Developing an assessment protocol to identify the characteristics of ASD using eye-tracking for educational purpose

The understanding of how written social information is processed by individuals with autism spectrum traits is important for the development and implementation of suitable educational interventions. The use of eye-tracking methodology offers us the possibility to analyze how information is being selected and has a great potential to inform our understanding of cognitive processing in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. Our main goal is to develop an assessment protocol, which could identify if there are differences in the way individuals with low autism spectrum traits and high autism spectrum traits process written social information. This information helps to specify the development of educational techniques for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. This study provides the necessary steps for the protocol implementation. We propose an experimental design that can clarify if there are some specific visual patterns when processing social information in the context of autism traits. The findings of our work could document future intervention techniques for social skills

Antioxidant Activity and Phenolic Content of Sweet Cherries (Prunus Avium L.) from West and South-West of Romania

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is associated with a lower incidence of degenerative diseases (such as cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancers). Currently, most research is focused on the content of polyphenols and antioxidant compounds found in fruit and vegetable. Sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.) contain a significant amount of polyphenols and several antioxidants that possess many biological activities such as anticancer, antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties. In present study were investigated the quantification of total polyphenols and antioxidant capacity in fruits of a number of selected sweet cherry genotypes. Although sweet cherry fruits are a significant source of different phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity of sweet cherries is not related only with the total phenolic content. Â

Physico-Chemical Evaluation of Honey Fortified with Oleaginous Seeds

This research followed to achieve some natural-fortified food, based on honey and oleaginous fruits. Honey and oleaginous fruits are extremely valuable for human diet. With their rich nutrient content, new products obtained by mixing honey with seeds may be considered both traditional food with high nutritional value as well as fortified food. The samples were constituted from acacia flowers honey bought directly from the producer, to which were added various quantities of oleaginous fruits (seeds). Thus, we obtained 3 different types of fortified honey, using pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and hemp seeds. Samples obtained were stored in appropriate conditions. From these samples, were made analytical tests: ascorbic acid and humidity

Characterization of Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

The aim of this work was to achieve a screening on organoleptic and sensory characteristics, physical-chemical properties, microbial load and degree of contamination with heavy metals and arsenic of homemade vanilla ice cream. Dry substance ranged between 31.69% and 32.16%, all samples showing values below the 33% minimum eligibility. Regarding the acidity of the analyzed samples, they were within the legislative norms in force, showing values below 24°T. Also, analyzed  ice cream samples showed no microbial loads or contamination with heavy metals or arsenic

Synthesis, Structure, and Luminescent Properties of Europium-Doped Hydroxyapatite Nanocrystalline Powders

The luminescent europium-doped hydroxyapatite (Eu:HAp, Ca10−xEux(PO4)6(OH)2) with 0≤x≤0.2 nanocrystalline powders was synthesized by coprecipitation. The structural, morphological, and textural properties were well characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The vibrational studies were performed by Fourier transform infrared, Raman, and photoluminescence spectroscopies. The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that hydroxyapatite is the unique crystalline constituent of all the samples, indicating that Eu has been successfully inserted into the HAp lattice. Eu doping inhibits HAp crystallization, leading to a decrease of the average crystallite size from around 20 nm in the undoped sample to around 7 nm in the sample with the highest Eu concentration. Furthermore, the samples show the characteristic 5D0→7F0 transition observed at 578 nm related to Eu3+ ions distributed on Ca2+ sites of the apatitic structure

Main physical-chemical characteristics of pressed ham commercialized in Timis county

The paper proposes the study of some quality characteristics of pressed ham by standard methods of package, a widely spread product int the Western area of Romania (Timis county) as well. The samples were evaluated in terms of admissibility of sensory, physical, chemical and microbiological indicators, known by the consumer through various information methods. There have been identified and quantified, the following characteristics: water content, NaCl, NO2, fat and protein percentage, and among those with potential pathogenic microorganism interest: Coliforms, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus coagulase-positive. The maximum limits for admissibility were recorded in water (75.5 to 78.4% (up to 80% max.)), NaCl (3.0-3.3% (3.5% max.)), a moderate protein (16 6% ( up to 13% max.)), and modest limits lipids (3.6 to 4.0% (up to 16% max.)) and for NO2 the values are below the admissibility limit. As for microbiological analyzes, the obtained values, they prove the product as being fit for consumption

