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Shifts in species richness and species composition of grassland fungi along environmental gradients in semi-natural grasslands in Norway
Get PDFSemi-natural grasslands created through extensive agricultural practices function as hotspots for biodiversity. However, changes in land-use, and particularly accelerated intensification, have caused a drastic decline of this ecosystem in Europe since the mid 20th century. The rapid decline highlights the urgency of increasing our knowledge of these biodiverse ecosystems to improve conservation efforts. As grassland fungi constitute a significant portion of the biodiversity in semi-natural grasslands, this thesis investigates how species richness and species composition of CHEGD fungi – an acronym of fungal taxa associated with semi-natural grasslands: Clavariaceae, Hygrocybe s.l, Entoloma, Geoglossaece/ Microglossum, and Dermoloma/Pseudotricholoma, varies across environmental gradients. Data from soil samples and fruitbodies in semi-natural grasslands across Norway allows for investigation of CHEGD fungal responses to three environmental gradients: calcareousness in soil, bioclimatic sections (oceanic-continental gradient) and bioclimatic zones (elevational/latitudinal gradient). Relationships between environmental gradients and CHEGD fungal diversity are further compared across two sampling methods: fruitbody surveys and eDNA from soil samples. Potential differences in ecology within three species complexes: Hygrocybe conica coll., Cuphophyllus virgineus coll., and Gliophorus psittacinus coll., are also examined.
Shifts in species richness and species composition of CHEGD fungi were identified along the environmental gradients, and the different sampling methods captured several similar patterns. Species richness increased with higher calcareousness, and species composition differed between weakly and strongly calcareous soils in both fruitbody and eDNA data. Interactions between gradients found indirect effects of climate on edaphic conditions, and moderate conditions along the elevational/latitudinal gradient were associated with high diversity in both datasets. The eDNA data found high species richness to associate with intermediate oceanic influence and little variation along the rest of the gradient. The fruitbody data revealed in contrast a positive relationship between oceanic influence and species richness. Still, species composition showed variation between low and high oceanic influence in both datasets. Ecological variation within the three species complexes was not significantly explained by environmental gradients, but associations between taxa and specific environmental conditions was found.
The findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the ecology in semi-natural grasslands and highlight the importance of climatic and edaphic factors, along with their interactive effects on fungi associated with this habitat type. These insights are important for ensuring representative conservation measures that preserve fungal diversity in semi-natural grasslands. The ecological variation within species complexes shows great potential for further species delimitation, and promising signals for differences in habitat preferences for future descriptions of other cryptic species as well. Future mycological surveys in semi-natural grasslands should therefore include data collection from both fruitbodies and environmental-DNA. Increasing the knowledge of fungal diversity associated with semi-natural grasslands is essential for a deeper understanding of the ecology in these threatened habitats
Termisk energibehov i bygninger i et endret norsk klima - En casestudie fra Oslo, Bergen, Kristiansand og Tromsø
Get PDFFormålet med denne oppgaven er å undersøke det fremtidige termiske energibehovet i fire byer i Norge med
forskjellig geografisk plassering. De valgte byene er Oslo, Bergen, Kristiansand og Tromsø. Oppgaven
besvarer problemstillingen ved å ta utgangspunkt i tre forskningsspørsmål. Det er valgt å undersøke hvordan
klimaet på de valgte lokasjonene vil utvikle seg under utviklingsscenarioene SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0
og SSP5-8.5. Det undersøkes også hvordan variasjon i isolasjonstykkelse påvirker energibehovet i et endret
klima, samt om mekanisk kjøling vil bli nødvendig i norske boligblokker.
For å besvare det første forskningsspørsmålet benyttes lokal klimadata i bygningsenergisimuleringer,
sammenlignet med å bruke klimafiler basert på Oslo-klima på et nasjonalt nivå, som er standarden i dag.
Simuleringsmodellene er utarbeidet med inspirasjon fra standardiserte bygningsmodeller, SINTEF-kassene.
Videre Benyttes Future Weather Generator for å transformere TMY-filer for hvert av klimastedene til FWY
filer for 2050 og 2080 for hvert av scenarioene. EnergyPlus benyttes til energisimuleringene.
Forskningsspørsmål nummer to besvares ved å undersøke differansen i effekt mellom isolasjonstykkelser på
0,15 m, 0,20 m og 0,25 m på det termiske energibehovet for alle fire klimasteder for SSP3-7.0 i 2050 og 2080.
