USN Open Archive (University of South-Eastern Norway)
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Isothermal amplification for enhanced aquatic environment monitoring using eDNA for application in automatic system
No full textThe complexity and variability of an aquatic ecosystem require continuous automated and accurate monitoring of environment samples. Accurate molecular monitoring is important for the management and future assessment of the aquatic habitat. For example, the ecosystem in south- eastern parts of Norway is facing a problem related to invasive species such as Esox lucius (Northern Pike). This regionally invasive species affects biodiversity, disrupts the ecosystem routines and the natural economy of the region. On-site detection of environmental DNA (eDNA) is crucial for early detection of these invasive species and is used in real-time lab-on-a-chip technology.
The molecular technique called Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is useful for environment monitoring and diagnosis. However, due to the temperature cycling of this DNA amplification reaction, the detection techniques require more advanced microfluidic lab-on-a-chip technologies. Therefore, PCR is more difficult to use inside an automated lab-on-a-chip platform. In view of these circumstances, there is an immediate need for an alternative molecular technique for rapid and highly sensitive analysis in lab-on-a-chip platforms. Therefore, this study focuses on investigating isothermal amplification, in particular- Loopmediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and its potential better adaptability in an automated lab-on-a-chip system.
Although LAMP is a suitable technique for lab-on-a-chip technology, the challenge associated with transporting and storing reagents inside the cartridges may limit the use of the technology on-site in the field. The freeze-drying process called lyophilization, can increase the shelf life by stabilizing the LAMP reagents for transport and storage at room temperature. Optimized trehalose concentrations as cryoprotectant were one of the lyophilization processes that was tested.
This study includes a survey examination of species that exist in lake and rivers in Norway. This includes different eDNA sampling and collection methods. Active and passive eDNA sampling methods were compared including both, Atlantic Salmon and the parasite Gyrodactylus salaris.
The FORDETECT prototype system including, automated sample preparation and LAMP analysis, was evaluated and tested in conjunction with the potential for real-time on-site environmental monitoring. This system can automatically process the samples, amplify and detect DNA/RNA, and produce digital results in real-time. The purpose was to test the system and evaluate the possible reducing analysis time, cost, and possible process contamination. The study highlights the advances that need to be considered in real-time on-site environmental monitoring technologies, including the use of isothermal amplification and lyophilization. This also includes the investigation of eDNA sample collection methods and eDNA analysis. The overall outcome of this study is the possibility of automatic, online, realtime, and any-site detection of pathogenic invasive species, in order to maintain global biodiversity
Fra dansesal til arbeidsliv: Kunst og kulturfaglig karrierelæring for danseelever på videregående skole
No full textFormålet med denne masteroppgaven er å dokumentere et forsknings- og utviklingsarbeid som er gjort på en videregående skole i Norge. Overordnet tema er karrierelæring for danseelever i videregående skole, og hvordan kombinasjonen av undervisning, bedriftsbesøk og møter med personer innen kunst- og kulturlivet kan styrke elevenes karrierelæringsprosess. Gjennom et aksjonsforskningsprosjekt utforskes hvilket potensial det ligger i gjennomføring av karrierelæringsaktiviteter med utgangspunkt i elevmedvirkning. Karrierelæringsaktivitetene er innenfor deres fagfelt og interesseområde som er dans- og scenekunst, andre yrker innen kunst- og kultur, samt yrker innen forebygging/behandling av kroppens fysiske og mentale helse. I tillegg til de nevnte karrierelæringsaktivitetene har jeg sammen med elevgruppen utforsket hva slags kompetanse de har fått mulighet til å tilegne seg som elever på en danselinje i videregående skole. Samtidig har vi sett på hvilken overføringsverdi denne kompetansen og karrierelæringen i dette utviklingsprosjektet har for dem som skal videre i andre retninger enn dans, kunst og kultur etter endt videregående skole.
