Aftermarket performance of Norwegian initial public offerings

The objective of this thesis is to examine whether the aftermarket performance of Norwegian initial public offerings (IPOs) is consistent with market efficiency. Previous studies state that market efficiency can be disrupted by market anomalies. This study focuses on short-term underpricing and long-term underperformance of IPOs. The initial returns are measured by benchmarking IPOs against market indexes. Our results reveal that initial average abnormal returns fluctuate from 0.5% to 1.5%. The long-term underperformance anomaly is also present in the Norwegian stock market. Based on different benchmarks, we have found an average of three-year abnormal returns varying from -10% to -30%. We have found little empirical evidence as to why IPOs underperform in the long run, but our results indicate that aftermarket returns varies among sectors. Despite finding evidence of underpricing and long-term underperformance, it is unlikely whether investors can exploit these anomalies. This study concludes that these anomalies are difficult to exploit, which means that we have found few, if any, departures from market efficiency in the market for Norwegian IPOs

A descriptive study of ulcer-related pain characteristics and management

Background: Chronic leg ulcers are hard-to-heal wounds located below the knee and are increasingly prevalent in the Western population. Irrespective of pathology, chronic leg ulcers are associated with a negative impact on physical and psychosocial function and health status. While all chronic leg ulcers are presumed potentially painful, the prevalence of ulcer related pain is not clearly documented. A thorough description of pain characteristics, impact and management is not present in the available literature. Furthermore, little attention is paid to persistent pain at rest and between ulcer-related procedures such as ulcer-related background pain. Aim: This thesis aimed to explore the prevalence, characteristics, and management of ulcer-related background pain, as well as factors associated with moderate to severe ulcer-related pain. Materials and methods: The aims were addressed through a systematic review (Paper I) and a clinical study (Papers II and III). The systematic review was conducted to synthesize available data from both descriptive and effect studies, using the systematic review methodology guided by PRISMA. Random-effects meta-analyses—both overall and stratified by study design—were performed for pain prevalence and pain intensity. A univariable random-effects meta-regression analysis was performed to explore sources of heterogeneity. The clinical study used an exploratory cross-sectional design. Persons with chronic leg ulcers were recruited from two wound care clinics using the consecutive sampling method. Data was obtained through screening interviews, clinical examinations and questionnaires. In Paper II we analysed data from persons with chronic leg ulcers (N = 252) to establish the prevalence of ulcer-related background pain. Logistic regression with stepwise backwards elimination was used to identify factors associated with moderate to severe background pain. In Paper III descriptive analyses were used to explore characteristics (i.e., intensity, localization, temporal pattern, interference) of ulcer related background pain and pain management in participants who reported ulcer related background pain (N = 121). Main results: In the systematic review and meta-analyses we found a pooled prevalence of ulcer related background pain of 80 % (95% CI 65-92%) in persons with chronic venous leg ulcers. The pain intensity was moderate in average (NRS 4 [(95% CI 3.4-4.5]). The systematic review further confirmed the scarcity of descriptions of ulcer related pain characteristics. The clinical study confirmed that ulcer related background pain was common, with a prevalence of 64 % (95% CI 58-69%). Furthermore, in Paper II we found that older age, female gender, reduced sleep and diminished health status were associated with moderate to severe ulcer-related background pain. In the final model, reduced sleep quality increased the likelihood of having moderate to severe pain in persons with good health status while not in persons with diminished health status. In Paper III we provide a detailed and systematic description of the characteristics and management of ulcer-related background pain. The mean average background pain intensity was 4.5 (SD 2.56) (CI 95% 4.0-5.0), and more than 60% of those who reported ulcer-related background pain had moderate to severe pain (NRS > 4). The ulcer-related pain interfered with daily function to a moderate degree, and most participants reported intermittent pain. Further, the participants reported that pain management provided a mean pain relief of 45.9% (SD 33.9, range 0-100). Conclusion: Based on the findings from the three included papers, this thesis shows that ulcer-related background pain is a prevalent and intrusive problem that needs further attention, both in research and in clinical practice. Clinicians should pay attention to ulcer-related pain, and provide a thorough pain assessment in all persons reporting ulcer-related background pain. However, this is a single study, and the findings need further confirmation. Furthermore, future research should focus on development of strategies for assessment and management of ulcer-related pain.publishedVersio

