In recent years, there has been a significant push to implement Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) on edge devices, which requires power and hardware efficient circuits to carry out the intensive matrix-vector multiplication (MVM) operations. This work presents hardware efficient MVM implementation techniques using bit-serial arithmetic and a novel MSB first computation circuit. The proposed designs take advantage of the pre-trained network weight parameters, which are already known in the design stage. Thus, the partial computation results can be pre-computed and stored into look-up tables. Then the MVM results can be computed in a bit-serial manner without using multipliers. The proposed novel circuit implementation for convolution filters and rectified linear activation function used in deep neural networks conducts computation in an MSB-first bit-serial manner. It can predict earlier if the outcomes of filter computations will be negative and subsequently terminate the remaining computations to save power. The benefits of using the proposed MVM implementations techniques are demonstrated by comparing the proposed design with conventional implementation. The proposed circuit is implemented on an FPGA. It shows significant power and performance improvements compared to the conventional designs implemented on the same FPGA.

Denna studie undersöker hur Myndigheten för samhällsskydd och beredskap (MSB) använder retorik och humor på ett retoriskt sätt för att övertyga i tre olika krisförberedande informationsvideor från år 2019. Detta görs genom en kvalitativ retorisk analys med stöd av semiotik för att undersöka de tecken som bygger upp det retoriska budskapet genom apellformerna logos, ethos och pathos. Humorteori om identifierande, differentierande, klargörande och påtvingande humor används för att undersöka hur humor används retoriskt. Resultatet visar att pathos bildas genom val av narrativ i fiktiva situationer, logos förtydligas i slutet av alla videor med hjälp av en fråga eller ett påstående, och ethos byggs delvis genom att ta stöd av andra myndigheter med starkare förtroende, exempelvis Polisen. Det primära förtroende MSB som avsändare besitter används också för att skapa förtroende i nya sammanhang. Humor används genomgående men med olika funktioner och påverkar ethos och pathos.

Tendo em vista o importante papel desempenhado pelos Streptococcus mutans e pelos Streptococcus sobrinus na etiologia da cárie dental, assim como a relevância do meio de cultura empregado para a detecção desses microrganismos, os objetivos do presente estudo foram: Capítulo 1- Avaliar a eficácia do meio de cultura SB-20 modificado (SB-20M) na diferenciação morfológica de colônias de S. mutans e de S. sobrinus, comparativamente à análise bioquímica das colônias isoladas, na saliva de crianças; Capítulo 2- Comparar os meios de cultura SB-20, SB-20M e MSB na quantificação (contagem) de unidades formadoras de colônias (ufc) e na diferenciação morfológica e bioquímica de S. mutans e S. sobrinus, na saliva de crianças; e Capítulo 3- Empregar o meio de cultura SB-20M sem ágar, denominado Caldo Sacarose-Bacitracina modificado (CaSaB- 20M), para avaliar a viabilidade de cepas padrão de S. mutans (ATCC25175) in vitro e a viabilidade de estreptococos do grupo mutans in vivo, nas cerdas de escovas dentais, após diferentes períodos de secagem. No Capítulo 1, a eficácia do meio SB-20M foi avaliada tomando-se amostras de saliva não-estimulada de 145 crianças de 6 a 12 anos de idade, por meio da técnica da espátula de madeira. Após semeadura e incubação em microaerofilia, foi efetuada a contagem das ufc em microscópio estereoscópico e realizada a identificação morfológica e bioquímica (biotipagem) das colônias de S. mutans e de S. sobrinus. Os resultados obtidos após as identificações morfológicas e bioquímicas foram comparados empregando o teste x2. No Capítulo 2, a comparação dos meios de cultura SB-20, SB-20M e MSB foi efetuada em amostras de saliva não-estimulada, colhidas de 20 crianças na faixa etária de 4 a 12 anos, em tubos de ensaio. Amostras de saliva pura e diluídas até 10-4 foram semeadas em placas contendo os referidos meios, por meio de um micrométodo, e incubadas em microaerofilia. A seguir, foi efetuada a contagem das ufc e a identificação morfológica e bioquímica das colônias de S. mutans e de S. sobrinus. Os resultados obtidos foram submetidos à análise