Background Small and medium businesses (SME) are important elements in the strategies of economic growth and improvement. The SME have played a great role in regional and global economic recovery during many years and thus they are very desirable. Small business leaders have to fulfil a wide range of roles and responsibilities however, the most important role being the leader role. Valdiserri (Valdiserri and Wilson, 2010) stated that poor leadership is one of the main failure reasons for small businesses. Furthermore, different countries may have different leadership styles and culture. Aim The purpose of this thesis is to identify the differences between the leadership styles in small technical companies in Sweden, an industrialized country, and Jordan, a developing country Method We adopted the study case method to study the leadership style in small companies. Through pre-defined questionnaire surveys, the leaders of eight small businesses (four companies in Sweden and four in Jordan) were asked to answer multifactor questions. We then studied the answers based on three situational leadership models. The situational methods used in our study were the Fiedler model, the normative model and the SLII model. The answers were then analysed in order to determine the current as well as the appropriate leadership style based on the models. Results In brief, our study identified several examples of different leadership styles in various situations in small companies and presented the most suitable leadership in those situations. The thesis also shed light on differences in small technical company leadership in Sweden and Jordan. The analysis of the case studies of the studied companies showed that the situational leadership methods could be used in small companies. The study concluded that in order to identify the leadership style, more than one model had to be used. In general, the leadership style in the Swedish companies matched the recommended leadership style. The Jordanian companies’ leadership style however did not match the recommended leadership style. The models in our framework also revealed the reasons behind and also proved to be valuable tools in recommending the suitable leadership style for all companies. The used models in our thesis however lacked the appropriate tools to explain the differences between the Swedish and Jordanian companies. The differences are thought to be due to cultural aspects, however, these models does not take in account the cultural aspect nor the size of the companies, an issue pointed out by Gary (Yukl, 2002). Conclusion The situational leadership style model was shown to be fully applicable in our case study as in previous literature. The conducted study suggested that more than one model had to be used in order to identify the suitable leadership style. Interestingly, the models used were clearly applicable in Middle East companies. This was, to our knowledge, the first time these models were used in Middle East countries when studying leadership style. Furthermore, the studied situational leadership style showed a clear difference in leadership between Sweden and Jordan. The models recommended a participative style in the small technical companies both in Sweden and Jordan. However, the current practiced leadership style in the Jordan companies were not exhibiting the recommended leadership style. Interviewing the leaders in the Jordanian companies gave us a hint that this difference could be due to cultural differences. The cultural differences must thus be born in mind when interpreting the data and trying to understand the reasons behind the results when studying these models. The Jordanian companies used more power leadership (telling leadership) than their Swedish counterparts who exhibited a participating leadership. According to (Hofstede, 1991) leadership in Arab culture show higher power distance than in Nordic companies. Our results thus coincide with previous studies. However more studies need to be made in order to draw conclusions on whether this is a common phenomenon in all Jordanian or Middle East companies and our thesis present an interesting pilot study in this regard.

This dissertation examines a Mosan stone relief of the Virgin and Child Enthroned housed in the Grand Curtius Museum in Liège that has not yet been the subject of detailed analysis. This study focuses on the formal and iconographic aspects of the relief. It discusses the novel image of the Virgin and relates it to developments in medieval art during the late twelfth and the early thirteenth centuries, establishing a date for the relief to that period. / History of Art and Architecture

Underlying all my work is a tension between the painter and the builder. I love to paint. I love the lie inherent in paint: that it can make a picture plane masquerade as light, space, or recognizable place with recognizable figuration. I love how paint—particularly oil paint—can rest in gloppy piles, how it can drip, splatter, spread, or how it can squeeze out of paint tubes in long, stringy beads. I love how paint changes how we see an interior space or a three-dimensional form. Yet I also love building things—usually out of wood—measuring and cutting, fastening things together—all to serve a function or solve a problem. In every studio I have had, there has always been an arms race between my fine art supplies and my tools. My work during my three years at the Department of Art and Art History at the University of Texas at Austin has undergone some dramatic changes. In large part this paper will elaborate and evaluate the trajectory of these changes. Yet, in spite of these changes, the competing impulses to paint and to build have remained constant. This report will leave unanswered the question whether these two impulses can or should be reconciled, kept separate, or whether one should be sacrificed in favor of the other. The artist writing this report does not know at this point in time, and cannot hope to answer this question without making more work in a new context. This report instead will reveal how I arrived at the work I am making at the time of writing this report, and why I regard this new body of work as being about the “paint gap.” I define the “paint gap” as the distinction—mild or strong—between paint itself and the object or surface upon which paint is applied. / text

The Hobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX) will map the power spectrum of 0.8 million blindly discovered Lyman-alpha Emitting Galaxies (LAE) using a revolutionary new array of massively replicated, fiber-fed spectrographs dubbed the Visible Integral-Field Replicable Unit Spectrograph (VIRUS). In the era of the Hobby-Eberly Telescope wide-field upgrade, the current Low Resolution Spectrograph (LRS) must be replaced with a fiber instrument. In this thesis, I discuss the development of the second generation LRS (LRS2), which is an R>1200 multi-channel instrument based on the VIRUS design and fed by a 287 fiber, 7” x 12” microlens coupled integral field unit. I focus on the blue optimized version of the instrument (3720<[lamda] (Angstroms)<7000), specifically on the opto-mechanical design of the VPH grisms. With the purpose of making the instrument ideal for the follow-up of LAE in the HETDEX survey, I discuss the science drivers for selecting the spectral resolution of the instrument. To test the utility of such an instrument, I present R~2400 spectra of two LAE that were originally discovered in the HETDEX Pilot Survey (Adams et al. 2011). These data were taken with the VIRUS prototype spectrograph in a high-resolution mode at the McDonald Observatory Harlan J. Smith 2.7 m telescope. The Lyman-alpha line profiles are constrained by near-infrared observations of rest-frame optical emission lines from Finkelstein et al. (2011), which set the systemic redshift of the galaxies. I discuss the velocity offsets of the Lyman-alpha line from the systemic line center and the implications for the HETDEX survey. I compare the line profiles to theory, specifically to those describing dust attenuation, outflows or inflows of neutral gas on the galactic scale, and attenuation in the intergalactic medium. This study provides an example of how LRS2 can be used to probe Lyman-alpha emission in 2<z<3 star-forming galaxies. / text

Theory of cosmic structure formation outlines how stars, galaxies, clusters of galaxies, and large-scale structures formed out of primordial density fluctuations. It presents us a picture of cosmic mass assembly, and places strong constraints on cosmological model. Both observations and theories suggest that structures formation follows a "bottom up" process, in which small, low-mass component form first, and gradually develop into larger, more massive systems. This dissertation focuses on three crucial stages of cosmic structure formation: first generation stars, quasar host galaxies and the large-scale galaxy overdensities. In Chapter 1, I present an overview of structure formation, acquainting readers with a general picture from first object in the Universe to large-scale structures at later epochs. In Chapter 2 and Chapter 3, I derive strong constraints to the star formation rates (SFRs) of very massive Population III (Pop III) stars in two high redshift galaxies at z = 7. By probing the He II emission lines for both galaxies, I conclude that the contributions of very massive Pop III stars to total the SFRs are less than 3%. In Chapter 4, I move to more massive systems, quasar host galaxies at z ~ 3. Using damped Lyman alpha absorption systems as natural coronagraphs, I report that rest-frame far-UV emission of quasar host galaxy correlates strongly with quasar luminosity. This result suggests a co-evolution of supermassive black holes and their host galaxies. In Chapter 5, I develop a novel method for searching the most massive protoclusters at z = 2-3, by utilizing intergalactic Lyman alpha absorption. My investigations suggest that large intergalactic Lyman alpha absorption systems effectively trace the most overdense regions at large scale of ~ 15 h⁻¹ Mpc. In Chapter 6, I present our imaging observations of an extreme galaxy overdensity (protocluster) BOSS1441+4000, which is discovered using the techniques developed in Chapter 5. Furthermore, I report an intergalactic-scale Lyman alpha nebula detected at the density peak of BOSS1441+4000. This discovery, together with previously discovered Slug nebula, provide us a first look of intergalactic medium in emission in the early Universe. In the Chapter 7, I give a summary of this dissertation and discuss several future prospects.

