The focus of the environmental policy-making has shifted noticeably during the last decade. From having played a fairly insignificant role in the 1980s and earlier, product-related environmental problems have attracted an ever-increasing interest from policy-makers, especially in industrialised countries in North-Western Europe. Considerable attention has been devoted to the concept of extended pr

An investigation of improvements of myoelectric prostheses has been undertaken. The primary aims of this thesis were (1) to generate an accurate prediction of as many hand movement as possible, (2) to produce a training setup for subjects allowing intuitive and instant control over multiple movements, and (3) to reduce the training cycle for the control system to a maximum of a couple of minutes t

The aim of this thesis was to evaluate the role of interatrial conduction defects in the genesis of lone paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) using combined approach of non-invasive signal-averaged P-wave ECG, invasive electrophysiological (EP) studies, anatomical studies and animal experiments. Non-filtered signal-averaged P-wave ECG revealed irregularities in orthogonal P-wave morphology and the

Size, as expressed by molar mass, radius of gyration or hydrodynamic radius, for example, is a fundamental parameter of polymers in solution. Thus, there is a strong need for the characterisation of both the size and shape of polymers, particularly of those utilised in various industrial applications. In this thesis, a relatively novel technique, asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (flow FF

A new approach to the study of nanoparticle systems has been introduced. Nanoparticle systems in aqueous and organic solutions have been synthesized and studied by transmission electron microscopy. These systems include nanoparticles of gold, silver, palladium, ruthenium, and platinum which have been stabilized using various ligands. The particles were initially studied as deposited samples on ca

The use of microdialysis sampling and flow immunochemical detection as well as MALDI-TOF MS for peptide and protein analysis is described. Sampling of peptides and smaller proteins was investigated with different membranes. Cyclodextrines additives and an on-line push-pull microdialysis sampling method was used with the result of a higher sampling efficiency compared to conventional microdialysis

The way we understand and treat our horses, like the purpose for which they are bred, is culturally conditioned. The transition between differing social formations involves not only new life circumstances for people and animals, but also changed social modes of relating between them. Certain of the animals? previous functions and types of use come to an end at the same time new ones arise in their

Why does the Lord say thus? Prophets, Contexts, Rhetoric A Comparison Between Amos and Malachi When the prophets preached their messages they authorized their words by the old messenger formula "Thus says the Lord". The import of these words was to emphasize that the prophet was only the mouthpiece of the Lord. However, the prophetic literature of the Old Testament is highly varied in its scope a

Several aspects related to the mesoporous silica material SBA-15 have been studied through the use of a wide range of experimental techniques, including low voltage high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, small angle X-ray scattering and nitrogen sorption. This work contains three parts, which are in many ways overlapping. The first part deals with the formation of SBA-15, it is found that a

A number of analogues of (Z)-5-decenyl acetate (1), a pheromone component of the turnip moth, Agrotis segetum, have been synthesised and tested by using single-cell electrophysiology, in order to investigate the relationships between structure and activity, and to elucidate the interactions between 1 and its receptor. Molecular mechanics and ab initio quantum mechanical calculations have been used

In the present work a dynamic model library of components for process lines was developed. The analysis addressed characteristic aspects of liquid food process lines, and new models were developed for fluid transitions, dispersion, mixing zones and first-order chemical reactions in pipes and heat exchangers. The computational efficiency and accuracy of the models were analysed. It was demonstrated

Groundwater depletion in arid and semiarid areas is of increasing concern. Increasing water demand due to increasing population and climate change impacts have intensified the water shortage problems and put further stress especially on groundwater. Water harvesting techniques have been traditional solutions to water scarcity problems in the arid and semiarid Middle East for thousands of years. Th

Cognitive models of anxiety postulate that anxious individuals are inclined to pay more attention to negative than to positive emotional visual stimuli. The main aim of the present dissertation was to test this prediction, employing a measure of the direction of gaze. In studies I, II and III the participants were shown pairs of angry and happy faces on a screen. In Study IV the stimuli were pleas

In 2005 two research groups independently reported the isolation of a series of structurally intriguing C-19 terpenolides from the plants Thapsia transtagana and Thapsia garganica. The compounds were shown to be potent inhibitors of the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPases. The interesting biological properties and the unique structural characteristics of the transtaganolides/basiliolides (the

In Northern Ireland and South Africa obstacles to reconciliation were found in these elements of a “moral landscape”: – Experiences of trauma, separation and inequalities, – Divergent views of the conflict and of “the other”, – Opposing identifications and loyalties, – Norms for interaction, – Contestant interpretations of values such as “peace” and “justice”. This study describes how these obstac

In international commerce, various taxes and charges are levied on commodities; besides, goods may be subject to import and export restrictions. However, free-trade agreements may stipulate that some goods can be imported and exported free of charge. The regulations pertaining to different types of merchandise are reflected in the customs tariff of a state or customs union. The application of many

Radiotherapy is one of the major tools for treating cancer. Through research and technical development radiotherapy is becoming more advanced with new treatment techniques emerging. In the work presented in this thesis, well-known methods have been used, or modified for use, and new methods have been introduced in order to optimise the clinical use of an advanced radiotherapy treatment technique,

Coagulation factor IX (FIX) is a vitamin K-dependent serine protease zymogen that circulates in plasma. Defects in FIX cause the bleeding disorder hemophilia B. FIX contains a Gla module, two Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) -like modules and a serine protease region. In this thesis, studies have been performed on the N-terminal EGF module, which binds one Ca2+. — The present results show that bindin

A broad, distinctive material presentation is done, which is linked to some variables of psychological value, stating a research for the authenticity of Garborg in viewing him as well a symptom bearer as a symptom solver. An introduction to Garborg is meant to be an invitation, especially to those who are not so well acquainted with him as a person and a writer. Out from a period of about 110 year

Cytochromes P450 constitute a super-family of heme containing mixed function mono-oxygenases that is found in all branches of life. They introduce single oxygen atoms, mostly in the form of hydroxyl groups, into lipophilic substances and thereby render them more hydrophilic and susceptible to further reactions. Little is known about the bacterial cytochromes P450. I have in my thesis given an over