Thesis (D. Ed. Min.)--Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 328-336).

Thesis (MPhil (Journalism))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / This study examines the history, development and diversity of news agencies. It studies the major agencies and pinpoints how smaller wire services that sometimes purvey niche news seek to offer a more diverse global news-flow. The linkage between news agencies and technological developments, and how wire services have helped advance technology, is examined since the first agencies began in the 1800s, up to the current era of the Internet. The rise of television and the subsequent ascent of the Internet prompted new demands for more diverse news procurement. This accelerated the convergence of different media and has exposed challenges and opportunities to news agencies, large and small. Alongside the telegraph, news wire services expanded from supplying news and information locally to being global players, helping the world shrink. The mediahistoriographical approach engages a critical examination of literature sources regarding the development of the major wire services, and some of the smaller players. The literature, along with interviews with news agency experts, provides the material to examine wire services. The study shows how some original agencies leveraged opportunities offered by their standing in powerful nations to become dominant transnational players. The ascendancy of the mega-agencies compounded limited news-flows from developed to poorer nations, while an expansion of diversified news-flows has not matched technological progression. This study concludes by recommending greater recognition of the importance of news agencies and more scholarly examination of them, as studies on them appear scarce compared to those on other media branches, such as newspapers, the electronic media and the Internet. More studies into the development of both mainstream and alternative news agencies would pave the way for a better understanding of how they function and could provide clues as to how they might be able to better sustain themselves as more diverse entities for the benefit of the public discourse. Through the above, this dissertation seeks to contribute, in a small way, to rectifying a knowledge disparity regarding a key component of the mass media, namely the news agency.

Maintaining accessibility to and understanding of digital information over time is a complex challenge that often requires contributions and interventions from a variety of individuals and organizations. The processes of preservation planning and evaluation are fundamentally implicit and share similar complexity. Both demand comprehensive knowledge and understanding of every aspect of to-be-preserved content and the contexts within which preservation is undertaken. Consequently, means are required for the identification, documentation and association of those properties of data, representation and management mechanisms that in combination lend value, facilitate interaction and influence the preservation process. These properties may be almost limitless in terms of diversity, but are integral to the establishment of classes of risk exposure, and the planning and deployment of appropriate preservation strategies. We explore several research objectives within the course of this thesis. Our main objective is the conception of an ontology for risk management of digital collections. Incorporated within this are our aims to survey the contexts within which preservation has been undertaken successfully, the development of an appropriate methodology for risk management, the evaluation of existing preservation evaluation approaches and metrics, the structuring of best practice knowledge and lastly the demonstration of a range of tools that utilise our findings. We describe a mixed methodology that uses interview and survey, extensive content analysis, practical case study and iterative software and ontology development. We build on a robust foundation, the development of the Digital Repository Audit Method Based on Risk Assessment. We summarise the extent of the challenge facing the digital preservation community (and by extension users and creators of digital materials from many disciplines and operational contexts) and present the case for a comprehensive and extensible knowledge base of best practice. These challenges are manifested in the scale of data growth, the increasing complexity and the increasing onus on communities with no formal training to offer assurances of data management and sustainability. These collectively imply a challenge that demands an intuitive and adaptable means of evaluating digital preservation efforts. The need for individuals and organisations to validate the legitimacy of their own efforts is particularly prioritised. We introduce our approach, based on risk management. Risk is an expression of the likelihood of a negative outcome, and an expression of the impact of such an occurrence. We describe how risk management may be considered synonymous with preservation activity, a persistent effort to negate the dangers posed to information availability, usability and sustainability. Risk can be characterised according to associated goals, activities, responsibilities and policies in terms of both their manifestation and mitigation. They have the capacity to be deconstructed into their atomic units and responsibility for their resolution delegated appropriately. We continue to describe how the manifestation of risks typically spans an entire organisational environment, and as the focus of our analysis risk safeguards against omissions that may occur when pursuing functional, departmental or role-based assessment. We discuss the importance of relating risk-factors, through the risks themselves or associated system elements. To do so will yield the preservation best-practice knowledge base that is conspicuously lacking within the international digital preservation community. We present as research outcomes an encapsulation of preservation practice (and explicitly defined best practice) as a series of case studies, in turn distilled into atomic, related information elements. We conduct our analyses in the formal evaluation of memory institutions in the UK, US and continental Europe. Furthermore we showcase a series of applications that use the fruits of this research as their intellectual foundation. Finally we document our results in a range of technical reports and conference and journal articles. We present evidence of preservation approaches and infrastructures from a series of case studies conducted in a range of international preservation environments. We then aggregate this into a linked data structure entitled PORRO, an ontology relating preservation repository, object and risk characteristics, intended to support preservation decision making and evaluation. The methodology leading to this ontology is outlined, and lessons are exposed by revisiting legacy studies and exposing the resource and associated applications to evaluation by the digital preservation community.

