Hypertext and hyperlinks are present on almost every web site or electronic document. As integral components of visual rhetoric, they are foundational to any discussion of technology and literacy. This inquiry is designed to explore first-year composition students' advances in technological literacy, specifically hypertext reading and research strategies. To accomplish this, a hypertext-reading project was designed to investigate the ways in which first-year composition students assimilate and employ hypertext information as a source from which they must extract information to use in the development of an argument. A program, designed and written specifically for this project, presented research participants, 76 students enrolled in second semester first-year composition, the components of hypertext reading as an online reading and research activity. Participants first completed a technology survey designed to reveal each participant's prior experience and self-perceived expertise with current technology, after which they completed a two-part exercise consisting of a hypertext reading assignment and a post-reading questionnaire. Participants were instructed to use their reading to inform and develop a thesis for an argument. The article selected for this study was "Illegal Immigration," accessed by navigating to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illegal_immigration. The article discusses a current controversial national concern, illegal immigration. While the use of Wikipedia, an online user-edited encyclopedia, often raises credibility concerns, the site in general offers excellent examples of hypertext reading that include textual as well as graphic links. In the analysis, it is revealed that while the study group rated themselves highly proficient users of Internet search engines, email, social networking, and word processing applications, the majority initially did not recognize a relationship between the actions they take as users of those applications and hyperlinks or hypertext. Post-reading responses revealed that the majority of the group read the article from top to bottom with few to no diversions. Furthermore, while most did recognize the hyperlinks as information portals, they made conscious decisions to not access the links for a variety of stated and implied reasons. This research involved a relatively small student sample that defines the limited scope of the findings; however, the data suggests attitudes and expectations of this group that may reflect student populations with similar or shared demographics. These data are used to inform potential pedagogical application suggestions, including the usefulness of technological proficiency assessments and research using technology within the classroom as well as in external assignments.

Nesta dissertação buscamos aplicar o modelo das interações entre as atividades científicas e os valores de Hugh Lacey ao campo das pesquisas tecnocientíficas sobre o cimento, a fim de verificar suas principais teses. Dois tipos de abordagens foram adotadas: a análise interpretativa de episódios-chave do desenvolvimento científico e tecnológico do cimento à luz do modelo teórico de referência; e a análise interpretativa das iniciativas do setor, em termos de processos tecnológicos e de estratégias de pesquisa, para reduzir suas emissões de gás carbônico até 2050. As principais conclusões a que chegamos com essas abordagens são: o campo de pesquisas sobre cimentos tem elementos para corroborar o modelo laceyano, na medida em que é caracterizado por pesquisas tecnocientíficas sob estratégias descontextualizadoras, fecundas e úteis, em relações mutuamente reforçadoras com as perspectivas de valor do progresso tecnológico e do capital e mercado, que preservam a imparcialidade, mas que não asseguram nem a autonomia nem a neutralidade no campo; e as iniciativas do setor cimenteiro para reduzir suas emissões de CO2 baseiam-se na conjunção hierárquica das perspectivas de valor do progresso tecnológico, do capital e mercado, e da sustentabilidade, cujas pressuposições até o momento carecem de comprovação empírica. / In this dissertation we undertake the application of Hugh Laceys model of interactions between values and scientific activities to the field of cement techno-scientific research with the purpose of verifying its basic theses. Two approaches are followed: an interpretative analysis of the key episodes of the scientific and technological development of cements in the light of the model; and an interpretative analysis of the cement sector initiatives, in terms of technological processes and scientific strategies, for reductions of CO2 emission up to 2050. The main conclusions are: the field holds elements for corroboration of the model as it is characterized for techno-scientific research based on materialist strategies, fruitful and useful, in mutual relationship with value perspectives of technological progress and of capital and market, that preserves imparciality but neither autonomy nor neutrality in the field; and the cement sector initiatives for CO2 mitigation are based on an hierarchical conjunction of value perspectives of technological progress, of capital and market, and of sustainability, whose presuppositions so far lacked empirical corroboration.

