Publikationer från Umeå universitet
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Ordering labour : a shifting labour regime of a 'green investment'
No full textThis chapter examines the evolving labour regime associated with the establishment of Northvolt’s battery factory in Skellefteå, Sweden, with particular attention to its socioeconomic impacts on the local community and migrant workers. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork, the authors explore the rapid development of temporary housing solutions, the differentiation and disciplining of labour, and the challenges migrant workers face in adapting to the local context. The study illustrates how global green investments are reshaping local labour markets and housing policies, resulting in precarious and tightly regulated living and working conditions for migrant workers. These findings provide critical insights into the wider implications of green investments for labour mobility and social reproduction in peripheral regions.Incorrect ISBN in publication.This is a draft chapter. The final version is available in Handbook of Labour Mobility edited by R.H. Eriksson & H.K. Hansen, published in 2026, Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd.</p
Metal and dust exposure in workers from the metal recycling industry in Sweden : cross-sectional GreenMetalWaste study
No full textThe green transition relies on metals, requiring increased metal recovery from waste. However, exposure risks among metal recycling workers are poorly understood. We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess dust and metal exposure among 139 recycling workers from 13 Swedish metal recycling companies and 90 controls. We documented work practices through observations and questionnaires and assessed dust and metal exposures using a combination of individual air sampling (inhalable (ID) and respirable dust) and biomonitoring (blood and pre-/post-shift urine). ICP-MS was used to measure 39 metals in air, 47 in blood, and 42 in urine. Thirty-two % of the workers were involved in the recycling of e-waste. At most workplaces, dust control was insufficient, respiratory protective equipment was rarely or incorrectly used, and hygienic routines were inadequate. This was reflected in 6.2 times higher ID levels in recycling workers; 14 % exceeded the 5 mg/m3 exposure limit for ID, and some also exceeded limits for Pb, Cu, As, Cd, and Sb. Workers had elevated blood and/or urine levels of Pb, Hg, Al, Sb, Fe and Mn with known human toxicity, and of Y, Lu, In, Ga, W, and Te with limited or unknown toxicity. Furthermore, observed were also co-exposure patterns for those metals. Inhalation was the likely primary exposure route for Pb, Sb, Y, In, and Te. In conclusion, Swedish recycling workers were exposed to elevated levels of dust and metals, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring of both known and emerging metals
Percutaneous and surgical management of aortic stenosis in the SWEDEHEART registry (2013–2023) : a nationwide observational study
No full textBackground: Management of severe aortic stenosis (AS) has evolved over the past decade, driven by the widespread adoption of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). This study aims to assess trends in procedural volumes, patient characteristics, and outcomes for patients undergoing TAVI or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in Sweden. Methods: This was a descriptive, non-comparative, nationwide cohort study using the SWEDEHEART registry. We included 21,383 patients who underwent TAVI or SAVR between 2013 and 2023 (11,366 TAVI and 10,017 SAVR). Trends in patient characteristics, preoperative risk, complications and mortality were examined. Findings: TAVI procedures increased from 307 (26.1%, n = 307/1174) in 2013 to 1851 (71.2%, n = 1851/2601) in 2023, while SAVR volumes declined from ∼1000 annually before 2018 to roughly 750 procedures annually. Median age of TAVI patients were 81 (IQR 77, 85) years and 71 (IQR 65, 76) years for SAVR patients. The median EuroSCORE II for TAVI decreased from 5.6 (IQR 3.3, 10.2) to 2.7 (IQR 1.7, 4.6) (p = 0.002), and STS-PROM from 3.3 (IQR 1.9, 4.1) to 1.6 (IQR 1.1, 2.8) (p = 0.0021). Among SAVR patients, EuroSCORE II decreased from 1.5 (IQR 1.0, 2.3) to 1.3 (IQR 0.9, 2.1) (p = 0.022) and STS-PROM from 1.8 (IQR 1.2, 3.0) to 1.6 (IQR 1.1, 2.6) (p = 0.0082). Any in-hospital complications declined significantly for TAVI (29.2%, n = 210/719 to 13.2%, n = 244/1851), while SAVR complication rates increased slightly (18.4%, n = 354/1921 to 18.7%, n = 140/750). In-hospital mortality for TAVI declined from 3.6% (n = 26/719) to 1.0% (n = 18/1851), and 1-year mortality from 11.1% to 6.9% (p = 0.019). SAVR in-hospital all-cause death decreased from 1.6% to 0.4% (n = 3/750) and 5.0% to 2.2% for 1-year mortality (p = 0.013). Interpretation: TAVI has become the predominant treatment strategy for AS in Sweden expanding access within the treated cohort. Despite this, current 2023 SAVR results demonstrate similar in-hospital complication rates compared to TAVI (18.7% vs 13.2%), but lower in-hospital (0.4% vs 1.0%) and 1-year mortality rates (2.2% vs 6.9%). Funding: This study was supported by ALF and national research funding bodies
Reinforced model selection for resource efficient anomaly detection in edge clouds