estatística, utilizando o teste de Wilcoxon e o teste exato de Fisher. No estudo in vitro do Capítulo 3, um total de 45 escovas dentais infantis, divididas em 9 grupos (n=5 por grupo), foram ontaminadas com uma suspensão contendo Streptococcus mutans (cepa ATCC 25175), na concentração de 1.720.000 unidades formadoras de colônias por mL (escala 0,5 de McFarland), durante 4 minutos. Logo após a lavagem, as escovas do Grupo 1 (controle) foram submetidas ao processamento microbiológico. As escovas dos Grupos 2 a 9 foram mantidas à temperatura ambiente por 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 e 72 horas, respectivamente, previamente ao processamento microbiológico, em meio de cultura CaSaB-20M. A seguir, foi efetuada a contagem de ufc de S. mutans nas cerdas. Os resultados obtidos foram analisados por meio do teste de Kruskal-Wallis. No estudo in vivo do Capítulo 3 participaram 20 crianças de 4 a 8 anos com alto risco à cárie dental. Cada criança recebeu 13 escovações, com intervalo de 3 dias entre cada escovação, empregando sempre uma escova dental nova, sem dentifrício. As 260 escovas obtidas foram divididas em 13 grupos (n=20 por grupo). Logo após a lavagem, as escovas do Grupo 1 (controle) foram submetidas ao processamento microbiológico. As escovas dos Grupos 2 a 13 foram mantidas à temperatura ambiente por 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44 e 48 horas, respectivamente, previamente ao processamento microbiológico, ou seja, semeadura e incubação em meio CasB-20M. Após a incubação foi efetuada a contagem de ufc de S. mutans e a quantificação dos polissacarídeos extracelulares presentes nas cerdas. Os dados obtidos foram avaliados por meio do teste de Wilcoxon. O nível de significância em todas as análises estatísticas foi de 5%. Com base nos resultados obtidos, pôde-se concluir que o método de identificação morfológica, empregando o meio de cultura SB-20M, foi confiável para a identificação de S. mutans e S. sobrinus. Os meios SB-20 e SB-20M foram semelhantes na quantificação de estreptococos do grupo mutans e na identificação morfológica e bioquímica de S. mutans e de S. sobrinus, evidenciando que a ubstituição da sacarose pelo açúcar cristal não alterou a eficácia do meio. Quando comparado ao meio MSB, o SB-20M apresentou resultados estatisticamente superiores, com relação à uantificação de ufc e com relação à identificação morfológica e bioquímica de S. mutans e de S. sobrinus. O Caldo Sacarose-Bacitracina modificado (CaSaB-20M) permitiu avaliar a viabilidade de estreptococos do grupo mutans nas cerdas de escovas dentais, após diferentes períodos de secagem. De acordo com o estudo in vitro com cepa padrão de Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175), observou-se viabilidade de microrganismos nas escovas dentais por até 8 horas. Por outro lado, no estudo in vivo, os estreptococos do grupo mutans permaneceram viáveis por períodos superiores (44 horas) / The important role veloped by Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus in dental caries ethyology as well as the relevance of the culture medium used for the detection of these microorganisms, the aims of the present study were divided into three parts as follows: Chapter 1 To evaluate the modified SB-20 culture medium efficacy (SB-20M) in the morphologic differentiation of the S. utans and S. sobrinus colonies comparatively to the biochemical analysis of the isolated colonies in childrens saliva samples; Chapter 2 To compare the culture media SB- 20, SB-20M, and MSB in the quantification (counting) of the colony forming units (cfu), and in the morphological and iochemical differentiation of S. mutans and S. sobrinus in childrens saliva; and Chapter 3 To employ the SB-20M culture medium without agar, called Sucrose Bacitracin Broth Modified (CaSaB-20M), in order to evaluate the viability of the in vitro S. mutans pattern strains (ATCC 25175), and the viability of the in vivo mutans streptococci in toothbrush bristles after different dry periods. In Chapter 1, the efficacy of the SB-20M was evaluated by wood spatula technique using non-stimulated saliva samples of 145 children of 6 to 12 years old. After seeding and incubation in microaerophilic conditions, the cfu counting in stereoscopic microscope, and the morphological and biochemical identification (biotyping) of S. mutans and S. sobrinus colonies were made. The results obtained after morphological and biochemical