Na sociedade tecnológica, frequentemente somos impelidos à utilização das novas tecnologias, uma vez que estão cada vez mais presentes em nosso cotidiano. A Educação não se priva a essa interpelação e, nesse sentido, tem-se mobilizado. Na rede pública de ensino, a distribuição de notebooks aos professores, bem como tablets para os alunos, a criação de laboratórios de informática e disponibilização de recursos multimídia, como data-show, nas escolas são exemplos dessa interpelação do poder público ao uso das tecnologias na prática docente. Todavia, qual é a posição do professor nesse novo cenário? O presente trabalho objetiva analisar o discurso do professor de língua inglesa sobre docência na era digital. Sob o enfoque de uma pesquisa qualitativa, o trabalho pauta-se nos pressupostos teóricos da Análise do Discurso de linha francesa, fundada por Michel Pêcheux, e desenvolvida no Brasil por seus seguidores. Os procedimentos analíticos ocorreram a partir de recortes das gravações, na consideração de um discurso como efeito de sentidos, e, ainda, na concepção de um sujeito heterogêneo, assujeitado pela língua, história e ideologia, que produz seu discurso a partir de diferentes posições que ele ocupa. A presente pesquisa visa a compreender a posição-sujeito professor de língua inglesa na sociedade tecnológica como parte fundamental, intrínseca ao processo ensino-aprendizagem, e não apenas um veículo de transmissão de conhecimento. / In technological society, we are often driven to use new technologies, since they are increasingly present in our daily lives. Education does not deprive this notice and, accordingly, has been mobilized. In public schools, the distribution of laptops to teachers, as well as tablets for students, the creation of computer labs and availability of multimedia features, such as data-show, the schools are examples of this notice of the government the use of technologies in teaching practice. However, what is the position of the teacher in this new scenario? This paper aims to analyze the speech of English teacher about teaching in the digital age. Under the focus of qualitative research, the work is guided on theoretical assumptions of Discourse Analysis of French line, founded by Michel Pêcheux, and developed by his followers in Brazil. Analytical procedures occurred from parts of the recordings, in consideration of the effect of a speech senses, and also in the design of a heterogeneous subject, subjugated by language, history and ideology, which makes his speech from different positions it occupies. This research aims to understand the position-subject English teacher in technological society as an essential, intrinsic to the teaching-learning process, and not just a vehicle for the transmission of knowledge.

The time-averaged Navier-Stokes' partial differential equations have been used in the mathematical modelling of fluid flow for steady, incompressible non-cavitating, high Reynolds number turbulence through an orifice plate. The model developed for orifice plates was based on a particular closed form turbulent model: the k-ε two equation model developed at Imperial College, London and embodied in the TEACH-T finite difference computer code. A basic model for axisymmetric flow through an orifice meter was developed by appropriate modification of the TEACH-T program to incorporate orifice plate geometry, upstream/downstream distances, Reynolds number, inlet velocity profile and the calculation of output quantities of interest such as discharge and pressure loss coefficients. The model vas tested for convergence and general adequacy on an orifice of diameter ratio β= .7 in a 4 inch pipe line and at a Reynolds number of 105. Quantitative tests were then conducted on thin orifice plates in the range .3 β .7. Results were compared with those from BSI 1042 for discharge coefficients (flange, D-D/2 and corner tappings) and published results for pressure loss coefficients. The results show that the discharge coefficients predictions are within 3% of experiment with very close agreement in the mid-range (β = .45). The pressure loss coefficients predictions are within 15" of experiment. Sensitivity tests were then conducted to see how these coefficients varied with such quantities as inlet velocity I profile, turbulence levels and orifice plate thickness. These results indicated that the orifice is relatively insensitive to velocity profiles (1/12 power law and uniform) and. turbulence levels. Also below a certain orifice plate thickness ratio the discharge coefficient is almost constant. It is concluded that such modelling can be a most valuable aid in understanding the behaviour of the orifice meter and similar devices. In particular this would aid in the design of novel flow meters based on the differential pressure principle. Extensive mathematical and computational details including the derivation of the k-t model equations from first principles are relegated to appendices. A source listing of the developed model is also provided in appendix G.