No full textWeb application services and networks encounter a broad range of security and performance anomalies, necessitating sophisticated detection strategies. However, performing anomaly detection in edge cloud environments, often constrained by limited resources, presents significant computational challenges and demands minimized detection time for real-time response. In this paper, we propose a model selection approach for resource efficient anomaly detection in edge clouds by leveraging an adapted Deep Q-Network (DQN) reinforcement learning technique. The primary objective is to minimize the computational resources required for accurate anomaly detection while achieving low latency and high detection accuracy. Through extensive experimental evaluation in our testbed setup over different representative scenarios, we demonstrate that our adapted DQN approach can reduce resource usage by up to 45 % and detection time by up to 85 % while incurring less than an 8 % drop in F1 score. These results highlight the potential of the adapted DQN model selection strategy to enable efficient, low-latency anomaly detection in resource-constrained edge cloud environments
Year-round variation in bryophyte-associated nitrogen fixation in the Arctic
No full textIn northern biomes, growth is nitrogen (N) limited, but bryophytes are abundant. These bryophytes often host N2-fixing microorganisms (diazotrophs) that play a crucial role in the N cycle of these ecosystems. Despite their importance, how the bryophyte-associated N2-fixation varies across species and seasons (summer, autumn, winter, and spring) remains poorly understood. We measured N2-fixation rates for 10 bryophyte species in situ throughout the entire year in the Arctic with additional incubations to verify the method. We measured positive N2-fixation during most of the year, except for the coldest period (February). The species growing in the wettest conditions (Sphagnum spp.) had the highest N2-fixation rates in summer, while bryophytes in drier conditions peaked in N2-fixation rates in spring and autumn. The seasonal variation in N2-fixation activity was pronounced, but similar patterns were found among different species. This study reveals that bryophyte-associated N2-fixation in northern ecosystems is larger than previously assumed, as it occurs over a more extended part of the year than previously inferred. Furthermore, the importance of bryophyte-associated diazotrophs cannot be quantified without considering both the diversity of bryophytes and their variation in N2-fixing seasonal activity patterns. Both future changes in climatic conditions and biodiversity of bryophytes can thus have large implications for the N cycle in arctic regions
Integrating parental breeding value, genetic gain, and gamete contribution for elite family selection in Platycladus orientalis
No full textPlatycladus orientalis (L.) Franco seed orchards play an important role in sustainable forestry in China but balancing genetic gain and genetic diversity remains a significant challenge. Two key factors influence the success of seed orchards: parental breeding value and gamete contribution, as they determine both the genetic gain and diversity of the seed crops produced. This study aimed to optimize breeding strategies by analyzing parental breeding value, gamete contribution, and genetic gain across two growth periods (89 families in 2008 and 52 families in 2021). We evaluated height, diameter at breast height, and stem volume of progeny in a primary seed orchard, uncovering significant genetic variation among families. Interestingly, no correlation was found between growth traits and gamete contribution, indicating their independence. Using comprehensive scoring and PCA-biplot analysis, we consistently identified several elite families with superior growth performance in both years. We propose an optimal breeding strategy that combines 30% selective harvesting and 50% selective thinning to effectively balance genetic gain and genetic diversity, addressing a critical goal in tree improvement programs. The selected families and optimized strategy provide a scalable framework not only for P. orientalis but also for other conifer species globally, enhancing both productivity and genetic diversity in afforestation efforts
Associations between healthcare workers' substance use and quality of care : findings from a one-year Swedish follow-up study
No full textBackground: Problem drinking and illicit drug use among healthcare workers (i.e., physicians and nurses) may impair their attention and cognitive functioning, thereby increasing the risk of medical errors and diminishing the quality of patient care. Objective: To investigate the association between healthcare workers' problem drinking and illicit drug use with subsequent self-rated quality of care provided. Design: A two-wave longitudinal observational study. Methods: Panel data were drawn from the Longitudinal Occupational Health Survey in Healthcare Sweden (LOHHCS), collected in 2022 (baseline) and 2023 (follow-up), encompassing a sample of 3280 healthcare workers. Questionnaires included problem drinking, illicit drug use (cannabis and stimulants), and self-rated quality of care they provide to patients. Logistic regression models analysed relationships between the study variables. Results: At baseline, the prevalence of problem drinking was 3.8 %, and illicit drug use was 1.3 %. Both problem drinking (OR = 1.93, 95 % CI = 1.28–3.02) and illicit drug use (OR = 2.07, 95 % CI = 1.00–4.29) were significantly associated with lower self-rated quality of care provided at follow-up, after adjustment for confounding variables. Conclusions: This novel longitudinal study shows that healthcare workers reporting substance use at baseline were about twice as likely to report providing poor quality of care one year later. These findings are of clinical relevance and highlight the need for targeted preventive measures and interventions to safeguard the health and well-being of healthcare workers while maintaining quality standards in patient care