Det siste forskningsspørsmålet besvares ved å gjøre en vurdering på om kjøling vil bli aktuelt i norske
boligblokker basert på antall timer over den øvre grensen for operativ temperatur på 26°C, som er i henhold
til TEK17. Det undersøkes også hvordan kjølebehovet i norske kontorbygg vil utvikle seg. Til slutt vurderes
usikkerheten rundt bruk av en ensemble-metode med globale klimamodeller til simulering ved å simulere med
samme modell for hver enkelt GCM, og sammenligne energibehovet med ensemble verdier.
Oppgaven konkluderer med at det er en generell reduksjon i oppvarmingsbehov for begge bygningskategorier
for alle scenarioer på alle klimasteder, samt at kjølebehovet øker, eller ikke endres. For boligmodellen betyr
dette en reduksjon i det totale energibehovet da det kun simuleres for oppvarmingsbehov, mens for
kontormodellen betyr det at alle klimastedene, med unntak av Kristiansand opplever en reduksjon i det totale
energi behovet. Kristiansand opplever en økning i det totale energibehovet da kjølebehovet øker mer enn
oppvarmingsbehovet reduseres, noe som utfordrer tanken om en reduksjon i den fremtidige totale energibruken
i den nasjonale bygningsmassen. Dette resultatet bidrar også til å understreke viktigheten av bruk av riktig
klimadata i bygningsenergisimuleringer. Videre konkluderes det med at en økning i isolasjonstykkelse utgjør
en marginal forskjell for energibehovet i for alle klimasteder, for begge bygningskategorier i et varmere
fremtidig klima. Dette reiser spørsmål rundt lønnsomheten til denne anbefalingen som et
energieffektiviseringstiltak. Det pekes også på at mekanisk kjøling i boligblokker kan bli nødvendig allerede i
2050 i Kristiansand og Oslo. Bergen opplever et behov innen 2080, mens Tromsø ikke vil ha behov for aktiv
kjøling innen 2080. Avslutningsvis diskuteres usikkerhetsmomenter knyttet til variasjon i globale
klimamodeller, samt usikkerhet knyttet til simuleringsmodellene.The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the future thermal energy demand in four geographically distinct
cities in Norway: Oslo, Bergen, Kristiansand, and Tromsø. The research addresses this aim by formulating
three specific research questions. The study explores how the climate in these locations is projected to develop
under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways SSP1–2.6, SSP2–4.5, SSP3–7.0, and SSP5–8.5. Additionally, it
examines how variations in insulation thickness affect energy demand under changing climate conditions, and
whether mechanical cooling may become necessary in Norwegian residential buildings.
To answer the first research question, the thesis focuses on the effect of using location-specific climate data in
building energy simulations conducted in EnergyPlus, compared to using Oslo-based climate files at a national
level. The simulation models are developed with inspiration from standardized reference buildings, known as
SINTEF-kassene. Furthermore, the Future Weather Generator is used to transform TMY files for each location
into FWY files for the years 2050 and 2080, for each climate scenario. The second research question is
addressed by investigating the impact of different insulation thicknesses 0.15 m, 0.20 m, and 0.25 m, on
thermal energy demand at all four locations, under scenario SSP3–7.0 in 2050 and 2080. The final research
question is addressed by assessing whether cooling will become relevant in Norwegian residential buildings,
based on the number of hours per year exceeding the operative temperature threshold of 26 °C as defined in
TEK17. Additionally, the development of cooling demand in Norwegian office buildings is examined. Finally,
the thesis evaluates the uncertainty associated with using an ensemble of global climate models (GCMs) by
simulating the same model using each individual GCM and comparing the energy demand results to ensemble
based values.
The thesis concludes that there is a general reduction in heating demand across both building categories, for
all scenarios and locations. At the same time, cooling demand either increases or remains unchanged. For the
residential model, this results in a net reduction in total energy demand, as only heating is simulated. For the
office model, a reduction in total thermal energy demand is observed at all locations except Kristiansand.
Kristiansand shows an increase in total demand, as the rise in cooling demand outweighs the reduction in
heating, thereby challenging the notion of an overall future decrease in national building energy use. This
finding also underscores the importance of using appropriate climate files in energy simulations.
