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It is being built at an ever-increasing pace at the same time as there is a shortage of skills in theconstruction industry. As construction companies have difficulty finding competent staff,attraction, recruitment and the introduction of new employees will be a crucial issue forcompanies. This report, which is carried out together with JM AB, examines crucial factors fora good introduction of a newly hired, newly graduated supervisor. In addition, it is examinedwhat three different categories of employees consider to be important in a good introduction andwhether their opinions agree or not.The empirical part of the report consists of an interview and a survey. During the interview, itappeared that JM works to develop its leaders and create a sustainable working life and that therespondent has seen the results of a good introduction in one of JM's regions. During the survey,supervisors, site managers and business unit managers were asked to rank what is important inan introduction of a newly graduated, newly hired supervisor. It emerged that there is a relativelylarge spread, both within each group and in a comparison of the groups, regarding what isconsidered important in a good introduction.Together with the empirical part, a literature study has been carried out where two theories,Learning and Self-Determination Theory, have been studied and linked to how they cancontribute to improving an introduction.The study showed that a good introduction has a positive impact on the new employee's wellbeingand performance and contributes to the new employee becoming part of the communitymore quickly. All three groups of employees considered it important that the workplace isestablished on arrival and with reoccurring supervision meetings.

While aspect-oriented programming (AOP) addresses the introduction of “aspects” at the code level, we argue that addressing this at the level of software architecture is conceptually and methodologically more adequate, since many aspects, that is, “crosscutting concerns”, are formulated already in the requirements, and therefore can be dealt with in a more controlled manner in the “earlier” phase of software architecture design. We use the precise concept of software architectures organised as diagrams over a category of component specifications, where the architecture semantics are defined as a colimit specification (Fiadeiro and Maibaum, 1992). The diagram structure suggests aspect introduction via an appropriate variant of graph transformation. Singlepushout rewriting in categories of total homomorphisms has already been used previously for different kinds of “enrichment” transformations; we identify “zigzag-path homomorphisms” as producing a category where many practically useful aspect introductions turn out to be such single-pushout transformations, and present the relevant theorems concerning pushout existence and pushout construction. Practical aspect introduction (e.g., privacy) always breaks some properties (e.g., “message can be read in transit”); therefore, aspect introduction transformations cannot be designed to be semantics preserving. Our special categorical setting enables selective reasoning about property preservation in the transformed specifications, and property introduction from the introduced aspects. This method enables us to detect and resolve both conflicts and undesirable emergent behaviors that arise from aspect introduction or interaction. We have developed tool support to introduce and analyze aspects at the system architecture level through zigzag graph transformation. The implementation is based on Hets, an initiative of Mossakowski et al. (2007) and consists of two key parts: the language development and the zigzag transformation. The development of the MFLogic language is based on the specification language Casl (Astesiano et al., 2002) and uses the logic introduced by Fiadeiro and Maibaum (1992). Besides parsing, syntactic and static semantics correctness checking, the language inclusion in Hets opens the door for automatic property preservation analysis and conflict detection. The main contribution of the tool support in Hets is the automatic aspect introduction and the “result architecture” generation by applying our zigzag graph transformation. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Naphthenic acids (NA) are a highly complex mixture of aliphatic carboxylic acids that may contain multiple rings and unsaturated double bonds, and are a subset of the naphthenic acid fraction components (NAFC), which can contain heteroatoms, unsaturations, and aromatic structures. Mono-carboxylated NAs can be classically represented by CnH2n+zO2 where z is a negative integer representing the hydrogen deficiency. NAs and NAFCs are components of the acid extractable organics (AEO) frequently associated with increased toxicity and observed at elevated concentrations in oil sands process waters (OSPW). Numerous chromatographic and mass spectrometry techniques have recently emerged to probe the composition and concentrations of these components. This thesis reports the use of a capillary hollow fiber polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane mounted on a probe interface that can be immersed directly into an aqueous sample. A methanol acceptor phase passing through the lumen transports analyte to an electrospray ionization source and a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. This technique, termed condensed phase membrane introduction mass spectrometry (CP-MIMS), allows for rapid screening of m/z profiles and on-line quantification of NAs in complex samples within minutes. This thesis reports parametric studies of several model carboxylic acids and a standard naphthenic acid mixture (Merichem) involving the effect of sample pH on membrane transport and acceptor phase pH on ionization enhancement. Several quantitative strategies are explored including the use of an internal standard in the acceptor phase to correct for ionization suppression and variations in instrument sensitivity, and the use of selected ion monitoring (SIM) experiments to increase analytical sensitivity and potentially target specific NA isomer classes for quantitation. Analytical performance measures such as the linear dynamic range (1-2300 ppb [NA]T as Merichem), sensitivity (~1 ppb [NA]T as Merichem detection limit), precision (~20 %RSD for replicates of a single OSPW) and accuracy are reported. Quantitative results for various OSPW samples in the ppb to ppm range are reported as equivalents of several surrogates, including 1-pyrenebutyric acid (PyBA), Merichem, and a large-volume extract of northern Alberta OSPWs. The variety of quantitation strategies allows results to be compared with several other published methods. CP-MIMS results for three mid-range northern Alberta OSPWs are compared to analysis by Environment Canada with an average -21% bias. Results for five archived OSPWs spanning a wider concentration are compared to data from AXYS Analytical, with an average -49% bias. Applications of CP-MIMS as an in-situ monitor of removal efficiencies of NAs on adsorbents and real-time mass profile changes are also presented, along with some interpretation of the resulting high-resolution kinetic data to obtain decay constants. Using the targeted SIM method, adsorption decay can be followed in real-time for various isomer classes within the Merichem mixture, and kinetic data extracted to obtain decay constants for each. CP-MIMS is also used to characterize adsorption behavior for two activated biochars, including % removals for various loadings of each when added to stirred Merichem solutions. Preliminary multi-loading experiments are conducted with one biochar, and the ability of CP-MIMS to characterize adsorbent behavior by constructing adsorption isotherm plots is demonstrated. / Graduate

