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Illuminating the future of wearable light metrology : Overview of the MeLiDos Project
No full textLight exposure profoundly influences human health, regulating circadian rhythms and impacting wakefulness and sleepiness. Estimating the effects of light exposure under everyday conditions requires personal, wearable light logging and dosimetry approaches. This article introduces the MeLiDos Project (2023–2026), supported by the European Association of National Metrology Institutes (EURAMET). The project’s first branch defines quality indices and calibration standards for wearable light loggers, adapting existing metrological standards to their smaller size and distinct purpose in the field rather than the laboratory. The second branch develops a software ecosystem, including the open-source R software package LightLogR, designed to manage the increasing volume of data, ensuring reusability, accessibility and interoperability of data. The third branch explores the potential of spatially resolved light dosimetry. The MeLiDos Project anticipates advancements in wearable light metrology, paving the way for optimizing human health and well-being through wearable light logging technologies. The project (22NRM05 MeLiDos) has received funding from the European Partnership on Metrology, co-financed by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme and by the Participating States.</p
Ultralow 1/f noise in epigraphene devices
No full textWe report the lowest recorded levels of 1/ f noise for graphene-based devices, at the level of S V / V 2 = S I / I 2 = 4.4 × 10 − 16 (1/Hz), measured at f = 10 Hz ( S V / V 2 = S I / I 2 < 10 − 16 1/Hz for f > 100 Hz) in large-area epitaxial graphene on silicon carbide (epigraphene) Hall sensors. This performance is made possible through the combination of high material quality, low contact resistance achieved by edge contact fabrication process, homogeneous doping, and stable passivation of the graphene layer. Our study explores the nature of 1/ f noise as a function of carrier density and device geometry and includes data from Hall sensors with device area range spanning over six orders of magnitude, with characteristic device length ranging from L = 1 μm to 1 mm. In optimized graphene Hall sensors, we demonstrate arrays to be a viable route to improve further the magnetic field detection: a simple parallel connection of two devices displays record-high magnetic field sensitivity at room temperature, with minimum detectable magnetic field levels down to B min = 9.5 nT/√Hz. The remarkable low levels of 1/ f noise observed in epigraphene devices hold immense capacity for the design and fabrication of scalable epigraphene-based sensors with exceptional performance. © 2024 Author(s).This work was jointly supported by the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF) (Nos. GMT14-0077, RMA15-0024, and FFL21-0129), Chalmers Area of Advance Nano, Chalmers Area of Advance Energy, Chalmers Area of Advanced material, 2D TECH VINNOVA competence Center (Ref. 2019-00068), VINNOVA (Ref. 2020-04311 and 2021-04177), Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant QUESTech No. 766025, Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation (2019.0140), and the Swedish Research Council VR (Contract Nos. 2021-05252 and 2018-04962). This work was performed in part at Myfab Chalmers and Chalmers Materials Analysis Laboratory (CMAL).</p
Soundscapes in Plant Cultivation: A Literature Review on Music’s Influence in Plant Growth
No full textMusic has long been associated with human emotions, creativity, and cultural expression. There are also indications that music of different styles can promote plant growth. Sound is a mechanical wave of pressure that requires a transmission medium to propagate. The wave of pressure that a crop is exposed to might not always be audible to the human ear but can be perceived by technical equipment and affect the plants. Acoustic and vibrational energy has distinct dynamic advantages; it enables rapid and temporally well-defined, signals. Ultrasounds has been shown to affect the biosynthesis of plants, resulting in production of a wide range of secondary metabolites. An example is flavonoids, that enhance seed germination, flowering, growth or defence mechanisms. There have been several experiments with various types of music where different crops have been exposed to the music for different lengths of time and in different growth stages. For example, rock music was found to significantly inhibit the germination of alfalfa seeds. Results also showed that Gregorian chant, new age, and waltz music were able to induce lettuce seedlings to produce significantly longer roots and stem. Another experiment showed that treatments with electronic music, rock music and classical music promoted lettuce growth compared to no music, especially significant was the increase in growth of the edible parts under the influence of electronic music. When exposed to audible sound at 125 Hz and 250 Hz frequencies, plant genes are more active in DNA code translation, and as a result, growth