| 1. |
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| 2. |
- Berg, Björn, et al.
(author)
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Calcium in decomposing foliar litter – A synthesis for boreal and temperate coniferous forests
- 2017
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In: Forest Ecology and Management. - : Elsevier B.V.. - 0378-1127 .- 1872-7042. ; 403, s. 137-144
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We have synthesized available data for calcium (Ca) dynamics in decomposing foliar litter of mainly pine (Pinus), spruce (Picea), and birch (Betula) species to determine patterns of Ca concentration with climate in newly shed litter and its dynamics in decomposing litter as well as a possible role for Ca as regards limit values. Initial Ca concentration was negatively related to mean annual precipitation (MAP) with different relationships among genera. A limited data set showed a positive relationship across species (p < 0.05) to extractable Ca in soil. In paired stands, litter of both Norway spruce (Picea abies) and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) had higher Ca concentrations than Scots pine (Pinus silvestris), Norway spruce litter even twice as high. Relationships between initial concentrations of Ca and those of other nutrients appeared to be dominated by the positive ones to potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) and specifically for deciduous litter there was a negative relationship to nitrogen (N). In decomposing litter, Ca concentration followed a negative quadratic (Ca = a + t − t2) function and had a maximum, which was variable. The Ca maximum concentration during decomposition was positively related to initial Ca concentration both within and among species. Separate linear relationships based on species were combined into one, in common for all investigated species and genera (R2 = 0.914, n = 63, p < 0.001). Limit values for decomposition were positively related to maximum Ca concentration at p < 0.05 with separate functions for pine and spruce litter. Calcium net release started directly after the incubation and was linear to accumulated mass loss of litter, giving a slope coefficient for each study. The net release rates were linear to initial Ca concentration both within and across species/genera. All studies combined gave a negative linear relationship (R2 = 0.894, n = 67, p < 0.001).
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| 3. |
- Berg, Björn, et al.
(author)
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Decomposition rates in late stages of Scots pine and Norway spruce needle litter: Influence of nutrients and substrate properties over a climate gradient
- 2022
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In: Forest Ecology and Management. - : Elsevier. - 0378-1127 .- 1872-7042. ; 522
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this paper is to show different patterns for decomposition of the main mass of needle litter from two boreal and temperate coniferous tree species, both leading to a stabilized fraction of litter. To this purpose we have reviewed information on decomposition patterns in the lignin-dominated (late) stages of two local foliar litter types, namely those of Scots pine (Pinus silvestris) and Norway spruce (Picea abies) from two climatic gradients of equal extension. We have also reviewed factors determining the limit values for both species.Long-term decomposition studies were used to calculate annual mass loss in the lignin-dominated decomposition stage and relate these to mean annual temperature (MAT), mean annual precipitation (MAP) and concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn) and acid unhydrolyzable residue (gravimetric lignin, AUR).There was no effect of MAT on decomposition of either needle litter type. MAP had a rate-dampening effect on decomposition of Norway spruce litter. There was a rate-stimulating effect of Mn for Norway spruce litter but not for that of Scots pine. In spite of the strong negative effect of AUR and N on decomposition of Scots pine litter there was none at all for that of Norway spruce.Limit values for decomposition were related to the litters’ initial concentrations of N, Mn and AUR and differed between litter types for locally collected, natural litter and for that from experimental litter, the latter having higher N and lower Mn concentrations than the natural litter.We conclude that the two litter types have clear differences as regards rate- regulating factors for decomposition in the late lignin-dominated stage as well as for the stable fraction and suggest two different pathways for their decomposition. This is the first time that different pathways have been suggested for decomposing litter.
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| 4. |
- Berg, Björn, et al.
(author)
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Factors influencing limit values for pine needle litter decomposition : A synthesis for boreal and temperate pine forest systems
- 2010
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In: Biogeochemistry. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0168-2563 .- 1573-515X. ; 100:1, s. 57-73
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We synthesized available data for decomposition of pine (Pinus) needle litter in pine forests to determine the litter chemical characteristics and climate factors that explained variation in the limit value, i. e. the level of accumulated mass loss at which the decomposition process either continues at a very low rate or possibly stops. Our data base included 56 separate studies on decomposition of pine needle litter, spanning Scots pine, lodgepole pine, Aleppo pine, stone pine and white pine, mainly incubated at the site of collection. Studies had 5 to 19 samplings, on average 10, and the decomposition was followed to a mass loss ranging from 47 to 83%, on average 67%. The periods from 3.0 to 5.4 years, on average 3.9 years, were of sufficient duration to allow estimates of limit values of decomposition. We used a linear mixed model with regression effects to relate limit values to potential explanatory variables, namely the sites' long-term mean annual temperature (MAT) and mean annual precipitation (MAP) and to substrate-chemistry factors. Regarding the latter, we explored two models; one that included initial concentrations of water solubles, lignin, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Mn and one that included only lignin, N, Ca, and Mn to focus on those nutrients known to influence lignin degradation. Using backward elimination significant explanatory variables were determined. For litter decomposed in its site of origin we found the limit value to depend mainly on the initial concentration of Mn, with higher Mn concentrations resulting in higher accumulated mass loss. Thus, litter with higher Mn reached a higher limit value and left a smaller stable fraction. This is likely due to the fact that Mn is an essential component of ligninolytic enzymes important for degrading litter in the later stages of decomposition. Manganese has received little attention in decomposition studies to date. Given its significance in this synthesis, the role of Mn in influencing variation in the late stages of decomposition among ecosystems and among litters of other genera besides Pinus deserves further attention.
