Project report with guidelines and recommendations for a monitoring system to be applied at a set of planned or active CCS sites

Project report with guidelines and recommendations for a monitoring system to be applied at a set of planned or active CCS sites.publishedVersio

Muscarinic regulation of dendritic and axonal outputs of rat thalamic interneurons: A new cellular mechanism for uncoupling distal dendrites

Inhibition is crucial for sharpening the sensory information relayed through the thalamus. To understand how the interneuron-mediated inhibition in the thalamus is regulated, we studied the muscarinic effects on interneurons in the lateral posterior nucleus and lateral geniculate nucleus of the thalamus. Here, we report that activation of muscarinic receptors switched the firing pattern in thalamic interneurons from bursting to tonic. Although neuromodulators switch the firing mode in several other types of neurons by altering their membrane potential, we found that activation of muscarinic subtype 2 receptors switched the fire mode in thalamic interneurons by selectively decreasing their input resistance. This is attributable to the muscarinic enhancement of a hyperpolarizing potassium conductance and two depolarizing cation conductances. The decrease in input resistance appeared to electrotonically uncouple the distal dendrites of thalamic interneurons, which effectively changed the inhibition pattern in thalamocortical cells. These results suggest a novel cellular mechanism for the cholinergic transformation of long-range, slow dendrite- and axon-originated inhibition into short-range, fast dendrite-originated inhibition in the thalamus observed in vivo. It is concluded that the electrotonic properties of the dendritic compartments of thalamic interneurons can be dynamically regulated by muscarinic activity

Investment Intention in Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is a form of investment that has emerged in the alternative financial market. It addresses the unmet demand of small investors wanting to contribute to a project. In developing countries, this concept is recent, thus leading to less activity compared to advanced markets. This master thesis seeks to explain the factors that drive or prevent investors from developed countries to fund projects in developing countries. Factors like monetary utility, social utility, cultural distance, geographical distance, personal interest, perceived risk on crowdfunding, perceived risk on investment in developing countries, and self-efficacy have been identified from the literature review. This study has used a descriptive quantitative approach and collected data from 79 individuals, mainly Norwegian nationals. Of the eight hypotheses, monetary utility, personal interest, perceived risk on investment in developing countries have not been testable due to inadequate data. Cultural distance and geographical distance have been merged into one variable as psychic distance due to being too highly correlated. The findings from the multiple regression analysis have resulted us in accepting the hypotheses of societal utility, self-efficacy, and psychic distance to be factors that impact the investment decisions in crowdfunding. Perceived risk on crowdfunding on the other hand has been found insignificant. The results of this study have contributed to the existing theory of planned behavior. For practice, the results are highly relevant for fund seekers who are trying to raise fund through crowdfunding

Investment Intention in Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is a form of investment that has emerged in the alternative financemarket. It addresses the unmet demand of small investorswanting toinvest in startups orcontribute to projects. In developing countries, this concept is recent,thus leadingto less activity compared to advanced markets. This master thesis seeksto explain the factors that driveor prevent investors from developed countries to fund projectsin developing countries. Factorslike monetary utility, societalutility, cultural distance, geographical distance, personal interest, perceived risk of crowdfunding, perceived risk on investment in developing countries, and self-efficacy have been identified inthe literature review. These factors have been transformed to testablehypotheses. This studyhasusedanexploratory quantitative approach andcollecteddata from 79 individuals, mainlyNorwegian nationals. Of the eight hypotheses, monetary utility, personal interestandperceived risk of investment in developing countries havenot been testable due to inadequatedata.The two hypothesescultural distance and geographical distance have beenmergedinto one variable as psychic distance due to being too highly correlated. Findingsfromthemultiple regression analysis have resultedinusaccepting the hypotheses of societal utility, self-efficacy, and psychic distance to be factors that impact investment intentionin crowdfunding. Perceived risk of crowdfunding on the other hand has beenfound insignificant. Results of this study havecontributed to our theoretical understanding of drivers and barriers for using crowdfunding for investment in developing countries. For practice, the results are highly relevant for fund seekers who are trying to raise funds through crowdfunding

Navigating the Green path: The Scandinavian Outdoor Industry’s Quest for Sustainability

