Consensus Conditions for a Class of Fractional-Order Nonlinear Multiagent Systems with Constant and Time-Varying Time Delays

The consensus problem for a class of fractional-order nonlinear multiagent systems with a distributed protocol containing input time delay is investigated in this paper. Consider both cases of constant time delay and time-varying delay, the delay-independent consensus conditions are obtained to achieve the consensus of the systems, respectively, by adopting the linear matrix inequality (LMI) methods and stability theory of fractional-order systems. As illustrated by the numerical examples, the proposed theoretical results work well and accurately.

Adaptive Neural Network Control of Time Delay Teleoperation System Based on Model Approximation

A bilateral neural network adaptive controller is designed for a class of teleoperation systems with constant time delay, external disturbance and internal friction. The stability of the teleoperation force feedback system with constant communication channel delay and nonlinear, complex, and uncertain constant time delay is guaranteed, and its tracking performance is improved. In the controller design process, the neural network method is used to approximate the system model, and the unknown internal friction and external disturbance of the system are estimated by the adaptive method, so as to avoid the influence of nonlinear uncertainties on the system.

Effects of a Systematic Augmentative and Alternative Communication Intervention Using a Speech-Generating Device on Multistep Requesting and Generic Small Talk for Children With Severe Autism Spectrum Disorder

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention using a speech-generating device (SGD) on acquisition, maintenance, and generalization of multistep requesting and generic small talk in three children with severe autism spectrum disorder (ASD) between the ages of 7 and 13 years. Method A multiple-baseline design across participants combined with a posttreatment multiple-generalization-probe design was used to assess acquisition, generalization, and maintenance of target communicative behaviors with the experimenter and the participants' familiar communication partners (FCPs). Intervention was composed of systematic instruction in the use of an SGD using least-to-most prompting, constant time delay, error correction, and reinforcement. Results Visual analysis established a strong functional relationship between the independent variable and the two dependent variables (i.e., requesting preferred activities, engaging in generic small talk) for all three participants. Effect size indicator analyses corroborated these findings, indicating strong effects for performing multistep requesting and medium effects for engaging in generic small talk. All participants were able to generalize the acquired communicative behaviors to request new and untrained snacks and activities and engage in generic small talk with FCPs who were not part of the training. Maintenance of acquired communicative behaviors was demonstrated 3 weeks post completion of intervention. Conclusion This study provides preliminary evidence that AAC intervention using an SGD and incorporating least-to-most prompting, constant time delay, error correction, and reinforcement is effective in terms of multistep requesting and generic small talk behaviors in children with severe ASD. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.16663630

Strategi Mengajarkan Keterampilan Hidup Sehari-Hari Untuk Anak dan Remaja Dengan Retardasi Mental: Sebuah Review Literatur

Educational programs for students with mental retardation emphasize the preparation of students to live independently after finishing school. One educational strategy for children and adolescents with mental retardation is to teach daily life skills. The purpose of this study is to conduct a literature review on strategies to teach daily life skills to children and adolescents with mental retardation. Literature searches were carried out on seven databases, namely ERIC, SpringerLink, ScienceDirect, SAGE, JSTOR, Emerald Insight and Google Schoolar. The keywords used in this search are "teaching daily living skills" and "mental retardation"; "Teaching daily living skills" and "intellectual disability". A total of 5 articles (N = 614) will be reviewed through a screening process based on inclusive and exclusive criteria. The results show that there are strategies to teach daily life skills to children and adolescents with mental retardation by using video prompting, video modeling, constant-time delay and most-to-least prompt. Keyword: daily living skills; mental retardation; video prompting; video modeling; constant-time delay; most-to-least prompt procedures; literature review

Using e-mail as performance feedback to teach paraprofessionals to implement constant time delay with braille words

Equipping paraprofessionals to implement evidence-based instructional practices with fidelity can enhance the education of students with visual impairments. We used a multiple probe across participants design to evaluate the ability of paraprofessionals to follow constant time delay procedures with high fidelity when teaching braille words. We delivered performance feedback by e-mail and examined student learning outcomes. All three paraprofessionals achieved 100% correct implementation of constant time delay and maintained this high level of implementation over time. All three students successfully learned the targeted words. The combination of the training and support with e-mail feedback was effective at equipping them to deliver an evidence-based practice. Paraprofessionals affirmed the social validity of the intervention and considered e-mail performance feedback as an easy-to-understand way of receiving much-needed guidance. E-mail feedback is a cost-effective and simple tool for providing constructive feedback, while also ensuring paraprofessionals deliver instruction with high fidelity.