and development are increased. It would be interesting to test the effect on plant development on even more species grown close to a transmitter of different music styles to try to identify why they respond differently to a range of decibel and hertz. From an applicative point of view, in-depth knowledge of plant species sensitivity towards sound and music could be used to stimulate the biosynthesis of targeted secondary metabolites, and thereby obtain bioactive enriched products with less hazardous chemical inputs, which can enhance sustainable natural environment.Musik har länge förknippats med mänskliga känslor, kreativitet och kulturella uttryck. Det finns också indikationer på att olika musikstilar kan främja växters tillväxt. Ljud är en mekanisk tryckvåg som kräver ett medium för att fortplanta sig. Den våg av tryck som en gröda utsätts för är inte alltid hörbar för det mänskliga örat men kan uppfattas av teknisk utrusning och påverka växter. Akustisk och vibrationsenergi har tydliga dynamiska fördelar; den möjliggör snabba och tidsmässigt väldefinierade signaler. Ultraljud har till exempel visat sig påverka biosyntesen av växter, vilket resulterar i produktion av ett brett spektrum av sekundära metaboliter. Ett exempel är flavonoider, som förbättrar grobarhet hos frön, blomning, tillväxt eller försvarsmekanismer. Det har gjorts flera experiment med olika typer av musik där olika grödor har exponerats för musik under olika lång tid och i olika växtstadier. Till exempel visade sig rockmusik avsevärt hämma groning av alfalfafrön. Resultaten visade också att gregoriansk sång, new age-musik och vals kunde få salladsplantor att producera betydligt längre rötter och stam. Ett annat experiment visade att behandlingar med elektronisk musik, rockmusik och klassisk musik främjade salladstillväxt jämfört med ingen musik, särskilt signifikant var ökningen av tillväxten av de ätbara delarna under påverkan av elektronisk musik. Det har visat sig att växtgener är mer aktiva i DNA-kodöversättning efter att de exponerats för hörbart ljud vid frekvenser mellan 125 - 250 Hz och som ett resultat ökar tillväxten och utvecklingen. Det skulle vara intressant att testa effekten på växtutvecklingen på ännu fler arter som odlats i anslutning av högtalare med olika musikstilar för att försöka identifiera varför de svarar olika på olika decibel och hertz. Ur en tillämpningssynpunkt kan fördjupad kunskap om växtarters känslighet för ljud och musik användas för att stimulera biosyntesen av riktade sekundära metaboliter som eventuellt kan minska behovet av kemiska insatser
DigiDOP : A framework for applying digital technology to the Differential Outcomes Procedure (DOP) for cognitive interventions in persons with neurocognitive disorders
No full textWe present a framework –Digi-DOP- that includes a series of evidence-based recommendations to design and apply cognitive interventions for people with Neurocognitive Disorders (NCDs) using a relatively new approach, the Differential Outcomes Procedure (DOP). To do so, we critically review the substantial experimental research conducted with relevant clinical and non-clinical populations, and the theoretical underpinnings of this procedure. We further discuss how existing digital technologies that have been used for cognitive interventions could be applied to overcome some of the limitations of DOP-based interventions and further enhance DOP benefits. Specifically, we present three digital DOP developments that are currently being designed, investigated and/or tested. Finally, we discuss constraints, ethical and legal considerations that need to be taken into account to ensure that the use of technology in DOP-based interventions proposed here does not widen disparities and inequalities. We hope that this framework will inform and guide digital health leaders and developers, researchers and healthcare professionals to design and apply DOP-based interventions for people with NCDs. This framework development has been funded by the Forte-JPND (Joint Programme for Neurodegenerative Disease Research), REF:JPNDWG2021-013.</p
Digital resiliens inom hälsa, sjukvård och omsorg : En rapport om sektorns digitala systems resiliens och deras roll i och för samhället
No full textDenna rapport behandlar digital resiliens inom hälsa, sjukvård och omsorg. Rapporten belyser hur resilienta digitala system och enheter är avgörande för att upprätthålla samhällsviktiga funktioner och möta ökande digitala hot. Den syftar till att beskriva hur de digitala miljöerna av sektorn kan motstå, hantera och återhämta sig från störningar för att säkerställa kontinuerlig funktion och säkerhet. Sverige är ett av världens mest digitaliserade länder och har en tradition av att utveckla, ta till sig, acceptera och nyttja digital teknik. Denna snabba digitalisering har bidragit till effektivisering och innovation men har också öppnat upp för nya sårbarheter. Cyberangrepp har ökat globalt och nationellt, vilket gör resiliens i digitala system allt viktigare. Hälso- och sjukvård och omsorgssektorn i Sverige består av många olika aktörer, inklusive statliga myndigheter, regioner och