identifications were compared by the X2 test. In Chapter 2, the comparison of the SB-20, SB-20M, and MSB culture medium was made using assay tubes with non-stimulated saliva samples of 20 children with age between 4 and 12 years old. Samples of pure and diluted saliva (until 10-4) were seeded by a micromethod in Petri dishes with the culture media, and incubated under microaerophilic conditions, followed by the cfu counting, and morphological and biochemical identification of S. mutans and S. sobrinus colonies. The results obtained were submitted to the statistical analysis using Wilcoxon test and the exact Fisher test. In the in vitro study of the Chapter 3, a total of 45 childrens toothbrush divided in 9 groups (n=5 per group) were infected with a Streptococcus mutans (strain ATCC25175) suspension, under the concentration of 1.720.000 colony forming unities by mL (McFarland 0.5 scale) during 4 minutes. Briefly, after washing the Group 1 toothbrushes (control) were submitted to the microbiological processing. Group 2 to 9 toothbrushes were maintained in room temperature for 4, 8, 12, 14, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 hours respectively, previously to microbiological processing in CaSaB-20M culture medium. After that, the S. mutans cfu counting in the bristles were made. The results obtained were analysed by KruskalWallis test. In the in vivo study of the Chapter 3, 20 high caries risk children of 4 to 8 years old children have been participated. Each child received 13 times brushing, with intervals of 3 days between each brushing using always a new toothbrush with no toothpaste. The 260 obtained toothbrushes were divided into 13 groups (n=20 per group). After whashing the Group 1 toothbrushes (control) were submitted to microbiological processing. The other ones (groups 2 to 13) were maintained in room temperature for 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, and 48 hours respectively, previously the microbiological processing (CaSaB-20M). After incubation the S. mutans cfu counting and the quantification of extracellular polysaccharides present in the bristles were made. The data obtained were evaluated by Wilcoxon test. The level of significance in all statistical analysis was 5%. Based on the results obtained we could conclude that de morphological method for identification using SB-20M culture medium was trustable for the identification of S. mutans and S. sobrinus. The SB-20 and SB-20M showed the same effect in the quantification of the mutans streptococci, and in the morphological and biochemical identification of S. mutans and S. sobrinus evidentiating that the substitution of sucrose for coarse granular cane sugar (SB-20M) did not altered the efficacy of the medium. When compared to MSB medium, the SB-20M showed results statistically superiors with relation to cfu quantification, and morphological and biochemical of S. mutans and S. sobrinus. Sucrose-Bacitracin modified broth (CaSaB-20M) allowed the evaluation of the viability of mutans streptococci in toothbrush bristles after different drying times. According to the in vitro study with Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175), we could observe viability of microorganisms in toothbrush bristles for 8 hours remaining. On the other hand, in the in vivo study the mutans streptococci remain viable for extended periods (44 hours).

Tendo em vista o importante papel desempenhado pelos Streptococcus mutans e pelos Streptococcus sobrinus na etiologia da cárie dental, assim como a relevância do meio de cultura empregado para a detecção desses microrganismos, os objetivos do presente estudo foram: Capítulo 1- Avaliar a eficácia do meio de cultura SB-20 modificado (SB-20M) na diferenciação morfológica de colônias de S. mutans e de S. sobrinus, comparativamente à análise bioquímica das colônias isoladas, na saliva de crianças; Capítulo 2- Comparar os meios de cultura SB-20, SB-20M e MSB na quantificação (contagem) de unidades formadoras de colônias (ufc) e na diferenciação morfológica e bioquímica de S. mutans e S. sobrinus, na saliva de crianças; e Capítulo 3- Empregar o meio de cultura SB-20M sem ágar, denominado Caldo Sacarose-Bacitracina modificado (CaSaB- 20M), para avaliar a viabilidade de cepas padrão de S. mutans (ATCC25175) in vitro e a viabilidade de estreptococos do grupo mutans in vivo, nas cerdas de escovas dentais, após diferentes períodos de secagem. No