connectivity. This paper can be used as a starting point for thinking about how to improve C-V2X communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examines the role of intraorganisational boundary-spanners, as mechanisms of workplace control, through an ethnographic study of a Chinese-run garment factory in Myanmar. The findings demonstrate how these intermediaries, rather than facilitating open communication, exerted a restraining influence on their cross-cultural workplace by identifying, dissolving and suppressing the expression of grievances. Wielding relationship-based informal power and position-based formal power, these intermediaries employed various means of persuasion and communication manipulation and disciplinary measures to contain dissatisfaction and maintain stability, whereby workers were directed to abandon their demands and align their expectations with management interests. Merging the literature on labour and management control with that on boundary-spanning in cross-cultural contexts, this article challenges the view that boundary-spanners enhance communication and promote consensus across boundaries, spotlighting the need to examine their activities in light of the profound influence of power dynamics in organisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Telepractice interventions have been found to alleviate barriers families face when seeking communication interventions. This study is a multiple-baseline single-subject design that measures parent communication opportunities and parent responsiveness to determine if parent training through online modules created for parents of children with communication support needs can be effective for training parents of autistic children with communication support needs. Methods: This study replicates work by utilizing online training used as well as the same variables and definitions. This study expands the original study by providing the children with speech-generating devices (SGDs). SGDs are an assistive technology tool to increase language production and give access to language to minimally verbal autistic people. A central difference between this study and study is that the only training parents received was the online modules and written instructions to set up the SGD. Results: Overall, the POWR modules appear to positively impact the communication opportunities provided by the parent during play and activities, increase child communication, and improve parent proficiency in implementing the POWR strategy. Conclusions: There is a need for a larger single-case study or a randomized control trial to replicate these findings. Additional instruction may be needed for parents of children with autism around responsive interactions. This study adds to innovative ways of providing family-centered training and access to AAC for those with barriers to service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intercellular communication in plants, as in other multicellular organisms, allows cells in tissues to coordinate their responses for development and in response to environmental stimuli. Much of this communication is facilitated by plasmodesmata (PD), consisting of membranes and cytoplasm, that connect adjacent cells to each other. PD have long been viewed as passive conduits for the movement of a variety of metabolites and molecular cargoes, but this perception has been changing over the last two decades or so. Research from the last few years has revealed the importance of PD as signaling hubs and as crucial players in hormone signaling. The adoption of advanced biochemical approaches, molecular tools, and high-resolution imaging modalities has led to several recent breakthroughs in our understanding of the roles of PD, revealing the structural and regulatory complexity of these 'protoplasmic connecting threads'. We highlight several of these findings that we think well illustrate the current understanding of PD as functioning at the nexus of plant physiology, development, and acclimation to the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The human brain is an intricate structure composed of interconnected modular networks, whose organization is known to balance the principles of segregation and integration, enabling rapid information exchange and the generation of coherent brain states. Segregation involves the specialization of brain regions for specific tasks, while integration facilitates communication among these regions, allowing for efficient information flow. Several factors influence this balance, including maturation, aging, and the insurgence of neurological disorders like epilepsy, stroke, or cancer. To gain insights into information processing and connectivity recovery, we devised a controllable in vitro model to mimic and investigate the effects of different segregation and integration ratios over time. Methods: We designed a cross-shaped polymeric mask to initially establish four independent sub-populations of cortical neurons and analyzed how the timing of its removal affected network development. We evaluated the morphological and functional features of the networks from 11 to 18 days in vitro (DIVs) with immunofluorescence techniques and micro-electrode arrays (MEAs). Results: The removal of the mask at different developmental stages of the network lead to strong variations in the degree of intercommunication among the four assemblies (altering the segregation/integration balance), impacting firing and bursting parameters. Early removal (after 5 DIVs) resulted in networks with a level of integration similar to homogeneous controls (without physical constraints). In contrast, late removal (after 15 DIVs) hindered the formation of strong inter-compartment connectivity, leading to more clustered and segregated assemblies. Discussion: A critical balance between segregation and integration was observed when the mask was removed at DIV 10, allowing for the formation of a strong connectivity among the still-separated compartments, thus demonstrating the