kommuner samt privata vårdgivare och producenter. Lagstiftning reglerar sektorns organisation och ansvar, med målet är att säkerställa en god hälsa och vård på lika villkor för alla. Digitala system spelar en central roll i att tillhandahålla kvalitativ vård och omsorg, från hantering av patientjournaler och distribution av läkemedel till kommunikationsverktyg, välfärdsteknik och viktig forskning. Digitaliseringen inom sektorn innebär stora möjligheter men också betydande utmaningar. Digitala system måste vara tillförlitliga, säkra och tillgängliga. Resiliens innebär förmågan att stå emot och återhämta sig från cyberangrepp, tekniska fel och andra störningar, samtidigt som systemens funktionalitet bibehålls. Utmaningarna inkluderar att hålla jämna steg med den tekniska utvecklingen, säkerställa hög cybersäkerhet och hantera de organisatoriska samt mänskliga aspekterna av digitalisering. Sektorn står inför flera utmaningar för att säkerställa digital resiliens. En av de största är att balansera innovation och effektivitet med behovet av säkerhet och skydd av exempelvis känslig patientdata. Vårdsektorn är ofta dåligt förberedd för cyberhot, och det krävs betydande insatser för att höja medvetenheten och kompetensen inom området. Ansvarsfördelningen i en alltmer digitaliserad vårdmiljö är också komplex, och det finns ett behov av tydliga roller och ansvar. Rapporten framhåller vikten av utbildning, standardisering och innovationsledning för att stärka den digitala resiliensen. Kontinuerlig kompetenshöjning för medarbetare är avgörande för att säkerställa att systemen fungerar och är säkra. Organisatoriska strukturer, starkt ledarskap och en kultur som främjar innovation och säkerhet är också centrala för att uppnå resiliens. Extern samverkan och kunskapsutbyte mellan olika vårdaktörer är kritiskt för att hantera digitala hot. En gemensam digital infrastruktur kan minska administrativa bördor och förbättra patientvården genom snabbare och mer tillförlitlig informationsdelning. Användningen av standarder och uppdaterad lagstiftning kan ytterligare stödja digital resiliens genom att säkerställa att säkerhetsåtgärder följer de senaste riktlinjerna. Den svenska hälso- och sjukvården och omsorgen är komplex i sin struktur, sin ansvarsfördelning och sitt utförande vilket kräver samordnade insatser på flera nivåer för att säkerställa dess digitala resiliens. Genom en ökad förståelse för komplexiteten, resiliens och en ökad samordning som bygger på tillit är det möjligt att skapa en hållbar och resilient hälso-, sjukvård och omsorgssektor
FRIC webinar: Facade exposures in cross-laminated timber compartments affected by wind - a comparison of experiments and simulation
No full textThe webinar looks more closely into the characteristic behaviour of the external flame observed in the large-scale CLT compartment fire experiment #FRIC-02 and show results where this experiment was simulated. The research has been carried out as part of WP3 in FRIC, as part of Bøe’s PhD work at NTNU, in collaboration with SINTEF, RISE Fire Research and other partners in FRIC. The research has been presented at the Fire Safety of Facades (FSF) conference in June 2024, and in the following publications: #FRIC-02: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.firesaf.2023.103986 #FRIC-01: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.firesaf.2023.103869 Thesis: https://ntnuopen.ntnu.no/ntnu-xmlui/handle/11250/312521613 sept 2024</p
Structure protection provided by ember absorption
No full textThis proof-of-concept study examines the ability of broadleaved trees to shieldstructures from glowing embers in intense wildfires. Two types of broadleaved trees (arönn, Sorbus aucuparia, and a small group of björkar, Betula pendula) were selected astest targets and their shielding performance was compared with a conifer (a gran, Piceaabies). The simulated embers were a collection of fallen gran cones that were notburning. The cones were launched at the trees using a ball throwing toy for dogs. The rönnsuccessfully prevented 71 % of the cones from passing through its canopy, the björkarprevented 76 % of the cones from passing, and the gran prevented 95 % of the conesfrom passing. The results and observations during the tests indicate that low flyingembers are not prevented from passing through the rönn and björkar because they do nothave low canopies. The success rate depends heavily on whether the cones impact adense area of leaves. The gran has low branches and thick needles and thus can blockmost of the cones, however, it tended to trap the cones underneath, where they couldpotentially smoulder and ignite the tree
FRIC webinar: Energy production and storage in buildings
No full textThe webinar presents fire safety challenges with photovoltaics and Li-on battery systems in buildings, based on the presentation given at the Nordic Fire and Safety Days 2024. The abstract from the conference is available here: https://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn%3Anbn%3Ase%3Ari%3Adiva-73548. This research has been carried out as part of WP2 (Project 2.3 - Battery energy storage systems ) and WP3 (Project 3.4 - Photovoltaic energy systems) in FRIC, and as part of the SafeBESS project SafeBESS is a Collaborative and Knowledge-building Project funded by the Research Council of Norway, program ENERGIX – Large program for energy research, project number 336592, as well as by the partners.25 October 2024</p
