This study set out to investigate how ICT design relates to users’ affect, cognition and creativity in task performance. More specifically, the intent is to highlight how ICT design can elicit positive effective states and enhance cognitive abilities, including creative thinking in task activity within distance learning. In addition to this is to emphasize the synergies between ICT design, affect, cognition, and creativity from as well theoretical as empirical perspectives. To achieve the objective of this study, a qualitative empirical method was used. A survey questionnaire was chosen as a collection data technique. As far as analysis is concerned, phenomenology analytic strategy was espoused to explore how the participants perceive the phenomenon under inquiry. As for theory, central themes were selected for review given the synergy between them and their implication for the topic. They include: ICT; design; ICT design aspects: aesthetics, functionality, and usability; affect and cognition; and creativity; as well as the synergies between these concepts. Key findings highlight the role of affective quality of ICT design aesthetics in eliciting positive affective states among users when they acquire and use new ICT products or services regardless of their motivational needs. Most users consider aesthetics, usability, and functionality as design aspects but they tend to differ in ranking them depending on how they emotionally perceive them. Simplicity in ICT design is perceived as pleasurable aesthetic value. Further, natural colors are favored most by ICT users and positively affect their emotions so do the other aesthetical features associated with computers, software graphics, and web design. Using ICT inspire users creativity in task performance through what design affective qualities induce as positive affect in them in addition to software usability and functionality depending on the user. There are some synergies between design aesthetics, affect, cognition, and creativity. Moreover, ICT design can, depending on additional factors, ease and help users’ to carry out complex task and if software applications are skillfully used, they can help stimulate users’ creativity in task performance because of the built-in capabilities that are intended to enhance cognitive and emotional abilities of users. In addition, users differ on the elements they focus on when interacting with ICT depending on their inclination. Human attentional capacity and intensity can play a role in creativity. Crystallization of creativity can be triggered when various ICT design elements are perceived in a useful way. / +46704393342

Objetivo: Avaliar a responsividade da escala de avaliação funcional para pacientes com distrofia muscular de Duchenne (DMD), domínio 1 - sentar e levantar da cadeira (FES-DMD-D1). Método: Estudo observacional, retrospectivo e longitudinal (seguimento por um ano). Foi estudada, utilizando o software FES-DMD-DATA, uma amostra de 150 avaliações da atividade de sentar e levantar da cadeira, a partir de um banco de imagens com filmes de 30 crianças com DMD, executando atividades funcionais, avaliadas a cada três meses, em um período de um ano. A avaliação da FES-DMD-D1 foi aplicada por fisioterapeuta treinado, considerando os escores das fases de flexão, de contato e de extensão da atividade de sentar na cadeira e, das fases de flexão, de transferência e de extensão da atividade de levantar da cadeira. Para avaliar a responsividade da FES-DMD-D1 foram analisadas as avaliações dos períodos de seguimento de três, seis, nove e doze meses, por meio do tamanho do efeito (TE) e da média de resposta padronizada (MRP). Resultados: A responsividade da atividade de sentar na cadeira foi considerada de pequena a moderada nas avaliações a cada três meses (TE de 0,22 a 0,49 e MRP de 0,32 a 0,54), de pequena a moderada a cada seis meses (TE de 0,50 a 0,61 e MRP de 0,41 a 0,61), de pequena a grande a cada nove meses (TE de 0,69 a 1,11 e MRP de 0,49 a 0,79) e grande no período de um ano (TE de 1,07 e MRP de 0,80). Na atividade de levantar da cadeira, a responsividade foi pequena a cada três meses (TE de 0,21 a 0,35 e MRP de 0,28 a 0,45), de pequena a grande a cada seis meses (TE de 0,45 a 0,62 e MRP de 0,50 a 0,96), de moderada a grande a cada nove meses (TE de 0,76 a 0,89 e MRP de 0,74 a 1,47) e grande em um ano (TE de 1,28 e MRP de 1,24). Conclusão: A FES-DMD-D1 mostrou responsividade de moderada a grande, aumentando gradativamente nos intervalos de seis, nove e doze meses. Dessa forma, é indicado o uso da FES-DMD-D1 a partir de seis meses / Objective: To evaluate the responsiveness of the functional evaluation scale for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) - domain 1: sitting and standing from the chair (FES-DMD-D1). Method: Observational, retrospective and longitudinal study with one year follow-up. A sample of 150 evaluations of sitting and rising from the chair was studied, using the FES-DMD-DATA software, from a bank of images of 30 children with DMD performing functional activities, evaluated every three months in a period of one year. FES-DMD-D1, which explores the scores of the phases of flexion, contact, extension of the activity of sitting on the chair, and of the phases of flexion, transference, extension of the activity of rising from the chair was applied by a trained physiotherapist. To evaluate the responsiveness of FES-DMD-D1 we considered the follow-up evaluations after three, six, nine and twelve months. The analysis used the effect size (ES) and standardized response mean (SRM). Results: The responsiveness of sitting on the chair was considered low to moderate in evaluations with three months intervals (ES from 0.22 to 0.49 and SRM from 0.32 to 0.54), low to moderate with six months intervals (ES from 0.50 to 0.61 and SRM from 0.41 to 0.61), low to high in nine months intervals (ES from 0.69 to 1.11 and SRM from 0.49 to 0.79) and high in the reassessment after one year (ES from 1.07 and SRM from 0.80). The responsiveness of the rising from the chair was low in three months (ES from 0.21 to 0.35 and SRM from 0.28 to 0.45), from low to high in six months (ES from 0.45 to 0.62 and SRM from 0.50 to 0.96), moderate to high in nine months (ES from 0.76 to 0.89 and SRM from 0.74 to 1.47) and high in a year (ES from 1.28 and SRM from 1.24). Conclusion: FES-DMD-D1 showed moderate to high responsiveness, gradually increasing for intervals of six, nine and twelve months. Thus, the use of FES-DMD-D1 is indicated from six months

