Developing Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems in Languages Other Than English: A Scoping Review

Introduction: Access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems in languages other than English and multilingual AAC systems remains limited for many people with complex communication needs, despite a growing interest in this field, and an acknowledged need for culturally responsive AAC practice. Purpose: The purpose of this scoping review was to identify published research that has reported on the development of components or whole AAC systems in languages other than English, and the linguistic and cultural factors that influenced research methods and AAC system development. Method: Nine databases were systematically searched for published research that presented development of components or whole AAC systems in languages other than English. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess the quality of studies. Charted data from studies included journal and publication date, research team, language of AAC system, aims of the study, study methodologies, study participants, and type of AAC systems developed. An analytical framework was developed to identify the cultural and linguistic factors that influenced research methods and or AAC system outcomes. Results: A total of 22 studies were included (13 qualitative, one quantitative nonrandomized, six quantitative descriptive, and two mixed-methods studies). Overall quality of studies was high. Some qualitative studies were of lower quality due to limited analysis or interpretation of results. Linguistic factors were extensively reported in the existing literature, whereas cultural factors were rarely explicitly reported. Conclusion: Factors contributing to lack of reporting of cultural considerations are posited with suggestions for future research

조선시대 미라 시료에서 추출한 선충류 및 흡충류 DNA에 대한 고병리학적 연구

학위논문(박사)--서울대학교 대학원 :의과대학 의학과,2019. 8. 신동훈.Introduction: Over the past several decades, ancient DNA (aDNA) study has been a significant area of interest in the fields of archeology, anthropology, and medicine. However, the number of aDNA cases reported so far has not been sufficient for obtainment of detailed information on parasites genetics. By paleoparasitological investigations in South Korea, I have collected a number of pre-modern Korean-mummy feces and tissue specimens containing parasite eggs. Utilizing those ancient specimens and their remnant eggs, I tried to analyze multiple DNA regions of A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura, P. westermani, C. sinensis, and M. yokogawai aDNA. Methods: The samples utilized in this study were obtained from 15th to 18th century Joseon Dynasty mummies. Prior to the aDNA analyses, microscopic examination confirmed the presence of parasite eggs in each specimen. aDNAs from the parasite eggs were isolated and sequenced for multiple DNA regions. By BLAST search, I retrieved similar sequences at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), and then inferred the phylogenetic relationships among the taxa by the Maximum Likelihood (ML) method. Results and Discussion: By agarose gel electrophoresis, the amplified products were detected in multiple DNA regions of five parasite species. Using the aligned clone sequences, consensus sequences were determined. The Ascaris and Trichuris sequences of the mummy specimens were highly similar to the sequences in GenBank thus far. The P. westermani CO1 and ITS2 sequences obtained from the Korean mummies showed genetic distinction from the other species of genus Paragonimus. Next, I showed that ITS1, NAD2, and NAD5 could be good markers for molecular diagnosis of C. sinensis. Finally, the M. yokogawai aDNA (CO1) sequence was distinctly clustered relative to those of M. takahashii and M. miyatai. I found that each parasite DNA sequence belonged to separate clusters that were evidently distinct from those of the other parasite species reported to date. Conclusion: In this study, I successfully analyzed the aDNA sequences of five different parasite species. Considering that there have been very few or no reports on parasite aDNA so far, the current study could expand the existing gene pool of parasite paleogenetics. Even so, I also admit that aDNA investigations of much wider geo-historical scope are still required in order to uncover the exact evolutionary histories of these parasites.서론: 최근 분자생물학 연구의 발전은 옛 고대 전염병에 관한 연구에서 중요한 성과를 이루었지만 아직 옛 기생충 영역에서는 성과가 미흡하다. 지난 수년간 우리나라 고기생충학 연구를 통해 기생충란의 존재를 형태학적으로 확인한 옛 시료를 수습할 수 있었는데 이 연구에서는 기왕에 수집한 시료를 이용하여 회충, 편충, 폐흡충, 간흡충, 요코가와흡충 등 다양한 옛 DNA를 분석하고자 하였다. 연구 대상 및 방법: 15-18세기 조선시대 미라에서 수집한 장내 분변 혹은 조직 샘플을 연구에 이용하였다. 수집한 시료는 유전체 분석 전 현미경 검경을 통하여 각 시료 내 기생충란의 존재를 확인하였으며 고DNA를 추출한 다음 PCR로 증폭하여 서열을 확인하였다. 기존에 GenBank에 보고된 해당 기생충 서열과 유사도를 검색하는 한편, 이 서열에 대한 계통분석을 Maximum likelihood 법을 이용하여 실시하였다. 결과 및 고찰: 전기영동을 통해 조선시대 시료에서 추출한 회충, 편충, 폐흡충, 간흡충, 요코가와 흡충 등 DNA 증폭결과를 확인하였다. 회충 및 편충 DNA는 다른 기생충 DNA와 명확하게 구분되었으며 폐흡충 옛 DNA는 계통분석을 통해 지역에 따라 크게 세 그룹으로 나뉜다는 사실을 확인하였다. 간흡충 분석 결과 ITS1, NAD2, NAD5영역이 유전적 진단에 적합하다는 사실을 확인하였으며 요코가와흡충의 경우 CO1 영역에 대한 분석으로 해당 기생충을 분자생물학적으로 명확히 진단할 수 있다는 사실을 밝혔다. 이와 같은 연구를 통해 20세기 이전 동아시아 기생충의 유전적 특징을 밝히는 한편, 형태학적 특징만으로 진단이 어려운 고기생충란 연구에서 유전적 진단이 유용하게 쓰일 수 있다는 사실을 증명하였다. 결론: 이 연구에서는 우리나라 조선시대 미라에서 수집한 시료를 이용하여 회충, 편충, 폐흡충, 간흡충, 요코가와 흡충 고DNA 서열을 성공적으로 분석했다. 지금까지 기생충 옛 DNA에 대한 사례가 체계적으로 거의 분석되지 않았다는 점을 고려하면 이번 연구를 통해 획득한 기생충 서열 보고는 기존 고기생충학 유전자 풀을 확대하고 기생충의 정확한 진화사에 관한 정보를 얻는 데 있어 매우 중요한 자료가 될 수 있다.Introduction Chapter 1. Ascaris DNA sequences of cytochrome b, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1, NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1, and internal transcribed spacer 1 DNA regions from Korean Joseon Mummy Feces Chapter 2. Genetic analysis of small subunit ribosomal RNA, internal transcribe spacer 2 and ATP synthase subunit 8 of Trichuris trichiura ancient DNA retrieved from the 15th to 18th century Joseon Dynasty mummies coprolites mummies Chapter 3. DNA analysis of CO1 and ITS2 regions using Paragonimus westermani eggs remained in the ancient coprolites from Joseon Dynasty mummies Chapter 4. Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1, internal transcribed spacer 1, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen dehydrogenase subunits 2 and 5 of Clonorchis sinensis ancient DNA retrieved from Joseon Dynasty mummy specimens Chapter 5. Metagonimus yokogawai ancient DNA recovered from the 16th to 17th century Korean mummy feces of Joseon Dynasty Conclusion Bibliography Abstract in KoreanDocto