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| 5. |
- Berg, Björn, et al.
(author)
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Late stage pine litter decomposition : Relationship to litter N, Mn, and acid unhydrolyzable residue (AUR) concentrations and climatic factors
- 2015
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In: Forest Ecology and Management. - : Elsevier BV. - 0378-1127 .- 1872-7042. ; 358, s. 41-47
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this paper is to evaluate relationships between decomposition rates of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. contorta) needle litter in the late stage of decomposition (>30% accumulated mass loss), and the progressively changing concentrations of manganese (Mn), nitrogen (N), and acid unhydrolyzable residue (AUR), as well as mean annual temperature (MAT) and mean annual precipitation (MAP). Using available long-term decomposition studies on pine needle litter in a climate gradient in Sweden, we calculated annual mass loss and related to concentrations of Mn, N, and AUR at the start of each one-year period as well as to MAT and MAP. We investigated these relationships for (i) all data on annual mass loss combined and (ii) annual mass loss for five different decomposition categories as defined by accumulated mass loss. We found highly significant, negative, and dominant relationships between annual mass loss and N (R2=0.39) and AUR (R2=0.39), a slight but significant positive relationship to Mn (R2=0.08) and a significant negative relationship to MAT (R2=0.06). The relationships were dynamic, and changed with accumulated mass loss. The rate-dampening effect of N decreased to be a rate-enhancing effect at c. 60-80% accumulated mass loss. A similar trend was found for AUR, becoming rate-enhancing at 70-80% accumulated mass loss. For Scots pine needle litter the effect of MAT on mass loss decreased with increasing accumulated mass loss and changed to a rate-dampening effect at c. 50-70% accumulated mass loss. Mn showed a stimulating effect on mass loss rate in all categories whereas MAP showed no effect in this mainly boreal climatic gradient. The current approach indicates a method for detailed studies of rate-regulating factors for litter decomposition.
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| 6. |
- Berg, Björn, 1943-, et al.
(author)
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Magnesium dynamics in decomposing foliar litter - a synthesis
- 2021
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In: Geoderma. - : Elsevier. - 0016-7061 .- 1872-6259. ; 382
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We synthesized available data for magnesium (Mg) dynamics in newly shed and decomposing foliar litter of mainly pine (Pinus) species, Norway spruce (Picea abies), and birch (Betula) species. Using original, measured data from 40 stands organized in climatic gradients we intended to determine patterns of Mg concentration and net release vs accumulated mass loss of the litter. This synthesis is likely the first synthesis of Mg dynamics in decomposing litter.In paired stands, litter of both Norway spruce and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) had higher Mg concentrations than Scots pine (Pinus silvestris), with concentrations in Norway spruce litter even twice as high.In decomposing litter, Mg concentrations followed a quadratic (X2-X) function vs accumulated mass loss and consequently had minima, different for Norway spruce and Scots pine litter. Out of 68 decomposition studies 53 gave minimum concentration. The Mg minimum concentration during decomposition was positively related to initial Mg concentration for Scots pine and Scots pine plus lodgepole pine but not for Norway spruce. The increase in concentration suggests that after the minimum Mg was temporarily limiting.For Norway spruce litter there was a relationship between minimum concentration of Mg and the limit value. There was no such relationship for Scots pine and not for the combined pine data.Magnesium net release started directly after the incubation and was linear to accumulated mass loss of litter, giving a slope coefficient (release rate) for each study. The net release rate was linear to initial Mg concentration and all studies combined gave a negative linear relationship.
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| 7. |
- Berg, Björn, et al.