Nesta dissertação buscamos aplicar o modelo das interações entre as atividades científicas e os valores de Hugh Lacey ao campo das pesquisas tecnocientíficas sobre o cimento, a fim de verificar suas principais teses. Dois tipos de abordagens foram adotadas: a análise interpretativa de episódios-chave do desenvolvimento científico e tecnológico do cimento à luz do modelo teórico de referência; e a análise interpretativa das iniciativas do setor, em termos de processos tecnológicos e de estratégias de pesquisa, para reduzir suas emissões de gás carbônico até 2050. As principais conclusões a que chegamos com essas abordagens são: o campo de pesquisas sobre cimentos tem elementos para corroborar o modelo laceyano, na medida em que é caracterizado por pesquisas tecnocientíficas sob estratégias descontextualizadoras, fecundas e úteis, em relações mutuamente reforçadoras com as perspectivas de valor do progresso tecnológico e do capital e mercado, que preservam a imparcialidade, mas que não asseguram nem a autonomia nem a neutralidade no campo; e as iniciativas do setor cimenteiro para reduzir suas emissões de CO2 baseiam-se na conjunção hierárquica das perspectivas de valor do progresso tecnológico, do capital e mercado, e da sustentabilidade, cujas pressuposições até o momento carecem de comprovação empírica. / In this dissertation we undertake the application of Hugh Laceys model of interactions between values and scientific activities to the field of cement techno-scientific research with the purpose of verifying its basic theses. Two approaches are followed: an interpretative analysis of the key episodes of the scientific and technological development of cements in the light of the model; and an interpretative analysis of the cement sector initiatives, in terms of technological processes and scientific strategies, for reductions of CO2 emission up to 2050. The main conclusions are: the field holds elements for corroboration of the model as it is characterized for techno-scientific research based on materialist strategies, fruitful and useful, in mutual relationship with value perspectives of technological progress and of capital and market, that preserves imparciality but neither autonomy nor neutrality in the field; and the cement sector initiatives for CO2 mitigation are based on an hierarchical conjunction of value perspectives of technological progress, of capital and market, and of sustainability, whose presuppositions so far lacked empirical corroboration.

A investigação aqui realizada examina o papel que os valores cognitivos e nãocognitivos desempenham nas práticas científicas. Essa análise fundamenta-se em uma comparação entre os modelos propostos por Hugh Lacey e por Larry Laudan para explicar a dinâmica da atividade científica. Veremos que, no modelo desenvolvido por Lacey, cuja idéia central reside nas estratégias de pesquisa, ambos os tipos de valor possuem papéis legítimos na atividade científica. Já no modelo reticulado, proposto por Laudan, o autor admite apenas os valores cognitivos como constituintes da racionalidade científica. A partir de uma comparação entre ambos os modelos, pretendemos mostrar que o modelo de Lacey parece ser mais abrangente do que o modelo reticulado, na medida em que este último poderia ser considerado como uma parte do primeiro. / The present investigation examines the role of cognitive and non-cognitive values in scientific practices. This analysis is based on a comparison between the models proposed by Hugh Lacey and Larry Laudan to explain the dynamics of scientific activity. We will see that in Laceys model, whose main idea are the strategies of investigation, both kinds of values have legitimate roles in scientific activity. In the reticulated model, proposed by Laudan, the author admits only cognitive values as constitutive of scientific rationality. Based on a comparison between both models, we will try to show that Laceys model seems broader than the reticulated model, in the sense that the reticulated one could be considered as a part of Laceys model.

Historically, research on Aboriginal education issues has ignored the needs of Aboriginal people and disempowered the Aboriginal community. This thesis seeks to offer a corrective to that trend. <p> The intent of the thesis research was to establish a process for conducting educational research with one Aboriginal community - the Dakota People of Wahpeton which would enable this community to have a legitimate voice and control over future research that will be conducted on their behalf. A methodology called community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) was utilized because it provided the means for community input and direction. Through the use of CBPR, collaborative relationships were established with 20 Dakota People of Wahpeton, who were identified as the research participants. The interview was used as the primary research method. <p> The thesis discusses how the conflict between two cultural world views - the Aboriginal view of the Dakota, Nakota, and Lakota People, generally referred to as "Sioux", and the contemporary Western view - was resolved within the process of implementing the Community-Based Participatory Research methodology. This resolution of differences was accomplished by bridging, then mirroring, the methodologies and ways of gaining knowledge unique to these two respective cultural world views. Additionally, theoretical and practical suggestions are offered so that the thesis might serve as a model for Dakota-Nakota-Lakota Community-Based Participatory Research in the future. <p> In keeping with Community-Based Participatory Research, the voice of the people will be emphasized in this thesis, through extensive use of quotes. Furthermore, the voice of the researcher will be clearly identified so that he may be held accountable for his input.

