The purpose of this dissertation was to explore critical issues and challenges that might arise in agile software development processes with Scrum. It also sought to provide management guidelines to help organizations avoid and overcome barriers in adopting the Scrum method as a future software development method. A qualitative research method design was used to capture the knowledge of practitioners and scrutinize the Scrum software development process in its natural settings. An in-depth case study was conducted in two organizations where the Scrum method was fully integrated in every aspect of two organizations' software development processes. One organization provides large-scale and mission-critical applications and the other provides small- and medium-scale applications. Differences between two organizations provided useful contrasts for the data analysis. Data were collected through an email survey, observations, documents, and semi-structured face-to-face interviews. The email survey was used to refine interview questions; all of the interviews were audio-taped and transcribed, and later coded for analysis. Triangulation in the data collection process provided useful information for different perspectives on the issues, allowed for cross-checking, and yielded stronger substantiation of concepts and common categories. The research presented four common categories of issues and challenges of the Scrum method, and management guidelines to help organizations that are already using the Scrum method or planning to employ it in the future. The framework for a hybrid software development model is then proposed as a future study.

This study assessed falls efficacy and confidence-related changes among participants attending the a Matters of Balance/Volunteer Lay Leader (AMOB/VLL) falls prevention program for older adults, based on their residential location. Data were examined from 431 older Texans enrolled in AMOB/VLL during a two-year period, and assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Results indicate that participants significantly increased falls efficacy, reduced activity interference due to their health, and decreased the number of days limited from usual activity. Regression models show that participants, despite entering the program with lower reported health status, reported greater rates of positive change for falls efficacy and health interference compared with their baseline pre-intervention counterparts. Overall program attendance and attendance at major sessions showed the greatest influence. Findings contribute to the understanding of cognitive restructuring and strengthening variations with falls prevention program outcomes.

Literature on child abuse supports the conception that physical abuse is a multidetermined behavior. Multifaceted treatment programs have shown some promise in dealing with the heterogeneity of abusive parents. Most of the reported comprehensive intervention programs have provided predetermined doses of a variety of treatment components to each subject. The intent of this study was two-fold: (a) to provide treatment components based on assessment of the parent and (b) to train the parent to a specified level of competency. A multiple baseline design was used in this clinical study of six agency-referred, physically abusive parents. Based on initial assessment and ongoing observation, subject parents were provided with one or two of four available parent-training components (child behavior management, cognitive modification, relaxation, and systematic desensitization). Treatment effects on 16 dependent variables were measured by self-report, coded audiotape, coded observation, physiological measures, and reports of abuse to public agencies. Results indicated improvement by all the subjects on most of the dependent variables (i.e., 77 of 90 comparisons). However, only three of the six subjects met all of the predetermined criteria for termination of all intervention. Subjects met 15 of 22 training competency criteria. Reductions in abuse indicators were maintained on most of the dependent measures during 30- and 90-day follow-up probes. Only one subject was re-reported for child abuse during the year following treatment. The low attrition rate was seen as a function of assessment.

Being relatively young, the Swedish video game industry has experienced explosive growth in recent years, surpassing several traditional industries. Exemplified by the purchase of King for approximately three times the price of Volvo, and the fact that one in ten people on the planet has played a Swedish video game. This development notwithstanding, the industry remains academically unexplored, suffering high rates of failure among new businesses, and for many companies, access to capital is problematic. In many ways a unique industry; Reversing traditional business models. involving the community, their customers, during pre-, mid- and post-production combined with companies being born global. Therefore, traditional tools for financial analysis, such as profitability ratios, are proving insufficient and the industry is perceived as a risky investment. The study analyzes the underlying variables of such ratios, from the perspectives of uncertainty and risk as well as accounting, considering the unique characteristics of the Swedish video game industry; Providing guidelines for better utilization of the ratios. The authors establish a solid foundation for future studies on the topic and provide investors with useful tools to increase their knowledge of the industry. The findings indicate that due to the abstract nature of the industry, stemming from assets and value creation, financial ratios should be used in tandem with a uncertainty and risk assessment of certain key areas of the industry.

