Multiple proxies derived from the Lake Loitsana sediment sequence (NE Finland) are employed to determine the timing of deglaciation, characterise an early Holocene proglacial lake stage and reconstruct Holocene lake development. Local-scale processes causing shifts in biological assemblages are identified and the most likely Holocene mean July air temperature (Tjul) development is assessed. The study area was deglaciated shortly prior to 10 700 cal. a BP. The sediment record reflects four local events; the presence of a glacial lake, glacial lake drainage and formation of Lake Loitsana, changes in fluvial input due to progressive wetland expansion, and gradual lake infilling. The results suggest that local events have driven changes in biological assemblages through various processes, and that biotic proxies reflect changes in environmental parameters in a highly individual manner. Furthermore, biological assemblages can themselves act as important drivers, influencing the composition of other assemblages. It is suggested that future studies should consider macrophyte abundance and food-web interactions as equally important factors when assessing changes in biological assemblages. Quantitative Tjul reconstructions based on biotic proxies display contrasting trends. While Tjul reconstructions based on pollen found in the Loitsana sequence display relatively low early Holocene values, plant macrofossil and chironomid data reflect warm summer conditions also during the early Holocene, i.e. at the peak of summer insolation. The early Holocene Tjul recorded by terrestrial pollen are affected by local factors possibly combined with a delayed response of the terrestrial ecosystem compared to the aquatic one. This study emphasises the importance of using multiple proxies in palaeoenvironmental studies and shows that local factors have a potential to drive changes in biological assemblages that can affect transfer-function based temperature reconstructions. / <p>At the time of the doctoral defense, the following papers were unpublished and had a status as follows: Paper 1: Epub ahead of print. Paper 2: Accepted. Paper 3: Manuscript.</p>

Bibliography: leaves 124-147 / BACKGROUND The leading and increasing contributor to the regional and global disease burden that leads to death and disability is represented by road accidents. An enormous toll on individuals together with communities and national economies has been observed because of the occurrence of road accidents. AIM The study developed guidelines to reduce road accidents amongst automobile drivers in Botswana. METHODS Study design The study was conceptualised using Haddon's theory and the mixed-method sequential explanatory design was utilized to conduct the study. Collection of data for this study was done over a period of time in two consecutive phases. v Study setting The study took place in Gaborone, and the study was conducted at Broadhurst Police Headquarters, Directorate of transport station, and the University of Botswana. Data Collection methods: The data for this study were collected through the usage of focus group interviews and document analysis using a checklist. The first phase involved collecting quantitative data through document analysis of 400 police records using a checklist. The second phase took place in Gaborone at the University of Botswana. It involved collecting qualitative data using two focus group interviews with various stakeholders like traffic police, third party claim officers, and emergency nurses/doctors who have been in contact with people involved in road traffic accidents. Study Population: The study population included traffic accident victims' documents at the police headquarters for Gaborone and Francistown, police and traffic officers, lawyers/third party claims officers, and emergency department staff such as nurses and doctors working in Gaborone and Francistown. Data analysis: A checklist was used in transforming observations of found categories into quantitative statistical data. Data generated from the content analysis were transformed into quantitative statistical data using a checklist. Quantitative data were entered and analysed principally using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 27) software to generate graphs and tables. Inconsistencies of the data set was managed by cleaning and editing the data. The data that were missing were not statistically imputed. The relationships of independent variables based on Haddon Matrix-like, drunk driving, unlicensed drivers, over speeding, deaths, and injuries were analysed against the dependent variable of having a road traffic accident using logistic regression. Qualitative vi data from focus group interviews was transcribed verbatim using a transcription protocol. Using transcription protocol ensured that transcription is done consistently and is of the appropriate type for analytic aims. Tesch’s framework for qualitative data analysis was used. UNISA, Botswana Ministry of Health and Wellness, and The Ministry of Defence, Justice, and Security granted the researcher the permission to conduct the study. Results The study found that most accidents are caused by the drivers’ carelessness followed by animals, both domestic and wild. The accidents had an impact on the health of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. The accidents resulted in fatalities and lower limb fractures, upper limb fractures, and brain injuries. Over the past five years, Gaborone and Serowe recorded the highest cases of road traffic accidents. Most of the accidents occurred where there were no junction. Conclusion It is envisioned that the guidelines informed by research and literature will ensure a decrease in road traffic accidents and consequently fatalities and injuries among Botswana communities. / Health Studies / D. Phil. (Public Health)

