Empirical studies show that similar patterns emerge from a large number of different biological systems. For example, the group size distributions of several fish species and house sparrows all follow power law distributions with an exponential truncation. Networks built by ant colonies, slime mold and those are designed by engineers resemble each other in terms of structure and transportation efficiency. Based on the investigation of experimental data, we propose a variety of simple stochastic models to unravel the underlying mechanisms which lead to the collective phenomena in different systems. All the mechanisms employed in these models are rooted in the concept of selective reinforcement. In some systems the reinforcement can build optimal solutions for biological problem solving. This thesis consists of five papers. In the first three papers, I collaborate with biologists to look into group formation in house sparrows  and the movement decisions of damsel fish.  In the last two articles, I look at how shortest paths and networks are  constructed by slime molds and pheromone laying ants, as well as studying  speed-accuracy tradeoffs in slime molds' decision making. The general goal of the study is to better understand how macro level patterns and behaviors emerges from micro level interactions in both spatial and non-spatial biological systems. With the combination of mathematical modeling and experimentation, we are able to reproduce the macro level patterns in the studied biological systems and predict behaviors of the systems using minimum number of parameters.

Aim: Preferential treatment and allocation of quotes according to sex are two current concepts due to the increasing demand for equality. One organization that may use preferential treatment is the fire department. This is why we chose it as a starting point for our study. The aim with this essay is to investigate how Gästrike Räddningstjänst can create a more equal organization. Method: We have interviewed eight employees and prepared questions for each one. This represents a qualitative method. We have studied literature on the subject to get a theoretical background before the interviews. After the study we analysed the interviews with help from the theory. And finally we drew conclusions from this analysis. This resulted in suggestions that could help Gästrike Räddningstjänst create a more equal organization. Result & Conclusions: Equality between the sexes is important but at the same time it is important that the employed women have the right qualities. Measures should be taken to draw women to the profession in order to create a wider selection. One measure that could give a wider selection is positive special treatment. It is important to think about the employees while making a change so that negative attitudes do not affect the process to make the profession more equal. Based on theory we can see that it is important to communicate the aim of the change to reduce resistance from the employees. Change has to be allowed to take time since the organizational culture is strong and has existed for a long time. Due to the strong culture it is necessary to focus on measures that will create a strong but adaptable culture. Management should continually evaluate the process of change to discover possible problems and to highlight progress. Employees can also take part in the evaluation. Suggestions for future research: It would be interesting to compare different fire departments in Sweden considering their work with equality between sexes. It would also be interesting to observe the process of recruitment more closely. Contribution of the thesis: Our hope is that this essay helps to increase awareness in the important issue of equality. / Syfte: Positiv särbehandling och kvotering är två aktuella begrepp i och med ökade krav på jämställdhet. Räddningstjänsten är en organisation som berörs av framförallt positiv särbehandling. Därför valde vi brandmannayrket som utgångspunkt för vår studie. Syftet med denna uppsats är att undersöka hur ledningen inom Gästrike Räddningstjänst kan gå tillväga för att skapa en mer jämställd organisation. Metod: Vi har intervjuat åtta personer och förberett anpassade frågor till var och en, vilket representerar en kvalitativ metod. Innan intervjuerna genomförde vi en litteraturstudie för att få en teoretisk grund. Efter vår empiriska studie analyserade vi intervjuerna med stöd av teorin. Därefter drog vi slutsatser utifrån analysen, vilket resulterade i förslag på hur Gästrike Räddningstjänst kan skapa en mer jämställd organisation. Resultat & slutsats: Jämställdhet är viktigt men samtidigt måste de kvinnor som anställs vara tillräckligt kompetenta. Åtgärder bör vidtas för att locka fler kvinnor till yrket för att skapa ett bredare urval vid rekrytering. En åtgärd som kan ge ett bredare urval är positiv särbehandling. Vid förändringsarbetet är det viktigt att ta hänsyn till anställda så att inte negativa attityder försvårar processen att göra yrket mer jämställt. Utifrån teorin kan vi se att det är viktigt att tydligt kommunicera syftet med förändringen för att minska ett eventuellt motstånd. Förändringsarbetet måste få ta tid eftersom det är en stark organisationskultur som funnits länge. På grund av den starka organisationskulturen är det nödvändigt att fokusera på faktorer som gör kulturen stark men anpassningsbar. För att upptäcka eventuella problem och för att belysa framsteg bör ledning kontinuerligt följa upp förändringsarbetet. Detta kan med fördel genomföras tillsammans med de anställda. Förslag till fortsatt forskning: Det skulle vara intressant att jämföra olika brandstationer i Sverige för att se om det ser likadant ut i hela landet, eller om vissa stationer kommit längre i sitt jämställdhetsarbete. Det skulle även vara intressant att mer närgående observera anställningsprocessen.