No description available.

<p>Using a social exchange perspective I develop a relationship typology based upon an organizational member’s psychological investments, or “side bets,” in his or her organization. This study thus examines, for the first time in the employee-organization exchange relationship (EOR) literature, the combined impact of perceptions that organizational members have with respect to their perceived social and economic investments in their organization. Specifically, outcomes of four unique EOR profiles are examined: “loyalist” (high social, high economic); “altruist” (high social, low economic); “captive” (low social, high economic); “mercenary” (low social, low economic). In a matched sample of 334 working professionals (167 employees matched with their corresponding supervisors), the hypotheses of this study are largely supported. Altruists are highest in their perceptions of organizational support, followed in descending order by the loyalists, mercenaries, and captives. Also as predicted, altruists are highest in affective commitment, followed in descending order by the loyalists, captives, and mercenaries. In terms of continuance commitment, contrary to prediction, loyalists have the highest levels of continuance commitment; however, as predicted, captives have higher levels than altruists and mercenaries. Altruists, as predicted, have the highest level of OCB, followed in descending order by loyalists, mercenaries, and captives. Finally, as predicted, mercenaries have the highest level of task performance followed in descending order by altruists, loyalists, and captives. Theoretical and practical considerations of these findings are discussed.</p> / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Impairment of cognitive performance is often observed in time-on tasks. Theoretical considerations suggest that especially prefrontal cortex cognitive control functions is affected by time-on-task effects, but the role of effort/task engagement is not understood. We examine time-on-task effects in cognitive control on a neurophysiological level using a working-memory modulated response inhibition task and inter-relate prefrontal neuroanatomical region-specific theta-band activity with pupil diameter data using EEG-beamforming approaches. We show that task performance declines with time-on tasks, which was paralleled by a concomitant decreases of task-evoked superior frontal gyrus theta-band activity and a reduction in phasic pupil diameter modulations. A strong relation between cognitive control-related superior frontal theta-band activity and effort/task engagement indexed by phasic pupil diameter modulations was observed in the beginning of the experiment, especially for tasks requiring inhibitory controls and demanding high working memory. This strong relation vanished at the end of the experiment, suggesting a decoupling of cognitive control resources useable for a task and effort invested that characterizes time-on-task effects in prefrontal cortical structures.

