Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-29T13:17:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Rita de Cassia Ponte Prado.pdf: 813220 bytes, checksum: eabcc1032d287983f8eaf84391390a84 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-05-17 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / The present work aims to answer two questions: 1- What is (are) the relation (s) between behavior analysis and biological sciences? And 2- The organical variables have an important role in the: constitution and/or comprehension and/or description and/or explanation and/or prediction and behaviour control by behaviour analysis? For this purpose, a sample of a literature was created to meet the search criteria and selection of references. Both of the texts comprising this sample were analized in order to identify passages related to the question 1 as well as those related to the question 2. The passages related to the question 1 were categorized in accordance with the independence relationships, complementarity and integration. Following this discussion, these same passages were categorized through notes which included either the relation considered by the categorization and also the arguments comprised by the passages in order to defend the relationship addressed. The passages referring to question 2 were categorized through 6 notes, which were constituted by sentences addressed to the participation (or not) of organical variables in the constitution of behaviour and meeting the goals of behaviour analysis. From such procedure, and based in the different results obtained, was possible to identify that the behaviour analysis and the biological sciences are both independent and complementary, and can integrate each other. With regards to the role/function delegated to de organical variables by behavioural analysis, it is possible to infer that these variables are adressed as constitutives in the behavioural process and in respect of their roles to meet the goals of behavioral analysis, was identified the existence of divergent opinions among the analized authors some conceive that such variables have a relevant role in order to meet these goals while others rather think the opposite. Although there are divergences, it was found that a major number of authors defended the use of these variables to meet the goals of behaviour analysis / O presente trabalho procurou responder a duas perguntas: 1- Qual (is) a(s) relação (ões) entre a análise do comportamento e as ciências biológicas? e 2- As variáveis orgânicas assumem papel na; constituição e/ou na compreensão e/ou na descrição e/ou na explicação e/ou na previsão e controle do comportamento pela análise do comportamento? Para tanto, foi selecionada uma amostra de uma literatura que, atendesse a critérios de busca e seleção de fontes bibliográficas. Cada um dos textos que compôs esta amostra foi analisado tendo em vista a identificação de trechos que se referiam a questão 1 e os que remetiam-se a questão 2. Os trechos relativos à questão 1 foram categorizados de acordo com as relações de independência, complementaridade e integração. Na sequência, estes mesmos trechos foram classificados a partir de comentários que incluíam tanto a relação já abordada pela categorização, como também os argumentos empregados por tais trechos em defesa da relação em questão. Os trechos que se referiam à questão 2 foram classificados por meio de seis comentários, os quais foram compostos por sentenças que diziam respeito à participação (ou não) das variáveis orgânicas na constituição do comportamento e no atendimento dos objetivos da análise do comportamento. A partir de tal procedimento, e com base nos diferentes resultados obtidos, identificou-se que a análise do comportamento e as ciências biológicas são independentes e complementares, bem como passíveis de se integrarem. No que diz respeito ao papel/função delegado às variáveis orgânicas pela análise do comportamento, pôde-se constatar que estas variáveis são apontadas como constitutivas do processo comportamental e no que se refere ao papel delas no atendimento dos objetivos da análise do comportamento, identificou-se a existência de uma divisão de opinião entre os autores analisados - alguns concebem que tais variáveis assumem papel de relevância para o atendimento destes objetivos enquanto outros sustentam o argumento oposto. Apesar desta divisão, constatou-se que um número maior de autores defenderam a utilização destas variáveis no atendimento dos objetivos da análise do comportamento