In this work, we investigate the general structure and the concepts behind the contemporary electronic voting schemes, with special emphasis on voter verifiable preferential voting, homomorphic tallying and voter privacy. We firstly propose a modification in the Single Transferable Voting (STV) method to be applied to large scale elections with electoral barriers. Our proposal prevents the loss of votes and distributes them securely to the second or higher choices of their voters. This method is most suitably used in e-voting with the voter verifiable &ldquo / Pr&ecirc / t &agrave / Voter: All-In-One&rdquo / scheme that utilizes mix-networks for anonymity. We present a case study considering 2007 Turkish Parliamentary Elections to demonstrate the effect of preferential voting on the election systems that have electoral barriers. After the mathematical formulation of the election procedure, we calculate the wasted votes in 2007 elections and present simulation results for 69 election regions (that have no independent parliament members) by using a combination of &ldquo / modified STV and d&rsquo / Hondt&rdquo / methods, according to four different, politically unbiased scenarios on the distribution of secondary vote choices. Additionally, we modify the &ldquo / Pr&ecirc / t &agrave / Voter: All-In-One&rdquo / scheme by proposing three security enhancing modifications in its ballot construction phase: 1) ballot serial number, 2) digital signature of the first clerk in the mix-net, 3) different random numbers for each row of the ballot. Finally, we demonstrate the potential of multiplicative homomorphic algorithms like RSA for homomorphic tallying. The idea is based on the association of each candidate on the electronic ballot with a prime number, and unique prime factorization of the general vote product. We propose novel randomization methods for homomorphic RSA tallying, and discuss the performance and complexity of the scheme with such randomizations. Our suggestion for an auditable and verifiable e-voting scheme that employs homomorphic RSA tallying with proper randomization has advantages over El Gamal and Paillier tallying, such as having the least encryption complexity and strong anonymity resistant to unlimited computational power.

Most dynamic program analysis techniques such as profile-driven compiler optimizations, software testing and runtime property checking infer program properties by profiling one or more executions of a program. Unfortunately, program profiling does not come for free. For example, even the most efficient techniques for profiling acyclic, intra-procedural paths can slow down program execution by a factor of 2. In this thesis, we propose techniques that significantly lower the overheads of profiling paths, enabling the use of path-based dynamic analyzes in cost-sensitive environments. Preferential path profiling (PPP) is a novel software-only path profiling scheme that efficiently profiles given subsets of paths, which we refer to as interesting paths. The algorithm is based on the observation that most consumers of path profiles are only interested in profiling a small set of paths known a priori. Our algorithm can be viewed as a generalization of the Ball-Larus path profiling algorithm. Whereas the Ball-Larus algorithm assigns weights to the edges of a given CFG such that the sum of the weights of the edges along each path through the CFG is unique, our algorithm assigns weights to the edges such that the sum of the weights along the edges of interesting paths is unique. Furthermore, our algorithm attempts to achieve a minimal and compact encoding of the interesting paths; such an encoding significantly reduces the overheads of path profiling by eliminating expensive hash operations during profiling. Interestingly, we find that both the Ball-Larus algorithm and PPP are essentially a form of arithmetic coding. We use this connection to prove that the numbering produced by PPP is optimal. We also propose a programmable, non-intrusive hardware path profiler (HPP). The hardware profiler consists of a path detector that detects paths by monitoring the stream of retiring branch instructions emanating from the processor pipeline. The path detector can be programmed to detect various types of paths and track architectural events that occur along paths. The second component of the hardware profiling infrastructure is a Hot Path Table (HPT), that collects accurate hot path profiles. Our experimental evaluation shows that PPP reduces the overheads of profiling paths to 15% on average (with a maximum of 26%). The algorithm can be easily extended to profile inter-procedural paths at minimal additional overheads (average of 26%). We modeled HPP using a cycle-accurate superscalar processor simulator and find that HPP generates accurate path profiles at extremely low overheads (0.6% on average) with a moderate hardware budget. We also evaluated the use of PPP and HPP in a realistic profiling scenarios. We find that the profiles generated by HPP can effectively replace expensive profiles used in profile-driven optimizations. We also find that even well-tested programs tend to exercise a large number of untested paths in the field, emphasizing the need for efficient profiling schemes that can be deployed in production environments.