Rayleigh scattering of X-ray and

Analytical formulae for the nonrelativistic 2p subshell Rayleigh scattering amplitudes and cross section are obtained using the second order S-matrix element and the Coulombian Green function method, including multipoles and retardation. Relativistic kinematics effects are taking into account, allowing to remove the spurious poles that occur in a usual nonrelativistic calculation with retardation included. The nonrelativistic limit is obtained by removing the relativistic higher order terms in ω/m. A simple formula is also obtained for the total photoeffect cross section for a 2p electron. In the realistic case of ionized and neutral atoms, the screening effects were included by using an effective charge Zeff approach. A good agreement within 10% is found when comparing the predictions given by our analytical results for total photoionization cross section with the full relativistic numerical calculations in the case of 2p subshell for neutral atoms with 26 ≤ Z ≤ 92 and photon energies up to 100 keV

Emotional Dysregulation in Preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder—A Sample of Romanian Children

Emotional dysregulation problems seem to affect more than 80% of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and may include irritability, aggressive behaviors, self-injury, and anxiety. Even though these types of problems are very common and affect the well-being of individuals with ASD, there are no objective assessment tools developed for this population and there are only a few intervention techniques meant to address these symptoms. This study investigates the feasibility of using off-the-shelf wearable devices to accurately measure heart rate, which has been associated with emotional dysregulation, and to test the effectiveness of functional communication training in reducing the emotional outburst in preschoolers with ASD. We used a single-case experiment design with three preschoolers with ASD to test if the duration of the emotional outburst and the elevated heart rate levels can be reduced by using functional communication training. Our results show that for two of the participants, the intervention was effective in reducing the duration of behaviors associated with emotional outburst, and that there were significant differences between baseline and intervention phase in terms of heart rate levels. However, our results are inconclusive regarding the association between elevated heart rates and the occurrence of the emotional outburst. Nevertheless, more research is needed to investigate the use of off-the-shelf wearable devices in predicting challenging behaviors in children with ASD

Cognitive Patterns and Coping Mechanisms in the Context of Internet Use

Recent research indicates there are different cognitive patterns and coping mechanisms related to increased levels of Internet use and emotional distress in adolescents. This study aims to investigate the relationship between coping mechanisms, dysfunctional negative emotions, and Internet use. A total of 54 participants aged between 14 and 19 years old completed a questionnaire containing several measures and demographics information. We measured participants’ coping strategies, emotional distress, social and emotional loneliness, and their online behavior and Internet addiction using self-report questionnaires. In order to identify the relation between the investigated variables, we used correlation analysis and regression, and we tested one mediation model. The results showed that maladaptive coping strategies and Internet use were significant predictors of dysfunctional negative emotions. Moreover, passive wishful thinking, as a pattern of thinking, was associated with anxious and depressed feelings. The relation between Internet use and dysfunctional negative emotions was mediated by participants’ coping mechanisms. Therefore, we can conclude that the level of negative feelings is associated with the coping strategies used while showing an increased level of Internet addiction. Future studies should also consider different and multiple types of measurement other than self-reports, especially related to Internet addiction

Factors That Support Technology Integration Practices in the Math Education of Children with Intellectual Disabilities

The current paper explores the relationship between technological knowledge, beliefs about technology use in education, beliefs about the limits of technology use with respect to children with disabilities, self-efficacy beliefs, and their effects on technology use or teacher practices in the special education setting regarding mathematics education. Research was conducted via an online questionnaire. A total of 83 teachers working in the field of special education answered the questionnaire. The answers were analyzed via quantitative and qualitative analyses. In addition, correlational analyses were conducted. A prediction model that included all the aforementioned variables was tested. Our regression analysis evidenced the strong predictive value of technology-related knowledge with respect to technology integration practices but not toward the other models that included beliefs. Through mediation analysis, we found that technology-related knowledge mediates the relationship between self-efficacy and technology integration practices. The qualitative findings provided information on the interplay between knowledge, practice, and beliefs that are contextualized; on the specificity of technology-related knowledge. Implications are discussed with reference to factors important for the professional development of teachers with regard to technology integration