Malmö University
Not a member yet
35467 research outputs found
Sort by
H2O2 interaction with amorphous TiNiSn
No full textThe growing demand for sustainable energy solutions has increased interest in thermoelectric materials that convert waste heat into electricity via the Seebeck effect. Half-Heusler alloys, such as titanium nickel tin (TiNiSn), are particularly promising due to their cost-effectiveness, high thermoelectric performance, and engineering adaptability. TiNiSn’s thermal stability and favorable Seebeck coefficient make it highly efficient for heat-to-electricity conversion. These energy-efficient properties enable its application in various fields, including heating systems, automotive exhaust recovery, industrial processes, and sensor technology. TiNiSn as thermoelectric sensors, used in environmental monitoring, fitness tracking, and skin health applications, highlight the importance of understanding material interactions with biological environments. In particular, sensors designed for detecting inflammatory skin diseases may be exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), a reactive oxygen species associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. Understanding how external chemical species interact with TiNiSn surfaces is essential for optimizing their stability and performance. This master’s thesis investigates the interaction between amorphous TiNiSn and H₂O₂ using density functional theory-based molecular dynamics simulations to explain these interactions and their implications for biocompatible thermoelectric applications. Radial distribution function analysis validated the short-range structural order of amorphous TiNiSn. Atomic reactions were explored by varying the number of H₂O₂ molecules interacting with the amorphous TiNiSn surface. Results revealed that H₂O₂ molecules diffuse, dissociate, and form hydroxyl groups on the amorphous TiNiSn surface, driven by the reactivity of underlying atoms. These findings highlight the interactions of H₂O₂ on the surface of amorphous TiNiSn, including dissociations, predominant oxidation in the formation of Ti-OH, Ni-OH and Sn-OH, and occasional reduction processes associated with H₂O formation on the surface. Increased H₂O₂ concentrations induce the formation of complex networks. Electron density distribution plots revealed that TiNiSn exhibits metallic and covalent bonding, while the interaction of OH with the system is characterized by ionic bonding. This research lays the groundwork for further exploration of amorphous half-Heusler alloys in advanced technological and eco-conscious applications
Planning for the uncertain: Retreat as a role in future climate adaptation : A qualitative study on the integration of the retreat strategy in Malmo and Gothenburg
No full text I takt med att klimatförändringarna tilltar, utgör stigande havsnivåer en växande utmaning för kustnära städer. Studien syftar till att undersöka vilka strategier Malmö stad respektive Göteborgs stad beaktar och implementerar för att hantera översvämningar till följd av stigande havsnivåer, med särskilt fokus på hur reträttstrategin beaktas och uppfattas inom kustskyddsplanering. Studien undersöker vidare vilka faktorer som påverkar beaktandet av reträtt i respektive stad. Analysen baseras på en kvalitativ metodansats, bestående av en tematisk innehållsanalys och intervjuer, där teorierna Path-dependency och Path-shaping vägleder tolkning och analys. Uppsatsens resultat indikerar att tekniska lösningar är de främsta åtgärderna som beaktas, samtidigt som ett förebyggande arbete med fokus på mer långsiktiga perspektiv sker i begränsad omfattning. Studien visar vidare att uppfattningen av reträttstrategin har stor inverkan på dess implementering och att begreppets definition framförallt varierar mellan organisationer snarare än mellan städerna. De främsta identifierade hindren för implementering av reträttåtgärder utgörs av lagstiftning och värdekonflikter. Centrala förändringar anses vara synen på relationen mellan hav och land, där kustlinjen bör ses som en dynamisk kustzon. En omformulering av reträttbegreppet kan också vara nödvändig, då dess historiska koppling till militära sammanhang riskerar att skapa negativa associationer och förstärka en bild om havet som fiende. As climate change worsens, rising sea levels may pose a growing challenge to coastal cities. The study aims to investigate which strategies the cities of Malmö and Gothenburg consider and implement to address the challenges of sea level rise, with a particular focus on how the retreat strategy is considered and perceived in coastal protection planning. The study also examines the factors that influence how retreat is considered in each city. The analysis is based on a qualitative methodological approach, consisting of a thematic content analysis and interviews, where the theories of path dependency and path shaping guide interpretation and analysis. The results indicate that technical solutions are the main measures implemented, while preventive work focusing on more long-term perspectives takes place to a limited extent. The study further shows that the perception of retreat as a concept has a major impact on its implementation and that the perception varies mainly between organizations rather than between cities, which risks affecting its consideration. The main identified barriers to the implementation of retreat measures are legislation and value conflicts, and that a different view of the relationship between sea and land is required. Furthermore, the results indicate that a reformulation of the concept of retreat itself may be necessary, as its historical link to military contexts risks creating negative associations and reinforcing an image of the sea as an enemy
