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Spin Dynamics in Antiferromagnetic Systems
Full text linkThis dissertation presents three research papers on spintronics-related effects. Two
of the papers discuss dynamic spin phenomena in noncollinear antiferromagnets
(NCAFMs). The third paper investigates the equilibrium properties of collinear
antiferromagnets (CAFMs) with broken spatial inversion symmetry.
The most central part of the presented work discusses the spin dynamics of
NCAFMs. To this end, we develop effective action descriptions that capture the
dynamics of the SO(3)-valued antiferromagnetic order parameter in response to
applied currents and magnetic fields. We first theoretically investigate the ac spin
pumping of NCAFMs. Starting from an effective action description of the spin
system, we derive the Onsager coefficients that represents the coupling between
the NCAFM and spin currents. When our theory is applied to kagome AFMs, we
show that the three spin-wave bands of the material can generate ac spin currents
with mutually orthogonal polarization directions when driven into resonance by
an external magnetic field. Additionally, we demonstrate that the reactive and
dissipative STT parameters of the kagome AFM can be extracted from the spin
signal measured via the Inverse spin-Hall effect.
Second, we investigate magnetic self-oscillations driven by electrically induced
spin-orbit torques in kagome AFMs with broken spatial inversion symmetry. We
show that the chirality of the noncollinear antiferromagnetic ground state strongly
influences the dynamics. One chirality displays gapped excitations, while the opposite
chirality provides gapless self-oscillations whose frequencies can be tuned from 0
Hz to the terahertz regime. Thus, the NCAFMs offer unique chiral magnetic properties
that makes them especially appealing for bridging the gap between technologies
operating in the microwave and infrared regions.
Motivated by recent observations of magnetic surface twist states induced by
Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) in noncentrosymmetric ferromagnets, we
study the effects of DMI at the boundaries of noncentrosymmetric CAFMs. We
demonstrate that the DMI leads to a boundary-induced twist state in the antiferromagnetic
order parameter and a large surface magnetization. The magnetization
couples directly to the variation in the order parameter field. As a result, the surface
magnetization demonstrates ultrafast THz dynamics and offers effective means to
investigate and control the spin dynamics of AFMs and detect the antiferromagnetic
DMI.publishedVersio
Going remote in general practice: Investigating the transformation of healthcare delivery enabled by remote consultations
Full text linkThe background for this PhD project is the substantial increase in the use of remote consultations (RCs) – video, telephone, and asynchronous text-based e-consultations – that took place in general practice in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic in Norway. General practice as a medical discipline is unique, compared to secondary healthcare, characterised by a strong GP-patient relationship, continuity of care, and pragmatic reasoning. The influx of RCs has fundamentally transformed the delivery of healthcare in general practice, and this project therefore wanted to explore these significant changes in the conduct of general practice, through investigating GPs’ views and experiences with these new technologies.
The aims for the project thus revolved around capturing various aspects of this topic. Paper I aimed to summarize the scientific knowledge on the topic of video consultations (VCs) between GPs and patients. Paper II aimed to explore GPs’ experiences with VCs and their attitudes towards it in a post-pandemic setting. Paper III aimed to explore GPs’ views on the transformation of healthcare delivery that has taken place due to RCs. For the thesis itself, the aim was to explore possible factors and mechanisms that might influence this transformation of healthcare delivery.
The thesis explores factors and mechanisms that influence the use of RCs and the accompanying transformation of healthcare delivery in general practice. By applying elements from Complexity theory, I discuss our findings on a holistic system level. This discussion shows how our findings revolve around five central voices related to general practice that may influence the use of RCs: GPs, patients, RC technology, the government, and market forces. Additionally, the influence from voices not directly affiliated with general practice is explored. I discuss how uptake of RCs is an unpredictable behaviour, and how self-organisation and an altered understanding of the attractor of general practice seems to have played a central role in uptake of RCs.