Two methods for predicting regions susceptible to invasion by alien aquatic animals were developed for southern Africa (excluding Zimbabwe and Mozambique). In the "traditional" (data-poor) approach, distributions of three categories of alien "indicator" species (warm mesothermal, cold stenothermal and eurytopic) were compared to seven existing biogeographical models of distribution patterns of various animals in southern Africa. On the basis of these comparisons a synthesis model was developed which divided southern Africa into seven regions characterised by their susceptibility to invasion by alien aquatic animals with particular habitat requirements. In the "data-rich," geographic information systems (GIS) approach, the distribution of trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss and Salmo trutta) in selected "sampled regions" was related to elevation (as a surrogate of water temperature) and median annual rainfall (MAR) (as a surrogate of water availability). Using concentration analysis, optimum conditions for trout were identified. Regions within a larger "predictive area" which satisfied these conditions, were plotted as a digital map using the IDRISI package. Using this method seven models of potential trout distribution were generated for the following regions: northern Natal (two); southern Natal/Lesotho/Transkei (three), eastern Cape (two) and western Cape (two). Since two of the models were used to refine the methods, only five models were considered for the final assessment. In a modification of the GIS method, another model of potential trout distribution, based on mean monthly July minimum air temperature and MAR parameters, was developed for the region bounded by 29º - 34º S and 26 º - 32°E. This model showed marked similarities to another model, developed for the region bounded by 29 º - 32°S and 26º - 32°E, which was based on elevation and MAR parameters. The validity of the models developed was assessed by independent experts. Of the six models considered, four received favourable judgements, one was equivocal and one was judged to be poor. Based on these assessments it was concluded that the GIS method has credibility and could be used to develop a "data-rich" model of the susceptibility of southern Africa to invasion by alien aquatic animals. This method represents an alternative to the bioclimatic matching approach developed by scientists in Australia. The GIS method has a number of advantages over the "traditional" method: it is more amenable to testing, has greater flexibility, stores more information, produces images of a finer resolution, and can be easily updated. The traditional method has the advantage of being less expensive and requiring a less extensive database.

La diversification alimentaire menée par l’enfant (DME) est une méthode alternative d’introduction des aliments complémentaires qui propose que les enfants consomment par eux-mêmes dès six mois des aliments solides adaptés à leur âge. Bien que cette approche soit désormais très populaire auprès des familles canadiennes, aucune étude ne s’est à ce jour intéressée aux impacts comportementaux et alimentaires de cette méthode dans un contexte canadien. Le but de l’étude était de déterminer si la DME influence l’acquisition de comportements alimentaires sains et l’acceptation alimentaire des enfants. Pour ce faire, 82 enfants âgés entre 10-14 mois ont été recrutés dans les régions de Gatineau/Ottawa et de Montréal. La moitié (n=41) des enfants ont suivi la méthode traditionnelle, tandis que les autres (n=41) ont suivi la méthode DME. La DME est associée à un meilleur score du respect des signaux de satiété (13.1 ± 3.0 contre 12.1 ± 3.0, p = 0.005) et de la consommation plus lente des repas (11.1 ± 2.8 contre 10.2 ± 2.9, p = 0.04) que la méthode conventionnelle. Aucune différence significative n’a été observée entre les groupes en lien avec l’acceptation alimentaire. La pression parentale lorsqu’elle est ajustée pour la méthode d’alimentation est toutefois positivement associée au respect des signaux de satiété (β±SE 0.45±0.12; p=0.0005) et aux préférences alimentaires restreintes (β±SE 0.56±0.15; p=0.0003), tandis qu’elle est négativement associée au plaisir lors des repas (β±SE -0.23±0.10; p=0.03) et à l’acceptation alimentaire des produits céréaliers (β±SE -0.05±0.02; p=0.04), des produits laitiers (β±SE -0.05±0.02; p=0.01) et des viandes et substituts (β±SE -0.05±0.02; p=0.02). En somme, la DME est associée à l’acquisition de comportements alimentaires positifs en bas âge, par contre il est important de considérer la pression parentale lors des repas puisqu’elle influence l’attitude et l’intérêt des enfants à consommer une variété d’aliments.