For å besvare prosjektets problemstilling, ble aksjonsforskning benyttet som metode. Avgangselever på danselinja ble involvert som medforskere i prosjektet, og med utgangspunkt i deres medvirkning har vi sammen utforsket og utviklet praksis mot en mer relevant karrierelæringsprosess for den spesifikke elevgruppen enn det som har vært praksis tidligere. Elevene medvirket i aksjonsforskningsprosessen gjennom idémyldring, kartlegging, planlegging, gjennomføring og i deler av analysearbeidet. Dette ble en omfattende prosess, med karrierelæring i fokus, da med hovedintensjon om at prosjektet skulle være til elevenes beste.
Masteroppgavens empiri består av elevenes skriftlige logger og refleksjoner, samt egne forskerlogger etter aksjoner og refleksjoner gjort underveis i prosessen. Det teoretiske fundament er erfaringsbasert pedagogikk og kritisk pedagogikk i kombinasjon med karriereteori innen sosialkognitiv retning.
Analysen av prosjektet viser at elevgruppen i betydelig grad klarte å nyttiggjøre seg erfaringene fra karrierelæringsprosjektet. De utviklet økt karrierebevissthet og fikk et utvidet innblikk i kunst- og kulturbransjen. Den aktive og erfaringsbaserte tilnærmingen til karrierelæring styrket deres karrierekompetanse og bidro til å forberede dem på overgangen fra videregående opplæring til høyere utdanning. Elevmedvirkningen viste seg å være en sentral faktor. Den fremmet elevenes eierskap til prosessen, og økte bevisstheten om overføringsverdien av deres eksisterende kompetanse til nye kontekster. Dette var også et resultat av karrierelæringsprosessen.The purpose of this master's thesis is to document a research and development project carried out at an upper secondary school in Norway. The overarching theme is career learning for dance students in upper secondary education, and how the combination of teaching, company visits, and meetings with individuals from the arts and culture sector can strengthen the students’ career learning process.
The project explores the potential of implementing career learning activities based on student participation, and within their field of study and areas of interest -namely dance and performing arts, other professions within the arts and culture sector, as well as professions related to treatment of the body’s physical and mental health. In addition to the previously mentioned career learning activities, we have explored what kind of competencies the students have had the opportunity to acquire as students in a dance program in upper secondary school. We have also explored what transferable value these competencies and the career learning in this development project wil. have for those who choose to pursue paths other than dance, art, and culture after completing secondary education.
To answer the research question of the project, action research was used as a method. Final-year students in the dance program were involved as co-researchers, and we have together explored and developed practices towards a more relevant career learning process for this specific student group. The students contributed to the action research process through brainstorming, mapping, planning, actions, and parts of the analysis work. This became an extensive process, with career learning at the center, the main intention being that the project should benefit the students.
The empirical data of the thesis consists of written logs and reflections from my coresearchers, as well as my own research logs and reflections made throughout the process.The theoretical foundation is experience-based pedagogy and critical pedagogy in combination with career theory.
The analysis shows that the students were largely able to make use of the experiences gained through the project. They developed greater career awareness and a broader understanding of the arts and culture sector. The experiential approach to career learning strengthened their career competence and better prepared them for the transition from upper secondary education to higher education. Student involvement emerged as a key strength, fostering a sense of ownership over the process and enhancing the students ability to recognize the transferability of existing skills across different contexts
Ledere i sosiale virksomheter og deres erfaringer med helsefremmende arbeid
Get PDFBakgrunn: Sosiale ulikheter og utenforskap i arbeidslivet utgjør en helseutfordring i Norge. Arbeid er en viktig helsedeterminant som kan påvirke fysisk og psykisk helse og velvære og redusere sosial ulikhet og skape tilknytning for mennesker som av ulike årsaker står utenfor arbeidslivet. Sosiale virksomheter har vokst frem som innovative aktører som kombinerer sosial inkludering med økonomisk aktivitet og tilbyr arbeidsplasser til mennesker som har falt utenfor det ordinære arbeidslivet. Det er likevel begrenset forskning på hvordan helsefremmende arbeid faktisk praktiseres i disse virksomhetene, blant annet sett fra et lederperspektiv.