(author)
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Manganese dynamics in decomposing needle and leaf litter : a synthesis
- 2013
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In: Canadian Journal of Forest Research. - : Canadian Science Publishing. - 0045-5067 .- 1208-6037. ; 43:12, s. 1127-1136
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of the present synthesis paper was to determine whether concentration changes and net release of manganese (Mn), as related to accumulated litter mass loss, are related to initial Mn concentration, mean annual temperature (MAT), mean annual precipitation (MAP), and tree genus or species. We also examined whether limit values for decomposition are related to initial litter Mn concentration, MAT, and MAP. We compiled 84 foliar litter decomposition studies, conducted mainly in boreal and temperate forest ecosystems, for which Mn dynamics had been well documented. Manganese concentration and amount were related to accumulated litter mass loss at each sampling time for each single study, as well as for (i) all studies combined (n = 748) and (ii) for species groups viz. Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) (n = 284), pine (Pinus) species (n = 330), and deciduous species (n = 214). The changes in Mn concentration with accumulated mass loss followed quadratic functions showing significantly higher Mn concentrations for Norway spruce vs. Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) (p < 0.0001) and vs. deciduous species (p < 0.01), as well as significantly higher for deciduous species vs. Scots pine (p < 0.0001). Manganese release rates were different among the three species groups (p < 0.001). Still, rates were related to initial Mn concentrations (p < 0.001) for all litter types combined and for the three species groups. Norway spruce released Mn more slowly than pine and deciduous species. Rates were related to climatic factors for litter of Norway spruce and deciduous species. Limit values for all litter and for pine species separately were related to Mn (p < 0.001) and MAT (p < 0.001). For Norway spruce, limit values were related to MAT (p < 0.001) and MAP (p < 0.01). It appears that Norway spruce litter retains Mn more strongly in the litter structure, producing humus richer in Mn than does litter of pine and deciduous species.
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| 8. |
- Berg, Björn, et al.
(author)
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Manganese in the litter fall-forest floor continuum of boreal and temperate pine and spruce forest ecosystems : a review
- 2015
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In: Forest Ecology and Management. - : Elsevier BV. - 0378-1127 .- 1872-7042. ; 358, s. 248-260
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We have reviewed the literature on the role of manganese (Mn) in the litter fall-to-humus subsystem. Available data gives a focus on North European coniferous forests. Manganese concentrations in pine (Pinus spp.) foliar litter are highly variable both spatially and temporally within the same litter species and for the genus Pinus we found a range from 0.03 to 3.7mgg-1. Concentrations were related negatively to site mean annual temperature (MAT) and annual actual evapotranspiration (AET) for pine species litter but not for that of Norway spruce (Picea abies) as a single species. Combined data for several species showed a highly significant relationship to MAT.Manganese peroxidase is an Mn-dependent enzyme, found in white-rot fungi, essential for the degradation of lignin and ligninlike compounds. The decomposition rates of lignified litter tissue (late phase) is positively related to the litter’s Mn concentration. Further, the Mn concentration is positively related to the limit value for decomposition - the higher the Mn concentration the smaller the stable litter fraction. Manganese release from decomposing litter appears at least in part to be species related. Thus was release from pine needle litter significantly faster (p<. 0.001) than that from the Mn-richer litter of Norway spruce. Over Northern Europe concentrations of total Mn in mor humus as well as extractable Mn in the mineral soil increase with decreasing MAT and over a climatic gradient the Mn concentrations in Norway spruce mor increase more with decreasing MAT than in a gradient with Scots pine. Higher Mn concentrations in humus appear to decrease its stability and result in a higher release of carbon dioxide (CO2) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). We conclude that this may explain (i) the lower amount of carbon (C) in mor layers under Norway spruce as compared to Scots pine as well as the higher amount of C in mineral soil under spruce. The increase in nitrogen (N) concentration in humus, following N fertilization resulted in a decrease in that of Mn. We have found four cases - empirical - with negative interaction between Mn and N; (i) in pine foliar litter fall concentrations of Mn decrease with site MAT whereas those of N increase, (ii) in decomposing late-stage litter with N retarding and Mn stimulating decomposition, (iii) for the stable phase, limit values are related negatively to N and positively to Mn, and (iv) Mn concentrations in humus decrease with MAT whereas those of N increase.
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| 9. |
- Berg, Björn, et al.
(author)
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Sequestration of carbon in the humus layer of Swedish forests - direct measurements
- 2009
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In: Canadian Journal of Forest Research. - 0045-5067 .- 1208-6037. ; 39:5, s. 962-975
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To determine sequestration rates of carbon dioxide (CO2) we calculated the carbon (C) storage rate in humus layers of Swedish forests with Podsolic soils, which account for 14.2 x 106 ha of the 22.7 x 106 ha of forested land in Sweden. Our data set covered 41 years of humus inventories and mean humus layer thickness in 82513 plots. We analysed three forest types: (i) all combinations of tree species, (ii) forests dominated (>70%) by Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.), and (Ui) forests dominated (>70%) by Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). To relate changes in humus layer thickness to land area we used the intersections in 25 km x 25 km grids and used kriging interpolation, permitting calculations for each forest type. For each intersection mean humus thickness for each year was calculated and regressed against time to obtain the rate of change. This rate, humus bulk density, and humus C concentration were used, to calculate sequestration rates. The mean sequestration rate was 251 kg C-ha-1'year1, which is higher than theoretical values. The sequestration rate was positively related to temperature sum, albeit including effects of forest management. The pine-dominated forest type had a mean rate of 283 kgCha⁁year-1, and. the spruce-dominated had a mean rate of 239 kg Cha-1-year1. Under similar site conditions, pine sequestered more C than spruce (difference of 71 kg Cha-1'year-1; p < 0.0001), showing the importance of this type of ecosystem for C sequestration.
