RISE – Research Institutes of Sweden
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Pneumatic tube transport of trastuzumab in IV bags—Effect of headspace and surfactant on subvisible particle formation
No full textIn hospitals, IV bags can be prepared in advance for logistical and microbial safety reasons in a compounding unit and then transported to wards. Transport of protein drugs using a pneumatic tube system has been reported to result in high particle levels. In this study, pneumatic tube transport of trastuzumab in saline polyolefin bags was compared to delivery by hospital porters using an electric platform truck in an underground tunnel system. The transport was tracked using designed smart labels. Two strategies to prevent particle formation, removing headspace and adding the surfactant polysorbate 20 were evaluated. The transport by pneumatic tube had a higher level of shock and vibration than truck delivery. The total particle count measured using flow microscopy also increased more for pneumatic transport than for transport by vehicle. Removing the headspace decreased particle formation for both transports. Surfactant decreases particles over 10 µm for trastuzumab in saline IV bags but increases the total particle levels. Pneumatic tube transport of saline in polyolefin bags resulted in high particle levels and surfactant increased the total particle count. Removing headspace is a measure that can be incorporated into compounding practices to cover for inadequate surfactant levels in IV bags. This project has received funding from the Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking (JU) under grant agreement N°101007939 (RealHOPE). This Joint Undertaking receives support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and EFPIA. Content of this [publication/presentation/etc.] reflects only the author’s view and the JU is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.</p
Real-time biofluorescent particle counting compared to conventional air sampling for monitoring airborne contamination in orthopedic implant surgery
No full textBackground: Surgical site infection (SSI) following orthopedic surgery is a complication associated with morbidity and economic burden. Transmission of airborne bacteria that settle into surgical wounds constitutes a risk factor for SSIs. However, monitoring microbial contamination inside operating rooms with conventional methods is resource and time-consuming. Aim: This study aimed to assess correlation between a biofluorescent particle counter (BFPC) and conventional air sampling, to enable real-time monitoring of airborne contamination. Additionally, the study aimed to analyze correlation between particles near the surgical site and particles 1 meter away, to evaluate the feasibility of distance-based measurements. Methods: Correlation analysis was conducted to compare colony-forming units (CFU) collected using a Sartorius MD8 air sampler with biofluorescent viable particles detected by BioTrak 9510-BD, both positioned near the surgical site. Additionally, correlation between particle counts measured by AeroTrak 6510, positioned 1 meter away, and total particle counts measured by the BioTrak near the surgical site was evaluated. Sampling took place in two operating rooms: one with turbulent mixed airflow (TMA) and one with unidirectional airflow (UDAF). Results: Negligible to low correlation between biofluorescent particles and CFU was observed, both in UDAF (n = 100) and TMA (n = 22). However, strong correlation was found between BFPC and particle counter measurements of total numbers of particles (Rp = 0.634-0.769, P <.001). Conclusion: While BFPCs offer real-time monitoring of airborne contamination, their predictive ability for CFU levels remains uncertain. Yet, the strong correlation between particles in the surgical site and particles measured 1 meter away suggests feasibility to conduct future studies with larger cohorts. The funding of FS and the particle counters utilized in thisstudy (the BioTrak 9510-BD and the AeroTrak 6510) were provided by GetingeGroup (Getinge, Sweden). </p
Reduced environmental impact of short sea shipping through optimal propulsion power allocation