The implications of this thesis point to additional main points. In an increasingly digital society, our participants still highlighted the importance of physical consultations to secure core aspects of general practice. RCs have changed the transition from self-care to healthcare – with a lower threshold for contacting the GP, patients’ altered health-seeking behaviour may negatively impact the issue of medical overuse. RCs have also raised a possible dilemma between quantity and quality of consultations in general practice. As a GP myself, I believe it is important that GPs embrace the technological advances and claim a normative role in the development of digital “best practice”. Further research should aim to deepen the understanding of influences on the transformation of healthcare delivery in general practice to ensure a sound balance between quality of care and technological developments.publishedVersio
Rethinking participation in urban planning: analytical and practical contributions of social network analysis
Full text linkCitizen participation is essential in urban development, but existing participation methods often neglect the complex informal relationships among stakeholders, limiting broader engagement. This study uses a narrative review to explore how relational approaches and social network analysis (SNA) affect participation in urban planning. It proposes an analytical framework combining relational approaches and SNA to understand the role of social interactions in decision-making. Unlike traditional methods that focus on individual or group attributes, SNA emphasizes social connections and interactions. The study shows how urban development decision-makers can use SNA to foster inclusive practices, improve coordination, and build trust between planners and residents. SNA enables better information f low, addresses power imbalances, and enhances community representation, especially for marginalised groups. This approach leads to more resilient and equitable urban environments. The findings suggest that urban planners can use SNA to design more inclusive decision-making processes, aligning with the sustainable development goals.publishedVersio
Et sanselig møte med naturen
Full text linkI denne masteroppgaven undersøker jeg hvordan mine erfaringer fra eget skapende arbeid kan få bærekraftspotensiale i skolen. I eget skapende arbeid vektlegges viktigheten av å tilegne seg kunnskap gjennom en sansebasert tilnærming til naturen, plantene jeg samler inn, plantefarging av garn og strikking av en genser med dette garnet. Erfaringene jeg tilegner med i eget skapende arbeid danner grunnlaget for et tenkt undervisningsopplegg hvor jeg undersøker hvordan mine erfaringer kan få bærekraftspotensiale i skolen. Jeg har forankret mitt eget skapende arbeid metodologisk i å forske med kunsten, autoetnografi og kroppsfenomenologi, og her benytter jeg fenomenologi som vitenskapsteoretisk tilnærming (Østern, 2017; Graarud, 2022; Waterhouse, 2021; Postholm & Jacobsen, 2018). Erfaringene jeg har gjort i eget skapende arbeid knytter jeg opp imot kunnskapsformene praktisk arbeid og estetisk erfaring, og læringsformene subjektivering og miljø i bærekraftdidaktikk i kunst og håndverk (Näumann et al., 2020).
Undersøkelsens resultat viser til at en undervisning hvor elevene kan samle inn planter fra skogen ved egen skole, arbeide med plantefarging av garn og strikke av et sitteunderlag ute i skogen kan åpne opp for at elevene kan tilegne seg viktige erfaringer og kunnskaper som er nødvendige for at elevene skal bli bedre rustet til å ta mer bærekraftige valg som konsumenter i samfunnet (Lutnæs & Fallingen, 2017). Mitt undervisningsopplegg legger til rette for at elevene kan være tilstede med sansene i møte med naturen, og arbeide i tett relasjon med naturen gjennom «land crafting» (Skeie, 2024). I tillegg åpner undervisningsopplegget opp for at elevene kan møte med motstand i strikkeprosjektet. Som fremtidig lærer ønsker jeg å tilrettelegge strikkeoppgaven for enkeltelever slik at det er mulig for elevene å eksistere i «middle ground» i møte med motstand hvor de kan møte seg selv i relasjon til verden (Biesta & Skregelid, 2022, s. 39). Et slikt undervisningsopplegg kan åpne for at elevene kan erfare en ny måte å være i verden på (Näumann et al., 2020, s. 46)
The Interplay of Individual Competencies in SME Internationalization
Full text linkThis dissertation, titled The Interplay of Individual Competencies in SME Internationalization, examines the critical role of individual-level competencies in shaping the internationalization strategies and outcomes of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Focusing on cultural intelligence (CQ), emotional intelligence (EQ), leadership self-efficacy (LSE), and global mindset (GM), it explores how these personal attributes influence the strategic decisions of SME owner-managers in navigating complex global markets. The research is structured into three interrelated manuscripts, each addressing distinct but complementary aspects of these competencies in the international business context.