The sustainability of the REIPPP programme was as yet unknown. Through this study control drivers critical for the sustainability of the REIPPP programme were identified and prioritised. As background sustainability was investigated on an international level and within the South African context. Control drivers are drivers that have a significant impact on the sustainability of the REIPPP programme and also have some level of controllability. These drivers were obtained and compiled based on appropriate literature. The Global Reporting Guideline (GRI) for sustainability was used as baseline for identifying control drivers. To further obtain and verify the relevant sustainability control drivers, input from the REIPPP programme’s key stakeholders were included in the research. The key stakeholders provided an impact and controllability rating via a questionnaire, which was used to prioritise the identified control drivers. Selected key stakeholder where requested to review control drivers that were identified and prioritised, providing the researcher a means of verifying the preliminary proposed control drivers. Obtaining a final list of prioritised control drivers critical for the sustainability of the REIPPP programme was achieved by integrating the drivers identified by the researcher, stakeholder selected alternative drivers and their self-suggested control drivers. The prioritised control drivers could be used to promote or control the sustainability of the REIPPP programme by addressing and/or supporting the control drivers having the most significant impact. The top 5 prioritised control drivers were selected to be used in an interview with high level key stakeholders. The interviewees provided their input on how these drivers could be supported or addressed to control or even promote the sustainability of the REIPPP programme. From the interview it was clear that the final list of prioritised control drivers was relevant and could influence the long-term sustainability of the REIPPP programme. Many insights were obtained which could provide significant role players, or even the South African Government, the guidance they need to take the REIPPP programme forward. / MIng (Development and Management Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Currently the entire South African industry of Environmental Control Officers (ECOs) is unregulated, yet ECOs have the important task of checking and verifying compliance to environmental regulatory and performance requirements. According to international best practice principles for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), the process should be made credible through independent checks and verification (IAIA, 1999:3). According to the Environmental Impact Assessment Management Strategy Subtheme 5, quality assurance can only be attained when practitioners fulfil competence and ethical practice criteria. In this document the South African Department of Environmental Affairs (SADEA) also noted that there is currently no home for ECOs, yet this is where effective monitoring and enforcement could significantly improve environmental outcomes. The central objective of this dissertation was to investigate the need for regulation of the South African ECO industry. Data obtained from the questionnaires indicated that 100% of respondents were in agreement that there is a need for regulation of the South African ECO industry. One of the key motivational factors identified by respondents was quality assurance, which is important, as the environmental legislative regime changes constantly. Various other factors were identified other than quality assurance and were labelled “drivers”. These include establishment of minimum standards in respect of qualifications and/or experience (core competencies), establishment of a professional code of conduct and ethics that enhances accountability and professionalism, skills improvement through continual professional development (CPD), enhancement of credibility, independence of practitioners, enhancement of skills for capacity building, protection of clients against substandard work and overall lack of professionalism, and finally creation of a source of information support and interaction. It was important to determine what drives the regulation of an industry, in order to establish whether the South African ECO industry has similar drivers justifying regulation. The establishment of qualification and competency requirements was an important objective of this research, as a set of these requirements is an essential toolkit for operating ECOs and key stakeholders of the industry. Various registration and competence requirements for ECOs were identified from the literature review and responses to the questionnaires and interviews. With this research the author also intended to establish which current accreditation bodies could be considered for registration of ECOs and regulation of the South African ECO industry. The dissertation concludes by emphasising the importance of regulating the South African ECO industry, as this will ensure that compliance monitoring takes place effectively. / M Environmental Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The sustainability of the REIPPP programme was as yet unknown. Through this study control drivers critical for the sustainability of the REIPPP programme were identified and prioritised. As background sustainability was investigated on an international level and within the South African context. Control drivers are drivers that have a significant impact on the sustainability of the REIPPP programme and also have some level of controllability. These drivers were obtained and compiled based on appropriate literature. The Global Reporting Guideline (GRI) for sustainability was used as baseline for identifying control drivers. To further obtain and verify the relevant sustainability control drivers, input from the REIPPP programme’s key stakeholders were included in the research. The key stakeholders provided an impact and controllability rating via a questionnaire, which was used to prioritise the identified control drivers. Selected key