Formål: Formålet med masteroppgaven er å undersøke hvordan ledere i sosiale virksomheter erfarer og praktiserer helsefremmende arbeid og hvilke kunnskap de besitter. Oppgaven søker å få bedre innsikt i hvilke prinsipper, tiltak og strategier som benyttes i deres arbeid med å skape inkluderende og produktive arbeidsplasser og hvordan lederne forstår sammenhengen mellom helse, arbeid og bærekraft.
Metode: Problemstillingen er blitt besvart gjennom å utføre en kvalitativ datainnsamling. Datainnsamlingen har foregått gjennom fire dybdeintervju med ledere i sosiale virksomheter. Analysemetoden som var benyttet er basert på tematisk analyse av Braun & Clarke (2006).
Funn: Lederne har en helhetlig og praksisnær forståelse av helsebegrepet som inkluderer både fysiske, psykiske og sosiale faktorer. Helsefremmende arbeid beskrives som tett koblet til trivsel, struktur, mestring og fellesskapsfølelse. Lederne vektlegger medvirkning, ansvar og empowerment som sentralt for å fremme jobbengasjement og arbeidsglede. Samtidig fremstår balanseringen mellom økonomiske hensyn og sosialt ansvar som en kontinuerlig utfordring. Funnene viser at helsefremmende arbeid betraktes som en kilde til økt produktivitet og bærekraft, men at arbeidet krever tydelig forankring og ressurser.
Nøkkelord: sosialt entreprenørskap, sosiale virksomheter, helsefremmede arbeid, helsefremmende arbeidsplasser, helsefremmende ledelse.Background: Social inequalities and exclusion from the labour market represent a public health challenge in Norway. Work is a key health determinant that can influence physical and mental health and well-being, reduce social inequality, and foster connection for individuals who, for various reasons, are outside the labour market. Social enterprises have emerged as innovative actors that combine social inclusion with economic activity, offering jobs to people excluded from conventional employment. However, there is limited research on how health-promoting practices are actually implemented in these enterprises, particularly from a leadership perspective.
Purpose: The purpose of this master's thesis is to explore how leaders in social enterprises experience and practice health-promoting work, and what knowledge they possess. The study aims to provide deeper insight into the principles, measures, and strategies used to create inclusive and productive workplaces, and how leaders understand the relationship between health, work, and sustainability.
Method: The research question is addressed through a qualitative study. Data collection was carried out through four in-depth interviews with leaders in social enterprises. The analysis method is based on the thematic analysis framework by Braun & Clarke (2006).
Findings: The leaders have a holistic and practice-oriented understanding of the concept of health, encompassing physical, mental, and social factors. Health-promoting work is described as closely linked to well-being, structure, self- efficacy, and a sense of belonging. The leaders emphasize participation, responsibility, and empowerment as central to fostering job engagement and work satisfaction. At the same time, balancing economic demands with social responsibility remains a continuous challenge. The findings show that health promotion is seen as a source of increased productivity and sustainability, but requires strong leadership commitment and adequate resources.
Keywords:
social entrepreneurship, social enterprises, health promotion, healthy workplace, health-promoting leadership
Historieunderviserens kompetanseutvikling
Get PDFMålet med profesjonsutvikling for historieundervisere er å bidra til å utdanne det vi vil kalle en «ideallektor» (Sonne & Wiklund Norli, 2023, s. 10-25). Med dette menes en lektor med kompetanser relatert til progresjon innenfor ulike områder. For det første tar vi utgangspunkt i lektorens undervisningspraksis. For det andre lektorens kompetanse til å forske og drive med utvikling og innovasjon relatert til egen praksis. For det tredje anser vi lektorens bruk av IKT i undervisningen som et viktig utviklingsområde. Sist, men ikke minst, anser vi for det fjerde at en lektor i historie bør kunne forstår sin rolle som aktør i en politisk kontekst. Med dette mener vi evnen til å forholde seg til policy-implementering og policy-utvikling relatert til profesjonen som lektor (Sonne & Wiklund Norli, 2024, s. 10-16).publishedVersio
The role of networks among destination management organizations in promoting destinations’ sustainability and resilience: A mixed-methods study
No full textThe main purpose of this dissertation is to study interorganizational networks among destination management organizations (DMOs) in Norway in the promotion of the sustainability and resilience of destinations and destination actors. DMOs work for and represent local destination actors. Therefore, DMOs’ engagement in interorganizational networks with other DMOs reflect the access to, and the allocation of, information and resources needed to potentially promote destination actors’ sustainability and resilience. The study is relevant as it provides more knowledge to tourism stakeholders such as DMOs, governmental stakeholders, local communities, local tourism providers, marketing researchers, and managers on the importance of network connections.
