Three alcohols in water were compared in plasma production of the hydrogen-rich synthesis gas H₂ + CO. The 9 ns 9 kV negative pulses generated submerged discharges at very low average power of about 10 W, which was enough for the production of about 0.5 L/min synthesis gas containing up to about 65% H₂. The fastest production of the gas in all tested liquids required tuning of intense streamer discharges with the formation of small gas bubbles, including those with submicron diameters. The presence of submicron bubbles–nanobubbles was confirmed by high-resolution optical microscopy. Extraordinary properties of nanobubbles can explain the high production efficiency of the hydrogen-rich gas from mixtures of alcohol with water generated by the nanosecond pulsed plasma.

We examined perceived reversal rates and biases as observers viewed four ambiguous, motion-defined depth asymmetric point-light stimuli: a biological motion stimulus in the form of a spinning point-light walker (PLW), a rigidly spinning human figure, a spinning half-cylinder, and a wobbling slanted cylinder. The last three are rigid structure-from-motion (SFM) stimuli. We analysed angular reversal distributions to assess perceptual biases: facing-the-viewer (FTV), convexity, and depth-symmetry biases. The PLW showed the highest reversal rate and a strong FTV bias, though responses were bimodal, some observers experienced reversals every half-turn, others rarely. The rigid human figure showed a weak FTV bias. The spinning half-cylinder resulted in an initial convexity bias, but the occurrence of reversals following the initial percept instead revealed a novel “edge-in-front” bias. The wobbling cylinder showed no angular bias, and had the fewest reversals, likely due to persistent depth asymmetry throughout its motion, and/or that the wobbling prevent adaptation-recovery cycles of neural populations tuned to opposite spinning directions. Correlation analyses revealed shared mechanisms among spinning stimuli, but not with the wobbling cylinder. These findings highlight how shape and motion jointly influence perceptual reversals, refining models of bistable perception and individual variability.

Microplates are widely used for high-throughput experiments but are vulnerable to systematic plate effects. Careful placement of materials on a microplate can counteract them. While some tools exist, they often rely on randomization, are proprietary, and web-based, raising privacy concerns. PLAID and COMPD are two constraint programming (CP) models that produce higher quality layouts than randomization. However, they require MiniZinc and CP expertise, with no built-in visualization. MPLACE addresses these barriers as an open-source, Python-based GUI. MPLACE streamlines the workflow with both models by providing convenient data entry, multiple layout configurations, saving, loading, and visualization capabilities.

Antibodies against galactose-α-1,3-galactose (αGal) are among the most abundant natural antibodies in humans and have been exploited in cancer immunotherapy, with their efficacy partly attributed to complement activation. We aim to enhance this response by employing properdin [also known as factor P (FP)], the only known positive complement regulator. We expressed a membrane-anchored properdin (mFP) on mouse and human pancreatic cancer cells and assessed its ability to enhance αGal-mediated complement activation. We showed here that ectopic expression of mFP on Panc02 cells increased the deposition level of C3 in vitro and induced more potent complement-dependent cytotoxicity in the presence of human complement source. In an immunized Ggta1 knockout mouse model, which has circulating anti-αGal antibodies as a mimicry of the human system, mFP expression conferred significantly delayed tumor growth and was associated with pronounced remodeling of the immune landscape in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Specifically, we observed a marked increase in conventional type 1 dendritic cells, a reduction in tumor-associated monocytes/macrophages with a shift toward a pro-inflammatory phenotype, and a transition of CD8⁺ T cells toward a progenitor-exhausted state. Reconfiguring the structure of mFP to create an artificial C3 convertase binding site and incorporating an intracellular oligomerization domain improved target cell killing and monocyte-mediated phagocytosis in a human whole-blood loop model. These findings suggest that amplifying complement activation can delay tumor growth and alter the TME in the context of a murine pancreatic cancer model. Furthermore, we have developed a novel membrane-bound oligomerized FP functional unit, which effectively elicits robust complement activation.

Spinal implants have been successfully used to treat various spine conditions. However, concerns remain regarding the release of ions and particles that can cause adverse host responses. Moreover, the biological response from cells of the central nervous system to implant wear particles is not well documented. This research studied the interaction of silicon nitride, cobalt oxide, or chromium oxide particles with relevant glial cells, astrocytes and microglia, to assess their effects on viability and activation using a range of relevant concentrations. Astrocyte viability was not impaired by the particles, and expression levels of the astrocyte reactivity markers GFAP and vimentin were unaffected following 24 h of exposure. Moreover, the particles did not alter microglial phagocytic activity, or stimulate the release of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. Together, these results suggest that the release of such particles from a spinal implant would not induce an inflammatory response in surrounding glial cells. Interestingly, high concentrations of SiN particles reduced microglial cell viability, potentially due to their tendency to form large agglomerates and/or their high dissolution rate. The present work highlights the importance of studying the potential effects of SiN particles on glial cells and encourages further investigations to fully understand the safety aspects of the use of SiN in spinal implants.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a disease primarily associated with chronic widespread pain, but other common symptoms are anxiety and depression. We previously proposed that autoimmunity contributes to FM based on findings of increased immunoglobulin G binding to satellite glial cells (anti-SGC IgG) in FM subjects compared to healthy controls (HC). Emerging research suggests that an altered gut microbiota composition is connected to psychological symptoms in FM. Gut microbiota can produce or alter bile acids (BAs) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which have important immune and inflammatory functions. Here, we investigate alterations in BA and SCFA concentrations in FM subjects compared to HC and potential associations with FM symptoms and anti-SGC IgG levels. Bile acids and SCFAs were quantified using liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry and anti-SGC IgG levels were assessed with immunocytochemistry. The correlations between FM symptoms, anti-SGC IgG levels, and serum concentrations of 24 BAs and 11 SCFAs in 35 FM subjects and 32 matched HC were examined. Fibromyalgia subjects had significantly higher levels of non-conjugated microbially produced (secondary) BAs compared to HC. Additionally, total BA levels were significantly elevated in FM subjects with high, compared to those with low, anti-SGC IgG levels. Concentrations of specific BAs were associated with increased disease severity and poorer mental well-being. These results revealed increased levels of non-conjugated secondary BAs in FM subjects compared to HC. The strong association between BAs, anti-SGC IgG levels, and mental well-being may help elucidate the importance of BAs in the psychological symptoms of FM.

Ergonomics evaluation methods are crucial for assessing risks for work-related musculoskeletal disorders and ensuring operator well-being, productivity, and safety. Despite the increased use of digital twins and AI-supported tools in production system design and operation, ergonomics evaluations still primarily rely on observational techniques such as expert assessments or checklist-based tools like the Rapid Entire Body Assessment and the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment. These methods are time-consuming, imprecise, and prone to subjectivity arising from variability in the judgment of the ergonomists and ambiguity in scoring criteria. As an alternative, ergonomics evaluation methods based on using technologies for direct measurements can provide semi-automation of the assessments and offer greater objectivity and precision. This study investigates the capability of a computer vision-based motion capture approach to support direct measurement ergonomics evaluations and compares its results with those of an inertial measurement unit-based system in an industrial task. The comparison was conducted by studying output data of the two systems and by feeding the data into a direct measurement-based ergonomics evaluation method. A representative industrial assembly task involving upper-body movement and dynamic wrist activity was recorded simultaneously using a single monocular RGB camera and an IMU-based system. Both datasets were processed using two parallel workflows that followed the same structure to extract joint angles and segment positions over time. The comparison and evaluation of the results demonstrates that computer vision-based motion capture has the potential to provide human posture and motion data suitable for direct measurement ergonomics evaluations in industrial environments.