existence of a time window in network development in which it is possible to achieve a balance between segregation and integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Communication is essential for social organisms. In eusocial insects, olfaction facilitates communication and recognition between nestmates. The study of certain model organisms has led to the hypothesis that odorant receptors are expanded in eusocial Hymenoptera. This has become a widely mentioned idea in the literature, albeit with conflicting reports, and has not been tested with a broad comparative analysis. Here we combined existing genomic and new neuroanatomical data, including from an approximately 100 Myr old fossil ant, across a phylogenetically broad sample of hymenopteran lineages. We find no evidence that variation in the size and evolutionary tempo of odorant receptor repertoires is related to eusociality. Post hoc exploration of our data hinted at loss of flight as a possible factor shaping some of the variation in OR repertoires in Hymenoptera. Nevertheless, our analyses revealed a complex pattern of evolutionary variation, and raise new questions about the ecological, behavioural and social factors that shape olfactory abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The smart grid (SG) is an efficient and reliable framework capable of controlling computers, automation, new technologies, and devices. Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) is a crucial part of the SG, facilitating two-way communication between users and service providers (SPs). Computation, storage, and communication are extremely limited as the AMI's device is typically deployed outdoors and connected to an open network. Therefore, an authentication and key agreement protocol is necessary to ensure the security and confidentiality of communications. Existing research still does not meet the anonymity, perfect forward secrecy, and resource-limited requirements of the SG environment. To address this issue, we advance a lightweight authentication and key agreement scheme based on elliptic curve cryptography (ECC). The security of the proposed protocol is rigorously proven under the random oracle model (ROM), and was verified by a ProVerif tool. Additionally, performance comparisons validate that the proposed protocol provides enhanced security features at the lowest computation and communication costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last two decades (2000–2020), new music activity in Yogyakarta has grown rapidly, due to the emergence of various creative forums/spaces that have accommodated the works of composers. The emergence of the internet and musical technology devices has also increasingly created various styles and forms of work, and has facilitated communication for composers. This article is only an introduction, to record, chronologically and partially, the events and network patterns among new music composers in the last two decades, especially what happened in Yogyakarta, on history and network. I am also directly involved on annual programme called October Meeting Contemporary Music and Musicians (from 2016 until now). In conclusion, it seems that the role and initiative of individuals and collectives has had an important impact on the development of new music in Yogyakarta. The study also produces interesting reflections about audience development, which is a challenge for composers and all other interested parties in Indonesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout their lives, organisms must integrate and maintain stability across complex developmental, morphological, and physiological systems, all while responding to changing internal and external environments. Determining the mechanisms underlying organismal responses to environmental change and development is a major challenge for biology. This is particularly important in the face of the rapidly changing global climate, increasing human populations, and habitat destruction. In January 2024, we organized a symposium to highlight some current efforts to use modeling to understand organismal responses to short- and long-term changes in their internal and external environments. Our goal was to facilitate collaboration and communication between modelers and organismal biologists, which is one of the major aims of the Organismal Systems-type Modeling Research Coordination Network, OSyM. Accompanying this introduction are a series of papers that are aimed to enhance research and education in linking organismal biology and modeling and contribute to building a new community of scientists to tackle important questions using this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Communication with nonspeaking patients is a critical challenge of person-centered care. This scoping review aimed to map the literature on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions for nonspeaking mechanically ventilated and tracheostomy patients in critical and acute care settings. Method: Electronic database, ancestry, and forward citation searches were conducted using eligibility criteria established a priori. Data were extracted, synthesized, and summarized according to scoping review methodology. Studies were categorized by type of intervention and summarized in terms of purpose, participants, design, quality appraisal (including validity and reliability of selected efficacy measures), and efficacy. Results: Small-to-large treatment effect sizes indicated demonstrable impact on patient health and communication efficacy with high-tech and no-tech visual interface-based interventions and systematic nurse training interventions. Treatment effects primarily pertained to dependent variables of patient anxiety, communication satisfaction, comfort, symptom self-reporting, and nursing practice changes. Conclusions: There is a paucity of high-quality AAC intervention research for mechanically ventilated and tracheostomy patients in critical and acute care settings. Emergent evidence suggests that select