A enzima acetilcolinesterase (AChE) tem sido amplamente aplicada no desenvolvimento de biossensores para detecção de pesticidas. No entanto, a aplicação de tais dispositivos é limitada devido à falta de robustez, que está associada com a baixa estabilidade enzimática, além de seu alto custo. Uma alternativa às enzimas é a utilização de moléculas sintéticas que mimetizem o comportamento enzimático, com menor custo e maior estabilidade; tais moléculas são denominadas moléculas biomiméticas. Neste trabalho são apresentados três potenciais catalisadores: o ácido [4-(1E)etanohidrazonoil]benzóico, o iodeto de pralidoxima (2-PAM) e o polímero polihidroxamicalcanoato (PHA); com grupos funcionais alfa nucleófilos hidrazona, oxima e ácido hidroxâmico, respectivamente. Tais moléculas foram avaliadas baseando-se em dois critérios para classificação de biomiméticos da AChE: 1) catálise da hidrólise do substrato acetiltiocolina (ATCh) e 2) interação com pesticida organofosforado. O método espectrofotométrico de Ellman revelou que o polímero PHA foi a molécula mais eficiente, uma vez que a constante de velocidade de segunda ordem obtida foi de 13867 mol-1 L s-1, 5 vezes superior a da 2-PAM e 232 vezes a da hidrazona. Posteriormente, todas as moléculas foram avaliadas por método espectrofotométrico em relação à interação com o organofosforado paraoxon. Apenas o PHA apresentou interação nas condições estudadas. Cálculos teóricos mostraram como ocorre a aproximação entre o PHA e ATCh, e com o paraoxon. Diante dos resultados obtidos, o PHA foi a molécula biomimética escolhida para aplicação no sensor eletroquímico para detecção de organofosforados. Primeiramente, o PHA foi imobilizado na superfície de um eletrodo impresso descartável a partir da formação de uma blenda com o polímero polietileno glicol metil éter, evitando sua solubilização. A oxidação da tiocolina formada a partir da catálise do ATCh realizada pelo PHA imobilizado foi verificada em 0,46 V vs Ag/AgCl, por voltametria de pulso diferencial. A equação obtida a partir da curva de calibração referente ao intervalo de concentração de paraoxon de 1,0 a 10,0 µmol L-1 foi I(%) = [4,8x106 C (mol L-1) + 0,8169]×100 (R2 = 0,99969), com limite de detecção de 3,63x10-7 mol L-1. Amostras de água de abastecimento foram analisadas, com concentrações adicionadas de paraoxon de 3,0; 6,0 e 8,0 µmol L-1, com recuperação de 115%; 106% e 94,5%, respectivamente. Os resultados apresentados mostraram que foi possível desenvolver um sensor eletroquímico biomimético para detecção de pesticida paraoxon. / Acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) has been widely applied in biosensor development for pesticide detection. However, the application of those biosensors is limited due to their lack of robustness associated with low enzymatic stability and AChE high cost. An alternative to enzymes, it is the use of synthetic molecules which mimic enzymatic behavior, besides its low cost and superior stability, those are classified as biomimetic molecules. In this work is presented three potential catalysts: [4-(1E)ethanehydrazonoyl]benzoic acid, pralidoxime iodide (2-PAM), and polyhydroxamicalkalnoate polymer (PHA) with alpha nucleophile functional groups, such as hydrazone, oxime, and hydroxamic acid, respectively. The aforementioned molecules were evaluated based on two criteria for classification as AChE biomimetic: 1) catalysis of acetylthiocholine substrate (ATCh) hydrolysis and 2) interaction with organophosphorus pesticide. Spectrophotometrical Ellman´s method revealed that PHA polymer was the most efficient one, since its second order rate constant was 13867 mol-1 L s-1, which was 5 times superior than 2-PAM one and 232 times higher than hydrazone. Then, each molecule was analyzed through spectrophotometric method to verify the interaction with paraoxon organophosphorus pesticide. Only the PHA exhibited such interaction in the studied conditions. Theoretical calculations showed how the approach between PHA and ATCh, and also with paraoxon occurred. Regarding the obtained results, PHA was the chosen biomimetic molecule to be applied in the electrochemical sensor for organophosphorus detection. First of all, PHA was immobilized on the surface of disposable screen printed electrode through blend formation with polyethylene glycol methyl ether (mpEG), avoiding PHA dissolution. The oxidation of thiocholine generated towards ATCh catalysis performed by immobilized PHA was verified at 0.46 V vs Ag/AgCl by differential pulse voltammetry. The linear equation obtained through calibration curve for paraoxon concentration range of 1.0 to 10.0 µmol L-1 was I(%) = [4.8x106 C (mol L-1) + 0.8169]×100 (R2 = 0.99969), with limit of detection of 3.63x10-7 mol L-1. Water supply samples were analyzed considering the added paraoxon concentrations of 3.0; 6.0 e 8.0 µmol L-1, recovering 115%; 106% and 94.5%, respectively. The presented results showed that a biomimetic electrochemical sensor was successfully developed for detection of paraoxon organophosphorus pesticide.

