M. Tech. Public Relations Management / The Internet and the emergence of social networking sites have brought about remarkable changes in the communication process, changing mass communication from a one-way to a two-way communication approach. Many countries around the world ranging from organisations to universities have embraced and adapted to the new phenomenon. Social networking sites present many opportunities such as connecting with consumers, soliciting feedback, bringing people together, as well as encouraging social networking and dialogue. Facebook is cited as one of the most popular social networking sites with increasing use by organisations and universities.

A research report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in the field of Digital Arts, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2016 / Facebook has become a part of over a billion people’s daily lives, but the mechanisms used by Facebook to keep people using its service may be playing off negative personality traits, one such being narcissism. Studies up to now have not looked at the design of the interface in relation to narcissism and whether or not Facebook is actively exploiting narcissism for its own ends. This study will analyse whether Facebook is deliberately designing an interface that exploits people’s narcissism by reviewing the current research on Facebook and narcissism and then doing a case study that will compare the 2008 interface with the 2015 interface. It will analyse how narcissism is involved in the persuasion strategies employed in each interface by using these four persuasion goals: 1. Create personal profile page 2. Invite friends 3. Respond to other’s contributions 4. Return to the site often The study will compare the features that use design for behavioural change and show whether or not Facebook is continuously designing features that exploit people’s narcissism. / GR2017

University of Macau / Faculty of Science and Technology. / Department of Computer and Information Science

As technology has become a part of our everyday lives, including our educational institutions, it will definitely have an impact on the teaching and learning. The premise is that the use of ICTs has the ability to transform teaching and learning effectively if it is implemented constructively. The research is to ascertain whether Facebook is used for academic purposes as well as the integration of other Information and Communications Technologies. The study was conducted with a group of lecturers at the University of the Witwatersrand. Data was collected by conducting semi-structured interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed at a later stage. Common themes were identified. Positivity about the implementation of ICTs as well as institutional support is imperative for lecturers to continue their commitment to the process.

This study discusses Facebook as a social network site and a social media application. It compares perceived emotional support, general life stress, and media affordance-based stress from two participant samples - one that reported using the Facebook desktop site most frequently to reach out for emotional support, and one that reported using the mobile application. The media affordance measure asked participants if perceiving a media affordance was more likely to increase or decrease their stress. In both samples, persistence was more likely to decrease stress, and personalization was more likely to increase stress. On the Facebook Desktop site, searchability was more likely to increase stress. On the Facebook mobile application, pervasiveness was more likely to decrease stress, and association to increase stress. When comparing affordances between samples, there were no significant differences found. When comparing samples, the Facebook mobile application users reported higher life stress, but there was no difference found in perception of emotional support. Within samples, there was no correlation between perceived stress and perceived emotional support. Finally, there was a significant correlation found between perception of emotional support on the site and frequency of reaching out for emotional support. On the Facebook desktop site, users reached out by public post and by private message significantly less frequently if they perceived a higher level of emotional support to be available on the site. On the Facebook mobile application, users reached out by public post significantly less frequently if they perceived a higher level of emotional support to be available on the application. No correlation was found for reaching out by private message on the Facebook mobile application.