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| 10. |
- Bergh, Pontus, 1976-
(author)
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Interorganisatoriska lärandenätverk för chefer från små och medelstora företag
- 2006
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Licentiate thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Målet med föreliggande studie är att skapa en ökad förståelse för chefers lärande i konstruerade interorganisatoriska lärandenätverk. Studien kan bidra till utvecklingen av både praktik och teori. På praktisk nivå kan resultaten ligga till grund för beslut om deltagande i lärandenätverk samt hur man kan konstruera dessa nätverk. På teoretisk nivå ger studien en ökad kunskap om vilka läranderesultat som kan uppnås i nätverken samt en ökad förståelse för den specifika lärandesituationen. Intresset för denna studie ligger sålunda i om, och i så fall hur ett konstruerat lärandenätverk kan motsvara de behov av, och förutsättningar för lärande och kompetensutveckling som chefer i små och medelstora företag har. Den teoretiska referensramen i denna studie bygger på en kombination av teoretiska paradigm om lärande samt tidigare forskning om vuxenpedagogik och interorganisatoriska nätverk. Det empiriska exemplet på ett konstruerat interorganisatoriskt lärandenätverk är det nationella utvecklingsprogrammet krAft. I huvudsak baseras analyserna i denna studie på tolkningar av intervjuer med deltagarna i krAft-nätverket vid olika tidpunkter i det ett år långa programmet. Informationen från intervjuerna har även fått ett stöd av och validerats med information från andra datainsamlingsmetoder såsom deltagande observation, frågeguider, lärstilstest och skriftliga redogörelser i samband med presentationer i nätverket. Erfarenheterna från denna jämförande fallstudie tyder liksom tidigare forskning på att ett konstruerat interorganisatoriskt lärandenätverk kan vara en fungerande form och metod för lärande hos de deltagande cheferna från små och medelstora företag. De läranderesultat som deltagarna i nätverket upplevde sig ha fått kategoriserades som kognitiva (kunskapsmässiga), psykodynamiska (emotionella) och sociala (samverkansmässiga). En syntes av de tre typerna av läranderesultat kan dessutom utgöra en förändringskompetens. Analysen av läranderesultaten visar att lärandenätverk har sin främsta styrka i att uppnå psykodynamiska och sociala läranderesultat, med vilka även kognitiva läranderesultat befrämjas. Studien visar också att de tre dimensionerna i lärandesituationen (aktör, relation och design) på olika sätt påverkar vad och hur deltagarna i nätverket lär sig. Ett viktigt bidrag med studien är slutligen att genom de åtta propositionerna i det sista kapitlet ge avstamp för fortsatt forskning.
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| 11. |
- Bergh, Pontus, 1976-
(author)
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Learning among entrepreneurs in formal networks : Outcomes, processes and beyond
- 2009
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- This dissertation focuses on how entrepreneurs learn to acquire entrepreneurial knowledge and competence, which ultimately can open doors to business success. Contemporary critics suggest that programs designed to develop general competence are not sufficiently relevant to these entrepreneurs. On the other hand, scholars and practitioners have recently noticed that external relations in formal learning networks can be a notable opportunity for learning in entrepreneurs. The aim of this dissertation is to elaborate on the processes and outcomes of government supported learning networks among entrepreneurs who work in small and medium sized enterprises. It draws on reports of four separate but interrelated research studies that author conducted. The research described in the dissertation is based on multiple theoretical perspectives, methodologies, and data sources. To gain a full understanding of the experiences of the different network participants, as well as the interactive processes within the learning network, data were collected from multiple sources: interviews, participant observation, and videotaping. The conclusions stated in appended paper 1 and 2 are primarily based on the interviews, but they are also supported by the observations and written material. Paper three focuses on the videos in combination with the interviews. Finally, to complement the qualitative research with insights regarding the relationships among trust, learning, and self-efficacy, the last paper reports the results of a quantitative survey study. The dissertation makes several major contributions to knowledge. First and foremost, by combining entrepreneurship theory and learning theory, it describes the outcomes that can emerge from formal learning networks and shows how these outcomes can have entrepreneurial consequences. Second, it suggests how the learning situation can be characterized and describes an appropriate learning environment for entrepreneurs from small and medium sized enterprises. The research also contributes to theory on how trust in formal learning networks is built and how this trust contributes to entrepreneurial learning. At the same time, it shows that the potential benefits derived from trust cannot be realized without incorporating the entrepreneur’s level of self-efficacy in the analysis. The dissertation concludes by offering suggestions for exploiting learning and business opportunities through the construction and utilization of learning networks.
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
- Bergkvist, Bo, et al.