The Swedish hospitality industry is facing a number of challenges. Chief among them is high employee turnover and inadequate management of existing staff. The introduction of new employees to workplaces is among the first steps in managing new hires. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to investigate the relationship between induction processes in Swedish restaurants and motivation among newly hired employees. The study was carried out using qualitative semi-structured interviews to collect empirical data. The results showed a varied picture of induction processes, with some respondents expressing positive experiences, while others were not equally satisfied. Community in the workplace and a sense of belonging has been shown to be a central factor when it comes to employees' self-esteem and motivation. Additionally, a correlation was discovered between employees' professional roles and the quality of the induction process, which should be investigated in further studies.

The trend of outsourcing within the electronic industry has contributed to the creation of new types of extended enterprises. These extended enterprises must be able to manage a challenging situation with shorter product life cycles and increased collaboration between companies during the vital product introduction process. For the electronic industry, which is currently acting in an “era of hyper-competition”, it is a challenge to implement an efficient and flexible collaboration within an extended enterprise during the product introduction process. In the product introduction process, a product design is prepared for and transferred into production. During the course of this research, the electronic industry has changed continuously. Empirical data were first collected within an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) that was responsible for its own production. Based on a strategic decision at the OEM, a new extended enterprise was established. In general, these new extended enterprises within the electronic industry consist of: a “product owner” in the form of an OEM that owns the product design and its brand; a “producer” in the form of an Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) company that is responsible for the production; and suppliers of services, material, components, equipment etc. However, in the later stages of this research the studied EMS was responsible for the product introduction, production and distribution of the product to the end user. In order to compare and contrast trends and lessons learned in similar industries, case studies within the mechanical engineering and aerospace industries also were performed. The dissertation primarily describes the process of collaborative product introduction (PI) within the electronic industry, and presents among other things a number of general conditions for efficient collaborative PI within an EE in that industry. First, a clearly communicated definition of what is included in product introduction is needed. A second condition is that early participation from all involved partners in the EE’s product introduction process supports efficient collaboration. Third, clear communication and information handling within the extended enterprise – both internally and externally – was found to facilitate collaboration. Fourth, business approaches should be built on trust, reliability and respect for each other’s competence. Finally, the importance of cultural awareness, both between different companies and countries, cannot be ignored. This research also presents a framework for supporting collaborative product introduction within an extended enterprise, which serves to both synthesize and summarize much of the research. / On the day of the public defence the status of article VIII was Accepted and the title was "Coordination in Collaborative Manufacturing Mega-Networks: Observations from a Case in the Commercial Aerospace Industry".

Given a probability space, we analyze the uncertainty, that is, the amount of information of a finite system, by studying the entropy of the system. We also extend the concept of entropy to a dynamical system by introducing a measure preserving transformation on a probability space. After showing some theorems and applications of entropy theory, we study the concept of ergodicity, which helps us to further analyze the information of the system.

Two conceptual approaches which offer promise for improved understanding of biological invasions are conceptualizing the invasion process as a series of distinct stages and explicitly incorporating human actions into analyses. This study explores the utility of these approaches for understanding the invasion of Trifolium (true clover) species in New Zealand. From the published literature, I collected a range of Trifolium species attributes, including aspects of global transport and use by humans, opportunistic association with humans in New Zealand, native range attributes, habitat characteristics, and biological traits. I also searched historical records to estimate the extent to which each species had been planted in New Zealand, a search facilitated by the enormous importance of Trifolium in New Zealand’s pastoral agriculture system. Regression analysis and structural equation modelling were then used to relate these variables to success at each invasion stage. Fifty-four of the 228 species in the genus Trifolium were intentionally introduced to New Zealand. Species introduced for commercial agriculture were characterised by a large number of economic uses and presence in Britain, while species introduced for horticulture or experimental agriculture were characterised by a large native range area. Nine of these 54 intentionally introduced species subsequently naturalised in New Zealand. The species that successfully naturalised were those that had been planted extensively by humans and that were well-matched to the New Zealand climate. A further 16 species (from the pool of 174 species that were never intentionally introduced) arrived and naturalised in New Zealand without any recorded intentional aid of humans. Several attributes appeared to assist species in unintentional introduction-naturalisation, including a good match to the New Zealand climate, a large native range area, presence in human-influenced habitats, a widespread distribution in Britain, and self-pollination capability. The 25 total naturalised species varied greatly in their current distributions and in the rates at which they had spread to achieve those distributions. Species that had spread quickly and are currently more widespread had been frequent contaminants in the pasture seed supply and have a long flowering period in New Zealand. Other biological traits and native range attributes played supporting roles in the spread process. Attributes facilitating success clearly varied among invasion stages. Humans played a dominant role at all stages of this invasion, although biological traits had increasing importance as a species moved through the invasion sequence. My findings suggest that incorporation of human actions and the stage-based framework provide valuable insight into the invasion process. I discuss potential avenues by which these approaches might be integrated into predictive invasion models.