The Circular Economy introduces ambiguity and complexity when developing products and services, by using materials and resources differently; innovations and related business models thus deviate markedly from those evident in the “linear economy”. This reshapes the landscape for front-end of innovation activities, being especially challenging for incumbent firms that have long honed their innovation processes toward the dominant “linear” paradigm. Adopting a qualitative inquiry of eight multinational and well-established corporations, this study explores how incumbent firms reconfigure their “front-end” innovation processes as they start developing circular products and services. We conceptualize our findings in a grounded model of the “circular front-end innovation”, illustrating how a shift in the dominant logics of incumbent firms—from linear to circular—influences activities in the front-end. We identify how these companies' front-end processes (opportunity identification and idea generation, concept design, and solution development) differ accordingly, with a need to broaden the idea search scope, conceptualize product-business model fit, and discover value from circularity. Our findings provide insights into how circular front-end processes are both constrained and enabled by considerations regarding materials and resource circulation, as well as the anticipation of circular business models, triggered by these considerations.

The valorization of biomass into renewable, high-performance, adsorbent materials offers a sustainable alternative to conventional synthetic sorbents. In this study, we investigate the potential of lignin derivatives as efficient adsorbents for removing the cationic dye Rhodamine B (RhB) from aqueous solutions. Five organosolv lignin derivatives were synthesized via a one-step process using phenol, catechol, resorcinol, pyrogallol, and hydroquinone as phenolic modifiers to introduce structural diversity. The influence of these modifications on the materials’ physicochemical properties and adsorption behavior was examined. Comprehensive characterization included ³¹P NMR, Brunauer–Emmet–Teller surface area analysis, size exclusion chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic light scattering. Among the derivatives, resorcinol-modified lignin (ReL) showed the highest RhB adsorption capacity (101.2 mg g⁻¹), attributed to its favorable textural properties—high surface area and pore volume—together with increased availability of functional groups, which collectively enhanced adsorption efficiency. Adsorption kinetics for all materials followed the pseudo-second-order model, indicating chemisorption as the dominant mechanism. Isotherm analyses revealed Langmuir-type monolayer adsorption for ReL, pyrogallol-modified, and hydroquinone-modified lignins. Moreover, ReL demonstrated good recyclability, retaining 62% of its adsorption efficiency after five adsorption–desorption cycles. Collectively, these results highlight the promise of structurally engineered lignin-based adsorbents as cost-effective, efficient, and reusable materials for sustainable wastewater treatment.

Context. Advancements in extreme-precision radial velocity (RV) observations for detecting low-mass exoplanets show that different spectral lines show different behaviours in response to stellar activity. Though this can be dealt with experimentally, why this is the case has not been studied. The Sun is a good test case for testing hypotheses as we can study spatially resolved observations with high-resolution spectropolarimetry to understand spectral line behaviour.

Aims. We aim to investigate whether the difference of spectral line behaviour can be attributed to the height of atoms in the solar atmosphere. It is expected that photospheric spectral lines will act differently from their chromospheric counterparts in response to magnetic fields.

Methods. We used a unique dataset using the CRisp Imaging SpectroPolarimeter (CRISP) looking at three spectral lines, two in the photosphere and one in the chromosphere, and measured their spatially resolved radial velocities, their transversal and longitudinal magnetic fields, their magnetic field strengths, and their source functions. We correlated the magnetic field measurements against the radial velocities and compared them against the case in which we destroyed the spatial resolution to mimic a normal stellar observation with high-resolution spectra.

Results. We find that the unsigned magnetic field is strongly correlated to the RV for both the photospheric and chromospheric spectral lines in the case where the observation is spatially resolved. When the spatial resolution is destroyed, this correlation changes. We find that for the photospheric spectral lines there still exists a correlation to both components of the magnetic field, but the chromospheric spectral lines do not show any significant correlation.

Objective

To estimate risk of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) relapse after radical radiotherapy (RT) for prostate cancer (PCa), and risk of PCa death after relapse according to Gleason score and time to relapse.

Patients and Methods

Men in the National Prostate Cancer Register of Sweden who underwent primary radical RT in 2007–2024 were followed until 31 December 2024. Relapse was defined as a PSA level increase of ≥2 ng/mL above nadir (Phoenix criteria). Competing risk cumulative incidence analyses were used to estimate risk of PSA relapse and risk of PCa death after relapse according to Gleason score and time to relapse.

Results

The 10-year risk of relapse in 26 634 men treated with RT was 25% (95% confidence interval [CI] 24–25%). The 10-year risk of PCa death after relapse was 35% (95% CI 33–37%). In men with relapse after >3 years the risk was 18% for Gleason score 6 and 19% for Gleason score 3 + 4, while in men with a relapse within 18 months the risk was 52% for Gleason score 4 + 3 and 75% for Gleason score 9–10. In men with a relapse at 1 year after RT there was a four-fold higher risk of PCa death for men with Gleason score 9–10 compared to men with Gleason score 6 (86% vs 22%). In contrast, in men with a relapse at 10 years after RT there were little differences in risk of PCa death according to Gleason (14% vs 23%).

Conclusion

In this population-based study of RT for PCa, there was a wide range in the estimates of risk of PCa death after relapse in highly granular groups according to Gleason score and time to relapse. Notably, some estimates did not align with the European Association of Urology relapse risk group classification.

Importance: In randomized trials, early prophylactic hydrocortisone improved survival without bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) with few adverse effects in extremely preterm infants. Large scale implementation data are needed to evaluate clinical effects and safety.

Objective: To examine the association between early prophylactic hydrocortisone and survival without BPD at 36 weeks’ postmenstrual age (PMA) in extremely preterm infants in Sweden after guideline implementation and to assess treatment safety.

Design, Setting, and Participants: A national historical cohort study with prospectively collected data from the Swedish Neonatal Quality register from 4 Swedish centers where hydrocortisone prophylaxis was implemented. The study included infants born between 22 and 27 weeks’ gestation between 2018 and 2023. Infants were divided into exposed and nonexposed groups according to the intention-to-treat principle.

Exposure: Hydrocortisone, 1 mg/kg/d, for the first 7 days of life, followed by 0.5 mg/kg/d from days 8 through 10.

Main outcomes and measures: The primary outcome was survival without BPD at 36 weeks’ PMA. A predefined statistical analysis plan with logistic regression was used to calculate unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios.