Identificação de Dispositivos por Radiofrequência, do inglês, Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID), é uma tecnologia para identificação, rastreamento e gerenciamento de produtos, animais e até mesmo pessoas sem a necessidade de um campo visual. Com o objetivo de alcançar custos menores e a utilização de processos de fabricação menos agressivo ao meio ambiente, tornou-se importante o desenvolvimento de novos tipos de etiquetas (tags). Em vista disso, a fabricação de antenas impressas compactas usando tinta condutiva, representa uma boa opção. O objetivo dessa pesquisa é o projeto e fabricação de antenas impressas sobre substratos flexíveis utilizando tinta condutiva composta de nanopartículas de prata. O desenvolvimento deste tipo de etiquetas é justificado principalmente pelos seguintes motivos. Primeiro, o processo reduz o uso de agentes químicos comumente empregados na fabricação convencional, levando a uma significativa redução no impacto ambiental. Segundo, a fabricação utilizando substratos como, por exemplo, papel ou polímero, reduz substancialmente o custo final da etiqueta. Estudos teóricos e práticos, juntamente com simulações eletromagnéticas foram realizados. Dois processos de prototipagem da etiqueta foram executados: um utilizando uma impressora jato de tinta que funciona propelindo gotas de tinta sobre o substrato e o outro utilizando serigrafia ou silkscreen printing que é muito prático para imprimir formas geométricas através de uma tela de fios trançados. Esses métodos de impressão permitiram a produção rápida da antena sem a necessidade de máscaras de fotolitografia, como é amplamente utilizado na indústria eletrônica. Quatro protótipos foram produzidos e medidas foram realizadas para verificar a viabilidade da utilização dessas etiquetas impressas em relação à sua operação, a confiabilidade das informações armazenadas e a troca de dados com o leitor RFID via interface aérea. Os resultados práticos foram comparados com os obtidos de etiquetas comerciais, onde foi possível verificar que a antena fabricada com tinta condutiva é capaz de capturar e radiar ondas eletromagnéticas de forma eficiente, resultando em uma troca de dados confiáveis através da interface aérea. / Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID), it is a technology using electromagnetic waves for identifying, tracking and management of products, animals and even people without requiring a visual field. Aiming at achieving low costs and using less aggressive manufacturing processes to the environment, it has become important to develop new types of RFID tags. In view of that, manufacturing compact printed antennas using conductive ink represents a good option. The goal of this research is the design of printed antennas on flexible substrates using silver nanoparticles ink. The developing of this type of tags is justified mainly by the following reasons. First, the process reduces the use of chemical agents commonly employed in conventional manufacturing leading to a significant reduction of the environmental impact. Second, the fabrication using substrates such as paper and polymer foils, substantially reduces the final cost of the tags. Theoretical and practical studies along with electromagnetic simulations were conducted. Two process of RFID prototyping were performed: one using an inkjet printer that operates by propelling particles of conductive ink onto the substrate and another using silkscreen printing that is a very practical method to print geometric forms through a twisted wires screen. These technologies allowed fast production of the antenna without requiring photolithographic masks, as it is widely used in the electronics industry. Four prototypes were produced and measurements were taken to verify the feasibility of using RFID tags printed with conductive ink regarding to its operation, reliability of the stored information and the exchange of data with the RFID reader via air interface. Practical results were compared with those obtained of the commercial tags. It was possible to verify that the antenna manufactured with conductive ink was able to capture and radiate efficiently electromagnetic waves, resulting in reliable exchange of data with the reader through the air interface