Capítulo 1, a eficácia do meio SB-20M foi avaliada tomando-se amostras de saliva não-estimulada de 145 crianças de 6 a 12 anos de idade, por meio da técnica da espátula de madeira. Após semeadura e incubação em microaerofilia, foi efetuada a contagem das ufc em microscópio estereoscópico e realizada a identificação morfológica e bioquímica (biotipagem) das colônias de S. mutans e de S. sobrinus. Os resultados obtidos após as identificações morfológicas e bioquímicas foram comparados empregando o teste x2. No Capítulo 2, a comparação dos meios de cultura SB-20, SB-20M e MSB foi efetuada em amostras de saliva não-estimulada, colhidas de 20 crianças na faixa etária de 4 a 12 anos, em tubos de ensaio. Amostras de saliva pura e diluídas até 10-4 foram semeadas em placas contendo os referidos meios, por meio de um micrométodo, e incubadas em microaerofilia. A seguir, foi efetuada a contagem das ufc e a identificação morfológica e bioquímica das colônias de S. mutans e de S. sobrinus. Os resultados obtidos foram submetidos à análise estatística, utilizando o teste de Wilcoxon e o teste exato de Fisher. No estudo in vitro do Capítulo 3, um total de 45 escovas dentais infantis, divididas em 9 grupos (n=5 por grupo), foram ontaminadas com uma suspensão contendo Streptococcus mutans (cepa ATCC 25175), na concentração de 1.720.000 unidades formadoras de colônias por mL (escala 0,5 de McFarland), durante 4 minutos. Logo após a lavagem, as escovas do Grupo 1 (controle) foram submetidas ao processamento microbiológico. As escovas dos Grupos 2 a 9 foram mantidas à temperatura ambiente por 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 e 72 horas, respectivamente, previamente ao processamento microbiológico, em meio de cultura CaSaB-20M. A seguir, foi efetuada a contagem de ufc de S. mutans nas cerdas. Os resultados obtidos foram analisados por meio do teste de Kruskal-Wallis. No estudo in vivo do Capítulo 3 participaram 20 crianças de 4 a 8 anos com alto risco à cárie dental. Cada criança recebeu 13 escovações, com intervalo de 3 dias entre cada escovação, empregando sempre uma escova dental nova, sem dentifrício. As 260 escovas obtidas foram divididas em 13 grupos (n=20 por grupo). Logo após a lavagem, as escovas do Grupo 1 (controle) foram submetidas ao processamento microbiológico. As escovas dos Grupos 2 a 13 foram mantidas à temperatura ambiente por 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44 e 48 horas, respectivamente, previamente ao processamento microbiológico, ou seja, semeadura e incubação em meio CasB-20M. Após a incubação foi efetuada a contagem de ufc de S. mutans e a quantificação dos polissacarídeos extracelulares presentes nas cerdas. Os dados obtidos foram avaliados por meio do teste de Wilcoxon. O nível de significância em todas as análises estatísticas foi de 5%. Com base nos resultados obtidos, pôde-se concluir que o método de identificação morfológica, empregando o meio de cultura SB-20M, foi confiável para a identificação de S. mutans e S. sobrinus. Os meios SB-20 e SB-20M foram semelhantes na quantificação de estreptococos do grupo mutans e na identificação morfológica e bioquímica de S. mutans e de S. sobrinus, evidenciando que a ubstituição da sacarose pelo açúcar cristal não alterou a eficácia do meio. Quando comparado ao meio MSB, o SB-20M apresentou resultados estatisticamente superiores, com relação à uantificação de ufc e com relação à identificação morfológica e bioquímica de S. mutans e de S. sobrinus. O Caldo Sacarose-Bacitracina modificado (CaSaB-20M) permitiu avaliar a viabilidade de estreptococos do grupo mutans nas cerdas de escovas dentais, após diferentes períodos de secagem. De acordo com o estudo in vitro com cepa padrão de Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175), observou-se viabilidade de microrganismos nas escovas dentais por até 8 horas. Por outro lado, no estudo in vivo, os estreptococos do grupo mutans permaneceram viáveis por períodos superiores (44 horas) / The important role veloped by Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus in dental caries ethyology as well as the relevance of the culture medium used for the detection of these microorganisms, the aims of the present study were divided into three parts as follows: Chapter 1 To evaluate the modified SB-20 culture medium efficacy (SB-20M) in the morphologic differentiation of the S. utans and S. sobrinus colonies comparatively to the