The first manuscript provides a comprehensive review of CQ and its applications in international business. Using a systematic literature review methodology, the study synthesizes two decades of research to reveal the multidimensional role of CQ in fostering occupational success, self-enhancement, well-being, and strategic achievements in culturally diverse environments. Despite its evident significance, the study identifies gaps in existing research, particularly concerning CQ’s application in virtual teams, ethical considerations, and overconfidence in cultural capabilities. The findings advocate for the integration of CQ into organizational strategies as a means to address cross-cultural challenges and achieve sustainable international growth.
The second manuscript empirically examines the relationship between CQ, EQ, and SMEs’ degree of internationalization (DOI), emphasizing the mediating role of GM. The study highlights how CQ equips managers with the ability to adapt to cultural diversity, while EQ enhances their interpersonal and emotional management skills. GM emerges as a critical cognitive framework that amplifies the influence of CQ and EQ, enabling managers to synthesize diverse knowledge and align strategies with global market demands. By introducing an enhanced multidimensional DOI measurement, the study provides a nuanced understanding of SMEs’ international engagement, encompassing both the extent and geographic diversity of their operations.
The third manuscript focuses on LSE and its influence on SMEs’ preferences for equity-based foreign market entry modes. This research reveals that high LSE fosters confidence in decision-making under uncertainty, encouraging resource-intensive and control-oriented market entry strategies. CQ and EQ are shown to moderate this relationship, with CQ enabling cross-cultural adaptability and EQ fostering resilience and relational management in challenging international contexts. Together, these competencies underline the human-centric drivers of strategic internationalization in resource-constrained SMEs.
The theoretical contributions of this dissertation are manifold. It extends the application of upper echelons theory to SMEs by emphasizing the centrality of individual competencies in shaping organizational strategies. The research also bridges gaps in SME internationalization literature by integrating personal attributes like CQ, EQ, LSE, and GM into strategic frameworks. Moreover, it introduces innovative methodological approaches, including a refined DOI measurement that captures the breadth and depth of global engagement.
Practically, the findings underscore the importance of investing in the development of CQ, EQ, GM, and LSE through training, mentoring, and international exchange programs. Policymakers and practitioners are encouraged to support SMEs in building leadership capacities and mitigating risks associated with complex internationalization decisions.
Despite its significant contributions, the dissertation acknowledges several limitations, including its focus on SMEs in Norway and Azerbaijan, which may limit generalizability. The reliance on cross-sectional data also constrains causal interpretations, suggesting the need for longitudinal studies. Additionally, future research could explore the ethical implications of leveraging competencies like CQ and examine other mediators and moderators influencing SME internationalization outcomes.
In sum, this dissertation underscores the pivotal role of individual competencies in driving SME success in global markets, offering theoretical enrichment and actionable insights for practitioners and policymakers in international business.publishedVersio
The functional role of marine vertebrates in the ocean carbon cycle
Full text linkThe ocean carbon cycle is increasingly recognized for its importance in absorbing greenhouse gases emitted by human activities and thereby delaying or reducing the severity of the impacts of climate change on land. The role of fish and other marine vertebrates in the oceans biological carbon pump are not well defined yet have urgent relevance as the combination of overfishing and the climate crisis alter distribution, behaviour and threaten populations. My aims in this thesis were to 1) improve understanding of how marine vertebrates influence carbon in marine ecosystems; and 2) consider the ecological carbon functions of fish in the context of sustainable management of fisheries and blue carbon approaches. I found that marine vertebrates influence carbon and other nutrient flows in ecosystems where they occur, from surface waters to the seabed, with tangential effects on connected habitats, from the open ocean to terrestrial environments. However, quantification