Submitted by Maria de Lourdes Mariano (lmariano@ufscar.br) on 2016-10-18T11:20:37Z No. of bitstreams: 1 PINHEIRO_JUNIOR_Ari_2016.pdf: 64249028 bytes, checksum: 174206f50c95ac571bf1a0f3a8358de6 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Maria de Lourdes Mariano (lmariano@ufscar.br) on 2016-10-18T11:21:44Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 PINHEIRO_JUNIOR_Ari_2016.pdf: 64249028 bytes, checksum: 174206f50c95ac571bf1a0f3a8358de6 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Maria de Lourdes Mariano (lmariano@ufscar.br) on 2016-10-18T11:22:00Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 PINHEIRO_JUNIOR_Ari_2016.pdf: 64249028 bytes, checksum: 174206f50c95ac571bf1a0f3a8358de6 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-10-18T11:22:14Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 PINHEIRO_JUNIOR_Ari_2016.pdf: 64249028 bytes, checksum: 174206f50c95ac571bf1a0f3a8358de6 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-02-29 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / This dissertation is the result of empirical monitoring of political demonstrations where young people expressed through the Black Bloc tactic. It is a participant observer report. Seeks, in acts of street protests and social networking sites, how is the construction of knowledge and realities of these young people. Seeks to understand the political forces opposing the idea of autonomous organization that tracks youth social movements and collective action close to the fans of tactical Black Bloc. Analyzes the pages of Brazilian mass media, the dispute the meaning of the 2013-2014 protests among the ultra-liberal discourse, government supporters and revolutionaries. This research follows the steps of how was built the historical image of the Black Bloc in the national press and proposes a historical script to its spectacular appearance in Brazilian media in June 2013. The research seeks to understand the contemporary scene of street protests across narratives gathered in demonstrations against the FIFA World Cup 2014 and interviews marked the tactical fans in their living spaces. Part of this work an audiovisual documentary, edited with scenes observed in fieldwork. / Esta dissertação é resultado do acompanhamento empírico de manifestações políticas onde jovens se expressavam através da tática Black Bloc. É um relato observador participante. Procura, nos atos de protestos de rua e nos sites de rede social, como se dá a construção de saberes e realidades destes jovens. Busca compreender as forças políticas contrárias a ideia de organização autonomista que acompanha a juventude dos movimentos sociais e ações coletivas próximos aos adeptos da tática Black Bloc. Analisa, nas páginas da mídia de massa brasileira, a disputa do significado dos protestos de 2013-2014 entre os discursos Ultraliberais, Governistas e Revolucionários. Esta pesquisa segue os passos de como foi construída a imagem histórica da Black Bloc na imprensa nacional e propõe um roteiro histórico até de seu aparecimento espetacular nas mídias brasileiras em junho de 2013. A pesquisa procura compreender o cenário contemporâneo dos protestos de rua através de narrativas recolhidas nas manifestações contra a Copa do Mundo da FIFA 2014 e em entrevistas marcadas com adeptos da tática em seus espaços de convivência. Faz parte deste trabalho um documentário audiovisual, editado com cenas observadas no trabalho de campo.

A incapacidade de expressar uma decisão ou sentimento, seja causada por um trauma físico ou psicológico, expõe o indivíduo a impactos pessoais e/ou sociais, colocando-o em situações que podem gerar problemas no desenvolvimento cognitivo ou convívio em sociedade. Visando satisfazer a esta necessidade e empregando tecnologias disponíveis atualmente, desenvolveu- se um aplicativo para tablets e celulares, que auxilia na comunicação mediada e alternativa de crianças com dificuldade em se comunicar oralmente. Método: Com ajuda de profissionais da área de terapia ocupacional, assim como um estudo das primeiras palavras necessárias ao iniciar-se um novo idioma, elaborou-se e classificou-se um banco de frases e expressões que unidas a imagens de comunicação alternativa formam o aplicativo de pranchas de comunicação para dispositivos Android. O sistema evoca por meio sonoro o significado das imagens sensíveis ao toque. Resultados: 400 mensagens contendo imagem e som fazem parte do sistema criado, assim como a possibilidade do usuário editar sua própria prancha com imagens do acervo. Quando se apresentou aos voluntários a interface do sistema Falante, bem como a arquitetura do aplicativo no dispositivo móvel utilizado, 80% foi capaz de utilizar o sistema com apenas alguns minutos de instrução, e 90% utilizou o aplicativo em algum momento da sua terapia, para manifestar necessidades, comprovando os benefícios que técnicas de comunicação em equipamentos portáveis podem trazem às pessoas com dificuldades na comunicação. Conclusão: O protótipo desenvolvido conseguiu emitir de forma eficiente as mensagens faladas correspondentes às imagens selecionadas, tornando efetiva a comunicação de crianças com dificuldades na fala. Foi possível observar emoções positivas expressadas por eles quando seus desejos e necessidades foram compreendidos e imediatamente atendidos pelos interlocutores. Entre os principais sentimentos positivos percebidos pode-se destacar o bem-estar, a calma e ânimo. / The inability to express a decision or a feeling, both provoked by a physical or psychological trauma, exposes the individual to personal and social impacts that sometimes may cause problems in his intellect or live in society. Thinking about this need and studying the methods currently available to this group of people, it was developed an application for tablets and smartphones which helps persons with difficulties in oral communication. Method: Collecting information with professionals who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication during their daily work, and making a deep study about the first words and sentences that are necessary when someone wants to be introduced in a new language, we created and classified a database of phrases and expressions. They were associated to the alternative communication symbols in order to be part of a communication board for cellphones and tablets running Android operational system. The application reproduces the sound corresponding to the meaning of the activated image through touch. Results: 400 images with sound make part of the system created as well as the possibility of the user to edit his own board with pictures of the collection. When Falante ́s interface and the architecture of the software used in mobile devices were presented to the volunteers, 80% of them was able to use the system after few minutes of instruction, and 90% used the application at some moment during the therapy to express needs. It proves the benefits that techniques of alternative communication in mobile devices can bring to people with communication difficulties. Conclusion: The prototype was able to reproduce efficiently the sound related to the meaning of the images, resulting in effective communication for children with speech difficulties. It was possible to observe positive emotions expressed by users when their desires and needs were understood and attended. Among the major positive feelings, we point out wellbeing, calmness and courage expressed by the users. / 5000

