Організаційна структура управління маркетингом на підприємстві

Som en avslutande del i kandidatarbetet inom mekatronik år 2013 gavs uppgiften att konstruera en robot åt pop-artisten Robyn. Arbetet är ett grupparbete där fem teknologer med specialiseringar inom olika områden samarbetar för att konstruera ett mera komplext, sammansatt system. De krav som ställdes var att roboten skulle kunna interagera, antingen med Robyn själv eller hennes publik. De begränsningar som fanns var tidsmässiga så väl som ekonomiska. I en förstudie identifierades viktiga nyckelord baserat på Robyn och hennes musik. Nyckelorden lades som grund för den efterföljande konceptgenereringen. Exempel på nyckelord var självständighet, folkkär, egensinnig och oväntad. Arbetet resulterade i en robot som kan kommunicera via Twitter, dansa i takt till omgivande musik samt skapa olika ljuseffekter. Hela roboten är byggd i ett hölje lånat från en gammal radio från 60-talet. Roboten är inte tänkt att vara en fulländad konstruktion utan illustrerar ett koncept med stor utvecklingspotential.As a final part of the bachelor thesis in mechatronics 2013 the students were given the task to design a robot to pop artist Robyn. The work is a group project in which five students with specializations in different fields collaborate to construct a more complex, composite system. The requirements were that the robot would be able to interact either with Robyn herself or her audience. The project was limited by time as well as economics. In a preliminary study important keywords based on Robyn and her music were established. The key words became the basis for the subsequent concept generation. Examples of keywords are independence, publicly loved, headstrong and unpredictable. The work resulted in a robot that can communicate via Twitter, dancing to the beat of the music, and create different lighting effects. The entire robot is built in a housing from an old radio from the 60's. The robot is by no means a perfect design, but illustrate a concept with great potential

Study of Corner and Bathtub Attachments with Respect to Static Sizing

This master thesis studied the possibilities of implementing new handbook methodologies for sizing of corner and bathtub attachments with respect to static strength.  Parametric studies of corner and bathtub attachments were performed in order to examine the effect of boundary conditions and vital dimensions with respect to static strength. The parametric studies were performed by solving FE-models of attachments with different dimensions. Variables such as flange thickness, end-plate thickness, end-plate length and total attachment width were varied in order to identify geometric trends for prediction of cross-sectional loads.  The FE-models consisted of a bolt, washer and attachment assembly. The bolt was subjected to pre-tension and contact conditions were applied in between each part. The parametric study examined the cross-sectional loads of critical cross sections of the end-plate, bolt, flanges and back.  The parametric study of the bathtub attachment resulted in verification of critical failure modes from earlier handbook methodology, as well as a foundation for a new handbook methodology for sizing with respect to static strength. The parametric study of the corner attachment resulted in an identification of critical failure modes. The non-symmetric configuration of a corner attachment was found to result in larger load distribution in the bolt shank cross section

Storleksbestämning av hyaluronan och multivariat analys av amyloid benägna proteiner

Background.The extracellular matrix surrounds all cells within our bodies. The glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan is a major component in the extracellular matrix. Despite its structural simplicity it has been shown to be involved in several important functions. It is a lubricant and shock absorber, as well as an important player in inflammation and tumor invasion. Many of its functions are closely related to its size and concentration in tissues. Therefore methods for measuring these properties are of great importance to properly understand the role that hyaluronan play in different events. Proteins are found both inside and outside cells, and they have a wide variety of functions. The protein structure and function is determined by the properties of their building blocks, the amino acids. Several diseases have been linked to changes in the amino acid sequence of certain proteins by mutations, causing the proteins to form extracellular deposits of structures called amyloid aggregates. The aim of this thesis is to investigate the function of hyaluronan in cell cultures, develop new methods for size determination hyaluronan and to use multivariate methods to provide prediction and better understanding of factors driving protein amyloid aggregation. Methods.Cardiomyocytes and fibroblast were cultured and stimulated by different growth factors. Hyaluronan was purified and its size and concentration were measured. Crosstalk between cardiomyocytes and fibroblast were investigated and gene expression of hyaluronan synthases was determined. A new method for size measurement of hyaluronan was developed. The amyloid aggregation rate of different mutants of acylphosphatase was predicted by multivariate analysis. Results. Cardiomyocytes stimulated by PDGF-BB produced hyaluronan. Cardiomyocytes could induce fibroblast to increase its hyaluronan production, through an unknown soluble factor. The cardiomyocyte gene expression changed when stimulated by hyaluronan. GEMMA was presented as a new method for size determination of hyaluronan. Amyloid aggregation of different acylphosphatase mutants could be predicted using a multivariate regression model of the physicochemical and structural properties of the amino acid sequence. Conclusion. It was shown that cardiomyocytes are not only able to produce hyaluronan, but also induce an increased hyaluronan production in other cells. GEMMA was proven suitable for size determination of hyaluronan at very low concentrations. Multivariate analysis showed that hydrophobic patterns and charge where the most important factors for amyloid aggregation of acylphosphatase

