From blog to business. Young women’s new way of entrepreneurship?

In a world more connected than ever, we find ourselves calling, texting, emailing, twittering or facebooking each other every single day. The blogs have been introduced and are being used over large parts of the world, also Sweden is under its’ spell. Almost every other girl at the age 15-21 in Sweden writes a blog today and some use their blogs as platforms to create businesses. You can see young, driven female bloggers who start writing a blog and then use the blog to create their own businesses. Our aim with this thesis has been to study and analyze how these bloggers are using their blog as a platform for business. Through interviewing three bloggers of different sizes, ages and with different themes and through collecting text material from two of the largest blogs in Sweden, we have tried to define how these women have used their blogs in order to create business and how they engage in entrepreneurial activities. We have also studied the individuals, the bloggers, the entrepreneurs, behind the blogs and looked upon different attributes which according to our theory are necessary in order to become a successful entrepreneur. In the end of this thesis we have identified some major themes which are necessary for a blogger to become a successful entrepreneur. The importance of networking with other people and the fact that a blog can be seen upon as a virtual CV are the most distinct conclusions we have drawn. The bloggers are also becoming living organizations, carrying around their businesses and their brand wherever they go. Additionally, we have identified some distinct attributes in the bloggers personalities which create good conditions for them in order to succeed as entrepreneurs. The most common attributes we found regarding our bloggers were their willingness to work hard, their lack of fear for failure and their ability to motivate oneself. Do we believe that the bloggers in our study should be called entrepreneurs? Or is this just a common thought, applied by people who are only seeing the top of the iceberg

Broadband Korea

노트 : This report was prepared by Tim Kelly, Vanessa Gray and Michael Minges. It is based on research carried out from 23 to 30 May 2002 as well as articles and reports noted in the document. The assistance of the Ministry of Information and Communication, particularly Sang-Hak Lee, was indispensable and highly appreciated. The assistance of colleagues within ITU is also noted particularly Nathalie Delmas, who formatted the report and created the cover. Both Jin-Kyu Jeong and Chinyong Chong provided detailed comments. The report would not have been possible without the cooperation of the many Korean organizations who offered their time to the reportís authors. The report is one of a series examining the Internet in developing nations. Additional information is available on ITUís Internet Case Study web page at http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/cs/. (The rest omitted

Proceedings of the Spacecraft Charging Technology Conference: Executive Summary

Aerospace environments are reviewed in reference to spacecraft charging. Modelling, a theoretical scheme which can be used to describe the structure of the sheath around the spacecraft and to calculate the charging currents within, is discussed. Materials characterization is considered for experimental determination of the behavior of typical spacecraft materials when exposed to simulated geomagnetic substorm conditions. Materials development is also examined for controlling and minimizing spacecraft charging or at least for distributing the charge in an equipotential manner, using electrical conductive surfaces for materials exposed to space environment

Moving toward allyship: a current climate of agent skill sets of hearing ASL-English interpreters

In all societies, there exists a rank system that provides some with advantages and privileges, and others with disadvantages which result in oppression. In the United States, those who are considered disabled, like the Deaf community, are systematically marginalized and are considered Targets, whereas those who are not considered disabled receive advantages and are thus Agents (Hays, 2001, 2008; Nieto et al., 2010). Hearing ASL-English interpreters inherently hold advantages and are Agents based on their ability to hear (Baker-Shenk, 1991; Nieto et al., 2010). ASL-English interpreters are in a unique position to recognize the oppression of the Deaf community and the social imbalances the Deaf community may face, and these interpreters are afforded the opportunity to work with the Deaf community toward social justice and equity as allies (Witter-Merithew, 1999). Nieto et al. (2010) developed an Agent Skills Model to provide a means to describe the skill sets that those who are advantaged can develop in order to work with Target group members toward equity and move from Agent-centric skills to Agent-relative skill sets, potentially resulting in Allyship. Edwards (2006) discusses the idea that there are multiple types of allyship based on the privileged person’s motivations. This study intends to assess the current climate of ASL-English interpreter Agent skill sets based on Nieto et al.’s (2010) model and determine ASL-English interpreter ally identification and their definition of allyship behaviors and beliefs. Using Likert scale and open-ended question data, the study assessed 270 responses, and data indicated that ASL-English interpreters strongly identify with Agent-relative skill sets, yet do not always cite the behaviors and beliefs associated with those skill sets when defining their own allyship. Additionally, it was determined that each type of allyship defined by Edwards (2006) was supported among collected responses. The results from this study provide a foundation for further research into types of allyship ASL-English interpreters identify, expanded understanding of the Agent skill sets ASL-English interpreters demonstrate, and additional discussion around how ASL-English interpreters can use their privilege to work toward anti-oppressive consciousness and equity with the Deaf community

An Exploration of Counseling Practicum Students\u27 Experiences in Department-Based and Community-Based Settings

Counselor educators are continually improving the quality of their training programs. The purpose of the present study was to investigate counseling students’ practicum experiences and development in community-based and department-based settings. The framework for this study was based on Stoltenberg’s integrated developmental model, which describes stages of counselor development and supervision conditions needed for a learning environment (Stoltenberg & Delworth, 1987; Stoltenberg & McNeill, 2010; Stoltenberg, McNeill, & Delworth, 1998) A nation-wide study was conducted utilizing counselor education practicum students enrolled in programs listed in the CACREP program directory (2008) and Counselor Preparation: Programs, Faculty, Trends (12th ed.; Schweiger, Henderson, Clawson, Collins, & Nuckolls, 2008), and subscribed to three listserves COUNSGRAD, CESNET, and COUNSLINK. A total of 435 responses were collected electronically with a completion rate of 70% (N = 305). The Demographic and Experience Questionnaire and the Supervision Level Questionnaire Revised (SLQ-R) were used. The results of this study indicated that practicum students’ experiences differed in community-based versus department-based settings. Students in department-based settings reported their settings were more structured than did students in community-based settings. Students who rated their settings as more structured also reported they were more satisfied with the amount of structure. Direct supervision modalities were utilized more often in department-based settings than in community-based settings. Students in community-based settings were supervised by licensed professional counselors, licensed professional counselor – supervisors, and licensed clinical social workers. Students in department-based settings were supervised by counseling professors, licensed professional counselors, licensed professional counselor – supervisors, and counseling doctoral students. Despite the differences in structure, supervision modalities, and supervisors, practicum students reported similar experiences in client population types and client issues. Additionally, no differences were found in counseling practicum students’ SLQ-R scores in community-based versus department-based settings, and no differences in students’ SLQ-R scores were found in direct supervision in comparison to indirect supervision. The number of supervision modalities used in practicum settings was not related to students’ SLQ-R scores. Significant relationships were found in two of the sub-scales on the SLQ-R: self and others awareness and autonomy with practicum students’ number of credit hours completed

An Exploration of Counseling Practicum Students\u27 Experiences in Department-Based and Community-Based Settings

Counselor educators are continually improving the quality of their training programs. The purpose of the present study was to investigate counseling students’ practicum experiences and development in community-based and department-based settings. The framework for this study was based on Stoltenberg’s integrated developmental model, which describes stages of counselor development and supervision conditions needed for a learning environment (Stoltenberg & Delworth, 1987; Stoltenberg & McNeill, 2010; Stoltenberg, McNeill, & Delworth, 1998) A nation-wide study was conducted utilizing counselor education practicum students enrolled in programs listed in the CACREP program directory (2008) and Counselor Preparation: Programs, Faculty, Trends (12th ed.; Schweiger, Henderson, Clawson, Collins, & Nuckolls, 2008), and subscribed to three listserves COUNSGRAD, CESNET, and COUNSLINK. A total of 435 responses were collected electronically with a completion rate of 70% (N = 305). The Demographic and Experience Questionnaire and the Supervision Level Questionnaire Revised (SLQ-R) were used. The results of this study indicated that practicum students’ experiences differed in community-based versus department-based settings. Students in department-based settings reported their settings were more structured than did students in community-based settings. Students who rated their settings as more structured also reported they were more satisfied with the amount of structure. Direct supervision modalities were utilized more often in department-based settings than in community-based settings. Students in community-based settings were supervised by licensed professional counselors, licensed professional counselor – supervisors, and licensed clinical social workers. Students in department-based settings were supervised by counseling professors, licensed professional counselors, licensed professional counselor – supervisors, and counseling doctoral students. Despite the differences in structure, supervision modalities, and supervisors, practicum students reported similar experiences in client population types and client issues. Additionally, no differences were found in counseling practicum students’ SLQ-R scores in community-based versus department-based settings, and no differences in students’ SLQ-R scores were found in direct supervision in comparison to indirect supervision. The number of supervision modalities used in practicum settings was not related to students’ SLQ-R scores. Significant relationships were found in two of the sub-scales on the SLQ-R: self and others awareness and autonomy with practicum students’ number of credit hours completed

The nitrogen factor in sweet potato production in Iowa

The general aspects of the effect of nitrogen fertilization on the yield, storage quality and chemical composition of sweet potatoes have been covered in this three-year investigation at Muscatine Island;Sweet potatoes responded to nitrogen fertilizers whenever leaching of the natural soil nitrates occurred. The use of delayed applications of nitrogen appears to be the best approach to the solution of the problem;No nitrogen should be applied to the soil until the plants have become established. Then, providing that a loss of soil nitrates is probable because of leaching due to heavy rainfall, an initial application of nitrogen should be made at this time. Further applications should be made if the plants continue to show symptoms of nitrogen deficiency or if other rainy periods follow. Several inorganic fertilizers and possibly uramon are suitable sources of nitrogen for side-dressing;Phosphorus and potassium are definitely limited in the soils used in the investigation and these nutrients must be supplied before beneficial effects can be secured from the use of nitrogen;Nitrogen fertilizer applications showed no consistent or pronounced effect on the storage qualities and the sugar, starch or soluble nitrate content of sweet potatoes. The use of delayed applications of nitrogen increased the colloidal nitrogen content of the roots and in one year materially reduced the loss from storage rots

The study of applying heat to enhance moisture transfer in knitted spacer structures

The aim of the article is to report the research of the Advanced Textiles Research Group on the application of heat to enhance the moisture transmission in knitted spacer structures. The current trend in the design and development of moisture management textiles is to use knitted spacer structures. Generally, in moisture management textiles, the moisture is transmitted through the fabric due to capillary forces, which are influenced by the hydrostatic pressure difference between the two fabric layers and the geometry and the dimensions of the capillaries of the sandwiched fibre layer of a knitted spacer structures. However, the hydrostatic pressure difference is also influenced by the outer environmental changes. The research has demonstrated that the moisture transfer rate of up to 30% per 100 cm2 of fabric area can be achieved by creating a temperature gradient between the two layers of a knitted spacer structures. This temperature gradient was achieved by application of heat at one layer of the knitted spacer structures, which influenced the hydrostatic pressure difference of the knitted spacer structures. Application of heat to the knitted spacer structures was achieved by knitting small heater elements on side of knitted spacer structures to create an active moisture management structure. Wash tests, temperature rise rates and moisture wettability experiments of the active moisture management structure were performed, and the results are discussed in the publication

Logistics Performance Measurement System for Construction Supply Chains - A Case Study at a Large Swedish Construction Company

Logistics management in a construction supply chain can be seen as a key competitive factor due to the importance of perfect deliveries towards construction sites. The increased importance of logistics in construction supply chains explains why the evaluation of logistics effectiveness and efficiency is gaining increased attention. Logistics performance management is the key to quantifying the current state and improvement potentials within logistics. In order to ensure that the logistics of a supply chain is performing well, it is crucial that the company measures different aspects of the logistics flow of the supply chain. As stated by Sink and Tuttle (1989): "You cannot manage if you cannot measure. If you do not measure you do not know what you have achieved and where you are headed". This master thesis aims to investigate and give suggestions on how to measure the logistics performance of a construction supply chain. This can also be seen in the research questions of this report, which are "How should a logistics performance measurement system for a construction supply chain be designed?” and “Which KPIs should be included in a logistics performance measurement system of a construction supply chain”?. This master thesis is based on a case study at a large Swedish construction company. Thereby the key performance indicators (KPIs) related to the logistic processes in a construction supply chain were examined. One of the main findings of this master thesis is the creation of a conceptual framework, which focused on the design of a logistics performance measurement system (PMS). The framework takes company, industry, and supply chain characteristics into consideration, and designs the logistics PMS around those findings. The conceptual framework made it possible to identify four supply chain dimensions that should be covered when designing a logistics PMS for construction supply chains: supply chain reliability, efficiency, responsiveness, and sustainability. Furthermore, six strategic KPIs were identified that should help construction supply chains to measure their logistics performance. These KPIs were: perfect order fulfillment, fill rate, transportation cost per ton-km, backlog, customer ordering lead time, and CO2 emission per ton-km