of the scale of their influence is limited by relatively few empirical studies. I then turned my attention to empirical research on wild coastal fish and found that carbon production for three species ranged from 5.3-50.5mg C day-1; faecal pellets from four species had rapid sinking rates (mean 2,550 - 6,390 M day-1); and carbon was a substantial component of faecal material collected from 10 species (17-38% of dry weight). Given the wealth of ecological data available and affordable visual sampling technologies, I highlight machine learning techniques that could be used to expedite knowledge of marine vertebrate carbon functions and the associated outcomes. Moving on to the second aim of the thesis, I found that a fishery exploiting a recovered population of European hake (Merluccius merluccius) landed less than a third of the carbon stored in hake biomass, compared to 96% when fishing the depleted population; the stock of organic carbon in the recovered population was 6.5 times larger than that stored in the depleted population; however, the subsequent increase in hake landings removed more organic carbon in fish biomass from the system than when fishing the depleted population. I conclude that ecosystem approaches to fisheries management that incorporate climate-based objectives would need to consider what constitutes sustainable fishing based on factors including disturbance to organic carbon in fish populations, overall ecosystem carbon function and sediment disturbance alongside greenhouse gas emissions from fuel. Finally, in Paper V, I advise that the ecological roles of marine fish necessitate consideration for truly sustainable fisheries management and are likewise essential to maximise the success of blue carbon approaches. I recommend greater scientific attention to ecological roles of marine animals and policy approaches that similarly value fish for their environmental, cultural, societal, and economic benefits. In summary, marine vertebrates are integral to marine carbon cycling and sequestration and consideration of fish functional roles is essential for sustainable management of marine ecosystems and resources.publishedVersio
"Det er viktig med den systemiske forståelsen for å få hele bildet"
Full text linkSammendrag
Introduksjon: Multisystemisk terapi – Child Abuse and Neglect (MST-CAN) er en
kunnskapsbasert, helhetlig og hjemmebasert behandlingsmetode rettet mot alvorlige og
komplekse barnevernssaker, der det foreligger vold og/eller omsorgssvikt. Denne studien
undersøker terapeutenes perspektiv på MST-CAN tiltaket. Metoden ble først etablert i Bærum
i 2016 og har de siste to årene blitt utvidet til fem nye team som dekker flere kommuner. Det
finnes per i dag ingen tidligere forskning på norske terapeuters erfaringer med MST-CAN.
Formål: Målet med dette masterprosjektet er å få kunnskap om MST-CAN terapeutenes
erfaringer med hjelpen de utøver i familier hvor det har forekommet vold og/eller
omsorgssvikt.
Metode: Det ble gjennomført semistrukturert intervju med seks terapeuter. Datamaterialet ble
analysert ved hjelp Braun & Clark sin refleksive tematiske analyse.
Resultater: Informantenes erfaringer viser at det systemiske perspektivet står sentralt i
arbeidet med MST-CAN tiltaket. Rammebetingelsene i metoden, som blant annet innebærer
god tid sammen med familien, tilgjengelighet hele døgnet, og muligheten til å tilpasse hjelpen
til den enkelte families behov, løftes frem som særlig viktige. Disse rammebetingelsene anses
som avgjørende for å kunne forebygge nye tilfeller av vold og/eller omsorgssvikt, samt for å
støtte familiene i å holde sammen. I tillegg trekkes det frem at tydelig rollefordeling i
samarbeidet med barnevernet er viktig for å sikre trygghet og for å bevare en god og tillitsfull
relasjon til familien.
Konklusjon: Terapeutene opplever at de gjør en viktig forskjell for familier med komplekse
problemer der vold og/eller omsorgssvikt er en utfordring. De mener den kunnskapsbaserte
metoden gir dem god støtte i arbeidet. Samtidig vektlegger terapeutene muligheten for å
tilpasse intervensjonene til familiens behov.
Nøkkelord: Multisystemisk terapi, vold og/eller omsorgssvikt, terapeut, barnevern og
hjemmebasert tiltak.
Summary
Introduction: Multisystemic therapy-Child abuse and neglect (MST-CAN) is a knowledgebased
holistically and homebased method for serious and complex child welfare cases where
it has been exercised violence and/or parental neglect. This study highlights the therapeutic
point of view on MST-CAN measurement. This method started in Bærum in 2016 and have
for the last two years expanded to five new teams that cover more municipalities. There has
been no prior research on therapists’ experiences with this intervention in Norway.