No description available.

La libéralisation des échanges a fait augmenter les richesses, mais en réalité, elles se sont concentrées dans les pays développés. La question de la distribution plus équitable des richesses s'est rapidement posée. Le système GATT/OMC a joué un rôle décisif dans la libéralisation des échanges et dans l'articulation des rapports entre les pays développés et les pays en développement (PED). L'émergence et l'incarnation juridique dans le système GATT/OMC d'un principe de justice distributive passe par l'évolution du traitement spécial et différencié (TSD). Sous le GATT, le TSD s'est d'abord manifesté par l'article XVIII et la Partie IV du GATT de 1947, la Clause d'habilitation et le Système de préférences de 1971. Le TSD ainsi proposé appartenait essentiellement à la sof law et a échoué dans sa tentative d'intégrer les PED au système SCM. Sous l'OMC, le TSD a changé de paradigme et de mandat. Le TSD est passé d'un outil voué à mettre au développement des PED à un mécanisme employé à aider les PED à mettre en œuvre les nouvelles politiques de libéralisation découlant des accords de l'OMC. Les dispositions TSD seront alors dispersées dans l'ensemble des accords de l'OMC, mais sans jamais transcender la forme «soft law» qui les caractérisait sous le GATT. L'échec de la Conférence de Seattle, en 1999, engendrera le «Programme de Doha pour le développement», en 2001. La Déclaration de Doha était alors perçue comme l'incarnation de la transformation de l'OMC en organisation qui se préoccupe désormais de justice distributive. En observant de près le texte de la Déclaration de Doha et en analysant sa valeur juridique, on ne constate pas de progrès significatifs. Encore une fois, les mesures proposées le sont sous forme de déclarations d'intention et de promesses, voire d'engagement à négocier. Actuellement, le Cycle de Doha tarde à aboutir et tout nous porte à croire que l'avènement de l'OMC n'a pas concrétisé la volonté des PED d'une répartition plus équitable des richesses. / Developed Countries are the main beneficiaries of Economic liberalism and reductions of tariffs. The GATT/WTO System played a key role in the global economic growth and in the re1ationship between Deve10ping Countries and Developed Countries. In the GATT/WOT System, the legal translation of Distributive Justice is represented by Special and Differential Treatment (SDT) in favour of Developing Countries. During the GATT (1947-1994), the most important SDT provisions were Article XVIII and Part IV of the 1947 GATT, the Enabling Clause and the Generalized Preferential System of 1971. Notwithstanding the GATT'S efforts, the STD was not efficient enough to he1p the situation of Developing Countries and was mostly considered as Soft Law. Under the WTO, the STD evolved and his mandate was modified. In fact, the STD became a tool to he1p Deve10ping Countries adopted the new WTO obligations, rather than being a tool for deve1opment. It is true that STD Measures during the Uruguay Round were spread through all of the Uruguay Round's Acts, but they never succeeded in coming out of the Soft Law stage. Following the Seattle Conference held in 1999, the WTO Members adopted the Doha Declaration and named the new Round of negotiation the «Doha Deve10pment Round». Initially, the Doha Declaration was perceived as a transformation of the WTO in a Distributive Organization. Rapidly, after studying the Round's Texts, it became obvious that, although the WTO had shown some openness towards Developing Countries' preoccupations and Distributive Justice, the Doha Declaration was in the direct continuity of the GATT. The SDT dispositions at Doha were still part of Soft Law and were mostly undertakings to negotiate in the future. At the present time, the Doha Program for Development is indefinite1y suspended. So far, the Doha Round did not meet the Deve10ping Countries' Expectations.