Results: Among 1106 infants (median [IQR] gestational age, 25 weeks, 6 days [24 weeks, 3 days to 27 weeks]; median [IQR] birth weight, 780 [610-964] g), 474 received hydrocortisone prophylaxis and 632 did not. Survival without BPD occurred in 154 of 474 exposed (32.5%) and 185 of 632 nonexposed (29.3%) infants (adjusted odds ratio, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.16-2.27). BPD occurred in 233 exposed (49.2%) and 345 nonexposed (54.6%) infants (adjusted odds ratio, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.49-0.86). Death before 36 weeks’ PMA occurred in 87 exposed (18.4%) and 102 nonexposed (16.1%) infants. Late-onset bacterial infection was more common in exposed infants, but not significant after adjustment. No other severe neonatal morbidities differed significantly between the 2 groups.

Conclusions and relevance: In this cohort study of extremely preterm infants, the introduction of prophylactic hydrocortisone was associated with increased survival without BPD, after adjusting for covariates. There was no significant increase in severe neonatal morbidities, except that late-onset bacterial infection was more common in the exposed group before adjustments.

A model-independent determination of the CKM angle gamma is presented, using the B-+/- -> [K+K-pi(+)pi(-)](D)h(+/-) and B-+/- -> [pi(+)pi(-)pi(+)pi(-)](D)h(+/-) decays, with h = K, pi. This measurement is the first phase-space binned study of these decay modes, and uses a sample of proton-proton collision data collected by the LHCb experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9 fb(-1). The phase-space bins are optimised for sensitivity to gamma, and in each bin external inputs from the BESIII experiment are used to constrain the charm strong-phase parameters. The result of this binned analysis is gamma=(53.9(-8.9)(+9.5))degrees, where the uncertainty includes both statistical and systematic contributions. Furthermore, when combining with existing phase-space integrated measurements of the same decay modes, a value of gamma=(52.6(-6.4)(+8.5))degrees is obtained, which is one of the most precise determinations of gamma to date.

A search is presented for the two-body charmed baryonic decays, (B) over bar (0)((s)) -> Lambda(+)(c)(Lambda) over bar (-)(c), using a data sample collected by the LHCb experiment during 2011-2012 and 2015-2018, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9 fb(-1). The first observation of the (B) over bar (0)(s) -> Lambda(+)(c)(Lambda) over bar (-)(c) decay is reported with 6.2 sigma significance along with 4.3 sigma evidence for the (B) over bar (0) -> Lambda(+)(c)(Lambda) over bar (-)(c) decay. The branching fractions are measured to be B((B) over bar (0) -> Lambda(+)(c)(Lambda) over bar (-)(c)) = (1.01(-0.28)(+0.27) +/- 0.08 +/- 0.15)x10(-5) and B((B) over bar (0)(s) -> Lambda(+)(c)(Lambda) over bar (-)(c)) = (5.0 +/- 1.3 +/- 0.5 +/- 0.8)x10(-5), where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second systematic, and the third due to external inputs. These results provide novel experimental inputs for the theoretical framework describing two-body baryonic decays of B mesons via W-emission and W-exchange mechanisms.

By analyzing a data sample of e(+)e(-) collisions with center-of-mass energy root s = 3.773 GeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 7.9 fb(-1) collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII collider, we study semileptonic decays of the D0(+) mesons into the axial-vector meson b(1)(1235) via the decay b(1)(1235) -> omega pi. The decay D-0 -> b1(1235)(-) e(+)nu(e) is observed with a significance of 5.2 sigma after considering systematic uncertainty, while evidence for the decay D+ -> b(1)(1235)(0)e(+)nu(e) is obtained with a 3.1 sigma significance. The product branching fractions are determined to be B[D-0 -> b1(1235)(-) e(+)nu(e)] x B[b(1)(1235)(-) -> omega pi-] = (0.72 +/- 0.18(-0.08)(+0.06)) x 10(-4) and B[D+ -> b(1)(1235)0e(+)nu(e)] x B[b(1)(1235)(0) -> omega pi(0)] = (1.16 +/- 0.44 +/- 0.16) x 10(-4), where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. The ratio of their partial decay widths is determined to be {Gamma[D-0 -> b(1)(1235)(-)e(+)nu(e)]/2 Gamma[D+ -> b1(1235)(0)e(+)nu(e)]} = 0.78 +/- 0.19(-0.05)(+0.04), which is consistent with unity, predicted by isospin invariance, within uncertainties.

Background: National studies on primary malignant tumours arising from the external auditory canal (EAC) are rare.

Objectives: To investigate the incidence and outcomes of squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal (SCC-EAC) in Sweden.

Materials and methods: The retrospective study included patients diagnosed with SCC-EAC in Sweden from 2007 to 2017.

Results: Forty-six patients with SCC-EAC were identified. The crude annual incidence was 0.043 per 100,000 inhabitants (age-standardised rate (ASR): 0.024 WHO, 0.045 Europe). Among the 40 patients treated with curative intent, 85% achieved remission, and 23% subsequently relapsed. Uncertain or non-radical primary surgery significantly correlated with residual tumour or relapse (p = 0.01) and disease-specific mortality (p = 0.002). Clear margins were achieved in 60% of T1 tumours and 21% of T4 tumours, indicating surgical undertreatment. None of the patients who underwent radical surgery died of SCC-EAC.

Conclusions and significance: The incidence of SCC-EAC in Sweden was lower than international rates. Non-radical surgery drastically increased mortality, and postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) could not fully compensate for incomplete resection. Consequently, a more aggressive surgical approach is justified.

The aim of this thesis was to understand and explore how a strategic sustainable development perspective can be integrated in product sustainability performance assessment practices. Based on an interactive qualitative research approach, three studies were conducted. The first study reviewed early-phase assessment approaches available in literature and found that although many approaches exist, a systemic and strategic perspective was often not completely addressed. Six criteria were therefore developed to support integration of such a perspective in assessment approaches. The second study focused on two EU policy instruments and while both instruments presented opportunities to incentivize and support product sustainability performance assessments, they provide limited support for considering the full socio-ecological systems perspective and long-term strategic decision-making. The third study used a multi-case study to deepen the understanding of how product developing companies work with and use product sustainability performance assessments. The findings showed that product sustainability performance was assessed, but companies face challenges and their practices were not fully aligned with a strategic sustainable development perspective. Ten propositions were formulated for what must be considered to integrate such a perspective in company practices, so that assessments can function as strategic decision-support for developing products that can contribute to society’s transition towards sustainability in ways that benefit the own organization. Together, the three studies highlight the need to develop both individual assessment approaches and the surrounding practices in which they are embedded to support effective integration of a strategic sustainable development perspective into assessment practices in the product development process.

In the IceCube Neutrino Observatory, a signal of astrophysical neutrinos is obscured by backgrounds from atmospheric neutrinos and muons produced in cosmic-ray interactions. IceCube event selections used to isolate the astrophysical neutrino signal often focus on the morphology of the light patterns recorded by the detector. The analyses presented here use the new IceCube Enhanced Starting Track Event Selection (ESTES), which identifies events likely generated by muon-neutrino interactions within the detector geometry, focusing on neutrino energies of 1-500 TeV with a median angular resolution of 1.4 degrees. Selecting for starting-track events filters out not only the atmospheric-muon background but also the atmospheric-neutrino background in the southern sky. This improves IceCube's muon-neutrino sensitivity to southern-sky neutrino sources, especially for Galactic sources that are not expected to produce a substantial flux of neutrinos above 100 TeV. In this work, the ESTES sample was applied for the first time to search for astrophysical sources of neutrinos, including a search for diffuse neutrino emission from the Galactic plane. No significant excesses were identified from any of the analyses; however, constraining limits are set on the hadronic emission from TeV gamma-ray Galactic plane objects and models of the diffuse Galactic plane neutrino flux.