A enzima acetilcolinesterase (AChE) tem sido amplamente aplicada no desenvolvimento de biossensores para detecção de pesticidas. No entanto, a aplicação de tais dispositivos é limitada devido à falta de robustez, que está associada com a baixa estabilidade enzimática, além de seu alto custo. Uma alternativa às enzimas é a utilização de moléculas sintéticas que mimetizem o comportamento enzimático, com menor custo e maior estabilidade; tais moléculas são denominadas moléculas biomiméticas. Neste trabalho são apresentados três potenciais catalisadores: o ácido [4-(1E)etanohidrazonoil]benzóico, o iodeto de pralidoxima (2-PAM) e o polímero polihidroxamicalcanoato (PHA); com grupos funcionais alfa nucleófilos hidrazona, oxima e ácido hidroxâmico, respectivamente. Tais moléculas foram avaliadas baseando-se em dois critérios para classificação de biomiméticos da AChE: 1) catálise da hidrólise do substrato acetiltiocolina (ATCh) e 2) interação com pesticida organofosforado. O método espectrofotométrico de Ellman revelou que o polímero PHA foi a molécula mais eficiente, uma vez que a constante de velocidade de segunda ordem obtida foi de 13867 mol-1 L s-1, 5 vezes superior a da 2-PAM e 232 vezes a da hidrazona. Posteriormente, todas as moléculas foram avaliadas por método espectrofotométrico em relação à interação com o organofosforado paraoxon. Apenas o PHA apresentou interação nas condições estudadas. Cálculos teóricos mostraram como ocorre a aproximação entre o PHA e ATCh, e com o paraoxon. Diante dos resultados obtidos, o PHA foi a molécula biomimética escolhida para aplicação no sensor eletroquímico para detecção de organofosforados. Primeiramente, o PHA foi imobilizado na superfície de um eletrodo impresso descartável a partir da formação de uma blenda com o polímero polietileno glicol metil éter, evitando sua solubilização. A oxidação da tiocolina formada a partir da catálise do ATCh realizada pelo PHA imobilizado foi verificada em 0,46 V vs Ag/AgCl, por voltametria de pulso diferencial. A equação obtida a partir da curva de calibração referente ao intervalo de concentração de paraoxon de 1,0 a 10,0 µmol L-1 foi I(%) = [4,8x106 C (mol L-1) + 0,8169]×100 (R2 = 0,99969), com limite de detecção de 3,63x10-7 mol L-1. Amostras de água de abastecimento foram analisadas, com concentrações adicionadas de paraoxon de 3,0; 6,0 e 8,0 µmol L-1, com recuperação de 115%; 106% e 94,5%, respectivamente. Os resultados apresentados mostraram que foi possível desenvolver um sensor eletroquímico biomimético para detecção de pesticida paraoxon. / Acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) has been widely applied in biosensor development for pesticide detection. However, the application of those biosensors is limited due to their lack of robustness associated with low enzymatic stability and AChE high cost. An alternative to enzymes, it is the use of synthetic molecules which mimic enzymatic behavior, besides its low cost and superior stability, those are classified as biomimetic molecules. In this work is presented three potential catalysts: [4-(1E)ethanehydrazonoyl]benzoic acid, pralidoxime iodide (2-PAM), and polyhydroxamicalkalnoate polymer (PHA) with alpha nucleophile functional groups, such as hydrazone, oxime, and hydroxamic acid, respectively. The aforementioned molecules were evaluated based on two criteria for classification as AChE biomimetic: 1) catalysis of acetylthiocholine substrate (ATCh) hydrolysis and 2) interaction with organophosphorus pesticide. Spectrophotometrical Ellman´s method revealed that PHA polymer was the most efficient one, since its second order rate constant was 13867 mol-1 L s-1, which was 5 times superior than 2-PAM one and 232 times higher than hydrazone. Then, each molecule was analyzed through spectrophotometric method to verify the interaction with paraoxon organophosphorus pesticide. Only the PHA exhibited such interaction in the studied conditions. Theoretical calculations showed how the approach between PHA and ATCh, and also with paraoxon occurred. Regarding the obtained results, PHA was the chosen biomimetic molecule to be applied in the electrochemical sensor for organophosphorus detection. First of all, PHA was immobilized on the surface of disposable screen printed electrode through blend formation with polyethylene glycol methyl ether (mpEG), avoiding PHA dissolution. The oxidation of thiocholine generated towards ATCh catalysis performed by immobilized PHA was verified at 0.46 V vs Ag/AgCl by differential pulse voltammetry. The linear equation obtained through calibration curve for paraoxon concentration range of 1.0 to 10.0 µmol L-1 was I(%) = [4.8x106 C (mol L-1) + 0.8169]×100 (R2 = 0.99969), with limit of detection of 3.63x10-7 mol L-1. Water supply samples were analyzed considering the added paraoxon concentrations of 3.0; 6.0 e 8.0 µmol L-1, recovering 115%; 106% and 94.5%, respectively. The presented results showed that a biomimetic electrochemical sensor was successfully developed for detection of paraoxon organophosphorus pesticide.