Este trabalho apresenta um estudo exploratório do tipo transversal sobre a relação das doenças crônicas e o uso da tecnologia nuclear. O aumento na prevalência das doenças crônicas nos países em desenvolvimento é preocupante e devem ser avaliados cuidadosamente dentro das sociedades, organizações e seus indivíduos. Os avanços tecnológicos vivenciados nas últimas décadas, em especial, na área da tecnologia nuclear criam expectativas para lidar com o desafio das doenças de modo mais eficiente. Entretanto, pouco foi explorado sobre esse tema por um prisma dos agentes médicos que compõem esse sistema de relações entre a doença e a tecnologia. A necessidade de planejamentos públicos e privados para lidar com essa problemática podem se beneficiar de uma avaliação inicial sobre um tema ainda emergente, mas que deverá compor a agenda de planejamento em saúde e tecnologia nos próximos anos. Por meio de uma metodologia mista, composta por abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa buscou-se configurar e revelar as importantes dimensões sobre o tema dessa pesquisa. A pesquisa de campo foi composta tanto de entrevistas analisadas através de técnicas da teoria fundamentada e também de questionários enviados via web analisados estatisticamente através da análise fatorial exploratória. Tais empreendimentos permitiram revelar dimensões que compõem a percepção entre a doença crônica e o uso da tecnologia nuclear. Essas dimensões apresentadas na forma de um constructo teórico foram então discutidas de um ponto de vista da teoria social e de inovação tecnológica. / This research is an exploratory cross-sectional study about the relationship of chronic disease and the use of nuclear technology. There is a concern over the increase of the prevalence of chronic disease in developing countries and it should hence be carefully evaluated in the context of societies, organizations and individuals. The technological advances experienced in the last decades especially in the nuclear technology area have created expectations to deal more efficiently with the challenge of chronic diseases. However little has been explored in this area under the point-of-view of medical doctors as agents who make this system of relations between disease and technology. The necessity for public and private planning to deal with this set of problems can benefit through an initial evaluation about the forthcoming theme, but should incorporate the agenda of health and technology planning for the following years. Using mixed methodology, made up of qualitative and quantitative approach, this research sought to reveal and configure important dimensions around the theme of this study. The field research was made up of interviews analyzed using techniques of fundamental theory and also of questionnaires sent by web analyzed statistically using exploratory factor analysis. These ventures allowed dimensions to be revealed that make up the perception of chronic disease and the use of nuclear technology. These dimensions presented in a form of a theoretical construct that were then discussed under the point of view of social theory and technological innovation.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-25T19:29:43Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 MireileDalzoto.pdf: 1628042 bytes, checksum: 412e08a6efdd092af0af97478658f0ac (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-08-14 / The beans that each season, in southern Parana, being grown dramatically as a result of the intensification of agricultural mechanization in the harvesting process. The present study aims to identify and characterize the bean crop and the factors that influence the process of mechanical harvesting with combine harvester. Thus, we conducted an exploratory study with a sample of 50 producers, which among its activities, cultivate beans in 11 cities of 3-regions of Paraná State. The survey consisted of questions referring to the bean crop, growing area, machine and adjustments used in the collection, quality of the product, making it possible to measure parameters determining the performance of the system of direct collection. Among the results highlight that the average productivity of the bean is above the state and national average. Decision-making for the choice of cultivar is based on commercial aspects related to grain color. About 40 of the cultivated varieties showed lodging index of 75 in the soil. Areas that are cultivated beans are major plan to gently undulating, depending on the operational performance of the harvester. The timing of the harvest is done by 44.93 of respondents across the uniformity of ripening. As to harvesters studied 100 are axial flow, formed by the special red bean. The settings for threshing, separation and cleaning of the grains are consistent with the recommendations of the manufacturer. During harvest 94 of the producers realize the direct sale of the material collected without any additional cleaning. The labor used in automotive harvesters receive little training. The adaptations found aims to improve the gathering of plants, the grain quality and reduction of mechanical damage. / O feijão esta a cada safra, na região Sul do Paraná, sendo cultivado de forma acentuada, em conseqüência da intensificação da mecanização agrícola no processo de colheita. Assim, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo identificar e caracterizar a cultura do feijão e os fatores que influenciam o processo de colheita mecanizada com colhedoras automotrizes. Para tanto foi realizado um estudo exploratório descritivo com amostra de 50 produtores, que dentre suas atividades, cultivam o feijão em 11 municípios de 3 mesorregiões do Estado do Paraná. O estudo constou de questões referentes à cultura do feijão, área de cultivo, máquina e regulagens utilizadas na colheita, qualidade do produto colhido, possibilitando mensurar parâmetros determinantes de desempenho do sistema de colheita direta. Dentre os resultados obtidos destaca-se que a produtividade média da cultura do feijão esta acima da média estadual e nacional. A tomada de decisão para a escolha da cultivar baseia-se em aspectos comerciais relacionados à coloração dos grãos. Cerca de 40 das variedades mais cultivadas apresentaram índice de acamamento de 75 em relação ao solo. As áreas que se cultiva o feijão são de relevo plano a suave ondulado, em função do desempenho operacional da colhedora. O momento da colheita é realizado por 44,93 dos entrevistados através da uniformidade de maturação. Com relação às colhedoras estudadas 100 são de fluxo axial, constituídas pelo kit especial de feijão. As configurações de trilha, separação e limpeza dos grãos estão coerentes com as recomendações do fabricante. No período da colheita 94 dos produtores realizam a venda direta do material colhido sem nenhuma limpeza adicional. A mão de obra utilizada nas colhedoras automotrizes recebem pouco treinamento. As adaptações encontradas tem por finalidade a melhoria no recolhimento de plantas, na qualidade de grãos e redução dos danos mecânico.

