Biomimetic scale-covered systems offer immense potential and applications, particularly in soft robotics, protective armors, wearable materials, and multifunctional aerospace structures. A typical system consists of stiff rectangular plate like scales embedded in a softer media and arranged periodically. Experimentally, these systems indicate pronounced nonlinear strain stiffening behavior even when the underlying substrate strains are small. However, capturing these behaviors using commercial finite element (FE) codes has proved difficult due to multiple sliding contacts between the scales after engagement. Therefore, accurate and reliable analytical models of architecture-property-relationships are needed for analysis and design. This thesis investigates the contact kinematics and mechanics of biomimetic scale-covered plates subjected to bi-directional bending. Both synclastic and anti-clastic deformations of the plate are considered. The mechanical moment-curvature relationships are derived using the work-energy balance principle. The results show that when a plate is bent to a certain curvature, a quasi-rigid locked emerges for both synclastic and anticlastic curvature. Interestingly, while for anticlastic bending, the curvature at locking is nearly the same curvature as a beam with equivalent geometry and configuration, for synclastic bending, locking occurs significantly earlier due to cross-curvature effects. The moment-curvature relationships indicate strongly anisotropic behavior of the plate. The anisotropy itself was not constant, being strongly influenced by the state of deformation. The effect of scale arrangement parameters (lattice geometry) directly influenced the nonlinear behavior including the locked state. The analytical models developed are compared with equivalent FE analysis for validation for select cases and excellent agreements have been found. The outcome of this work would enhance the understanding of the nonlinear and anisotropic behavior of scale-covered plate systems, paving the way for systematic design and integration tailored for specific applications.

Yes / Polysialic acid (PolySia) is an important carbohydrate bio-polymer that is commonly over-expressed on tumours of neuroendocrine origin and plays a key role in tumour progression. PolySia exclusively decorates the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) on tumour cell membranes, modulating cell-cell interactions, motility and invasion. In this preliminary study, we examine the nano-mechanical properties of isogenic C6 rat glioma cells - transfected cells engineered to express the enzyme polysialyltransferase ST8SiaII, which synthesises polySia (C6-STX cells) and wild type cells (C6-WT). We demonstrate that polySia expression leads to reduced elastic and adhesive properties but also more visco-elastic compared to non-expressing wild type cells. Whilst differences in cell elasticity between healthy and cancer cells is regularly assigned to changes in the cytoskeleton, we show that in this model system the change in properties at the nano-level is due to the polySia on the transfected cell membrane surface.