Integration of hardware accelerators on the SHMAC platform

The historical trend of rampant processor performance gain has slowed down in recent years due to the Dark Silicon Effect, which arises when Moore's law meets the breakdown in Dennard scaling for sub-130nm architectures. This effect has caused the industry to move into heterogeneous multicore architectures in an attempt to utilize this "dark silicon". Heterogeneous systems offer the ability to increase performance in applications by implementing accelerators specifically designed to the application. The SHMAC project aims to create a platform for research into heterogeneous systems, where an FPGA platform can provide quick implementation of systems for evaluation.This thesis proposes a system where an accelerator quickly can be implemented into the SHMAC platform through a set of three different Interface Modules(IFM), and be controlled by the Amber Core through instructions in the ARM ISA. Furthermore the thesis proposes a script based system that generates an accelerated Amber Tile ready for integration into the SHMAC platform. Accelerators that are to be implemented with the IFMs need to meet specific criteria for interface. In order to define these, this thesis proposes a General Accelerator Interface designed to accommodate a wide range of diverse accelerators

Initiation of Business Relationships: A Study of Initiation Practices in Entrepreneurial Start-ups and Consulting Companies in Norway

The purpose of this thesis was to find out how an entrepreneurial start­‐up company should go forth to initiate successful new relationships with customers. Surprisingly few researchers have focused on initiation alone as a phenomenon, even though it is essential for creating prosperous relationships. The authors have broken the aim into five research questions. The first research question are; (1) How the initiation of a relationship progresses, and which sub‐processes and factors are important for building a new relationship for an entrepreneurial start‐up. The authors have preformed a broad literature review, covering the following categories and literature perspectives to ensure a thorough theoretical study of the phenomenon; relationship development, selling and buying, and network, third parties and social embeddedness. With regard to relationship development the authors have grouped key aspects from the literature together into a synthesis of four states, including a contextual aspects, which are important sub-­processes that must be fulfilled during an initiation process, these are; (1) Pre dialogue state, (2) First contact state, (3) Forming the relationship foundation, and (4) Commitment state. In addition the authors have highlighted some contextual aspects, which may influence to process. Secondly the authors have grouped key aspects from the selling and buying literature into three phases, which describes initiation sub­‐processes from a sellers perspective, namely; (1) Establishing a strategic foundation, (2) Getting in contact, (3) Meeting and dialogue with the prospect. With regards to the third literature perspective, and network, third parties and social embeddedness, the authors have studied how sellers, third parties and buyers and social relations influence the initiation process through several interfaces, which are named; S1 (seller influences the process directly), S2 (seller influences third parties), B1 (buyer influences the process directly), T1 (third parties influences the process directly), T2 (third parties influences the buyer), and T3 (third parties influences the seller). The authors combine these insights and findings in order to create a conceptualized model to describe initiation of customer relationships. Furthermore, the authors provide an analogy of a maze of traffic lights to explain the complex process.  In addition, the authors conducted a multiple comparative case study consisting of five entrepreneurial start-­up companies and five consultancies, in order to gain further insight from an entrepreneurial and a consultant mindset. The findings from the case study provided an answer to the following research questions; (2) How do consulting companies proceed to initiate new customer relationships? (3) How do entrepreneurial start-­ups proceed to initiate new customer relationships? (4) What are the best practices used by consultancies and entrepreneurial start-­ups and what are the similarities and differences in their approaches to initiate new customer relationships? The main conclusions from the case study with regard to consultancies were that they focus most of their efforts on existing customer relationships. This is due to the fact that the consultancies are very niche and industry specific, and has a very large network and highly specialized competence within their niche and industry. Thus, even when approaching potential new customers they often have some kind of existing tie supporting the initiation process. The main conclusions from the study with regard to entrepreneurs where that they highlighted the importance of keeping the client warm through regular follow-­up and involving the client in the product development in a sustainable manner. In addition the entrepreneurial companies focused on taking advantage of network effects by, for instance, make us of hybrid structures. Finally, the authors answered the last research question, which were; How may a small entrepreneurial start‐up make use of the insight provided by the literature review and the best practices uncovered in the case study to improve their processes of business relationships initiation? In conclusion, the conceptual model and insight gained from the empirical findings into the initiation process provides an improved understanding for entrepreneurial start-­ups. This improved understanding can help entrepreneurs to adapt and improve their initiation efforts, by assessing their current initiation efforts and formulating a strategy to consciously improve their initiation practices. The authors propose several measures for establishing a strategic foundation, getting in contact, and meeting and dialogue with prospects. Furthermore it is important to understand that as a seller they can influence the process directly through sales effort and also proactively by facilitating that third parties influence the initiation process. Lastly, the authors propose several issues, which may be pursued in further research

