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Racism and ethnic discrimination among Indigenous Arctic populations : methods, data, definitions. A scoping review
No full textObjectives: Racism and ethnic discrimination are global health issues, but the extent and effects on Indigenous Peoples in the Arctic region are still poorly understood. By investigating the methods, data sources, and definitions used in articles examining racism and ethnic discrimination among Indigenous peoples in the Arctic between 2008 and 2021 this review aims to create a solid foundation for future research. Design: We conducted a search across multiple databases, including PubMed, PsycInfo, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Review. Our search criteria included: Indigenous groups, racism or ethnic discrimination, and Arctic regions. After removing off-topic articles, two researchers reviewed the remaining articles against predefined eligibility criteria. Results: The research field is expanding, but a significant portion of Arctic Indigenous peoples remains underrepresented. Predominant research methods include questionnaires, interviews, and case studies, often derived from large cross-sectional studies. Self-reported responses to questions about ethnic discrimination and racism are the primary research method, while some articles involve researchers subjectively evaluating data to determine what qualifies as racism or ethnic discrimination. Reaching a consensus on the definitions of ethnic discrimination and racism is challenging, with definitions ranging from negative, unfair, or differential treatment to broader, structural perspectives. Approximately half of the articles lack clear definitions. Conclusion: There is a notable difference in terminology, where racism as a term is more used in Canada/US while, ethnic discrimination is more predominant in the Nordic countries. Despite these differences, the scales used to measure racism or ethnic discrimination show significant similarities. A large part of the investigated articles emphasize interpersonal discrimination. An emerging perspective after 2016 views racism/ethnic discrimination as something that produces inequalities between racial or ethnic groups and upholds or creates systems of privilege and oppression. Research consistently highlights the importance of considering local contexts of racism, ethnic discrimination and oppression
Oligogenic structure of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis has genetic testing, counselling and therapeutic implications
No full textBackground: Despite several studies suggesting a potential oligogenic risk model in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), case-control statistical evidence implicating oligogenicity with disease risk or clinical outcomes is limited. Considering its direct clinical and therapeutic implications, we aim to perform a large-scale robust investigation of oligogenicity in ALS risk and in the disease clinical course. Methods: We leveraged Project MinE genome sequencing datasets (6711 cases and 2391 controls) to identify associations between oligogenicity in known ALS genes and disease risk, as well as clinical outcomes. Results: In both the discovery and replication cohorts, we observed that the risk imparted from carrying multiple ALS rare variants was significantly greater than the risk associated with carrying only a single rare variant, both in the presence and absence of variants in the most well-established ALS genes. However, in contrast to risk, the relationships between oligogenicity and ALS clinical outcomes, such as age of onset and survival, did not follow the same pattern. Conclusions: Our findings represent the first large-scale, case-control assessment of oligogenicity in ALS and show that oligogenic events involving known ALS risk genes are relevant for disease risk in ∼6% of ALS but not necessarily for disease onset and survival. This must be considered in genetic counselling and testing by ensuring to use comprehensive gene panels even when a pathogenic variant has already been identified. Moreover, in the age of stratified medication and gene therapy, it supports the need for a complete genetic profile for the correct choice of therapy in all ALS patients
Engelska för andra : makt och andrafiering vid Språkintroduktionsprogrammet i Sverige
No full textThis thesis investigates English-language education at The Language Introduction Program (LIP) in Sweden. LIP is an individual transit program for newly arrived migrant students at upper-secondary school level, designed to ensure a fast transition to further education or the job market (Swedish National Agency for Education, 2013). The methodology used in this thesis is based on linguistic ethnography (Copland & Creese, 2015b), with observations and interviews conducted at two schools – Slope Hill High School and Meadow Hill High School (fictional names) – over the course of one school year. Observations in classrooms, at meetings, and of the school environment were conducted. In addition, semi-structured interviews with students, teachers, principals, and other members of faculty were performed. The theoretical framework for this thesis is Foucault’s (2002) perspectives of power, with a particular focus on Foucault’s concepts of biopower and governmentality. In addition to Foucault, postcolonial perspectives of Bhabha (2004) and Said (2003) are used to analyze othering. This thesis also investigates language ideology (Kroskrity, 2000), language hierarchies (Josephson, 2018), and learner identity (Norton, 2013) in a multilingual context. Moreover, this thesis explores the connections between power structures linked to individualization and isolation (Studies 1 and 2), governmentality (Study 3) and othering (Study 4). The results show that power structures limit the ability of teachers to collaborate, evaluate, and develop their teaching practices. Interwoven in all these structures are monolingual language ideologies and perceptions of LIP students as lacking prior knowledge and capabilities. Furthermore, the thesis shows that students’ first languages (L1s) are not used as a resource when learning English at the LIP, and that the importance of proficiency in English is rarely discussed with LIP students. Instead, the local language (Swedish) is prioritized by the organization. The results also show that, through governmentality, lack of proficiency in English is a gatekeeper to future transitions for LIP students. This thesis shows that all these factors in combination position English as a school subject at LIP of less priority for LIP students, disfavoring English both in regard to resources and support
Impact of chemical and physical treatments on the structural and surface properties of activated carbon and hydrochar
No full textThis study investigates the effects of various chemical and physical treatments on the structural and surface properties of activated carbon and hydrochar. Both materials were subjected to treatments with hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid solutions, as well as microwave irradiation and hydrothermal processing. The resulting changes were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Results indicate that activated carbon exhibits remarkable chemical resistance, maintaining its intrinsic porous framework across all treatments. However, subtle modifications in surface chemistry were observed, with acid and base treatments slightly increasing the surface area, while ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid treatment decreased it. Hydrochar exhibited more significant changes, notably a drastic reduction in surface area and porosity following sodium hydroxide treatment, indicating low alkaline resistance. Microwave and hydrothermal treatments showed potential as regeneration methods for both materials, slightly increasing the specific surface area while preserving the physical structure. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed increases in oxygen-containing functional groups for activated carbon after treatments, while hydrochar showed more variable changes, notably in carbonyl functionalities. This comprehensive study provides crucial insights for optimizing the regeneration and modification processes of carbon-based adsorbents, potentially enhancing their performance and sustainability in water treatment applications
Quality of life, physical activity, and social determinants in teenagers with cerebral palsy : a cross-sectional study in Sweden
No full textBackground: The associations between physical activity and various social determinants with quality of life (QoL) among teenagers with cerebral palsy (CP) are inconclusive. Objective: To explore associations between perceived QoL among teenagers with CP in Sweden and participation in physical leisure activity and physical education in school, as well as sex, gross motor function, pain and bother, caregivers’ birth country and socioeconomic status. Methods: A cross-sectional study with teenagers who have CP, aged 15–18 years. The survey, including the assessment form Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life-teenager (CP QoL-teen), was sent to all youths in the national patient registry held by the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare (n = 900). Survey data was complemented with data from other national health registries containing information on demographics, physical leisure activity, physical education, and gross motor function. Multivariable linear- and quantile regression analyses were performed. Results: The survey was answered by 149 participants. Physical leisure activity was positively associated with the QoL-domain Communication and physical health. Gross motor function was associated with domains referring to physical function and participation; more severe motor difficulties indicated lower QoL. Pain was negatively associated with all QoL domains. Low caregiver educational levels were associated with higher social well-being domain. Conclusion: Minimizing pain and facilitating physical activity may enhance QoL for teenagers who have CP. To improve participation for teenagers with severe disabilities, with non-Nordic caregivers, and caregivers without postgraduate education, targeted measures to facilitate participation are needed
Increased risk for damages from the dry-rot fungus Serpula lacrymans on buildings in a changing climate