Furthermore, the results indicate that increasing insulation thickness has only a marginal effect on energy
demand across all locations and both building categories in a warmer future climate. This raises questions
regarding the cost-effectiveness of this commonly recommended energy efficiency measure. The study also
points to the likelihood that mechanical cooling may become necessary in residential buildings in Kristiansand
and Oslo as early as 2050. Bergen shows a cooling need by 2080, whereas Tromsø is not expected to require
active cooling within the analyzed period. Finally, the thesis discusses uncertainty related to variations among
global climate models, as well as limitations associated with the simulation models used in the analysis
What Shapes the Comeback? Environmental conditions and associated vascular plants as ecological indicators for the orchid Herminium monorchis
Get PDFIn a rapidly changing world, biodiversity loss is accelerating and now represents one of the most significant global threats. Among the primary drivers are land-use change and climate change. Despite various international initiatives aimed at reversing this trend, evident results remain limited. One increasingly applied strategy to help reverse the declining trend is species reintroduction. This study contributes to such efforts by investigating the habitat requirements of the critically endangered orchid Herminium monorchis, and addressing the knowledge gap associated to ecological indicators. This study aims to investigate how the number of individuals of H. monorchis relate to soil moisture, soil depth, vegetation cover, vegetation height and species richness. As well as analyzing species composition and identifying indicator vascular plants species associated with the presence of H. monorchis.
In Norway, H. monorchis exists at four known locations on Asmaløy in Hvaler municipality. This study focuses on two of these locations: Skjellvik and Skipstadsand. Vegetation surveys and environmental measurements were conducted during the summer of 2024.
Higher soil moisture showed a significant negative relationship with the number of individuals of H. monorchis, suggesting a preference for intermediate soils moisture. Conversely, deeper soil and higher vascular plant cover were positively associated with the number of individuals of H. monorchis, indicating that H. monorchis may favor locations with neighboring vegetation and stable soil conditions beneficial for root development. No significant relationship was found between vegetation height or species richness and the number of individuals of H. monorchis, though these results may be influenced by ongoing habitat management at both locations. Carex distans was positively associated with H. monorchis, implying that areas where C. distans occurs may offer suitable conditions for future reintroduction. Additionally, eight species were negatively associated with H. monorchis, indicating that such habitats may be less favorable and should be avoided in a reintroduction. Additionally, a NMDS ordination showed differences in species composition between the two locations, which indicate that H. monorchis may tolerate some fluctuations in species composition,
A potential reintroduction of H. monorchis would therefore require intermediate soil moisture, high soil depth and high vascular plant cover, preferably at locations where C. distans occur
Probiotiske Aliivibrio-arter i atlantisk laks : en ny fremgangsmåte mot Moritella viscosa og lakselus
Get PDFThe Norwegian salmon farming industry is facing major biological challenges. The
mortality in the marine phase alone has reached 15-20 % annually. Probiotic
bacteria have been implemented in the industry for several years as a preventative
tool to mitigate challenges associated with winter ulcers and salmon lice
(Lepeophtheirus salmonis).
This thesis investigates the potential effects and mode of action underlying the use
of probiotic bacteria from the Aliivibrio genus for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). This
was achieved by evaluating the colonization dynamics of administered probiotics in
Atlantic salmon, exploring microbial interactions between one of the probiotic
Aliivibrio species and Moritella viscosa and finally by using probiotic bacteria to
reduce the attachment of salmon lice.
As the mechanisms of probiotic bacteria are often related to their presence within
the host, I investigated their location in vivo and ex vivo (post-mortem). This was
done by submersing Atlantic salmon in a mixture of two probiotic Aliivibrio sp.
strains with subsequent samplings of several fish tissues investigated by culture,
quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) at
different time points pre- and post-mortem. Viable probiotic bacteria were reisolated
from the skin up to nine months post-administration and from the distal
intestine. The probiotic Aliivibrio sp. strains were also detected in skin-muscle
samples by qPCR and visualized in both skin-muscle and distal intestine by IHC.
Finally, the probiotics were detected in ulcers by culture and IHC.
Probiotic Aliivibrio spp. have been associated with reduced winter ulcer prevalence
and is now shown to colonize ulcers. I therefore investigated interactions between
the probiotic Aliivibrio sp. strain Vl2 and M. viscosa, revealing inhibitory properties
of the probiotic strain towards the pathogen in vitro. Supernatant from the broth
culture of the Aliivibrio sp. also reduced the M. viscosa-induced damage to CHSE cell
cultures. Transcriptomic analysis identified potential mechanisms modulating these
antagonistic effects.
The research work underlying the last part of this thesis investigated whether the
administration of probiotic Aliivibrio species would make the Atlantic salmon a less
attractive host to salmon lice. In three trials, I documented up to 65 % reductions in
lice attachment associated with the use of probiotic bacteria. Potential mechanisms
were investigated in vitro, concluding that the observed lice reduction was likely not
due to direct and rapid killing of the lice.
