Mechanical Testing of Multi-Construction Composite Tubes for use in Fly Fishing Rods

A testing protocol was established for measuring the flexure properties of thin-walled tubes constructed of a composite mixture of glass and carbon fibers and epoxy resin for use in Fly Fishing rods. Standard three point bend tests were conducted in accordance with ASTM standard D7329-13 with a span length of six inches. All samples were of the sample length and diameter, allowing direct comparison of the maximum loads reached before failure, which are directly indicative of the Modulus of Rupture (MOR). Two constructions were tested both containing the same unidirectional fiber but with different support structure. These tubes were tested identically for both as delivered samples and for the samples having undergone ultraviolet, humidity, and elevated temperature exposure. Construction 1 reached higher maximum stresses than Construction 2 and displayed similar amounts of flexure. When coated and exposed, the strength of Construction 1 and 2 both increased when compared to uncoated and unexposed samples. In Construction 1, maximum loads achieved in samples painted, clear coated and exposed averaged loads at failure of 45.33lb, solely clear coated and exposed samples averaged 42.9lb at failure, uncoated and exposed averaged 38.1lb, and uncoated and unexposed averaged 40.9lb. In Construction 2, the differences were less pronounced. Painted, clear coated, and exposed averaged 39.6lb at failure, clear coated and exposed averaged 38.0lb, uncoated and exposed averaged 36.2lb, and uncoated, unexposed averaged 36.6lb. To ensure population differences,statistical evaluation was done at a 95% confidence interval

Quantum Control of Rydberg Atoms

In 2007 the AEGIS experiment was started at CERN with the goal to determine the gravitational acceleration of the antihydrogen atom. This is achieved through accelerating the antihydrogen atoms toward a detector and measure the path of flight. To achieve the desired accuracy of the measurement, a large enough amount of antihydrogen atoms have to reach the detector. To obtain this objective, the use of quantum polarization control has been put forward. The main obstacle turns out to be the large unknown number of initial states, the limited numbers of coupling and the symmetry of the dynamics. In the thesis, quantum control in the time domain is described and applied to Rydberg atoms. A code has been modified and extended with respect to unknown initial conditions. Several applications of the code illustrate the given challenge. In addition, controlled excitation (or de-excitation) indicate that increased initial polarization can be achieved.MAMN-NANONANO39

Mechanistic Insight for Improved Catalytic Conversion of Fatty Acids to Linear α-Olefins : A Density Functional Theory Study

One of the greatest challenges in our time is the replacement of fossil fuels with more sustainable alternatives for energy and chemical production. Arguably one of the most important classes of petrochemical intermediates is linear α-olefins (LAOs), which are used in the production of polymers, surfactants and lubricants, and are mainly obtained through oligomerization of ethylene. Alternatively, they can be produced by ethenolysis or deoxygenation of the renewable feedstock triglycerides and their unsaturated and saturated fatty acids respectively. While there exist homogeneous, heterogenous and biocatalysts for the deoxygenation reactions, LAOs can most selectively be produced through the homogenous transition-metal catalyzed reaction decarbonylative dehydration. However, the reaction typically requires high temperature, excess of ligands, fatty acid activation and distillation or a toxic solvent to achieve activity and selectively, and the development of catalysts that can compete with the fossil-based alternatives has been stifled by the lack of mechanistic insight. Only recently has the first computational investigations of the reaction arrived, and together with the first well-defined precatalyst for the transformation, Pd(cinnamyl)Cl(DPEphos) (A1), there is now potential for rational catalyst design. Within this thesis we have investigated, by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, how different factors of the reaction in general, and of the precatalyst A1 in particular, affect the reaction mechanism. The reaction mechanism for a Rh catalyst is derived and compared to that of Pd, and it is found that while the ratedetermining step is olefin-formation for both, the rate-determining intermediate for Rh is the starting complex, (PPh3)2RhI(CO)Cl. The main reason for the overall higher barriers for Rh, and thus the observed higher activity of Pd, stems from the greater stability of this RhI-CO bond and the preference Rh has for a higher coordination number which leads to increased steric hindrance. For Pd a low coordinated metal center is favored for the rate-determining olefin formation, but the classic P-O-P ligand DPEphos facilitates good α-olefin production and catalyst stability by hemilabile coordination. The change from bidentate κ2 to monodentate κ1- coordination prior to decarbonylation creates a coordination site for CO deinsertion, and recoordination of the phosphine arm promotes CO displacement and dissociation which is key for catalyst activity. The escaping CO is modelled using a reduced pressure in the calculation of the thermochemical corrections and the effect of this correction is that the reaction is found to be catalytic as in accordance with the experiments. The main benefit of the precatalyst A1 beyond this hemilabile behavior of DPEphos, which ensures that the ligand does not dissociate from the complex and dismisses the requirement of ligand excess, is the faster initiation compared to in situ systems. A major drawback to the reaction is the fatty acid activation by a sacrificial anhydride, which forms a mixed anhydride system, and is required to cleave the strong C(=O)-O bond. However, the resulting carboxylate from the following oxidative addition is important for the reaction because it readily accepts the hydrogen transferred from the alkyl and thus prevents isomerization. Polar aprotic solvents are found to be beneficial for the reaction, even though a cationic pathway is not preferred, likely due to the destabilization of rate-determining intermediates. In conclusion the mechanism of decarbonylative dehydration has been investigated and key parameters for catalysis has been identified. Improved catalysts may be developed in the future by exploring and designing new asymmetric hemilabile ligands and faster initiating precatalysts, perhaps even automatically

