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State Power Against People and Nature
No full textThis thesis critically examines the socio-environmental impacts of the Norwegian state-owned company Statkraft’s hydropower projects on the Pilmaiken River in Chile, on Mapuche-Williche ancestral land.
Through empirical fieldwork, narrative and discourse analysis, and grounded in political ecology and justice frameworks. The thesis interrogates the dissonance between Norway’s rhetoric of environmental protection and indigenous rights and the realities of its renewable energy ventures abroad. The thesis findings show that, under the guise of climate change mitigation, the hydropower developments perpetuate forms of ‘green extractivism’ and ‘green colonialism’. This results in ecological degradation, disruption of sacred indigenous territories, and human rights violations.
The thesis argues that the renewable energy transition can be crucial for decarbonisation. However, it risks continuing patterns of environmental harm and social injustice unless it equitably addresses the needs and rights of nature and affected communities.
The Pilmaiken case shows the inseparability of environmental and social justice in sustainable development. It highlights the urgent need for rigorous environmental impact assessments (EIA), genuine respect for Indigenous and human rights, and a rethinking of global ‘green’ energy strategies to avoid continuing colonial dynamics and ecological harm
Metallkonsentrasjon nedstrøms i Glamslandsvassdraget som følger av sur avrenning fra sulfidholdig berggrunn etter industriutbygging
No full textSprengningsarbeid i sulfidholdig berggrunn kan føre til svært lave pH verdier og utlekking av en rekke metaller, spesielt aluminium (Al). Etter utbygging av et industriområde (KIL5/6) og sprengningsarbeid i sur gneis i Lillesand kommune, er trolig nedre del av Glamslandsvassdraget påvirket av sur avrenning. I denne masteroppgaven har metallkonsentrasjon i ulike vannforekomster nedstrøms KIL5/6 og ut mot Skallefjorden blitt undersøkt. For å studere effekt av nedbørsmengde og vannføring har feltarbeidet med innsamling av vannprøver blitt gjennomført ved ulike tidspunkt med forskjellig vannføring.
I feltarbeid ble både vann- og sedimentprøver innhentet, hvorav vannprøvene ble fraksjonert in situ. Vannfraksjonering med bruk av filtere og kationbytter ble benyttet for å undersøke andelen metaller i ulik tilstandsform og da potensiell biotilgjengelig tilstandsform. Det ble tatt vannprøver i seks ulike vannlokaliteter og sedimentprøver i tre av disse. Vannvariabler som pH, ledningsevne og temperatur ble også målt in situ, mens ionesammensetning, organisk karbon og grunnstoffer i både vann og sedimentprøver ble analysert på laboratoriet ved NMBU.
Det ble gjennomført modellseleksjon basert på Akaike´s Information Criteria (AIC), som indikerte at både hvor og når prøvene ble tatt er forklaringsvariabler som har størst betydning for metallkonsentrasjonen i vannprøvene. Når prøvene ble tatt sier noe om effekt av vannføring og nedbørsmengde, mens hvor prøvene ble tatt kan indikerer noe om fortynningseffekt nedstrøms i vassdraget. Resultatene viste at det er ekstremt høy forekomst av Al øverst i vassdraget (fra 1620 µg/l til 31100 µg/l totalt løst Al) nærmest KIL5/6, og at konsentrasjonen avtar nedover vassdraget (til 177 µg/l til 372 µg/l totalt løst Al etter samløp med Glamslandsvannet), noe som indikerer en fortynningseffekt nedstrøms. Den avtagende trenden sammenfaller for andre metaller (Cd, Pb, Zn, Mn, La, Pr og Ce) som korrelerer med Al. Glamslandsvannet er den største vannforekomsten, hvor vannkvaliteten er best og konsentrasjon av metaller var lavest. En bekk med avrenning fra boligfelt nær utløpet til fjorden viste seg også å ha en betraktelig lavere pH og høyere metallkonsentrasjon enn Glamslandsvannet, noe som indikerte sur avrenning til denne sidebekken. Vannfraksjoneringen viste at Al hovedsakelig foreligger som løst og reaktivt Al (LAl), i lokasjonene øverst i vassdraget samt i sidebekken fra boligfeltet. Disse lokasjonene er de samme prøvetakningspunktene med lavest pH-verdi og høy ledningsevne. Regresjonsanalyser viste at det er signifikant sammenheng mellom totalt løst Al og variablene pH og ledningsevne. Klassifisering etter Miljødirektoratets veileder viste at potensielt giftige metaller som korrelerer med Al, som Zn og Ni (og til dels Cd) foreligger som dårlig til svært dårlig i samme lokasjoner hvor det er høy konsentrasjon av Al og hvor Al foreligger som LAl. Resultater fra sedimentprøvene indikerte at det har vært en økning i metaller tilknyttet vannforekomstene i de øverste lagene av sedimentene antatt rundt 2015 i sedimentkjernene, men hovedsakelig viste det øverste laget noe lavere nivå.