(author)
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Pools and fluxes of carbon in three Norway spruce ecosystems along a climatic gradient in Sweden
- 2008
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In: Biogeochemistry. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0168-2563 .- 1573-515X. ; 89:1, s. 7-25
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper presents an integrated analysis of organic carbon (C) pools in soils and vegetation, within-ecosystem fluxes and net ecosystem exchange (NEE) in three 40-year old Norway spruce stands along a north-south climatic gradient in Sweden, measured 2001-2004. A process-orientated ecosystem model (CoupModel), previously parameterised on a regional dataset, was used for the analysis. Pools of soil organic carbon (SOC) and tree growth rates were highest at the southernmost site (1.6 and 2.0-fold, respectively). Tree litter production (litterfall and root litter) was also highest in the south, with about half coming from fine roots (< 1 mm) at all sites. However, when the litter input from the forest floor vegetation was included, the difference in total litter input rate between the sites almost disappeared (190-233 g C m(-2) year(-1)). We propose that a higher N deposition and N availability in the south result in a slower turnover of soil organic matter than in the north. This effect seems to overshadow the effect of temperature. At the southern site, 19% of the total litter input to the O horizon was leached to the mineral soil as dissolved organic carbon, while at the two northern sites the corresponding figure was approx. 9%. The CoupModel accurately described general C cycling behaviour in these ecosystems, reproducing the differences between north and south. The simulated changes in SOC pools during the measurement period were small, ranging from -8 g C m(-2) year(-1) in the north to +9 g C m(-2) year(-1) in the south. In contrast, NEE and tree growth measurements at the northernmost site suggest that the soil lost about 90 g C m(-2) year(-1).
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| 14. |
- Bohman, Håkan, et al.
(author)
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Management for change: on strategic change during recession
- 1998
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In: Journal of Business Research. - 0148-2963. ; 41:1, s. 57-70
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In many studies of strategic management and change, the importance of the strategic structures of the organization and the cognitive structures of the strategic actors, and the interaction between them, are neglected. The study presented in this article attends to both these dimensions. On a basis of longitudinal studies of strategic change in 10 groups of companies carried out between 1990 and 1995, two driving forces of particular importance to the strategic-change process are identified. These forces are the nature of the strategic situation at a certain point in time and the interaction between the objective and subjective spaces for action. The article looks at these two forces in strategic change and presents two examples illustrating the driving forces in operation. The contribution to the theory of strategic management and change, and the conclusions drawn from the study, are discussed and summarized.
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| 15. |
- Bringmark, Ewa, et al.
(author)
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Long-term monitoring of scots pine litter decomposition rates throughout sweden indicates formation of a more recalcitrant litter in the south
- 2011
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In: Ambio. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0044-7447 .- 1654-7209. ; 40:8, s. 878-890
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Decomposition studies were carried out at sites throughout Sweden, including the four Integrated Monitoring sites. Scots pine needle litterbag weight loss measurements over 3 or 5 years were determined at 26 sites and repeated up to 27 times, depending on the site. Humus layer respiration rates were determined for 20 sites in 1987-1989 and repeated in 2007-2008. Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression was used to elucidate the relative importance of climatic and soil factors. Annual needle weight losses decreased only slowly (20-10%) over 3-5 years for all northern (> 60A degrees N) sites but decreased sharply from 30 to 10% in the third year in southern (< 60A degrees N) sites. Respiration rates of southern sites were less (40% on average) than those of northern sites. Humus layer N was positively correlated to needle weight loss during the first and the second years, but negatively correlated in the third year and to respiration rates. The results indicated that litter formed in southern Sweden became more recalcitrant in later stages of decomposition compared to litter produced in northern Sweden.
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
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| 18. |
- Brun, Christian, et al.
(author)
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Spatial distribution of major, trace and ultra trace elements in three Norway spruce (Picea abies) stands in boreal forests, Forsmark, Sweden
- 2010
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In: Geoderma. - : Elsevier BV. - 0016-7061 .- 1872-6259. ; 159:3-4, s. 252-261
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The spatial distribution of 49 major, trace and ultra trace elements within a Norway spruce system was examined in three sites within the Forsmark area in central Sweden. The system included stemwood, roots, fresh green shoots, litterbags, humus, mineral soil, rhizosphere soil and moss. Based on Principal Component Analysis and manual plots the elements were grouped according to their distribution within the different compartments. One large group of elements occurring abundantly in the soil, and in much lower concentrations in the biota and litter was distinguished, containing mainly elements typically associated with soil minerals. A similar pattern was found for a second group of elements, but with higher concentrations in the biological samples and/or litter. In contrast, there was also one group of elements with high concentrations in biological samples and/or litter and low content in soil. This was mainly nutrients, but also the highly toxic Cd, Hg and Sb. This study is part of the site investigation programme, carried out by the Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Company (SKB), in order to locate a suitable area for a deep repository for nuclear fuel waste.
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| 19. |
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| 20. |
- Gabrielsson, Åke, 1942-, et al.