This thesis investigates the impact of alcohol taxes on the sales of wine and spirits in Sweden and Norway. The study uses panel data comprising quarterly sales figures from Systembolaget and Vinmonopolet between 2006 and 2023. The analysis employs econometric regression models with fixed effects to account for both observable and unobservable factors. The findings highlight the significant negative price elasticity of demand for alcohol, indicating that higher alcohol taxes reduce consumption of wine and spirits. Additionally, the results suggest that tax increases could be a viable strategy to mitigate the social and health issues associated with excessive alcohol consumption. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers aiming to design effective alcohol taxation policies to promote public health.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Agricultural Economics / Tian Xia / This dissertation presents the development of a new approach to include the interaction of vertically differentiated products, a subject that has been largely ignored in previous studies, to analyze the market power of exporters and importers in the world markets of agricultural commodities. Three theoretical models, a residual demand elasticity (RDE) model, a residual supply elasticity (RSE) model, and a two-country partial equilibrium trade model, are developed, and the corresponding empirical models are specified for U.S.-Japan soybean trade. Genetically modified (GM) and non-genetically modified (non-GM) soybeans are vertically differentiated products in the sense that GM soybeans are largely defined as an inferior substitute to non-GM soybeans. I compare two versions of these models: a new approach in which the interaction between non-GM and GM soybeans is taken into account and the traditional approach in which the interaction is ignored. In each of the three models (the RDE model, the RSE model, and the partial equilibrium trade model), the traditional approach overestimates the market margin of U.S. non-GM soybean exporters and that of Japanese non-GM soybean importers. By considering the interaction between non-GM and GM soybeans, the new approach greatly reduces the estimates of the corresponding market margins of U.S. exporters and Japanese importers to improve the accuracy of such estimates. The statistical significance of the coefficient estimate of the interaction term, the U.S. GM soybean price or the Japanese GM soybean price, in all three models suggests that the new approach, which includes the interaction between non-GM and GM soybeans, is necessary and preferred. The partial equilibrium trade model includes both an RDE equation and an RSE equation in a system to address the possible contemporaneous cross-equation correlation. Thus, the estimation results of the partial equilibrium trade model are further improved, compared to those of the RDE model and the RSE model. Using the traditional approach to estimate the partial equilibrium trade model, I find that the U.S. non-GM soybean exporters’ market margin is 56.5% and the Japanese non-GM soybean importers’ market margin is 16.1%. However, the results obtained by using the new approach show that the market margins of U.S. exporters and Japanese importers are 33.2% and 6%, respectively. By taking into account the interaction between non-GM and GM soybeans, the new approach improves the accuracy of the estimates of market margins of soybean exporters and importers. U.S. non-GM soybean exporters do have a significant market margin in international markets, but it is not as large as the one suggested by the traditional approach. Although Japanese non-GM soybean importers enjoy some market margin, it is relatively small. The theoretical and empirical models and results in this dissertation provide new and more accurate estimates of residual demand and supply elasticities and market power and improve the understanding on world soybean markets. These results can be useful for industry participants in international soybean markets, academic researchers, and policy makers.

Cette thèse comprend six chapitres qui décrivent les caractéristiques de la tectonique active et du transfert de contrainte liées aux séismes majeurs. L’objectif étant une meilleure estimation de l’aléa et du risque sismique du nord de l’Algérie et du Maroc. Après un chapitre introductif, le chapitre II présente la méthodologie adoptée pour l’élaboration des modèles de transfert de contrainte. Le chapitre III traite de l’interaction entre failles dans le Tell Atlas algérien. Le chapitre IV développe les aspects de transfert de contrainte et de déformation poroélastique dans le Rif marocain et la mer d’Alboran. Le chapitre V présente la déformation poroélastique sur un plan plus large et les caractéristiques physiques des ruptures sismiques. Le chapitre VI consiste en une conclusion générale avec présentation des principaux résultats incluant les perspectives et suites pour cette recherche. / This thesis consists in six chapters that describe the characteristics of active tectonics and stress transfer related to major earthquakes. The aim of this thesis is a better estimate of the seismic hazard and risk in northern Algeria and Morocco. After an introduction, Chapter II presents the methodology adopted for the development of stress transfer models. Chapter III deals with the interaction between faults in the Algerian Tell Atlas. Chapter IV develops the aspects of stress transfer and poroelastic deformation in the Rif and the Alboran Sea. Chapter V presents a large development of the poroelastic deformation and the physical characteristics of seismic ruptures. Chapter VI consists of a general conclusion with presentation of the main results including the perspectives and futur researchs.