No full textTo reduce the environmental impact of short sea shipping, this study introduces a two-stage propulsion power allocation method aimed at enhancing ship operational efficiency in various weather environments. The first stage utilizes a metocean score-based pruned explicit linear time (MS-PELT) algorithm to segment the trajectory into several legs based on metocean conditions, thereby minimizing frequent engine setting adjustments and simplifying the optimization process. In the second stage, a parallel coupling Dynamic Programming (PCDP) method is introduced to optimize power allocation in each leg using machine learning-based ship performance models. The proposed approach is evaluated using three years of full-scale operational data from a case study chemical tanker. Results show that the MS-PELT method outperforms the state-of-the-art multivariate clustering algorithm by providing practical and efficient segmentation. The optimized power allocation strategy demonstrates a promising average of 8 % emission and environmental impact reductions for case study short sea voyages with good computational efficiency. It is suitable for real-time applications, providing the maritime industry with tools to optimize ship engine settings, reducing emissions and environmental impact. This work was supported by the Trafikverket (Swedish Transport Administration) [grant No. TRV2023/98101 ]; the Vinnova (Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems) [grant No. 2021-02768 ]; and the Trafikverket/Lighthouse [grant No. FP4 2020 ].</p
Configuring hydrogen lancing to reduce carbon and nitrogen oxides emissions from coal-fired rotary kilns
No full textCoal replacement with hydrogen is a strategy for reducing carbon emissions from high-temperature industrial processes. Hydrogen lancing is a direct way for introducing hydrogen to existing coal-fired kilns. This work investigates the effects of hydrogen lancing on nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions and ignition behaviour in a pilot-scale furnace that employs a 30 % coal replacement with hydrogen lancing. The investigation encompasses the impacts of lancing distance, angling, and velocity. Advanced measurement techniques, including spectrometry and monochromatic digital cameras, characterise the flame and assess emissions. The results indicate that the 30 % coal replacement by hydrogen lancing enhances combustion and reduces the emissions of carbon monoxides (CO). The flame characteristics vary with the location of the hydrogen injection, generally becoming more-intense than during coal combustion. NOx emissions during lancing are similar or up to double the emissions observed for pure coal combustion, depending on the lancing configuration. Increasing the distance between the hydrogen lance and coal burner increases NOx emissions. Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara AB (LKAB). Swedish Energy Agency and the European Union (EU) are acknowledged for the financial support of this work (P2022-00196).</p
Pigs exposed to nitrogen, argon or carbon dioxide filled high-expansion foam : behavioural responses, stun process and blood lactate concentration
No full textAccording to the EU legislation, all animals farmed for food production must be stunned before being exsanguinated (exempt slaughter prescribed by religious rites). Stunning methods must be reliable, effective, and free from avoidable pain, distress, and suffering, warranting continuous improvement. New methods must be thoroughly evaluated from an animal welfare perspective before approval. One technology developed for on-farm euthanasia and large-scale depopulation for disease control in pigs uses high-expansion foam to create an anoxic atmosphere in a closed container. The method has previously been suggested as a potential method for stunning pigs at slaughter. This study compared the behavioural responses and stun process (e.g., loss of posture and convulsions) of pigs exposed to three different gases (N2, Ar, and CO2) delivered in high-expansion foam. Thirty-six pigs, approximately 12 weeks old, were placed one at a time in a container and exposed to either N2, Ar, or CO2 gas-filled foam for 5 min from foam start. Behavioural observations were conducted from video recordings, assessing time to loss of balance, loss of posture, last strong convulsion and last muscle contraction. Results showed that pigs in the CO2 treatment performed escape attempts significantly earlier than in N2 and Ar, and there were more pigs that performed this behaviour in CO2, indicating that high concentrations of CO2 are more aversive than Ar and N2. Pigs exposed to CO2 foam also avoided the foam earlier compared to the other two gases. Loss of posture occurred earlier in the CO2 treatment, consistent with the anaesthetic effect of CO2. A faster foam filling time for CO2 foam may be a contributing factor to the differences found; however, filling time was adjusted for in the statistical analyses to reduce bias in the comparisons between gases. All pigs across treatments were adequately stunned after 5 min, with no corneal reflex, rhythmic breathing, gagging, or muscle contractions upon removal from the container. No indications of regained consciousness during sticking and bleeding were found. In conclusion, the gas foam method was effective in stunning the pigs regardless of the gas type used. The less aversive responses to Ar and N2 foam are positive from an animal welfare perspective, but the longer time to loss of consciousness compared to CO2 is a disadvantage. © 2025 The AuthorsThis work was supported by Formas (grant number 2020-02554).</p