Sjöröveri och upprorsbekämpning : En långsiktig lösning?

Has the recent large-scale piracy off the coast of Somalia finally come to an end? The world has responded to the piracy threat in the region with several maritime large-scale anti-piracy operations designed to protect shipping vessels and to deter and arrest pirates. Even though these actions may have contributed to the decline in piracy, there is doubt whether this is a long-term solution, as it fails to address the underlying causes of piracy that is often found ashore. By using theory-developing and theory-consuming strategies this essay has developed a theoretical framework, devised to combat piracy, from factors considered to trigger piracy and theories regarding counterinsurgency. The framework is then used to examine whether the international community's collective contribution in the country contributes to a long-term solution of Somali piracy. The results portray an identification of several measures that have taken place ashore, which initially do not aim to combat piracy, but are considered to contribute to both reducing piracy and to be a more long-term solution to the problem. But even if these measures contribute to a long-term solution, it is difficult to say if they are sufficient enough for Somali piracy to cease completely

Study of Corner and Bathtub Attachments with Respect to Static Sizing

This master thesis studied the possibilities of implementing new handbook methodologies for sizing of corner and bathtub attachments with respect to static strength.  Parametric studies of corner and bathtub attachments were performed in order to examine the effect of boundary conditions and vital dimensions with respect to static strength. The parametric studies were performed by solving FE-models of attachments with different dimensions. Variables such as flange thickness, end-plate thickness, end-plate length and total attachment width were varied in order to identify geometric trends for prediction of cross-sectional loads.  The FE-models consisted of a bolt, washer and attachment assembly. The bolt was subjected to pre-tension and contact conditions were applied in between each part. The parametric study examined the cross-sectional loads of critical cross sections of the end-plate, bolt, flanges and back.  The parametric study of the bathtub attachment resulted in verification of critical failure modes from earlier handbook methodology, as well as a foundation for a new handbook methodology for sizing with respect to static strength. The parametric study of the corner attachment resulted in an identification of critical failure modes. The non-symmetric configuration of a corner attachment was found to result in larger load distribution in the bolt shank cross section

Aktivitetsbalans och stress hos högskolestudenter vid ett lärosäte i södra Sverige : En Tvärsnittsstudie

