Manual Signs Research Articles

Communication ability and communication methods in children with cerebral palsy.

To investigate if communication ability and method were related to each other and to age, sex, gross motor function, or manual ability in children with cerebral palsy. This cross-sectional study used data registered in the Swedish Cerebral Palsy Surveillance Program registry, involving 3000 children aged 0 to 18 years. Pearson's χ2 test and Spearman's correlation were used to test associations between variables. Communication ability and method were related to each other and to age, gross motor function, and manual ability. Aided communication methods were more frequently used among older children. The more functional the communication was, the less use of unaided communication occurred. Different communication methods were used across all Communication Function Classification System (CFCS) levels. Speech was most common in more functional levels, used by 72% of the children. Forty-five per cent were considered effective communicators in all environments. For classification of communication level and method, some recurring registration errors were made by the raters. Some raters may need clarification on interpretations of CFCS instructions. Results indicate that children should be presented to aided augmentative and alternative communication and manual signs earlier and to a greater extent.

DeSIRe: Deep Signer-Invariant Representations for Sign Language Recognition

As a key technology to help bridging the gap between deaf and hearing people, sign language recognition (SLR) has become one of the most active research topics in the human-computer interaction field. Although several SLR methodologies have been proposed, the development of a real-world SLR system is still a very challenging task. One of the main challenges is related to the large intersigner variability that exists in the manual signing process of sign languages. To address this problem, we propose a novel end-to-end deep neural network that explicitly models highly discriminative signer-independent latent representations from the input data. The key idea of our model is to learn a distribution over latent representations, conditionally independent of signer identity. Accordingly, the learned latent representations will preserve as much information as possible about the signs, and discard signer-specific traits that are irrelevant for recognition. By imposing such regularization in the representation space, the result is a truly signer-independent model which is robust to different and new test signers. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model in several SLR databases.

A Comparison of Manual Sign and Speech Generating Devices in the Natural Environment

Between 30 and 50% of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) do not develop vocal language deemed functionally acceptable to meet their daily communication needs. As a result, individuals with ASD may require intervention alternatives to vocal speech, such as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). However, very little is known about how members of the public may respond to forms of AAC. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how two commonly used AAC formats, manual sign and a selection-based speech generating device (SGD), result in access to reinforcement in the natural environment. To do this, we approached naive adults (i.e., individuals unfamiliar with the aims of the study) and asked questions that were likely to result in reinforcement. We measured whether or not naive adults accurately responded to each question, and we collected additional descriptive information about their reaction to that form of AAC. This study has important implications for social validity and long-term considerations of AAC.

Book review: Nicola Grove and Kaisa Launonen (Eds.), Manual sign acquisition in children with developmental disabilities

Book review: Nicola Grove and Kaisa Launonen (Eds.), <i>Manual sign acquisition in children with developmental disabilities</i>

Hands and faces: The expression of modality in ZEI, Iranian Sign Language

AbstractThis paper presents a study of modality in Iranian Sign Language (ZEI) from a cognitive perspective, aimed at analyzing two linguistic channels: facial and manual. While facial markers and their grammatical functions have been studied in some sign languages, we have few detailed analyses of the facial channel in comparison with the manual channel in conveying modal concepts. This study focuses on the interaction between manual and facial markers. A description of manual modal signs is offered. Three facial markers and their modality values are also examined: squinted eyes, brow furrow, and downward movement of lip corners (horseshoe mouth). In addition to offering this first descriptive analysis of modality in ZEI, this paper also applies the Cognitive Grammar model of modality, the Control Cycle, and the Reality Model, classifying modals into two kinds, effective and epistemic. It is suggested that effective control, including effective modality, tends to be expressed on the hands, while facial markers play an important role in marking epistemic assessment, one manifestation of which is epistemic modality. ZEI, like some other sign languages, exhibits an asymmetry between the number of manual signs and facial markers expressing epistemic modality: while the face can be active in the expression of effective modality, it is commonly the only means of expressing epistemic modality. By positing an epistemic core in effective modality, Cognitive Grammar provides a theoretical basis for these findings.