visual interface and nurse training interventions can impact efficacy of patient-provider communication and patients' overall health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Caregivers play a critical role in their children's development and serve as their primary communication partners. Family interactions provide the most naturally occurring opportunities for children with complex communication needs to learn language in the context of family routines. A growing body of research suggests that caregivers can effectively support their children's use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems when provided with appropriate training and coaching through caregiver-implemented interventions (CIIs). However, the efficacy of these interventions remains untested among culturally and linguistically diverse caregivers. Given the increasing diversity in the United States, there is a pressing need to develop CIIs that align with the cultural and linguistic preferences of diverse families. Method: Using the Ecological Validity Framework and the Checklist for Cultural Adaptations, this tutorial explores considerations for culturally adapting caregiver-implemented AAC interventions for Latinx caregivers of children with AAC needs. The aim is to ensure that interventions are relevant, meaningful, and respectful of cultural and linguistic practices. Through carefully crafted cultural adaptations, interventions can achieve greater acceptance by caregivers. Results and Discussion: This tutorial suggests a series of cultural adaptations to ensure accessibility, sustainability, and success of caregiverimplemented AAC interventions for Latinx caregivers of children with AAC needs. By incorporating cultural and linguistic considerations into the intervention design, we can enhance its acceptability among Latinx caregivers. This, in turn, can lead to improved outcomes in AAC implementation within the home environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SeqCode is a nomenclatural code for naming prokaryotes based on genetic information. With the majority of prokaryotes being inaccessible as pure cultures, they are not eligible for naming under the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. To address this challenge, a new concept that is SeqCode, which assign names to prokaryotes on the basis of genome sequence, has been announced in 2022. The valid publication of names for prokaryotes based on isolated genome, metagenome-assembled genomes, or single-amplified genome sequences. It operates through a registration portal, SeqCode Registry, where metadata is linked to names and nomenclatural types. This code provides a framework for reproducible nomenclature for all prokaryotes, either culturable or not and facilitates communication across all microbiological disciplines. Additionally, the SeqCode includes provisions for updating and revising names as new data becomes available. By providing a standardized system for naming and classifying these microorganisms based on their genetic information, the SeqCode will facilitate the discovery, understanding and comparison of these microorganisms, helping us to understand their role in the environment and how they contribute to the functioning of the Earth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amie Thomasson has argued against descriptivism about modality, which starts from the idea that modal statements serve to track features of the world and that these features explain the truth-values of modal claims. Thomasson objects that descriptivists cannot satisfactorily explain how modal features fit into the naturalistic picture of the world and that they cannot account for our apparent capacity to acquire modal knowledge. On Thomasson's alternative to descriptivism (called 'normativism'), the function of modal claims is to facilitate communication about certain semantic rules. I argue that it is not obvious that the semantic rules that Thomasson takes to be expressed by modal truths really exist. Moreover, I defend a specific version of descriptivism – essentialism – against Thomasson's objections. Essential truths play a central role in the best explanations of many facts about the world. That includes the explanations delivered by our best scientific theories once these theories are correctly interpreted philosophically. In this way, essences earn their keep in a naturalistic view of the world. Furthermore, the abductive methods by which we confirm our explanatory theories also support certain theses about essences. This allows essentialists to explain knowledge of essences and modal knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to quantify the readability and quality of online patient resources on knee osteoarthritis and lumbar spinal stenosis in Japan. Three search engines (Google, Yahoo, and Bing) were searched for the terms knee osteoarthritis and lumbar spinal stenosis. The first 30 websites of each search were screened. Duplicate websites and those unrelated to the searched diseases were excluded. The remaining 125 websites (62 on knee osteoarthritis, 63 on lumbar spinal stenosis) were analyzed. The text readability was assessed using two web-based programs (Obi-3 and Readability Research Lab) and lexical density. Website quality was evaluated using the DISCERN score, Clear Communication Index, and Journal of American Medical Association benchmark criteria. Readability scores were high, indicating that the texts were difficult to understand. Only 24 (19%) and six (5%) websites were classified as average difficulty readability according to Obi-3 and Readability Research Lab, respectively. The overall quality of information was low, with only four (3%) being rated as having sufficient quality based on the Clear Communication Index and Journal of American Medical Association benchmark criteria. None of the websites satisfied the DISCERN quality criteria. Patient information on Japanese websites regarding knee osteoarthritis and lumbar spinal stenosis were difficult to