MSU Update, 2000

MSU Update Newsletters for 2000

Preliminary Study of Validating Vocabulary Selection and Organization of A Manual Communication Board in Malay.

An integral component of a language-based augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system is providing vocabulary typical of fluent native language speakers. In the absence of reliable and valid research on Malay vocabulary for AAC, this descriptive study explored the validation process of vocabulary selection and organization for a 144-location manual communication board. An hour of aided language samples (talking while pointing to a prototype display) followed by self-administered surveys were gathered from four typical native Malay speakers (n=4), aged between 22 to 36 years at the University of Pittsburgh. Vocabulary frequency analysis, word commonality, and overall perceptions and feedback on the prototype display were compiled and analyzed. A total of 1112 word tokens and 454 word types were analyzed to support preliminary validation of the selected vocabulary and word organization of the prototype. Approximately 40% of the words on the display were used during the interview and the top 20 words were reported. Findings also suggest the importance of morphology and syntax considerations at early design stages. The positive overall perception of the display including vocabulary selection, the cultural and ethnicity appropriateness, and suggestions for system improvement were confirmed by the usability survey. Minimal rearrangement of the icon display needs to be performed to improve the usability of the system. Thus, the study findings support the early Malay manual communication board for AAC intervention. However, the limitation of the sample size and additional research is required to support a final display that optimizes vocabulary and morphosyntactic organization of a manual communication board in Malay

Prevalence and Demographics of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Users Birth-21: A Survey of Speech-Language Pathologists Serving Learners with Complex Communication Needs (CCN)

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) encompasses a wide range of tools, technologies, and intervention techniques that aim to foster and advance communication competence in individuals with complex communication needs (CCN). The individuals who utilize AAC span a range of ages, diagnoses, and cultures—but little data exists regarding prevalence of AAC use and the true nature of the population’s heterogeneity. The purposes of this study were 1. to describe and analyze the population of pediatric AAC users (birth-21) in Missouri and 2. to evaluate the preparation speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have had to serve these learners. To gather this information, a survey was developed and disseminated to SLPs who were members of the Missouri Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The survey response rate was 4%. Results indicated that approximately 10% of children ages birth-21 on Missouri SLPs’ caseloads used AAC. Reported AAC users were diverse in geographic area, disability type, and racial and ethnic identity. SLPs working with these children had a range of pre-service experiences. There was no statistically significant correlation between any type of professional preparation SLPs received and their comfort providing AAC services. Despite their level of professional preparation, all SLPs indicated areas related to AAC in which they sought more knowledge and experience. More effort must be made to ensure inclusion and quality of AAC courses in professional preparation programs, to better monitor the demographic profile of the population of Missouri children who use AAC, and to advance legislation that supports the needs of this population

Teaching and learning in virtual worlds: is it worth the effort?