stakeholder where requested to review control drivers that were identified and prioritised, providing the researcher a means of verifying the preliminary proposed control drivers. Obtaining a final list of prioritised control drivers critical for the sustainability of the REIPPP programme was achieved by integrating the drivers identified by the researcher, stakeholder selected alternative drivers and their self-suggested control drivers. The prioritised control drivers could be used to promote or control the sustainability of the REIPPP programme by addressing and/or supporting the control drivers having the most significant impact. The top 5 prioritised control drivers were selected to be used in an interview with high level key stakeholders. The interviewees provided their input on how these drivers could be supported or addressed to control or even promote the sustainability of the REIPPP programme. From the interview it was clear that the final list of prioritised control drivers was relevant and could influence the long-term sustainability of the REIPPP programme. Many insights were obtained which could provide significant role players, or even the South African Government, the guidance they need to take the REIPPP programme forward. / MIng (Development and Management Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Currently the entire South African industry of Environmental Control Officers (ECOs) is unregulated, yet ECOs have the important task of checking and verifying compliance to environmental regulatory and performance requirements. According to international best practice principles for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), the process should be made credible through independent checks and verification (IAIA, 1999:3). According to the Environmental Impact Assessment Management Strategy Subtheme 5, quality assurance can only be attained when practitioners fulfil competence and ethical practice criteria. In this document the South African Department of Environmental Affairs (SADEA) also noted that there is currently no home for ECOs, yet this is where effective monitoring and enforcement could significantly improve environmental outcomes. The central objective of this dissertation was to investigate the need for regulation of the South African ECO industry. Data obtained from the questionnaires indicated that 100% of respondents were in agreement that there is a need for regulation of the South African ECO industry. One of the key motivational factors identified by respondents was quality assurance, which is important, as the environmental legislative regime changes constantly. Various other factors were identified other than quality assurance and were labelled “drivers”. These include establishment of minimum standards in respect of qualifications and/or experience (core competencies), establishment of a professional code of conduct and ethics that enhances accountability and professionalism, skills improvement through continual professional development (CPD), enhancement of credibility, independence of practitioners, enhancement of skills for capacity building, protection of clients against substandard work and overall lack of professionalism, and finally creation of a source of information support and interaction. It was important to determine what drives the regulation of an industry, in order to establish whether the South African ECO industry has similar drivers justifying regulation. The establishment of qualification and competency requirements was an important objective of this research, as a set of these requirements is an essential toolkit for operating ECOs and key stakeholders of the industry. Various registration and competence requirements for ECOs were identified from the literature review and responses to the questionnaires and interviews. With this research the author also intended to establish which current accreditation bodies could be considered for registration of ECOs and regulation of the South African ECO industry. The dissertation concludes by emphasising the importance of regulating the South African ECO industry, as this will ensure that compliance monitoring takes place effectively. / M Environmental Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

This study is a deductive quantitative analysis of perceptions of sustainable functions within a cross section of Swedish municipalities. It builds upon the United Nations Human Settlement Program (UN-HABITAT 2013) and their argument that the narrow focus upon economic growth have been given too much attention compared to the social and environmental pillars in the planning and creation and development of sustainable settlements. Therefore this report focuses on the social and environmental pillars of the sustainability concept and finds a clear relationship between the two and how the inhabitants of Swedish municipalities values their locations as places to live in. The study is conducted by a applying a quantitative approach on survey data from Statistics Sweden (2015), by creating variables which correspond to socially and environmentally sustainable urban planning theory and authors such as Healey, Masnavi, Habermas, UN-HABITAT, Brantz, Bramley and Power and many more. What comes out as most important is Citizen Participation***, Public Space***, Diversity*** and Public transportation*** which all increase the level of Municipal citizen satisfaction both with and without controlling for Education possibilities* (which also have a positive significant effect), Large city regions (City 50**) (also significant positive effect) with hinterlands and Unemployment rates*** (with a quite obvious significant negative effect). What stands out in the controlled model is that all coefficients decrease, except for Diversity*** which increase, indicating the importance of local services, shops, culture and recreation when other primary needs are covered. Note: Throughout the thesis:  *, **, ** indicate significance 0.1, 0.05. 0.01.