Resultatene fra denne undersøkelsen har vist svært høye konsentrasjoner av LAl og andre giftige metaller, lav pH verdi og høy ledningsevne i vannlokaliteter knyttet til sur avrenning fra sulfidholdig berggrunn, trolig avrenning fra KIL5/6.Blasting operations in sulfide-bearing bedrock can lead to extremely low pH levels and the leaching of various metals, especially aluminum (Al). Following the development of an industrial area (KIL5/6) and blasting in acidic gneiss in Lillesand Municipality, the lower part of the Glamsland watercourse is likely affected by acid runoff. This master's thesis investigates metal concentrations in various water bodies downstream of KIL5/6 and toward Skallefjorden. To study the effects of precipitation and water flow, fieldwork involving water sampling was conducted at different times with varying flow conditions.
During fieldwork, both water and sediment samples were collected, with water samples being fractionated in situ. Water fractionation using filters and cation exchangers was employed to examine the proportion of metals in different chemical forms, particularly those potentially bioavailable. Water samples were taken from six different locations, and sediment samples from three of these. Water variables such as pH, conductivity, and temperature were measured in situ, while ion composition, organic carbon, and elemental content in both water and sediment samples were analyzed in the laboratory at NMBU.
Model selection based on Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC) indicated that both the location and timing of sampling are the most significant explanatory variables for metal concentrations in the water samples. The timing of sampling reflects the effects of water flow and precipitation, while the sampling location may indicate dilution effects downstream in the watercourse. Results showed extremely high concentrations of Al in the upper part of the watercourse (from 1620 µg/l to 31100 µg/l total dissolved Al) closest to KIL5/6, with concentrations decreasing downstream (to 177 µg/l to 372 µg/l total dissolved Al after the confluence with Glamslandsvannet), indicating a dilution effect. This decreasing trend was also observed for other metals (Cd, Pb, Zn, Mn, La, Pr, and Ce) that correlate with Al. Glamslandsvannet is the largest water body, with the best water quality and the lowest metal concentrations. A stream draining a residential area near the fjord outlet also showed significantly lower pH and higher metal concentrations than Glamslandsvannet, indicating acid runoff into this tributary. Water fractionation revealed that Al primarily exists as dissolved and reactive Al (LAl) in the upper parts of the watercourse and in the tributary from the residential area. These locations also had the lowest pH values and highest conductivity. Regression analyses showed a significant relationship between total dissolved Al and the variables pH and conductivity. Classification according to the Norwegian Environment Agency’s guidelines showed that potentially toxic metals correlating with Al, such as Zn and Ni (and to some extent Cd), were classified as poor to very poor in the same locations where Al concentrations were high and present as LAl. Sediment sample results indicated an increase in metals associated with the water bodies in the upper sediment layers, assumed to be around 2015 in the sediment cores, although the top layer generally showed slightly lower levels.
The results of this study revealed extremely high concentrations of LAl and other toxic metals, low pH, and high conductivity in water bodies affected by acid runoff from sulfide-bearing bedrock, likely originating from KIL5/6
The evolution of plant selection in rain gardens in Oslo
No full textEt stadig endrende og eskalerende klima, samt fortetting av byer og økning av impermeable dekker tvinger byer til å tilpasse hvordan man planlegger og utformer grøntområder. Klimatilpasning i Oslo har fokus på planlegging av blågrønne løsninger som kan håndtere økende nedbør.
Oslo har utarbeidet flere retningslinjer og veiledere med tydelige krav til flere tiltak for overvannshåndtering med fokus på det grønne, blant annet regnbed. En svakhet i disse veilederne er mangelen på råd rundt valg av vegetasjon. Norge mangler kunnskapsgrunnlag for valg av planter i regnbed som tåler et vekslende miljø av fuktig og tørt, samtidig som de er herdige nok til å overleve det kaldere klima vi har i Norge.
