14589 research outputs found
Sort by
Dynamical inference of BH populations in GCs
Get PDF1 online resource (xi, 135 pages) : graphsIncludes abstract.Includes bibliographical references (pages 128-135).The present-day black hole (BH) populations of globular clusters (GCs) have far-reaching implications for the evolution of these systems and the production of gravitational wave sources. Despite this, our ability to constrain these populations remains unclear. Using synthetic observations from CMC models, we test one dynamical method, finding it to be effective but likely underestimating uncertainties. Additionally, we introduce a new technique for combining dynamical models with pulsar timing, and apply it to two Milky Way GCs. This reveals a modest BH population in 47 Tuc (with a total mass of 446±7572 M⊙), suggesting no need for a large central BH, and sets a significant upper limit for the mass in BHs in Terzan 5 of ∼ 4000 M⊙. This technique, not reliant on stellar kinematics, offers insights into the dynamics of even heavily obscured GCs and will benefit from future radio telescope observations.</p
Navigating digital transformation in banking : unraveling the nexus of capabilities, technologies, and regulatory realities
Get PDF1 online resource (431 pages) : charts (some colour), graphs (some colour)Includes abstract and appendices.Includes bibliographical references (pages 412-431).This thesis explores the pivotal role of capabilities and technologies in the digital
transformation of the banking sector, with a focus on identifying optimal strategies within
diverse regulatory environments. Utilizing a Delphi study approach, it offers theoretical
insights into the contextual impacts on performance, comparing Canada and Iran.
Integrating Dynamic Capability theory at the micro-level and the Systems of Innovation
approach at the macro-level, the research employs a variety of methodologies including
systematic literature review, Delphi method, SEM, and the rarely used fsQCA. By delving
into regulatory environments and key capabilities, while recognizing capital as a paramount resource, the study enriches understanding of digital transformation
dynamics. Notably, it advances theoretical foundations by integrating insights from
Dynamic Capability Theory and System of Innovation theory, emphasizing the importance
of aligning strategic initiatives with regulatory frameworks. Through comparative analysis
between Canada and Iran, nuanced differences in regulatory impacts on crucial capabilities are highlighted. Additionally, the study introduces innovative methodologies
like fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), expanding the methodological
repertoire in management science. Furthermore, practical implications guide practitioners, policymakers, and industry stakeholders in aligning strategies with regulatory landscapes
Permitted but problematic
Get PDF1 online resource (51 pages)Includes abstract.Includes bibliographical references (pages 40-51).The gendered and sexualized coverage of female athletes commonly depicted in mass media reinforces negative stereotypes about female athletes and contributes to a broader culture of objectification and sexualization of women. Using virtual ethnographic content analysis, this study investigated one week's worth of discourse found on the Reddit forum r/HottestFemaleAthletes. The objective of this study was to determine conversational trends and if they played a role in objectifying women, a phenomenon indirectly linked to sexual violence through rape myth acceptance in previous research. Analysis of the data determined three coding categories of comments: attractiveness, the use of pet names, and body-focused remarks. The forum lacked overtly sexual or hostile discourse, due to the rules of the forum and the numerous content moderators. Additionally, most of the sexualized and objectifying visual content shared consisted of athletes' personal pictures and videos uploaded to social media. Highlighting how selfcommodification online is incentivized for building a successful athlete brand, an important factor in generating capital for female athletes. Themes of sexualization, objectification, and commodification of female athletes' bodies were recurrent throughout the comments, through perpetuating traditional gender roles that depict women as passive objects of desire. The study determined that r/HottestFemaleAthletes contributes to the objectification of women and primarily propagates traditional gender roles, viewing women as passive objects of desire which has been linked to rape myth acceptance
The effects of explicit pronunciation instruction on adult German L2 learners’ comprehensibility
Get PDF1 online resource (36 pages) : colour illustrationsIncludes abstract and appendices.Includes bibliographical references (pages 27-29).This thesis investigated the effects of explicit pronunciation instruction on the Comprehensibility of adult L2 learners of German. Based on previous research in pronunciation instruction, I predicted that when given sufficient time (30 minutes per session), students who received explicit pronunciation instruction would achieve higher levels of comprehensibility compared to a control group. The participants included seven students across two universities. All students were in their second semester of an introduction to German course. Four of the seven students received four sessions of explicit pronunciation instruction, with a focus on three pronunciation features of German (word stress, allophones of German /ʁ/, final devoicing). After the sessions, all participants then completed a post-test. In the post-test, students read words and sentences, and also responded to questions. Two German speakers listened to audio recordings of the
post-tests, and rated the comprehensibility of the participants on a Likert scale from one to five. The results indicate that while the comprehensibility of the control group worsened as tasks became more demanding, the explicit group maintained their level of Comprehensibility across tasks. This suggests the explicit group was able to generalize the features they had learned across tasks. These findings have implications for teaching pronunciation in the adult German classroom at a beginner level