This mixed-method study explored cataloger’s judgment through the presence of text as entered by catalogers for the 11 electronic resource items during the National Libraries test for Resource Description and Access (RDA). Although the literature discusses cataloger’s judgment and suggests that cataloging practice based on new cataloging code RDA will more heavily rely on cataloger’s judgment, the topic of cataloger’s judgment in RDA cataloging was not formally studied. The purpose of this study was to study the differences and similarities in the MARC records created as a part of the RDA National Test and to determine if the theory of bounded rationality could explain cataloger’s judgment based on the constructs of cognitive and temporal limits. This goal was addressed through a content analysis of the MARC records and various statistical tests (Pearson’s Chi-square, Fisher’s Exact, and Cramer’s V). Analysis of 217 MARC records was performed on seven elements of the bibliographic record. This study found that there were both similarities and differences among the various groups of participants, and there are indications that both support and refute the assertion that catalogers make decisions based on the constructs of time and cognitive ability. Future research is needed to be able to determine if bounded rationality is able to explain cataloger’s judgment; however, there are indicators that both support and refute this assertion. The findings from this research have implications for the cataloging community through the provision of training opportunities for catalogers, evaluating workflows, ensuring the proper indexing of bibliographic records for discovery, and recommended edits to RDA.

Thesis (M. A. (Information Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2020 / This study examined whether postgraduate students in the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Limpopo are aware of, and are using electronic databases optimally to locate information for their academic research. The study employed a quantitative research design through the use of a questionnaire as a data collection method to determine students’ accessibility and levels of awareness of electronic databases; to measure the extent to which they use electronic databases for academic research; to assess the form of training which they attended on the use of electronic databases; to identify factors that determine their usage and non-usage of electronic databases; and to establish challenges that they encounter in using electronic databases. The accidental sampling method was used to select the participants. The study found that most participants are aware of the existence of electronic databases. Even if they indicated to have used some of these databases at UL library, it appears that they are referring to Google and Google Scholar. This is despite the fact that the majority of them showed to have attended some sort of training on the use of electronic databases. Factors that influence their choice and use of specific electronic databases include familiarity, unlimited access, multidisciplinary as well as their capabilities. Problems and challenges encountered in the use of electronic databases are related to remote access. It becomes difficult for them to access these databases when they are not on campus. Lack of knowledge and skills to search these electronic databases effectively hindered their optimal usage. Other problems identified by postgraduate students include: slow internet connectivity; inadequately networked computers; lack of access to low-cost printing facilities in the library; inability to use advanced search strategies on most databases; and a lack of awareness of most e-resources. It is recommended that studies of this nature should be conducted in other faculties so that the library should identify electronic databases that are not used and to consider cancelling subscriptions to unused electronic databases in order to save costs.