Oppgaven ser på åtte forskjellige regnbed i Oslo, etablert i løpet av det siste tiåret. Formålet er å indentifisere hvordan plantevalg i norske regnbed har utviklet seg de siste ti årene. Regnbedene varierer i vegetasjon, miljø og utforming, og vi har registrert arter, plantemønster og beliggenhet.
Resultatene fra registrering viser en økning i antall arter brukt i de nyeste regnbedene, og en hyppigere bruk av stedegne arter. Regnbed i Oslo etableres ofte i blokkbeplantinger, selv om litteratur kan tyde på at miksbeplantninger har flere fordeler rundt vedlikehold og biologisk mangfold. Stauder blir ofte brukt i bedene, med noen innslag av andre plantegrupper som trær og busker. Registrering viser også noen arter som blir tatt i bruk flere ganger, og kan være utgangspunkt for anbefalinger til fremtidige regnbed.The changing and escalating climate, combined with urban densification and the resulting increase in impermeable surfaces, is forcing cities to adapt the planning of green spaces. In Oslo the adaption to climate change is focused on the planning of blue-green solutions that are able to manage the increase in precipitation.
Oslo has developed several guidelines and strategies with clear requirements for stormwater management, with an emphasis on green infrastructures, such as raingardens. However, a gap in these guidelines is the lack on guidance regarding the plant selection. Norway lacks a knowledge base for choosing the right plants that can handle the alternating wet and dry conditions that a rain garden has to offer, while also being hardy enough to survive the winter.
In this thesis we have looked at eight different raingardens, all located in Oslo, that were established within the last decade. The intention was to identify how the plant selection in Norwegian rain gardens had developed in the last decade. The raingardens all vary in vegetation, environment and design, and we registered species, planting design and location.
The results from the field work shows an increase in the number of species used in the latest raingardens, and more frequent inclusion of native species. Rain gardens in Oslo are mostly established using block plantings, despite literature suggesting mixed plantings based on the advantages this brings in terms of biodiversity and maintenance. Perennials are used most often, with some inclusions from the other plant groups such as trees or shrubs. Field work also showed some repeating species that can be used as a basis for recommendation for future rain gardens.B-L
Long-term effects of clear-cutting on Collembola and Oribatida communities in Norwegian boreal spruce forests
No full textNorway’s boreal forests have a long history of extensive forestry, and today, clear-cutting is the most common forest management practice. The long-term effects of such forestry practices on forest ecosystems and structures are poorly understood, including how this impacts soil fauna. Soil organisms like springtails (Collembola) and oribatid mites (Oribatida) play vital roles in nutrient cycling and carbon storage. To assess the long-term effects of clear-cutting on these groups' taxonomical and functional structure, communities of Collembola and Oribatida in mature previously clear-cut forest stands harvested around 1950, and near-natural forest stands, were compared. This was performed by taking soil samples from 12 such pairs of previously clear-cut and near-natural bilberry-spruce forest stands in southeastern Norway, and extracting the soil microarthropods through the Berlese-Tullgren method. Overall, the results indicate no significant difference in species richness or abundance of Collembola or Oribatida between the two forest management types, and show that the overall species metrics have recovered after the disturbance of clear-cutting over 70 years ago. However, Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) reveals significant differences in community composition, and several species display an apparent affinity for either the near-natural forests or the previously clear-cut forests. Environmental factors, like soil pH, moisture, and temperature, influenced community composition, and soil pH had varying responses for Collembola richness depending on forest management type. These findings highlight the importance of not only looking at overall diversity metrics but also incorporating species-level data and environmental context in ecological assessments of long-term forest recovery
Effekt av dyrkingsstrategiene Rhizobium-inokulering og startgjødsling, og temperatur på frøutvikling, akkumulering av lagringsforbindelser og avling i åkerbønner (Vicia faba L.) og erter (Pisum sativum L.)
No full textFaba bean (Vicia faba L.) and field pea (Pisum sativum L) are grain legumes belonging to the Fabaceae family, recognized for their high protein content. Additionally, they provide carbohydrates (including starch, sugars, and dietary fiber), vitamins, and minerals. The ability of legumes to biologically fix nitrogen makes them important in sustainable agriculture. They are important as break crops in cereal production, by reducing the level of cereal diseases and enhancing yield and grain quality. Field pea and faba bean are the most commonly grown grain legumes in the Nordic countries, with increasing interest in their cultivation to meet the demand for locally sourced plant protein for both food and feed.