understand. Moreover, the quality of the websites was insufficient. Orthopaedic surgeons should contribute to the creation of high-quality easy-to-read websites to facilitate patient-physician communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In South Africa, many children with extensive support needs—including children who require AAC—are accommodated in care centers rather than the public schooling system. Caregivers employed at these centers need training in order to support children's communication using augmentative and alternative methods. A total of 29 center-based caregivers took part in this study. A single group pretest-posttest design was used to evaluate the effect of a 5-day training workshop on caregivers' ability to demonstrate and implement five AAC strategies. The effect of the workshop on caregivers' perceptions of their own skills as well as the social validity of the training were also evaluated. Results suggest that the workshop effectively taught caregivers to demonstrate the skills in a simulated roleplay situation. A proportion of caregivers also supplied video footage after the workshop that suggests the ability to implement the strategies in the care center contexts. Caregivers also perceived their own skills to have improved post workshop, and evaluated the training positively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effects of an intervention package using high-tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) with Naturalistic Instruction (NI), time delay, and prompting during social routines for preschoolers on the autism spectrum. The AAC was a communication application on a tablet programmed with color photo representations of participants and communication partners engaged in social routines. The primary dependent measure was a linguistic communication turn on the AAC device completing the instructor's cloze phrase related to the routine. A secondary dependent measure was prelinguistic communication –nonspecific vocalizations and smiling – within each turn of the routine. Results indicated that all communication types increased and maintained for all three participants with two participants meeting mastery criteria within the minimal number of sessions. These results are significant in providing additional evidence for the effectiveness of AAC intervention beyond teaching simple object requests and in teaching more socially meaningful communication to children on the autism spectrum. Additionally, this study supports the use of color photo representations to promote social interaction. Future research should continue to evaluate such interventions on a larger scale and include naturally occurring communication partners, such as siblings and peers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals with multiple disabilities are among the most challenging to serve and AAC teams often lack direction in determining effective interventions. The purpose of this scoping review was to summarize the research evidence on AAC interventions for individuals with complex communication needs and simultaneous motor, and visual impairments as part of their multiple disabilities; to consider implications for practice; and to determine gaps and directions for future research. A total of 27 studies were identified and reviewed, involving 55 unique participants with multiple disabilities. Most studies focused on direct intervention to increase requesting or choice-making, with little focus on social communication. Only two studies focused on training communication partners. Results indicated that AAC interventions can be highly effective to increase communication for individuals with multiple disabilities. However, there is an urgent need for increased rigor and more detailed participant information in future AAC intervention research with this population. Future research should investigate AAC intervention to improve social communication and increase language development, not just expression of needs and wants. Future research should focus on the needs of individuals with multiple disabilities from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and on implementation of AAC within natural environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eye tracking research technologies are often used to study how individuals attend visually to different types of AAC displays (e.g. visual scene displays, grid displays). The assumption is that efficiency of visual search may relate to efficiency of motor selection necessary for communication via aided AAC; however, this assumption has not received direct empirical study. We examined the relation between speed of visual search and speed of motor selection of symbols. Ten individuals on the autism spectrum (AS; Study 1) and nine with Down syndrome (DS; Study 2) participated in a search task using simulated AAC displays with a main visual scene display (VSD) and a navigation bar of thumbnail VSDs. Participants were given an auditory prompt to find one of four thumbnail VSDs in the navigation bar. Eye tracking technologies measured how long it took participants to fixate visually on the thumbnail VSD, and recorded how long it took participants to select the thumbnail VSD with a finger. A statistically significant relationship emerged between visual fixation and selection latencies, confirming the positive relationship between visual processing and motor selection for both groups of participants. Eye tracking data may serve as a useful proxy measure for evaluating how display design influences selection of AAC symbols, especially when individuals are unwilling or unable to comply with traditional behaviorally-based assessment tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is currently limited research related to mental health supports for individuals who use AAC, particularly about the actual lived experiences of AAC users who receive mental health services. There may be alterations to mental health services for individuals who use AAC. The aim of this study was to