Historically, research on Aboriginal education issues has ignored the needs of Aboriginal people and disempowered the Aboriginal community. This thesis seeks to offer a corrective to that trend. <p> The intent of the thesis research was to establish a process for conducting educational research with one Aboriginal community - the Dakota People of Wahpeton which would enable this community to have a legitimate voice and control over future research that will be conducted on their behalf. A methodology called community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) was utilized because it provided the means for community input and direction. Through the use of CBPR, collaborative relationships were established with 20 Dakota People of Wahpeton, who were identified as the research participants. The interview was used as the primary research method. <p> The thesis discusses how the conflict between two cultural world views - the Aboriginal view of the Dakota, Nakota, and Lakota People, generally referred to as "Sioux", and the contemporary Western view - was resolved within the process of implementing the Community-Based Participatory Research methodology. This resolution of differences was accomplished by bridging, then mirroring, the methodologies and ways of gaining knowledge unique to these two respective cultural world views. Additionally, theoretical and practical suggestions are offered so that the thesis might serve as a model for Dakota-Nakota-Lakota Community-Based Participatory Research in the future. <p> In keeping with Community-Based Participatory Research, the voice of the people will be emphasized in this thesis, through extensive use of quotes. Furthermore, the voice of the researcher will be clearly identified so that he may be held accountable for his input.

Historically, research on Aboriginal education issues has ignored the needs of Aboriginal people and disempowered the Aboriginal community. This thesis seeks to offer a corrective to that trend. The intent of the thesis research was to establish a process for conducting educational research with one Aboriginal community - the Dakota People of Wahpeton which would enable this community to have a legitimate voice and control over future research that will be conducted on their behalf. A methodology called community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) was utilized because it provided the means for community input and direction. Through the use of CBPR, collaborative relationships were established with 20 Dakota People of Wahpeton, who were identified as the research participants. The interview was used as the primary research method. The thesis discusses how the conflict between two cultural world views - the Aboriginal view of the Dakota, Nakota, and Lakota People, generally referred to as "Sioux", and the contemporary Western view - was resolved within the process of implementing the Community-Based Participatory Research methodology. This resolution of differences was accomplished by bridging, then mirroring, the methodologies and ways of gaining knowledge unique to these two respective cultural world views. Additionally, theoretical and practical suggestions are offered so that the thesis might serve as a model for Dakota-Nakota-Lakota Community-Based Participatory Research in the future. In keeping with Community-Based Participatory Research, the voice of the people will be emphasized in this thesis, through extensive use of quotes. Furthermore, the voice of the researcher will be clearly identified so that he may be held accountable for his input.

A investigação aqui realizada examina o papel que os valores cognitivos e nãocognitivos desempenham nas práticas científicas. Essa análise fundamenta-se em uma comparação entre os modelos propostos por Hugh Lacey e por Larry Laudan para explicar a dinâmica da atividade científica. Veremos que, no modelo desenvolvido por Lacey, cuja idéia central reside nas estratégias de pesquisa, ambos os tipos de valor possuem papéis legítimos na atividade científica. Já no modelo reticulado, proposto por Laudan, o autor admite apenas os valores cognitivos como constituintes da racionalidade científica. A partir de uma comparação entre ambos os modelos, pretendemos mostrar que o modelo de Lacey parece ser mais abrangente do que o modelo reticulado, na medida em que este último poderia ser considerado como uma parte do primeiro. / The present investigation examines the role of cognitive and non-cognitive values in scientific practices. This analysis is based on a comparison between the models proposed by Hugh Lacey and Larry Laudan to explain the dynamics of scientific activity. We will see that in Laceys model, whose main idea are the strategies of investigation, both kinds of values have legitimate roles in scientific activity. In the reticulated model, proposed by Laudan, the author admits only cognitive values as constitutive of scientific rationality. Based on a comparison between both models, we will try to show that Laceys model seems broader than the reticulated model, in the sense that the reticulated one could be considered as a part of Laceys model.