The findings presented in this thesis provide valuable insights into various facets
regarding the application of probiotic Aliivibrio spp. in Atlantic salmon. Expanding
our understanding of this preventative approach is essential for its optimal
implementation, and this work may make meaningful contributions to the
improvement of fish health within the salmon farming industry.Oppdrettsnæringen står overfor betydelige biologiske utfordringer, med en årlig dødelighet i sjøfasen alene som de siste årene har ligget på 15–20 %. Oppdrettsnæringen har nylig tatt i bruk probiotiske bakterier som et forebyggende verktøy for å redusere helseproblemer knyttet til vintersår og lakselus (Lepeophtheirus salmonis).
Målet med denne avhandlingen har vært å undersøke mulige effekter og virkningsmekanismer knyttet til bruken av probiotiske bakterier fra Aliivibrioslekten til atlantisk laks (Salmo salar). Dette ble gjort ved å studere kolonisering av administrerte bakterier, utforske mikrobielle interaksjoner mellom én av de probiotiske artene og Moritella viscosa, samt ved å bruke probiotiske bakterier for å redusere antall lakselus ved infestasjon av atlantisk laks.acceptedVersio
Blir grunnvann hensyntatt i konsekvensutredninger? - en casestudie av planprosessen for tre strekninger i E6 Trøndelag
Get PDFTemaet for oppgaven er konsekvensutredning i praksis. I denne avhandlingen har vi undersøkt hvordan grunnvann hensyntas ved utbygging av større infrastrukturtiltak. For å besvare denne problemstillingen har vi gjennomført en dokumentanalyse av fire reguleringsplaner i forbindelse med E6 Trøndelag, og semistrukturerte dybdeintervjuer med involverte aktører. Avhandlingen tar utgangspunkt i KU-regelverket som er en gjennomføring av EUs rammedirektiver for miljøvurderinger i norsk rett.
KUF stiller krav om hvilke planer og tiltak som alltid krever KU (vedlegg I) og hvilke som skal vurderes om krever KU (vedlegg II). «Motorvei» er omfattet av vedlegg I og faller inn under tiltak som alltid skal ha KU. Er en plan eller et tiltak KU-pliktig, er det krav til hva den skal inneholde i KUF kapittel 5. Kapittelet kombinert med annen særlovgivning setter rammene for hvordan utredningene skal gjennomføres, og hva de skal inneholde.
Avhandlingen viser til at det i praksis oppstår utfordringer knyttet til tidlig og tilstrekkelig vurdering av påvirkningen et tiltak kan ha på grunnvann. Reguleringsplanene vi har analysert viser at grunnvann blir hensyntatt i den grad det finnes drikkevannsbrønner i planområdet eller grunnvannet kan skade det planlagte tiltaket. Ansvarlig myndighet har ikke tilstrekkelig med ressurser for å etterprøve utredningene som blir gjort eller føre tilsyn i ettertid. Det ender dermed med at kunnskapsgrunnlaget ansvarlig myndighet fatter vedtak på er utilstrekkelig.The topic of this thesis is the practice of environmental impact assessments (EIA). In this study, we have examined how groundwater is considered during the development of major infrastructure projects. To meet this objective, we conducted a document analysis for four zoning plans related to E6 Trøndelag, as well as semi-structured in-depth interview with involved participants. The thesis is based on regulation on environmental impact assessments (REIA) in Norway, which implements the EUs framework directives for environmental assessments into national law.
The EIA regulations specify which plans and projects always require EIA (Annex I of REIA), and which should be evaluated to determine whether an EIA is necessary (Annex II of REIA). «Highway» is included in Annex II in REIA and are thus always subject to an EIA. When a plan or a project is subject to an EIA, chapter 5 of REIA outlines the required content. This chapter, in combination with other sector-specific legislation, sets the framework for how assessments should be conducted and what they must include.
This thesis indicates that, in practice, challenges arise in conducting early and adequate assessments of the potential impacts a project may have on groundwater. The zoning plans we analyzed shows that groundwater is only considered to the extent that there are drinking-water wells in the area or of groundwater way pose a risk to the proposed development. The responsible authority lacks sufficient resources to verify the assessments or carry out inspections afterwards. As a result, the knowledge based on which decisions are made is often inadequate
Undersøkelse av raffinose oligosakkariders potensial til bruk i mat gjennom bioraffinering, fermentering og enzymatisk modifisering
Get PDFInterest in pulses has increased in recent years. The focus is predominantly on the proteins and their functionality in food products while the carbohydrate fraction has received less attention. Part of this fraction are raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs), which are present up to 6 % of the dry weight in pulses. Humans are however unable to digest RFOs and they therefore pass through the small intestine to the lower digestive tract, where they are readily fermented by bacteria. This classifies them as fermentable oligo-, di-, and monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) as they cause symptoms such as bloating, nausea or diarrhoea in many consumers. For people with gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it is therefore often recommended to omit these carbohydrates from their diet. In healthy consumers on the other hand, RFOs can also stimulate growth of beneficial bacteria, i.e. they can have prebiotic effects. This thesis argues that RFOs can be exploited for value-added use through modern biorefining, fermentation and enzyme technologies.
