Predictive Composition of Pictogram Messages for Users with Autism.

Communication is a basic need for every person. However, there are many people who present disabilities that prevent communication through natural language. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, including those based on pictograms, attempt to facilitate the communication for people with this kind of difficulties. In this paper we present PictoEditor, an augmentative and alternative communication application for the composition of pictogram messages for users with autism that incorporates prediction functionalities. Although such functionalities have been widely studied in text-based augmentative and alternative communication tools, they have not been applied to pictogram based ones. The results show that prediction based on frequency of use of specific pictograms improves the immediate availability of the desired pictograms, but the improvement with prediction based on sequencing of pseudo-syntactic types of pictogram is not as clear.pre-print4500 K

Method of creating vernacular houses pictograms based on “climate – form” impact and relationship: houses’ pictograms; Part 1

The purpose of this paper is to present a method of creation of a pictogram system describing architectural form components of vernacular houses; those components acquire their form due to influences imposed by a particular climatic context. Many books and articles have been written on the topic but they suffer from one of the following disadvantages regarding the current goal: they are too comprehensive and specific or they are oriented towards particular philosophical or cultural thinking. The pictograms proposed in this research are on the other hand based on a global approach of many views of a specific problem such as form, scale, enveloping, openings and others. The research method is based on the existing literature, important guidelines for creating pictograms in general, and a unique investigation of 87 vernacular houses. A template for the extracted data about their form, function, structure, composition and technology is used for this investigation. Following established methods, it is proposed to use (and respectively exclude) some of the climate influences which may or may not be relevant to certain house’s features. A set of pictogram rules has been created and based on them ten houses’ pictograms from different climate zones and different continents were created as a test. The pictogram method of studying vernacular houses provides an important global overview of the most essential house members generated in reaction to the climate. It allows for rough estimation and partial comparison in order to spread an indispensable foundation for future deeper research. This research will ultimately lead to the creation of a world map of vernacular houses’ pictograms as an electronic source, which is further explored in part 2 of this study

Magnetic field distribution and characteristic fields of the vortex lattice for a clean superconducting niobium sample in an external field applied along a three-fold axis

The field distribution in the vortex lattice of a pure niobium single crystal with an external field applied along a three-fold axis has been investigated by the transverse-field muon-spin-rotation (TF-$\mu$SR) technique over a wide range of temperatures and fields. The experimental data have been analyzed with the Delrieu's solution for the form factor supplemented by phenomenological formulas for the parameters. This has enabled us to experimentally establish the temperatures and fields for the Delrieu's, Ginzburg-Landau's, and Klein's regions of the vortex lattice. Using the numerical solution of the quasiclassical Eilenberger's equation the experimental results have been reasonably understood. They should apply to all clean BCS superconductors. The analytical Delrieu's model supplemented by phenomenological formulas for its parameters is found to be reliable for analyzing TF-$\mu$SR experimental data for a substantial part of the mixed phase. The Abrikosov's limit is contained in it.Comment: 12 pages, 15 figure

Literature review of visual representation of the results of benefit–risk assessments of medicinal products

Background The PROTECT Benefit–Risk group is dedicated to research in methods for continuous benefit–risk monitoring of medicines, including the presentation of the results, with a particular emphasis on graphical methods. Methods A comprehensive review was performed to identify visuals used for medical risk and benefit–risk communication. The identified visual displays were grouped into visual types, and each visual type was appraised based on five criteria: intended audience, intended message, knowledge required to understand the visual, unintentional messages that may be derived from the visual and missing information that may be needed to understand the visual. Results Sixty-six examples of visual formats were identified from the literature and classified into 14 visual types. We found that there is not one single visual format that is consistently superior to others for the communication of benefit–risk information. In addition, we found that most of the drawbacks found in the visual formats could be considered general to visual communication, although some appear more relevant to specific formats and should be considered when creating visuals for different audiences depending on the exact message to be communicated. Conclusion We have arrived at recommendations for the use of visual displays for benefit–risk communication. The recommendation refers to the creation of visuals. We outline four criteria to determine audience–visual compatibility and consider these to be a key task in creating any visual. Next we propose specific visual formats of interest, to be explored further for their ability to address nine different types of benefit–risk analysis information

Method of creating vernacular houses pictograms based on “climate – form” impact and relationship: houses’ pictograms; Part 1

The purpose of this paper is to present a method of creation of a pictogram system describing architectural form components of vernacular houses; those components acquire their form due to influences imposed by a particular climatic context. Many books and articles have been written on the topic but they suffer from one of the following disadvantages regarding the current goal: they are too comprehensive and specific or they are oriented towards particular philosophical or cultural thinking. The pictograms proposed in this research are on the other hand based on a global approach of many views of a specific problem such as form, scale, enveloping, openings and others. The research method is based on the existing literature, important guidelines for creating pictograms in general, and a unique investigation of 87 vernacular houses. A template for the extracted data about their form, function, structure, composition and technology is used for this investigation. Following established methods, it is proposed to use (and respectively exclude) some of the climate influences which may or may not be relevant to certain house’s features. A set of pictogram rules has been created and based on them ten houses’ pictograms from different climate zones and different continents were created as a test. The pictogram method of studying vernacular houses provides an important global overview of the most essential house members generated in reaction to the climate. It allows for rough estimation and partial comparison in order to spread an indispensable foundation for future deeper research. This research will ultimately lead to the creation of a world map of vernacular houses’ pictograms as an electronic source, which is further explored in part 2 of this study

Final MA Portfolio

This portfolio is a compilation of graduate research and writing completed as the capstone project for the Master of Arts in English degree with a specialization in professional writing and rhetoric. The first selection is a research paper that reviews how embellishments in graphical representations and infographics affect viewer perception. The second research paper is a content analysis that explores the extent to which visual metaphors are used in ISO public information graphical symbols. The third research paper explores how to create effective video software tutorials and reorganizes existing guidelines into eighteen distinct guidelines in three major categories: accessibility, cognitive design, and affective design. The final selection is a teaching guide geared toward an introductory undergraduate technical writing course

Multi-Sensory Interaction for Blind and Visually Impaired People

This book conveyed the visual elements of artwork to the visually impaired through various sensory elements to open a new perspective for appreciating visual artwork. In addition, the technique of expressing a color code by integrating patterns, temperatures, scents, music, and vibrations was explored, and future research topics were presented. A holistic experience using multi-sensory interaction acquired by people with visual impairment was provided to convey the meaning and contents of the work through rich multi-sensory appreciation. A method that allows people with visual impairments to engage in artwork using a variety of senses, including touch, temperature, tactile pattern, and sound, helps them to appreciate artwork at a deeper level than can be achieved with hearing or touch alone. The development of such art appreciation aids for the visually impaired will ultimately improve their cultural enjoyment and strengthen their access to culture and the arts. The development of this new concept aids ultimately expands opportunities for the non-visually impaired as well as the visually impaired to enjoy works of art and breaks down the boundaries between the disabled and the non-disabled in the field of culture and arts through continuous efforts to enhance accessibility. In addition, the developed multi-sensory expression and delivery tool can be used as an educational tool to increase product and artwork accessibility and usability through multi-modal interaction. Training the multi-sensory experiences introduced in this book may lead to more vivid visual imageries or seeing with the mind’s eye