Thesis (M. A. (Information Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / The study investigated the awareness towards the and utilisation of Reference Management Software (RMS) by postgraduate students in the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Limpopo, South Africa. The aim of the study was to examine the awareness and usage of RMS among postgraduate students in the Faculty of Humanities. The study sought to fulfil the following objectives, namely: to describe the types of RMS available for use in university libraries; to determine awareness of RMS by postgraduate students in the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Limpopo; to measure the extent to which postgraduate students in this faculty use RMS when writing academic papers; to identify the purposes for which the postgraduate students use RMS; and to identify postgraduate students’ perceptions regarding the use of RMS Quantitative research orientation though a survey research design were adopted in the study. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 320 respondents and a total number of 244 questionnaires were returned and a response rate of 76% was achieved. The findings of the study show that most of the respondents (59%) were aware of the RMS. Most of the postgraduate students became familiar with the software through attending library training. However, the study found that the usage of RMS was low as 45% postgraduate students indicated that they have used RMS before whilst, 55% indicated that they have never used the RMS before. RefWorks remains the most popular used software among postgraduate students. Most of the respondents’ reason for using RMS amongst others was because they have received training, and some mentioned the fact that it was the only RMS they were familiar with. The study also found that the respondents use RMS to cite sources for assignments, research and papers, as well as to create reference list and collect and organise citations. The study revealed that the respondents like RMS because it assists and improves referencing. The study recommends for an intensified library training by academic librarians so that students should know advanced features of the RMS.

For almost five decades, since the advent of the first computers for commercial use, the dream of the Paperless Office, a.k.a. total Information flow automation, has eluded the industry. Now, with the emergence of Internet- and Web-based technologies, daily we see examples of organizations like eBay and Amazon that perform their business in a fully automated manner without the use of paper or pen. However, bigger and older organizations that have more complex functions, like government organizations, have not been very successful in harnessing the latest technological innovations to completely automate their Information flow. We propose a Structured Information Flow (SIF) framework that provides the conceptual infrastructure to automate small and big, new and old organizations alike. The ease of the transformation is due to three key features of SIF that set it apart from any other Information flow automation scheme. First, SIF utilizes the attributes of the organization, such as the existing reporting structure, to model the automated Information flow. The rules governing the flow of Information are based on the hierarchy already in place, for example: A senior can view any Information owned by any of his/her direct subordinates. Second, SIF characterizes external organization entities as a special case of internal organization entities, allowing for seamless integration of the Information flow to and from them. Third, the SIF framework is independent of platform, method, organization, or technology. This gives it a generic nature that makes it applicable as a platform to implement multiple types of automated e-systems such as e-commerce, e-education, e-training, e-governance, etc. In this body of work, we formally define the SIF framework using state transformation language and a visual representation scheme specifically developed for this purpose. We also define the Information Interfaces, which are the mechanism for implementing rules- and constraint-based Information flow in SIF. / Master of Science

This study investigates, within the current health care situation, the interrelationship of the user, resources and tool in the design of a prototype WELLNESS database-driven web site. A shift has taken place in health care, in which the base of conventional medicine has broadened to integrate other systems, practices and worldviews. These include complementary and alternative medicine, health promotion, disease prevention and wellness. Emphasis is placed on the need to take personal responsibility for one's own health and wellness. The global burden of chronic disease, reaching epidemic proportions, is increasingly linked to risk factors resulting from personal lifestyle choices. The growing evidence of the user's need to make personal, informed, lifestyle choices and their reliance on the Web for health information, required investigation. WELLNESS, a specific orientation to health and wellness, formed the framework within which the user and resources were defined and the tool designed. The user was profiled as the WELLNESS health information seeker, hereby contributing significantly to an understanding of the user in this new context. The user profile informed the establishment of resource selection criteria and tool design. The identification of WELLNESS content selection criteria, within a five-dimensional model, was required to ensure quality, relevant and credible resources. The tool is comprised of the WELLNESS thesaurus and WELLNESS database-driven web site. The WELLNESS thesaurus was constructed based on a combination of relevant thesauri. It will be used as an indexing tool. An investigation of existing health information web sites highlighted the importance of designing a specific WELLNESS database-driven web site. A database host was identified against which the original study's conceptual schema was assessed. A low-fidelity prototype web site was designed as the interface between the WELLNESS health information seeker and the database of WELLNESS health information resources. This study has epidemiological, philosophical, epistemological, sociological and psychological relevance. The provision of access to WELLNESS health information resources, made available in the WELLNESS database-driven web site, for personal, informed lifestyle choice by the WELLNESS health information seeker could potentially contribute to the reduction of the global burden of chronic disease. / Information Science / D.Litt. et Phil. (Information Science)