Este trabalho tem como objetivo estimar a elasticidade renda e preço da demanda por gás natural no Brasil para o setor industrial brasileiro. O segmento de consumo industrial representa cerca de dois terços do consumo de gás natural no país, destacando sua importância estratégica na elaboração de política energética relacionada ao gás. Este trabalho apresenta também o incremento nas trocas internacionais de gás natural e a perspectiva de aumento do uso desse energético no Brasil e no mundo. Alguns desafios ainda se colocam para a efetiva globalização dessa indústria, como: a necessidade de realização de investimentos em infraestrutura de produção, transporte e distribuição; o aprimoramento do acesso às principais reservas do hidrocarboneto; e as incertezas com relação à evolução da demanda. Utiliza-se o estudo estatístico econométrico para estimar as elasticidades preço e renda, ou seja, para investigar como a demanda industrial brasileira reage frente a um aumento ou diminuição de preço do gás e das variações na renda disponíveis no Brasil. Como proxy da renda industrial utilizam-se os dados do PIB industrial brasileiro. Após identificar que as séries estudadas eram não estacionárias, optou-se pela utilização do conceito de cointegração. Os resultados obtidos por meio do referido modelo mostraram que a demanda estudada é muito mais sensível a variações do preço do gás natural do que a variações na renda. Desse modo, constatou-se que, no Brasil, preços mais competitivos obtêm melhores resultados para o crescimento da demanda por gás natural do que aumentos da renda. / The purpose of the present study is to estimate the elasticity, mainly in terms of price and income, of the demand for gas natural in the Brazilian industrial sector. The industry represents around two-thirds of the natural gas consumption in the country, highlighting strategic importance in creating energy policy related to natural gas. This paper also presents the evolution in international trade of natural gas and the perspectives of increased in the use of this energy source in Brazil and worldwide. Some challenges still lay ahead for effective intensification of the gas industry in the country, such as: the increase of investments in infrastructure for production, transport and distribution; the development to the access to major hydrocarbon reserves; the improvements to deal with uncertainties regarding the evolution of demand. Econometric tools are used to estimate price and income elasticity for the Brazilian industrial sector, in other words, to investigate how the natural gas demand reacts to an increase / decrease in the price of gas and in the available income. The industrial GDP is used as a proxy for income. After determining that the series under study were non-stationary, the co-integration approach was chosen and Vector Error Correction Model (VEC Model) was applied. The obtained results show that the price elasticity in the industrial sector in Brazil is significantly higher than income elasticity.

O setor brasileiro de celulose é um importante pilar da economia nacional. Só em 2010 a exportação de celulose trouxe para o País US$ 4,7 bilhões. Dada a sua importância, este setor já foi alvo de vários estudos de competitividade. No entanto, a mudança no cenário concorrencial global, marcada pela entrada de novos agentes, requer uma avaliação da posição competitiva do Brasil frente aos concorrentes emergentes. Neste contexto, este trabalho teve como objetivo identificar os novos players, descrever a dinâmica concorrencial nos principais mercados, propor ferramentas adequadas para avaliar os resultados dos países exportadores de celulose de fibra curta, e explicar as razões de liderança entre os países exportadores. A fim de mensurar os resultados dos países fornecedores, foi empregada uma função de subcusto translog restrita para obtenção da elasticidade de substituição entre as polpas de fibra curta dos principais países exportadores. Para essa análise foram considerados, separadamente, os mercados americano e chinês. Os resultados obtidos foram analisados levando-se em conta aspectos técnicos da polpas de fibra curta, com foco na morfologia das fibras, e também o histórico de formação dos setores de celulose no Brasil, na Indonésia (fornecedor emergente, principal fornecedor de celulose de fibra curta para a China) e no Canadá (fornecedor tradicional de celulose, principal concorrente do Brasil nos Estados Unidos). Foram também avaliadas as barreiras de mercado à polpa indonésia a partir do testemunho de funcionários e dirigentes de fábricas de papel na América do Norte, Europa e Ásia. As observações feitas sobre a organização setorial e tecnológica dos concorrentes foram comparadas aos modelos correntes de catch up tecnológico a fim de se identificar comportamentos que contribuam para a extensão da teoria nesta área. Os resultados do trabalho indicam que a competitividade brasileira no setor de celulose se apoia na produtividade florestal, resultado da acumulação de competências tecnológicas relacionadas ao eucalipto. Isso garante a competitividade brasileira frente aos concorrentes tradicionais. Frente à polpa indonésia, que vem acumulando competências tecnológicas relacionadas à acácia, a polpa brasileira é competitiva hoje. A manutenção da competitividade da polpa brasileira frente à indonésia no futuro dependerá da intensidade de investimentos em inovação feitos por ambos os países. / Pulp industry is a mainstay of Brazilian economy. In 2010, Brazilian pulp exports totaled US$ 4.7 billion. Given its importance, this industry has been the focus of several studies on competitiveness. However, the change in the competitive global scenario, marked by the entry of new players, requires an assessment of Brazil\'s competitive position towards emerging competitors. In this context, this work aimed to identify new players, to describe the dynamics of competition in key markets, to propose appropriate tools to assess the performance of hardwood pulp exporting countries, and explain the reasons for leadership among the exporting countries. In order to measure the supplier countries results, a restricted translog subcost function was applied to obtain the elasticity of substitution between hardwood pulp from the main exporters. This analysis was performed for both the U.S. and Chinese markets. Results were evaluated considering technical features of hardwood pulp, especially fiber morphology, and also a historic appraisal of pulp industry establishment in Brazil, Indonesia (emerging supplier, main hardwood pulp supplier to China) and in Canada (traditional pulp supplier, Brazil\'s main competitor in the U.S.). Market barriers to the entry of Indonesian pulp were also assessed based on the personal testimony of employees and executives of paper mills in North America, Europe and Asia. Observations on the competitors industry and technology setup were compared to current models of technological catch up in order to identify behaviors or patterns that contribute to the extension of the theory in this area. The results of this study indicate that the competitiveness of the Brazilian pulp industry is based on forest productivity, which result from the accumulation of technological capabilities related to eucalyptus. This ensures Brazilian competitiveness against traditional competitors. Compared to the Indonesian pulp industry, which has been accumulating technological capabilities related to acacia, the Brazilian pulp is currently competitive. Maintaining the competitiveness of Brazilian pulp against the Indonesian in the future will depend on the intensity of innovation investments made by both countries.