gain the perspectives of AAC users on accessing and receiving mental health services. Three participants who used AAC and received mental health services shared their experiences related to receiving mental health services. Data were analyzed using an inductive approach in which themes were based on participants' experiences. Five major themes were generated: (a) Time, (b) Communication Partner Skills, (c) Advocacy, (d) Means of Expression, and (e) Diagnosis. Participants described factors that positively or negatively impacted their experiences. Participant experiences were examined in light of Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems model. The findings of this study provide insights into the perspectives of individuals who use AAC in accessing mental health services, uncovering various barriers and facilitators within the patient–psychotherapist microsystem. Factors such as time constraints, communication partner skills, advocacy, means of expression, and diagnosis-related challenges significantly influenced the quality of interaction between patients using AAC and their mental health provider. The study also reveals the broader impacts of AAC on interactions within the meso-, exo-, and macro-systems, suggesting the need for improved involvement of speech-language pathologists and policy changes to support effective communication and accessibility for individuals using AAC in mental health settings. Ultimately, future research should involve participants of varying ages, diagnoses, and backgrounds and should include a variety of stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Participation is a fundamental human right, and being able to communicate is an essential component of participation in various life situations, such as at school, with peers, and in the community. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions aim to facilitate communication and social interaction, independence, and participation in all aspects of life. The purpose of this study was to summarize and map the AAC intervention outcomes for children with complex communication needs onto the Family of Participation-Related Constructs (fPRC) framework. The scoping review identified 270 studies for inclusion, and the data gathered was extracted and mapped onto the fPRC framework. The results indicate that although many studies have reported on participation-related constructs such as activity competence and context, there is still insufficient focus on attendance and involvement, sense of self, and environment constructs. Hence, future research in the field of AAC is needed on the various constructs of participation proposed by the fPRC framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With recent data reporting approximately 40–50% of Deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) individuals as having a diability, complex communication needs are not uncommon within this population and can present unique communicative challenges. Implementing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems can provide this population with an effective means of communication, assist them in developing specific language skills, and support them in effectively accessing their social environment. The purpose of this scoping review was to (a) identify the facilitators and barriers to AAC provision for this group of individuals, (b) discuss observable trends throughout studies, and (c) highlight areas for further research in AAC for this group of learners. This review compiles the results from seven studies within the last 10 years and focuses on the facilitators and barriers when implementing AAC systems for DHH individuals with a disability (DWD) and complex communication needs. The facilitators and barriers are categorised as interpersonal, intervention and assessment related. The trends that were identified included (a) the overall success of AAC, (b) the prevalence of speech-generating devices (SGD) use, (c) the lack of communication within interdisciplinary teams, (d) the lack of DHH-specific research, and (e) the lack of standardised methods for AAC selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart grid represents an advanced and interconnected system that incorporates modern technologies to enhance efficiency, reliability and sustainability. In comparison to the conventional grid, the smart grid (SG) uses many cutting-edge technologies. This research introduces a fog computing encryption-based model for privacy preservation in the smart grid model. By using different advanced technologies, our model addresses the balance between privacy, security, effectiveness and functionality. The model facilitates efficient communication and function inquiry while mitigating challenges posed by massive Internet of Things (IoT) systems in the smart grid environment. Specifically, it tackles the secure data consolidation challenge by employing encryption-based techniques for transmitting private data from smart meters to fog devices. These devices consolidate the data before updating to cloud. Conventional data consolidation approaches for SGs have high computation and communication costs and suffer from high storage requirement. The proposed model resolves these issues; algorithms for data consolidation and extraction of data at fog device and cloud respectively to obtain the secure communication has also been included. The performance of the developed mechanism has been computed against existing data consolidation mechanisms GCEDA (Grouping of Clusters for Efficient Data Aggregation), SPPDA (Secure Privacy-Preserving Data Aggregation) and LPDA (Lightweight Privacy-preserving Data Aggregation) for numerous performance parameters. And the results proves that the performance of developed mechanism with respect to bytes of storage, communication cost and ratio of transmission is better than the existing ones. [Display omitted] • Encryption-based data consolidation strategy for 5G in fog computing is presented. • Data consolidation and data extraction algorithm at fog devices and cloud servers. • A comparative analysis based on storage, communication and transmission cost is done. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a comprehensive guide on teaching nonvisual labels to children with disabilities. It emphasizes the importance of determining the child's preferences and collecting baseline data to assess their current level of performance. The training process involves presenting stimuli, asking the child to label them, and providing reinforcement. The article also discusses the need for generalization across stimuli, settings, and people, as well as teaching in the natural environment. It highlights the importance of adapting the teaching methods for children with multiple disabilities and using data-based decision-making to track progress and make necessary adjustments. [Extracted from the article]