published_or_final_version / Urban Planning / Master / Master of Science in Urban Planning

<p><strong>Title:</strong> Volvo Trucks' Customer Value Proposition</p><p><strong>Authors:</strong> Ekaterina Storubleva, Gregor Milosch, Christian Neumann</p><p><strong>Tutor:</strong> Erik Hunter</p><p><strong>Date:</strong> May 2009</p><p><strong>Keywords:</strong></p><p><strong></strong>Volvo Truck Corporation, truck industry, customer value, value drivers, retail strategy, communication, relationship marketing</p><p><strong>Purpose:</strong></p><p><strong></strong>The purpose of this thesis is to evaluate the general composition of Volvo Trucks' customer value proposition in Europe and to examine possible ways of enhancing it using Volvo's retailing strategy as a tool.</p><p><strong>Background:</strong></p><p><strong></strong>The concept of customer value gains more and more importance in modern companies. Firms have to truly understand what their customers expect in order to provide the right products for them.Truck manufacturing is a very cyclical industry, which is why in times of crisis, when trade volumes go down, they need to excel even more in order to maintain good business relations with their customers. Volvo Trucks, one of the world's leading truck producers, has adopted a special retailing strategy, in which it owns strategically important dealerships, in order to improve customer understanding and consequently customer value. This paper discusses in how far they succeed at this.</p><p><strong>Method:</strong></p><p><strong></strong>The authors followed a triangular approach, combining quantitative and qualitative research. The quantitative part was covered by a communication chain study and a value driver study, both developed by the authors. In the qualitative part, each participant answered ten open questions, which were then used for internal consistency checks and contributed additional thoughts.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong></p><p><strong></strong>The Volvo Truck Corporation (VTC), by adapting its retail strategy, realized the importance of establishing long-term customer relationships and generating adequate intelligence about customer needs. The company not only incorporated influential elements of relationship marketing but also strives for sustainable improvements in customer-perceived value. However, some conflicts between the stakeholder groups involved have been discovered. The corporation's core values were found to be in line with customer preferences.</p><p>In essence, it is crucial for Volvo Trucks to implement the ideas of relationship marketing, establish superior communication channels, and to promote a common understanding of customer value.</p>

Approved for public release, distribution is unlimited / As more and more devices with a variety of capabilities are Internet-capable, device independence becomes a big issue when we would like the information that we request to be correctly displayed. This thesis introduces and compares how existing standards create a profile that describes the device capabilities to achieve the goal of device independence. After acknowledging the importance of device independence, this paper utilizes the idea to introduce a Device-Aware Network (DAN). DAN provides the infrastructure support for device-content compatibility matching for data transmission. We identify the major components of the DAN architecture and issues associated with providing this new network service. A Device-Aware Network will improve the network's efficiency by preventing unusable data from consuming host and network resources. The device profile is the key issue to achieve this goal. / Captain, Taiwan Army