Empirisk undersøkelse av konkurransen i dagligvaremarkedet. Anvendelse av diversjonsrater for fusjonsvurdering

I mastergradsutredningen skal vi foreta markedsavgrensning av dagligvaremarkedet, og undersøke graden av konkurranse mellom dagligvarebutikker. Oppgaven er inspirert av en lignende studie i England, Competition Commissions undersøkelse av Somerfields oppkjøp av Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc. Vi vil samtidig ta sikte på å utbedre en del av kritikken som er reist mot studien. Med utgangspunkt i dagligvaremarkedet på Voss, undersøker vi hvilke aktører som er nære konkurrenter ved hjelp av en spørreundersøkelse. Vi vil benytte diversjonsrater, som fanger opp konkurranseintensiteten mellom de ulike butikkene. I en fusjonssak vil det være avgjørende å vite om butikkene er nære konkurrenter, ettersom de etter fusjonen vil være kontrollert av samme eier. Vi vil benytte kritisk tap analyse for å vurdere hvorvidt en eventuell fusjon vil ha en konkurransebegrensende effekt, i så stor grad at den fusjonerte enheten er i stand til å foreta en lønnsom prisøkning. Vi vil basere analysen på både asymmetrisk og symmetrisk SSNIP. Avslutningsvis vil vi utarbeide en regresjonsmodell med sikte på å estimere diversjonsrater

Quantitative NMR analysis of the aqueous phase from hydrothermal liquefaction of lignin

Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of biomass such as lignin could contribute to finding replacements for petroleum, both as a fuel and production of chemicals. The organic phase produced in formic acid assisted HTL of lignin has been extensively analyzed previously. The solid phase is routinely analyzed by elemental analysis, and the gas phase has also been studied. The aqueous phase, on the other hand, has received little attention so far and this paper aims to identify and quantify the organic compounds that remain in the aqueous phase after the workup of the organic phase. Using NMR with water suppression, this is achieved with simple sample preparation. The major components are identified using 2D NMR (HSQC spectra) together with proton spectra and 13C spectra as well as verification with standard samples. Their concentrations are determined based on 1H spectra with an added internal standard. An initial evaluation of the effect of temperature and catalyst in the formic acid assisted HTL is given to demonstrate the relevance of the approach. Methanol, formic acid, acetic acid, acetone, phenol, catechol, and dimethyl ether have been identified and quantified in aqueous samples from six different HTL-experiments. 76 %–86 % of the peak area of the proton spectra have been accounted for.publishedVersio

Hvordan kan man forstå disippelskap i samtidens norske kontekst, på basis av etterfølgelsestekstene i Det nye testamentet?

I denne besvarelsen har jeg sett nærmere på hvordan man kan forstå disippelskap i en postmoderne kristen kontekst i Norge. For å oppnå dette så har jeg: (1) sett nærmere på den historiske konteksten for disippelskap og analysert hvilke mønster for disippelskap som finnes i NT, (2) etterspurt en kort refleksjon fra noen kirkeledere i Norge om deres tanker angående disippelskap, (3) analysert tankene til sentrale teologer og forskere innenfor fagområdet disippelskap, (4) vurdert hva som er den postmoderne tidsforståelsen, teologers utleggelse og samtidens norsk-kristne kontekst og (5) analysert disippelskapsforståelsen i lys av samtidens kontekst og presentert en definisjon for hvordan å forstå disippelskap i en postmoderne norsk-kristen kontekst. Et sentralt funn er at disippelskap er vanskelig å definere på en enkel måte i lys av at det er mange forskjellige tolkninger av disippelskapsbegrepet i NT og blant teologer. Det er interessant å se at det finnes argumenter for å si at disippelskapet har endret seg noe, fra å forlate alt, til å kunne ha eiendom, familie og arbeid, etter at Jesus ble tatt opp til himmelen, samtidig som det likevel tydelig kan pekes på elementer som skal være til stede i livet til en disippel basert på tekster i NT og teologers tolkning av disse. I vår postmoderne kontekst fremstår disippelskap som sentralisert rundt nestekjærlighet og individets selvrealisering. Enkelte sentrale element av disippelskap, slik som villighet til lidelse, evangelisering og omvendelse, har vår tid mindre fokus på det enn NT og teologers tolkning av tekstene der skulle tilsi.In this thesis, I have looked closer at how to understand discipleship in a postmodern Christian context in Norway. To this end I have (1) looked closer at the historical context of discipleship and analyzed the patterns of discipleship found in the NT, (2) requested a brief reflection from some church leaders in Norway on their thoughts regarding discipleship, (3) analyzed the thoughts of key theologians and scholars within the field of discipleship, (4) assessed what the postmodern theologians’ interpretation of discipleship is in the contemporary context, (5) analyzed and presented a definition of how to understand discipleship, in light of the contemporary context of a postmodern Norway. A key finding is that discipleship is difficult to define in a simple way, because there are many different interpretations of the concept of discipleship in the NT and among theologians. There are arguments to say that the discipleship has changed somewhat, from leaving everything, to be able to have property, family, and work, after Jesus was taken up to heaven, while it can still be clearly pointed out that elements of discipleship are to be present in the life of a disciple, based on the NT texts and theologians’ interpretation of these. In our postmodern context, discipleship appears to be centralized around love of one neighbor and the individual’s self-realization. Some key elements of discipleship, such as willingness to suffer, evangelize, and repentance, have in our time been less highlighted than the NT texts and theologians’ interpretation of these texts would suggest.publishedVersio