Remote Work: Perceived Supervisor Support and the Mediating Role of Basic Psychological Needs on Turnover Intention

Masteroppgave(MSc) in Master of Science in Leadership and Organizational Psychology - Handelshøyskolen BI, 2024Using a cross-sectional, quantitative research design, the current thesis examines how Perceived Supervisor Support relates to turnover intention, and whether the proposed relationship is mediated by the basic psychological needs autonomy, competence and relatedness. The research is contextualized within remote work environments, using only data from employees with the opportunity to work from home. The findings support our first hypothesis, demonstrating that Perceived Supervisor Support has a significant negative relationship with turnover intention. Moreover, the study reveals that both autonomy and relatedness partially mediate this relationship, whereas competence did not yield significant results. We have discussed the implications and limitations of the study and provided suggestions for future research directions

Enhanced Butanol Production in Clostridium acetobutylicum Using Small Regulatory RNAs for Metabolic Engineering

This project uses an RNA-based gene expression control system for metabolic engineering of Clostridium acetobutylicum. The primary focus is enhancing production of n-butanol, a green alternative to fossil fuels. Butanol is an attractive alternative fuel with higher energy density than other biofuels, and can directly replace gasoline. To improve the production of butanol using Clostridium, a small RNA (sRNA) platform is utilized. RNA is useful as a genetic regulatory tool because it provides flexible expression tuning compared to the on/off DNA knockout method. sRNAs are used by bacteria for regulating gene expression, as they bind to protein-coding mRNA sequences. Through binding, sRNA can enhance or reduce mRNA translation and thus protein expression. Two genes in the metabolic pathway, buk and hydA, will be down regulated using sRNA, potentially increasing butanol titer and yield without compromising cell growth. Down-regulation of these genes presents a novel opportunity to modify Clostridium, as hydA is essential to cellular function and cannot be completely turned off. Furthermore, using sRNA allows for simultaneous targeting of both genes. This is done using genetic engineering techniques to transform wild type cells with the desired genes. The recombinant plasmid for sRNA production is derived from E. coli and then ported over. Mutants are then screened and tested to determine performance as compared to the original strain. One mutant and a control plasmid have been successfully transformed. Preliminary results show that the mutant targeting hydA successfully down regulates the gene and reduces production of butyric acid, while also increasing butanol production. This project could have significant contribution to improving economic viability of biologically derived n-butanol. Furthermore, the sRNA platform has potential for broad applications in metabolically engineering various bacterial species.NSFNo embargoAcademic Major: Chemical Engineerin

Empowerment and organizational citizenship behavior : An investigation of empowering leadership, psychological empowerment, organizational citizenship behaviors, and the moderating role of social and economic LMX

Masteroppgave(MSc) in Master of Science in Leadership and Organizational Psychology - Handelshøyskolen BI, 2013Research on empowerment has to date been inconsistent with respect to the logical structure of concepts, and research on the effectiveness of empowerment has provided mixed results. To address this issue, this study incorporates two different conceptualizations of empowerment. The researchers test the mediating role of psychological empowerment in the relationship between leadership empowerment behaviors and organizational citizenship behaviors directed towards the organization (OCB-O) and towards the supervisor (OCB-S). The moderating roles of social leader-member exchange (SLMX) and economic leader-member exchange (ELMX) on the relationship between psychological empowerment and OCBs are tested. A cross-sectional study with a time-lag is conducted among 192 employees from seven different organizations in Norway. The results show that leadership empowerment behaviors are positively related to OCB-O and OCB-S through psychological empowerment. Interestingly, and contrary to what was hypothesized, the moderation analyses revealed that ELMX accentuate and SLMX attenuate the relationship between psychological empowerment and OCB-O. This suggests that employees in low SLMX and high ELMX relationships engage the most in OCBs as a result of being psychologically empowered. Thus, psychological empowerment compensates for a lack of high SLMX and a presence of high ELMX. Finally, limitations of the study are discussed, and directions for future research and recommendations to practitioners are proposed