Este trabalho apresenta um estudo exploratório do tipo transversal sobre a relação das doenças crônicas e o uso da tecnologia nuclear. O aumento na prevalência das doenças crônicas nos países em desenvolvimento é preocupante e devem ser avaliados cuidadosamente dentro das sociedades, organizações e seus indivíduos. Os avanços tecnológicos vivenciados nas últimas décadas, em especial, na área da tecnologia nuclear criam expectativas para lidar com o desafio das doenças de modo mais eficiente. Entretanto, pouco foi explorado sobre esse tema por um prisma dos agentes médicos que compõem esse sistema de relações entre a doença e a tecnologia. A necessidade de planejamentos públicos e privados para lidar com essa problemática podem se beneficiar de uma avaliação inicial sobre um tema ainda emergente, mas que deverá compor a agenda de planejamento em saúde e tecnologia nos próximos anos. Por meio de uma metodologia mista, composta por abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa buscou-se configurar e revelar as importantes dimensões sobre o tema dessa pesquisa. A pesquisa de campo foi composta tanto de entrevistas analisadas através de técnicas da teoria fundamentada e também de questionários enviados via web analisados estatisticamente através da análise fatorial exploratória. Tais empreendimentos permitiram revelar dimensões que compõem a percepção entre a doença crônica e o uso da tecnologia nuclear. Essas dimensões apresentadas na forma de um constructo teórico foram então discutidas de um ponto de vista da teoria social e de inovação tecnológica. / This research is an exploratory cross-sectional study about the relationship of chronic disease and the use of nuclear technology. There is a concern over the increase of the prevalence of chronic disease in developing countries and it should hence be carefully evaluated in the context of societies, organizations and individuals. The technological advances experienced in the last decades especially in the nuclear technology area have created expectations to deal more efficiently with the challenge of chronic diseases. However little has been explored in this area under the point-of-view of medical doctors as agents who make this system of relations between disease and technology. The necessity for public and private planning to deal with this set of problems can benefit through an initial evaluation about the forthcoming theme, but should incorporate the agenda of health and technology planning for the following years. Using mixed methodology, made up of qualitative and quantitative approach, this research sought to reveal and configure important dimensions around the theme of this study. The field research was made up of interviews analyzed using techniques of fundamental theory and also of questionnaires sent by web analyzed statistically using exploratory factor analysis. These ventures allowed dimensions to be revealed that make up the perception of chronic disease and the use of nuclear technology. These dimensions presented in a form of a theoretical construct that were then discussed under the point of view of social theory and technological innovation.