Purpose: The aim of this master’s thesis is to explore therapists’ experiences with MST-CAN
and its impact in supporting families affected by violence and/or parental neglect.
Method: It has been carried out semi structured interviews with six therapists. Materials
collected were analysed with the help of Braun & Clark`s Reflexive thematical analysis.
Results: The experiences of the informants highlight the central role of the systemic
perspective in the work with MST-CAN. The framework conditions of the method, which
include sufficient time spent with the family, round-the-clock availability, and the ability to
tailor support to the specific needs of each family, are emphasized as particularly important.
These conditions are considered crucial for preventing further incidents of violence and/or
neglect, as well as for helping families stay together. Furthermore, the importance of a clear
division of roles in collaboration with child welfare services is underscored, as this
contributes to a sense of security and helps maintain a trusting relationship with the family.
Conclusion: The therapists experience that they make an important difference for families
facing complex challenges such as violence and/or parental neglect. They believe that the
evidence-based method provides strong support in their work, while also allowing for
flexibility to adapt interventions to the specific needs of each family.
Keywords: Multisystemic therapy, violence and/or parental neglect, therapist, child welfare
and homebased measurements
Menns psykososiale opplevelser rundt testosteronbehandling
Full text linkBakgrunn:
Flere menn kan ha utfordringer med sin psykososiale helse uten å kunne sette fingeren på at det er en enkel årsak som forårsaker uhelsen. En av årsakene kan være lavt testosteronnivå i kroppen. Formålet med studien er å finne svar på hvordan psykososiale erfaringer og opplevelser sitter menn med, før og etter å ha startet på testosteronbehandling.
Hensikt og problemstilling:
Hensikten med studien er å kartlegge og få økt kunnskapen om hvordan erfaringer og opplevelser menn har før og etter testosteronbehandling. På bakgrunn av hensikten ble problemstillingen; Menns psykososiale opplevelser rundt testosteronbehandling.
Metode: Studien er kvalitativ, og har semi- strukturerte intervjuer med 6 informanter som alle har erfaringer med testosteronbehandling. Alle informantene har vært gjennom helsetjenester for å få testosteronbehandling, hos fastlege og spesialisthelsetjenesten.
Resultat:
Informantene hadde individuelle erfaringer og opplevelser av tiden før testosteronbehandling, men det var store likhetstrekk i den psykososiale helsen. Informantene hadde en opplevd negativ psykososial helse i tiden før de startet med testosteronbehandling og opplevde en stor positiv forandring i sin psykososiale helse etter oppstart av testosteronbehandling.
Konklusjon:
Formålet var å kartlegge de opplevelser og erfaringer menn satt med før og etter å ha startet testosteronbehandling. To av hovedfunnene var at alle informantene har fått en bedre psykososial helse etter testosteronbehandling, og informantene opplever at de har fått livsgnisten tilbake. Informantene har også råd for hva andre i sin situasjon kan gjøre, for å få kartlagt sin uhelse og forebygge at man går for langt ned i sine testosteronnivåer at det går ut over den psykososiale helsen.
Nøkkelord: Testosteron, testosteronbehandling, menns psykososiale helse, erfaringer med testosteron
A route to active mobility: Evaluating the public health impact of e-bike subsidies on mode share and physical activity levels.
Full text linkRegular physical activity is essential for good health. However, in Norway, one in four adults falls short of meeting minimum activity recommendations, and only 30 per cent reach the levels necessary to offset the risks associated with prolonged sitting. To promote healthier, climate-friendly transport, Norway aims for bicycles to account for 8% of all trips nationwide and 20% in major urban areas. Currently, with cycling making up just 5% of all trips, there is a clear need for initiatives to increase cycling rates.
Therefore, the overarching aim of this dissertation has been to assess the potential of subsidising e-bikes as an effective environmental and public health strategy. Through real-world experiments, it explores how financial initiatives for e-bikes affect the environment through changes in mode share and public health through shifts in physical activity.
The thesis comprises three independent studies.