Selvverd og frafall i skolen : en kvalitativ studie om sammenhenger mellom selvverd, fravær og tanker om å slutte på skolen i videregående opplæring

Utdanning og oppvekstFormålet med studien er å undersøke om selvverdet til elever i videregående skole har en sammenheng med hvorfor noen elever velger å avslutte opplæringen underveis. Selvverdet ble målt opp imot faktorer som skulking, skolefravær og tanker om å slutte på skolen. Det ble også sett på om det finnes kjønnsforskjeller i forhold til de overnevnte faktorene. Studiens problemstilling er som følgende: ”Er det en sammenheng mellom selvverd og frafall i videregående opplæring?” Problemstillingen er belyst ved bruk av kvantitativ metode. Studien er en del av et større forskningsprosjekt der det ble utført en spørreundersøkelse på tre videregående skoler i SørTrøndelag. I alt deltok 501 respondenter i undersøkelsen med elever fra både studiespesialiserende og yrkesfaglige studieretninger. For å besvare problemstillingen ble det utført korrelasjonsanalyser basert på Pearsons r samt t-tester for to uavhengige utvalg for å se på kjønnsforskjeller og for å gjøre analyser der det ble skilt mellom elever med høyt og lavt selvverd. Resultatene indikerer at det er en sammenheng mellom tanker om å slutte på skolen og elevenes selvverd, der elever som tenker på å slutte på skolen har et lavere selvverd enn elever som ikke tenker å avslutte opplæringen. Funnene viser også at elever som skulker har et lavere selvverd enn ikke-skulkere. Det kan tyde på at dette er de samme elevene siden det er en korrelasjon mellom faktoren tanker om å slutte på skolen og skulking. Videre viser resultatene at det ikke er en sammenheng mellom elevenes selvverd og skolefravær. Resultatene fra analysene om kjønnsforskjeller viser at jenter har litt lavere selvverd enn gutter, men det ble ikke funnet noen forskjeller mellom kjønnene på faktorene tanker om å slutte på skolen eller skulking. Ved å gjøre studier på elever som fortsatt er i videregående skole kan frafallsproblematikken undersøkes som en prosess elevene går igjennom og det kan ha en forebyggende virkning. Økt forståelse av hvilken betydning elevenes selvverd har å si for frafallet i videregående opplæring kan gi indikasjoner som skolen og lærere kan ha nytte av. De kan jobbe for å se hver enkelt elev og på den måten være med å styrke deres selvverd som gir dem motivasjon til å fullføre skolegangen