biochemical analysis of the isolated colonies in childrens saliva samples; Chapter 2 To compare the culture media SB- 20, SB-20M, and MSB in the quantification (counting) of the colony forming units (cfu), and in the morphological and iochemical differentiation of S. mutans and S. sobrinus in childrens saliva; and Chapter 3 To employ the SB-20M culture medium without agar, called Sucrose Bacitracin Broth Modified (CaSaB-20M), in order to evaluate the viability of the in vitro S. mutans pattern strains (ATCC 25175), and the viability of the in vivo mutans streptococci in toothbrush bristles after different dry periods. In Chapter 1, the efficacy of the SB-20M was evaluated by wood spatula technique using non-stimulated saliva samples of 145 children of 6 to 12 years old. After seeding and incubation in microaerophilic conditions, the cfu counting in stereoscopic microscope, and the morphological and biochemical identification (biotyping) of S. mutans and S. sobrinus colonies were made. The results obtained after morphological and biochemical identifications were compared by the X2 test. In Chapter 2, the comparison of the SB-20, SB-20M, and MSB culture medium was made using assay tubes with non-stimulated saliva samples of 20 children with age between 4 and 12 years old. Samples of pure and diluted saliva (until 10-4) were seeded by a micromethod in Petri dishes with the culture media, and incubated under microaerophilic conditions, followed by the cfu counting, and morphological and biochemical identification of S. mutans and S. sobrinus colonies. The results obtained were submitted to the statistical analysis using Wilcoxon test and the exact Fisher test. In the in vitro study of the Chapter 3, a total of 45 childrens toothbrush divided in 9 groups (n=5 per group) were infected with a Streptococcus mutans (strain ATCC25175) suspension, under the concentration of 1.720.000 colony forming unities by mL (McFarland 0.5 scale) during 4 minutes. Briefly, after washing the Group 1 toothbrushes (control) were submitted to the microbiological processing. Group 2 to 9 toothbrushes were maintained in room temperature for 4, 8, 12, 14, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 hours respectively, previously to microbiological processing in CaSaB-20M culture medium. After that, the S. mutans cfu counting in the bristles were made. The results obtained were analysed by KruskalWallis test. In the in vivo study of the Chapter 3, 20 high caries risk children of 4 to 8 years old children have been participated. Each child received 13 times brushing, with intervals of 3 days between each brushing using always a new toothbrush with no toothpaste. The 260 obtained toothbrushes were divided into 13 groups (n=20 per group). After whashing the Group 1 toothbrushes (control) were submitted to microbiological processing. The other ones (groups 2 to 13) were maintained in room temperature for 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, and 48 hours respectively, previously the microbiological processing (CaSaB-20M). After incubation the S. mutans cfu counting and the quantification of extracellular polysaccharides present in the bristles were made. The data obtained were evaluated by Wilcoxon test. The level of significance in all statistical analysis was 5%. Based on the results obtained we could conclude that de morphological method for identification using SB-20M culture medium was trustable for the identification of S. mutans and S. sobrinus. The SB-20 and SB-20M showed the same effect in the quantification of the mutans streptococci, and in the morphological and biochemical identification of S. mutans and S. sobrinus evidentiating that the substitution of sucrose for coarse granular cane sugar (SB-20M) did not altered the efficacy of the medium. When compared to MSB medium, the SB-20M showed results statistically superiors with relation to cfu quantification, and morphological and biochemical of S. mutans and S. sobrinus. Sucrose-Bacitracin modified broth (CaSaB-20M) allowed the evaluation of the viability of mutans streptococci in toothbrush bristles after different drying times. According to the in vitro study with Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175), we could observe viability of microorganisms in toothbrush bristles for 8 hours remaining. On the other hand, in the in vivo study the mutans streptococci remain viable for extended periods (44 hours).