政府為促進文化創意產業之發展，在租稅政策上，依受惠對象之不同，可分為對文化創意產業本身的租稅優惠以及對投資文化創意產業之企業的租稅優惠，兩者皆足以影響企業投資文化創意產業的意願。本研究將焦點放在探討政府對投資文化創意產業之企業所提供的租稅優惠與企業投資文化創意產業意願間之關係，以作為政府是否提供投資文化創意產業之企業更多租稅優惠的參考。 本研究以發放問卷的方式，詢問692家於台灣證券交易所上市之公司有關投資文化創意產業意願的問題，共回收69份有效問卷。研究結果顯示，由「投資抵減」與「投資損失準備」所構成之稅制群，投資意願顯著高於「無任何租稅優惠」自成一群的稅制群。表示提供投資文化創意產業之企業投資抵減與投資損失準備的租稅優惠確能增加企業投資文化創意產業之意願，惟其仍未使受訪公司的投資意願由不願意轉成願意。在十三類的文化創意產業中，受訪公司僅對「數位休閒娛樂產業」有較高的投資意願。在十六類的受訪公司所屬產業中，「橡膠業」、「汽車業」、「百貨業」等三種產業對文化創意產業有較高的投資意願。 / In order to bring an advance in the cultural & creative industries, the government grants preferential tax treatment to the cultural & creative industries and enterprises investing in these industries. Both of these preferential tax treatments will influence investment inclination of enterprises to the cultural & creative industries. The goal of this research is to investigate the relation between the preferential tax treatment offered to enterprises investing in the cultural & creative industries and investment inclination of these enterprises to the cultural & creative industries, in order to offer some useful reference to the government for promoting the cultural & creative industries. The population of this research is 692 companies listed on Taiwan Stock Exchange Corporation (TSEC), and the sample is the 69 companies which send back the questionnaire. The result shows that there is significantly higher investment inclination in the group of “tax credits“ and “tax deductions for loss from investment“ than the group of “non-preferential tax treatment.” Namely offering preferential tax treatment to enterprises investing in the cultural & creative industries can significantly increase investment inclination of these enterprises, but it still can not change investment inclination of these enterprises dramatically, from unwilling to willing. Among 13 categories of the cultural & creative industries, the sample companies only have significantly higher investment inclination to “the digital recreation amusement industry.” The sample companies are divided into 16 categories of industries. Among these categories of industries, “the rubber industry,” ”the automobile industry,” and “the wholesale & retail industry” have significantly higher investment inclination to the cultural & creative industries.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of California, San Diego, 2006. / Title from first page of PDF file (viewed September 19 , 2006). Available via ProQuest Digital Dissertations. Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

In this dissertation I shall give a brief historical survey of Black Theology and the African Independent Churches (AI Cs). The study focuses mainly to the developments of the two trends in South Africa. This was done after realising that Black Theologians often ignored the history of Black people, including that of the AI Cs which has in the end stymied their efforts. The immediate effects were negative in that little results were produced. ATCs and Black Theology have interesting histories which complement each another. I will present the current state of affairs and give some guidelines on how the future debate can be carried out. The two theological trends have weaknesses and strengths which are clearly identifiable. In chapter four I give guidelines for future debates and possible new developments. This study is also carried out to expand the scope of dialogue and constructive debate among the two. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / M. Th. (Missiology)

Este projeto tem por objetivo analisar o potencial comercial brasileiro no contexto da Cooperação Sul-Sul, através do estudo dos Acordos Comerciais do Brasil com a África do Sul e a Índia (Mercosul – SACU e Mercosul – Índia). O presente trabalho possui dois propósitos principais – analisar o status quo e o perfil dos acordos comerciais em pauta entre o Brasil, África do Sul e a Índia e sequencialmente verificar o potencial de aprofundamento do atual Acordo Mercosul – Índia rumo a uma futura Área de Livre Comércio como forma efetiva de fortalecimento econômico no contexto da estratégia brasileira frente aos países do IBAS e da Cooperação Sul-Sul. Para estudar os Acordos de Preferência Comercial selecionados, se utilizará a metodologia multicritério de análise das ofensividades e sensibilidades dos principais produtos brasileiros exportados e importados com estes mercados, o grau de abrangência, profundidade e a cobertura de tais acordos. Por fim, pretende-se inferir considerações gerais sobre o fortalecimento comercial, econômico e político no âmbito da Cooperação Sul-Sul que se poderia obter a partir da ampliação de tais acordos. / This project aims to analyze the Brazilian commercial potential in the context of South-South Cooperation, through the study of Brazil's Trade Agreements with South Africa and India (Mercosur - SACU and Mercosur - India). This work has two main purposes - to analyze the ‘status quo’ and the profile of trade agreements at issue between Brazil, South Africa and India, and sequentially verify the potential of deepening the current Mercosur Agreement - India towards a future Free Trade Area as an effective form of economic empowerment in the context of the Brazilian strategy at IBSA countries and in the South-South Cooperation. To study the selected trade preference agreements, the methodology approach to be used will be the multiple-criteria analysis of offensiveness and sensitivities of the main Brazilian products exported and imported with these markets, the degree of breadth, depth and coverage of such agreements. Finally, the intention is to infer general considerations on the commercial, economic and political empowerment within the framework of South-South cooperation that could be obtained from the expansion of such agreements.