Fabrication techniques and process integration considerations for amorphous oxide semiconductor (AOS) thin-film transistors (TFTs) constitute the central theme of this dissertation. Within this theme three primary areas of focus are pursued. The first focus involves formulating a general framework for assessing passivation. Avoiding formation of an undesirable backside accumulation layer in an AOS bottom-gate TFT is accomplished by (i) choosing a passivation layer in which the charge neutrality level is aligned with (ideal case) or higher in energy than that of the semiconductor channel layer charge neutrality level, and (ii) depositing the passivation layer in such a manner that a negligible density of oxygen vacancies are present at the channel-passivation layer interface. Two AOS TFT passivation schemes are explored. Sputter-deposited zinc tin silicon oxide (ZTSO) appears promising for suppressing the effects of negative bias illumination stress (NBIS) with respect to ZTO and IGZO TFTs. Solution-deposited silicon dioxide is used as a barrier layer to subsequent PECVD silicon dioxide deposition, yielding ZTO TFT transfer curves showing that the dual-layer passivation process does not significantly alter ZTO TFT electrical characteristics. The second focus involves creating an adaptable back-end process compatible with flexible substrates. A detailed list of possible via formation techniques is presented with particular focus on non-traditional and adaptable techniques. Two of the discussed methods, "hydrophobic surface treatment" and "printed local insulator," are demonstrated and proven effective. The third focus is printing AOS TFT channel layers in order to create an adaptable and additive front-end integrated circuit fabrication scheme. Printed zinc indium aluminum oxide (ZIAO) and indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) channel layers are demonstrated using a SonoPlot piezoelectric printing system. Finally, challenges associated with printing electronic materials are discussed. Organic-based solutions are easier to print due to their ability to "stick" to the substrate and form well-defined patterns, but have poor electrical characteristics due to the weakness of organic bonds. Inorganic aqueous-based solutions demonstrate good electrical performance when deposited by spin coating, but are difficult to print because precise control of a substrate's hydrophillic/hydrophobic nature is required. However, precise control is difficult to achieve, since aqueous-based solutions either spread out or ball up on the substrate surface. Thickness control of any printed solution is always problematic due to surface wetting and the elliptical thickness profile of a dispensed solution. / Graduation date: 2013

Outer space is a very harsh environment that can cause electronics to not operate as they were originally intended. Aside from the extreme amount of radiation found in space, temperatures can also change very dramatically in a relatively small time frame. In order to test electronics that will be used in this environment, they first need to be tested on Earth under replicated conditions. Vanderbilt University designed a dewar that allows devices to be tested at these extreme temperatures while being radiated. For this thesis, a test setup that met all of the dewar's constraints was designed that would allow a 12-bit, 16-channel analog-to-digital converter to be tested while inside.

Hypotheses on the efficiency of evidence-based printed materials can be directed by health communication concepts. These concepts can provide a general framework that goes beyond the traditional vulgarization point of view: instead, it points towards a strategy to obtain health outcomes and provoke behavior change, from a disease prevention, management and health promotion perspective. The present study proposes a comprehensive framework based on concepts from health risk communication, Tarde's theory of social values, usability, readability and plain language. Using the mapping approach, an evaluation grid was applied to printed evidence-based materials with proven effectiveness, in order to reveal the underlying strategy and isolate the characteristics of effective materials. The results allowed us to define two types of printed evidence-based materials, according to the robustness of the evidence they contain and the target audience. It was also possible to identify indicators of notions that are translated into operationalized items, frequent in those materials that might be responsible for their efficiency: clear purpose of the documents, limited scope, learning motivation and correspondence to the logic, experience and language of readers. Effectiveness of printed evidence-based materials could also be correlated to numeracy, objectiveness, standard definitions, constant timeframes and denominators, risks enumerated in order of importance, effective response, and high degree of threat, urgency, novelty and visibility of the disease. It was also possible to identify some missing communication concepts: cultural diversity, narrative, increased easiness of procedures and aesthetic advantage for the patient. In the process of work, the theory of social values emerged as a dynamic component that can bring together and explain many concepts, as well as physician’s acceptance of the guidelines. Value in terms of usefulness and truth plays a major role in cognitive appreciation of the documents. This concept gives a strategic meaning to the whole work and allows us to better understand attitude and behavior change.