Syfte: Syftet med studien var att studera aktivitetsbalans och stress samt att studera relationen dem emellan. Metod: Respondenter värvades genom olika Facebookgrupper samt på författarnas Facebooksidor. Åttiofem enkäter skickades ut via Messenger och 66 enkäter med fullständiga data inkom. Respondenterna med fullständiga data var i olika åldersgrupper från 16 till 60 år. Enkäten innehöll sociodemografiska frågor, instrumenten OBQ 11 samt PSS-10. OBQ 11 mäter subjektiv aktivitetsbalans och PSS-10 mäter upplevd stress. Data bearbetades genom statistikprogrammet SPSS. Ett korrelationstest genomfördes för att analysera sambandet mellan OBQ 11 och PSS-10. För att jämföra de sociodemografiska grupperna genomfördes ett Mann-Whitney U-test. Resultat: En statistiskt signifikant negativ korrelation fanns mellan OBQ 11 och PSS-10, vilket visar på samband mellan aktivitetsbalans och stress. Fördelningen blev ojämn inom de sociodemografiska variablerna: kön samt om respondenterna hade barn eller ej och därför har ingen jämförelse mellan grupperna varit aktuell. Ingen signifikant korrelation fanns mellan de sociodemografiska grupperna och OBQ 11 eller PSS-10, men några mindre skillnader framkom. De som arbetar vid sidan av studierna skattade lägre aktivitetsbalans och stress än de som inte arbetade. Singlar skattade en högre aktivitetsbalans och en lägre stress än de som var i ett förhållande. Slutsats: Även om studiens resultat bör tolkas med försiktighet på grund av ett litet urval visar studien på en trend mot att det finns ett samband mellan aktivitetsbalans och stress. Studien kan därmed ligga till grund för kommande forskning.  Occupational balance and stress among college students at a university in southern Sweden. - A cross-sectional study.  Aim: The aim was to study occupational balance and stress as well as the relationship between them. Method: Respondents were recruited through different Facebook-pages and through the authors Facebook-page. Eighty-five questionnaires were sent through Messenger and of those, 66 questionnaires with a full data set were included. The respondents with a full dataset were in the ages 16 - 60 years old. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic questions, OBQ 11 and PSS-10. OBQ 11 measures subjective occupational balance whereas PSS-10 measures perceived stress. The data was analyzed using the statistical program SPSS. A correlation-test was done to analyze the correlation between OBQ 11 and PSS-10. To compare the sociodemographic variables, a Mann - Whitney U Test was performed. Results: There was a statistically significant negative correlation between OBQ 11 and PSS-10, which supports the correlation between occupational balance and perceived stress. The distribution of the sociodemographic variables: gender and if the respondents had a child or not was erratical and therefore no comparison between them was performed. There was no significant correlation between the sociodemographic variables, however there were some small differences which could be identified. A lower occupational balance and a lower level of stress was identified in those who combined studies with work, compared to those who did not work. Further, those who were single experienced a higher occupational balance and a lower level of stress than those who were in a relationship. Conclusion: Although the results of the study are to be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size, it points to trends towards a correlation between occupational balance and stress. The study may therefore be used as a stepping-stone for future research. 

Brand building and creating relationships : A study of a small business in the B2B market

Abstract Master thesis of one year in Business Administration, Swedish Business School at Örebro university, Marketing, HT 2011. Authors : Grunér, Linus and Malm, Ludwig Tutor: Pia Lindell Title: Brand building and creating relationships – A study of a small business in the B2B market Keywords: Brand building, business relationships, SME, B2B. Problem: How does a small business in the B2B market work with brand building and creating relationships? What critical factors can be identified regarding the process of relationship-building and brand building within the context of a small business in the B2B market? Research objective: The purpose of this study is to use existing research to create understanding for how a company in the B2B market is working with relationship-building and brand building. The study also aims to identify any critical factors concerning the process of relationship-building and brand building. Method: The study was conducted through a case study with qualitative research method and an abductive approach, which combined with four in depth semi-structured interviews made it possible to achieve the purpose of the study. Results: Company X is working consciously with brand building and relationship-building and we have identified certain critical factors. Conclusions: The fact that Company X's case is more of nurturing existing B2B relationships than creating new ones. Employees can be said to be a critical factor in defining both brand building and in maintaining existing relationships.Sammanfattning Magisteruppsats i företagsekonomi, Handelshögskolan vid Örebro universitet, Marknadsföring, HT 2011. Författare: Grunér, Linus och Malm, Ludwig Handledare: Pia Lindell Titel: Varumärkesbyggande och relationsskapande – En studie om ett litet företag på B2B-marknaden Nyckelord: Varumärkesbyggande, relationsskapande, SME, B2B. Problem: Hur arbetar ett mindre företag på B2B-marknaden med varumärkesbyggande och relationsskapande? Vilka kritiska faktorer kan identifieras gällande arbetet med relationsskapande och varumärkesbyggande inom kontexten av ett mindre företag på B2B-marknaden? Syfte: Syftet med denna studie är att utifrån befintlig forskning skapa förståelse för hur ett företag på B2B-marknaden arbetar med relationsskapande och varumärkesbyggande. Studien har även som mål att identifiera eventuella kritiska faktorer gällande arbetet med relationsskapande och varumärkesbyggande. Metod: Studien har genomförts genom en fallstudie med kvalitativ undersökningsmetod samt ett abduktivt arbetssätt, vilket i kombination med fyra djupgående semistrukturerade intervjuer har gjort det möjligt att uppnå studiens syfte. Resultat: Företag X arbetar medvetet med varumärkesbyggande och relationsskapande och vi har även identifierat vissa kritiska faktorer. Slutsatser: Att det i Företag X:s fall snarare handlar om att vårda redan existerande B2B-relationer än att skapa nya. Medarbetarna kan sägas vara en kritisk faktor i arbetet med såväl varumärkesbyggande som i att underhålla redan existerande relationer