Given the heightened security situation in Sweden following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, we've focused on analyzing how Swedish preparedness is visually communicated on social media. Specifically, we've examined the visual communication on Instagram by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, also known as MSB, aiming to offer insights to enhance visual preparedness communication to Swedish society. Through a qualitative content analysis of images posted on MSB's Instagram over a two-year period, our study has provided valuable insights for improving MSB's visual communication. Our findings reveal that while MSB portrays gender equality in professional roles, the visual representation of civilian women and men at home is unequal, with women being overrepresented. There's also an unequal representation between urban and rural areas, with rural areas being notably underrepresented. Furthermore, our study suggests that MSB lacks a distinct visual identity that fosters recognition for the agency, which contradicts a principle of good e-governance, the aim to be visible and heard on social media. In conclusion, MSB demonstrates good e-governance through its Instagram account, adhering to guidelines for effective e-governance by providing information, maintaining transparency, and encouraging dialogue between the public sector and the public. The agency presents preparedness with a positive outlook, emphasizing our collective ability to tackle crises together. / Med bakgrund i det förhöjda säkerhetsläget i Sverige, som följd av den fullskaliga invasionen av Ukraina 2022, har vi haft som intresse att analysera hur svensk beredskap förmedlas visuellt på sociala medier. Utifrån denna ansats har vi valt att granska den visuella kommunikationen på Instagram som är publicerad av Myndigheten för Samhällsskydd och Beredskap, även kallad MSB. Syftet har varit att bidra med kunskap som kan förbättra den visuella beredskapskommunikationen till det svenska samhället. Med en kvalitativ innehållsanalys av de bilder som lagts upp på myndighetens Instagram-kanal över en tvåårsperiod, har studien resulterat i användbara insikter för att förbättra MSB:s visuella kommunikation. Resultatet visar att MSB förmedlar jämställdhet mellan kvinnor och män i yrkesroller, men den visuella representationen av civila kvinnor och män i hemmet är inte jämställd, då kvinnor är överrepresenterade. En ojämnställd visuell representation syns även i framställningen av städer och landsbygd, där landsbygden är markant underrepresenterad. Studien talar även för att MSB saknar en tydlig bildidentitet som skapar igenkänning för myndigheten. Detta går emot en av principerna för bra e-förvaltning, principen om att vilja synas och höras på sociala medier. Slutsatsen är att MSB har en bra e-förvaltning via sitt Instagram-konto eftersom de följer riktlinjer för bra e-governance. Detta genom att de delger information, är transparanta i sin kommunikation samt uppmuntrar till dialog mellan den offentliga sektorn och allmänheten. Myndigheten förmedlar beredskap med en positiv framtoning om att vi klarar av kriser tillsammans.

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Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) is the most common turfgrass used on golf course putting greens in the southeastern United States (Lyman et al., 2007). In 2013, the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) started a 5-year trial of warm-season putting green cultivars. One of the bermudagrass cultivars in the study is MSB-285 (experimental cultivar). MSB-285 is a sister plant of MSB-264 (Philley and Munshaw, 2011) and is a distinct cultivar of C. dactylon × C. transvaalensis. MSB-285 has a more extensive root system and upright growth habit than traditional bermudagrass putting green cultivars (Philley and Munshaw, 2011). Due to MSB-285’s unique genetic makeup and growth habit, the objectives of this research were to determine if best management practices used to maintain ultradwarf bermudagrasses would be suitable for MSB-285 and to determine the water-use characteristics of MSB-285 compared to industry standard cultivars.

Submitted by admin tede (tede@pucgoias.edu.br) on 2017-12-20T12:22:12Z No. of bitstreams: 1 PAULO HENRIQUE DOS SANTOS.pdf: 1185590 bytes, checksum: 8e13c3e54e0b96ad189ee0669ad108c9 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-12-20T12:22:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 PAULO HENRIQUE DOS SANTOS.pdf: 1185590 bytes, checksum: 8e13c3e54e0b96ad189ee0669ad108c9 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-11-13 / The Enterprise Cooperation Networks (ECN) were created to increase competitiveness and protect Medium and Small Businesses (MSB) of large competitors. Many ECNs find it difficult to remain active in the market. The life cycle model contributes to overcome these problems, taking into account the characteristics of MSBs and broadens the understanding of their changes over time. In this scenario, the present research aims to identify, in this life cycle model, the stage that some selected networks in the State of Goiás find, replicating the study of the same theme carried out in the networks of the South of Brazil. This research aims to broaden the understanding of four different points of view, involving ECNs, namely: theoretical, managerial, regional development and public management point of view. It is a study of multiple cases, of descriptive character, also involving, bibliographical survey. This model was applied in two ECNs located in the State of Goiás, identifying its level of development. Subsequently, the results obtained in the State of Goiás were compared with those obtained in the research conducted in the South of the country. Semi-structured and structured interviews were conducted with qualitative and quantitative data approaches, developed by content