The use of mechanistic population models as research and decision‐support tools in ecology and ecological risk assessment (ERA) is increasing. This growth has been facilitated by advances in technology, allowing the simulation of more complex systems, as well as by standardized approaches for model development, documentation, and evaluation. Mechanistic population models are particularly useful for simulating complex systems, but the required model complexity can make them challenging to communicate. Conceptual diagrams that summarize key model elements, as well as elements that were considered but not included, can facilitate communication and understanding of models and increase their acceptance as decision‐support tools. Currently, however, there are no consistent standards for creating or presenting conceptual model diagrams (CMDs), and both terminology and content vary widely. Here, we argue that greater consistency in CMD development and presentation is an important component of good modeling practice, and we provide recommendations, examples, and a free web app (pop-cmd.com) for achieving this for population models used for decision support in ERAs. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1566–1574. © 2023 SETAC Key Points: Population models can be valuable tools for ecological risk assessment (ERA), and their use is growing together with improvements in modeling guidance.Communicating key features of complex population models to different stakeholders can be challenging.Standardization of conceptual model diagrams (CMDs) can facilitate model communication, evaluation, and acceptance.We propose a standard template and free web app for creating CMDs for population models used to support ERAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The emerging and promising paradigm of the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) employ vehicle-to-everything communication for facilitating vehicles to not only communicate with one another but also with the supporting roadside infrastructure, vulnerable pedestrians, and the backbone network in a bid to primarily address a number of safety-critical vehicular applications. Nevertheless, owing to the inherent characteristics of IoV networks, in particular, of being (a) highly dynamic in nature and which results in a continual change in the network topology and (b) non-deterministic owing to the intricate nature of its entities and their interrelationships, they are susceptible to a number of malicious attacks. Such kinds of attacks, if and when materialized, jeopardizes the entire IoV network, thereby putting human lives at risk. Whilst the cryptographic-based mechanisms are capable of mitigating the external attacks, the internal attacks are extremely hard to tackle. Trust, therefore, is an indispensable tool since it facilitates in the timely identification and eradication of malicious entities responsible for launching internal attacks in an IoV network. To date, there is no dataset pertinent to trust management in the context of IoV networks and the same has proven to be a bottleneck for conducting an in-depth research in this domain. The manuscript-at-hand, accordingly, presents a first of its kind trust-based IoV dataset encompassing 96,707 interactions amongst 79 vehicles at different time instances. The dataset involves nine salient trust parameters, i.e., packet delivery ratio, similarity, external similarity, internal similarity, familiarity, external familiarity, internal familiarity, reward/punishment, and context, which play a considerable role in ascertaining the trust of a vehicle within an IoV network. Dataset:  https://github.com/wangyingxun/IoV. Dataset License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this review was to assess the effectiveness of tablet-based speech-generating devices (SGDs) in improving communication skills for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A total of 31 single-case design intervention studies involving 84 individuals with ASD were reviewed and included in the analysis. We calculated Tau-U to evaluate the impact of interventions involving tablet-based SGDs on four different communication responses: specifically, mands, intraverbals, tacts, and vocalizations. To explore potential moderating variables for mand outcomes, we used the Kruskal–Wallis one-way test. The analysis revealed that interventions utilizing tablet-based SGDs led to improvements in communication responses. Specifically, large to very large changes were observed in mand and intraverbal responses, whereas moderate changes were noted in tact responses and vocalizations. The findings of this review underscore the potential of tablet-based SGDs in enhancing communication among individuals with ASD. We discuss the findings and provide implications for future research and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite evidence for the usefulness of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for young children with complex communication needs (CCN), several barriers prevent children from accessing AAC intervention. This qualitative study is focused on understanding the lived experiences