This study delves into the contributions made by firms within the Scandinavian outdoor industry to promote sustainable business practices. The research problem arises from the growing significance of sustainability and circular economy (CE) in the retail sector, necessitating regular investigation of these themes. By addressing the limitations of prior research, including sample size and pricing strategies, this study aims to fill the gaps by examining a broader range of firms spanning different price ranges. To achieve the aims, four key research questions have been formulated. Firstly, the study explores the role of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in motivating firms to adopt CE practices. Secondly, it investigates strategies employed by firms to initiate value retention, a fundamental aspect of CE principles. Thirdly, the study examines the eco-innovations embraced by these firms to drive sustainable initiatives. Lastly, it explores the interrelationships between value retention, eco-innovations, and SDG 12 (considering sustainable consumption and production patterns), aiming to deepen the understanding of how excelling in these areas can contribute to the achievement of sustainability goals. The main contributions derived from this study is that more mature firms with higher revenues are closer to achieving a CE due to bigger investment opportunities, contradicting the pressing barrier of having a rigid company culture. Also, sufficiency marketing proves to be the most used method among firms to enlighten and engage their consumers when communicating in regards to sustainability. Lastly, firms seem to prioritize product development through waste management and product innovations, rather than implementing radical changes. Key words: Sustainability, eco-innovation, value retention, outdoor industry, sustainable development goal

Navigating the Green path: The Scandinavian Outdoor Industry’s Quest for Sustainability

This study delves into the contributions made by firms within the Scandinavian outdoor industry to promote sustainable business practices. The research problem arises from the growing significance of sustainability and circular economy (CE) in the retail sector, necessitating regular investigation of these themes. By addressing the limitations of prior research, including sample size and pricing strategies, this study aims to fill the gaps by examining a broader range of firms spanning different price ranges. To achieve the aims, four key research questions have been formulated. Firstly, the study explores the role of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in motivating firms to adopt CE practices. Secondly, it investigates strategies employed by firms to initiate value retention, a fundamental aspect of CE principles. Thirdly, the study examines the eco-innovations embraced by these firms to drive sustainable initiatives. Lastly, it explores the interrelationships between value retention, eco-innovations, and SDG 12 (considering sustainable consumption and production patterns), aiming to deepen the understanding of how excelling in these areas can contribute to the achievement of sustainability goals. The main contributions derived from this study is that more mature firms with higher revenues are closer to achieving a CE due to bigger investment opportunities, contradicting the pressing barrier of having a rigid company culture. Also, sufficiency marketing proves to be the most used method among firms to enlighten and engage their consumers when communicating in regards to sustainability. Lastly, firms seem to prioritize product development through waste management and product innovations, rather than implementing radical changes. Key words: Sustainability, eco-innovation, value retention, outdoor industry, sustainable development goal

Cooperation Structure: The Growing Role of Independent Cooperation Networks

Existing cooperation on energy efficiency in East Asia involves a variety of organizations, from large multilateral institutions to small think-tanks and foundations. Cooperation mechanisms range from exchanges of experts and trainees, to the sharing of policy information at regional forums, to multi-million dollar technology installations. A variety of sectors have been targeted, from appliances to buildings to industry and electricity. Some cooperation efforts emphasize measurement of resulting energy savings, while others undertake less quantifiable routes to promoting energy conservation. Cooperation activity on energy efficiency has increased substantially over the past 10 to 15 years, yet those engaged in the cooperation emphasize that even more is needed. In this chapter, we identify existing energy efficiency cooperation activities in East Asia and examine the organizational structure of those activities. While cooperation on renewable energy, as well as projects under the Clean Development Mechanism, can contribute to a sustainable economy, energy security and environmental protection, only cooperation efforts focused on energy efficiency are analyzed here. Similarly, East Asian countries have engaged in cooperation on various aspects of energy security, but only activities aimed at energy efficiency are discussed here.1 Cooperation activities on energy efficiency and conservation are presented in four groups, based on the type of organizations that participate: 1. bilateral cooperation; 2. multilateral cooperation; 3. regional cooperation; and 4. independent international cooperation networks

How Do Older Persons Understand the Purpose and Relevance of Preventive Home Visits? A Study of Experiences after a First Visit

The aim of this study was to explore and describe older persons’ experiences of their first Preventive Home Visit. Preventive Home Visits (PHV) are health services that aim to promote older persons' health, prevent functional decline, and reduce the need for comprehensive healthcare. The knowledge base to guide the design of effective PHV interventions is scarce. Studies that explore older persons' experiences of the first visit are essential, as compliance with the service is a prerequisite for positive outcomes. An explorative and descriptive design was applied. Qualitative research interviews with ten older persons who had received the first PHV the previous year were analysed with regard to manifest and latent content. The findings revealed that the understanding of the purpose of PHV varied. For some participants, the concepts and aims of health promotion and disease prevention were difficult to comprehend. The possibility to prepare for the visit was sought. All participants appreciated the service; the dialogue quality was good and a trusted municipal contact person provided security. To enhance compliance and ensure effective PHV, the invitation to the PHV service should include clearly stated aims and specific information about the first visit. An individualised, person-centred approach should be applied