Σε αυτή την διπλωματική εργασία γίνεται μελέτη των σφαλμάτων των εναέριων γραμμών διανομής μέσης τάσης από καταπονήσεις κεραυνών στην περιοχή του νομού Τρικάλων. Η εργασία αυτή αναλύει και παρέχει με σχετική ακρίβεια προβλέψεις για σφάλματα από κεραυνικά πλήγματα στις γραμμές διανομής ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας μέσης τάσης. / This diploma thesis focuses on the lightning performance of electric power overhead distribution lines in the prefecture of Trikala. This paper analyzes and provides relatively accurate forecast errors from lightning strikes on power distribution lines MV.

Στη παρούσα διπλωματική εργασία θα μελετηθεί η συμπεριφορά των εναέριων γραμμών μέσης τάσης του νομού Άρτας, όταν αυτές πλήττονται από διάφορα αίτια, τα οποία είναι καταγεγραμμένα μέσω του Συστήματος Αναγγελιών Βλαβών (ΣΑΒ) της ΔΕΗ και βρίσκονται στη διάθεσή μας για το έτος 2011. Τα κυριότερα αυτών είναι τα κεραυνικά πλήγματα και η κακοκαιρία και σε αυτά θα δωθεί βαρύτητα. Σκοπός είναι να εξαχθούν, μέσω θεωρητικών υπολογισμών, κάποια συμπεράσματα για το πως θα συμπεριφέρονται οι γραμμές αυτές ανάλογα με τη τοποθεσία, το ανάγλυφο της περιοχής, το ύψος της γραμμής και διάφορους άλλους παράγοντες που θα αναφερθούν λεπτομερώς στο 3ο κεφάλαιο. Για την καλύτερη κατανόηση όμως των προαναφερθέντων και για να έχουμε μια πιο πλήρη εικόνα επι του αντικειμένου, θα πρέπει αρχικά να γίνει μια συνοπτική παρουσίαση ενός τυπικού συστήματος ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας, αφού πρώτα αναλυθεί στα επιμέρους τμήματά του. Αναγκαία επίσης είναι και η αναφορά της IEEE οδηγίας για τη συμπεριφορά έναντι κεραυνών των εναέριων γραμμών διανομής ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας, μιας και οι επικρατούντες κλιματολογικές – περιβαλλοντολογικές συνθήκες είναι από τις βασικές αιτίες πρόκλησης σφαλμάτων στα εναέρια δίκτυα. / This thesis studies the behavior of medium voltage (distribution) lines of county of Artas, when they are affected by various causes, which are written down from the System Notice Damage of Hellenic Public Power Corporation and are at our disposal for the year 2011. The most important of them are lightning strikes and bad weather, to which extra focus will be given. Our purpose is to conclude through theoretical calculations to the behavior of these lines according to the location, relief area, the line’s height and other factors that will be mentioned in chapter 3. In order to have a complete perception of the subject, a brief presentation of a typical power system will take place after it is analysed in subsections. It is also important to mention the guidelines of Intstitute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) on the behaviour of air power distribution lines against lightning, as the prevailing environmental and climatological conditions are the most essential causes of faults on air lines.

Progress in our understanding of the chemical composition of the interstellar medium leans both on laboratory analyses of high resolution rotational spectra from molecules that may be present in these regions, and on radio astronomical observations of molecular tracers to constrain astrochemical models. Due to the thermodynamic conditions in outer space, some molecules likely to be found in interstellar regions in relevant abundances are open shell radicals. In a series of laboratory studies, the pure rotational spectra of the transition metal containing radicals sulfur species ScS, YS, VS and ZnSH were obtained for the first time. In addition to accurate and precise rest frequencies for these species, bonding characteristics were determined from fine and hyperfine molecular parameters. It was found that these sulfides have a higher degree of covalent bonding than their mostly ionic oxide counterparts. Isomers and isotope ratios are excellent diagnostic tools for a variety of astrochemical models. From radio observations of isotopes of nitrile species, the galactic gradient of ¹⁴N/¹⁵N was accurately established. A further study of this ratio in carbon rich asymptotic giant branch stars provided observational evidence for an unknown process in J type carbon stars, and highlighted the need to update stellar nucleosynthesis models. Proper radiative transfer modeling of the emission spectra of interstellar molecules can yield a wealth of information about the abundance and distribution of these species within the observed sources. To model the asymmetric emission of SO and SO₂ in oxygen-rich supergiants, an in-house code was developed, and successfully applied to gain insight into circumstellar sulfur chemistry of VY Canis Majoris. It was concluded that current astrochemistry kinetic models, based on spherical symmetry assumptions, need to be revisited.