of parents accessing and learning how to use speech-generating devices with their young children (3-6 years) with CCN. Findings generate insight into the similarities and differences across families' experiences through several categories and themes: (a) foundational perspectives (determination and resilience; finding balance); (b) experiences getting access to an AAC device (initiating access; navigating barriers); (c) experiences using an AAC device (learning and navigating challenges; supporting their child's communication at home and in the community; seeing progress); and (d) surrounding factors (family structure, informal supports, and demands; access to services and professional supports; the COVID-19 pandemic). Implications for practice and policy are discussed related to how to improve AAC access and intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The left–right scale is widely assumed to be a common space, a joint yardstick that facilitates political communication. Aggregate voter perceptions of party positions on the left–right scale are widely used by scholars, a.o. to test models of voting behaviour, assess voter-elite congruence, or study party system change. Remarkably, while these models hinge on the longstanding assumption that voters have a joint understanding of the ordering of political parties on the left–right scale, this assumption has not been put to a systematic test. This paper introduces formal and a probabilistic tests of the formal demands of a common space: individual transitivity and collective transitivity. Cross-national analyses of election survey data (36 countries in the CSES) and longitudinal analyses in Germany (1983–2021), Great Britain (1997–2019), and the Netherlands (1981–2021) test whether the left–right dimension meets these demands. The outcomes are sobering. They cast serious doubt on the interpretation of the left–right scale as a common scale among voters, except under specific circumstances. We discuss the far-reaching implications of these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Error-related potentials (ErrPs) have attracted attention in part because of their practical potential for building brain-computer interface (BCI) paradigms. BCIs, facilitating direct communication between the brain and machines, hold great promise for brain-AI interaction. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of ErrPs is crucial to ensure reliable BCI outcomes. In this study, we investigated ErrPs in the context of the “guess what I am thinking” paradigm. 23 healthy participants were instructed to imagine an object from a predetermined set, while an algorithm randomly selected another object that was either the same as or different from the imagined object. We recorded and analyzed the participants’ EEG activity to capture their mental responses to the algorithm’s “predictions”. The study identified components distinguishing correct from incorrect responses. It discusses their nature and how they differ from ErrPs extensively studied in other BCI paradigms. We observed pronounced variations in the shape of ErrPs across different stimulus sets, underscoring the significant influence of visual stimulus appearance on ErrP peaks. These findings have implications for designing effective BCI systems, especially considering the less conventional BCI paradigm employed. They emphasize the necessity of accounting for stimulus factors in BCI development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synchronous neural oscillations are strongly associated with a variety of perceptual, cognitive, and behavioural processes. It has been proposed that the role of the synchronous oscillations in these processes is to facilitate information transmission between brain areas, the 'communication through coherence,' or CTC hypothesis. The details of how this mechanism would work, however, and its causal status, are still unclear. Here we investigate computationally a proposed mechanism for selective attention that directly implicates the CTC as causal. The mechanism involves alpha band (about 10 Hz) oscillations, originating in the pulvinar nucleus of the thalamus, being sent to communicating cortical areas, organizing gamma (about 40 Hz) oscillations there, and thus facilitating phase coherence and communication between them. This is proposed to happen contingent on control signals sent from higher-level cortical areas to the thalamic reticular nucleus, which controls the alpha oscillations sent to cortex by the pulvinar. We studied the scope of this mechanism in parameter space, and limitations implied by this scope, using a computational implementation of our conceptual model. Our results indicate that, although the CTC-based mechanism can account for some effects of top-down and bottom-up attentional selection, its limitations indicate that an alternative mechanism, in which oscillatory coherence is caused by communication between brain areas rather than being a causal factor for it, might operate in addition to, or even instead of, the CTC mechanism. Author summary: The ability to select some stimulus or stimulus location from all of those available to our senses is critical to our ability to navigate our complex biological and social niche, and to organize appropriate actions to accomplish our goals, namely to survive and to reproduce. We study here a possible mechanism by which the brain could accomplish attentional selection. We show that the interaction between 10 Hz and 40 Hz neural oscillations can provide increases in coherence and information transmission between computationally modelled cortical areas. Our results support the idea that synchronization between oscillations facilitates communication between cortical areas. Limitations and sensitivities to the model, however, also point to the idea that the relation between coherence and communication could go in the opposite direction in some cases, particularly when selective attention is not involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]