Therefore, in Paper 1 an industrially feasible biorefining process was developed to isolate RFOs from pulse protein concentrates available on the Scandinavian market. It could be shown that by using scalable process equipment, water and moderately acidic pH, the production of 1 kg carbohydrate-enriched extract per 10 kg of concentrate from faba beans or peas can be achieved. RFO content in the extract varied between faba beans and peas (30-50 % RFO), yet protein fractions were RFO-reduced by 70-90 % and increased in protein content (+5-6 %). This process therefore creates a more valuable protein extract (more protein, fewer FODMAPs) and a carbohydrate stream that can serve as a resource for further food production or beyond.
To test this, Paper 2 investigated fermentations, specifically the potential to selectively stimulate growth of desired microorganisms in food products and the influence on sensory properties. A total of 14 lactic acid bacteria were screened for growth with RFO extract from Paper I in media and in beer with stressors presents (alcohol, α-acids). From this screening, three bacteria (Lactobacillus sp., Lactococcus sp.) were selected to brew sour beers in co-culture with yeast (Brettanomyces sp.) and RFOs. Via chromatography, it was shown that the selected bacteria consumed RFOs, and both acids and other metabolites increased in concentration within only three weeks. A trained sensory panel compared the sour beers made with RFO extract with a traditional Belgian sour beer and negative controls (no RFOs) and found that many sensory attributes were affected by RFO addition. Several parameters of RFO beers were comparable to the commercial product, for which the production process typically takes years. Beany taste, which is commonly associated with peas, did however not increase through RFO addition and was even lower than in the Belgian beer (made without pulses).
In Paper 3 enzymatic modifications were investigated as a second biotechnological approach to utilize RFOs. Lactose and sucrose are commonly used in the enzymatic production of prebiotic oligosaccharides. For raffinose, this potential is however underexplored. Therefore, we combined RFOs with lactose and the established transglycosylating enzyme BgaD-D from Niallia circulans. This generated new-to-nature oligosaccharides, that were hypothesized to be fermentable by fewer microorganisms, which could reduce FODMAP-associated gastrointestinal symptoms in consumers. Reactions showed RFOs as suitable acceptors and reaction characteristics were comparable to lactose alone. Through nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy analysis, structures were identified, majorly being galactosyl-(β1-4)-RFOs. These reaction products were then subjected to a fermentability screening with 12 bacteria relevant to food and gut. Results indicated reduced fermentability by some of the selected strains, whilst the commensal gut bacteria Bacteroides sp. seemingly grew unaffected. This showed the potential of RFOs as substrate for enzymatic synthesis and indicated that this has the potential to mitigate some of the undesired effects of RFOs in the human diet.
Overall, this research demonstrated that notable amounts of RFOs can be extracted from readily available feedstocks and that they can serve as a starting point for utilization towards food products and ingredients. This reduces side streams from food production, could expand the groups of consumers otherwise refraining from pulses and moreover creates new possibilities for companies already producing pulse derived ingredients.Interessen for belgvekster har økt i de siste årene og forskning og utvikling har fokusert mye på proteiner og deres funksjon i mat produkter. Karbohydratene i belgvekster har samtidig fått mindre oppmerksomhet. En av karbohydrattypene i belgvekster er raffinose oligosakkarider (RFOs), som utgjør opp mot 6 % av frøet. Mennesker er ikke i stand til å bryte ned disse oligosakkaridene selv og derfor havner de i tykktarmen hvor mikroorganismer nyttiggjør seg av dem. Dette er grunnlaget for at RFOs kategoriseres som FODMAPs (fermenterbare oligo-, di- og monosakkarider og sukkeralkoholer) og at de ved inntak kan forårsake negative symptomer hos mennesker som oppblåsthet, kvalme og diaré. Mennesker med fordøyelsessykdom som IBS (irritabel tarm syndrom) er ofte anbefalt å unngå disse i kostholdet sitt. For sunne mennesker kan slike oligosakkarider derimot stimulere til vekst av gunstige tarmbakterier som gir positive helseeffekter, og disse karbohydratforbindelsene kan da klassifiseres som prebiotika. Hypotesen i denne avhandlingen er at det er mulig å utnytte RFOs bedre enn det gjøres i dag og at dette kan gjøres ved å bruke moderne bioraffinerings-, fermenterings- og enzymteknologier.
