Solid tumors possess biological features that are different from those in healthy tissues, which provides opportunities of anticancer treatment by nanomedicines. Due to the presence of the fenestrated tumor vasculatures, nanomedicines can selectively accumulate in tumor tissues by the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. The acidic pH in tumor interstitium (pH 6.0-7.0) also provides a promising mechanism to trigger the nanomedicines to promote the cellular uptake of cargo drugs. The previously reported stealth liposomes coated with PEG are known to accumulate in tumors owing to their prolonged circulation time. The PEG coating on liposomes can hinder serum protein adsorption and thus prevent rapid elimination by the reticuloendothelial system, thus increasing the liposome circulation time. However, liposomal interaction with cancer cells can also be hindered by the PEG coating. In order to improve the anticancer activity of stealth liposomes, novel synthetic imidazole-based lipids were introduced to the composition of stealth liposomes to develop the pH-sensitive imidazole-based convertible liposomes (ICL). At acidic pH, the imidazole-based lipids would protonate to acquire positive charges, thus clustering with the negatively charged PEGylated lipids. Such lipid-lipid electrostatic interaction would induce phase separation of the bilayer to generate a PEG-free domain that displays excess positive charges. Such newly converted, cationic liposomes at acidic pH in tumor interstitium would have better interaction with negatively charged cancer cells and/or enhanced drug release, therefore overcoming the drawback of traditional stealth liposomes. After synthesizing the imidazole-based lipids DHI, DHMI and DHDMI, we constructed doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded ICL formulations. The physicochemical properties of ICL were characterized, and factors influencing such properties were explored. The pH-triggered acquisition of positive charges of ICL was confirmed by the elevation of ζ- potentials and aggregation with negatively charged model liposomes that mimic bio-membranes at acidic pH 6.0-7.0. Acidic pH-triggered release of ICL was confirmed by drug release assays. It was also found that although the incorporation of cholesterol can remarkably reduce the size and increase the encapsulation efficiency (EE) of ICL, it also hinders the pH-sensitivity of ICL. The morphology of ICL at both pH 7.4 and pH 6.0 was characterized under transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which showed morphological changes in response to acidic pH 6.0, which further supported the proposed pH-sensitivity of ICL. Cytotoxicity assays on 3D MCS of HeLa, A549, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cell lines were conducted to evaluate the anticancer activity of ICL formulations. ICL formulations without cholesterol showed considerably enhanced anticancer activities against MCS compared with the non-sensitive stealth liposomes (NSL). However, incorporation of cholesterol decreased such activities. The IC50 values of cholesterol-free ICL and ICL with cholesterol against MCS strongly suggested that the pH-sensitivity introduced by the imidazole-based lipids would enhance the anticancer activity of stealth liposomes, while the hindrance of the pH-sensitivity by cholesterol would reduce such activities. Taken together, ICL’s pH-sensitivity is correlated with their enhanced anticancer activity than non-sensitive stealth liposomes.

Sweden has ambitious climate goals, such as the overarching goal, the 2045 goal. The goal is for Sweden to have zero net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2045 at the latest. In order to achieve the overall climate goal and the interim targets, electrification of society is an important component. The industrial sector and the transport sector each account for about a third of Sweden’s emissions, where the conversion to electricity is an important solution. The electrification of passenger cars and buses has meant that emissions from domestic transport have decreased every year, and in order to achieve the interim target of 70 percent lower emissions of greenhouse gases in 2030 compared to 2010, the electrification of heavy duty trucks is one of the key components. However, there are long-term challenges with the power grid and already today grid owners have capacity challenges. Regional grid owners cannot increase their power subscription, while local grid owners cannot grant new connections. Regarding the electrification of long-haul transportation, there are challenges in terms of charging infrastructure. Truck drivers operate on a strict schedule, and minimizing down time is crucial to keep costs down. By law, truck drivers must take a 45-minute break after 4.5 hours of driving time, which means that during this break it is desirable to recharge the vehicle before departure. This means that high power demands are placed on the charging infrastructure that exists to be able to transmit the desired energy.   A new standard, the Megawatt Charging System (MCS), which meets the high power requirements has been developed and is included in pilot projects. The maximum power that the charging standard can deliver is 3.75 MW. The results of the thesis show that these high-power chargers place high demands on thepower grid. When connecting a charging station with MCS charging points to the grid, it may require local upgrading of lines and transformers, but also upgrading in otherparts of the network. Examples of such upgrades are reactive power compensation to be able to support the network locally at peak loads to obtain voltage levels within stable voltage ranges, but also upgrades of lines and transformers to be able to deliver the desired power. Integration of a battery storage in connection with a charging station relieves the powergrid and its components. However, it is important to highlight that since the battery needs to be recharged, this means that a more even power requirement is needed. However, the  maximum load on both transformers and lines is reduced, which can be a desirable effect when a charging station of the same nature is put into operation.