Heating and cooling account for a substantial share of final energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in Europe. District heating systems play a central role in decarbonising heat supply by enabling the integration of centralised, low-carbon heat sources. However, as fossil fuels and waste incineration are phased out and biomass availability becomes increasingly constrained, district heating systems face growing challenges related to cost, resource availability, and long-term resilience. In this context, industrial and urban excess heat and cold could support a low-carbon, flexible heat supply. Despite significant documented technical potential, excess heat remains poorly integrated into district heating systems due to spatial constraints, temperature mismatches, operational variability, and fragmented decision-making among industrial actors, network operators, and policymakers.

Energy system optimisation models are widely used to support long-term energy planning and policy analysis. However, when applied to excess heat recovery, existing modelling approaches struggle to capture several critical dimensions for decision-making, including spatial feasibility, heat quality, operational behaviour, and uncertainty. At the same time, empirical evidence on how excess heat performs within real district heating systems under different technical and market conditions remains limited. This thesis addresses these gaps by combining real-world case studies with the development of methodological models to support strategic planning for excess-heat recovery in district-heating systems.

The overall aim of this thesis is to develop and apply modelling approaches that enable a comprehensive and robust assessment of the integration of excess heat into district heating systems. The work is structured around three research questions, each addressing a distinct but interconnected aspect of the problem.

The first research question examines how well existing energy system optimisation models meet the analytical needs of decision-makers involved in excess heat recovery planning. Through a structured review of modelling tools and an assessment of stakeholder requirements, the thesis shows that while current models provide robust representations of technology costs, energy balances, and long-term investment dynamics, they fall short in representing spatial variation, heat quality, and operational constraints. These limitations are particularly problematic for excess heat recovery, where feasibility and value depend strongly on distance to demand, temperature levels, and temporal stability of supply. The analysis further highlights that limited flexibility and transparency in many models reduce their usefulness for stakeholder engagement. This research question establishes the need for modelling approaches that go beyond single-model optimisation and motivates the development of a multi-model framework.

The second research question investigates how a multi-model framework can improve the analysis of excess heat integration into district heating systems. To address this question, the thesis develops a modular multi-model framework that links exergy analysis, spatial least-cost network optimisation, long-term techno-economic optimisation, and high-resolution operational validation. The framework is implemented using iterative soft linking between models, ensuring that spatial feasibility, heat quality, and operational constraints are consistently reflected in long-term investment planning. The framework is applied to both a new district heating system and a large existing system. The results show that spatial proximity and source temperature strongly influence early investment decisions, while electricity prices and competition with existing technologies shape excess heat uptake in mature systems. Operational validation reveals differences between long-term investment pathways and short-term utilisation patterns, highlighting the importance of thermal storage and flexible operation in aligning planning and operation.

The third research question explores how district heating systems can be planned and adapted to remain resilient amid long-term uncertainty, systemic risks, and external shocks. To address this question, the thesis develops a stochastic–clustering–resilience framework that combines uncertainty sampling with long-term optimisation and post-processing analysis. This approach enables the identification of representative investment pathways and the evaluation of their performance across a wide range of future conditions. The results show that systems with diversified, flexible technology portfolios that combine excess heat recovery with electrification options such as heat pumps, electric boilers, and thermal storage perform best in terms of cost, emissions, and robustness. In contrast, systems that rely heavily on combustion-based technologies are more sensitive to fuel price volatility, policy changes, and supply disruptions.

Across all research questions and case studies, the modelling results demonstrate that excess heat can contribute significantly to cost-effective, low-carbon district heating systems, but only when spatial, thermal, operational, and uncertainty-related factors are jointly considered. Excess heat delivers the greatest system value when evaluated as part of a flexible and diversified technology portfolio rather than as a stand-alone resource.

The contributions of this thesis are twofold. First, it provides insights from multiple real-world district heating case studies, clarifying when and how industrial and urban excess heat can be effectively integrated under varying spatial, technical, and policy conditions. Second, it advances methodological approaches to excess heat modelling by developing a coherent multi-model framework that links industrial-, network-, and system-level perspectives. By integrating spatial, exergy, techno-economic, operational, and uncertainty analyses within a transparent and extensible workflow, the thesis provides improved decision support for planners, district heating operators, and policymakers. It contributes to a deeper understanding of how flexibility and adaptability, rather than single-technology optimisation, underpin resilient and sustainable transitions in district heating systems.

A study of Lambda(0)(b) and Xi(0)(b) baryon decays to the final states pK(S)(0)pi(-) and pK(S)(0)K(-) is performed using pp collision data collected by the LHCb experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9 fb(-1). The decays Lambda(0)(b)-> pK(S)(0)K(-) and Xi(0)(b)-> pK(S)(0)K(-) are observed for the first time, with significances reaching eight standard deviations. The branching fractions and integrated CP asymmetries are measured for the Lambda(0)(b)-> pK(S)(0)pi(-), Lambda(0)(b)-> pK(S)(0)K(-), and Xi(0)(b)-> pK(S)(0)K(-) decays. For the decay Lambda(0)(b)-> pK(S)(0)pi(-), the CP asymmetries are measured in different regions of the Dalitz plot. No evidence of CP violation is observed.

Based on (10087 +/- 44) x 10(6)J/psi events recorded with the BESIII detector, we search for the rare charmonium weak decays J/psi -> D-s(-)rho(+)+c.c. and J/psi -> D-s(-pi+)+c.c. No signal is observed, and upper limits on the branching fractions at the 90% confidence level are set as B(J/psi -> D-s(-)rho(+)+c.c.)<8.0x10(-7) and B(J/psi -> D-s(-)pi(+)+c.c.)<4.1x10(-7). Our results provide the most stringent experimental constraints on these decays.

Non-targeted liquid chromatography tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is increasingly applied for the structure-resolved chemical analysis of dissolved organic matter (DOM). With new developments in MS instrumentation and analysis software, the approach has gained substantial momentum over the past decade. However, achieving high-quality analytical data that is reproducible and comparable across laboratories can be a bottleneck in non-targeted metabolomics and organic matter chemical analysis, especially for data reuse in repository-scale analyses. Understanding the capabilities as well as challenges of comparing LC-MS/MS data from different laboratories is necessary for inferring global trends from public data sets. To illuminate instrumentation factors that drive differences and variability, we used a standardized data analysis pipeline, including classical (CMN) and feature-based molecular networking (FBMN), to analyze data from a ring trial by 24 laboratories on identical sample sets of algal and DOM extracts that were mixed in predefined concentrations and spiked with standards. Our results showed that data sets from similar mass spectrometer types with unified instrument parameters were qualitatively comparable, resolving the same general trends and shared mass spectral features. Interlaboratory comparability was best for high-intensity features, while low-intensity features showed greater detection variability. Our analysis also highlights challenges when comparing data from instruments with different acquisition rates or operating with less standardized methods. Lastly, we provide recommendations for data integration, public data sharing, standardization, and best practices for standardized LC-MS/MS data acquisition, which will be critical for long-term time series and intercomparability of DOM chemical analyses.