Serum lipids, apoproteins and nutrient intake in rural Cretan boys consuming high-olive-oil diets

A high intake of olive oil has produced high levels of high-density and low levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in short-term dietary trials. To investigate long-term effects of olive oil we have studied the diet and serum lipids of boys in Crete, where a high olive oil consumption is the norm. Seventy-six healthy rural Cretan boys aged 7–9 years were studied. The diet was assessed by a 2-day dietary recall. Blood was collected according to a standardized protocol and sera were analyzed in a rigidly standardized laboratory. The mean daily intake of energy was 11.0 MJ (2629 kcal). The intake of fat (45.0% of energy) and oleic acid (27.2% of energy) was high, and that of saturated fat low (10.0% of energy), reflecting a high consumption of olive oil. The high consumption of olive oil was confirmed by a high proportion of oleic-acid (27.1 %) in serum cholesteryl fatty acids. Mean concentration of serum total cholesterol was 4.42 mmol 1−1 (171 mg dl−1 ), of HDL-cholesterol 1.40 mmol 1−1 (54 mg dl−1), of serum triglycerides 0.59 mmol I−1 (52 mg dl−1 ), of apo-A1 1210 mg 1−1 and of LDL apo-B 798 mg 1−1. The body mass index of the Cretan boys (18.2 kg m−2) was on average 2 kg m−2 higher than that of boys from other countries. Contrary to our expectation, the Cretan boys did not show a more favourable serum lipoprotein pattern than boys from more westernized countries studied previously using the same protocol. Our hypothesis that a typical, olive-oil-rich Cretan diet causes a relatively high HDL- to total cholesterol ratio is not supported by the present findings

Intake and metabolism of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids: nutritional implications for cardiometabolic diseases

Prospective observational studies support the use of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; however, randomised controlled trials, have often reported neutral findings. There is a long history of debate about the potential harmful effects of a high intake of omega-6 PUFAs, although this idea is not supported by prospective observational studies or randomised controlled trials. Health effects of PUFAs might be influenced by Δ-5 and Δ-6 desaturases, the key enzymes in the metabolism of PUFAs. The activity of these enzymes and modulation by variants in encoding genes (FADS1-2-3 gene cluster) are linked to several cardiometabolic traits. This Review will further consider non-genetic determinants of desaturase activity, which have the potential to modify the availability of PUFAs to tissues. Finally, we discuss the consequences of altered desaturase activity in the context of PUFA intake, that is, gene–diet interactions and their clinical and public health implications

Reviving boro: The transcultural reconstruction of Japanese patchwork

This thesis investigates boro as a revived cultural phenomenon, one that physically originated in Japan but that has been conceptually defined by other cultures. It excavates the layers of value and meaning embedded in boro as a result of making, collecting, exhibiting and design activities in order to reveal how and why people have begun to appreciate boro within a range of different cultural, spatial and social contexts. In doing so, this research challenges the existing literature documenting boro’s origins and authenticity and reveals the forces at play behind the transformation of boro from folk craft to the practice of contemporary art, design and fashion. Born out of necessity, boro combines materials, techniques and aesthetics that are rooted in Japanese mending culture and textile traditions. Drawing on Michael Thompson’s Rubbish Theory, the research demonstrates how, as boro’s functional value has decreased in the contemporary context, new values have been re-ascribed to it through its continued transcultural production in diverse contexts, in which boro has adopted a range of different roles from antique object and example of textile practice to vintage fashion style, a concept promoting sustainability, inspiration for creative practice and cultural symbol. This research critically evaluates these dimensions of the process of value creation through studies of personal and museum boro collections, new boro fashion design and recent boro practices of independent crafters. The return of boro in the global art and design landscape raises questions about how a revived phenomenon is translated in today’s diverse contexts and makes a special claim for boro’s original culture, how it communicates in other cultural spaces and how these are understood and reproduced in new possibilities. This thesis positions boro within a global context, demonstrating how the co-creation of meanings and values has developed through cultural connections and subsequent interpretations