This study explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in management control systems within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing industry. Using a qualitative research methodology through expert interviews and focus groups, the research aims to understand how AI can streamline management control systems and identify the challenges companies face during its implementation. The results indicate that AI has significant potential to automate repetitive tasks, improve data analysis, and facilitate proactive decision-making, thereby increasing overall efficiency. However, substantial initial investments and high technical expertise are required to succeed in AI integration. Additionally, it is crucial to maintain high data quality and robust data management systems. The study also shows that there is a symbiotic relationship between AI tools and management control systems, suggesting that effective management control systems are essential to maximize the benefits of AI. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the strategic planning required for AI integration and presents insights for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to integrate AI into their operations.

L’objectif de la thèse est d’identifier la pertinence des modèles en équilibre général calculable (MEGC) pour analyser la problématique posée par les Accords de Partenariat Économique (APE) entre l’Union européenne et les pays ACP. Une revue de la littérature est d’abord réalisée, puis un modèle en équilibre général calculable (MEGC) à dynamique intertemporelle est construit pour analyser l’impact de l’APE sur un pays spécifique : le Ghana. À partir du constat portant sur la diversité des résultats de simulations, qui dépendent essentiellement de la structure du modèle et des modes de fermeture choisis par le modélisateur, ce travail cherche à mettre en évidence la largeur du faisceau de résultats possibles et l’impossibilité de mettre en avant les bénéfices potentiels qui peuvent être attendus d’un tel accord en s’appuyant simplement sur des MEGC néoclassiques standards. / This work aims to analyze to what extent the use of an applied general equilibrium model (AGE) allows to correctly assess the potential economic impact of EPAs between ACP countries and the European Union. First, a review of the literature is conducted and then an intertemporal dynamic AGE model is built in order to assess the potential impact of EPA on a specific country: Ghana. From the variety of results resulting from the models simulations and depending on hypothesis made on the model structure and the type of closure chosen by the modeler, our work aims to stress the risk of using standard neoclassical Walrasian models to assess the potential benefits of an EPA on ACP countries economy.

<p>Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to illuminate how individuals living with SHR, experience its impact on accessibility, financial security and social relationships.</p><p>Method: A qualitative approach was used. The participants were recruited by advertising on the website for “The network for people with odor intolerance”. The data was collected by written descritive texts from the participants and analysed with qualitative content analysis.</p><p>Results: The results showed that the informants experienced an extensive lack of accessibility in society. It was difficult to move around in society, to visit public buildings and facilities and it was almost impossible to find a suitable place to live. Regarding financial security they had a reduced income due to difficulties to earn their living in combination with increased expenses because of the disease and they had difficulties to get the support they needed from authorities. This created an insecure financial situation. Further, the findings showed that their social relationships had been affected. Socializing with others had become hard and troublesome, they had become limited in doing social activities and they got support from some but these persons became limited. Six themes permeated the categories in all three content areas: “Being limited”, “Being forced to behave incompatible with your true personality”, “Experiencing a lack of understanding and respect from others”, “Experiencing insecurity”, “Being dependent on others” and “Being forced to choose between the plague and cholera”. <strong></strong></p> / <p>Syfte: Syftet med denna studie var att belysa hur individer som lever med sensorisk hyperreaktivitet (SHR) upplever dess påverkan på tillgänglighet, ekonomisk trygghet och sociala relationer.