중도·중복장애학생을 위한 몸짓상징체계 개발 연구

연구목적: 이 연구는 구어나 기존의 도구를 사용하는 의사소통 방법을 사용하기 어려운 중도․중복장애학생들을 위하여 간단한 손짓이나 몸짓을 사용하여 기본적인 의사소통을 할 수 있도록 하기 위한 몸짓상징체계를 개발하는 것을 목적으로 하였다. 연구방법: 이러한 연구 목적에 따라 몸짓상징이 필요한 핵심어휘 리스트를 개발한 후, 해외 몸짓상징체계에 대한 조사 및 국내수어표현과 보편적 제스처 분석 등을 통해 이해와 표현이 용이한 몸짓상징 표현을 개발하였다. 개발과정에서 시각중복장애, 청각중복장애, 지체중복장애 및 중도지적장애와 자폐성장애학생들을 가르치는 특수교사들과의 연구협의회를 지속적으로 실시함으로써 장애 영역별 고려사항이 잘 반영되도록 하였으며, 전문가 검토 및 특수학교 현장적용과정을 통해 몸짓상징의 타당성을 높이고자 하였다. 연구결과: 연구 결과, 총 272개의 어휘를 표현할 수 있는 몸짓상징 204개가 개발되었으며, ‘손담’ 이라고 명명되었다. 어휘는 기분 및 감정, 사회성 영역 등 13영역으로 구성되어 있으며, 몸짓상징 표현은 보편적 제스처가 약 50%를 차지하고 수어를 단순화하거나 그대로 사용한 경우가 약 31%를 차지하였다. 결론: 이러한 결과를 바탕으로 논의에서는 손담 몸짓상징체계 개발 의의와 특성, 중도․중복장애학생을 위한 의사소통 지도 과정에서의 몸짓상징의 활용방향에 대하여 고찰하고 후속연구에 대한 시사점을 설명하였다.

The semiotic diversity of doing reference in a deaf signed language

This article describes how deaf signers of Auslan (a deaf signed language of Australia) coordinate fully conventionalised forms (such as lexical manual signs and English fingerspelling and/or mouthing) with more richly improvised semiotics (such as indicating verbs, pointing signs, depicting signs, visible surrogates and/or invisible surrogates) to identify and talk about referents of varying agency. Using twenty retellings of Frog, Where Are You? and twenty retellings of The Boy Who Cried Wolf archived in the Auslan Corpus, we analysed 4,699 tokens of referring expressions with respect to: (a) activation status; (b) semiotic form; and (c) animacy. Statistical analysis confirmed choice of strategy was most strongly motivated by activation status: new referents were expressed with more conventionalised forms (especially lexical manual signs and English mouthing), whereas maintained and reintroduced referents typically involved fewer and more richly improvised, context-dependent semiotics. However, animacy was also a motivating factor: humans and animals were often depicted via visible surrogates (not pointing signs), whereas inanimate referents favoured depicting signs and invisible surrogates. These findings highlight the role of animacy in signed language discourse and challenge the claim that informativeness decreases as cognitive saliency increases, while demonstrating the ‘pretend world’ indexicality of signed language use and the pluralistic complexity of face-to-face communication.

몸짓상징에 대한 연구 동향 : 청각장애 이외의 비구어적 의사소통 대상을 중심으로

몸짓상징에 대한 연구 동향 : 청각장애 이외의 비구어적 의사소통 대상을 중심으로

중도 · 중복장애학생의 의사소통 실태 및 몸짓상징 활용에 관한 특수교사의 지원 요구

배경 및 목적: 이 연구는 중도․중복장애학생의 의사소통 실태 및 몸짓상징 활용에 관한 지원 요구를 파악하기 위해 특수교사를 대상으로 실시한 조사연구이다. 방법: 이러한 연구 목적에 따라 중도․중복장애학생의 지도 경험이 있는 276 명의 특수학교 교사를 대상으로 의사소통 실태 및 몸짓상징 활용에 관한 인식과 어휘목록의 개발 요구 정도를 조사하였다. 결과: 연구 결과 교육현장에서 중도 · 복장애학생의 의사소통 지원방안의 필요성과 몸짓상징 활용 가능성을 확인할 수 있었다. 무엇보다 현장 적용을 위해서는 중도 · 중복장애학생의 특성을 고려한 몸짓상징 체계의 개발과 몸짓상징 어휘목록의 개발, 지도자료 및 지침서 등 교수 지원 자료의 개발이 필요한 것으로 나타났다. 논의 및 결론: 이러한 결과를 바탕으로 논의에서는 연구 결과를 바탕으로 중도 · 중복장애학생의 효과적인 의사소통 및 사회적 상호작용을 촉진하기 위한 몸짓상징의 활용 가능성과 지원 방안을 제시하였다.

Man vs machine in emergency medicine \u2013 a study on the effects of manual and automatic vital sign documentation on data quality and perceived workload, using observational paired sample data and questionnaires