Investment in Wind Power Development - A Comparative Study Between Norway, Denmark, and Sweden

Master's thesis in FinanceThis study analyses and compares the historical foundation of how governmental policies and policy instruments have shaped the development of onshore wind power in the three Nordic countries Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. In Denmark and Sweden, wind power has emerged as an important contributor to reduce pollution and global warming. In Norway, however, wind power has not developed to the same extent. This in spite of considerable potential and climate policies promoting use of electricity from renewable sources. This analysis indicates that clear political ambition and generous financial support have been important factors in increasing the share of wind power in Denmark and Sweden. In comparison, the Norwegian policy has been vaguer, not stating specific goals in favour of wind power. The long lead time to get a licence from the authorities has also been an obstacle for the investors' willingness to invest in this market. More specifically, institutional and policy-related differences across the countries are explored by assessing the profitability of a simulated project. This project is considered in Norway, Denmark, and Sweden to yield net present values (NPV) of -€26 245 604, -€13 500 032, and -€24 322 229, respectively. The analysis suggests the negative NPVs to result from the low electricity prices, in addition to low financial support and high investment costs. The countryspecific differences are mainly due to the size of the upfront investments needed. Denmark – flat, with little height variation, provides good geographical conditions for development of wind power; in addition, Denmark has an historical advantage, hence the lower investment cost. The overall results show that a wind farm project will financially perform differently in the three represented countries. However, there is considerable uncertainty associated with these results. Sensitivity analyses show the electricity price to be the most critical variable affecting the NPV. Monte Carlo distributions paint a good picture of the uncertainty associated with these projects, thus, the uncertain variables must be closely monitored

100 key questions to guide hydropeaking research

Hydropeaking has received increasing attention in the last years, but many knowledge gaps remain, potentially hampering effective policy and management efforts in rivers under such type of hydropower production. In this study, we collected open hydropeaking research questions from over 200 experts in river science, practice, and policy across the globe using an online survey available in five languages. We used a systematic method of determining expert consensus (Delphi method) to identify 100 core questions related to the following thematic fields: (i) hydrology, (ii) physico-chemical properties of water, (iii) river morphology and sedimentology, (iv) ecology and biology, (v) socio-economics and energy markets, (vi) policy and regulation, as well as (vii) management and mitigation measures. The consensus list of questions shall inform and guide researchers in focusing their efforts to foster a better science-policy interface, thereby improving the sustainability of peak-operating hydropower in a variety of settings

100 key questions to guide hydropeaking research

As the share of renewable energy grows worldwide, flexible energy production from peak-operating hydropower and the phenomenon of hydropeaking have received increasing attention. In this study, we collected open research questions from 220 experts in river science, practice, and policy across the globe using an online survey available in six languages related to hydropeaking. We used a systematic method of determining expert consensus (Delphi method) to identify 100 high-priority questions related to the following thematic fields: (a) hydrology, (b) physico-chemical properties of water, (c) river morphology and sediment dynamics, (d) ecology and biology, (e) socio-economic topics, (f) energy markets, (g) policy and regulation, and (h) management and mitigation measures. The consensus list of high-priority questions shall inform and guide researchers in focusing their efforts to foster a better science-policy interface, thereby improving the sustainability of peak-operating hydropower in a variety of settings. We find that there is already a strong understanding of the ecological impact of hydropeaking and efficient mitigation techniques to support sustainable hydropower. Yet, a disconnect remains in its policy and management implementation.publishedVersio

Exosome-Producing Follicle Associated Epithelium Is Not Involved in Uptake of PrPd from the Gut of Sheep (Ovis aries): An Ultrastructural Study

In natural or experimental oral scrapie infection of sheep, disease associated prion protein (PrPd) often first accumulates in Peyer's patch (PP) follicles. The route by which infectivity reaches the follicles is unknown, however, intestinal epithelial cells may participate in intestinal antigenic presentation by delivering exosomes as vehicles of luminal antigens. In a previous study using an intestinal loop model, following inoculation of scrapie brain homogenate, inoculum associated PrPd was detected by light microscopy shortly (15 minutes to 3.5 hours) after inoculation in the villous lacteals and sub-mucosal lymphatics. No PrPd was located within the follicle-associated epithelium (FAE), sub-FAE domes or the PP follicles. To evaluate this gut loop model and the transportation routes in more detail, we used electron microscopy (EM) to study intestinal tissues exposed to scrapie or control homogenates for 15 minutes to 10 days. In addition, immuno-EM was used to investigate whether exosomes produced in the FAE may possess small amounts of PrPd that were not detectable by light microscopy. This study showed that the integrity of the intestinal epithelium was sustained in the intestinal loop model. Despite prominent transcytotic activity and exosome release from the FAE of the ileal PP in sheep, these structures were not associated with transportation of PrPd across the mucosa. The study did not determine how infectivity reaches the follicles of PPs. The possibility that the infectious agent is transported across the FAE remains a possibility if it occurs in a form that is undetectable by the methods used in this study. Infectivity may also be transported via lymph to the blood and further to all other lymphoid tissues including the PP follicles, but the early presence of PrPd in the PP follicles during scrapie infection argues against such a mechanism