(author)
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Individ och agentskap i strategiska processer : En syntetisk och handlingslogisk ansats
- 2004
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Even if strategy research often assumes that strategies are the result of intentional and purposeful behaviour the individual and human agency have tended to be neglected. Few empirical studies focus on how the individuals, their conceptions and actions interact with strategy formation. Based on ideas from process research and critical realism we made a review of the research and we maintain that the bulk of the research is based on simplified assumptions. We therefore propose a supplementary socio-cognitive approach based on more realistic assumptions, a synthesis and action logic approach, emphasising the individuals, the leading team and their embeddedness. In a process study with a comparative case study design we followed, in real time for about a decade, strategy formation processes in intermediate organisation in local economic development. Various methods of data collection and analysis were combined. By laying bare some of the mechanisms that explain the outcome in four processes we demonstrate the use of the proposed approach. A theoretical construction, the agent´s strategic concepts of action (SCA), aims at capturing the conceptions as an expression of the individual frame of reference providing reasons for action. The SCA carries explanatory power and is significant for both the process and content of the strategies. A typology of the SCAs is developed. The composition, the interaction and the structure of the team are other central aspects. We conclude that a strong group well suited to lead a formation process include a proactive strategist with a strategic idea and social capability; the role constellation is differentiated, and supplementary and other strategic actors relate to the strategy and the contextual roots in a way that will support the strategy. We also demonstrate in which circumstances some cognitive, social and political mechanisms discussed in earlier research are activated.
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| 21. |
- Johansson-Lindfors, Maj-Britt, 1950-
(author)
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Organisationers ideologiska ansikten : om grundläggande föreställningar i mindre företag
- 1989
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The question raised in this study is: Why are similar companies so different? That is, why do companies of the same size, in the same line of business, and with the same organizational structures, etc., function in different ways? The answer to these questions is expected to be found through knowledge of basic ideas in companies. Important points of departure are that small companies are interesting research objects and that an organization can be viewed as a set of deep and surface structures which may appear in the language of its members and other interested parties. Based chiefly on deep interviews, the study is intended to generate knowledge and understanding of basic ideas and their function in small companies.The deep structures of the four companies show that the basic ideas can be understood as ideologies. They refer to basic values, are apprehended by the members of the organization and other interested parties, and prescribe what is desirable. The differences between the cases form the basis of a classification of the ideologies into four ideal types: capitalistic, religious, narcissistic, and socialistic.The surface structures are viewed in two perspectives, one referring to the behaviour of the companies and the other to the relational behaviour between the companies and the interested parties. The former shows that the patterns of behaviour are different in the four companies and may be characterized as efficiency-directed, adaptation-directed, ego-directed, and socially-directed. A comparison between these patterns of behaviour and the ideologies of the companies makes the directing function of the ideologies visible. Through situation interpretation, ideologies direct organizational behaviour towards particular patterns. The relational perspective causes the controlling function of ideologies to appear. Differences in co-acting between the companies - that is, the extent to which and on what grounds the interested parties behave in accordance with the behaviour of the companies and the attitudes of the interested parties to the ideological values - show that ideologies can exercise control either through their power over problem interpretation or their power over acting.The results of this study indicate that the answer to the initial question is that organizations have different ideological faces.
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| 22. |
- Mjöfors, Kristina, et al.
(author)
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Indications that site preparation increases forest ecosystem carbon stocks in the long term
- 2017
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0282-7581 .- 1651-1891. ; 32:8, s. 717-725
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Mechanical site preparation (MSP) causes a mixing disturbance of the soil, which may increase decomposition of soil organic matter and subsequent carbon (C) dioxide emissions to the atmosphere. MSP also promotes the establishment and growth of tree seedlings, and hence ecosystem C fixation. However, there are uncertainties regarding the net effects of MSP on C stocks at the ecosystem scale. To assess decennial effects of MSP on ecosystem C stocks, C stocks in soil, ground vegetation and trees at three experimental forest sites with Pinus contorta, Pinus sylvestris and Picea abies in Sweden were sampled and measured for ca. 25 years in a control and after three MSP treatments: disc trenching, mounding and ploughing. After 25 years, all of the MSP treatments resulted in larger ecosystem C stocks than the control treatment due to positive effects on the tree biomass C stock. The tree C stock was highest after ploughing, intermediate after mounding or disc trenching and lowest in untreated control plots at all experimental sites. The MSP treatments did not affect the soil C stocks down to 30cm. We recommend mounding or disc trenching to promote C sequestration as they disturb sites’ ecological, aesthetic and recreation values less than ploughing.
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| 23. |
- Nilsson, Torbjörn, et al.