Overgangskofferten - En aksjonsforskning om overgangen fra barnehagen til skolen

Norsk sammendrag I dette studien har det blitt gjennomført en aksjonsforskning i egen kommune. Dette for å undersøke og se nærmere på egne overgangspraksiser med hjelp av en «Overgangskoffert» som verktøy. Skolestartere og barnehagelærere fra tre ulike barnehager, har sammen med 1.trinns lærere fra en barneskole, deltatt som medforskere gjennom deltakelse i samtaler, drøftinger, refleksjoner og ved at de har aktivt brukt «Overgangskofferten» i sin hverdag og bidratt med erfaringsdeling underveis. I fellesskap har vi sett på hvordan dagens prosedyrer påvirker og legger til rette for informasjonsutveksling og samarbeid og hvordan dette er med å sikre barnas opplevelse av en trygg og god skolestart. Vi har også sett på innhold i skolestartergruppene og diskutert verdier, diskurser, innhold og metodikk som legger rammene for den siste tiden i barnehagen og den første tiden i skolen. Hvor vi har undersøkt hvordan det oppleves å være skolestarter både i barnehagen og etter skolestart, men også hvordan de som jobber rundt barna opplever at dagens praksis fungerer og hvordan barnehagelærerne og 1.trinns læreren opplever barna i møte med overgangen. Som en bakgrunn for aksjonsforskningen, har vi forsøkt å belyse tematikken «Overgangen» ved å se på tidligere rammeverk som opplæringslover og vedtekter som har påvirket våre verdier, metodikk og forståelse av 6-åringens møte med skolen siden skolestarten ble senket gjennom reform 97 og fram til dagens praksis og evalueringen av 6-års reformen som ble ferdigstilt i 2023. Aksjonsforskningen har blitt gjennomført med en kvalitativ tilnærming og undersøkelsene har blitt gjort ut ifra et fenomenologisk-hermeneutisk syn. Dataene har bakgrunn i flere møter med barn og kollegaer, hvor det har blitt benyttet felt- og deltakende observasjon i møte med barna. Hvor de har fått muligheten til å være aktive deltakere og bidratt i samtale som har vært basert på barnas premisser og initiativ. Prosessen ble rundet av med et fokusgruppeintervju med barnehagelærerne og lærerne som hadde bidratt og vært delaktige gjennom prosessen. Dette ble gjort for å sikre en bred innhenting av empiri og en grundig kartlegging av hvordan overgangen oppleves og kommer til uttrykk for alle som er en del av den, og for å undersøke hvordan ulik kunnskap, erfaringer og metodikk legger føringer som påvirkere hverandres institusjoner. Funnene fra undersøkelsene er drøftet mot teori om overgangen og relevante begreper. Blant annet om hvordan tidlig tilegnelse av kunnskap om barna og barnas tidligere erfaringer kan spille en viktig rolle inn mot en skolestart som er tilpasset 6-åringen og 6-åringens forutsetninger i møte med nye sosiale relasjoner. I tillegg til hvordan bruken av grenseobjekter som en brobygger mellom institusjonene kan sikre kontinuitet og skape nødvendig trygghet i overgangen for barna. Våre funn bekrefter mye av det som blir presentert gjennom kunnskapsgrunnlaget i innledning og teori. Det er fortsatt en opplevelse av det er en mangel på klare retningslinjer for innholdet i førskoleaktiviteter i barnehagene, som bidrar til mye individuell jobbing og tilnærminger til 5/6-åringene både innad i barnehagesektoren, men også mellom barnehagene og skolene, i tillegg til store variasjoner i innholdet den første tiden etter skolestart selv innenfor en og samme kommune, noe som forskning trekker fram at kan bidra til å skape ulike forutsetninger i møte med dagens skole og opplæring. Barna på sin side har vist et behov for å kunne bruke språket sitt aktivt for å forstå egne prosesser både i møte med jevnaldrende og de voksne. I tillegg uttrykker barna et behov for at de som tar imot de i skolen, har fått det barna selv opplever som nødvendig informasjon for å sikre deres trivsel og at dette nødvendigvis ikke er informasjon som vi voksne har tenkt på som vesentlig på lik linje med barna. Alle som har vært aktive deltakere har vist til et stort ønske om å sikre en trygg og god overgangen for alle barna, men etterspør et tettere samarbeid for å sikre informasjonsflyten og opplevelsen av kontinuitet mellom institusjonene og trekker fram «Overgangskofferten» som et verktøy som kan bidra til å sikre samarbeidet, da kofferten er avhengig av en tett dialog og prioriteringer av tid for at intensjonen med kofferten skal kunne fungere optimalt og oppleves som verdifull for de som er involvert. Der et tett samarbeid kan sikre kunnskap, forståelse og innsikt, som kan sikre kvaliteten på innholdet og en skolestart basert på en grunntanke om tidlig innsats og tilpasset opplæring basert på barnas tidligere erfaringer, kunnskap og forutsetninger.Engelsk sammendrag (Abstract) In this study, action research has been carried out in my own municipality. To investigate and take a closer look at our own transition practices with the help of a "Transition Suitcase" as a tool. Kindergarten teachers from three different kindergartens, together with 1st grade teachers from a primary school, have participated as co-researchers, through their participation in conversations, discussions, reflections and by actively using the "Transition Case" in their daily mettings with the children about to start school, and contributing by sharing experiences along the way. Together, we have looked at how current procedures influence and facilitate information exchange and cooperation and how this helps to ensure the children's experience of a safe and good start entering school. We have also looked at content in the school starter groups and discussed values, discourses, content and methodology that set the framework for the last time in kindergarten and the first time at school. Where we have examined the exprience of how it feels to be 6-years and about to start school soon. Where we have carried out our investigations both in the kindergarten and after the start of school. We have also examined the experience of those who work around the children. Base don how the current practice works and how the kindergarten teachers and the 1st grade teacher experience the children meets the transition. We have tried to shed light on the theme "Transition" by looking at previous frameworks, such as education laws and statutes that have influenced our values, methodology and understanding of the 6-year-old's encounter with school since the start of school was lowered through reform 97 and until today's practice and the evaluation of the 6-year reform, which was completed in 2023. This research has been carried out with a qualitative approach and the investigations have been carried out from a phenomenological-hermeneutic point of view. The data has a background in several meetings with children and colleagues, where field and participant observation has been used in meetings with the children. Where they have had the opportunity to be active participants and contribute to conversation that has been based on the children's premises and initiatives. The process was rounded off with a focus group interview with the kindergarten teachers and the teachers who had contributed and participated throughout the process. This was done to ensure a broad collection of empirical evidence and a thorough mapping of how the transition is experienced and expressed by everyone who is part of it, and to examine how different knowledge, experiences and methodologies set guidelines that influence each other's institutions. The findings from the data are discussed against theory about the transition and relevant concepts, as to how early acquisition of knowledge about the children and the children's previous experiences can play an important role towards a school start, that is adapted to the 6-year-old. As well as the 6-year-old's prerequisites in meeting new social relationships. In addition to how the use of border objects as a bridge builder between the institutions can ensure continuity and create the necessary security in the transition for the children. Our findings confirm much of what is presented through the knowledge base in the introduction and theory. There is still an understanding and experience of there being a lack of clear guidelines for the content of preschool activities in the kindergartens, which contribute to a lot of individual work and approaches to the 6-year-olds. Both within the kindergarten sector, but also between the kindergartens and the schools. In addition to large variations in the content in the first time after the start of school even within the same municipality, which research points out can contribute to creating different prerequisites in meeting today's school and education. The children, for their part, have shown a need to be able to use their language actively in order to understand their own processes, both when meeting their peers and adults. In addition, the children express a need for those who receive them at school to have received what the children themselves perceive as necessary information to ensure their well-being and that this is not necessarily information that we adults have thought of as essential on an equal footing with the children . All those who have been active participants have shown a great desire to ensure a safe and good transition for all the children, but request closer cooperation to ensure the flow of information and the experience of continuity between the institutions and highlight the "Transition Kit" as a tool that can contribute to securing the collaboration, as the briefcase depends on close dialogue and prioritization of time so that the intent of the briefcase can function optimally and be experienced as valuable for those involved. Where a close collaboration can ensure knowledge, understanding and insight, which can ensure the quality of the content and a start to school based on a basic idea of early intervention and adapted education based on the children's previous experiences, knowledge and assumptions