We search for a possible Lambda(c)(Sigma) over bar (c) bound state, denoted as H-c(+/-), via the e(+)e(-) -> pi(+)pi(-)Lambda(+)(c)(Lambda) over bar (-)(c) process for the first time. This analysis utilizes 207.8 and 159.3 pb(-1) of e(+)e(-) annihilation data at the center-of-mass energies of 4918.02 and 4950.93 MeV, respectively, collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. No statistically significant signal is observed. The upper limits of the product of Born cross section and branching fraction sigma(e(+)e(-)-> pi H-+(c)- + c.c.) x B(H-c(-) -> pi(-). Lambda(+)(c)(Lambda) over bar (-)(c) at a 90% confidence level are reported at each energy point and for various Hc mass hypotheses (4715, 4720, 4725, 4730, and 4735 MeV/c(2)) and widths (5, 10, or 20 MeV), with the upper limits ranging from 1.1 pb to 6.4 pb.

Persistent taste dysfunction is frequently reported in individuals with post-acute sequelae of infection by SARS-CoV-2 (long COVID). The mechanisms and pathological correlates underlying this taste dysfunction are unknown. This study investigates the underlying pathology in 28 non-hospitalized subjects diagnosed with COVID-19 who experienced taste disturbances more than 12 mo after testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. To objectively establish the nature of the taste deficit, we used the WETT taste test, which quantifies the subject's ability to taste each of the 5 taste qualities: sweet, umami, bitter, sour, and salty. We then biopsied 5 to 8 fungiform taste papillae (FP) in 20 of the 28 subjects. The FPs were analyzed histologically for overall taste bud (TB) structure and innervation and by quantitative PCR (qPCR) for mRNA expression of markers for different taste receptor cells. Although all subjects had reported taste dysfunction, only 3 showed overall taste scores below the 10th percentile for a normal population adjusted for age and sex. However, 11 of the 28 subjects exhibited total loss of one or more taste qualities. Loss of PLCβ2-dependent taste qualities (sweet, umami, and bitter) was significantly more common and was correlated with reduced expression of PLCβ2 and Tas1R3 mRNAs. Histological analysis revealed generally preserved TB structure and innervation but with occasional disorganized TBs and abnormal, isolated PLCβ2-positive cells in the epithelium. Our findings suggest long-term taste dysfunction after COVID-19 occurs rarely—more frequently involving PLCβ2-dependent taste qualities—but is not due to wholesale disruption of the taste periphery.

The Pu-239(n,f) cross section was measured with uncertainties below 4% from 20 meV up to 10 MeV of neutron energy at CERN's n_TOF facility using a novel fission fragment detector with a 185.59 m flight path. Measured cross section was normalized to 1059(6) eV center dot b in the 9-20 eV energy range, and is consistent within uncertainties with the standard thermal value and the IAEA reference Pu-239(n,f) cross section. Experimental key values include the integral ratio I-3/I-1= 41.20(42) defined by Duran et al. 2024 and the spectrum averaged cross section in Cf-252(sf) reference neutron field of 1802(40) mb.

Based on a sample of (10.087 +/- 0.044) x 10(9) J/psi events collected by the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, we perform the first search for the lepton number violating decay eta -> pi pi(+) e(-) e(-) + c:c. No signal is found, and an upper limit on the branching fraction of eta -> pi pi(+) e(-) e(-) + c:c is set to be 4.6 x 10(-6) at the 90% confidence level.

Protein-stabilized emulsions are used in many applications but their stabilization mechanisms, particularly for plant-based proteins, are only partially understood.  This dissertation investigates the structural and rheological properties of emulsions stabilized with pea proteins, focused on the role of the excess present in the continuous phase.  The main finding is that pea proteins contribute to the stability in two ways, both as a classical interfacial material that adsorbs to the oil-water interface, as well as being dispersed in the continuous phase where they form a hydrated fractal-like network.  This network increases viscosity and induces gelation, which provides great emulsion stability across a wide range of pH, compositions and temperatures.  

Systematic mapping of stable compositions revealed a previously unexplored stability region at intermediate oil concentrations (~ 10-60% v/v) and high protein concentrations (~ 5-15% w/v).  Structural characterization including confocal microscopy, and X-ray and neutron scattering, revealed that most of the protein is present in the continuous phase as hydrated aggregates forming networks that extend to micrometre length scales.  These networks are important for the resulting droplet size and rheological stability.  The emulsions exhibit shear thinning and thixotropic behaviour, typical of colloidal systems, as well as a yield stress that restricts droplet motion and contributes to stability.   The viscosity increases with protein concentration according to the Krieger Dougherty relationship when a large effective volume fraction of hydrated proteins is considered.  The droplet size decreases with increases of protein concentration, oil concentration, pH and applied shear, while changes of temperature have limited effect.  

Comparison with other emulsions formed with plant-based materials indicates that similar stabilization mechanisms may occur in those systems with sufficient excess biopolymer in the continuous phase.  This demonstrates the broader relevance of this work, where the formation of a viscoelastic network can significantly improve emulsion stability.  By introducing a new way of representing scattering data, rapid visual comparison between complex samples is simplified, which could improve efficiency in the handling of large data sets and aid automated interpretation with artificial intelligence.

Fungi play essential roles in key ecosystem functions and processes, yet they often occur in inconspicuous, species-rich, and complex communities that remain difficult to study. Studies of fungal communities based on DNA extracted from environmental samples commonly rely on clustering sequence reads into units of diversity, followed by taxonomic identification and, in some cases, linkage to ecological traits. In this study, we evaluated how two clustering approaches-amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) and operational taxonomic units (OTUs)-affect the characterization of fungal communities. Despite minor differences, both approaches recovered consistent taxonomic patterns and community structure. Although both methods produced a similar total number of sequence clusters, they differed in representation of fungal community composition. All ASV representative sequences matched OTU representative sequences with at least 92.2% similarity, whereas several rare OTUs showed low similarity to ASV reads, suggesting differences in the detection of low-abundance taxa. However, only a small fraction of OTU reads (< 0.1%) lacked a corresponding ASV, indicating that ASVs captured nearly all OTU-defined taxa. In contrast, 14% of ASV reads assigned to species hypotheses (SHs) did not match any OTU reads assigned to SHs, whereas only 1.3% of OTU SH-assigned reads lacked a corresponding ASV match. ASVs generally provided higher resolution than OTUs, as abundant SHs were often represented by multiple ASVs, suggesting that ASVs capture intraspecific diversity. Consequently, ASVs should not be used as direct species proxies but instead require post hoc grouping to reflect species-level diversity. OTUs-based community composition aligned more clearly with soil properties, particularly the N:C ratio. Overall, both approaches provided a similar overview of broad-scale species richness. The choice between two clustering methods depends on the research question and the desired level of taxonomic resolution, and our results provide little support for the claim that ASVs should categorically replace taxonomic units in marker-gene data analysis.