(author)
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Hur mår skogen och skogsmarken? Tillstånd och trender för kronutglesning och markförsurning i Stockholms län 1985–2010
- 2006
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Rapporten har tagits fram som ett led i att följa utvecklingen och beskriva vad som händer i Stockholms län med skogen och skogsmarken. Frågorna om hur skogen och skogsmarken mår väcktes under 1980-talet då ett antalrapporter om skogsdöd presenterades från olika delar av Europa. Det ledde även till att ett antal undersökningar startade i Stockholms län. De data som har sammanställts och utvärderats är kronutglesning på gran och tall samtanalyser av markprov från ett antal provpunkter i länet.På de första sidorna ger Länsstyrelsen en sammanfattande bild av utvecklingen i Stockholms län för nedfallet av svavel och kväve, kronutglesning på gran och tall, markkemi och markvattenkemi i skogsmarken. Sedan undersökningarnastartade har luftföroreningssituationen förbättrats. Denviktigaste faktorn är att nedfallet av svavel har minskat.Utvärderingen har gjorts vid Institutionen för skoglig marklära vid Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet. Torbjörn Nilsson har skrivit kapitlet om kronutglesning och Maj-Britt Johansson och Åke Nilsson kapitlet om markförsurning med en prognos fram till 2010.De markkemianalyser som använts vid utvärderingen beskriver i första hand den produktiva skogsmarken. Vad som sker i marker med tunna jordtäcken är svårare att beskriva på grund av bristen på analyser. Genom miljöövervakningsprogrammet har Länsstyrelsen för avsikt att fortsatt följa tillståndet i länets skogar och skogsmarker. De miljömål som berörs är ”Bara naturlig försurning” och ”Levande skogar”.
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| 24. |
- Olafsdottir, Elinborg J., et al.
(author)
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Breast cancer survival in Nordic BRCA2 mutation carriers—unconventional association with oestrogen receptor status
- 2020
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In: British Journal of Cancer. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0007-0920 .- 1532-1827. ; 123:11, s. 1608-1615
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The natural history of breast cancer among BRCA2 carriers has not been clearly established. In a previous study from Iceland, positive ER status was a negative prognostic factor. We sought to identify factors that predicted survival after invasive breast cancer in an expanded cohort of BRCA2 carriers. Methods: We studied 608 women with invasive breast cancer and a pathogenic BRCA2 mutation (variant) from four Nordic countries. Information on prognostic factors and treatment was retrieved from health records and by analysis of archived tissue specimens. Hazard ratios (HR) were estimated for breast cancer-specific survival using Cox regression. Results: About 77% of cancers were ER-positive, with the highest proportion (83%) in patients under 40 years. ER-positive breast cancers were more likely to be node-positive (59%) than ER-negative cancers (34%) (P < 0.001). The survival analysis included 584 patients. Positive ER status was protective in the first 5 years from diagnosis (multivariate HR = 0.49; 95% CI 0.26–0.93, P = 0.03); thereafter, the effect was adverse (HR = 1.91; 95% CI 1.07–3.39, P = 0.03). The adverse effect of positive ER status was limited to women who did not undergo endocrine treatment (HR = 2.36; 95% CI 1.26–4.44, P = 0.01) and patients with intact ovaries (HR = 1.99; 95% CI 1.11–3.59, P = 0.02). Conclusions: The adverse effect of a positive ER status in BRCA2 carriers with breast cancer may be contingent on exposure to ovarian hormones.
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| 25. |
- Rosell, Magdalena, et al.
(author)
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Contribution of a manually coded part in an optically readable, precoded sevenday food record for the intake of energy, nutrients and foods
- 2003
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Nutrition/Næringsforskning. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1102-6480 .- 1651-2359. ; 47:3, s. 123-131
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: This study investigated the contribution of a manually coded part (MP) in a precoded 7 day food record for the intake of energy, nutrients and foods. Design: The dietary intake was assessed in a cross-sectional study using an optically readable precoded 7 day food record. Biological markers for the intakes of protein, sodium and potassium were measured in 24 h urine samples. Underreporters were identified according to the Goldberg cut-off for energy intake:basal metabolic rate. The study setting was an outpatient clinic at Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. The subjects were 301 healthy men aged 63 years. Results: The MP represented 20% of the energy intake. Intakes recorded as free text were foods commonly eaten between meals, especially in the evening and were, with the exception of fruits, characterized as less healthy. The agreement between using the food record with and without the MP, respectively, was low for energy, carbohydrates, a-tocopherol and vitamin C, and high for retinol, vitamin D and vitamin B12. Underreporters recorded their food intake as free text to a lesser degree than did non-underreporters. When the MP was included in the food record, the percentage of energy from fat and carbohydrates increased and the percentage of energy from protein decreased. The biological markers for protein, sodium and potassium confirmed an improved validity of the dietary data when the MP was included. Conclusions: Inclusion of the food consumption recorded in free text influenced the dietary quality and indicated improved validity of the optically readable precoded food record. To increase the possibility of catching underreporting in dietary surveys, these findings emphasize the importance of the recording/ reporting of between-meal eating. Keywords: biological markers; dietary assessment; in-between meals; precoded food record; underreporting.
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| 26. |
- Rosell, Magdalena, et al.