A incapacidade de expressar uma decisão ou sentimento, seja causada por um trauma físico ou psicológico, expõe o indivíduo a impactos pessoais e/ou sociais, colocando-o em situações que podem gerar problemas no desenvolvimento cognitivo ou convívio em sociedade. Visando satisfazer a esta necessidade e empregando tecnologias disponíveis atualmente, desenvolveu- se um aplicativo para tablets e celulares, que auxilia na comunicação mediada e alternativa de crianças com dificuldade em se comunicar oralmente. Método: Com ajuda de profissionais da área de terapia ocupacional, assim como um estudo das primeiras palavras necessárias ao iniciar-se um novo idioma, elaborou-se e classificou-se um banco de frases e expressões que unidas a imagens de comunicação alternativa formam o aplicativo de pranchas de comunicação para dispositivos Android. O sistema evoca por meio sonoro o significado das imagens sensíveis ao toque. Resultados: 400 mensagens contendo imagem e som fazem parte do sistema criado, assim como a possibilidade do usuário editar sua própria prancha com imagens do acervo. Quando se apresentou aos voluntários a interface do sistema Falante, bem como a arquitetura do aplicativo no dispositivo móvel utilizado, 80% foi capaz de utilizar o sistema com apenas alguns minutos de instrução, e 90% utilizou o aplicativo em algum momento da sua terapia, para manifestar necessidades, comprovando os benefícios que técnicas de comunicação em equipamentos portáveis podem trazem às pessoas com dificuldades na comunicação. Conclusão: O protótipo desenvolvido conseguiu emitir de forma eficiente as mensagens faladas correspondentes às imagens selecionadas, tornando efetiva a comunicação de crianças com dificuldades na fala. Foi possível observar emoções positivas expressadas por eles quando seus desejos e necessidades foram compreendidos e imediatamente atendidos pelos interlocutores. Entre os principais sentimentos positivos percebidos pode-se destacar o bem-estar, a calma e ânimo. / The inability to express a decision or a feeling, both provoked by a physical or psychological trauma, exposes the individual to personal and social impacts that sometimes may cause problems in his intellect or live in society. Thinking about this need and studying the methods currently available to this group of people, it was developed an application for tablets and smartphones which helps persons with difficulties in oral communication. Method: Collecting information with professionals who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication during their daily work, and making a deep study about the first words and sentences that are necessary when someone wants to be introduced in a new language, we created and classified a database of phrases and expressions. They were associated to the alternative communication symbols in order to be part of a communication board for cellphones and tablets running Android operational system. The application reproduces the sound corresponding to the meaning of the activated image through touch. Results: 400 images with sound make part of the system created as well as the possibility of the user to edit his own board with pictures of the collection. When Falante ́s interface and the architecture of the software used in mobile devices were presented to the volunteers, 80% of them was able to use the system after few minutes of instruction, and 90% used the application at some moment during the therapy to express needs. It proves the benefits that techniques of alternative communication in mobile devices can bring to people with communication difficulties. Conclusion: The prototype was able to reproduce efficiently the sound related to the meaning of the images, resulting in effective communication for children with speech difficulties. It was possible to observe positive emotions expressed by users when their desires and needs were understood and attended. Among the major positive feelings, we point out wellbeing, calmness and courage expressed by the users. / 5000