Study 1: A prospective intervention study using a non-equivalent group design. Participants included applicants for an e-bike subvention and an external control group. Both groups completed pre- and post-intervention surveys to measure changes in mode share and cycling distance. Additionally, travel data during the post-intervention period were collected using a mobile app.
Study 2: A prospective intervention study with a randomised group allocation. Both the participants who received subsidies and the control group, who did not receive subsidies, took part in surveys before and after the intervention. Changes in mode share and physical activity were measured using self-reported data.
Study 3: A longitudinal observational study, consisting of 18 N-of-1 studies (i.e., where a single individual is studied over time), was conducted among employees participating in an e-bike leasing program. Physical activity data were continuously collected over 8–12 weeks using an activity sensor (Fibion SENS®).
These studies, presented through four papers, address the thesis objectives. The first objective was to assess the impact of e-bike subsidies on bicycle mode share. Results showed an increase of 13 to 22 percentage points in bicycle mode share, accompanied by reductions in car and public transport usage (Paper I and II). The second objective examined the effect of e-bike subsidies on physical activity gained from active travel. Findings revealed a total increase in weekly cycling distance for transport (Paper I), a rise in e-cycling duration, and a decrease in the duration of conventional cycling. Overall, active travel increased after the purchase of a subsidised e-bike (Paper II). The third objective explored the impact of e-bike subsidies on total physical activity levels. The results showed a rise in cycling and no changes in overall physical activity (Paper II). The fourth objective was to further explore the associations between e-cycling and other moderate to vigorous physical activity, aiming to deepen the understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of the effects of these kinds of interventions. The results suggested that for the majority, e-cycling did not displace additional moderate to vigorous physical activity (Paper III). The fifth objective evaluated the economic efficiency of e-bike subsidies using cost-benefit analysis (CBA). The results indicated that the benefits of the subvention program outweighed its costs, thereby demonstrating the subsidies' economic sustainability (Paper IV).
In conclusion, the findings in this thesis contribute to knowledge that is important for guiding policy development and underscores the transport sector’s potential – and perhaps the responsibility – to serve as a venue for public health initiatives. Overall, the findings suggest that a straightforward, non-targeted e-bike subvention could increase cycling levels and contribute to both environmental and public health goals. Additionally, despite the challenges associated with real-world experiments, this thesis shows that such research is both feasible and valuable. It emphasises the importance of conducting more studies reflecting the real-world environments to further our understanding and guide effective policy development that balances environmental and public health objectives.publishedVersio
Impacts on Norwegian LV Distribution Grid from EU’s Solar Rooftop Initiative
Full text linkIf adopted, EU’s solar rooftop initiative may lead to rapid large-scale implementation of photovoltaic power plants (PVPPs), impacting the reliability of Norwegian low-voltage (LV) grids. This thesis investigated how PVPP feed-in affected LV grid performance, the role of curtailment in mitigating impacts, and the potential of transformer with automatic tap control (ATC) to improve conditions. A fictional but realistic LV grid was modelled in Python using the open-source tool Pandapower, based on anonymised data and typical practices from the distribution system operator Lnett, and supplementary literature. To ensure accuracy of Pandapower, a model replicating an existing LV grid was validated against Netbas power flow results, and demonstrated high accuracy. Production profiles were generated in PVsyst. Scenario-based simulations were then conducted to answer the research questions. The results showed increased grid stress due to PVPP feed-in: Voltage became a constraint in long radials, while line loading was limiting near the distribution substation. Curtailment improved grid performance in reverse power flow (RPF). Limiting peaks had a minimal effect on annual RPF but did, to some degree, negatively impact prosumers’ income. ATC improved voltage, but further increased line loading and losses when decreasing voltage. As PVPP feed-in increases, its impact may require multiple system measures to ensure stable operation. Curtailment is a pragmatic solution, but should be applied selectively to avoid unnecessary drawbacks for prosumers. ATC can improve voltage, but it must be used cautiously when line loading is a limiting factor. Measures should be tailored to each grid’s characteristics. Further work should include time series with shorter intervals to capture possible rapid voltage variations due to clouds, and assess impacts on the overhead grid as increasing PVPP feed-in may shift LV grids from demand- to RPF-driven, changing both planning and operation