Objectives: To describe the use of standardized protocols (SPs) in emergency departments (EDs) across Ontario for childhood asthma and analyze the association of SPs with hospital admissions, 7-day ED re-visits, and outpatient follow-up visits. Methods: Population-based retrospective cohort study using health administrative data and survey data. EDs were categorized as having the optimal, other, or no SP for each outcome. Associations were tested with generalized estimating equations. Results: Between 2006/04/14-2009/02/28, 46,510 children with asthma were seen in 146 EDs, with 43 (29.5%) having SPs. Children treated in EDs with the optimal SP compared to no SP had no significant differences in hospital admissions (AOR 1.17; 95% CI 0.91, 1.49) or ED re-visits (AOR 1.09; 95% CI 0.85, 1.40) but were more likely to have follow-up visits (AOR 1.27; 95% CI 1.02, 1.59). Conclusions: SPs for childhood asthma are not common in Ontario EDs and had little impact on outcomes measured.

Objectives: To describe the use of standardized protocols (SPs) in emergency departments (EDs) across Ontario for childhood asthma and analyze the association of SPs with hospital admissions, 7-day ED re-visits, and outpatient follow-up visits. Methods: Population-based retrospective cohort study using health administrative data and survey data. EDs were categorized as having the optimal, other, or no SP for each outcome. Associations were tested with generalized estimating equations. Results: Between 2006/04/14-2009/02/28, 46,510 children with asthma were seen in 146 EDs, with 43 (29.5%) having SPs. Children treated in EDs with the optimal SP compared to no SP had no significant differences in hospital admissions (AOR 1.17; 95% CI 0.91, 1.49) or ED re-visits (AOR 1.09; 95% CI 0.85, 1.40) but were more likely to have follow-up visits (AOR 1.27; 95% CI 1.02, 1.59). Conclusions: SPs for childhood asthma are not common in Ontario EDs and had little impact on outcomes measured.

The electronics industry is shifting its emphasis from reducing transistor size and operational frequency to increasing device integration, reducing form factor and increasing the interface of electronics with their surroundings. This new emphasis has created increased demands on the electronic package. To accomplish the goals to increase device integration and interfaces will undoubtedly require new materials with increased functionality both electrically and mechanically. This thesis focuses on developing new interconnect and printable conductive materials capable of providing power, ground and signal transmission with enhanced electrical performance and mechanical flexibility and robustness. More specifically, we develop: 1.) A new understanding of the conduction mechanism in electrically conductive composites (ECC). 2.) Develop highly conductive stretchable silicone ECC (S-ECC) via in-situ nanoparticle formation and sintering. 3.) Fabricate and test stretchable radio frequency devices based on S-ECC. 4.) Develop techniques and processes necessary to fabricate a stretchable package for stretchable electronic and radio frequency devices. In this thesis we provide convincing evidence that conduction in ECC occurs predominantly through secondary charge transport mechanism (tunneling, hopping). Furthermore, we develop a stretchable silicone-based ECC which, through the incorporation of a special additive, can form and sinter nanoparticles on the surface of the metallic conductive fillers. This sintering process decreases the contact resistance and enhances conductivity of the composite. The conductive composite developed has the best reported conductivity, stretchability and reliability. Using this S-ECC we fabricate a stretchable microstrip line with good performance up to 6 GHz and a stretchable antenna with good return loss and bandwidth. The work presented provides a foundation to create high performance stretchable electronic packages and radio frequency devices for curvilinear spaces. Future development of these technologies will enable the fabrication of ultra-low stress large area interconnects, reconfigurable antennas and other electronic and RF devices where the ability to flex and stretch provides additional functionality impossible using conventional rigid electronics.