High-resolution mapping of sigma factor DNA-binding sequences using artificial promoters, RNA aptamers, and deep sequencing
No full textThe variable sigma (σ) subunit of the bacterial RNA polymerase holoenzyme determines promoter specificity and facilitates open complex formation during transcription initiation. Understanding σ-factor binding sequences is therefore crucial for deciphering bacterial gene regulation. Here, we present a data-driven high-throughput approach that utilizes an extensive library of 1.54 million DNA templates providing artificial promoters and 5 untranslated region sequences for σ-factor DNA-binding motif discovery. This method combines the generation of extensive DNA libraries, in vitro transcription, RNA aptamer, and deep DNA and RNA sequencing. It allows direct assessment of promoter activity, identification of transcription start sites, and quantification of promoter strength based on mRNA production levels. We applied this approach to map σ54 DNA-binding sequences in Pseudomonas putida. Deep sequencing of the enriched RNA pool revealed 64 966 distinct σ54 binding motifs, significantly expanding the known repertoire. This data-driven approach surpasses traditional methods by directly evaluating promoter function and avoiding selection bias based solely on binding affinity. This comprehensive dataset enhances our understanding of σ-factor binding sequences and their regulatory roles, opening avenues for new research in biology and biotechnology
Micropollutant removal from domestic wastewater effluent by softwood-biochar and sludge-biochar for safe reuse applications
No full textThe reuse of domestic treated wastewater in agriculture poses a significant challenge as a result of the incomplete removal of micropollutants, with considerable public health, economic, and environmental consequences. Post-treatment of the treated wastewater by sorption-based technologies using biochar can mitigate these micropollutant-related concerns. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the efficacy of various biochar types in eliminating micropollutants from treated wastewater to ensure safe reuse practices. The biochar utilised in this study was made from softwood and hygienized sewage sludge. Five indicator micropollutants were used to assess the removal efficiency of the different biochars. The experimental campaign consisted of two steps, starting with a preliminary assessment of the removal efficiency of various biochar types under constant operational conditions. This approach identified the biochar type that achieved the highest removal efficiency. Second, a response surface methodology study was then carried out to explore the interactive impacts of operational variables on the removal of selected micropollutants using the selected biochar type, softwood-biochar. This study showed that softwood-biochar can remove benzotriazole, carbamazepine, diclofenac, irbesartan, and metformin with 98, 92, 94, 90, and 99% efficiency, respectively. These findings pave the way for the development of a low-cost sorption-based micropollutant removal technique for safe reuse
Glimpses of diagnostic tools and treatment of asthma in Sweden, Norway, and Finland from a medico-historical perspective
No full textDuring the last decades, there has been an accelerating development of diagnostic and treatment possibilities. This paper aims to remind readers of significant milestones in the medical history of asthma. In the early 1800s, important tools for auscultation of the lungs and assessment of vital capacity were developed when Laennec invented the stethoscope and Hutchinson the spirometer. Tests of allergic sensitisation were developed later; the skin prick test in the 1920s, while immunoglobulin E, IgE, was discovered in the 1960s. Dating back to ancient times, asthma has been treated using the sympathomimetic ephedrine and the anticholinergic belladonna. Asthma cigarettes act via anticholinergic effects of Datura stramonium (common name thorn apple), which contains hyoscyamine, scopolamine, and atropine. From the 1930s, ephedrine was replaced by adrenergic agents (e.g., adrenaline) and its further developments. The first selective β2-agonist, salbutamol, was introduced in 1969, followed by long-acting β2-agonists. From the 1920s until 1990, theophylline was frequently used as a bronchodilator, while cromolyn was used as a non-corticosteroid treatment of asthma in the 1970s and 1980s. Introducing inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in the mid-1970s revolutionised asthma treatment. The use of ICS gathered momentum in the mid-1980s, with improved asthma morbidity and reduced need for hospital treatment. Recent introduction of ICS-formoterol in all treatment steps of asthma further contribute to improved adherence, asthma control and lower risk of exacerbations. At last, in management of severe asthma, monoclonal antibodies targeting IgE or different T2-cytokines, provide significant improvements in symptom control, exacerbation rate, and quality of life for patients