Evaluation of a risk management strategy for wetland sediment contaminated with gold mine tailings using bloodworms (Chironomus dilutus)
Get PDF1 online resource (60 pages) : colour illustrations, colour maps, charts, graphsIncludes abstract.Includes bibliographical references (pages 45-60).Wetlands in Nova Scotia (NS) have been contaminated by mercury (Hg) and geogenic
arsenic (As), the waste products of gold mining during the 1800s. These elements have since remained in the environment, bioaccumulating in benthic species and transferring through higher trophic levels. Here, we evaluated using a reactive amendment (R) composed of zerovalent iron (ZVI), supported by a protective capping (PC) of silica sand, ZVI, bentonite, and zeolite as a risk management strategy for impacted wetlands. We examined the treatment’s ability to reduce contaminant toxicity to the freshwater larval invertebrate Chironomus dilutus, commonly known as bloodworms, in a laboratory experiment. Additionally, in preparation for a field mesocosm test assessing the in situ success of the treatment at Muddy Pond in NS, a pilot cage test was conducted to assess potential cage effects on chironomid survival and identify an appropriate cage mesh size among 200 µm, 243 µm and 300 µm that would allow chironomids with the most sediment exposure while preventing them from escaping. There was 100% survival in the control cages, indicating that the cages were not a considerable source of mortality in hironomids. The highest survival in contaminated sediment was for cages with 243 µm mesh. The toxicity test confirmed that total water Hg and As concentrations overlying the contaminated sediment were significantly reduced by at least 71% and 99% respectively,
when treated with both R and PC. Chironomid survival significantly increased from 45% in
the contaminated sediment to 90% when treated, while growth significantly increased by
36.5% and Hg bioaccumulation decreased by 42%. Our study indicates that this risk
management strategy is safe for chironomids and can successfully reduce sediment toxicity to this invertebrate
2024-04-19 Senate Minutes and Agendas
No full textMinutes and agenda for the April 19th, 2024 meeting of Saint Mary’s University Senate
Navigating the tug-of-war
Get PDF1 online resource (76 pages) : charts, graphsIncludes abstract and appendix.Includes bibliographical references (pages 51-73).Research on the interactive effects of conflictual and enriching dimensions of family life on
different leadership styles is almost non-existent. The present study explored three gaps in this area: (a) the direct effect of family-to-work conflict (FWC) and family-to-work
enrichment (FWE) on one positive (transformational) and two negative (abusive supervision and passive) leadership styles, (b) the mediating role of resource loss and gain by applying the conservation of resources (COR) theory and work-home resource (WH-R) theory, and (c) the interactive effect of FWC and FWE on the three leadership styles. Using a cross-sectional study design within a sample of 579 leaders, results showed that FWC is detrimental in the workplace – being associated with diminished transformational leadership and enhanced abusive and passive leadership. FWE works oppositely – being associated with enhanced transformational and decreased abusive and passive leadership. FWC and FWE also interact such that high levels of FWE attenuate the adverse effects of FWC on leadership styles. The mediating role of resource loss and gain was not found. Analysis by gender suggested that men leaders were found to be more influenced by FWC whereas women leaders manage negative family events more effectively and benefit more from FWE. However, the moderating effect of FWE is stronger for men. Implications, limitations, and directions for future studies have been discussed
The agency & activity of women in the Chora of Metaponto (MT, Italy): a case study of textile production tools
Get PDF1 online resource (iv, 56, 60 unnumbered pages) : illustrations (some colour), maps (some colour), colour graphsIncludes abstract and appendix.Includes bibliographical references (pages 53-56).What do the distribution and characteristics of textile production tools excavated at sites
in the territory of the 7th c. BCE Greek colony Metaponto, tell us about the agency, activities, and interactions of both indigenous and Greek women in the Iron Age and subsequent periods? Analysis of the typology and distribution of a sample of 547 textile production tools of indigenous and Greek styles excavated throughout the chora from both indigenous and Greek sites dating from the Iron Age to the 3rd century BCE revealed indigenous and Greek textile tools in contexts associated with farmhouses, necropoleis, sanctuaries and kilns. Tools found in sanctuaries as votive offerings attest to the nature of sanctuaries as places of encounter and exchange between both groups as textile production tools of both styles are deposited side by side as votive offerings
“So, now I speak” : NunatuKavut Inuit voices on sexual violence, justice, and resilience
Get PDF1 online resource (113 pages) : colour illustrationsIncludes abstract and appendices.Includes bibliographical references (pages 85-98).This project engaged NunatuKavut Inuit in exploring experiences of sexual violence, justice, and resilience. To date, no qualitative research has focused on experiences of sexual violence among NunatuKavut Inuit or within Labrador. Five NunatuKavut Inuit community members participated in interviews related to police, the justice system, and sexual violence support services. Reflexive thematic analysis uncovered two overarching themes, colonialism and resilience, and eight sub-themes. These community members identified needs related to increasing support services and service providers, improving justice system navigation, and implementing more education for Indigenous survivors. Findings of this project are of interest not only to NunatuKavut Inuit, stakeholders, and survivors, but also to Indigenous Peoples and allies across Labrador, including health and justice service providers. Findings broaden what is known about experiences of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and help inform policies and community-based practices regarding sexual violence, justice and resilience in Labrador