BackgroundEmergency medicine is characterized by a high patient flow where timely decisions are essential. Clinical decision support systems have the potential to assist in such decisions but will be dependent on the data quality in electronic health records which often is inadequate. This study explores the effect of automated documentation of vital signs on data quality and workload.MethodsAn observational study of 200 vital sign measurements was performed to evaluate the effects of manual vs automatic documentation on data quality. Data collection using questionnaires was performed to compare the workload on wards using manual or automatic documentation.ResultsIn the automated documentation time to documentation was reduced by 6.1 min (0.6 min vs 7.7 min, p < 0.05) and completeness increased (98% vs 95%, p < 0.05). Regarding workflow temporal demands were lower in the automatic documentation workflow compared to the manual group (50 vs 23, p < 0.05). The same was true for frustration level (64 vs 33, p < 0.05). The experienced reduction in temporal demands was in line with the anticipated, whereas the experienced reduction in frustration was lower than the anticipated (27 vs 54, p < 0.05).DiscussionThe study shows that automatic documentation will improve the currency and the completeness of vital sign data in the Electronic Health Record while reducing workload regarding temporal demands and experienced frustration. The study also shows that these findings are in line with staff anticipations but indicates that the anticipations on the reduction of frustration may be exaggerated among the staff. The open-ended answers indicate that frustration focus will change from double documentation of vital signs to technical aspects of the automatic documentation system.

중도 지적장애 및 자폐성장애 학생의 의사소통을 위한 몸짓상징 사용에 대한 인식 및 요구 분석

중도 지적장애 및 자폐성장애 학생의 의사소통을 위한 몸짓상징 사용에 대한 인식 및 요구 분석

Viseme and Its Teaching Strategy for Speech-Reading and Language Normalization of People with Hearing Loss

The social awareness of “the language of the hearing impaired, ie., manual sign language,” is prevalent today. However, this false proposition has...

AAC and Autism in Brazil: A Descriptive Review

ABSTRACTThe effectiveness of using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) with individuals with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is well documented in descriptive reviews and meta-analytic investigations published in international journals in the last decade. Most of these analyses include researches conducted in North-American or European countries, where AAC has become an evidence-based practice. Little is known, however, about the use of AAC for individuals with ASD in developing countries. The purpose of this descriptive review was to elucidate how AAC has been used with individuals with ASD in Brazil. Nineteen studies, including dissertations, theses and journal articles, published in the last five years, were analysed. Results revealed the prevalence of low-technology AAC, with a significant portion using picture-exchange communication methods. The use of higher-technology devices was limited and none of the investigations used manual signs. Most were intervention studies that used primarily quasi-experimental designs to evaluate the effectiveness of intervention packages on school-aged children in natural settings. Strengths/weaknesses of the studies, overall limitations, and recommendations for future research are discussed.

Manual signing throughout the day: Influence from staff's sign use and type of activity.

Both individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) and staff may be more inclined to use manual signs during formal than informal activities. In addition, the sign use of individuals with ID and staff is positively related. It is unclear if activity type and the sign use of staff interact as they shape the sign use of individuals with ID. Through non-continuous partial interval coding, we observed frequency of manual sign usage in adults with ID during communicative activities, non-communicative activities and mealtimes in four special schools and 4-day centres. Using loglinear analysis and partial associations, we measured how sign use varied by activity between the people with ID and the staff. When staff used signs, clients and students did not vary their spontaneous signing rate between types of activities. When staff did not use signs, a differential influence appeared according to the type of activity: clients and students were significantly more likely to also refrain from using signs during mealtimes and leisure or work activities such as crafts (84% to 89% of the time) than during communicative activities such as signing sessions (65% of the time). Reluctance of staff to model sign use seemed to hinder signing implementation by the people with ID. Future studies should take into account various levels of sign prompting and increasing pragmatic functions of individuals' sign use.

Properties of Command Constructions in TİD

This paper focuses on the properties of command constructions in Turkish Sign Language (TİD). The nature and function of manual signs and nonmanual markers in command constructions in TİD are investigated to determine their prosodic, morphological, morphophonological, and syntactic properties. We show that TİD does not utilize any of the properties reported in the literature as an obligatory marker of commands in some spoken and sign languages. The only salient marker of commands we have identified is a nonmanual marker: (forward/sideward) head tilt.

Kenya Sign Language (KSL) Phonology: Articulatory Properties and Phonological Processes

The study of phonology is concerned with the contrastive units of language whether these contrastive units are based on an audio language (like spoken languages) or a visual language (like signed languages). Spoken languages have as their smallest contrastive units' contrastive sounds while visual languages have articulatory properties as their contrastive units. The term phonology as a general scientific concept is used in sign language studies to refer to the study of those physical properties of signs whose contrasts lead to meaningful differences among signs Okombo et al [2]. The major distinguishing physical properties in KSL just like in other sign languages include: Hand shapes or hand forms (articulators), movement or motion (manner of articulation), location (place of articulation), and palm orientation (manner of articulation). These four articulatory properties of KSL together are referred to as manual signs where signs are physically produced by the hands and other parts of the body. However, often times manual signs have to combine with non-manual signs to make meaning. We can also add two more articulatory parameters to the ones above. That is, Non manual signs and the signing space. The above parameters can be viewed as the articulatory properties of a sign. According to Okombo et al, the actual nature of the sign depends on what the hand which performs the role of an active articulator does. It is also important to note that during the production of signs, they may influence each other and therefore determine sign order variation. This influence and subsequent variation in sign order is as a result of some phonological processes. A phonological process changes the appearance of an utterance by following well defined rules in phonology, but does not change the meaning of the utterance Vogler and Matexas [3]. In this paper we examine the articulatory properties of KSL or those physical properties of signs in KSL whose contrasts lead to meaningful differences among signs and also examine how signs in KSL influence each other and how this influence and subsequent variation in sign order is as a result of some phonological processes. We shall examine such phonological processes in KSL.