(author)
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The contribution of a manually coded part in an optically readable, precoded 7 day food record to the intakes of energy, nutrients and foods
- 2003
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Nutrition. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1102-6480 .- 1651-2359. ; 47:3, s. 123-131
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: This study investigated the contribution of a manually coded part (MP) in a precoded 7 day food record for the intake of energy, nutrients and foods.Design: The dietary intake was assessed in a cross-sectional study using a optically readable pre-coded 7 day food record. Biological markers for the intakes of protein, sodium and potassium were measured in 24 h urine samples. Underreporters were identified according o the Goldberg cut-off for energy intake: basal metabolic rate. The study setting was an outpatient clinic at Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. The subjects were 301 healthy men aged 63 years.Results: The MP represented 20% of the energy intake. Intakes recorded as free text were foods commonly eaten between meals, especially in the evening and were, with the exception of fruits, characterised as less healthy. The agreement between using the food record with and withut the MP, respetiverly, was low for energy, carbohydrates,α-tocopherol and vitamin C, and high for retinol, vitamin D and vitamin B12. Underreporters recorded their food intake as free text to a lesser degree than did non-underreporters. When the MP was included in the food record, the percentage of energy from fat and carbohydrates increased and the percentage of energy from protein decreased. The biological markers for protein, sodium and potassium confirmed an improved validity of the dietary data when the MP was included.Conclusions: Inclusion of the food consumption recorded in free text influenced the dietary quality and indicated improved validity of the optically readable precoded food record. To increase the possibilityv of catching underreporting in dietary surveys, these findings emphasize the importance of the recording/reporting of between-meals eating.
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| 27. |
- Rosenqvist, Lars, et al.
(author)
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Concentrations and fluxes of dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen in a Picea abies chronosequence on former arable land in Sweden
- 2010
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In: Forest Ecology and Management. - : Elsevier BV. - 0378-1127 .- 1872-7042. ; 259, s. 275-285
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Shifting land use from agriculture to forestry induces major changes in the carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycles, including fluxes of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nitrogen (DON). This study investigated the long-term effects of afforestation on ecosystem DOC and DON dynamics using a chronosequence approach comprising four arable fields and nine differently aged (10-92 years) Norway spruce stands growing on similar former arable soils in the same area. Along the chronosequence, concentrations and fluxes of DOC and DON were determined in bulk precipitation, throughfall, O horizon leachate and mineral soil solution during a 2-3-year period. Soil water fluxes were calculated using a soil hydrological model (SWAP). Results showed that DOC concentrations and fluxes with throughfall were strongly positively correlated with tree height (r(2) = 0.95; P < 0.05 for both conc. and flux) and stand age, while DON showed no such trends, suggesting different origins of DOC and DON in throughfall. The highest concentrations and fluxes of DOC and DON occurred in soil leachate from the 0 horizon. Here, DOC flux was 250-310 kg C ha(-1) yr(-1) and DON flux 8-9 kg N ha(-1) yr(-1) in stands afforested between 65 and 92 years ago. Concentrations and fluxes of DOC and DON in the mineral subsoil were consistently low. Flux calculations suggest that there was a net loss of >90% (230-280 kg ha(-1) yr(-1)) of DOC leached from the 0 horizon within 0-60 cm of the mineral soil. There was no significant effect of land use or forest age on DOC concentrations in solution from the lower part of the A horizon. The effect of time since afforestation was masked by soil properties that influence DOM retention in the mineral soil. Our data indicate that DOC concentrations in the A horizon of the sites studied were primarily related to the oxalate-extractable Al and Fe amounts in the same horizon. Afforestation of arable land induced a gradual qualitative change in soil organic matter (SOM) and dissolved organic matter (DOM), with significantly increasing C:N ratios in soil and soil solution over time. The development of an 0 horizon and the subsequent leaching of DOC and DON to the underlying mineral soil are important drivers of a changing soil C and N turnover following afforestation. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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| 28. |
- Stendahl, Johan, et al.
(author)
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Soil Organic Carbon in Swedish Spruce and Pine Forests - Differences in Stock Levels and Regional Patterns
- 2010
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In: Silva Fennica. - : Finnish Society of Forest Science. - 0037-5330 .- 2242-4075. ; 44, s. 5-21
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The selection of tree species is one factor to consider if we want to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere through forest management. The objectives of this study were to estimate the differences in soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks under Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) and Scots pine (Pious sylvestris L.) forests and to examine causes of differences in the accumulation of carbon in the forest soil. Large-scale inventory data was used to quantify variations in SOC stock in relation to stand type and the accumulation of carbon for spruce and pine stands was analysed by simulation. Based on field data, the national mean SOC stock was 9.2 kg m(-2) in spruce dominated stands and 5.7 kg m(-2) in pine dominated stands. For both species, the SOC stock, measured in the field inventory, increased significantly with increasing temperature, although at different rates. The SOC stock was larger for spruce under all temperature conditions, but the difference between species diminished with increasing temperature. The simulations indicated that the build-up of SOC over several rotations was 22% higher in spruce stands than in pine stands under similar environmental conditions. The main difference was found to be the greater input of harvest residues for spruce. Further, the simulations showed that ground vegetation contributed considerably more to the litter production under pine than under spruce. On sites where both Scots pine and Norway spruce are considered suitable, the latter should be selected if the aim of the forest management policy is to maximize the accumulation of SOC in the forest. Further, spruce is more favourable for SOC accumulation in areas with cold temperatures and on sites with low productivity.
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