At northern latitudes, faba bean and field pea are spring-sown and often face challenges from a short growing season, characterized by low temperatures in spring and decreasing temperatures during maturation. The aim of this study was to explore management practices, including Rhizobium inoculation and starter-fertilization, to enhance early growth, nodulation, seed development and final yield. In addition, temperature responses in faba bean and field pea under these climatic conditions were investigated, to understand how they affect pod and seed formation, seed development, as well as the accumulation of protein, starch and low molecular weight carbohydrates (LMWC).
In this study, experiments with faba bean and field pea were conducted both in field and controlled climate environments. In the controlled experiments plants were grown at three temperature regimes from the onset of flowering (day/night temperatures of 14 °C/12 °C, 19 °C/12 °C, and 24 °C/12 °C). The field experiments were conducted over three years and across multiple locations, including Rhizobium inoculation and starter-fertilization.
The chosen temperature regimes in the controlled experiment highlighted a significant delay in pod and seed development as temperatures decreased, observed in both faba bean field pea. Under controlled climatic conditions, plants produced phytomers over a longer period than in the field experiments, and temperature regimes significantly affected the number of pods per plant, particularly in the upper part of the plant. As a result, plants grown at 19 °C produced a higher total dry seed yield per plant.
Seed moisture content was demonstrated to be a good indicator of seed development in field pea and faba bean, based on data from both field and controlled experiments. Regression analysis of seed dry weight and moisture content identified break points at 51%, 53%, and 54% moisture for Sampo, Vertigo, and Ingrid, respectively, in the controlled experiment. In the field experiments, break points were 54% and 55% moisture for Vertigo and Ingrid. These are considered the points of physiological maturity and corresponded well between the controlled conditions and the field experiments.
In the controlled experiment, temperature regimes did not directly impact accumulation of starch, protein and LMWC; instead, it correlated with the seeds' moisture content and developmental stage. Field experiments with Rhizobium inoculation and starter-fertilization had limited effects on seed development and storage compound accumulation. Both field and controlled experiments revealed the accumulation dynamics of storage compounds, with an increase in starch and raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFO) content and a decrease in sucrose content. In regression models, the breakpoint for starch accumulation (g/100 g) occurred slightly earlier than physiological maturity, while the breakpoint for sucrose content occurred at the same time or slightly later than physiological maturity. The majority of the RFOs were demonstrated to accumulate after physiological maturity, with field pea having a higher total RFO content compared to faba bean.
Although Rhizobium inoculation increased nodule scores, it did not result in higher yield, thousand seed weight, or protein content in either field pea or faba bean. This suggests that the soil already contained sufficient Rhizobium bacteria. Field pea produced a 4-5% higher yield with some starter-fertilizer regimes containing 50 kg N/ha, but this was only observed in high-yielding experiments. High-yielding faba bean showed no yield response to fertilization, likely due to their ability to maintain stable nodulation regardless of fertilization. No significant effect on protein content was observed in high-yielding field pea or faba bean.
In conclusion, this study revealed that temperature does not affect the accumulation of storage compounds at comparable developmental stages, but it highlighted the extent to which seed development is delayed with decreasing temperatures. The experiments demonstrated the dynamics of accumulation and maturation in seeds, emphasizing physiological maturity as a crucial stage in seed development. Rhizobium inoculation and starter-fertilization had a limited effect on the accumulation of storage products, final seed yield, and protein content in field pea and faba bean. These findings support a low-input strategy in cultivation, where neither Rhizobium inoculation nor starter-fertilization is required as the primary cultivation practice on fertile soils in Norway.Åkerbønner (Vicia faba L.) og erter (Pisum sativum L.) er kjernebelgvekster i erteblomstfamilien (Fabaceae), og kjent for sitt høye proteininnhold. I tillegg er de en viktig kilde til karbohydrater (inkludert stivelse, sukker og kostfiber), vitaminer og mineraler. Evnen til biologisk nitrogen fiksering gjør dem viktige i bærekraftig landbruk. Videre, er erter og åkerbønner viktige forgrøder å inkludere i korndyrkingen, da de kan redusere smittenivået av kornsykdommer, samt forbedre avling og kornkvalitet. Erter og åkerbønner er de mest dyrkede kjernebelgvekstene i de nordiske landene, med en stadig økende interesse for å møte etterspørselen etter lokalt produsert planteprotein til både mat og fôr.