OBJETIVO: 1- Avaliar e comparar o tempo de frenagem medido no simulador de direção virtual entre motoristas com e sem paraplegia; 2- Identificar e descrever as variáveis preditoras do tempo de frenagem no simulador de direção para os motoristas com paraplegia. METODOLOGIA: Motoristas do sexo masculino com paraplegia (n = 20 com idade média de 38,1 ± 3,6 anos) e motoristas sem paraplegia (n = 20 com idade média de 38,0 ± 5,8) com carteira de habilitação válida tiveram o tempo de frenagem medido no simulador de direção virtual. Os motoristas sem paraplegia foram avaliados com controles convencionais de pedais de freio e aceleração e os motoristas com paraplegia usaram controles manuais. O teste t de Student comparou os resultados do entre os grupos. A correlação do tempo de frenagem foi realizada com as variáveis selecionadas para o estudo nos motoristas com paraplegia. RESULTADOS: As diferenças do tempo de frenagem do simulador entre os grupos não foram estatisticamente significativas (motoristas sem paraplegia = 0,90 segundos; motoristas com paraplegia 0,92 segundos, p > 0,05). A experiência de dirigir correlaciona-se significativamente com o tempo de frenagem dos motoristas com paraplegia (r = -58, p = 0,009). Análises de regressão linear indicaram que anos de escolaridade, experiência de direção e o teste neuropsicológico MOCA (variáveis explicativas) explicaram 60,2% da resposta do tempo de frenagem do simulador de direção para os motoristas com paraplegia. CONCLUSÃO: A experiência de condução, anos de escolaridade e o teste neuropsicológico MOCA foram identificadas como preditoras do tempo de frenagem do simulador de direção para motoristas com paraplegia / Objective: (1) To identify differences in driving simulator braking time response between paraplegic and able-bodied drivers (2) To determine the contributions of age, driving experience, length of disability, handgrip strength and, neuropsychological tests, as selected factors, to driving simulator braking time response of drivers with paraplegia. Design: Two groups of male able-bodied and paraplegic drivers had their braking time response evaluated in an automatic transmission car simulator. Able-bodied drivers were tested with conventional controls and paraplegic drivers used hand controls. Drivers with paraplegia performed simple, choice and go-no-go reaction time tests as neuropsychological evaluation. Student\'s t test compared results of driving simulator braking time response between groups. Persons\' correlation verified the association between driving simulator braking time responses and selected variables of the drivers with paraplegia. Subjects: Able-bodied drivers (n=20 mean age 38.0±5.8) and paraplegic drivers (n=20 mean age 38.1±3.6) with valid driver license accepted to be part of this study. Results: Differences of simulator braking time response between groups were not statistically significant (able-bodied=0.90 seconds; paraplegic drivers 0.92 seconds, p>0.05). Driving experience significantly correlates with braking time response of the drivers with paraplegia (r= -58, p=0.009). Linear regression analyses indicated that years of education and driving experience (explanatory variables) explained 60.2% of driving simulator braking time response for the drivers with paraplegia. Conclusion: Driving experience, years of education and MOCA neuropsychological test were predictors variables of driving simulator braking time for paraplegic drivers

Submitted by Silvana Teresinha Dornelles Studzinski (sstudzinski) on 2015-05-04T18:42:35Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Clayton Moraes.pdf: 1030173 bytes, checksum: 1d93c460abbbbe47ccf71647da2775b1 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-04T18:42:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Clayton Moraes.pdf: 1030173 bytes, checksum: 1d93c460abbbbe47ccf71647da2775b1 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-01-17 / Nenhuma / A análise dos modos de falhas e efeitos (FMEA) na área da saúde vem sendo buscada por gestores, desse segmento de prestação de serviços, como uma forma consistente de se trabalhar eventos adversos antes que os mesmos aconteçam ou tenham um impacto direto sobre a assistência dos pacientes. Um dos processos de trabalhos desses ambientes é a prática médica com órteses, próteses e materiais especiais (OPME), que acontece invariavelmente dentro de áreas críticas das instituições de saúde, podendo ser desencadeadora de riscos assistenciais aos pacientes. O processo de OPME é crítico desde a definição dos materiais indicados para a intervenção, passando pelos processos administrativos de orçamentos e autorizações, pelas ações assistenciais de solicitação, recebimento, preparo e finalizando na utilização desse insumo. Assim sendo, todo esse processo deve estar plenamente ajustado e adequado para atender as necessidades específicas de cada usuário. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar as falhas potenciais no processo de OPME através da utilização da metodologia FMEA em um hospital de grande porte de Porto Alegre . A fim de atingir esse objetivo se formou um grupo de avaliação para revisão e redefinição do fluxograma do processo de OPME e após levantamento de modos de falhas em cada etapa desse processo. Foram verificadas ao todo 16 falhas nas etapas e a partir delas, foram levantadas 19 possíveis causas para sua ocorrência, bem como oito efeitos potenciais das falhas sobre a assistência dos pacientes. Após esse levantamento o grupo classificou o índice de risco, conforme a gravidade, ocorrência e detecção de falha, para cada efeito elencado e foram levantadas ações passíveis de implementação com vistas a redução do risco assistencial representados por falhas no processo de OPME. Entende-se que esse estudo possa auxiliar instituições hospitalares na implantação de ações para redução do risco assistencial aos pacientes imputado por falhas no processo de OPME. / The failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) in heal thcare area is being sought by managers that service segment as a consistent way to work adverse events before they happen or have a direct impact on the patient care. One of these processes work environments is the medical practice with orthosis, prostheses and special materials, that happens invariably within critical areas of health institutions, can be a trigger for patient care risks. The orthosis, prostheses and special materials process is critical since definition materials indicated for the intervention, passing by the administrative processes of budgets and authorizations, care actions by request, receipt, preparation and finishing in the use of these materials. Thus, the entire process should be fully adjusted and suited to attend the specific needs of each user. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential flaws in the orthosis, prostheses and special materials process through the use of FMEA methodology. In order to achieve this goal it has formed an analysis group for review and redefinition of the flowchart of orthosis, prostheses and special materials and after survey of failure modes at each stage of that process. 16 failures in the steps were observed in all and from those, 19 were raised possible causes for their occurrence, as well as 8 potential effects of failures on the patients care. Following this survey group rated the risk index, depending on the severity, occurrence and detection of failure for each part listed effect and actions capable of implementation in order to reduce healthcare risk represented by failures in the orthosis, prostheses and special materials process were raised. It understands that this study may assist hospitals in implementing actions to reduce risk to patients care imputed by orthosis, prostheses and special materials flaws in the process.