Research on aversive control of behaviour has dramatically declined over the past decades. This trend is primarily a consequence of an over-reliance on shock-based procedures, which have been increasingly criticized on ethical, practical, and ecological validity grounds. The continued study of aversive regulation thus requires the development of viable alternatives. Six preliminary experiments, triggered by serendipitous observations of Betta splendens’ reactions to unintended water disturbances, allowed for (a) developing a water flows (WFs) experimental paradigm; (b) confirming the aversive function of WFs; and (c) demonstrating the feasibility of the WFs paradigm as an alternative to the use of electric shock, as it does not involve painful stimulation and carries a higher level of inherent ecological validity. Based on the relevance of free-operant avoidance phenomena (Sidman, 1953a) for the study of aversive control, the fact that these have only been demonstrated in one fish species (goldfish) using shocks, and that the only attempt to show another form of avoidance in Betta splendens produced inconclusive results (Otis & Cerf, 1963), the WFs paradigm was implemented in two experiments aimed at addressing these issues. These studies were aligned with a research program on spatiotemporal analysis of behaviour that has demonstrated, over the course of several decades, that a comprehensive understanding of behavioural processes requires an approach that includes, but is not limited to, the study of rates of discrete responses (e.g., key pecks of a pigeon). Accordingly, a more holistic interpretation of experimental data than is typical for behavioural studies was attained through a combined analysis of the frequency and temporal distribution of a target response (crossings in a shuttle-tank), patterns of swimming trajectories, instances and durations of the aversive stimulus, and the occurrence of behaviour related to different features of the experimental tank. In Experiment 1, Betta splendens exposed to a free-operant avoidance procedure reliably escaped WFs but did not develop avoidance behaviour even though escape improved with practice. Moreover, adding a warning stimulus (curtains of air bubbles - CABs) to the free-operant procedure did not produce increments in avoidance behaviour, as has been demonstrated in other species. Considering these findings, Experiment 2 maintained the same free-operant avoidance contingencies, but escape responses were now scheduled to produce the WFs (punishment and extinction of escape). The result of this manipulation was not a substantial decrease of escape, but an initial large increase of this response, followed by a progressive decrease to approximately pre-punishment levels. In addition, punishment did not result in increased avoidance responding as an alternative response. The explanations for these unexpected findings relate to the duration of the CABs; sign- and goal-tracking effects; uncontrolled stimulation produced by water pump activation/operation; unintended reinforcement (mirror reflections and delay between the pump activation and WFs reaching full strength); and the development of responses that allowed the fish to reduce their exposure to high-intensity WFs (i.e., alternative behaviour). The need for investigating the effects of adjusting the WF procedures to the ecology and biology of Betta splendens is also discussed, particularly in regard to their territoriality and predominant defensive response (immobility) in relation to the experimental apparatuses and the target response (changing compartments).

This final thesis deals with an analysis of segment of LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) consumers on the Czech market. It investigates the existence of the consumer life style LOHAS, specifically in the South Bohemian region, which has been confirmed. Further it focuses on the main characteristic features which are typical for this segment. One of them primarily is the focus on proven brands, quality, design, smaller packaging of the products and responsible production of products preferably by local producers. It also addresses the fact the ?Lohasians? live in the area of the south Bohemia, they prefer foodstuffs/drinks based on natural sources and energetic efficient electrical devices. They think in an ecological and modern way, they like walking and while travelling they like not only having fun and enjoy adventure but they also like nature and its protection. At the same time the thesis provides information the south Bohemian followers of LOHAS are still influenced by price, marketing and sudden impulses. They don?t tend to use e.g. solar panels or hybrid cars either. It explains as well that it?s the consumers in the first place who are numerously represented in the age category over 56 years. Finally it deals with recommendations which the producers should follow if they wish this segment of consumers with large potential to be addressed.

La présente thèse vise à démontrer la faisabilité d’une approche centrée sur l’expérience utilisateur (user experience) pour développer des sites web adaptés aux personnes ayant un handicap visuel. En nous appuyant sur une analyse des pratiques informationnelles d’un panel d’étudiants, nous avons conçu et développé une maquette permettant de faire la « preuve du concept ». Les résultats obtenus dans le cadre de cette recherche sont de deux types : une analyse de besoins définis à partir d’entretiens et un développement informatique / The present thesis demonstrate the feasibility of a user experience approach to develop websites adapted to people with visual disabilities. Based on an analysis of the information practices of a panel of students, we designed and developed a model for a "proof of concept". The results obtained as part of this research are of two types: a needs analysis defined from interviews and a computer development.