LCA of Re-Membrane for buildings/tunnels
No full textIn the Re-Membrane project, the project participants have developed and manufactured plastic film for buildings and tunnel membranes including recycled plastic raw material. RISE has performed testing the products for long-term applications. The following products and companies are included in this study. For example, a building film from three partners: Rani Plast, Draken, Trioworld. For example, a plastic membrane for tunnels from one partner: Oldroys DrainX. The purpose this LCA study is to show the climate reduction potential for recycled plastics in building products and construction. A simplified Life Cycle Analysis has been carried out on the products to assess the climate reduction potential of replacing new raw materials with recycled ones. The data collection is built on companies own data derived from environmental products declarations EPDs and carbon footprint. The data collection builds also on the type of recycled plastics used, such as the use of spill, the use of consumer plastics and the use of ocean plastics. The results are also applied to construction of wooden and office buildings, as well as the Swedish Housing Agencies climate database and climate impact data for buildings of typical housing in Sweden and in the Nordic countries. The results have shown that the climate reduction potential for plastic films between 20% and 80%, the reduction potential is reduced depend on recycling/transport are between 6,5% and up to 50% and that the reduction potential for plastics in buildings are between 0,5% - 19%. The climate reduction potential for plastics in buildings in the Nordic are 1,5-1,75 kg CO2/m2 heated living area. The results have shown that there is a difference in data collection and functional unit, as well as databases that influence the climate impact. For example, the latest Ecoinvent database from 2024 has a 20-30% higher climate impacts for plastics. In conclusion, the carbon footprint for recycled plastics in plastics film and tunnel membranes have been studied. The climate reduction potential for recycled plastics in buildings in in Sweden and the Nordic countries have also been included in this study.Many building products used in building construction and infrastructure projects contain large amounts of plastic. In this research project, Re-Membrane, the focus has been on building products, such as building films and tunnel membranes. The research project Re-Membrane has been between 2023 and 2025. The project has investigated whether recycled plastic can be used in building construction and in tunnel membranes with maintained quality.</p
Oxidation of carbon nanomaterials using a nanoparticulate iron oxide catalyst : Direct observations in an electron microscope
No full textUnderstanding of carbon nanomaterials oxidation is useful in many different applications, e.g., for soot emission abatement, or in defect engineering aiming to improve material properties. In this work, the oxidative behavior of three substantially different qualities of carbon black, multiwall carbon-nanotubes, and few-layer graphene, was studied using a combination of macroscale quantification (using thermogravimetric analysis) and nanoscale imaging of their structural evolution (using environmental transmission electron microscopy, ETEM). The materials were investigated both with and without the addition of a nanoparticulate iron oxide catalyst. Catalyst addition clearly lowered the conversion temperature during oxidation. The ETEM revealed that the catalyst nanoparticles induced primary surface damages in the carbon nanostructure at relatively low temperatures. From there, oxidation could proceed more rapidly at recently exposed edge sites due to their higher propensity for oxidation. Thus, the enhanced oxidation was not solely linked to the interface between catalyst and carbon. The authors are also grateful for the financial contribution from the Swedish Research Council (projects 2017–04902 and 2020–04453) as well as from the strategic research environment Bio4Energy.The Swedish Research Council and Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research are acknowledged for access to ARTEMI, the Swedish National Infrastructure in Advanced Electron Microscopy (2021-00171 and RIF21-0026).</p
FramHall – Framtidens platser i Halland