Background People with rheumatic or neurologic conditions are commonly referred for occupational therapy because of decreased ability to perform ADL tasks. Upon referral, occupational therapists use a client-centred, occupationfocused approach when evaluating a person's perceived and observed quality of ADL task performance to clarify the nature and extent of the person’s problems, plan interventions and determine effectiveness of interventions. Evaluation of the extent of problems and change following intervention require the use of linear measures of ADL. The aim of this doctoral thesis was to develop and validate linear measures of perceived and observed quality of ADL task performance for occupational therapy clinical praxis and research. Methods To develop linear measures of observed quality of ADL task performance based on Rasch measurement methods, clients with ABI (n=70) were evaluated using a 3-category rating scale and the ADL Taxonomy. Similarly, to develop linear measures of perceived quality of ADL task performance women with rheumatic diseases (n=118) reported their ability on a questionnaire and in an interview based on the ADL Taxonomy and a 4- category rating scale. To further validate the ADL ability measures of the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS) data were collected in two samples. In a sample of women with chronic widespread pain (CWP) or fibromyalgia (FM) (n=50) the ADL ability measures were validated with regard to discrimination, stability and sensitivity to changes. Discrimination was examined by comparing AMPS data from women with CWP/FM to those of healthy women. Stability and sensitivity to change were examined based on repeated AMPS observations pre and post intervention. In addition, sensitivity to change was examined in a sample of clients with ABI (n=36) using a pre- and post-test design. Finally, the validity of the AMPS ADL ability measures in relation to perceived ADL ability was examined in women with rheumatic diseases (n=118) and women with CWP/FM (n=50). Results Based on the results of the four studies in this thesis, we were able to conclude that it was possible to obtain linear measures of observed quality of ADL task performance based on a revised version of the ADL Taxonomy (ADL-O). It was also possible to obtain linear measures of perceived quality of ADL task performance based on revised versions of the ADL Taxonomy using the formats of questionnaires (ADL-Q) and interviews (ADL-I). Moreover, it was possible to establish further evidence of validity of the ADL ability measures of the AMPS. Thus, the AMPS ADL ability measures could discriminate between women with CWP/FM and healthy women. The ADL ability measures of remained stable when no intervention was provided and the ADL motor ability measures were sensitive to change among women with CWP/FM. Moreover, the ADL ability measures were sensitive to change among clients with low ADL ability following ABI. Finally, only low to moderate correlations were found between measures of perceived and observed ADL ability. Conclusions Rasch analyses of revised versions of the ADL Taxonomy suggest that the majority of the ADL tasks and rating scales focused on quality of ADL task performance can be used to obtain linear measures of quality of ADL task performance based on methods of questionnaire, interview or observation. Furthermore, the studies provided evidence of validity of the ADL ability measures of the AMPS in relation to discrimination, stability and sensitivity to change and relation to perceived ADL ability. The results may, therefore, enhance the use of ADL instruments that provide linear measures of perceived and observed quality of ADL task performance in occupational therapy clinical praxis and research.

Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.