Based on a sample of 2.7 x 10(9) psi(3686) events collected by the BESIII detector operating at the BEP-CII collider, the decay psi(3686) -> gamma chi(cJ), XcJ ->eta eta eta' is analyzed. The decay modes chi(c1) and X-c2 -> eta eta eta' are observed for the first time, and their corresponding branching fractions are determined to be B(chi(c1) -> eta eta eta')=(1.40 +/- 0.13 (stat.) +/- 0.09 (sys.)) x 10(-4) and B(chi(c2) -> eta eta eta') = (4.18 +/- 0.84 (stat.) +/- 0.48 (sys.)) x 10(-5). An upper limit on the branching fraction of X-co -> eta eta eta' is set as 2.59 x 10(-5) at a 90% confidence level (CL). A partial wave analysis (PWA) of the decay X-c1 -> eta eta eta' is performed to search for the 1(-+) exotic state eta(1)(1855). The PWA result indicates that the structure in the mass spectrum is attributed to fo(1500), while in the m mass spectrum, it is attributed to the 0(++) phase space. The upper limit of B(chi(c1) -> eta(1)(1855)n) center dot B(n(1)(1855) -> eta eta') < 9.79 x 10(-5) is set based on the PWA at 90% CL.

A measurement of the B-0 meson lifetime using B-0 -> J/psi K*(0) decays in data from 13 TeV proton-proton collisions with an integrated luminosity of 140 fb(-1) recorded by the ATLAS detector at the LHC is presented. The measured effective lifetime is tau = 1.5053 +/- 0.0012 (stat.) +/- 0.0035 (syst.) ps. The average decay width extracted from the effective lifetime, using parameters from external sources, is Gamma(d) = 0.6639 +/- 0.0005 (stat.) +/- 0.0016 (syst.) +/- 0.0038 (ext.) ps(-1), where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic and from external sources. The earlier ATLAS measurement of Gamma(s) in the B-s(0) -> J/psi phi decay was used to derive a value for the ratio of the average decay widths Gamma(d) and Gamma(s) for B-0 and B-s(0) mesons respectively, of Gamma(d)/Gamma(s) = 0.9905 +/- 0.0022 (stat.)+/- 0.0036 (syst.)+/- 0.0057 (ext.). Themeasured lifetime, average decay width and decay width ratio are in agreement with theoretical predictions and with measurements by other experiments. This measurement provides the most precise result of the effective lifetime of the B-0 meson to date.

This study uses Bakhtin's dialogical approach to heteroglossia for examining the diverse linguistic practices and norms multilingual (Swedish-Kurdish-Turkish-Arabic) children exploit in performing identities and negotiating relationships in social media environments. The study combines ethnography with multimodal conversation analysis, examining multilingual boys' (i) chat-communication and (ii) co-present interactions around the screen. The analysis demonstrates how the boys use a hybrid mixture of (i) textspeak (abbreviations, typos, emoticons), blended with (ii) urban youth style, (ii) heritage language forms, and (iii) monolingual standard orthography for achieving status and peer group sociality. At other moments group members enact voices of adult authority staging corrective practices around Swedish orthography and online rules for proper language use to display expertise and elicit laughter. The findings highlight multilingual children's playful juxtaposition of diverse voices, styles and ways of speaking/writing indexical of normative tensions between (i) diversity and heteroglossic forms and (ii) standardization and monolingual norms, for negotiating belonging in transcultural peer cultures.

The complex relative permittivity vs temperature at microwave frequencies (1.45-2.45 GHz) of limestone (CaCO3) and quicklime (CaO) is reported in the range from room temperature to 1000 degrees C. Limestone gravel was heated to calcinate from limestone to quicklime in a heat reaction chamber. The permittivity was determined continuously during calcination from measured propagated microwave signals. The calcination degree and volume fractions of CaO3 and CaO were determined from the measured mass during calcination. Using the experimental volume fractions, an inverse electromagnetic mixing formula (EMF) was used to separate the permittivity of CaCO3 and CaO that coexist during calcination. The permittivity for bulk CaCO3 and CaO was estimated and both the real imaginary parts were found to increase monotonically with temperature for both materials. The estimated values for bulk materials were validated by comparing calculated and measured permittivity of a limestone block during calcination. Calculated and experimental data were in agreement within experimental errors.

Background: Postoperative lymph node irradiation can affect shoulder morbidity in breast cancer patients, yet widely accepted dose-volume constraints for the shoulder joint are lacking. The SENOMAC trial randomized patients with breast cancer and 1–2 sentinel lymph node (SLN) macrometastases to axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) or SLN biopsy only. We aimed to analyze the association between the radiation dose to the shoulder joint and patient-reported arm morbidity one and three years after surgery using SENOMAC data.

Methods: Radiotherapy plans from 868 Swedish SENOMAC patients randomized 2015–2019 were collected. The humeral head was auto-segmented, and a 1 cm margin added to represent the shoulder joint. Arm morbidity was assessed using the Lymph-ICF questionnaire, focusing on questions regarding physical arm function and shoulder-related mobility tasks.

Results: The radiation dose was evaluable for 386 patients receiving ALND and 421 receiving SLN biopsy. The dose distribution to the shoulder joint was similar in both study groups. In the SLN group, a higher near-maximum dose (D0.5cc) was associated with significantly worse arm morbidity scores three years after surgery, particularly among patients treated with breast-conserving surgery. No association was found in the ALND group. No dose thresholds for development of arm/shoulder related side effects could be identified.

Conclusion: Our results indicate a possible association between maximum radiation dose to the shoulder joint and subsequent side effects. Extended follow-up within SENOMAC will provide further insights into the incidence of arm morbidity in relation to radiotherapy dose over time.

The invariant-mass distribution for the coherent photoproduction of dipions in ultraperipheral PbPb collisions is measured using data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 224.6 +/- 9.6 mu b(-1), collected by the LHCb experiment in 2018 at a nucleon-nucleon centre-of-mass energy root s(NN) = 5.02TeV. In the mass range from 400 to 1200MeV, the results are consistent with previous experiments, with the spectrum dominated by the rho(0) meson, which interferes with a nonresonant component, together with a smaller omega meson contribution. In an extended mass range up to 2300MeV, models previously used do not fit the data and a consistent description requires the introduction of two resonances at masses of 1350 +/- 20MeV and 1790 +/- 20MeV with widths of about 300MeV. The cross-section for each meson is measured differentially in twelve bins of rapidity from 2.05 to 4.90. The rho(0) cross-section increases with rapidity from about 400 to 600 mb and is measured with a typical precision of 8%, while the cross-section times branching fraction for the omega, rho' and rho '', with the statistical precision of the data, do not have a pronounced rapidity dependence and are between 0.5 and 1.5mb, with uncertainties up to 30%. A large nuclear suppression is observed for the rho(0) meson compared to expectations based on photoproduction on the proton that use the impulse approximation. Significant suppression is also observed compared to that predicted by elastic scattering described in the Glauber approach, or with the addition of inelastic scattering in a Gribov-Glauber model.