Regenerative Sport Urbanism

154 pagesAn urban design methodology focused on regenerative processes and activity sports bring to the public realm

Echoes of Exuberance? Detecting Bubble Patterns in AI through the Lens of Dot-Com

This thesis explores the predictive capabilities of machine learning models in identifying speculative financial bubbles, with the focus on emerging technologies such as the internet and artificial intelligence. The thesis seeks to draw parallels between the dotcom bubble following the exuberance of the late 1990s internet boom and the current AI-driven market excitement. The goal is to investigate whether machine learning models trained on overpriced stocks during the dotcom bubble can detect bubble patterns in AI companies of the present. The study employs diverse machine learning algorithms including LASSO logistic regression, random forest, gradient boosting, and support vector machines. The models are trained on firm-level data retrieved from the databases CRSP, Compustat and IBES. Key financial indicators and analyst sentiment data are incorporated to ensure the capture of the complex dynamics of stock valuation during speculative phases. Furthermore, the bubble indicators are classified through the Generalized Supremum Augmented Dickey-Fuller (GSADF) test, an econometric tool for identifying periods of explosive price growth. The findings highlight the complexities of bubble-prediction, which proves to be a challenging endeavor. The findings highlight the ongoing expansion for AI firms, but the lack of true labels creates a challenge in terms of making any conclusion. Our findings show signs of speculative tendencies, and whether these reflect rational optimism in a growth-oriented market or are based on over-optimism will only be proved in time. Our findings should therefore be considered a sign of caution, rather than a conclusion. By applying machine learning in bubble prediction on a company level, this thesis contributes a new angle to the growing field of financial- and bubble prediction. Also, by applying the GSADF test on individual stocks rather than entire indexes, as previously done in the literature, we explore the tests applicability in terms of detecting periods of explosive growth on a smaller scale. These findings might provide practical insights for further research into this complicated field of bubble detection