I det første arbeidet (manuskript 1) ble det utviklet en industrianvendelig bioraffinerings prosess for å isolere RFOs fra protein konsentrater fra nordiske belgvekster. Studien viste, at ved å bruke skalerbart utstyr og vann med noe redusert pH, kan man produsere 1 kg med RFO-ekstrakt per 10 kg proteinkonsentrat. RFO innholdet i ekstraktet varierte mellom åkerbønner og erter (30-50% RFOs), men den opprinnelige protein fraksjonen fikk likevel redusert RFO inneholdet med 70-90 % og fikk samtidig et noe høyere protein innehold (+5-6 %) enn ved startpunktet. Prosessen skaper dermed en mer verdifull proteinfraksjon (mer protein, mindre FODMAPs), samtidig som karbohydratene som fjernes kan brukes videre til å lage andre mat produkter, prebiotika og ingredienser.
For å teste mulige anvendelser ble det i manuskriptet 2 undersøkt om hvordan RFO ekstraktene kan stimulere vekst av ønskede melkesyrebakterier i fermenterte mat produkter og samtidig hvordan sensoriske egenskaper blir påvirket. 14 bakteriestammer ble testet for vekst på RFOs isolert fra arbeidet med manuskript 1 i både generelle vekstkultur media og øl hvor veksthemmende substanser (etanol, humle) er til stede. Etter screeningen ble tre stammer (to Lactobacillus og en Lactococcus) valgt for å produsere to typer surøl med RFOs og gjær (Brettanomyces) i co-kulturer. Kromatografisk analyse av produktene viste at bakteriene omsatte RFOs og at konsentrasjon av syrer og andre metabolitter økte innen tre uker. I tillegg sammenlignet et trent smakspanel de RFObaserte surølene med et tradisjonelt belgisk surøl, samt kontroll-øl uten RFOs. Panelet fant at RFO tilsetning økte flere smakskarakteristikker og at noen av dem er sammenlignbare med belgisk øl som trenger flere år å produseres. Spennende nok, økte RFO tilsetning ikke smak av bønner, ofte et problem med ingredienser fra belgvekst, og det belgisk ølet smakte ifølge den sensoriske testen mest av bønner.
I manuskript 3 ble en annen bioteknologisk bruk av RFOs undersøkt: Enzymatisk modifisering. Bruk av laktose og sukrose er vanlig for å produsere prebiotiske oligosakkarider gjennom enzymatisk transglykosylering. Her er potensiale til RFOs mindre utforska. Derfor brukte studien RFOs sammen med laktose og det velkjente enzymet BgaD-D fra Niallia circulans til å produsere nye typer oligsakkarider med flere ulike typer glykosidbindinger. Hypotesen er at disse er mindre fermenterbare av tarm bakteriene og dermed vil redusere de typiske symptomer av FODMAPs. Reaksjoner viste at RFOs fungerer som akseptor i transglykolyseringen og at viktige reaksjonsparameter ligner på de reaksjonene med laktose alene. Med NMR (kjernemagnetisk resonansspektroskopi) kunne produktene identifiseres og det ble vist at produktene hovedsakelig er av typen galactosyl-(β1-4)-RFO. Disse produktene ble deretter fermentert med 12 bakteriestammer som er relevante for mat og fordøyelse. Resultatene indikerer redusert fermenterbarhet av noen stammer, mens vekst av noen typiske tarmbakterier som er tilpasset vekst på komplekse glykaner (Bacteroides sp.) er tilnærmet upåvirket. Denne studien viste dermed potensiale for enzymatisk modifisering av RFOs til å redusere FODMAP symptomer. Oppsummert viser avhandlingen at betydelige mengder RFOs kan ekstraheres fra kommersielle råstoffer og at de kan fungere som utgangspunkt for å lage mat og ingredienser. Dette reduserer sidestrømmer fra matproduksjonen, kan bidra til forbedring av belgvekstprodukter til de av konsumentene som reagerer på RFOs og også utvide produksjonsmulighetene for industrien som produserer ingredienser som er basert på belgvekster
Klimatiltak i landbruket: Merkostnader ved implementering av metanreduserende fôrvarer i norsk melkeproduksjon
Get PDFMetanreduserende fôrvarer trekkes i dag frem som et av de mest lovende tiltakene for å redusere klimagassutslipp fra norske drøvtyggere, og er løftet frem som et sentralt satsningsområde i Landbrukets klimaplan. Samtidig er det usikkerhet knyttet til hvordan tiltaket påvirker den foretaksøkonomiske situasjonen i norsk melkeproduksjon. Dette danner utgangspunktet for oppgavens problemstilling:
“Hva er de foretaksøkonomiske merkostnadene ved å ta i bruk metanreduserende fôrvarer i norsk melkeproduksjon, og hvilke strategiske utfordringer gir dette for norske melkebønder?”