På nordlige breddegrader er åkerbønner og erter vår-sådde og kan møte utfordringer på grunn av at vekstsesongen er kort, preget av lave temperaturer om våren og synkende temperaturer under frøutvikling og modning. Målet med denne studien var derfor å utforske dyrkingspraksiser, som Rhizobium-inokulering og startgjødsling, for å gi raskere vekst og nodulering, bedre frøutvikling avling. I tillegg var målet å undersøke temperaturresponser i åkerbønner og erter under disse klimatiske forholdene, for å bedre forstå hvordan de påvirker frøutvikling, modning samt akkumulering av protein, stivelse og lavmolekylære karbohydrater (LMWC).
Både feltforsøk og kontrollerte klimaforsøk med åkerbønner og erter ble gjennomført i denne studien. I de kontrollerte klimaforsøkene ble plantene dyrket under tre temperaturregimer (dag/natt-temperaturer på 14 °C/12 °C, 19 °C/12 °C og 24 °C/12 °C). Feltforsøkene ble utført over tre år og på flere forskjellige steder, og inkluderte Rhizobium inokulering samt startgjødsling.
De valgte temperaturregimene i det kontrollerte klimaforsøk demonstrerte en betydelig forsinkelse i belg- og frøutvikling ettersom temperaturene sank, for både åkerbønner og erter. Under kontrollerte klimaforhold produserte plantene fytomer i en lengre periode sammenlignet med feltforhold, og temperaturregimene påvirket antall belger per plante, spesielt i den øvre delen av planten. Som et resultat produserte planter dyrket ved 19 °C en høyere total tørr frøavling per plante.
Vanninnholdet i frøet ble vist å være en god indikator på frøutvikling i erter og åkerbønner, basert på data fra både felt- og kontrollerte forsøk. Regresjonsanalyse av frøets tørr-vekt og vanninnhold identifiserte brytningspunkt på 51%, 53%, og 54% vanninnhold for Sampo, Vertigo og Ingrid, henholdsvis, i det kontrollerte klimaforsøket. I feltforsøkene var brytningspunktene 54% og 55% vanninnhold for Vertigo og Ingrid. Disse punktene tolkes som stadiet for fysiologisk modning og viste godt samsvar mellom klimaforsøk og feltforsøk. Temperaturregimene påvirket ikke direkte akkumulering av stivelse, protein og LMWC; i stedet korrelerte det med frøenes vanninnhold og utviklingsstadium. Feltforsøkene med Rhizobium-inokulering og startgjødsling hadde begrenset effekt på frøutvikling og akkumulering av lagringsstoffer. Både felt- og kontrollerte forsøk avslørte dynamikken for akkumulering av lagringsstoffer, med en økning i innholdet av stivelse og raffinose familie oligosakkarider (RFO), og en reduksjon i sukrose innhold. I regresjonsmodeller oppsto brytningspunktet for akkumulering av stivelse (g/100 g) noe tidligere enn fysiologisk modning, mens brytningspunktet for akkumulering av sukrose oppsto samtidig eller noe senere enn fysiologisk modning. Det meste av RFO-ene akkumulere derimot etter fysiologisk modning, og erter hadde et høyere totalt RFO-innhold sammenlignet med åkerbønner.
Rhizobium-inokulering økte antall noduler, men resulterte ikke i høyere avling, tusenfrøvekt eller proteininnhold for verken erter eller åkerbønner. Dette tyder på at jorda allerede inneholdt tilstrekkelig Rhizobium-bakterier. Erter ga 4-5 % høyere avling med noen av startgjødslingsregimene som inneholdt 50 kg N/ha, men dette ble kun observert i feltene med høy avling. Åkerbønner med høy avling viste ingen avlingsøkning ved bruk av startgjødsling, sannsynligvis på grunn av deres evne til å opprettholde stabil nodulering og nitrogen fiksering uavhengig av gjødsling. Det ble ikke observert noen signifikant effekt på proteininnhold i feltforsøk av erter eller åkerbønner med høyt avlingsnivå.