No full textProjektet FramHall har under perioden november 2024 till december 2025 genomförts med målet att sprida och praktiskt tillämpa framsynsmetoder inom samhällsbyggnad i Halland. Projektet är ett av 23 som beviljades stöd från ShiftSweden, en nationell satsning för att utveckla framtidens hållbara och attraktiva samhällen genom visionärt och metodutvecklande arbete. Genom samverkan mellan Halmstads och Varbergs kommuner, RISE, Högskolan i Halmstad, Fredblad arkitekter samt flera regionala aktörer har projektet introducerat verktyg som trendanalys, framtidshjul, scenarioplanering och backcasting till en bred grupp av deltagare.Projektet har haft en styrgrupp med representanter från Varbergs kommun, VFAB, Halmstad Kommun, RISE och Högskolan i Halmstad. Projektet bestod av tre huvudelement: Kunskapshöjande webbinarier, fysiska workshops på utvalda platser (case) och en slutkonferens. Tre fysiska workshops genomfördes under mars 2025 i Halmstad och Varberg med cirka 30-35 deltagare per gång. Dessa fungerade som praktiska övningstillfällen för att applicera framsynsmetoder på verkliga stadsutvecklingsområden: Björkeslätt i Halmstad samt Norra Västerport och Badhusplatsen i Varberg. Deltagare kom från kommuner, Trafikverket, Hallandstrafiken, akademi, näringsliv och civilsamhälle.Resultaten visar att framsynsmetoderna har stor potential att stärka kommunernas planeringsarbete, särskilt i tidiga skeden. I workshops utvecklades framtidsscenarier för varje plats baserat på kombinationer av trender som energipriser, globalisering, klimatpåverkan och socioekonomiska skillnader. Scenarierna hjälpte deltagarna att identifiera möjligheter och risker, såsom risk för bilberoende, segregation och förlust av offentliga rum, men även potential för resilienta, inkluderande och klimatvänliga stadsmiljöer. Projektet har också visat på vikten av samverkan och dialog mellan olika aktörer. Många deltagare lyfte särskilt värdet i att mötas över sektorsgränser för att gemensamt diskutera framtida utmaningar. Studentarbeten från Högskolan i Halmstad, Chalmers och LinnéUniversitet har parallellt bidragit med analyser och reflektioner kring metoderna och deras tillämpbarhet.6Lärdomar från projektet inkluderar att framsynsmetoder bör integreras systematiskt i samhällsplaneringsprocesser, med stöd från både tjänstepersoner och politiska beslutsfattare. För att detta ska bli hållbart krävs fortsatt utbildning, praktisk träning och regional samverkan. En särskild rapport med rekommendationer till Hallands kommuner lämnas även till Region Halland i december. Slutligen har FramHall väckt stort intresse för framsyn och lagt grunden för ett mer framtidsorienterat samhällsbyggande i Halland, där både medborgare, akademi, kommuner och näringsliv tillsammans planerar för ett hållbart Halland år 2049.FramHall är ett av 23 Shift Sweden-projekt</p
El för ännu fler : Publik slutrapport
No full textThe research project “El för ännu fler” has explored how households in multi-unit dwellings without access to private parking can be included in the electrification of Sweden’s passenger car fleet. This target group lacks the ability to arrange private charging near home and is therefore dependent on public charging on street and neighbourhood land or at fast-charging stations. The term “public home-charging” was coined already in the project application to describe charging at or near home for this group.The project has developed a decision support tool for (primarily) the public sector, based on quantitative modelling which forecasts charging demand with high geographic resolution. An interactive web map visualizes the demand for charging from passenger cars without private parking per DeSO (Demographic Statistical Areas) until year 2050, taking into account factors such as demographics, housing type, driving distances, and charging behaviour. The map shows the need for public charging near home, but the project also concludes that there is no empirical evidence that such charging directly increases EV adoption. The project has also analysed costs and barriers to establishing charging infrastructure in urban environments. Results show that groundwork and grid connection are often the most cost-driving factors, especially for installations on street land. Average investment costs vary significantly, making profitability a challenge. A calculation tool has been developed to support stakeholders in cost assessments, based on data from the Klimatklivet funding program. Through interviews and surveys, the project has identified user behaviours and preferences among EV owners without home-charging. The study shows that these users perceive public charging as less convenient and flexible, and that charging often occurs strategically at low battery levels. The results suggest that charging infrastructure must be designed around users’ daily routines to be effective. Three detailed case studies in Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Strömstad have deepened the understanding of local variations in EV