Thesis (MEdPsych)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / Bibliography / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of parents who have a child previously diagnosed with autistic disorder who is following or has in the past followed an intensive Applied Behaviour Analysis programme. Parents willingly participated in this research study. The aim of this study was to explore parents' experiences and the various challenges they face. This study also focuses on support and coping strategies experienced by parents. Parents were also asked to provide ideas for support strategies, coping strategies and advice to other parents who may be embarking on a similar journey. A literature review was conducted in order to obtain perspective on research conducted in this field. I fulfilled the dual role of researcher and trainee educational psychologist. The interpretive paradigm was chosen as the framework for this study and the data was gathered by means of semi-structured interviews and written reflections. This research report describes a variety of experiences that parents underwent and the repercussions thereof. Suggestions were made and parents shared advice and support strategies to help other parents who have a child with autism who may decide to embark on an intensive ABA programme. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doelwit van hierdie studie was om die ondervindinge van ouers met 'n kind wat voorheen met outistiese versteuring gediagnoseer is en wat tans of in die verlede 'n intensiewe Toegepaste Gedrags Analise program voltooi het, te verken. Ouers het vrywillig aan hierdie navorsingsprojek deelgeneem. Die mikpunt van die projek was om die ouers se ervaringe en die verskeie uitdagings wat hulle in die gesig staar, te ondersoek. Hierdie studie fokus ook op ondersteuning en hanteringstrategieë wat deur ouers ervaar word. Ouers is ook gevra om ondersteuningstrategieë, hanteringstrategieë en advies te bied aan ander ouers wat dalk 'n soortgelyke reis sal deurmaak. 'n Literatuuroorsig is gedoen ten einde die perspektief van navorsing wat op hierdie gebied gedoen is, te verkry. Ek het die dubbele rol van navorser en leerling opvoedkundige sielkundige gevul. Die interpretatiewe paradigma is gekies as die raamwerk vir hierdie studie. Die ervaringe is vanuit semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude en geskrewe refleksies versamel. Hierdie navorsingsverslag beskryf 'n verskeidenheid ervaringe wat die ouers deurgemaak het, asook die gevolge daarvan. Voorstelle is gemaak en advies en ondersteuningstrategieë is deur ouers gedeel om hulp te verleen aan ander ouers van 'n kind met outisme wat 'n intensiewe ABA program gaan begin.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-28T20:57:17Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Ketney Cristine Bonfogo Bocchi.pdf: 547938 bytes, checksum: aa4f83b6d9f610ff976711f646ac2523 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-10-09 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Having as point of reference the behavioural approach, which recommends the functional analysis of indiscipline in the classroom, the objectives of this research were detecting the standpoint from which a group of teachers considered indiscipline and applying an educational project so as to lead them to analyze indiscipline in the classroom functionally. The research was conducted in a state school located in the south zone of the city of São Paulo, Brazil, and involved the participation of 13 teachers of the third and fourth years of elementary school. Data was obtained by means of classroom observation, collective interviews and questionnaires. The educational project was implemented during the Collective Pedagogic Work Period, comprising 9 sessions, each of them lasting 30 minutes approximately. The data under analysis included the points of view of teachers concerning indiscipline in the classroom (their concept of indiscipline, the kind of behaviour that should be considered as indiscipline, the causes of indiscipline, the courses of action to be taken when confronted with such behaviour, and possible suggestions). From the results obtained, the asymmetry between the discourse of the participants and their course of action in the classroom was very noticeable: the participants considered indiscipline vocal behaviour (such as talking and shouting), play involving movement, as well as aggressive and destructive behaviour. Despite that, when taking into account the data collected during classroom observation which showed high incidence of talking and some physical movement, the teachers did not act as if they considered such events indiscipline; besides that, in the rare events of light (verbal and physical) aggression to class peers, the teachers action showed they saw such events as indiscipline, an attitude coherent with what they had declared. It is also noticeable that teachers exclude themselves when providing explanations about the causes of indiscipline: participants provide psychologically and sociologically-based explanations, leaving aside aspects related to their performance; moreover, similar information appeared in the suggestions on how to prevent indiscipline, which in turn focus on aspects that do not depend on teacher action. Yet, although the solution to indiscipline may be in aspects external to the classroom environment, when indiscipline occurs in the classroom, the teachers act so as to eliminate it, which shows that they attribute such role to themselves and not to the school principal or the students parents. Regarding the educational project, a comparison was made between the performance of participants in Pre-Tests and Post-Tests so as to evaluate the effects produced. The results of Pre-Tests and Post-Tests show specific changes in the way functional analysis was used by participants; however, results provided insufficient evidence that participants had adopted a functional analysis of indiscipline in the classroom. The participants acceptance of