</p><p>Metod: Kvalitativ metod användes och deltagarna rekryterades via Internet genom annonsering på nätverket för doftöverkänsligas hemsida. Datainsamlingen skedde genom skrivna berättelser från deltagarna och data analyserades sedan med kvalitativ innehållsanalys.</p><p>Resultat: Resultatet visade att informanterna upplevde en omfattande brist på tillgänglighet i samhället. Det var svårt att röra sig i samhället, att besöka offentliga lokaler och inrättningar samt att det var nästan omöjligt att hitta en lämplig bostad. Deras ekonomiska trygghet var påverkad genom att de hade minskad inkomst på grund av svårigheter att försörja sig i kombination med ökade utgifter orsakade av sjukdomen samt att de hade svårigheter att få det stöd de behövde från myndigheter. Detta skapade en otrygg ekonomisk situation. Deras sociala relationer hade blivit påverkade av sjukdomen. Att umgås med andra hade blivit jobbigt och besvärligt, deras sociala aktiviteter hade blivit begränsade och de fick stöd av vissa men dessa personer blev då begränsade. Sex teman genomsyrade kategorierna i alla tre innehållsområdena: "Vara begränsad", "Vara tvungen att bete sig oförenligt med sin rätta personlighet", "Uppleva brist på förståelse och respekt från andra", "Uppleva otrygghet", "Vara beroende av andra" och "Vara tvungen att välja mellan pest eller kolera"</p>

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to illuminate how individuals living with SHR, experience its impact on accessibility, financial security and social relationships. Method: A qualitative approach was used. The participants were recruited by advertising on the website for “The network for people with odor intolerance”. The data was collected by written descritive texts from the participants and analysed with qualitative content analysis. Results: The results showed that the informants experienced an extensive lack of accessibility in society. It was difficult to move around in society, to visit public buildings and facilities and it was almost impossible to find a suitable place to live. Regarding financial security they had a reduced income due to difficulties to earn their living in combination with increased expenses because of the disease and they had difficulties to get the support they needed from authorities. This created an insecure financial situation. Further, the findings showed that their social relationships had been affected. Socializing with others had become hard and troublesome, they had become limited in doing social activities and they got support from some but these persons became limited. Six themes permeated the categories in all three content areas: “Being limited”, “Being forced to behave incompatible with your true personality”, “Experiencing a lack of understanding and respect from others”, “Experiencing insecurity”, “Being dependent on others” and “Being forced to choose between the plague and cholera”. / Syfte: Syftet med denna studie var att belysa hur individer som lever med sensorisk hyperreaktivitet (SHR) upplever dess påverkan på tillgänglighet, ekonomisk trygghet och sociala relationer. Metod: Kvalitativ metod användes och deltagarna rekryterades via Internet genom annonsering på nätverket för doftöverkänsligas hemsida. Datainsamlingen skedde genom skrivna berättelser från deltagarna och data analyserades sedan med kvalitativ innehållsanalys. Resultat: Resultatet visade att informanterna upplevde en omfattande brist på tillgänglighet i samhället. Det var svårt att röra sig i samhället, att besöka offentliga lokaler och inrättningar samt att det var nästan omöjligt att hitta en lämplig bostad. Deras ekonomiska trygghet var påverkad genom att de hade minskad inkomst på grund av svårigheter att försörja sig i kombination med ökade utgifter orsakade av sjukdomen samt att de hade svårigheter att få det stöd de behövde från myndigheter. Detta skapade en otrygg ekonomisk situation. Deras sociala relationer hade blivit påverkade av sjukdomen. Att umgås med andra hade blivit jobbigt och besvärligt, deras sociala aktiviteter hade blivit begränsade och de fick stöd av vissa men dessa personer blev då begränsade. Sex teman genomsyrade kategorierna i alla tre innehållsområdena: "Vara begränsad", "Vara tvungen att bete sig oförenligt med sin rätta personlighet", "Uppleva brist på förståelse och respekt från andra", "Uppleva otrygghet", "Vara beroende av andra" och "Vara tvungen att välja mellan pest eller kolera"