adoption. The studies show that factors such as housing type, socioeconomic status, parking structure, and municipal strategy influence adoption, and that municipalities play a key role in enabling charging near home. An international analysis has compared strategies for charging infrastructure expansion in Birmingham, Copenhagen, and Oslo. The project has contributed to FFI’s goals of a fossil-free and socially sustainable transport system by highlighting an underexplored user group, developing planning tools, and providing insights into user behaviour, cost structures, and international strategies. Continued research is needed on topics such as parking data, charging behaviour, and innovative solutions to ensure that electrification reaches even more people.Projektet ”El för ännu fler” har undersökt hur hushåll i flerbostadshus utan tillgång till privat parkering kan inkluderas i elektrifieringen av Sveriges personbilsflotta. Denna målgrupp saknar rådighet att ordna egen laddning nära hemmet och är därför beroende av publik laddning på gatu- och kvartersmark eller vid snabbladdningsstationer. Begreppet ’publik hemmaladdning’ myntades redan vid projektansökan för att beskriva laddning vid eller nära hemmet för denna målgrupp.Projektet har utvecklat ett beslutsstöd för (primärt) offentlig sektor, baserat på kvantitativ modellering som prognostiserar laddbehov med hög geografisk upplösning. En interaktiv webbkarta visualiserar efterfrågan på laddning för personbilar utan privat parkering per DeSO (Demografiska statistikområden) fram till 2050, med hänsyn tillfaktorer som demografi, boendetyp, körsträckor och laddbeteende. Kartan visar behov av publik laddning i närheten av hemmet, men projektet konstaterar samtidigt att det saknas empiriskt stöd för att sådan laddning direkt ökar elbilsadoptionen.Projektet har också analyserat kostnader och hinder för etablering av laddinfrastruktur i stadsmiljö. Resultaten visar att markberedning och nätanslutning oftast är de mest kostnadsdrivande faktorerna, särskilt vid installation på gatumark. Genomsnittliga investeringskostnader varierar kraftigt, vilket gör lönsamhet till en utmaning. Ett kalkylverktyg har tagits fram för att stödja aktörer i kostnadsbedömningar, baserat på data från Klimatklivet.Genom intervjuer och enkäter har projektet identifierat användarbeteenden och preferenser hos elbilsägare utan hemmaladdning. Studien visar att dessa användare upplever publik laddning som mindre bekväm och flexibel, och att laddning ofta sker strategiskt vid låg batterinivå. Resultaten tyder på att laddinfrastruktur måste utformas utifrån användarnas vardagsrutiner för att vara effektiv.Tre detaljstudier i Stockholm, Göteborg och Strömstad har fördjupat förståelsen för lokala variationer i elbilsadoption. Studien visar att faktorer som boendeform, socioekonomi, parkeringsstruktur och kommunal strategi påverkar adoptionen, och att kommuner har en nyckelroll i att möjliggöra laddning nära hemmet.En internationell omvärldsanalys har jämfört strategier för utbyggnation av laddinfrastruktur i Birmingham, Köpenhamn och Oslo.Projektet har bidragit till FFI:s mål om ett fossilfritt och socialt hållbart transportsystem genom att belysa en underutforskad målgrupp, utveckla verktyg för planering och ge insikter om användarbeteenden, kostnadsstrukturer och internationella strategier. Fortsatt forskning behövs kring exempelvis parkeringsdata, laddbeteenden och innovativa lösningar för att säkerställa att elektrifieringen når ännu flerProjekt inom FFI Transport- och mobilitetstjänster</p
Life cycle assessment of pyrolysis oil extraction
No full textThis study presents an exploratory Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the environmental impacts associated with the valorization of pyrolysis oil, based on pilot and lab-scale data. The assessment follows a cradle-to-gate approach, focusing on the production of one kilogram of crude extract, with system boundaries and data adapted to Swedish conditions. The analysis identifies climate change as the most significant impact category, primarily driven by the disposal of spent solvent and heat generation during pyrolysis and distillation. Benchmarking against fossil-based precursors suggests that the crude extract has lower environmental impacts, indicating potential for sustainable substitution. Sensitivity analyses reveal that allocation methods and assumptions regarding solvent losses can influence results, though not substantially alter conclusions. Data quality is deemed sufficient for the study’s internal purpose, with high geographical relevance and acceptable uncertainty. The findings highlight the need for improved solvent recovery and heat integration in future process development, while acknowledging limitations due to the absence of a defined end-use product