To be Believed or Overlooked : Patients’ experiences of treatment before diagnosis of endometriosis
No full textBakgrund: Endometrios är en kronisk sjukdom som drabbar personer med biologiskt kvinnligt kön och innebär att livmoderslemhinnan sprids utanför livmodern. Sjukdomen orsakar bland annat dysmenorré, besvär från urinvägar, smärta vid tarmtömning och dyspareuni. I Sverige drabbas ungefär var tionde person av endometrios. Trots dess höga prevalens råder det fortfarande en betydande kunskapsbrist inom hälso- och sjukvården. Detta leder ofta till en lång väntetid på diagnos, vilket kan påverka den drabbade fysiska, psykiska och sociala välmående. Eftersom sjuksköterskor ofta är den första kontakten med vården spelar de en avgörande roll i att identifiera symtom och bemöta patienter på ett respektfullt och personcentrerat sätt. Syftet: att beskriva hur patienter med endometrios upplevde bemötandet från hälso- och sjukvårdspersonal. Metod: Studien är en litteraturöversikt baserad på kvalitativa artiklar. Sökningarna har genomförts i databaserna CINAHL och PubMed. Efter kvalitetsgranskningen återstod 13 artiklar som användes i litteraturstudien. Resultat: De 13 artiklar som ligger till grund för resultatet kommer från USA, Sverige, Ungern, Australien, England, Indien, Brasilien, Irland och Sydafrika. Genom dataanalysen framkom fyra huvudsakliga kategorier: Förminskning och ogiltigförklaring av patientens upplevelser, Bristande stöd, information och förståelse från sjukvårdspersonal, Negativa emotionella effekter av vårdmötet, Positiva vårderfarenheter och förtroendeskapande möten. Ytterligare fem subkategorier identifierades som beskriver olika aspekter av bemötandet från hälso- och sjukvårdspersonal hos patienter med endometrios. Patienter med endometrios upplever ofta att deras symtom bagatelliseras och normaliseras. Det leder till frustration, psykisk ohälsa och minskat förtroende för vården. Bristande kunskap hos vårdpersonal påverkar upplevelsen av bemötandet negativt. Ett empatiskt och lyhört bemötande samt en ökad medvetenhet om sjukdomen har visat sig ha en positiv inverkan på patienternas vårdupplevelse. Slutsats: För att minska diagnosfördröjningen och förbättra vårdupplevelsen behöver sjuksköterskor ha kunskap om endometrios, identifiera symtom tidigt och bemöta patienter med respekt och empati. Ett personcentrerat och evidensbaserat arbetssätt kan bidra till ökad livskvalitet för personer med endometrios.Background: Endometriosis is a chronic disease that affects individuals with biologically female sex characteristics and involves the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. The condition causes symptoms such as dysmenorrhea, urinary issues, pain during bowel movements, and dyspareunia. In Sweden, approximately one in ten individuals are affected by endometriosis. Despite its high prevalence, there remains a significant lack of knowledge within the healthcare system. This often results in long delays before diagnosis, which can negatively impact the individual's physical, psychological, and social well-being. As nurses are often the first point of contact in healthcare, they play a crucial role in identifying symptoms and treating patients with respect and a person-centered approach. Aim: To describe how patients with endometriosis experience encounters with healthcare professionals. Method: This study is a literature review based on qualitative articles. Searches were conducted in the databases CINAHL and PubMed. After quality assessment, 13 articles were included in the review. Results: The 13 articles forming the basis of the results originate from the USA, Sweden, Hungary, Australia, England, India, Brazil, Ireland, and South Africa. Data analysis generated four main categories: Diminishment and invalidation of the patient’s experiences, Lack of support, information, and understanding from healthcare professionals, Negative emotional effects of healthcare encounters and Positive healthcare experiences and trust-building interactions. Additionally, five subcategories were identified, describing various aspects of healthcare encounters for patients with endometriosis. Patients frequently reported that their symptoms were trivialized and normalized, leading to frustration, mental distress, and decreased trust in the healthcare system. A lack of knowledge among healthcare professionals negatively affected the experience of care. In contrast empathetic and attentive interactions along with increased awareness of the disease had a positive impact on patients’ care experiences. Conclusion: To reduce diagnostic delays and improve care experiences, nurses need to have knowledge about endometriosis, identify symptoms early, and treat patients with respect and empathy. A person-centered and evidence-based approach can contribute to improved quality of life for individuals with endometriosis
The Impact of Different Pedagogical Approaches on Student Performance in Mathematics : A Comparative Study of Results from Traditional and Montessori Schools in school year 6.