This exploratory qualitative study investigated the presence of and relationships among constructs that contribute to children's interactions with educational technology, leading to the development of the modification of attributes, affordances, abilities, and distance (MAAAD) for Learning framework. For this study, each of 10 fifth-grade children participated in one individual video-recorded semistructured interview session, during which they interacted with two mathematics virtual manipulative iPad apps and responded to follow-up questions. Video recordings and observation field notes were analyzed for evidence of attributes, affordance-ability relationships, distance, and relationships among these constructs. Constant comparative data analysis using memoing and eclectic coding provided evidence of the presence of each focus construct. Further analysis and interpretation, including quantization of qualitative data for visualization using novel rhombus plots, also led to the identification of emergent themes related to each construct and revealed relationships among the constructs. Emergent themes included categorization, alignment, and modification of attributes, variations and interrelationships among affordance-ability relationships, and the identification of and interactions among mathematical and technological distance. Furthermore, each construct related to each other construct. The evidence and interpretations led to the development of the MAAAD for Learning framework. The results of the study suggest that the MAAAD for Learning framework models relationships among attributes, affordance-ability relationships, and distance in the context of user-app interactions. the framework could serve as a tool for app developers designing apps, educators using apps to support children's learning, and researchers characterizing user-app interactions and the outcomes of those interactions. The constructs, relationships, and framework identified in this study advance the literature on children's interactions with educational technology tools, in particular literature concerning children's interactions with mathematics virtual manipulative iPad apps.

Health literacy involves basic reading and numeracy, allowing people to function as health care consumers, reading, understanding, evaluating and using information in health documents. For thirty years, the gap between the reading level of most of the public, eighth grade, and the reading level of most written health information, above the tenth grade, has been perceived to prevent people from comprehending health instructions or educating themselves about health conditions.This study examined comprehension of health materials, using print environmental public health information about relatively obscure aspects of arsenic and ultraviolet light contamination. The research question was "to what extent are print materials for environmental health promotion comprehensible by the target audience of readers at the eighth grade reading level?" This study tested a hypothesis that materials written at the seventh grade level would be more comprehensible than those written at the twelfth grade level for individuals with an average reading level.Materials were located, assessed for reading level, rewritten to the seventh grade reading level, and vetted by environmental health experts. The mean reading level of the participants was eighth grade. The study used a pretest / posttest design with follow up interviews to asses some participants' perception of the reading materials and test. Data was analyzed using repeat measures ANOVA and content analysis.Contrary to anticipated results, the study showed when people with average reading ability read twelfth grade material, they were able to comprehend it as well as they did seventh-grade material. Two follow-up interviews provided anecdotal evidence indicating people with an average reading level would not voluntarily choose to read the twelfth grade material.Although the results of this small exploratory study found individuals, with average reading levels, can read and comprehend written information about environmental health topics, health literacy professionals cannot stop being concerned about the perceived mismatch between the reading levels of American adults and reading levels of environmental health information. It is important to undertake additional studies to better understand how much of an encumbrance hard-to-read information may be placing on individuals with a need to know about environmental hazards and their health.

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