This research was geared towards the investigation of management strategies (factors) that affect the performance ofMSMEs in Kenya. Many developed countries record a time in history when entrepreneurial activities led to revival of economical growth after decline. This implies MSMEs is a very vital sector especially for a developing country like Kenya. MSMEs stagnate and their performance is uncertain according to writers such as Namusonge, Management inadequacies have been suggested in several studies. The objectives of this research was to, 1. To identifY the critical management factors affecting the performance of MSMEs in Kenya; ii. To establish the process through which managerial factors affect the performance of a MSMEs in Kenya ; m. To determine the integrative effect of various management factors in the MSMES in Kenya; IV. To establish the effect of demographics and management factors on performance, v. To establish effects of external environment on internal management factors A conceptual model was formulated from the literature review showing relationships of the management strategies and the environment they operate in. These relationships became the basis for the hypotheses which were later tested. In chapter 4, a mini research (pilot study) was conducted in May 2007,whose main aim was to test the reliability and validity of the research instruments. The 36 questionnaires returned were analysed through descriptive method. Results obtained indicated the instruments were reliable and the results valid. A few corrections suggested were made. The major correction was addition of question 35 to collect financial information. The data collection was done between mid August and mid October 2007.In chapter 5, the researcher analysesd the results of the survey after receiving 180 questionnaires. Time was a constraint. In chapter 6, the hypotheses and conceptual model were analysed and the results obtained suggested that, most strategies did not affect the profitability separately but severally. The integrated effect of the management strategies and the associated factors had a higher impact on performance of the MSMES than any individual strategies. In chapter 7, the conclusions, summaries and Recommendations are given. / Business Management / D. Com. (Business Management and Policy)

Na primeira metade de século XX, tanto os empiristas lógicos quanto os racionalistas popperianos sustentaram que os juízos científicos corretos derivavam de sua conformação a certas regras: indutivas, dedutivas, hipotético-dedutivas ou formalizáveis segundo o cálculo de probabilidades. No entanto, após a emergência de novos trabalhos, como os de Thomas Kuhn, houve um amplo desenvolvimento de abordagens que analisam a inferência científica com base em valores, em vez de regras estabelecidas a priori. A estratégia proposta por Kuhn considera a prática científica e sua história um elemento importante para uma compreensão adequada da racionalidade da ciência. Sua abordagem envolve a consideração de valores cognitivos, tais como fecundidade, consistência e escopo de teorias. Ampliando essa abordagem, estudos mais recentes – a partir da década de 90 e com grande efervescência nos últimos anos – defendem a tese de que o conhecimento científico, além de um produto da atividade social, possui ele mesmo uma dimensão social intrínseca. Poderíamos perguntar, então, em que medida valores não cognitivos, tais como valores morais e sociais, moldam a prática científica; e como esses valores poderiam exercer um papel legítimo ou mesmo contribuir para a produção de conhecimento. Essas questões envolvem o problema, bastante expressivo atualmente (cf. Longino, 2015), sobre a chamada “dimensão social do conhecimento científico”. Neste trabalho, abordo o referido problema no que tange à relação entre valores e atividade científica, utilizando-me, para a construção do artigo aqui presente, a abordagem do filósofo da ciência Hugh Lacey e aplicando-a a um contexto específico: as possibilidades de uso produtivo dos chamados Campos Sulinos. / In the first half of the XXth century, both logical empiricists and popperian rationalists sustained that correct scientific judgements derived from the conformation to certain rules: inductive, deductive, hypothetical-deductive or formalizable according to the calculation of probabilities. However, mainly because of Thomas Kuhn’s works, there was an extensive development of approaches that analyze the scientific inference based on values, rather than on a priori established rules. The proposal of Kuhn considers the scientific practice and history as elements of relevance to the comprehension of science’s rationality. His approach considers cognitive values, such as fecundity, consistence, and scope of theories. Expanding this approach, recent studies – starting in the 90s and with great effervescence in recent years – defend the thesis that scientific knowledge, besides being a product of social activity, features an intrinsic social dimension. We could ask, in what measure noncognitive values, such as moral and social values, shape the scientific practice; and how these values could exercise a legitimate role, or even contribute to the production of knowledge. These questions involve the currently quite significant (cf. Longino, 2015) problem called “social dimension of the scientific knowledge”. In this work, I approach the mentioned question regarding the relation between values and the scientific activity, using the approach of the philosopher of science Hugh Lacey, and applying it to a specific background: the possibilities of the productive use of the south Brazilian native grasslands, know Campos Sulinos.