Educators have been quick to spot the enormous potential afforded by virtual worlds for situated and authentic learning, practising tasks with potentially serious consequences in the real world and for bringing geographically dispersed faculty and students together in the same space (Gee, 2007; Johnson and Levine, 2008). Though this potential has largely been realised, it generally isn’t without cost in terms of lack of institutional buy-in, steep learning curves for all participants, and lack of a sound theoretical framework to support learning activities (Campbell, 2009; Cheal, 2007; Kluge & Riley, 2008). This symposium will explore the affordances and issues associated with teaching and learning in virtual worlds, all the time considering the question: is it worth the effort

Transforming pre-service teacher curriculum: observation through a TPACK lens

This paper will discuss an international online collaborative learning experience through the lens of the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework. The teacher knowledge required to effectively provide transformative learning experiences for 21st century learners in a digital world is complex, situated and changing. The discussion looks beyond the opportunity for knowledge development of content, pedagogy and technology as components of TPACK towards the interaction between those three components. Implications for practice are also discussed. In today’s technology infused classrooms it is within the realms of teacher educators, practising teaching and pre-service teachers explore and address effective practices using technology to enhance learning

Speech-Language Pathologists\u27 Practices and Attitudes Toward App Use in Therapy

Numerous national surveys have established that Americans of all ages are using mobile technologies (e.g. cell phones, smartphones, and tablets) more than ever before (Pew Research Center, 2018; American Academy of Pediatrics, 2016a; American Academy of Pediatrics, 2016b; Reid-Chassiakos et al., 2016; Tsetsi & Rains, 2016; Kabali et al., 2015). In the same vein, Morris, Jones, and Sweatman (2016) found that Americans with visual, hearing, motor, learning, and speech disabilities area also engaging with apps on smartphone and tablet technologies for vocational, educational, and social purposes. Developers of the iOS and Android operating systems have prioritized user-friendly design and accessibility features to improve access of mobile technologies to the greatest number of users (“Android Accessibility Help,” 2017; Apple, 2017). Rehabilitation professionals are interested in changing or modifying behaviors to help their clients meet therapy goals and access high quality of life outcomes. Multiple resources have supported that people form new behaviors and habits related to use of their smartphones (Peters, 2009; Wood & Neal, 2008; Oulasvirta, Rattenbury, Ma, & Raita, 2012); therefore, smartphone apps could possibly assist rehabilitation professionals when providing treatment to people with disabilities. Other survey-based studies of Occupational Therapists (OTs) (Kyaio, 2015) and Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) (Zajc, Istenic-Starcic, Lebenicnik, & Gacnik, 2018) have confirmed that app-based interventions and therapy tools have already infiltrated the field of rehabilitation (Peters, 2009; Wood & Neal, 2008; Oulasvirta et al., 2012), despite the lack of evidence establishing the efficacy of many app-based interventions (Newmann, 2017; Papadakis, Kalogiannakis, & Zaranis, 2017b; Schoen-Simmons, Paul, & Shic, 2016; Erickson, 2015; Stone-MacDonald, 2014). Collectively, these studies highlight the urgency of integrating evidence-based practice (EBP) into an SLP’s service delivery decisions related to app use, especially now that apps and mobile technologies are being developed and available for purchase by the public at unprecedented rates. The purpose of this study was to survey practicing, certified SLPs in the U.S.A. to examine current attitudes and opinions toward the use of apps for purposes related to speech-language therapy. This survey was conducted utilizing the Qualtrics survey platform to maximize data security, access data, and perform data analysis. The web-based survey consisted of 48 questions which were designed to (1) examine common trends in demographic features of SLPs who use apps in therapy, (2) examine the purposes for which apps were used and which skills SLPs targeted when using apps in therapy, (3) examine the variety of barriers which SLPs may face when using apps or mobile technologies in therapy, and (4) examine the factors which SLPs consider when purchasing apps. There were 228 SLPs who participated in the study. All had their certificate of clinical competence (CCC-SLP) or were currently in their clinical fellowship year (CFY-SLP) and practiced in the United States of America. Results of the study indicate that therapists of varying demographic features who see patients across pediatric and adult settings are using apps to target therapy goals. Clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed