Maturity-at-age and length of Northeast Arctic cod was investigated based on survey data from the Barents Sea and Lofoten in 1989-97, applying the maximum likelihood method. The growth rate of immature fish is approximately the same for both sexes, but males mature at a younger age and smaller size, and age and length at 50% maturity are less in males than in females. The maturity analysis indicates considerable interannual variations both in 50% maturity-at-age and length, percentage mature by age and in the mean length of first time spawners in both sexes. Mean length of the first time spawners increases substantially with age for both sexes, but early maturation coincides with increased length-at-age indicating that the maturity is influenced by both age and length. The possible link between observed variation in maturation and the ratio of capelin consumption to cod biomass is discussed.

Public opinion, Welfare state, Social expenditure, Esping-Andersen,

II III ForordDenne masteroppgaven markerer ikke bare slutten på et halvt års hardt arbeid, men også slutten på fem års utdanning, og starten på voksenlivet. Jeg vil dedikere dette arbeidet til pappa fordi hver gang jeg har følt at jeg ikke har vaert god nok, har han fortalt meg det motsatte. Jeg setter også stor pris på støtten og motivasjonen jeg har fått fra mamma, Joachim, Mathias, Rikke, og resten av familien.Takk til veilederen min Tor Georg Jakobsen for gode tilbakemeldinger, hjelp underveis, og stort engasjement. En stor takk rettes også til faggruppen ledet av Tanja Trust links ordinary citizens to the institutions that are intended to represent them, and thereby enhancing both the legitimacy and the effectiveness of democratic government (Bianco 1994;Gamson 1968;Braithwaite and Levi 1998;Hetherington 1998). It is therefore an essential part of a democratic system. People have confidence in their leaders when the government is working well, and absence of political confidence could threaten the system's legitimacy. Mistrust by the citizens is often expressed as an unwillingness to follow political outcomes, which prevents progress from happening in the political process (Norris 1999). In this thesis I investigate whether economic performance affects political trust, and if the 2008 financial crisis has decreased confidence levels due to the severity of its consequences. By using multilevel modeling to analyze data from 25 European countries, I find that economic performance is an important component in levels of trust. I am also able to conclude that the financial crisis has reduced citizen's trust in political institutions in the countries where the crisis has had a severe impact on the economy. As much research emphasizes the importance of individual perception of economic performance, this has also been tested for. The results indicate that individual perception of the economic situation, influence trust just as much, if not more, than the actual economic situation.

No abstract

Purpose Attendance at matches in the smaller European football leagues is challenged by the increased number of live broadcast matches, particularly covering the biggest leagues. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the effects of live broadcasting, match scheduling and other factors on stadium attendance in the top division of Norwegian football. Design/methodology/approach The analysis is based on a fixed effects regression model on attendance at match levels covering the period 2005 to 2011. Findings The main results show two different effects. While live broadcast domestic matches on “free TV” is positively correlated to stadium attendance, the increased number of “imported” matches from the big-five leagues is a substitute. Moreover, matches played on weekdays have a lower level of attendance than weekend matches. Practical implications The increased number of imported live broadcast football matches from the biggest European leagues influences and widens the financial gap between the biggest and the smaller football leagues. One possible solution for reducing the substitution effect from these matches is a more efficient match schedule in the Norwegian top division in football. Originality/value Norway has a small population with a high interest for football. This paper measures effects on attendance in the Norwegian top division in football matches with regards to the increased number of live broadcast matches both from the domestic league and from the big five football leagues.