No full textDetta examensarbete undersöker hur olika pedagogiska inriktningar kan påverka eleversresultat i matematik. Studien jämför skolor utan uttalad pedagogisk inriktning med skolor somarbetar enligt montessoripedagogiken. Undersökningen bygger både på kvantitativa data i formav resultat från nationella prov och kvalitativa intervjuer med undervisande lärare i de bådaskolgrupperna. Syftet är att identifiera eventuella skillnader och likheter i resultat och förståvad dess kan bero på utifrån lärarnas perspektiv.Resultaten visar skillnader i betygsfördelning men att dessa skillnader är större mellan de olikaskolorna än mellan de två grupperna som helhet. Montessoriskolorna hade färre elever medbetyget F samtidigt som de traditionella skolorna hade något fler elever med betygen B och A inationella proven i matematik. Medelbetygen för de olika grupperna var snarlikt menspridningen var något lägre inom montessoriskolorna i undersökningen.Intervjuer med lärare visade att nationella proven uppfattas som ett komplement till bedömningoch de såg resultaten som återkoppling på deras undervisning och tidigare bedömning aveleverna då de oftast bekräftade deras befintliga kunskaper om eleverna.Slutsatsen är att det inte finns någon tydlig skillnad mellan de två grupperna som helhet menatt det finns skillnader mellan skolor som sannolikt kan beror på andra skolspecifika faktorerän det pedagogiska arbetssättet.This thesis examines how different pedagogical approaches may influence students'performance in mathematics. The study compares schools without a distinct pedagogicalorientation to those implementing Montessori education. It is based on both quantitative datafrom national test results and qualitative interviews with teachers from both school types. Theaim is to identify possible differences and similarities in outcomes and understand what thesemight be attributed to, according to the teachers’ perspectives.The results indicate variations in grade distribution, though these are more pronounced betweenindividual schools than between the two school groups overall. Montessori schools had fewerstudents receiving a failing grade (F), while traditional schools had slightly more studentsachieving higher grades (B and A) in the national mathematics tests. The average grade acrossboth groups was similar, but the variation was slightly smaller within the Montessori schools.Interviews with teachers revealed that national tests are seen as a complement to other forms ofassessment. Teachers regarded the test results as a form of feedback that often confirmed theirprior evaluations of the students' abilities.In conclusion, the study found no significant overall difference in performance betweenMontessori and traditional schools. Variations in student outcomes appear to be more closelylinked to individual school factors rather than the pedagogical approach alone
Medication adherence interventions : where are we and where do we go?
No full textDecades ago, WHO identified low adher-ence (defined as the extent to which aperson’s behaviour regarding medicationcorresponds with agreed recommenda-tions from a healthcare provider) to medi-cations for chronic illnesses as a significantsocietal challenge, emphasising that fewerthan 50% of people adhere to their medi-cation regimens.1 In one of the largeststudies on the subject, the authorsconcluded that the long-term survivalbenefits associated with improved drugadherence appear to be class specific,suggesting that adherence improvementsare influenced by patients' overallbehaviour ‘healthy adherer’ and drugeffects. 2 In another study, the authorsfound that improving antidiabetic medica-tion adherence could reduce the risk ofcardiovascular disease and long-term all-cause mortality.3 These findings align withWHO’s assertion that ‘the increased effec-tiveness of adherence interventions mayhave a far greater impact on the health ofthe population than any other specificmedical treatment’
The Role of Expertise in Sweden's Strategy Against COVID-19 : A Qualitative Study of the Role of Expertise in Sweden's Pandemic Strategy
No full textThis study examines the role of expertise in Sweden’s COVID-19 strategy, focusing on how scientific knowledge and authority were used to govern, legitimize, and communicate policy decisions. Unlike many countries that implemented strict lockdowns, Sweden relied on voluntary recommendations, individual responsibility and guidance from expert agencies particularly the Public Health Agency of Sweden. Through qualitative document analysis, the study explores how experts, especially State Epidemiologist Anders Tegnell emerged as central public figures whose statements shaped both policy content and its legitimacy. The theoretical framework combines Max Weber’s and Jacobsen & Thorsvik’s concepts of authority with theories of evidence-based policy (EBP), soft governance, and Rational Choice Institutionalism (RCI). These perspectives are employed to analyze how expertise functioned not only as a knowledge base but also as a strategic tool for policy justification and political responsibility displacement. The case of face masks is given particular attention, as the lack of conclusive evidence was used as an argument for inaction, highlighting how scientific uncertainty was politically mobilized. Findings suggest that expertise in this context operated as both a governance mechanism and a symbolic authority, enabling policymakers to shift responsibility onto expert bodies. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of how expert agencies function within democratic systems during crises and how scientific authority can shape not only policy outcomes but also the boundaries of political accountability
Salty transformations : Bridging vernacular wisdom to contemporary innovations in salt architecture within the Egyptian context