This licentiate thesis examines the development of the life insurance industry during the period 1855-1914. The aim with the study is to recognise dimensions not frequently addressed by previous research on the insurance industry, namely the impact of social dimensions, including the implicit and explicit economic importance of social movements and the diffusion of knowledge in society at large for the development of the life insurance industry. The study shows that income and price had limited importance in explaining the demand for life insurance before the 20th century and that this can be attributed to a lack of sufficient knowledge regarding financial issues and to a far too high access cost in acquiring a life insurance for a large part of society. The development of the life insurance industry must therefore be understood through improved knowledge both on the part of the life insurance companies and on part of the consumers. The licentiate further shows how diffusion of knowledge throughout society also was due to a diffusion of democratic ideas and the rise of social movements, movements that life insurance actors were a part of. These actions helped open up the financial market for the masses and probably also strengthened the trust towards the industry. It is however hard to dismiss the life insurance actors’ engagement in women’s movement as a cover-up for other disguised motives not so honourable, while a direct economic gain for the life insurance industry is hard to establish.

<p>This licentiate thesis examines the development of the life insurance industry during the period 1855-1914. The aim with the study is to recognise dimensions not frequently addressed by previous research on the insurance industry, namely the impact of social dimensions, including the implicit and explicit economic importance of social movements and the diffusion of knowledge in society at large for the development of the life insurance industry. The study shows that income and price had limited importance in explaining the demand for life insurance before the 20th century and that this can be attributed to a lack of sufficient knowledge regarding financial issues and to a far too high access cost in acquiring a life insurance for a large part of society. The development of the life insurance industry must therefore be understood through improved knowledge both on the part of the life insurance companies and on part of the consumers. The licentiate further shows how diffusion of knowledge throughout society also was due to a diffusion of democratic ideas and the rise of social movements, movements that life insurance actors were a part of. These actions helped open up the financial market for the masses and probably also strengthened the trust towards the industry. It is however hard to dismiss the life insurance actors’ engagement in women’s movement as a cover-up for other disguised motives not so honourable, while a direct economic gain for the life insurance industry is hard to establish.</p>

The Indian urban rental market is complex and yet ever-changing, with the ups and downs of housing demand playing a fundamental role in the affordability and stability of the market. This paper determines the income and price elasticities of demand using the demand function and Slutsky equation, respectively, for the urban rental market in order to help craft suitable national housing policy. Through this analysis, it is determined that the urban rental price elasticity of demand is -0.93 and the income elasticity is 0.81, suggesting that rental price subsidies and private income taxes are the most effective policy measures to ensure affordability in urban India.