Veien mot "Pasientens helsetjeneste"

In this article, the focus is on the patient's role in the healthcare system, with "patient-centered healthcare" being presented as a health policy goal. The study aims to understand the meaning of this term and how it is being realized at Oslo University Hospital (OUS) from a leadership perspective. The study employs document analysis as a qualitative method, examining the OUS Development Plan 2040 and relevant public documents. The theoretical framework adopted is organizational theory, exploring the characteristics of governance and management of public organizations, alongside instrumental and institutional perspectives. The term "patient-centered healthcare" was first introduced in 2014 as a Central health policy goal. Central health authorities communicating in 2016 that OUS should adopt this goal. The aim is to change the patient's role from a passive recipient to an active participant in their healthcare journey. The OUS Development Plan 2040 serves as a management tool to achieve this goal, conveying the hospital's ambitions and objectives to its employees. The study recognizes OUS as an organization with both instrumental and institutional traits. The hospital's leadership is responsible for executing public health policies, broadcasting health policy standards and objectives throughout the organization. However, strong professional norms within the hospital have given the various professions a high degree of autonomy and professional legitimacy. This can result in goal complexity, potentially leading to disagreements within the organization. Excessive control and management can create mistrust and resistance between leadership and the rest of the organization. Therefore, leadership must employ institutional mechanisms to ensure compliance with health authority management objectives, while harmonizing instrumental and institutional mechanisms to achieve health policy goals at OUS HF.publishedVersio

Barns behov for hvilke: på hvilken måte legger barnehager med mye utetid til rette for de eldste barnas behov for hvile?

Å ta ansvar for at barnas behov ivaretas, er en del av den profesjonelle omsorgen barnehagen som pedagogisk institusjon skal vise (Tholin, 2013, s. 65). Hos barn i barnehagen vil det være mange behov som må ivaretas i løpet av en dag, og hvile er et av disse. Rammeplanen for barnehagen innhold og oppgaver (Kunnskapsdepartementet, 2017, s. 13) som styringsdokument, legger føringer for at muligheten for ro, hvile og avslapping skal være en del av barnehagedagen. Rammeplanen legger også føringer for at ivaretakelse av fysisk omsorg inkluderer behovet for hvile og ro, og at dette er noe personalet skal ivareta (Kunnskapsdepartementet, 2017, s. 17). Mange barn kan ha oppholdstid i barnehagen som varer lengre enn en normal arbeidsdag, noe som gjør det naturlig at behovet for hvile vil være der i løpet av dagen. Dette er noe som også tilhører barnets rettigheter da det har rett på hvile og fritid på lik linje som å delta i lek og fritidsaktiviteter. Dette med utgangspunkt i hva som er passende for barnets alder (Barnekonvensjonen, 2003, § 31-1). Behovet og rettighetene er det samme uavhengig av barnets alder eller om barnehagen er basert på mye tid inne eller ute. Jeg har gjennom flere praksisperioder blitt mer bevisst og samtidig mer nysgjerrig på hvordan de ulike føringene blir ivaretatt. I løpet av tre år i barnehagelærerutdanning har jeg gjort meg flere erfaringer og inntrykk om hvordan ulike barnehager jeg har besøkt i praksis har lagt til rette for barns ulike behov i hverdagen. Grunnen til at jeg valgte akkurat temaet barns behov for hvile er fordi at barns behov vil være tilstedeværende uavhengig av barnehagens praksis. Dermed ble det veldig interessant for meg å undersøke hvordan visse barnehager legger til rette for hvile. Jeg har opplevd det slik at hverdagen i en barnehage med mye utetid kan preges av mye høy aktivitet, og med uterommet som forutsetning vil det være varierende utgangspunkt kontinuerlig gjennom hele året. Jeg opplever det ikke som noe tvil i barnehagesamfunnet om at behovet for hvile hos barn er der, men jeg var interessert i å finne ut på hvilken måte dette ble tilrettelagt. På bakgrunn av mine erfaringer og egen nysgjerrighet kom jeg derfor frem til denne problemstillingen: «På hvilken måte legger barnehager med mye utetid til rette for de eldste barnas behov for hvile?»publishedVersionBNBAC390