Publikationer från Umeå universitet
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A general rule on the organization of biodiversity in Earth’s biogeographical regions
No full textLife on Earth is a mosaic distributed across biogeographical regions. Their regional species pools have experienced distinct historical and eco-evolutionary pressures, leading to an expected context-dependent organization of biodiversity. Here we identify a general spatial organization within biogeographical regions of terrestrial and marine vertebrates, invertebrates and plants (more than 30,000 species). We detect seven types of areas in these biogeographical regions that reflect unique combinations of four fundamental aspects of biodiversity (species richness, range size, endemicity and biogeographical transitions). These areas form ordered layers from the core to the transition zones of the biogeographical regions, reflecting gradients in the biodiversity aspects, experiencing distinct environmental conditions, and exhibiting taxonomic dissimilarities due to nestedness. These findings suggest this ubiquitous organization is mainly driven by the action of two complementary environmental filters, one acting on species from regional hotspots and the other on species from permeable biogeographical boundaries. The influence of these regional filters extends across spatial scales and shapes global patterns of species richness. Regional biodiversity follows a universal core-to-transition organization governed by general forces operating across the tree of life and space
Plasma Torch for Electric Quicklime Produktion : Summary of Initial Trials of Plasma Heated Calcination in a Rotary Kiln
No full textReducing CO2 emissions from industrial processes is a critical component of globalclimate strategies. Traditional production quicklime emits CO2 both through fuelcombustion and the calcination of limestone (CaCO3) to quicklime (CaO). Toaddress these emissions, an initiative to test the feasibility of producing quicklimeusing an electric plasma torch in a rotary kiln was conducted. By replacing fossil fuelcombustion with plasma heating and using CO2 as the carrier gas, this method aimsto eliminate direct emissions from combustion and creating a concentrated CO2stream that facilitates efficient carbon capture, utilisation, or storage (CCUS) toachieve net zero emissions. A pilot-scale rotary kiln equipped with a newlycommissioned 300 kW plasma torch was employed to calcine three types oflimestone, MET-1, MET-2 and SED. Calcination degree, reactivity andmicrostructure of the quicklime product was investigated, and a temperature profileof the kiln was established.Quicklime was successfully produced for MET-1 and SED, and MET-2 showsstrong potential if the correct operational settings are found. Notably, a high CO2atmosphere was not established in the kiln during testing, and thus its effects couldnot be evaluated. Temperature measurements showed a uniform profile along thekiln during the MET-1 runs, while the MET-2 and SED runs exhibited increasingtemperatures towards the plasma end. This indicates that small changes inoperational conditions or energy requirements of the material in the kiln can affectthe temperature profile. The quicklime produced demonstrated high reactivity, withslaking times under 0.5 minutes and as low as 0.15 minutes for MET-1 quicklime,classified as explosive reactivity. Minimal sintering was observed, which is whenquicklime is exposed to temperatures above necessary levels for an extended time.This suggests that either the temperatures in the kiln were lower than expected or theresidence times were sufficiently short. High heating rates from the plasma torchmay have contributed to the high reactivity results. These results demonstrate thefeasibility of quicklime produced using electrically driven plasma torches in rotarykilns. With further investigation into upscaling and integration of CCUS, this methodshows potential for achieving low-emissions or net-zero quicklime production
Automation of Machine Documentation Retrieval in Industrial Environments : Improving Accessibility and Collaboration through Digital Solutions
No full textThis thesis presents the design and implementation of an industrial document management system for mobile use that will replace paper-based operations with a collaborative and secure mobile solution. The system, co-developed with Rejlers AB, provides real-time access to machine documentation, role-based access control (RBAC), and collaborative annotation tools to enhance efficiency and collaboration. The project follows a User-Centered Design (UCD) development process with iterative prototyping, interviews, and usability testing to ensure alignment with end-user needs. Key features are secure authentication, RBAC enforcement, and document annotation, realized through React Native, JavaScript, .NET, and SQL. Performance was validated through load testing with K6, revealing acceptable response times under expected user loads but scalability challenges under extreme conditions. The final system demonstrates how digital transformation can streamline industrial documentation workflows while maintaining security and usability. The results highlight the importance of balancing performance, user experience, and access control in industrial applications, providing a foundation for future improvements in scalability and collaboration features. \textbf{Keywords:} Digital Document Management, Industry 4.0, Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), User-Centered Design (UCD), Collaborative Annotation, System Development, Machine Documentation, Information Security, Industrial Application