The present dissertation aims to answer two interrelated research questions. The first research question investigates the extent to which the network structure among DMOs impacts their sustainability certification status. In particular, to what extent do DMO centrality and clustering in the network of DMOs impact their sustainability certification status? The second research question explores how network ties among DMOs enable them to support the sustainability and resilience practices of local destination firms.
To promote destination actors’ sustainability, the present study first investigates the relationship between DMOs’ network ties and sustainability certification status with two certifying organizations in Norway: Innovation Norway and Eco-Lighthouse. During the initial phase of interviews, the informants referred to these as the two certification schemes commonly used by DMOs. The study then explores destination actors’ sustainability practices in more detail. The role of interorganizational networks among DMOs in promoting local destination actors’ resilience practices is also explored.
Interorganizational networks can be studied through either a structural or a relational network approach. The structural approach uses quantitative procedures to measure a given network architecture among actors and consider how these patterns influence actors’ activities. The relational approach analyzes the characteristics of network actors to assess how they influence their collaboration with each other and their ultimate economic activities. This dissertation takes both a structural and a relational view of the network among DMOs to answer the two interrelated research questions.
The thesis has several implications for both theory and practice. Theoretically, the study contributes knowledge to understanding how both structural and relational properties of social networks can promote destination sustainability and resilience. Likewise, the study adds to the understanding of drivers of stakeholder theory in destination sustainability and resilience. The empirical data reveal the important role played by public stakeholders in sustainability and resilience in Norway. Additionally, the study contributes to knowledge on aspects of institutional theory in promoting the sustainability practices of tourism destination actors. The underlying premise of institutional theory is the adoption and spread of structures, practices, and policies under the influence of the institutional environment in which a firm operates. The present study reveals that institutional environmental factors—such as a need to fulfill customer expectations, sustainability certifications as evidence of conformity with sustainability practices, and government initiatives to pursue these practices—influence destination firms’ sustainability practices in Norway.
Based on the study of networks among the DMOs in the present study, DMOs are encouraged to function as competence bases. For instance, central DMOs can learn from their network ties and, in turn, accumulate knowledge and combine this within specific knowledge templates with information, tactics, and strategies for sustainability and resilience. DMOs can undertake to encourage public authorities to allocate the resources needed to pursue these strategies. Moreover, the study suggests the formation of local DMO alliances so that they can speak in a common voice to public authorities and policymakers. Generally, DMOs, as network orchestrators, are expected to take a proactive role in strengthening ties and to lead the joint efforts toward sustainability, resilience, and overall competitiveness.publishedVersio
Unpacking the doctoral journey in India: Supervision, social support, and institutional factors influencing mental health and research engagement
No full textThe research explores the impact of supervisory styles, social support systems, and institutional factors on the mental well-being and research engagement of PhD students within the Indian higher education context. Using a Grounded Theory approach, we conducted qualitative, semi-structured interviews with 40 doctoral students from three faculties at a reputed public Indian university. Thematic analysis revealed nine key factors affecting students' mental health and research engagement: (a) inadequate mentorship, (b) prolonged evaluation processes, (c) exploitation as unpaid labor, (d) unprofessional supervisor behavior, (e) inefficient resource access, (f) reduced motivation, (g) limited peer collaboration, (h) financial instability, and (i) health impacts. Findings indicate that (a) supervisory support, (b) peer collaboration, and (c) financial security significantly reduce stress and enhance engagement, while insufficient support and competitive peer dynamics increase anxiety and disengagement. Gender-based differences were also observed, with female students often reporting distinct social support experiences. These findings highlight the need for improved supervisory practices, supportive institutional policies, and mental health resources to promote inclusive and supportive academic environments for doctoral students. This study offers practical implications for enhancing well-being and productivity in Indian higher education.publishedVersio
MBBR Biofilm Carrier Durability Study
Get PDFThis study explores the durability of biofilm carriers, by the testing of their wears and tears. With the goal of the study being the development and improvement of test procedures for mechanical durability. As well as conducting a cradle-to-gate LCA of biofilm carriers with two scenarios, one utilising virgin HDPE and one utilising recycled HDPE. This was done to evaluate the environmental impact of the product system.