Det finns i management control-litteraturen en efterfrågan på studier som tar ett helhetsperspektiv på styrsystem (Management Control Systems, MCS) och som förklarar hur dessa system bidrar till effektivitet hos organisationer. Utifrån ett contingency-synsätt undersöker vi i denna studie hur kulturell styrning och prestationsmätning som delar av MCS, tillsammans med den kontextuella variabeln osäkerhet i omgivningen, påverkar hur effektiva organisationer är. Vi antar en systemansats och önskar studera relationen mellan fler variabler, och därför tillämpas en klusteranalys där datamaterialet delas in i grupper med liknande karaktäristika. Då det är tveksamt om det finns en skillnad i effektivitet mellan de kluster vi identifierar, och för att få en bättre förståelse för vårt resultat, väljer vi att analysera detta utifrån två olika perspektiv. Utifrån det ena perspektivet antas organisationernas effektivitet skilja sig från varandra. Sett från detta perspektiv verkar en hög grad av prestationsmätning tillsammans med en hög grad av kulturell styrning vara effektivt under hög grad av osäkerhet i omgivningen. Utgångspunkten i det andra perspektivet är däremot att alla de företag som existerar och kan studeras är effektiva, och utifrån denna analys verkar det tvärtemot den tidigare analysens resultat som att en lägre grad av prestationsmätning tillsammans med en lika stor grad av kulturell styrning är mer effektivt i osäkra omgivningar, även om detta samband är något oklart. Under låg grad av osäkerhet i omgivningen visar analyser ur båda perspektiven att en hög grad av kulturell styrning tillsammans med en låg grad av prestationsmätning är en effektiv kombination. Dessutom visar det sig utifrån det sistnämnda perspektivet att även hög grad av båda styrmekanismerna är effektivt i mindre osäkra omgivningar. / Within the management control literature, studies have been requested that take a holistic view of Management Control Systems (MCS) and that explain how these systems contribute to organizational effectiveness. In this study, from a contingency perspective, we examine how cultural control and performance measurement as parts of the MCS, together with the contextual variable environmental uncertainty, affect the effectiveness of organizations. Adopting a systems approach we wish to study the relationship between several variables and therefore use a cluster analysis to divide the data into groups with similar characteristics. Since it is not clear whether there are any differences in effectiveness between the identified clusters and to get a better understanding of our findings, we choose to analyze the results from two different perspectives. Adopting one of the perspectives, the organizations are assumed to be unequally effective. From this perspective a high degree of performance measurement combined with a high degree of cultural control seem to be effective under high degrees of environmental uncertainty. From the other perspective it is implicitly understood that all of the observed organizations are effective since they exist. Seen from this, second, perspective it seems that a lower degree of performance measurement together with an equal degree of cultural control is more effective in uncertain environments, even though this relationship is somewhat vague. Under a low degree of environmental uncertainty, analyses from both perspectives show that a high degree of performance measurement together with a low degree of cultural control in an effective combination. Furthermore, the analysis from the second perspective indicates that also a high degree of both of the control variables is effective in high degrees of environmental uncertainty.