The design and manufacturing process of E.K.R.R. – An autonomous dance robot with light effects, Twitter interaction and audio analysis

Som en avslutande del i kandidatarbetet inom mekatronik år 2013 gavs uppgiften att konstruera en robot åt pop-artisten Robyn. Arbetet är ett grupparbete där fem teknologer med specialiseringar inom olika områden samarbetar för att konstruera ett mera komplext, sammansatt system. De krav som ställdes var att roboten skulle kunna interagera, antingen med Robyn själv eller hennes publik. De begränsningar som fanns var tidsmässiga så väl som ekonomiska. I en förstudie identifierades viktiga nyckelord baserat på Robyn och hennes musik. Nyckelorden lades som grund för den efterföljande konceptgenereringen. Exempel på nyckelord var självständighet, folkkär, egensinnig och oväntad. Arbetet resulterade i en robot som kan kommunicera via Twitter, dansa i takt till omgivande musik samt skapa olika ljuseffekter. Hela roboten är byggd i ett hölje lånat från en gammal radio från 60-talet. Roboten är inte tänkt att vara en fulländad konstruktion utan illustrerar ett koncept med stor utvecklingspotential.As a final part of the bachelor thesis in mechatronics 2013 the students were given the task to design a robot to pop artist Robyn. The work is a group project in which five students with specializations in different fields collaborate to construct a more complex, composite system. The requirements were that the robot would be able to interact either with Robyn herself or her audience. The project was limited by time as well as economics. In a preliminary study important keywords based on Robyn and her music were established. The key words became the basis for the subsequent concept generation. Examples of keywords are independence, publicly loved, headstrong and unpredictable. The work resulted in a robot that can communicate via Twitter, dancing to the beat of the music, and create different lighting effects. The entire robot is built in a housing from an old radio from the 60's. The robot is by no means a perfect design, but illustrate a concept with great potential

Growth factor PDGF-BB stimulates cultured cardiomyocytes to synthesize the extracellular matrix component hyaluronan.

Hyaluronan (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan located in the interstitial space which is essential for both structural and cell regulatory functions in connective tissue. We have previously shown that HA synthesis is up-regulated in a rat model of experimental cardiac hypertrophy and that cardiac tissue utilizes two different HA synthases in the hypertrophic process. Cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts are two major cell types in heart tissue. The fibroblasts are known to produce HA, but it has been unclear if cardiomyocytes share the same feature, and whether or not the different HA synthases are activated in the different cell types.This study shows, for the first time that cardiomyocytes can produce HA. Cardiomyocytes (HL-1) and fibroblasts (NIH 3T3) were cultivated in absence or presence of the growth factors FGF2, PDGF-BB and TGFB2. HA concentration was quantified by ELISA, and the size of HA was estimated using dynamic light scattering. Cardiomyocytes synthesized HA but only when stimulated by PDGF-BB, whereas fibroblasts synthesized HA without addition of growth factors as well as when stimulated by any of the three growth factors. When fibroblasts were stimulated by the growth factors, reverse dose dependence was observed, where the highest dose induced the least amount of HA. With the exception of TGFB2, a trend of reverse dose dependence of HA size was also observed.Co-cultivation of cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts (80%/20%) increased HA concentration far more that can be explained by HA synthesis by the two cell types separately, revealing a crosstalk between cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts that induces HA synthesis. We conclude that dynamic changes of the myocardium, such as in cardiac hypertrophy, do not depend on the cardiomyocyte alone, but are achieved when both cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts are present