Gjennom kvalitative dybdeintervjuer med melkebønder, fagpersoner og bransjeaktører, samt teoretisk analyse, kartlegger vi merkostnader knyttet til implementeringen av metanreduserende fôrvarer på gårdsnivå. Teori om markedsforståelse, foretaksøkonomi og innovasjon benyttes for å belyse beslutningsgrunnlaget til bonden og hvilke faktorer som påvirker valget om å ta i bruk slike tiltak.
Funnene viser at tiltaket per i dag ikke er lønnsomt fra et foretaksøkonomisk perspektiv. I tillegg avhenger beslutningen om implementering av faktorer som tid, investeringsevne, praktisk tilrettelegging, konkurrerende klimatiltak og driftsmessige prioriteringer. Samtidig peker analysen på at den samfunnsøkonomiske nytten kan overstige kostnadene, dersom tiltaket blir gjennomførbart for alle norske melkeprodusenter.
Hvorvidt melkeprodusentene vil ta i bruk metanreduserende fôrvarer avhenger i stor grad av politiske rammer, økonomiske støtteordninger og regulatoriske krav. For å legge til rette for bred implementering av tiltaket, vil politiske virkemidler som støtter bondens beslutninger spille en viktig rolle, sammen med forbrukeraksept og tillit i næringen.Methane-reducing feed additives are currently highlighted as one of the most promising measures for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from Norwegian ruminants and have been promoted as a key priority in the agricultural sector’s climate plan. However, there is uncertainty about how this measure affects the farm-level economic situation in Norwegian dairy production. This forms the basis for the thesis’ main research question:
“What are the farm-level economic additional costs of implementing methane-reducing feed additives in Norwegian dairy production, and what strategic challenges does this pose for Norwegian dairy farmers?”
Through qualitative in-depth interviews with dairy farmers, experts, and industry actors, combined with theoretical analysis, we identify additional costs associated with the implementation of methane-reducing feed additives at farm level. Theoretical perspectives on market dynamics, farm economics, and innovation are used to shed light on farmers’ decision-making and the factors influencing the adoption of such measures.
The findings show that, at present, the use of methane-reducing feed additives is not economically viable for Norwegian dairy producers. Furthermore, the decision to implement these measures depends on factors such as time, investment capacity, practical feasibility, competing climate measures, and operational priorities. However, the analysis suggests that the overall societal benefit may outweigh the costs, provided the measure becomes practically feasible for all Norwegian dairy producers.