M.A. / The use of the Internet and New Media is becoming increasingly relevant for 21st century politics, not only as a means of political campaigning but also as a platform used by the public to engage in political discussion, debate and opinion formation. As the field of study is relatively new, there has been much argument regarding the opportunities that New Media, such as the Social Media network Facebook, holds for political use. However, not enough research has been done to scrutinise the outcomes of truly utilising the platform. Furthermore, not enough research concerning the use of Social Media in the South African political sphere has been done. Thus, this study concentrates on how the public and the political parties are using Facebook. The research questions examine the nature of (a) political party (ANC and DA) and (b) public participation on the respective Facebook sites. It also enquires as to what benefits and challenges Social Media such as Facebook offer to political parties in South Africa. The study relies on a qualitative methodological orientation. Firstly, content analysis by means of thematic analysis was applied to all posts present on the Facebook pages of the ANC and the DA during the timeframe of 14-21 June 2010. The overall themes were World Cup 2010 and Youth Day, and their emergent sub-themes were explored in this context. Secondly, in-depth interviews were conducted with representatives from each political party who dealt with the Social Media output and monitoring of the party. It would appear that political parties are not capitalising on the full range of Social Media offerings and not promoting two-way communication. Instead they are merely using it as a monitoring tool or as a way to disseminate information. However, the research shows that the members of the public are utilising the Facebook site(s) to engage in discussion of a political nature as well as using the platform to connect with and reach individuals in new ways.

Cette thèse présente une extension du compilateur CompCert permettant de fournir des garanties formelles de préservation sémantique à des programmes auxquels CompCert n'en donne pas. CompCert est un compilateur pour le langage C vers différentes architectures qui fournit, en plus d'un exécutable compilé, des garanties formelles concernant le comportement du programme assembleur généré. En particulier, tout programme C ayant une sémantique définie selon le standard C est compilé en un programme assembleur équivalent, c'est-à-dire qui a la même sémantique. En revanche, ce théorème n'assure aucune garantie lorsque le programme source n'a pas de sémantique définie : on parle en C de comportement indéfini. Toutefois, des programmes C issus de réels projets largement utilisés contiennent des comportements indéfinis. Cette thèse détaille dans un premier temps un certain nombre d'exemples de programmes C qui déclenchent des comportements indéfinis. Nous argumentons que ces programmes devraient tout de même bénéficier du théorème de préservation sémantique de CompCert, d'abord parce qu'ils apparaissent dans de vrais projets et parce que leur utilisation des comportements indéfinis semble légitime. Dans ce but, nous proposons d'abord un modèle mémoire pour CompCert qui définit l'arithmétique arbitraire de pointeurs et la manipulation de données non initialisées, à l'aide d'un formalisme de valeurs symboliques qui capturent la sémantique d'opérations non définies dans le standard. Nous adaptons l'intégralité du modèle mémoire de CompCert avec ces valeurs symboliques, puis nous adaptons les sémantiques formelles de chacun des langages intermédiaires de CompCert. Nous montrons que ces sémantiques symboliques sont un raffinement des sémantiques existantes dans CompCert, et nous montrons par ailleurs que ces sémantiques capturent effectivement le comportement des programmes sus-cités. Enfin, afin d'obtenir des garanties similaires à celles que CompCert fournit, nous devons adapter les preuves de préservation sémantique à notre nouveau modèle. Pour ce faire, nous généralisons d'importantes techniques de preuves comme les injections mémoire, ce qui nous permet de transporter les preuves de CompCert sur nos nouvelles sémantiques. Nous obtenons ainsi un théorème de préservation sémantique qui traite plus de programmes C. / This thesis presents an extension of the CompCert compiler that aims at providing formal guarantees about the compilation of more programs than CompCert does. The CompCert compiler compiles C code into assembly code for various architectures and provides formal guarantees about the behaviour of the compiled assembly program. It states that whenever the C program has a defined semantics, the generated assembly program behaves similarly. However, the theorem does not provide any guarantee when the source program has undefined semantics, or, in C parlance, when it exhibits undefined behaviour, even though those behaviours actually happen in real-world code. This thesis exhibits a number of C idioms, that occur in real-life code and whose behaviour is undefined according to the C standard. Because they happen in real programs, our goal is to enhance the CompCert verified compiler so that it also provides formal guarantees for those programs. To that end, we propose a memory model for CompCert that makes pointer arithmetic and uninitialised data manipulation defined, introducing a notion of symbolic values that capture the meaning of otherwise undefined idioms. We adapt the whole memory model of CompCert with this new formalism and adapt the semantics of all the intermediate languages. We prove that our enhanced semantics subsumes that of CompCert. Moreover, we show that these symbolic semantics capture the behaviour of the previously undefined C idioms. The proof of semantic preservation from CompCert needs to be reworked to cope with our model. We therefore generalize important proof techniques such as memory injections, which enable us to port the whole proof of CompCert to our new memory model, therefore providing formal guarantees for more programs.