Amorphous carbon film with Diamond like properties is the subject of intense interest in the past one and half decade. The unusual properties of these diamond like carbon films arise from the preponderance of SP3 tetrahedral bonding of carbon in the film. Depending on the processing technique and the processing conditions used, the structure of the films can range from amorphous carbon to large grain polycrystalline diamond. These deposited amorphous carbon films, which are smooth, may find their use in optoelectronics, in dielectric films and in microelectronics. These films are found to be chemically inhomogeneous(containing SP3 hybridized carbon in a matrix of SP2 hybridized non-graphitic carbon). There is a possibility of using these films as substrates in microelectronics, provided the deposited films are structurally smooth, are chemically homogeneous and are dopable with both types of impurities. A host of other advantages of using diamond like carbon as a substrate material in microelectronics made it a topic of interest to many investigators. This prompted the author to take up investigations on diamond like carbon films from the point of examining the electrical properties of these films and on the possibility of conceiving devices based on these films. This investigation dealt with, sputter deposition of diamond like carbon films and their electrical characteristics in MCS device structures. In this, emphasis is given to the importance of processing parameters involved and the effect of each parameter on the electrical and structural properties of the film. Various substrate treatments were done prior to sputtering and found that the DLC nature of the film exists in all the films but differ from one another in electrical resistivity, in nucleation density and in their adherence to the substrate. Films deposited on substrates treated with low vapour pressure oil resulted in compressive strain in the film and lead to very poor adhesion. The nucleation density increased when the substrates are pretreated with ultrasonic agitation in hard SiC grit. The substrate temperature had a direct impact on the resistivity of the film: resistivity decreases with increase in substrate temperature. The constituents of the plasma modified the structural properties of the film, e.g. the Hydrogen content in the plasma has resulted in increasing the SP3 hybridization content of the film, by acting as SP2- SP2 network terminator. Ultra violet light focused onto the substrate, in general, enhanced the deposition rate. Inclusion of Nitrogen in the plasma substantially increased the conductivity of the material and this is used in doping of the DLC film. The carbon films deposited on silicon are used for electrical characterisation. Deposition of metal electrode on the carbon film lead to the basic (MCS) device structure. The I vs.V characteristics of the MCS structure resemble those of junction diodes. From the I vs.V characteristics at different temperatures, it has been found that the reverse current goes through a maximum, drops back to certain level and once again increases with gradual increase in temperature. This behaviour of the structure with A1 as well as Ag as top electrode materials is explained by the heterojunction formed at the C-pSi interface. The initial increase in the reverse current is dominated by the drift of minority carriers across the depletion width at the reverse biased junction. With increase in temperature, the depletion width reduces to a minimum above a certain temperature, where the diffusion of carriers controls the current across the device. From the constructed energy-band diagram of heterojunction, it is shown that the change in the transport phenomena from drift of minority carriers to diffusion of majority carriers at the junction, introduces a barrier at the critical temperature; This is responsible for the drop in current at the critical temperature. This explains the anomaly of drop in reverse current with increase in temperature. The C vs. v characteristics showed a bell shaped behaviour indicating the presence of two junctions connected back to back. This confirms the type of contact formed at the metal-carbon interface and the type of conductivity of the film, concluding that A1 makes a Schottky contact where as Ag makes an ohmic contact and the deposited film behaves like n-type material. The C vs. V behaviour with temperature is explained by the two types of contacts in the case of Al-GpSi, i.e. Schottky contact at Al-C; and heterojunction at C-pSi interface. These C vs. V and I vs.V changes with temperature are in tune with each other and the model proposed takes care of all the characteristics observed. In case of Ag-GpSi, C vs. V with temperature shows junction like behaviour at elevated temperatures and are explained by the presence of the interface at C-pSi. It has been observed that in some of the carbon films, when an electric field of the order of l06 V/cm is applied, the reflectance of the Aluminium metal dot is increased by 5 times, coupled with a 50 to 100 times increase in the associated capacitance of the MCS structure. The increase in reflectance is explained by considering the film to be inhomogeneous with a matrix of varying dielectric constants (SP3 hybridized carbon in a medium of SP2 bonded carbon). The transformed film, is homogeneous and enhances the reflectance of the Aluminium dot. This is termed as "homogeneity induced smoothness." The transformation of inhomogeneous material to homogeneous material is further confirmed by the Raman spectroscopy, in which the broad peak is converted to a sharp peak changing the FWHM from 93 cm-1 to 4 cm-1 ; denoting the structural order in the film. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation reporting the crystalline nature of the DLC, with structural order and the corresponding FWHM of the Raman peak as low as 4 cm-1. The preparational conditions of the film to get this transformation and the influence of various process parameters are examined. Devices based on Metal-Carbon-Oxide- Silicon (MCOS) structure are realized by thermally grown oxide/sputter deposited oxide on silicon, prior to carbon deposition. These structures showed voltage controlled negative resistance(VCNR) characteristics. The applied voltage and its distribution across the reverse biased junction and across the oxide gives rise to a negative resistance region. With the number of V vs. I characteristics measured, it is observed that the negative resistance region also shifts. This is attributed to the trapped charges in the carbon changing the distribution of applied voltage. This is explained by modifying the energy-band diagram. A concept of the accumalated charges at the oxide barrier filling up the higher energy states in the carbon and silicon, to become hot carriers is used. As long a. more voltage is dropped across the oxide, these hot carriers can surmount the barrier at the reverse biased junction. The flow of these carriers is cut off when the additional voltage is dropped across the reverse biased junction leading to a drop in the current. A further increase in the applied voltage nominally increases the current due to increase in the leakage current. A new hybrid (electrical/optical) read only memory (ROM) element is conceived and the way in which the information can be written and read is discussed. A two terminal negative resistance device using MCOS structure is fabricated and tested for its VCNR property. An analog memory device is proposed using the MCOS structure as gate in an FET. The work reported in this thesis has been divided into nine chapters. The introductory remarks on the importance of the area of research and about the work reported in this thesis are given in chapter one. Chapter two deals with some of the basic concepts related to understand the reported work. In chapter three the research work done by other investigators covering different aspects of this work is reported and some of their investigations are reviewed. Chapter four dealt with the various preparative techniques to deposit films, their structural characterisation, and the experimental work carried out to electrically characterize these films. Chapter five presents the I vs.V & C vs. V analysis and a model to qualitatively explain them. In chapter six field induced transformation phenomena of some of these films and its impact on the reflectance of the metal dot is dealt. Chapter seven consists of the MCOS device structure, its I vs.V characteristics and a model to explain the behaviour. Chapter eight presents the application part of same of the phenomena observed in conceiving a new hybrid ROM element and a two terminal negative resistance device. The concluding ninth chapter itemizes the important results of the work and suggestions to carry forward this work which can open up new vistas in the diamond like carbon film based technology and its applications in microelectronics.

I dagens klimatkris anses ohållbara livsmedelsystem i livsmedelsbranschen stå för en fjärdedel av den mänskliga klimatpåverkningen. Det kräver att företagen i branschen ställer om till ett hållbart företagande för att minska sin klimatpåverkan men även för att skapa en starkare organisation. Intresset för det hållbara företagandet ökar, dock kan företag bemöta svårigheter i hur de ska arbeta internt. Framför allt när det hållbara interna perspektivet efterfrågar att företagen behöver anpassa och expandera sin ekonomistyrning. Idag ses däremot den traditionella ekonomistyrningen som begränsad i att kunna involvera ett bredare perspektiv än enbart ekonomiska mål. För att genomföra sina hållbarhetsmål med hjälp av ekonomistyrningen krävs det att företaget planerar, genomför och följer upp sitt arbete. För att precisera processen har en management control systems modell (MCS-modell) med fem styrmedel av Malmi och Brown (2008) använts som utgångspunkt. Syfte och Frågeställning: Uppsatsen syftar till att beskriva hur livsmedelsföretag styr sitt hållbarhetsarbete utifrån användningen av ekonomistyrningen. Avsikten är att ge en förståelse för hur företagen kan tillämpa styrmedlen från MCS-modellen av Malmi och Brown (2008) för att styra sitt hållbarhetsarbete. Studiens frågeställning är därmed: Hur används ekonomistyrningen för att styra hållbarhetsarbetet i livsmedelsbranschen? Metod: Studien utgår från en kvalitativ metod som baseras på semistrukturerade intervjuer med sex respondenter från fyra olika företag som verkar inom livsmedelsbranschen. Intervjuade individer ansvarar för hållbarhetsarbetet på respektive företag. Slutsats: Studien anger vilka styrmedel som tillämpas och hur de används. Studiens resultat visar att vanligt förekommande är användandet av fyra av fem styrmedel för att skapa en hållbar ekonomistyrning i organisationen. I studien framkommer det även att användandet av styrmedel kan differentiera sig mellan företagen där värderingar och tillgång till mänskliga resurser indikeras ha en påverkan. / Background: In today's climate crisis, unsustainable food systems in the food sector are thought to account for a quarter of the human climate impact. This requires companies in the sector to shift to sustainable business practices in order to reduce their carbon footprint but also to create a stronger organization. Interest in sustainable business is growing, but companies may face difficulties in how to work internally. Especially when the sustainable internal perspective calls for companies to adapt and expand their management control. Today, however, traditional management is seen as limited in its ability to involve a broader perspective than just financial targets. To implement their sustainability objectives through management control systems, companies need to plan, implement and monitor their work. In order to specify the process, a management control systems (MCS) model with five management tools by Malmi and Brown (2008) has been used as a starting point. Purpose and Question:The paper aims to describe how food companies manage their sustainability work based on the use of management control systems. The intention is to provide an understanding of how companies can apply the control systems from the MCS-model of Malmi and Brown (2008) to manage their sustainability performance. The research question is thus: How is management control systems used to manage sustainability in the food industry? Methodology: The study uses a qualitative method based on semi-structured interviews with six respondents from four different companies operating in the food industry. The individuals interviewed are responsible for the sustainability work of the respective companies. ConclusionThe study specifies which control systems are applied and how they are used. The results of the study show that four out of five control systems are commonly used to achieve sustainable management control in the organization. The study also shows that the use of control systems can differ between companies, with values and access to human resources being indicated as having an impact.