analysis techniques. As a result, Rede 2000 was part of the Decline phase and the Real Estate Network in the transition from the Development to Maturity / Consolidation phase. Comparing the results with those of the South, the importance of external influence on the ECNs was verified in both studies. It was noted that in the southern survey there were thirteen ECNs available and only two in Goiás. In the South, ECNs receive public support from programs specifically geared to them, and in Goiás this does not happen, with programs focused only on cooperatives and Local Productive Arrangements (LPA). Nowadays, in Goiás, members access social networks intensively through computers and smartphones, and this has provided an informal exchange of information among them, strengthening the link between them, helping to develop and maintain network consolidation. / As Redes de Cooperação Empresarial (RCEs) foram criadas para aumentar a competitividade e proteger as Médias e Pequenas Empresas (MPEs) dos concorrentes de grande porte. Muitas RCEs encontram dificuldades para se manterem ativas no mercado. O modelo de ciclo de vida contribui para superar estes problemas, tendo em conta as características das MPEs e amplia a compreensão de suas mudanças ao longo do tempo. Neste cenário, a presente pesquisa tem como objetivo identificar, neste modelo de ciclo de vida, o estágio que se encontram algumas redes selecionadas no Estado de Goiás, replicando o estudo do mesmo tema realizado nas redes do Sul do Brasil. Esta pesquisa visa ampliar o entendimento sobre quatro pontos de vista diferentes, envolvendo RCEs, a saber: ponto de vista teórico, gerencial, desenvolvimento regional e gestão pública. É um estudo de múltiplos casos, de caráter descritivo, envolvendo também, levantamento bibliográfico. Este modelo foi aplicado, em duas RCEs localizadas no Estado de Goiás, identificando seu nível de desenvolvimento. Posteriormente, foram analisados, comparativamente, os resultados obtidos no Estado de Goiás com os obtidos na pesquisa realizada no Sul do País. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas e estruturadas, com abordagens qualitativa e quantitativa dos dados, desenvolvida por técnicas de análise de conteúdo. Como resultados, a Rede 2000 se enquadrou na fase de Declínio e a Rede de Imobiliárias na transição da fase de Desenvolvimento para Maturidade/Consolidação. Comparando os resultados com os do Sul, verificou-se, nos dois estudos, a importância da influência externa nas RCEs. Notou-se que na pesquisa do Sul havia a disponibilidade de treze RCEs e em Goiás apenas duas. No Sul as RCEs recebem apoio público de programas voltados especificamente para elas e em Goiás isto não acontece, existindo programas voltados apenas para cooperativas e Arranjos Produtivos Locais (APLs). Atualmente, em Goiás, os associados acessam intensivamente redes sociais, por meio de computadores e smartphones, e isso tem proporcionado troca de informações informais com maior frequência entre os mesmos, fortalecendo o vínculo entre eles, auxiliando no desenvolvimento e manutenção da consolidação da rede.

Meta-governance recently emerged in the field of governance as a new approach which claims that its use enables modern states to overcome problems associated with network governance. This thesis shares the view that networks are an important feature of contemporary politics which must be taken seriously, but it also maintains that networks pose substantial analytical and political challenges. It proceeds to investigate the potential possibilities and problems associated with meta-governance on both theoretical and empirical levels. The theoretical discussion examines meta-governance in relation to governmentality, and it puts forward the claim that meta-governance may be understood as a specific type of neo-liberal governmentality. The meta-governance perspective regards networks as a complementary structure to traditional administration that can be utilized in the implementation and realization of public policy, but which also preserves the self-regulating and flexible character of networks. This generates a contradiction between the goals of public management and the character of networks that requires further investigation. The combination of the specific dynamics of the political field of security, the diminishing role of sovereign powers, the emergence of security networks, and the meta-governance stance adopted by the Swedish state constitutes a situation that should have been favorable for the successful employment of meta-governance. The empirical investigation of meta-governance is divided into two parts. The first part reviews the historical process involved and shows how the Swedish government and public authorities have adopted a meta-governance stance. The second analyzes the specific instruments and strategies that have been deployed in the governance of security communications and in the management of Sweden’s new security communications system which is an important aspect of security networks. The historical study together with the analysis of the meta-governance tools deployed reveals that the meta-governors neither reached the goals specified, nor fulfilled the overall purpose of successful security communications. I argue on the basis of the theoretical and empirical findings obtained in the present study that it is very difficult to successfully employ meta-governance in respect to security and crisis management, and that we have sound reasons to suspect that meta-governance will run into similar difficulties in other political fields as well. I conclude that meta-governance is a far more difficult practice than has been anticipated by existing theories and policy recommendations. Turning to meta-governance as a way to govern and control organizations may in fact lead to further fragmentation and distortion of public politics.