Climate variability and climate change are among many interacting drivers of human migration, alongside social, geopolitical, and economic factors. Environmental stressors such as crop failures, rising sea levels, and water insecurity may contribute to mobility, but their influence is complex, indirect, and highly context-specific. Populations in Sub Saharan Africa are particularly vulnerable due to high exposure to climate change and limited adaptive capacity. Although migration patterns in Africa are increasingly well documented, empirical evidence directly linking long-term migration trends to specific climate impacts, such as crop yield variability, remains limited. In this study, we analyzed longitudinal data from 196,320 individuals in rural Burkina Faso, collected through a Health and Demographic Surveillance System from 1994 to 2016. We used Prentice-Williams-Peterson regression to assess the association between annual weather-induced crop yield variations and individual-level migration events. We found that reductions in crop yields were strongly associated with increased out-migration, particularly among male farmers, individuals with lower household wealth, and those with prior migration experience. These findings highlight the role of climate related livelihood impacts on shaping migration patterns and highlight the importance of effective climate adaptation strategies that account for migration dynamics in vulnerable settings.

Predicting human upper extremity reaching motion in 3D space can support adaptive interactions with computer-controlled systems (robots and virtual avatars), and applications in ergonomics and rehabilitation. This study compares two predictive approaches: an optimization-based method (OPM) and a proposed heuristic method (SFM) that integrates steering dynamics path planning, an adaptive velocity model, and inverse kinematics. Both methods were validated against motion capture data from ten participants performing four reach tasks. Predictions and inter-subject variability were evaluated for path, velocity, and upper extremity joint configuration using root mean square error and dynamic time warping. Results show that SFM more accurately predicts spatial path and velocity, whereas OPM achieves greater precision in joint angle estimation. As input, OPM requires the initial and end posturesand the task duration, while SFM needs the initial posture, initial and target end-effector positions, and initial and estimated peak velocity. These results highlight trade-offs between accuracy and behavioral variability when selecting motion prediction methods.

The report analyzes uncertainties in the sampling, sample preparation, and analysis of tar-containing asphalt pavements, with particular focus on the determination of PAH concentrations. The study is based on expert interviews, a review of guidance from the Swedish Transport Administration, and observations of field sampling and laboratory procedures at several asphalt and analytical laboratories. The aim was to identify sources of uncertainty in the analytical chain and propose improvements for more reliable results. The results show that significant uncertainties may arise at several stages, particularly in the selection of sampling points, handling of drill cores, sample reduction, and extraction of analytical samples. Regular sampling intervals and sampling only in the center of traffic lanes may introduce systematic errors if the depth or distribution of tar-containing layers varies. Laboratory sample preparation may also introduce systematic and random errors through material losses, insufficient cooling, selective sample reduction, and non-random selection of analytical subsamples. The report recommends random selection of sampling points, separation of drill cores into tar-containing and tar-free layers before analysis, and standardization of sample preparation procedures to minimize material losses and systematic errors. It also recommends random extraction of analytical samples from representative subsamples and validation or certification of qualitative methods used to identify tar-containing asphalt. These measures could improve the representativeness of analytical results and provide a more reliable basis for decisions related to the management and classification of tar-containing pavements.

 The number of people born in the Nordic countries to parents with migrant backgrounds is growing, shaping a generation whose experiences differ from those of their parents. Raised in Nordic societies while influenced by their families’ migration histories, children of parents with migrant backgrounds are becoming an increasingly important part of the region’s democracies and welfare systems.

 This report summarises key discussions from the Annual Nordic Conference on Integration held in Helsinki in 2025, focusing on the well-being, participation, and opportunities of this growing group. Through political perspectives, research findings, expert insights, and examples of promising practices, the conference explored education, labour market participation, belonging, and the intergenerational effects of integration policies.

The CP properties of the Higgs boson are studied in the vector-boson fusion production mode. The analysis exploits the decay mode of the Higgs boson into two tau-leptons using 140 fb(-1) of proton-proton collision data at root s = 13TeV collected by the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider. Results are obtained using the Optimal Observable method. CP-violating interactions between the Higgs boson and electroweak gauge bosons are considered in the effective field theory framework, with the interaction strength described in the HISZ basis by (d) over tilde, and in the Warsaw basis by c(H (W) over tilde), c(H (B) over tilde), and c(H (W) over tildeB). No deviations relative to the Standard Model are observed, and limits are obtained on the strength parameters. The (d) over tilde parameter is constrained to the interval [-0.012, 0.044] at the 95% confidence level while c(H (W) over tilde) is constrained to [-0.24, 0.83], when considering both linear and quadratic effects of physics beyond the Standard Model.

Fallolyckor i kollektivtrafikens miljöer utgör en betydande utmaning för både trafiksäkerheten och folkhälsan, i synnerhet för äldre personer. Dessa olyckor kan leda till allvarliga konsekvenser såsom höftfrakturer och traumatiska hjärnskador. Trots detta är den biomekaniska kunskapen om skadeuppkomst vid fall, samt hur olika golvsystem påverkar skaderisken under realistiska förhållanden, fortfarande begränsad. Föreliggande projekt har därför syftat till att förbättra metodiken för skadeprediktion samt att utveckla ett biomekaniskt förankrat arbetssätt för att utvärdera och optimera energiabsorberande golv. Målet är att öka säkerheten på stationer och i andra miljöer inom kollektivtrafiken. Arbetet inleddes med en kartläggning av riskmiljöer och fallolyckor bland äldre. Baserat på vetenskaplig litteratur sammanställdes typiska fallscenarier, skademönster samt de samhällskostnader som dessa skador medför. Analysen definierade de krav som ett golvsystem måste uppfylla i praktiken, med avseende på funktion och robusthet. En central del av projektet var vidareutvecklingen av humanmodeller baserade på finita element-metoden (FEM) för rekonstruktion av fallolyckor. Med utgångspunkt i en etablerad helkroppsmodell anpassades denna för att bättre representera de riskgrupper och kroppsregioner som är mest utsatta, specifikt höft och huvud. Särskilt fokus lades på att modellera höftregionens anatomi hos äldre, inklusive mjukvävnadens fördelning och geometri. Genom att integrera realistiska fallpositioner med hög risk för höftfraktur möjliggjordes mer tillförlitliga beräkningar av vävnadsbelastning och krafter i lårbenshalsen vid sidledes fall. Dessa förbättringar resulterade i mer verklighetsnära simuleringar och därmed en starkare grund för skadebedömning. Med de förfinade modellerna studerades olika golvkonfigurationers dynamiska respons och energiupptagningsförmåga vid islag. Projektet utvärderade både kommersiellt tillgängliga energiabsorberande golv och en nyutvecklad prototyp. För att karakterisera golvens materialegenskaper och validera de numeriska modellerna genomfördes mekaniska materialprov samt fallprov med huvudattrapp. Den validerade simuleringsramen möjliggjorde därefter en systematisk analys av hur golvens egenskaper påverkar relevanta skadekriterier för både höft och huvud. Baserat på dessa studier etablerades ett biomekaniskt styrt optimeringsramverk som kombinerar parametrisk modellering och finita element-analys med maskininlärning (djupa neurala nätverk). Detta angreppssätt möjliggjorde en effektiv utvärdering av ett stort antal designalternativ för att identifiera golvlösningar som minimerar skaderisken i flertalet scenarier. Resultaten visar att optimerade energiabsorberande golv signifikant kan minska den kraft som överförs till höften vid fallolyckor, jämfört med befintliga standardlösningar. Projektledning och resultatspridning har bedrivits löpande. Resultaten har sammanställts för vetenskaplig publicering och konferenspresentationer, samtidigt som aspekter rörande genomförbarhet, tillverkning och framtida implementering har beaktats. Sammantaget bidrar projektet med nya biomekaniska insikter om fallskador och anvisar en tydlig väg mot säkrare golvsystem som kan minska skadeutfallet i kollektivtrafiken. 

