Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
BARRIERS TO EQUALITY AND REPRODUCTION OF GENDER SEGREGATION IN THE LABOUR MARKET A study of women’s experiences of working in the male-dominated IT-sector in Sweden.

Essay/Thesis: 30 hp Program and/or course: Master’s programme of Strategic Human Resource Management Level: Second Cycle Semester/year: St/2017 Supervisor: Gabriella Elgenius Examiner: Daniel Seldén Report No: xx (not to be filled in by the student/students) Keyword: Gender, IT-sector, gender segregation, barriers, inequality regimes Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the work-related experiences of women working in the male-dominated Swedish IT-sector, in order to analyse what barriers are keeping women out and how they can be understood from a perspective of gender segregation. Theory: The study builds on the theoretical framework by Acker (1990, 2006, 2012), who argues that seemingly gender-neutral organizations in fact are based on institutionalized gendered norms, embedded into the organizations’ structures and hierarchies. These gendered norms are based on the image of the ‘ideal-worker’ being a male as it builds on stereotypical masculine traits, and thus such structures contribute to the reproduction of gender inequality. Method: The study has been conducted by using a qualitative research design, collecting data based on 21 semi-structured interviews with females working in IT-professions. Result: The results confirm that the IT-sector is indeed based upon such stereotypical masculine traits as proposed by Acker, and that the perceived ideal-worker is constructed as male. Masculine skills and abilities are understood as so-called ‘tough skills’, while women are perceived as having ‘softer’ skill-sets. These gendered structures and assumptions create barriers for women both inand outside the sector. As women are unable to identify with the ideal IT-worker concept, females are also less likely to opt for a career within IT. For the women who remain and work in the male-dominated IT industry, results further confirm that women unable to identify with the ideal-male worker also tend to detach from the stereotypically female role, by describing themselves as not very feminine. Moreover, the results show how there is a lack of female role models in the sector, further causing women to be unable to identify with the ideal worker. In other words, there is lack of rolemodels available to women in the IT industry as women are excluded from the idealmale worker type. This, in turn, prevents women to identify with the ideal-male worker as well as female ideals of the sector, and leads to high levels of uncertainty and low levels of self-efficacy. Such exclusive ideals constitute a main barrier to the presence of women in the sector and ultimately to gender segregation that prevents equal access to the IT industry.
A new simplified approach for simultaneous retrieval of SO 2 and ash content of tropospheric volcanic clouds: an application to the Mt Etna volcano

Abstract. A new procedure is presented for simultaneous estimation of SO2 and ash abundance in a volcanic plume, using thermal infrared (TIR) MODIS data. Plume altitude and temperature are the only two input parameters required to run the procedure, while surface emissivity, temperature, atmospheric profiles, ash optical properties, and radiative transfer models are not necessary to perform the atmospheric corrections. The procedure gives the most reliable results when the surface under the plume is uniform, for example above the ocean, but still produces fairly good estimates in more challenging and not easily modelled conditions, such as above land or meteorological cloud layers. The developed approach was tested on the Etna volcano. By linearly interpolating the radiances surrounding a detected volcanic plume, the volcanic plume removal (VPR) procedure described here computes the radiances that would have been measured by the sensor in the absence of a plume, and reconstructs a new image without plume. The new image and the original data allow computation of plume transmittance in the TIR-MODIS bands 29, 31, and 32 (8.6, 11.0 and 12.0 μm) by applying a simplified model consisting of a uniform plume at a fixed altitude and temperature. The transmittances are then refined with a polynomial relationship obtained by means of MODTRAN simulations adapted for the geographical region, ash type, and atmospheric profiles. Bands 31 and 32 are SO2 transparent and, from their transmittances, the effective ash particle radius (Re), and aerosol optical depth at 550 nm (AOD550) are computed. A simple relation between the ash transmittances of bands 31 and 29 is demonstrated and used for SO2 columnar content (cs) estimation. Comparing the results of the VPR procedure with MODTRAN simulations for more than 200 000 different cases, the frequency distribution of the differences shows the following: the Re error is less than ±0.5 μm in more than 60% of cases; the AOD550 error is less than ±0.125 in 80% of cases; the cs error is less than ±0.5 g m−2 in more than 60% of considered cases. The VPR procedure was applied in two case studies of recent eruptions occurring at the Mt Etna volcano, Italy, and successfully compared with the results obtained from the established SO2 and ash assessments based on look-up tables (LUTs). Assessment of the sensitivity to the plume altitude uncertainty is also made. The VPR procedure is simple, extremely fast, and can be adapted to other ash types and different volcanoes.
The geometry of security: Modeling interstate alliances as evolving networks:

In this article, it is argued that interstate alliances function as public costly signals of state intentions to cooperate militarily, and as such, they should be expected to influence state expectations within dyads, between dyads, and across time. Accurate statistical modeling of interstate military alliances thus requires that researchers escape the assumption of independent units of observation, which is built into most of the statistical tools currently used by international relations scholars, as such models can be expected to produce unbiased parameter estimates in this domain only if the decisions to create and dissolve interstate alliances are formulated in isolated dyadic bubbles. The use of stochastic actor-oriented models, combined with Markov simulations of network evolution, is shown to be a productive alternative method of modeling interstate alliances, which allows the researcher to avoid the assumption of dyadic independence by incorporating theory-driven assumptions about patterns of extra-dyadic interdependence directly into the functional form of the statistical model. The results demonstrate that triadic patterns of amity and enmity exercise powerful influence over the selection of alliance partners and the evolution of the global alliance network. The results also show that failure to incorporate patterns of extra-dyadic interdependence into our statistical models of interstate alliance decisions is likely to result in biased parameter estimates.
The Paradox of Employee Age: An Empirical Investigation of the Role of Age and Employee Outcomes in Kenyan Public Corporations

Age may refer to the length of time an organism has lived. Ageing in human beings refers to a multidimensional process of physical, physiological and social change. It is important in all human societies not only reflecting the biological changes that occur but also reflecting cultural and societal conventions. This study limited itself to chronological ageing referring to how old a person is. This can be clearly distinguished from social ageing which refers to society’s expectations of how people should act as they grow older. It is also distinguishable from biological ageing which refers to an organism’s physical state as it matures. The demographic variable of age has some distinct attributes within the organizational context. It is important because of its linkage to individual experience and personal accumulated knowledge. Age levels vary widely within organizations, in that individuals start jobs in their late teens and do not retire until their mid-fifties or sixties. Employee age correlates positively with advancement within the organization. Age in organizations, elicits various responses. Higher level positions are often associated with increased responsibility and authority. Organizational policies are such that employees advance upward as they obtain experience and prove themselves in less responsible jobs. Therefore, in many decisions affecting employees, age seems to feature in one way or another (Ekamper, 1997). The study looked at employee age as an independent variable and whether it affects employee outcome of job satisfaction, commitment, trust and organizational citizenship behaviours. Previous studies had shown that employee age is a strong predictor of these outcomes however the study found age to have very little or no significant relationship with employee outcomes.
Stock Market Liberalisation and Cost of Equity: Firm-Level Evidence from Malaysia

This study extends the stock market liberalisation literature by conducting a firm-level analysis on the emerging economy of Malaysia. Using a finer measure of foreign ownership, we explore the association between liberalisation and cost of equity for public listed firms on Bursa Malaysia over the sample period of 2002-2009. We find strong support for our hypothesis that total foreign ownership is negatively and significantly associated with cost of equity. Further disaggregate analysis suggests foreign institutions that trade through direct accounts are driving the lower cost of equity. When the model is extended to include interaction term, we find that an effective board of directors further strengthens the negative relationship between foreign institutions and cost of equity. Our empirical results consistently support the corporate governance channel in which foreign institutions play an active monitoring role.
OFFSHORING FOR SUSTAINABLE VALUE MANAGEMENT

This paper evaluates offshoring as a strategic value management initiative using Cadbury Nigeria Plc as a case study. Through offshoring risks associated with inventory holding are hedged. A comparative analysis of in-house and offshored cost profiles as well as critical risk factors that affect firm value are evaluated. The result shows that offshoring led to immediate costs saving, freeing of funds previously held in inventory for other working capital investments as well as profitability for vendors. However, aside financial benefits to partners, it leads to increased stakeholders awareness, shared values, partnerships, teamwork and risk mitigation. It therefore follows that for sustainability of financial benefits of offshoring, concerted effort must be made by partners to ensure that critical drivers of value management are not compromised.
CURRENT ISSUES FACING THE FOREST PEOPLE IN SOUTHEASTERN CAMEROON: THE DYNAMICS OF BAKA LIFE AND THEIR ETHNIC RELATIONSHIP WITH FARMERS

This paper examines the dynamics of the relationship between Baka hunter-gatherers and farmers in the forests of southeastern Cameroon, focusing on 2 aspects of this situation: Changes in the Baka lifestyle and the attitudes of the 2 ethnic groups toward the external society. As a result of the sedentarization policy promoted by the government since the 1950s, the nomadic Baka hunter-gatherers have settled near the farmers' villages. This transformation has made the Baka more economically and politically dependent on the farmers. In recent decades, the introduction of logging companies, tourism businesses, and conservation agencies to the forest in which the Baka reside has created conflicts of interest between these outside actors and the Baka with regard to forest resources. The majority of the benefits generated by these outside agencies have gone to farmers' groups, and the Baka have been marginalized politically and economically. Interventions by outside agencies appear to play a decisive role the future sustainability of the Baka way of life.
Cyclodextrin Formation Initiated by Enzyme Debranching Reaction On Amylopectin Branch Chain Of Tapioka