The effect of acidification on hydrogen uptake and corrosion resistance of advanced high-strength steels
No full textHigh strength steels are susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement that may contribute to degradation of steel parts and structural failure. The correlation between corrosion-induced hydrogen entry and electrochemical behavior of galvanized advanced high-strength steel (Press Hardened Steel and Complex Phase Steel) was studied in neutral and acidified (pH 3) 0.05 M NaCl by combination of conventional and localized electrochemical techniques with zero resistance ammeter technique and thermal desorption analysis. Hydrogen entry increased in acidic environment due to lowered galvanic protection of both coatings. In Press Hardened Steel, it was additionally aggravated by pitting of insufficiently galvanically protected steel. Financial support through the RCFS project 101034041 \u201CModelling of hydrogen activity from atmospheric corrosion in ultra-high strength steels for light structure application\u201D is acknowledged. Authors from CQE acknowledge FCT for the funding under DOI 10.54499/UIDP/00100/2020, DOI 10.54499/UIDB/00100/2020 and DOI 10.54499/LA/P/0056/2020.</p
Assessing the Usage and Usability of a Mental Health Advice Telephone Service in Uganda : Mixed Methods Study
No full textBACKGROUND: Harnessing mobile health (mHealth) solutions could improve the delivery of mental health services and mitigate their impact in Uganda and similar low-resource settings. However, successful adoption requires that mHealth solutions have good usability. We have previously implemented a telephone service to provide mental health information and advice in English and Luganda, utilizing an automated interactive voice response (IVR) system linked to live agents, including mental health care workers and peer support workers. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the usage and usability of this mental health telephone service. METHODS: We obtained usage data from the system’s call logs over 18 months to study call volumes and trends. We then surveyed callers to gather their characteristics and assess usability using the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire. Additionally, call recordings were evaluated for conversation quality by 3 independent health care professionals, using the Telephone Nursing Dialogue Process, and correlations between quality and usability aspects were investigated. RESULTS: Over 18 months, the system received 2863 meaningful calls (ie, calls that went past the welcome message) from 1125 unique telephone numbers. Of these, 1153 calls (40.27%) stopped at the prerecorded IVR information, while 1710 calls (59.73%) opted to speak to an agent. Among those who chose to speak with an agent, 1292 calls (75.56%) were answered, 393 calls (22.98%) went to voicemail and were returned in the following working days, and 25 calls (1.46%) were not answered. Usage was generally sustained over time, with spikes in call volume corresponding to marketing events. The survey (n=240) revealed that most callers were caregivers of patients with mental health issues (n=144, 60.0%) or members of the general public (n=46, 19.2%), while a few were patients with mental health issues (n=44, 18.3%). Additionally, the majority were male (n=143, 59.6%), spoke English (n=180, 75.0%), had postsecondary education (n=164, 68.3%), lived within 1 hour or less from Butabika Hospital (n=187, 77.9%), and were aged 25-44 years (n=160, 66.7%). The overall usability score for the system was 4.12 on a 5-point scale, significantly higher than the recommended target usability score of 4 (P=.006). The mean scores for usability components ranged from 3.66 for reliability to 4.41 for ease of use, with all components, except reliability, scoring higher than 4 or falling within its CI. Usability scores were higher for Luganda speakers compared with English speakers, but there was no association with other participant characteristics such as sex, distance from the hospital, age, marital status, duration of symptoms, or treatment status. The quality of call conversations (n=50) was rated at 4.35 out of 5 and showed a significant correlation with usability (Pearson r=0.34, P=.02). CONCLUSIONS: We found sustained usage of the mental health telephone service, along with a positive user experience and high satisfaction across various user characteristics. mHealth solutions like this should be embraced and replicated to enhance the delivery of health services in Uganda and similar low-resource settings. This project was funded by Digital Futures, a research collaboration between KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm University, and RISE Research Institutes of Sweden. The funders had no influence on the conduct of the research study.</p