With the desire to lower carbon emissions and find energy neutral solutions, finding alternative materials for plastics is of utmost importance as well as the reuse and recycling of plastics. The results showed a small but still significant release of microplastics from the mixing stage. Due to unavailability of thorough testing the durability of the carriers could not be determined.
OpenLCA was utilised to determined the environmental impact of the product system. The utilisation of recycled HDPE resulted in a significantly lowered environmental impact in comparison to the virgin HDPE scenario. The findings highlight the advantages of utilising recycled plastics from an environmental standpoint, but does not take into account the durability of biofilm carriers of an alternative material
Fra lederutvikling til kompetanseutvikling: Hvordan utvikling av ledere kan fremme kompetanse hos ansatte
Get PDFFormålet med denne masteravhandlingen har vært å utforske sammenhengen mellom lederutvikling og ansattes kompetanseutvikling. Studien tar derfor utgangspunkt i følgende problemstilling: «Hvordan påvirker lederutvikling ansattes kompetanseutvikling?»
Studien bygger på en teoretisk og empirisk analyse som omhandler lederutvikling, kompetanseutvikling, selvbestemmelsesteorien og MOA-rammeverket. Studien er basert på kvalitativ metode med 15 semistrukturerte intervjuer, hvorav syv er ledere og åtte er ansatte. Utvalget inkluderer informanter fra ulike bransjer i både offentlig og privat sektor.
Analysen baseres på fem hovedtemaer: lederrollen som tilrettelegger for kompetanseutvikling, psykologiske og motivasjonsmessige faktorer, organisasjonskultur og struktur, barrierer og utfordringer knyttet til kompetanseutvikling, samt effekten av lederutvikling.
Studien viser at ledere kan bidra til økt kompetanseutvikling hos ansatte, dersom det tilrettelegges for støtte, refleksjon og samarbeid. Samtidig avhenger dette av ansattes motivasjon og opplevelse av autonomi, kompetanse og tilhørighet.
Funnene indikerer at effekten av lederutvikling påvirkes i stor grad av organisasjonens mangel på struktur og implementering av kunnskap. Uformelle erfaringer og erfaringsbasert utvikling gir særlig stort læringsutbytte.
Avhandlingen viser at lederutvikling kan ha en betydelig påvirkning på ansattes kompetanseutvikling, men det forutsetter at organisasjonen evner å systematisere lederutvikling som tilrettelegger for ledernes implementering av kunnskap.
Nøkkelord: Lederutvikling, kompetanseutvikling, selvbestemmelsesteori, MOA-rammeverket, motivasjon, organisasjonskultur og lederroll
Ultralyd i aktiv fase av fødsel - en tversnittundersøkelse av jordmødres erfaringer og holdninger til bruk av ultralyd i aktiv fase av fødsel
Get PDFBakgrunn: Jordmorfaget er et gammelt yrke, og jordmødrene har stor yrkesstolthet. Samtidig er teknologien kommet for å bli. Bruk av ultralyd i aktiv fase av fødsel kan gi mange presise svar. Men like viktig er svarene som vaginalundersøkelsene gir. Kan den nye teknologien gå hånd i hånd med gammelt håndverk? Det er noe av det denne studien ønsker å undersøke.