Degradation of starch by the glucosyltransferase enzyme (CGTase) to produce the primary product of chainsplitting undergoes an intramolecular reaction without the participation of water molecule. From this process, α-1,4-Linked cyclic product, known as cyclodextrins, are formed. The aim of the research was to cut amylopectinbranch in order to produce one straight chain, to optimize cyclic reaction formation cyclodextrin by CGTase. Theresearch was devided into 3 stages; (1) debranching enzyme concentration estimation (5,10,15,20, and 25 unit/gram) and the length of otimum reaction to produce straight chain for 5 hours which sample was taken each hour,(2) reaction length time estimation to form cyclodextrin in order to use debranching products (straight chain) assubstrates, the reaction length for 360 minutes and sample taken each for 30 minutes, and (3) the best substrateconcentration for straight chain (20-40% w/v) to produce cyclodextrin. The result showed that enzyme concentrationtreatment and optimal length reaction will produce straight chain with enzyme concentration of 14 units/gram for3 hours and straight chain product of 20 units/gram for 1 hour with straight chain product of 83.5%. The optimumlength of reaction for cyclodextrin formation from amylose produced from the de-branching process was 240minutes. The amount of cyclodextrin produced was 143.45 g/L with conversion value of 47.81% at 30% (w/v)substrate concentration. Highest yield of cyclodextrin (154,28 g/L) and conversion value of 44.08% was obtained at35% (w/v) substrate concentration
Space, People, Interventions and Time (SPIT): A Model for Understanding Children's Outdoor Play in Post-Disaster Contexts Based On a Case Study from the Triple Disaster Area of Tohoku in North-East Japan

Play in the outdoor environment is important for children as part of their childhood and is particularly important for children in a post-disaster situation. This article explores issues around outdoor play opportunities in the Tohoku region of north-east Japan, 13 months after the triple disaster of earthquake, tsunami and nuclear power plant failure. A model of space, people, interventions and time (SPIT) is used to understand the situation in this unique case study.
Bonded Labor and Serfdom: A Paradox of Voluntary Choice

Among the oldest and most pervasive economic institutions are bonded labor and serfdom. While seemingly exploitative, both bonded labor and serfdom are often not imposed on the laborers but voluntarily chosen. It is generally the lack of suitable alternatives which makes workers opt for a life in servitude. This paper shows that the existence of these voluntary forms of servitude itself may restrain the laborers' opportunities so that they are left with no better alternative than bondage. Under these circumstances, government interventions banning servile institutions, by promoting the development of alternative options for the laborers, have the potential to substantially improve the condition of a large class of laborers.
The Use of Real Time PCR Genotyping to Detect Activating GNAS Mutations in McCune-Albright Syndrome

Introduction: The McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS) is a genetic disease clinically characterized by the triad: bone fibrous dysplasia cafe-au-lait skin spots and endocrine hyperfunction, such as precocious puberty. MAS is due to activating mutations of GNAS, the gene encoding Gs alpha and mutations analysis of this gene could increase the definitive diagnosis of MAS and atypical and partial. Objectives: To identify the p.R201H and p. R201C GNAS activating mutations in multiple tissues derived from patients with MAS using real time PCR genotyping. Material and methods: Genomic DNA was isolated from blood from 31 patients (28 females) with typical and atypical forms of MAS. Skin, adrenal gland or bone tissue samples were also available from six different patients. Genotyping based on PCR real time assay using TaqMan probes was performed for identification of p.R201H and p. R201C GNAS mutations. Cloning and sequencing were used as assenting techniques. Results: Using real time PCR genotyping, no mutations in GNAS were identified in blood samples of MAS patients, only in bone sample of a patient with a previously identified p.R201H. Cloning and sequencing from blood of this same patient revealed that 5/150 clones harboring the p. R201H. Conclusion: The real time PCR genotyping proved to be efficient for the molecular diagnosis of MAS in affected patient's tissues. Advantages of this technique are rapidity, accuracy, it is generally easy to perform and could be used routinely. Nevertheless, optimization of GNAS detection mutation is still necessary to considerer this technique to earlier diagnosis of non-classical forms of MAS using peripheral blood.
Improving business performance with ISO 9001: A review of literature and business practice