Oppsummert, viste denne studien at temperatur ikke påvirker akkumuleringen av lagringsstoffer ved sammenlignbare utviklingsstadier, men den fremhevet i hvor stor grad frøutvikling forsinkes med synkende temperaturer. Forsøkene demonstrerte dynamikken i akkumulering av lagringsstoffer og modningsforløpet, med fysiologisk modning som et viktig stadium i frøutviklingen. Rhizobium-inokulering og startgjødsling hadde begrenset effekt på akkumulering av lagringsstoffer, avling og proteininnhold i erter og åkerbønner. Disse resultatene understøtter erter og åkerbønner sin rolle i et bærekraftig landbruk, hvor verken Rhizobium-inokulering eller startgjødsling er nødvendig som den primære dyrkingspraksisen på dyrka jorda i god hevd i Norge.NIBI
Between Framework and the Field: NIF’s Hybrid Role in Sport for Development in Southern Africa
Full text linkThis thesis investigates how Norwegian and local development goals are integrated and
implemented within the movement of Sport for Development (SFD) of the Norwegian Olympic
and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports (NIF). The research draws on
qualitative data from semi-structured interviews and document analysis, exploring how NIF
navigates through donor expectations and accountability, especially from NORAD, as well as
local realities from partner organizations in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi.
The research engages with the theoretical frameworks of critical sports sociology, postcolonial
theory, and results-based management to assess power dynamics, participation and ownership
structures of Norwegian-supported SFD implementation.
The findings illustrate a multifaceted balance of upward and downward accountability to donors
and efforts supporting local agency from partner-led programming. Though NIF showcases an
understanding and commitment for inclusive, rights-based development initiatives, complex
structural power asymmetries and challenges related to measurement and reporting affect the
shaping of development goals.
This thesis contributes to the growing field of academic work on SFD, offering a contextual
analysis of real-life donor-local dynamics, and pointing to both the potential and limitations of
using sports as a tool for reaching broad humanitarian and social goals
The Concept Development of a 420 kV Glulam Transmission Tower
Full text linkThis study, in collaboration with Statnett SF, covers the concept development of a 420 kV transmission tower of glue laminated timber, also known as glulam. The design is developed to contribute to the necessity of advancing the power grid infrastructure, while simultaneously prioritizing the environment. The power grid, which mainly consists of steel structures, requires a sustainable construction material alternative to contribute to a green society. The opportunities of glulam are therefore explored. The proposed tower is intended for installation in Norway and is designed in accordance with Norwegian and European standards.
The concept development of a 420 kV glulam transmission tower is guided by a multifaceted methodology based on the conducted literature study. Four simplified concepts are structurally evaluated by applying load cases with forces in vertical, transverse, and longitudinal directions. The evaluation uses either the software Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis Professionals or manual calculations. The process reveals two feasible solutions: one consisting of two legs and one crossarm of glulam with steel lattice, and one consisting of one leg and three cross arms of glulam with steel lattice. A multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA), integrated with quality function deployment (QFD) methodology, is employed to determine the most feasible option. The evaluation follows a set of quantitative and qualitative criteria, encompassing both sustainability and economic aspects, in which the first design is determined as the superior alternative.
The selected concept design is further developed and subjected to a life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost analysis (LCCA), comparing its environmental and economic performance against a standard 420 kV steel transmission tower. The findings reveal that the 420 kV glulam transmission tower is more sustainable, but less cost-efficient compared to its steel counterpart. Despite the higher costs, they remain within the targets established during the initial project parameters, which ensures that the costs do not outweigh the benefits of the tower.
The results show that the 420 kV glulam transmission tower has a global warming potential (GWP) of -9 155 kg carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-eq) and a net present value (NPV) of 1 572 575 NOK. A standard steel tower has a GWP of 50 005 kg CO2-eq and an NPV of 777 931 NOK. The findings are, however, based on several limitations. They are therefore only used for comparison purposes, rather than as definitive accurate calculations.
As this study represents a conceptual development phase, further research is recommended to investigate the later stages of a product development process. The main objective should be to determine if the design of the glulam transmission tower remains feasible. These future investigations can build upon the foundational concept exploration presented in this thesis
Toward Autonomous Caretaking: Enhancing Astrobee's Anomaly Resolution Capabilities for Long-Duration Space Missions
No full textSpace stations increasingly require automation of routine tasks to free up astronaut time, and the Astrobee robots are a key initiative towards station autonomy. As a part of NASA’s Integrated System for Autonomous and Adaptive Caretaking (ISAAC) project, Astrobee is capable of detecting anomalies, such as misplaced objects, but it depends on human intervention to resolve them. This reliance poses challenges for deep space missions, where space stations that experience extended dormancy make frequent human assistance difficult.