Om man inte har kunnat prata med sin chef i ett friskt läge så kan man inte heller prata i ett sjukt : En studie av chefers upplevelser av att arbetsanpassa för medarbetare med psykisk ohälsa inom svensk hälso- och sjukvård
No full textPsykisk ohälsa är idag den vanligaste orsaken till sjukskrivning i Sverige, inte minst inom hårt belastade hälso- och sjukvårdsorganisationer. Att med adekvata insatser hjälpa medarbetare med psykisk ohälsa att stanna kvar i arbete är ekonomiskt fördelaktigt och kan bidra till ökat välbefinnande för individen. Enligt svensk lag är arbetsgivare skyldiga att i dialog med medarbetarna ta reda på hur de mår och genomföra förebyggande arbetsanpassningar, men efterlevnaden är ofta otillräcklig. Denna studie avsåg att söka kunskap om vilka utmaningar och/eller positiva aspekter chefer i svensk hälso- och sjukvård upplever vid arbetsanpassning för anställda med psykisk ohälsa. Studien genomfördes med en kvalitativ ansats där fem chefer från olika områden i svensk hälso- och sjukvård intervjuades. Det insamlade materialet analyserades sedan med tematisk analys. Resultaten visade att förtroendefulla relationer på arbetsplatsen upplevs vara avgörande för ett framgångsrikt arbete med arbetsanpassning, inte minst för att de möjliggör viktiga dialog. Vidare framhölls vikten av att chefer får tillgång till adekvat kunskap och kompetens för möten med medarbetare med psykisk ohälsa. Stöd från organisationen, framför allt i komplexa fall av arbetsanpassning, kan motverka chefers känslor av vanmakt och isolering i sina uppdrag. Slutligen framkom att vårdmedarbetare saknar trygga platser att själva söka vård på, samt att kulturella normer på arbetsplatsen kan försvåra för vårdpersonal att visa sårbarhet. Mental ill-health is the most common cause of sick leave in Sweden today, not least within the highly burdened healthcare sector. Supporting employees with mental ill-health to remain in work through appropriate measures is economically beneficial and can enhance individual well-being. According to Swedish law, employers are required to engage in dialogue with employees to assess their well-being and implement preventive workplace adjustments, but compliance is often inadequate. This study aimed to explore the challenges and/or positive aspects that managers in Swedish healthcare experience when providing job accommodations for employees with mental ill-health. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach, with interviews of five managers from various areas of Swedish healthcare. The collected data was analyzed through thematic analysis. The results showed that trustful workplace relationships are perceived as crucial for successful job accommodation, particularly because they enable essential dialogues. Furthermore, the importance of managers having access to adequate knowledge and competence to address employees with mental ill-health was emphasized. Organizational support, especially in complex cases of job accommodation, can counteract managers’ feelings of powerlessness and isolation in their roles. Finally, it was found that healthcare staff lack safe spaces to seek care themselves, and that workplace cultural norms can make it difficult for healthcare personnel to express vulnerability
REKONSTRUKTION AV DEN POSTGLACIALA VEGETATIONSHISTORIKEN I CAIRNGORMS: : EN JÄMFÖRANDE STUDIE AV SEDIMENTÄRT FORNTIDA DNA OCH TIDIGARE PALEOBOTANISKA UNDERSÖKNINGAR
No full textThis study explores the potential of sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) for reconstructing past ecosystems, using sediment samples from Loch Kinord in Scotland. By comparing sedaDNA data with traditional palaeoecological proxies, such as pollen and macrofossil records, the research assesses both the strengths and limitations of this method. Notable discrepancies were observed, including the unexpected presence of subtropical genera (e.g. Erythroxylum and Sequoia), and inconsistent read abundances for key taxa like Pinus. These issues may result from contamination, taxonomic misclassification, or incomplete reference database. Despite these challenges, the study demonstrates the value of sedaDNA as a complementary tool that can enrich, and refine traditional approaches to paleoenvironmental reconstruction. The findings also highlight the need for improved reference libraries, stricter contamination control, and spatially resolved sampling strategies to optimise the reliability of sedaDNA