I denna kandidatuppsats har vi studerat hur nyckelpersoner i internationella omorganiseringar använder sig av strategiska diskurser för att förmedla sina budskap i tryckt press. Syftet har varit att ta reda på hur nyckelpersoner strategiskt utnyttjar rationella eller nationella diskurser vid en internationell sammanslagning och framför allt hur dessa kan kopplas till specifika teman som i sin tur uppmärksammas i den mediala bevakningen. Företaget som valts för undersökningens fallstudie, är fusionen mellan Telia (Sverige) och Sonera (Finland) i slutet av 2002. Studien har genomförts, genom att undersöka tidningsartiklar från en dagstidning och en affärstidning från både Sverige och Finland, under en femårsperiod (2002-2006). Vi har sedan gått igenom dessa artiklar för att finna citat av sammanslagningens nyckelpersoner. Citaten har analyserats och kategoriserats med hjälp av kritisk diskursanalys för att avgöra hur olika personer har använt sig av rationella respektive nationella diskurser och inom vilka teman man kan se olika diskurser. Begreppet diskurs har i denna studie definierats och använts som ett sätt att åberopa och urskilja olika typer av innehållsliga perspektiv i utvalda ämnen. Kritisk diskursanalys var ett lämpligt verktyg för att kunna kartlägga och förstå användandet av olika typer av diskurser. Exempelvis möjliggörs en medveten analys av uttalanden, deras syften i sina ursprungliga sammanhang och hur de kan påverka olika typer av tilltänkta mottagare. Undersökningens resultat visade att de mest uppmärksammade teman vi fann var frågor gällande ägarskap, fördelning av ledningsposter i det nya företaget, samt nedläggningar. Resultaten visade vidare att nyckelpersonernas diskurser och uttryck varierade beroende på vad man hade för roll i företagets fusion. Rationella diskurser användes mest och av flest nyckelpersoner. De som var helt konsekventa i sin rationalitet, och även uttalade sig mest, var de nyckelpersoner som vi kategoriserade som de operativa nyckelpersonerna. Även styrelseledamöter och andra nyckelpersoner nära kärnan av fusionen och organisationen var oftast rationella. De tillfällen där det var tydligast att man använde sig av nationella diskurser var när nedläggningar och fördelningar av ledningsposter diskuterades.  I dessa fall var det fackliga representanter och avgångna nyckelpersoner som använde nationella diskurser mest. Resultaten och analysen visade en tydlig konsekvent hållning i uttalanden från nyckelpersonerna i styrelse och operationell ledning. Därmed är en av slutsatserna att företaget lyckades bra med att hålla en enhetlig rationell diskurs kring ämnen som relaterade till sammanslagningen. Detta tyder på att man hade en tydlig strategi kring hur dessa frågor skulle hanteras. / Aim: To identify the ways in which key actors, in corporate cross-border mergers, make use of strategic discourse in printed media texts. Moreover, we sought to link these discourses to specific themes and issues in order to determine possible patterns. Material and Method: We have made a quantitative (phase 1) and qualitative analysis (phases 2 & 3) of the media coverage of the merger between the companies Telia (Sweden) and Sonera (Finland) in 2002. The study was made through analyzing a number of articles in selected Swedish and Finnish printed media between January 2002 and December 2006. By studying certain themes and issues more closely the motive was to detect how key actors in the company use discursive strategizing methods to maneuver the presentation constructed in the media. The term discourse has in this study, essentially been defined as a framework in which key actors are able to draw on certain content specific perspectives and themes in order to deliver a certain point of view. Critical discourse analysis is therefore an important tool in order to identify the different messages within these discourses. In processing the results with critical discourse analysis, we have tried to explain how the key actors in the merger, have used these discourses to mobilize and highlight certain issues. Main Results: Based on the results of our research, the issues that were given the most attention in the media coverage were ownership, corporate governance in the merged company as well as shutdowns. Our main conclusion was that different actors used different discourse strategies to mobilize these three issues. Subsequently, the results show that rational discourses were most frequently used. Thus, actors with operational responsibilities, within the merged company, maintained a consistency in keeping to rational discourses. This was true regardless of background and theme. In contrast, national discourses were primarily maintained by union representatives and by former members of the board or other former leaders within the company. These national discourses could primarily be linked to discussions about corporate governance and shutdowns. Finally, this study proves that the key actors within the new merged company used rational discourses consistently. Our conclusion of this is that it is the result of successful strategizing on how these issues were mobilized within the company.