Hensikt: Hensikten med denne studien er å undersøke jordmødres erfaringer og holdninger til bruk av ultralyd i aktiv fase av fødsel. Teknologien er allerede inne på fødestuene og benyttes i aktiv fødsel. Studien vil derfor undersøke jordmødres erfaring med dette da fødestuene primært er jordmors arbeidsplass.
Følgende problemstilling skal besvares: «Hva er jordmødres erfaringer og holdninger til bruk av ultralyd i aktiv fase av fødsel?».
Metode: Metoden for studien er kvantitativ metode, med tverrsnittstudie som design. Det er utarbeidet et spørreskjema via Nettskjema som er distribuert ut til jordmødre via sosiale medier, epost og telefonkontakt med de ulike fødestedene i Norge.
Resultater: Studiens resultater viser at jordmødre med over 15 års arbeidserfaring er de som i størst grad ser en økende bruk av ultralyd i fødsel. Videre viser resultatene at det er jordmødre med mindre enn 5 års arbeidserfaring som i hovedsak ønsker seg opplæring i bruk av ultralyd. Nesten alle jordmødrene svarer at de er trygge på vaginalundersøkelser og informasjonen det gir dem, og mange mener at ultralyd kan være et nyttig tilleggsverktøy.
Konklusjon: Jordmødre er trygge på jordmor håndverket og utrykker bekymring for tap av jordmorfaglig kompetanse ved bruk av ultralyd. Samtidig vurderes likevel ultralyd som et nyttig tilleggsverktøy blant jordmødrene i denne studien.
Nøkkelord: Ultralyd i aktiv fase av fødsel, intrapartum ultralyd, fødselsprogresjon, vaginalundersøkelser, feilinnstilling, jordmors håndverk, opplæringBackground: The midwifery profession is an ancient one, and midwives take great pride in their work. At the same time, technology has come to stay. The use of ultrasound in active phase of labour can provide many precise answers. But equally important are the answers given by vaginal examinations. Can the new technology go hand in hand with traditional craftsmanship? This is part of what this study is designed to address.
Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate midwives' experience attitudes toward the use of ultrasound in the active phase of labour. The technology is already in the delivery rooms and is used in active birth. The study will therefore examine midwives' experience with ultrasound used in active birth, as the delivery rooms are primarily the midwife's workplace.
The following research question should be answered: “What is the midwives' experience and attitudes toward the use of ultrasound in the active phase of labour?".
Method: The method of the study is quantitative method, with a cross-sectional study as the design. A questionnaire has been prepared via Nettskjema which has been distributed to midwives via social media, email and telephone contact with the various birthing centres in Norway.
Results: The results of the study show that midwives with more than 15 years of work experience are the ones who are most likely to see an increasing use of ultrasound in childbirth. Furthermore, the results show that it is midwives with less than 5 years of work experience who mainly want training in the use of ultrasound. Almost all midwives answer that they are confident in vaginal examinations and the information it gives them, and many believe that ultrasound can be a useful additional tool.
Conclusion: Midwives are confident in their traditional midwifery skills. They express concerns that increased technology use may undermine core midwifery expertise when using ultrasound. At the same time ultrasound is still considered a useful additional tool among midwives.
Keywords: Ultrasound in the active phase of labor, intrapartum ultrasound, labor progression, vaginal examinations, malposition, midwifery skills, trainin
Blockchain in the smart city: participation and democratic involvement
Get PDFThe purpose of the chapter is to demonstrate how Blockchain technology can benefit different categories of citizen participation, and to demonstrate how this can be an integral part of smart cities. In general, the public blockchain is better suited for democratic purposes, as the public domain is likely to increase trust. Using a combination of literature review, white paper document analysis and interviews with city officials and elected officials, we present use cases for different categories, and discuss the possible implications, which in our initial observations are mainly related to transparency and trust, but also with the potential for increased data quality for decision-makers in smart cities.acceptedVersio