in future paleogenetic research.Denna studie undersöker potentialen hos sedimentärt gammalt DNA (sedaDNA) för att rekonstruera tidigare ekosystem, med utgångspunkt i sedimentprover från Loch Kinord i Skottland. Genom att jämföra sedaDNA-data med traditionella paleoekologiska proxydata, såsom pollen- och makrofossilregister, utvärderas metodens tillförlitlighet, styrkor och begränsningar. Analysen visar på flera avvikelser, bland annat oväntad förekomst av subtropiska släkten (t.ex. Erythroxylum och Sequoia) samt variationer i läsantal för centrala taxa som Pinus. Dessa resultat kan bero på kontaminering, taxonomisk felklassificering eller ofullständiga referensdatabaser. Trots dessa utmaningar visar studien att sedaDNA utgör ett värdefullt komplement till etablerade paleoekologiska metoder. Resultaten belyser även behovet av förbättrade referensbibliotek, striktare kontaminationskontroll och rumsligt upplöst provtagning för att öka metodens tillförlitlighet i framtida paleogenetisk forskning
Tjärdalen : Results from an excavation and scientific analysis of a historical tarproduction site in Västerbotten, Sweden
No full textDenna masteruppsats i miljöarkeologi presenterar resultaten från en arkeologisk undersökning av en historisk tjärdal (L2022:5768) vid Degersjön i Västerbotten. Syftet var att förstå anläggningens konstruktion, användningsperiod och vilka träråvaror som nyttjats, samt att bredda kunskapen om historisk tjärproduktion. Undersökningen kombinerar arkeologisk utgrävning med träkolsanalys (antrakologi), dendrokronologisk datering och geokemiska jordanalyser (fosfat och magnetisk susceptibilitet). Resultaten visar en relativt välbevarad konstruktion med bland annat björknäverstätning och tecken på en möjlig ofullständig förkolningsprocess. Dendrokronologiska analyser av träkolsfragment daterar användningen till senare hälften av 1800-talet, tallved var den dominerande och selektivt valda råvaran. Analyserna indikerar att relativt grova virkesdimensioner från träd som vuxit under restriktiva förhållanden har använts. Studien bidrar med viktig kunskap om lokala metoder för tjärframställning i Västerbotten och kompletterar den bredare miljöhistoriska bilden av tjärproduktion i norra Sverige
Uthyrningsbehov av byggmaskiner baserat på projektkaraktär: Prediktiv modellering med maskininlärning
No full textFör uthyrningsföretag som Skanska Rental, finns det en stor nytta av att kunna prediktera uthyrningsbehovet av deras produkter för att kunna säkerställa att rätt maskiner och utrustning finns tillgängliga för kunderna samt för att kunna investera i nya, efterfrågade produkter. Detta examensarbete introducerar tre olika modelltyper i form av random forest, support vector machine och logistisk regression som testades med två olika typer av klassificeringsmetoder, binär relevans samt klassificeringskedja, för att kunna prediktera maskinuthyrningsbehovet. Modellerna som gjordes var multi-label klassificeringar där varje klass representerar en maskintyp. Modelleringen gjordes på två olika dataset med olika uppsättningar av förklarande variabler. Gemensamt för de båda dataseten var att modellerna med klassificeringskedja presterade bättre än de med binär relevans vilket tyder på att det finns beroenden mellan maskintyperna. Resultaten visar på att maskininlärningsmodeller kan användas för att ge indikationer på uthyrningsbehovet men det finns stora variationer i modellprestanda mellan olika maskintyper. Variabler som beskriver typ av byggnation verkar vara mer betydelsefulla för predikteringen jämfört med variabler som beskriver ekonomiska faktorer eller projektlängd. Vidare visar examensarbetet på att det finns tydliga skillnader i byggmaskinsbehovet baserat på projektkaraktär. For rental companies like Skanska Rental, there is great benefit in being able to predict the rental demand for their products to ensure that the right machines and equipment are available for customers and to invest in new, demanded products. This thesis introduces three different model types in the form of random forest, support vector machine and logistic regression which were tested with two different types of classification methods, binary relevance and classifier chain, to predict machine demand. The models created were multi-label classifications where each class represents a machine type. The modeling was done on two different datasets with different sets of explanatory variables. Common to both datasets was that the models with classifier chains performed better than those with binary relevance, indicating dependencies between different machine types. The results show that machine learning models can be used to provide indications of rental demands, but there are large variations in model performance between the different machine types. Variables describing type of construction seem to be more significant for prediction compared to variables describing economic factors or project duration. Furthermore, the thesis shows that there are clear differences in construction machine needs based on project characteristics.