Vann, juss og samfunn

Society’s use and management of water relies on professional expertise spanning diverse fields: from biology and technology to economics and law. This book examines current issues related to regulating water through chapters summarizing various sets of regulation as well as chapters that take a scientific deep dive into selected themes. The diversity of professional expertise is also reflected in the law aspect. We explore such subjects as surface runoff, natural disasters, drinking water, groundwater, salmon, hydropower, and human rights, as well as general impact assessment requirements and duty of knowledge in environmental law administration. A key objective of the book has been to provide an interdisciplinary understanding of the legal circumstances associated with water, and in addition, deliberate the pros and cons of some of the current regulations. This book will be particularly useful for those who in various ways support and facilitate procedures within the public sector at both the national and municipal levels. It will also be useful for private sector actors seeking familiarity with legal questions that can arise in relation to public administration and other private actors. From a broader perspective, we hope the book can help to throw light on conflicts between different interests and groups within society that occur, for example, when introducing fees, special injunctions against private actors, and requirements for knowledge basis. This book project is the result of legal research conducted at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) and is supplemented by national expertise in several areas. It has been edited by Steinar Taubøll, a professor at NMBU’s Department of Property and Law. Taubøll has a background in both law and the natural sciences, and extensive experience with interdisciplinary work.Håndtering og bruk av vann i samfunnet krever et faglig mangfold fra biologi og teknikk til økonomi og juss. Denne boken drøfter aktuelle temaer knyttet til rettslig regulering av vann, både i form av oversiktskapitler om ulike regelsett og gjennom vitenskapelige dypdykk i utvalgte temaer. Den faglige spennvidden gjenspeiler seg også innen det juridiske. I boken finner man stoff om overvannshåndtering, naturfare, drikkevann, grunnvann, villaks, kraftutbygging, menneskerettigheter, samt om generelle utredningskrav og kunnskapsplikter i miljørettsforvaltning. Et sentralt siktemål er å bygge opp tverrfaglig forståelse av gjeldende juridiske forhold knyttet til vann, og dessuten sette noen av dagens reguleringer under debatt. Boken retter seg særlig til de ressurspersonene som på ulike måter støtter saksbehandlingen i stat og kommune. Boken antas også å være nyttig for private aktører som vil gjøre seg mer kjent med rettsspørsmål som kan oppstå i forhold til forvaltningen og til andre private aktører. I et bredere perspektiv er det dessuten ønskelig at boken kan bidra til å belyse konflikter mellom ulike hensyn og grupper i samfunnet, for eksempel ved innføring av gebyrer, pålegg rettet mot private, innføring av tyngende vilkår og krav til kunnskap og faktagrunnlag. Bokprosjektet springer ut av den juridiske forskningen ved Norges miljø- og biovitenskapelige universitet, og har i tillegg knyttet til seg nasjonal spisskompetanse på mange temaer. Bokas redaktør er dosent Steinar Taubøll ved Institutt for eiendom og juss ved NMBU, som har naturfaglig og juridisk utdannelse, samt lang erfaring med tverrfaglig arbeid

Vann, juss og samfunn

Society’s use and management of water relies on professional expertise spanning diverse fields: from biology and technology to economics and law. This book examines current issues related to regulating water through chapters summarizing various sets of regulation as well as chapters that take a scientific deep dive into selected themes. The diversity of professional expertise is also reflected in the law aspect. We explore such subjects as surface runoff, natural disasters, drinking water, groundwater, salmon, hydropower, and human rights, as well as general impact assessment requirements and duty of knowledge in environmental law administration. A key objective of the book has been to provide an interdisciplinary understanding of the legal circumstances associated with water, and in addition, deliberate the pros and cons of some of the current regulations. This book will be particularly useful for those who in various ways support and facilitate procedures within the public sector at both the national and municipal levels. It will also be useful for private sector actors seeking familiarity with legal questions that can arise in relation to public administration and other private actors. From a broader perspective, we hope the book can help to throw light on conflicts between different interests and groups within society that occur, for example, when introducing fees, special injunctions against private actors, and requirements for knowledge basis. This book project is the result of legal research conducted at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) and is supplemented by national expertise in several areas. It has been edited by Steinar Taubøll, a professor at NMBU’s Department of Property and Law. Taubøll has a background in both law and the natural sciences, and extensive experience with interdisciplinary work