No full textThis study explores the potential of Karshif, a salt-rich earth material from Egypt’s Western Desert, as a sustainable alternative to energy-intensive bricks as building materials. Traditional Egyptian architecture demonstrates remarkable integration of local materials and climatic considerations, but modern construction practices often overlook these principles, favoring fired clay bricks with higher environmental impacts. Building on the concept of “form-follows climate,” the research proposes a redesigned Karshif brick incorporating advanced geometrical features to enhance thermal performance, self-shading, and natural ventilation. Utilizing 3D printing for mold fabrication, the study introduces an innovative production process that allows for precise, resource-efficient brick design while integrating vernacular material practices. The methodology combines material characterization, laboratory tests, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Karshif’s hygrothermal performance was considered, revealing its capacity for effective moisture regulation and reduced thermal conductivity due to its unique composition of halite, clay, and calcium sulphate. A modular brick geometry, with ventilation channels and optimized external surface features, was designed to reduce heat gain and promote passive cooling. CFD analysis demonstrated the brick’s significant damping effect on wind velocity and its ability to stabilize indoor temperatures and relative humidity under typical Egyptian summer conditions. Compared to conventional fired bricks, Karshif blocks improved thermal comfort while reducing energy demands. The findings highlight the viability of Karshif as a low-carbon, culturally resonant building material capable of bridging traditional wisdom and modern sustainability goals. Challenges remain in scaling production, ensuring long-term durability, and meeting regulatory standards, but the research paves the way for integrating locally sourced, climate-responsive materials into contemporary construction. Future studies will refine Karshif’s design, evaluate real-life applications, and address potential enhancements to optimize its performance and adaptability. This work underscores the broader importance of rediscovering indigenous materials to advance sustainable architectural practices in the global south
Circular in, circular out : Applying circular design in apop-up public building in lund
No full textBackground and Aim: Circular design, emphasizing sustainability and resource efficiency across a building's lifecycle,has become increasingly critical in addressing global environmental challenges. This paper examines the implementationof circular principles in a temporary kindergarten as a public building project in Lund, Sweden. The aim is to demonstratehow these principles can be integrated from conceptualization through to end-of-life considerations, highlighting theirpotential impact on environmental sustainability.Methods and Data: The project's approach involved research into circular design methodologies and sustainable buildingpractices. Methods included design-for-disassembly and design-for-circularity strategies to enhance material reuse andminimize waste generation. Data collection encompassed regulatory compliance, material sourcing, and stakeholderengagement processes.Findings: Innovative solutions in designing light weight and affordable temporary modular construction techniques andusing parametric modelling and lifecycle impact as a tool to ensure low carbon circular design. The findings contributeto a deeper understanding of practical applications of circular design in urban development contexts. The studyhighlighted the importance of holistic design approaches that prioritize environmental responsibility.Theoretical/Practical/Societal Implications: Theoretical implications highlight the transformative potential ofintegrating circular principles into architectural practices, fostering sustainable urban development. Practically, this studydemonstrates the feasibility of adopting circular design strategies within existing regulatory frameworks, promotingenvironmental stewardship and community well-being. Societally, the study advances discourse on sustainablearchitecture by showcasing Lund, Sweden, as a model for implementing comprehensive circular design strategies inpublic infrastructure projects
Navigating a New Direction in HCI Education : Challenges of Teaching More-Than-Human Perspectives
No full textThis paper follows up on the challenges we encountered when we initially began teaching more-than-human perspectives in human-computer interaction (HCI) and technology design. Since then, we have developed a collection of teaching activities and conducted pilots with nearly 800 students, exploring how these perspectives can be taught in various settings. Although we think that our teaching activities address some of the initial challenges, several challenges are still open, and new ones have emerged such as the gap between what we are teaching and the industry, and the feelings of hopelessness that students may feel when confronted with the notion that technology may not fix all problems. These challenges can be used as an entry point for discussions and the identification of possible and impossible future paths for teaching more-than-human design
Hate Crime Investigation and Sentencing in Sweden : What Have We Learned in the Past 20 Years?
No full textTwenty years ago, the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention presented a report that highlighted serious problems with regard to identifying, investigating, and sentencing offenders for hate crimes. The same problems have also been described in international research from several other countries. Since then, several measures have been taken to remedy these problems, but it remains unknown whether these measures have been successful. The aim of the present study is therefore to trace developments over time, using Sweden as a case study, and to evaluate the extent to which the problems identified earlier have been remedied. The results show that the problems identified by the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention still remain despite a continuous process of reform. Theoretical links and parallels to international research are discussed throughout the article.Hatbrott i rättsprocesse