Between two worlds – the multifaceted role of midwives during the golden hour
No full textBakgrund: Det första mötet mellan föräldrar och barn kan vara en väldigt emotionell stund. Forskning har visat på vikten av lugn och ro, hud mot hud-kontakt och att minska störningsmoment under den första timmen efter födseln, även kallad the golden hour. Samtidigt har barnmorskan flera arbetsuppgifter denna timme för att säkerställa att både mor och barn mår bra, som exempelvis att övervaka barnets vitalitet och att kvinnan inte får någon större blödning. Motiv: The golden hour är viktig för anknytning, amning och återhämtning, men barnmorskans främjande av denna stund kan hämmas av hög arbetsbelastning, tidsbrist och riktlinjer. Det behövs mer kunskap om hur barnmorskor upplever och hanterar denna stund i praktiken, särskilt i en medikaliserad sjukhusmiljö. Syfte: Att undersöka barnmorskans erfarenhet av att vårda familjen under den första timmen efter födseln. Metod: Kvalitativ metod med induktiv ansats. Nio barnmorskor intervjuades på två förlossningskliniker i norra Sverige. Materialet analyserades med kvalitativ innehållsanalys. Resultat: Analysen resulterade i ett övergripande tema “Barnmorskans mångfacetterade roll under the golden hour”, tre huvudkategorier; “Barnmorskans medicinska och emotionella arbete”, “Dimensioner som påverkar barnmorskans arbetssätt” och “Önskemål om ett förändrat arbetssätt”, underbyggda av tillhörande underkategorier. Under the golden hour har barnmorskan en komplex roll där hon både främjar närhet och trygghet samt upprätthåller medicinsk säkerhet. Barnmorskorna önskade främja the golden hour, men organisationens uppbyggnad och dess riktlinjer utgjorde svårigheter att tillgodose detta. Konklusion: Barnmorskan behöver organisatoriska förutsättningar för att kunna arbeta på ett sätt som gynnar fysiologiska och psykologiska processer under the golden hour. Det skulle innebära ökad trygghet för mor och barn, bättre förutsättningar för anknytning och amning, samt möjlighet för barnmorskan att ha ett mer närvarande och individanpassat arbetssätt. The golden hour kan ses som en investering i barnets och kvinnans hälsa och kan minska behovet av framtida vårdinsatser och därmed gynna samhället på sikt.Background: The first meeting between parents and child can be a very emotional moment. Research highlights the importance of peace and quiet, skin-to-skin contact and reducing distractions during the first hour after birth, known as the golden hour. Meanwhile, the midwife has several tasks during this hour to ensure that mother and child are well, such as monitoring the baby's vitality and that the woman does not experience any major bleeding. Motive: The golden hour is important for bonding, breastfeeding and recovery, but the midwife’s promotion of this is often hampered by high workload, guidelines and lack of time. More knowledge is needed about how midwives experience and manage this moment in practice, especially in a medicalized birth setting. Aim: To investigate the midwife's experience of caring for the family during the first hour after birth. Methods: Qualitative method with an inductive approach. Nine midwives were interviewed at two birth clinics in northern Sweden. The material was analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Result: The analysis resulted in an overall theme; “The midwife’s multifaceted role during the golden hour”, three main categories; “The midwife’s medical and emotional work”, “Dimensions that influence the midwife’s working methods” and ”Wishes for a different way of working”, supported by subcategories. During the golden hour, the midwife has a complex role, balancing closeness and security with medical safety. Conclusion: The midwife needs organizational prerequisites to be able to work in a way that benefits the physiological and psychological processes during the golden hour. This would mean increased security for mother and child, better conditions for attachment and breastfeeding, and allow the midwife to have a more present and individualized approach. The golden hour can be seen as an health-investment and can reduce the need for future healthcare interventions and thus benefit society in the long term
What more can be done with XPS? Highly informative but underused approaches to XPS data collection and analysis
No full textBecause of the importance of surfaces and interfaces in many scientific and technological areas, the use of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) has been growing exponentially. Although XPS is being used to obtain useful information about the surface composition of samples, much more information about materials and their properties can be extracted from XPS data than commonly obtained. This paper describes some of the areas where alternative analysis methods or experimental design can obtain information about the near-surface region of a sample, often information not available in other ways. Experienced XPS analysts are familiar with many of these methods, but they may not be known to new or casual XPS users, and sometimes, they have not been used because of an inappropriately assumed complexity. The information available includes optical, electronic, and electrical properties; nanostructure; expanded chemical information; and enhanced analysis of biological materials and solid/liquid interfaces. Many of these analyses can be conducted on standard laboratory XPS systems, with either no or relatively minor system alterations. Topics discussed include (1) considerations beyond the “traditional” uniform surface layer composition calculation, (2) using the Auger parameter to determine a sample property, (3) use of the D parameter to identify sp2 and sp3 carbon information, (4) information from the XPS valence band, (5) using cryocooling to expand range of samples that can be analyzed and minimize damage, and (6) using electrical potential effects on XPS signals to extract chemically resolved electrical measurements including band alignment and electrical property information