the project and the institutional conditions were also analysed. As for the acceptance of the proposal, the positive aspects included the use of descriptive episodes of real life situations, and the group dynamics used. Written activities and some strategies used by the researcher were considered negative. In the final discussion presented in this thesis, in addition to dealing with aspects related to the teachers points of view concerning indiscipline in the classroom, there was a reflection about the possibility of developing an educational project for the conditions offered by the educational area / Tendo como referência a abordagem comportamental, que preconiza a análise funcional da ocorrência da indisciplina na sala de aula, a presente pesquisa teve como objetivos a detecção do posicionamento sobre indisciplina para um grupo de professores e a aplicação de uma proposta de formação a fim de levá-los a analisar a indisciplina em sala de aula de maneira funcional. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida em uma escola estadual na zona sul de São Paulo, contando com 13 professores de 1ª a 4ª série como participantes. Foram obtidos dados por meio de observação em sala de aula, entrevista coletiva e questionário. A proposta de formação foi realizada durante o Horário de Trabalho Pedagógico Coletivo (HTPC) em nove sessões, cada uma com aproximadamente 30 minutos de duração. Foram analisados os dados relativos ao posicionamento dos professores sobre indisciplina em sala de aula (concepção de indisciplina, quais comportamentos são considerados indisciplina, razões da sua ocorrência, formas de atuação frente a tais comportamentos e possíveis sugestões). Dentre os resultados, destaca-se o descompasso entre o discurso dos participantes e suas ações em sala de aula: os participantes afirmam como sendo indisciplina desde comportamentos vocais (conversas, gritos...) e brincadeiras motoras até comportamentos agressivos e destrutivos; no entanto, se forem considerados os dados de observação em sala de aula, quando se detectou alta freqüência de conversa e algumas movimentações, os professores não agem como se considerassem tais comportamentos como indisciplina, sendo que nas raras ocorrências de agressão (verbal e física) leve a colega, os professores agem demonstrando considerá-los como indisciplina, de forma coerente com o afirmado. Também se destaca a exclusão do próprio professor das explicações sobre a ocorrência da indisciplina: os participantes fornecem explicações psicologizantes e sociologizantes, em detrimento de aspectos referentes à sua atuação, sendo que informações da mesma natureza apareceram nas sugestões para alterar a ocorrência de tal fenômeno, já que estas focam principalmente aspectos que independem da atuação do professor. Ainda, embora a solução para a ocorrência de tal fenômeno esteja em instâncias estranhas ao ambiente de sala de aula, em ocorrendo comportamentos de indisciplina em sala de aula, agem no sentido de suprimi-los, evidenciando que tal função é atribuída a si mesmos, em vez de à direção ou aos pais dos alunos. Em relação à proposta de formação, realizou-se a comparação do desempenho dos participantes no Pré e Pós Testes a fim de avaliar o efeito produzido. Os resultados do Pré e Pós Testes evidenciam alterações pontuais na direção do uso da análise funcional pelos participantes, no entanto, elas são insuficientes para afirmar que eles passaram a analisar funcionalmente a ocorrência da indisciplina em sala de aula. Também, avaliou-se a aceitação dos participantes e as condições institucionais oferecidas em relação à proposta realizada. Quanto à aceitação da proposta, foram considerados aspectos positivos o uso de episódios descritivos de situações reais e as dinâmicas de grupo utilizadas; foram considerados negativos a atividade escrita e algumas estratégias utilizadas pela pesquisadora. Na discussão, além de abordar aspectos relativos ao posicionamento dos professores sobre a indisciplina em sala de aula, refletiu-se sobre as possibilidades de realização de uma proposta de formação desenvolvida nas condições oferecidas pela área da educação

Indian cities have been witnessing rapid transformation due to the synergistic effect of industrialisation, flourishing-economy, motorisation, population explosion, and migration. The alarming increase in travel demand as an after effect of the transformation, and the scarcity in transport infrastructures have exacerbated urban transport issues such as congestion, pollution, and inequity. Due to the escalating cost of transport infrastructure and the scarcity of resources such as space, there has been an increasing interest in promoting sustainable transportation policy measures for the optimum use of existing resources. Such policy measures mostly target the activitytravel behaviour of individuals to bring about desired changes in the transport sector. However, the responses of individuals to most of the measures are complex or unknown. The current ‘commute trip-based’ aggregate travel demand analysis strategy followed in most of the Indian cities is inadequate for providing basic inputs to understand the activity-travel behaviour of individuals under such policy interventions. Furthermore, the current analysis strategy also ignores the activitytravel behaviour of non-workers – who include homemakers, unemployed, and retired individuals – whose inclusion to transportation planning is relevant when the proposed policies are mostly ‘citizen-centric’. Analysis of activity-travel behaviour of non-workers provide important inputs to transportation planning as their activity-travel behaviour, and responses to transportation policies are different from that of workers. However, case studies exploring the activity-travel behaviour of non-workers from Indian cities are very limited. Appraising the practical importance of this subject, the current research undertakes a comprehensive analysis of the activity-travel behaviour of non-workers from a developing country’s context. To fulfil the