Trial of Remote Continuous versus Intermittent NEWS monitoring after major surgery (TRaCINg): protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial

BackgroundDespite medical advances, major surgery remains high risk. Up to 44% of patients experience postoperative complications, which can have huge impacts for patients and the healthcare system. Early recognition of postoperative complications is crucial in reducing morbidity and preventing long-term disability. The current standard of care is intermittent manual vital signs monitoring, but new wearable remote monitors offer the benefits of continuous vital signs monitoring without limiting the patient’s mobility. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and clinical impacts of continuous remote monitoring after major surgery.MethodsThe study is a randomised, controlled, unblinded, parallel group, feasibility trial. Adult patients undergoing elective major surgery will be invited to participate if they have the capacity to provided informed, written consent and do not have a cardiac pacemaker or an allergy to adhesives. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive continuous remote monitoring and normal National Early Warning Score (NEWS) monitoring (intervention group) or normal NEWS monitoring alone (control group). Continuous remote monitoring will be achieved using the SensiumVitals® wireless patch which is worn on the patient’s chest and monitors heart rate, respiratory rate and temperature continuously and alerts the nurse when there is deviation from pre-set physiological norms. Participants will be followed up throughout their hospital admission and for 30 days after discharge. Feasibility will be assessed by evaluating recruitment rate, adherence to protocol and randomisation, and the amount of missing data. The acceptability of the patch to nursing staff and patients will be assessed using questionnaires and interviews. Clinical outcomes will include time to antibiotics in cases of sepsis, length of hospital stay, number of critical care admissions and rate of readmission within 30 days of discharge.DiscussionEarly detection and treatment of complications minimises the need for critical care, improves patient outcomes, and produces significant cost savings for the healthcare system. Remote continuous monitoring systems have the potential to allow earlier detection of complications, but evidence from the literature is mixed. Demonstrating significant benefit over intermittent monitoring to offset the practical and economic implications of continuous monitoring requires well-controlled studies in high-risk populations to demonstrate significant differences in clinical outcomes; this feasibility trial seeks to provide evidence of how best to conduct such a confirmatory trial.Trial registrationThis study is listed on the ISRCTN registry with study ID ISRCTN16601772.

Acquisition of Complex Conditional Discriminations in a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder have been reported to demonstrate stimulus overselectivity or restricted stimulus control (i.e., failure to respond to all critical elements of complex stimuli). This potential may have a detrimental impact on the acquisition of academic skills for these individuals if the stimuli in question contain multiple controlling elements. The current study presents a number of methodologies by which attention to, and the subsequent control by, multiple elements of a complex stimulus was demonstrated. The participant in this study was a 10-year-old girl diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. She was taught to select both printed word and picture comparisons, in the presence of complex sample stimuli comprised of visual and auditory elements, via an errorless learning protocol. Specifically, sample stimuli included manual American Sign Language (ASL) signs and the name of the sign. Following training, tests conducted in the absence of programed feedback verified accurate control by each sample element, as well as emergent stimulus-stimulus relations. No evidence of stimulus overselectivity was demonstrated during posttests. This study demonstrated an efficient methodology for forming stimulus classes through complex conditional discrimination training.

The Effects of Key Word Signing on Expression of Manual Signs and Utterances of Children with Non-verbal Developmental Disabilities

The Effects of Key Word Signing on Expression of Manual Signs and Utterances of Children with Non-verbal Developmental Disabilities

Use of key word signing by staff in special schools and in day centres for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Staff may encourage individuals with intellectual disabilities to use manual signs by modelling its use, but implementing key word signing during daily activities can be demanding. Staff's use of manual signs was observed in four special schools and four day centres for adults with intellectual disabilities during communicative group activities, non-communicative group activities and mealtimes. Using in situ partial interval coding, we measured staff's communication rate, semantic diversity of manual signs, sign reinforcement and sign imitation. With Chi-squared tests, associations were measured between these variables, the two settings and the three activity types. During communicative activities, staff used manual signs significantly more in adult services than special schools. During non-communicative activities and mealtimes, staff seldom used or reinforced signs. Staff communicated frequently but did not often model sign use during daily activities. To investigate influence from training background, further detailed measurements are warranted.