Scenedesmus obliquus is a freshwater microalga which has high lipid content and biomass productivity. It is regarded as a promising species for production of biodiesel and other valuable organic compounds. Given the high cost of using potable water and commercial fertilizers, the use of municipal wastewater as algal growth medium is attractive in view of its constituent organic carbon and inorganic nutrients, including nitrogen and phosphorus. Investigating the mixotrophic cultivation of S. obliquus in an imitation municipal wastewater, the results of this study showed that: (1) The unmodified imitation wastewater by itself as expected yielded poor S. obliquus growth owing to its pH significantly decreasing to 3.5 as caused by the presence of Ammonium Chloride in the wastewater, inhibiting cell growth; (2) Adding either Acetic Acid or Sodium Acetate to the wastewater medium maintained its pH at 6.5 to 7.0, and its algae biomass on day 6 increased significantly by 212% and 194%, respectively; (3) Adding either Acetic Acid or Sodium Acetate to the wastewater medium maintained its pH at 6.5 to 7.0, and its algae biomass during exponential phase (day 4) significantly exceeded that in the MF control by 220.6% and 165.8%, respectively, while its algae biomass during saturation (day 6) significantly exceeded that in the MF control by 60.8% and 51.5%, respectively; and (4) Addition of NaNO₃ to the wastewater to match the level of N in the MF medium improved the algae biomass by 10%. This study developed ways for how the successful mixotrophic cultivation of S. obliquus in municipal wastewater could be achieved.

Studies of carbon's evolutionary path have been conducted via millimeter and submillimeter observations of circumstellar envelopes (CSEs), planetary nebulae (PNe), molecular clouds and comets. The 12C/13C isotope ratio was measured in Galactic molecular clouds using the CN isotopologs. A gradient of 12CN/13CN was determined to be 12C/13C = 6.01 DGC +12.28, where DGC is distance from the Galactic center. The results of CN are in agreement with those of CO and H2CO indicating a true ratio not influenced by fractionation effects or isotope-selective photodissociation. The 12C/13C isotope ratios in the envelopes of various types of stars were also measured from both CO and CN isotopologs. Such objects as carbon and oxygen-rich asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars, supergiants, planetary nebulae, and S-type stars were observed. Results from this study indicate 12C/13C values for supergiants ~ 10 and AGB stars 12C/13C ~ 20- 76. Theory would suggest a lower ratio for objects undergoing third dredge-up, though this is seemingly not the case. Multiple carbon-bearing species including CO, HCN, HNC, CN, CS, and HCO+ have also been observed towards the oxygen-rich supergiant, VY CMa. This object has recently revealed a unique chemistry where carbon is not solely contained in CO, and may play a more important role in the chemical network of oxygen-rich circumstellar envelopes. Additionally, observations of species with carbon- carbon bonds, such as CCH and c-C3H2, have been conducted towards evolved planetary nebulae, such as the Helix and Ring nebulae. There is a close agreement in the inventories of species found in PNe and diffuse clouds, suggesting a potential molecular precursor to the interstellar medium. Observations of carbon-bearing species (H2CO and CO) in comets C/1995 O1 (Hale-Bopp), C/2001 Q4 (NEAT), and C/2002 T7 (LINEAR) have been conducted. Formaldehyde is known to have an extended distribution in these objects, likely arising from silicate-organic grains. Evidence of cometary fragmentation was also obtained for H2CO in comet T7 LINEAR as well as for HNC and HCO+ in Hale-Bopp. Such events could contribute to planetary distribution of organics.