This paper studies the impact of the ISO 9001 on business performance. In addition, the impact on business performance metrics is also investigated. These metrics are product, and service quality, customer satisfaction, financial performance, and operational performance. In the process of selection, 25 out of 110 papers were chosen for further analysis. The sum of samples is 6605. Therefore, the paper has moderate significance and moderate contribution in the domain of ISO 9001 certification. The key findings of this paper indicated that ISO 9001 certification can improve operational performance, customer satisfaction, financial performance, and overall business performance. However, negative impact of ISO 9001 on the mentioned constructs is also noted. For practical implication, companies may use this systematic review as a tool which may help in decision making regarding ISO 9001 standards certification or overall business performance improvement.
Use of planktonic protists for assessing water quality in Jiaozhou Bay, northern China

Summary Spatial patterns of planktonic protist communities were studied for assessing water quality in Jiaozhou Bay, northern China, from June 2007 to May 2008. Samples were collected biweekly at five sampling sites with a gradient of environmental stress. A range of physico-chemical parameters were also measured in order to determine water quality. Multivariate/univariate analyses demonstrated that: (1) the spatial patterns of planktonic protist communities represented significant differences among the five sites; (2) the spatial variations in protist community structures correlated with environmental variables, especially the nutrients nitrate nitrogen (NO 3 -N) and soluble reactive phosphates (SRP); and (3) species diversity indices significantly correlated with nutrients (e.g., NO 3 -N). The results suggest that planktonic protists may be used as bioindicators of marine water quality.
Prey capture success and chick diet of Damara terns Sterna balaenarum in Namibia

Feeding terns are affected by a variety of environmental conditions. We studied prey capture success of Damara terns Sterna balaenarum in relation to six variables at two breeding colonies in southern Namibia: tidal phase, wind speed, water clarity, cloud cover, water depth and locality. Damara terns dived most successfully at high tide and least successfully at low tide. Prey capture success improved whereas total dive rate decreased with increasing wind speed. Prey capture success was highest in the least turbid water, but was not significantly affected by cloud cover or water depth, and there was no significant difference in dive success between localities. The diet of Damara tern chicks were studied throughout Namibia. Of 55 prey items collected, Cape silverside Atherina breviceps, southern mullet Liza richardsonii and Cape anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus were among the most abundant prey species. At least nine prey species were found in the diet of Damara tern chicks that had not been previously reported from Namibian waters
Earnings and Dividend Announcements: Are They Interactive? Evidence from the French Context

In this study, we examine abnormal stock returns surrounding contemporaneous earnings and dividend announcements in order to shed more light on the substantive relationship between these two financial signals. Our focus is to investigate the possible complementary or substitutive effect on a sample of French firms. The empirical evidence indicates that information content of dividends should be examined jointly with earnings announcement. The coefficients of all the dummy variables are uniformly negative and significant above the 1% confidence level. These results are inconsistent with those of Kane et al. (1984). The significant coefficients support the corroboration hypothesis showing a negative interaction between earnings and dividends. This evidence suggests that investors evaluate the two announcements as two offsetting effects in order to meet any unexpected change in the firm’s financial policy.
How do team learning behaviour and team innovativeness influence business planning success

This research paper examines the potential influence of both team learning behaviour and team innovativeness on business planning success. Drawing on previous research and empirical data collected from 13 groups of students and 2 experts in the field of business planning, this study shows that both independent variables team learning behaviour and team innovativeness are not significantly related to business planning success. Although mentioned variables do not seem to share a relation with business planning success, one component of team learning behaviour was found to be positively significant (reflection on outcomes) and this by itself may warrant future research. However, it may prove worthwhile to research the overall question examined in this paper once again if the research limitations we were confronted with are properly dealt with. Practically speaking our results may prompt entrepreneurs to refrain from focusing on team learning behaviour or team innovativeness as a possible way to improve their business planning success.
Turbulence and Multiscaling in the Randomly Forced Navier-Stokes Equation

We present a pseudospectral study of the randomly forced Navier-Stokes equation (RFNSE) stirred by a stochastic force with zero mean and a variance $\ensuremath{\sim}{k}^{4\ensuremath{-}d\ensuremath{-}y}$, with $k$ the wave vector and the dimension $d\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}3$. We provide the first evidence for multiscaling of velocity structure functions for $y\ensuremath{\ge}4$. We extract the multiscaling exponent ratios ${\ensuremath{\zeta}}_{p}/{\ensuremath{\zeta}}_{2}$ by using extended self-similarity, examine their dependence on $y$, and show that, if $y\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}4$, they are in agreement with those obtained for the Navier-Stokes equation forced at large spatial scales (3DNSE). Also well-defined vortex filaments, which appear clearly in studies of the 3DNSE, are absent in the RFNSE.