Whether dairy producers adopt methane-reducing feed additives will largely depend on political frameworks, financial support schemes, and regulatory requirements. To facilitate broad implementation, policy instruments that support farmers’ decisions will play an important role, along with consumer acceptance and trust within the agricultural sector
Unfulfilled Promises: The Oslo Accords and its Aftermath
No full textThis thesis critically examines the Oslo Accords as a transformative yet deeply flawed initiative in the Israeli Palestinian peace process. Employing Conflict Resolution Theory, Critical Theory, and Constructivism, the study analyzes how structural inequalities, biased mediation, and deferred issues contributed to the Accords' failure. Despite initial optimism, the Accords entrenched power imbalances, deferred key issues such as Jerusalem and refugees, and lacked enforceable mechanisms, undermining trust and sustainability. The research compares the Oslo Accords with the Good Friday and Camp David Agreements, highlighting the pivotal roles of mediation strategies, stakeholder inclusion, and enforcement structures in shaping peace outcomes. By investigating these comparative frameworks, the study provides insights into the complexities of peacebuilding in asymmetrical conflicts. It emphasizes the necessity of addressing systemic disparities, ensuring grassroots participation, and implementing robust enforcement mechanisms. This analysis offers valuable lessons for future conflict resolution, advocating for inclusive, equitable, and enforceable frameworks as prerequisites for sustainable peace
The effect of season, somatic cell count and bulk milk storage time on the sensory and chemical characteristics of an aged hard goat milk cheese
Get PDFThis study investigated the impact of seasonality (lactation stage), milk storage time and somatic cell count (SCC) on the chemical ripening and sensory characteristics of hard goat milk cheese ripened for 12–18 months. Milk was collected from four farms at four stages: indoor feeding (A), mountain pasture release (B), high summer pasture (C), and lowland pasture during oestrus (D). Cheeses were produced the following- and three days after delivery. Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA) revealed significant seasonal differences in sensory attributes. Cheeses from season C and D exhibited more ‘sweet taste’ and ‘caramel flavour’, while those from season A had more ‘oxidized odour’ and ‘acidic taste’. Season C and D cheeses had higher levels of total free amino acids (FAA), and a stickier, more cohesive texture compared to the drier, grittier texture of season A cheeses. The results indicate that season and bulk milk storage time have a greater effect on cheese sensory and chemical properties than SCC, although SCC did have an impact. Developing production protocols that consider seasonal variation (lactation stage) and SCC, is essential to optimise cheese quality standardisation, benefiting small-scale artisanal and industrial goat cheese producers.publishedVersio
Teknologiens rolle i reduksjon av matsvinn: En case studie av COOP Norge SA
Get PDFMatsvinn utgjør en betydelig utfordring både miljømessig, økonomisk og sosialt. I lys av økende klimakrav, regulatoriske endringer og bærekraftsforventninger fra samfunnet, er dagligvarebransjen under økende press for å redusere matsvinn. Samtidig har teknologisk utvikling og digitalisering åpnet for nye verktøy og metoder som kan bidra til bedre ressursutnyttelse. Denne studien undersøker hvordan Coop Norge anvender teknologi og digitalisering i arbeidet med å redusere matsvinn, og hvilke faktorer som påvirker implementeringen av slike løsninger.
Studien er en kvalitativ casestudie basert på fem semistrukturerte intervjuer med ansatte i Coop samt dokumentanalyse av Coop Norges års- og bærekraftsrapporter fra perioden 2019–2023. Det teoretiske rammeverket inkluderer drivere og barrierer for teknologiimplementering, samt begreper knyttet til bærekraft, digital transformasjon og innovasjon.
Oppgaven viser at Coop har iverksatt flere tiltak, som dynamisk prising, nedprisingskonseptet «Matredder’n», samarbeid med Too Good To Go, og forbedrede logistikksystemer. Teknologi spiller en sentral rolle i disse tiltakene, men implementeringen påvirkes av organisatoriske faktorer som datatilgang, ledelsesforankring, kompetanse og interne beslutningsprosesser. Studien viser også at økonomiske vurderinger ofte veier tungt ved prioritering av teknologiske investeringer, og at det eksisterer et gap mellom strategiske ambisjoner og operasjonell praksis.
Funnene i oppgaven viser at teknologi kan være et kraftfullt virkemiddel i arbeidet med å redusere matsvinn, men at effekten i stor grad avhenger av organisatorisk kapasitet, kulturell forankring og evnen til å omsette strategier til handling. Studien understreker behovet for en helhetlig tilnærming der teknologi kombineres med ledelsesengasjement, intern opplæring og bedre datainfrastruktur for å nå målet om 50 % reduksjon av matsvinn innen 2030.Food waste represents a significant environmental, economic, and social challenge. As climate targets tighten and new regulatory frameworks are introduced, grocery retailers face growing pressure to reduce food waste. Simultaneously, technological development offers new opportunities for resource efficiency and sustainable operations. This study investigates how Coop Norway applies technology and digitalization in its efforts to reduce food waste, and what factors influence the implementation of such solutions.
The study is designed as a qualitative case study based on five semi-structured interviews with key personnel in Coop and a document analysis of the company’s annual and sustainability reports from 2019–2023. The theoretical framework includes drivers and barriers for technology implementation, sustainability strategy, and organizational capacity for innovation.
Findings reveal that Coop has implemented several digital initiatives, including dynamic pricing, the “Matredder’n” markdown system, cooperation with Too Good To Go, and improved inventory management. However, the study shows that economic priorities, data availability, leadership support, and internal structure strongly influence whether such technologies are successfully adopted.
The conclusion is that technology holds considerable potential to reduce food waste, but the outcome depends on how well the solutions are embedded within the organization’s operations and culture. To achieve its goal of reducing food waste by 50% by 2030, Coop must combine technological tools with strong leadership, reliable data systems, and internal capacity building