La caractérisation des paléoenvironnements et paléoclimats des milieux continentaux du Néogène africain est un enjeu majeur pour comprendre l’émergence du rameau humain. La première partie du travail présente un état des lieux des connaissances dans ce domaine, mais aussi des avantages et des points faibles des marqueurs paléoenvironnementaux habituellement utilisés. Elle met ainsi en exergue la nécessité de développer de nouveaux marqueurs afin de documenter les paléoclimats, et plus particulièrement la paléosaisonnalité. Les marques de croissance squelettiques (MCS) des vertébrés ectothermes (poissons et tortues) sont présentées comme nouveau marqueur potentiel. D’une part, le but de ce travail est de déterminer la significativité du signal déposé par les MCS au sein d’un organisme et la capacité de ces structures à enregistrer un signal environnemental. D’autre part il vise à évaluer leur conservation dans les restes fréquents des dépôts du Néogène africains et à proposer des critères pour une meilleure exploitation de ce matériel. Ainsi, dans la deuxième partie, un large spectre de pièces squelettiques d’un spécimen de Polypterus bichir est analysé pour évaluer l’homogénéité intra-individuelle du signal enregistré par les MCS. La troisième partie présente la mise en place et le déroulement d’une étude expérimentale menée en conditions de température, photopériode et alimentation contrôlées. Elle a pour but de tester l’impact de ces facteurs dans le contrôle de la croissance de deux actinoptérigyens (Polypterus senegalus et Auchenoglanis occidentalis) et d’un chélonien pleurodire (Pelusios castaneus). La dernière partie présente une étude de restes fossiles de siluriformes, de Polypterus sp., de Lates sp. et de Pelusios sp. provenant des affleurements Mio-Pliocène du Tchad. Outre les conseils d’échantillonnage et de préparation de ces restes, de premières pistes d’interprétation des signaux observés sont proposées. / The paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic characterization of continental environments from the Neogene of Africa is a major concern for the understanding of the emergence of the human lineage. The first part of this work presents a state of art of the knowledge on this field, and of the advantages and drawbacks of the paleoenvironmental proxies commonly used. It highlights the need to develop new proxies to document paleoclimates, and especially paleoseasonality. Ectothermic vertebrates (fish and turtles) growth marks (GM) are presented hereafter as a potential new proxy. On one hand, this work aims at ascertaining the significance of the signal left by GM within an organism and their efficiency in recording an environmental signal. On the other hand, it aims at evaluating their preservation in remains frequently found in African Neogene outcrops and at proposing criteria for their optimal use. Thus, in the second part, a wide array of skeletal pieces from one specimen of Polypterus bichir is analyzed to assess intra-individual homogeneity of GM signal. The third part introduces the set up and the progress of an experimental study led in controlled conditions of temperature, photoperiod and feeding. It aims at testing the impact of each factor on growth control in two Actinopterygii (Polypterus senegalus and Auchenoglanis occidentalis) and one pleurodiran Chelonii (Pelusios castaneus). The last part of this work presents a study of fossil remains of catfishes, Polypterus sp., Lates sp. and Pelusios sp. from Chadian Mio-Pliocene outcrops. Besides sampling and preparation advices, prelimininary paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic interpretations are proposed.