BACKGROUND: The ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) is increasingly used in clinical research and practice. This individual-participant meta-analysis aims to consolidate the prognostic accuracy of AASI in the general population and to derive an end point-based AASI risk threshold. METHODS: In 12 558 individuals enrolled in 14 population studies (48.8% women; mean age, 59.3 years), AASI was derived by regressing 24-hour diastolic on systolic blood pressure (mm Hg/mm Hg). Using Cox regression, the risk-carrying AASI threshold was established by examining stepwise increasing AASI levels and by determining the AASI level, yielding a 10-year risk similar to an office systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg. RESULTS: Over 10.7 years (median), 3027 all-cause deaths and 2183 cardiovascular end points occurred. In all participants, multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios expressing the all-cause deaths and cardiovascular end point risk per 1-SD AASI increment were 1.08 (95% CI, 1.04-1.13) and 1.13 (95% CI, 1.07-1.18). In a randomly defined subset of 8189 individuals, the risk-carrying AASI thresholds converged to 0.50 with hazard ratios (>= 0.50 versus <0.50) of 1.14 (95% CI, 1.04-1.26) for all-cause deaths and 1.13 (95% CI, 1.01-1.26) for cardiovascular end point. In the replication sample (n=4369), these hazard ratios were 1.13 (95% CI, 1.01-1.26) and 1.19 (95% CI, 1.04-1.35). AASI continuous or per threshold significantly improved model performance. Analyses of secondary end points and subgroups stratified by sex, age, hypertension status and treatment, history of cardiovascular disease, and nocturnal dipping were confirmatory. CONCLUSIONS: Over and beyond traditional risk factors, AASI improves risk stratification. Exceeding the risk-carrying 0.50 AASI threshold necessitates increased vigilance in managing risk factors before irreversible cardiovascular complications occur.

Efficient hydrogen generation via water splitting has long been limited by substantial energy losses; however, advances in the engineering of high-performance electrocatalysts have helped to overcome this challenge. In recent years, constructing composite structures through the deliberate optimization of two complementary materials has emerged as an effective strategy for enhancing electrocatalytic activity. Guided by this approach, we developed a SnO2/MXene electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) using a facile in situ hydrothermal synthesis. The resulting SnMX40 composite exhibits a low overpotential of 72 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and a small Tafel slope of 99 mV dec−1 in alkaline media, outperforming pristine SnO2 and MXene catalysts. Furthermore, the SnMX40 catalyst demonstrates excellent durability, maintaining stable performance for up to 64 h while preserving its structural integrity, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The enhanced HER performance is attributed to the abundance of active sites and improved electrical conductivity provided by the composite architecture.

Financial robo-advisors (FRAs) enable households with a limited amount of money to participate in financial markets without time or place constraints. While FRAs can help investors overcome behavioural biases, they also have disadvantages, such as reliance on a limited number of inputs and a lack of individualization. We conduct a scoping literature review of the nascent research on FRAs to synthesize previous research results. We identify two streams of literature: (1) asset management, which focuses on designing FRAs and improving the functioning of these machine advisors, and (2) behavioural finance, which investigates technology adoption and issues concerning biased advice. Among other topics, future research should address why FRAs do not appeal to less financially literate people, who would likely benefit more than others from using them.

We present the International Particle Physics Outreach Group (IPPOG), a global network dedicated to connecting students, educators, and the general public with the world of particle physics. In this paper, we outline the need to bridge the existing gap between the particle physics community and the wider audience, and we present the solutions that IPPOG has implemented to overcome it through three pillar Activities: the International Masterclasses and the Global Cosmics hands-on activities network, which have engaged together over 200,000 high-school students to date, and the curation of an Outreach Resource Database and web portal.

Accurate and timely weed identification is fundamental to sustainable crop management, particularly for autonomous agricultural systems operating under strict energy and hardware constraints. While deep learning has significantly advanced image-based weed recognition, most existing models rely on GPU-based inference and therefore cannot be deployed directly in low-power field devices. In this study, we propose a hardware-efficient lightweight convolutional neural network (CNN), named TinyWeedNet, designed specifically for real-time on-device weed identification in precision agriculture. The model integrates multi-scale feature extraction, depthwise separable inverted residual blocks, and compact channel attention to enhance discriminative ability while maintaining a minimal computational footprint. To evaluate its suitability for field deployment, TinyWeedNet was trained and tested on the public DeepWeeds dataset and implemented on an STM32H7 microcontroller via the TinyML workflow. Experimental results demonstrate that the model achieves 97.26% classification accuracy with only 0.48 M parameters, supporting sub-90 ms inference and low energy consumption during fully embedded execution. A comprehensive analysis, including benchmark comparisons, hyperparameter sensitivity tests, and ablation studies, demonstrates that TinyWeedNet provides a good balance of accuracy, speed, and energy efficiency for resource-constrained agricultural platforms. Overall, this work demonstrates a practical pathway for integrating real-time, low-power weed identification into field robots, UAVs, and distributed sensing nodes, contributing to more autonomous and energy-aware weed management strategies in precision agriculture.

As the sub-Arctic and Arctic regions undergoes rapid changes, understanding its hydroclimate history is more critical than ever. A limited availability of moisture-sensitive proxy data severely constrains our insights, underscoring the urgent need for more hydroclimate reconstructions in the region. Here we present a May-June precipitation reconstruction based on ring width from living and dead trees of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) growing under drought-stressed conditions at 63 degrees N, near Skuleskogen National Park, on the northern part of the east coast of Sweden. The oldest deadwood sample dates back to the mid-11th century, and the Expressed Population Signal (EPS) exceeds 0.85 from 1320 CE until the present (2021 CE), making this the longest tree-ring-based hydroclimate reconstruction from high-latitude Fennoscandia. Unlike typical high-latitude forests in Fennoscandia, the trees at this site thrive under low-pressure conditions and show strong correlations up to approximately |r|=0.6 over the period 1920-2021 with drought-related variables such as precipitation, cloud cover, solar radiation, potential evapotranspiration and diurnal temperature range. The climate signal is concentrated to a short window between mid-May and early July but reflects climatic conditions over a broad region. Significant spatial correlations extend over most of Sweden as well as large parts of Norway and Finland, indicating sensitivity to large-scale climate systems. The tree-ring chronology also shows clear cyclic patterns, with a particularly strong similar to 64-year cycle. The modern era stands out for its variability, with 2018 CE emerging as one of the of the driest year in the entire record. There is potential to extend the chronology further back in time, possibly to 1000 CE or earlier, and to extract additional climate information using other tree-ring parameters such as blue intensity.