Omfattande, och frekventa, köp av konsulttjänster är idag vanligt förekommande hos statliga myndigheter i Sverige. Trots att inköpen, och på det sätt konsulter används, är av stor strategisk betydelse för organisationer, inklusive myndigheter, har kunden fått begränsad uppmärksamhet inom konsultforskningen. Därför är det angeläget med fler empiriska studier som belyser kundens roll som konsultanvändare, och hur denna konstruerar konsultanvändning inom ramen för de kontextuella förutsättningarna. Utifrån denna bakgrund har en kvalitativ studie genomförts för att öka insikten om myndigheters bakomliggande motiv till konsultanvändningen samt hur myndigheter kan anta en aktiv roll för att strategiskt hantera konsulter. Den kvalitativa studien består av totalt sju djupintervjuer med explorativ karaktär, som har genomförts på fyra olika myndigheter med representanter på chefsnivå. Den empiriska studien har identifierat ett flertal motiv bakom inhyrningen, som kan tolkas utifrån konstruktionen av konsulten som expert, resurs eller produkt. Vid konstruktionen av konsulten som expert råder ett asymmetriskt kunskapsförhållande i favör till konsulten. De motiv som har identifierats inom expertdimensionen är tillgång till spetskompetens som är olönsam att utveckla internt, tillgång till experter som är svåra att rekrytera, tillgång till konsultens branschkunskap, nya infallsvinklar på verksamheten, och användning av konsultens opartiskhet. I andra fall råder det ett symmetriskt kunskapsförhållande varvid konsulten konstrueras som resurs. Motiven för sådan inhyrning har identifierats som numerisk flexibilitet och snabb förstärkning av resurser. Slutligen motiveras köpen ibland utifrån de modeller eller koncept som konsulten säljer vilket belyser produktdimensionen av konsulttjänsterna. De representerade myndigheterna har olika uppfattningar om huruvida konsulter bör, eller kan, användas inom kärnverksamheten. Studien indikerar att detta beror på organisatoriska olikheter, och möjligheten att konstruera en kompetensmix, av konsulter och fastanställda, som arbetar tillsammans i olika projekt. För att hantera konsultanvändningen strategiskt belyser examensarbetet tre strategiska processer; legitimering, selektering och styrning. Utifrån dessa processer föreslås bland annat att formella riktlinjer och policys tas fram, att åtgärder vidtas för att säkerställa kunskapsöverföringar, att resurser tillsätts för att utföra kontinuerliga marknadsanalyser, samt att ramavtal används då det är möjligt. Det har dock framkommit att de upphandlingsregler och finansieringssystem som präglar myndigheterna innebär att den strategiska anpassningsbarheten begränsas, vilket kan påverka resultatet av konsultanvändningen negativt. En paradox är att byråkratin tvingar myndigheterna att agera strategiskt vid inköpen då inhyrningen måste ske enligt en byråkratisk och rationell process. / Public spending on consultancy services in Sweden is today substantial and frequent. Even though such procurements are of great strategic importance for client organizations, including government agencies, there is limited research concerning strategies for clients. Therefore empirical studies are needed to shed light on the client perspective, and how the client designs its use of consultants. Against this background a qualitative research method has been conducted to gain insight of the underlying motives for using consultants, and how clients can create value by attaining a strategic exposure with consulting. In total 7 in-depth interviews, with an explorative design, were conducted across four government agencies with directors. The empirical study has identified a number of motives, which can be interpreted from the construction of the consultant as an expert, resource or product. The construction of the consultant as an expert refers to an asymmetric relation of knowledge in favour of the consultant. The motives that have been identified within the expert dimension are: access to expertise not profitable developing internally, access to experts that are difficult to recruit, access to industry specific knowledge, new insights and use of the consultant's impartiality. In other circumstances there is a symmetric relationship whereby the consultant is instead viewed as a resource. The motives for such usage have been identified as numerical flexibility and rapid reinforcement. Finally the purchases are sometimes motivated based on the models and concepts that the consultants sell which underline the product dimension of the consultancy services. The participating authorities have different views on whether consultants should, or can, be used in the core business. The study indicates that this is due to organizational differences, as well as the possibility of constructing a mix of consultants and permanent employees, working together in various projects. In order to deal with consultants strategically the thesis emphasize three strategic processes; legitimation, selection and control. Based on these processes it is proposed, among other things, that formal guidelines and policies are developed, that measures are taken to ensure knowledge transfer, that resources are allocated to carry out continuous market analyzes, and that framework contracts are used when possible. However, it has emerged that the procurement rules and funding structure that characterize the public sector entails a limited strategic adaptability, which may have a negative impact regarding the outcome of the use of consultants. Paradoxically the high level of bureaucracy forces the agencies to act somewhat strategically when dealing with consultants considering the rational, rule-governed, procurement process.