Through simulation, this thesis extends NASA’s ISAAC framework to enhance Astrobee’s autonomy for anomaly resolution on the International Space Station (ISS). The thesis introduces edge and grasp detection, object manipulation, and implementation of existing functions from the Astrobee flight software to enable autonomous relocation of anomalous objects. This work aims to minimize astronaut workload by providing a baseline pipeline for handling anomalous objects on the ISS, and contribute to autonomous caretaking systems in future deep space missions where human assistance may be limited.
In promising experiments, Astrobee successfully relocated an anomalous object represented as a floating astronaut sock using its perching arm. It demonstrated the potential of the grasp detection, object manipulation, and navigation pipeline to autonomously resolve anomalies without human intervention.
Future work involves further validating the pipeline under a broader range of operational scenarios as well as implementing additional safety measures. These enhancements aim to bridge the gap between simulation and on-orbit deployment, advancing fully autonomous robotic caretaking for deep-space habitats
Finansieringsmuligheter for overvannstiltak i eksisterende bebyggelse og infrastruktur: En komparativ studie mellom Norge og Danmark
Full text linkDenne masteroppgaven undersøker finansieringsmuligheter for overvannstiltak i eksisterende bebyggelse og infrastruktur, med en komparativ tilnærming mellom Norge og Danmark. Bakgrunnen er økende utfordringer knyttet til overvann som følge av klimaendringer og urbanisering, hvor særlig tette byområder er sårbare for skader.
Oppgaven benytter juridisk metode for å analysere hvordan overvannstiltak i eksisterende områder kan finansieres innenfor dagens lovverk i Norge. Det gis en grundig gjennomgang av gjeldende hjemler i både Norge og Danmark, og det redegjøres for lovendringer som har skjedd i Danmark samt lovendringer som vurderes i Norge. Funnene viser at handlingsrommet for bruk av vann- og avsløpsgebyret for å finansiere overvannstiltak i Norge er langt mindre enn i Danmark.
Gjennom case-studiene av Bislett i Oslo og Sankt Kjelds Plads i København illustreres forskjellene i regelverket i praksis. Danmark har etter styrtregnet i 2011 innført mer fleksible rammevilkår, blant annet ved å endre regelverket for vann- og avløpsgebyrer slik at disse nå også kan finansiere planlagte overvannsprosjekter.
Oppgaven drøfter videre om et overvannsgebyr kan fungere som finansieringsverktøy og insentiv, særlig i lys av den nye plan- og bygningsloven § 31-14. Det vurderes også hvordan økt eiendomsverdi og lavere overvannsgebyr ved lokale overvannstiltak på egen tomt kan fungere som insentiv for å gjøre slike tiltak
Clock and clock-related gene expression is light responsive in the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) embryo
Full text linkLight and photoperiod vary in a predictable manner throughout the daily and annual cycle that is utilized by organisms to direct processes of living. The aquaculture industry applies light to manipulate salmon development, but the effects have not yet been thoroughly investigated in early ontogeny. Here, salmon eggs and larvae were subjected to three different light regimes (continuous dark, continuous light and compressed simulated natural photoperiod [LD] to provide calendar time information). The expression of eight clock- and melatonin-related genes (clock1a.2, arntl1a.2, per1b, per2a, cry3b, nr1d1a, aanat2b, mtnr1b) was examined through one daily cycle before eyeing, after eyeing, and before start-feeding. Clock1a.2 and per2a showed indications of being maternally deposited, and expression increased for most genes through development. All genes showed clear differences in expression between light regimes, and rhythmically expressed genes were more abundant and with stronger rhythms under LD regime. Aanat2b was rhythmically expressed before eyeing, and all genes were rhythmically expressed under LD at start-feeding. Interestingly, at this time, the positive, negative, and stabilizing arm of the clock peaked simultaneously along with the melatonin-related genes mid-photophase. These results implore greater attention to the lighting conditions used during early development, as different lightings could have lasting effects.publishedVersio