goal, a series of empirical analysis are conducted on a primary activity-travel weekday survey data collected from Bangalore city. The analysis provides insightful findings and interpretations consistent with a developing country’s perspective. The day-planner format of time use diary, which was observed to have satisfactory performances in developed countries, is apparently have inferior performances in a developing country’s context. Further, the face-to-face method of survey administration is observed to have higher operating and economic efficiencies compared to the drop-off and pick-up method. The comprehensive analysis of activity-travel behaviour of non-workers indicate that comparing with their counterparts in the developed world (e.g. the U.S.), non-workers in Bangalore city are observed to have lower activity participation level (in terms of time allocation and number of stops), higher dependency on walking, lower trip chaining tendency, and a distinct time-of-day preference for departing to activity locations. On the other hand, the analysis shows similarities (mode use and trip chaining) and differences (time allocation and departure time choice) with the findings of the case studies from the developing world (e.g. China). Activity-travel behaviour of non-workers belonging to low-income households is characterised by lower activity participation level, higher dependency on sustainable transport modes, and lower trip chaining propensity, compared to other two income groups (middle and high-income groups). The research also suggests that built environment measures have their highest impacts on non-workers’ travel decisions related to shopping. Finally, the joint analysis of activity participation and travel behaviour of non-workers indicate that in-home maintenance activity duration drives the time allocation and travel behaviour of non-workers, and non-workers trade in-home discretionary activity duration with travel time. The joint analysis also shows that the time spent on children’s and elders’ activity is an important time allocation of its own. Keywords: Activity-travel behaviour, Non-worker, Time Use, Income Groups, India

For many companies today, it is highly valuable to collect and analyse data in order to support decision making and functions of various sorts. However, this kind of data-driven approach is seldomly applied to software testing and there is often a lack of verification that the testing performed is relevant to how the system under test is used. Therefore, the aim of this thesis is to investigate the possibility of introducing a data-driven approach to test automation by extracting user behaviour data and curating it to form input for testing. A prestudy was initially conducted in order to collect and assess different data sources for augmenting the testing. After suitable data sources were identified, the required data, including data about user activity in the system, was extracted. This data was then processed and three prototypes where built on top of this data. The first prototype augments the model-based testing by automatically creating models of the most common user behaviour by utilising data mining algorithms. The second prototype tests the most frequent occurring client actions. The last prototype visualises which features of the system are not covered by automated regression testing. The data extracted and analysed in this thesis facilitates the understanding of the behaviour of the users in the system under test. The three prototypes implemented with this data as their foundation can be used to assist other testing methods by visualising test coverage and executing regression tests.

No description available.

<p>  </p> <p>Food safety researchers and extension workers are focused on educating the different actors of the supply chain, from farm to fork. To accomplish this, researchers identify areas of improvement and investigate the factors that cause or explain food safety behaviors. This thesis is divided into a systematic literature review with a meta-analysis and qualitative synthesis (Ch. 2), then two case studies that use predictive models to find top predictors of food safety behaviors (Ch.3 and 4). The systematic review (Ch.2) investigates online food safety educational programs and their effectiveness, barriers, and recommendations on different subpopulations of students, consumers, and food workers. The findings showed a limited effect on attitudes in the different subpopulations. Several areas for future research and recommendations for educators were identified. The first case study (Ch.3) developed predictive models of different food safety behaviors at ten time points throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings suggest an effect between changes in COVID-19 case numbers and how well attitudes related to COVID-19 can make predictions. Additionally, findings suggest the importance of attitudes when predicting food safety behaviors. Lastly, results identified that the belief that handwashing protects against foodborne illness was more important than the belief that handwashing protects against COVID-19 when predicting handwashing at most time points. These findings can identify insights into consumer behaviors during the pandemic and several possible areas for future research. The second case study (Ch. 4) developed predictive models of consumer flour handling practices and consumer awareness of flour-related recalls and how they are affected by the total number of flour-related recalls for a state where the consumer lives. Findings identified the importance of risk perceptions in predicting consumer flour handling practices. Results also showed that younger consumers were predicted to be more likely to be aware of flour recalls than consumers of older ages. Lastly, results show that the total number of flour-related recalls for a state where the consumer lives do not affect predictions. Findings identify potential challenges to recall communication and areas for future studies.</p>