No full textWeather-based damages in housing insurance correspond to 23 % of all insurance claims in Sweden and include damages from fungi. Some fungi could cause health risks to the tenants, while others can cause rapid structural failure for the building itself, like the dry-rot fungus Serpula lacrymans. The study aims to analyse a possible connection between the increased rate of insurance claims related to S. lacrymans fungi and climate change. This study uses historical data of 2446 damaged properties from insurance companies and current and future climate data. In addition, eight geographical areas within Sweden with 567 damaged properties were analysed in relation to changes in outdoor temperature over a decade. Finally, a full onsite inspection of 20 infected properties by S. lacrymans fungi was conducted to evaluate common conditions for fungi infections. The results of this study showed that the S. lacrymans fungus is expected to spread to the northern parts of Sweden even in areas where it could not exist before, while the rate of infected buildings in the southern part of Sweden might decline but not drop to zero. Wooden buildings older constructed before 1980 with chimneys and self-ventilation are at higher risk of infection. Economic implications are significant, with high repair costs rendering some buildings economically unviable, particularly in rural areas. Insurance reimbursement is typically limited to market value loss, indicating location, design, and maintenance status as crucial factors. The results may raise a concern for insurance companies and property owners, especially related to locations in the sparse parts of North of Sweden
The effect of environmental protection expenditures on industrial employment in Sweden
No full textIn this paper, we empirically investigate how environmental protection expenditures affect sector-level employment within manufacturing industries, using detailed firm-level data for Sweden for the years 2002–2021. We use a structural model that allows for a decomposition of the total employment effect of environmental protection expenditures within a sector into a cost effect, a factor shift effect, and a demand effect. We add to previous literature by using instrumental variables in our empirical framework, to account for endogenous environmental spending stemming from, e.g., corporate social responsibility and self-regulation. Our results reveal that increased environmental protection expenditures generally have no statistically significant effect on employment among the sectors studied, with the paper and pulp sector being the exception, showing non-negligible negative effects on employment
Imaging single particle profiler to study nanoscale bioparticles using conventional confocal microscopy
No full textSingle particle profiling (SPP) is a unique methodology to study nanoscale bioparticles such as liposomes, lipid nanoparticles, extracellular vesicles, and lipoproteins in a single particle and high throughput manner. The initial version requires the single photon counting modules for data acquisition, which limits its adoptability. Here, we present imaging-based SPP (iSPP) that can be performed by imaging a spot over time in the common imaging mode with confocal detectors. We also provide user-friendly software with a graphical user interface to analyze such data and give quantitative insights on the content and properties of nanoscale bioparticles. We use iSPP to decipher lipid-protein interactions, membrane modifications by drugs, and the heterogeneity of extracellular vesicles isolated from cell lines and human urine. This easily applicable modality of the single particle profiler will facilitate nanoscale bioparticle research in laboratories with access to any confocal microscope
From collegial presence to virtual distance : A literature study on the positive and negative aspects for organizations and virtual team workers during the Covid-19 pandemic
No full textI den här litteraturstudien har vi undersökt organisationers övergång till IKT-medierad kommunikation under Covid-19-pandemin. IKT är informations-och kommunikationsteknologi som möjliggör att dela och hämta information med varandra och som fått genomslag inom arbetslivet. Under år 2020, när världen drabbades av en pandemi fick flera globala organisationer ställa om till virtuellt distansarbete. Vårt syfte i den här litteraturstudien var att undersöka arbetstagares upplevelser av övergången till virtuellt distansarbete och organisationers strategier för att hantera negativa aspekter av virtuellt distansarbete. En samling av 16 vetenskapliga studier analyserades genom datadriven induktiv tematisk analys. Resultatet visade varierande positiva och negativa upplevelser och erfarenheter bland arbetstagare under omställningen till virtuellt distansarbete under Covid-19-pandemin. Resultatet visade en inverkan på arbetstagarnas välmående, främst känslor av isolering, ensamhet och stress. Resultatet visade även att digitala kommunikativa kanaler möjliggjorde social kontakt och interaktion samtidigt som detta upplevdes av vissa vara en utmaning i virtuellt distansarbete. Virtuellt distansarbete med IKT-verktyg visade sig i resultatet vara bidragande till ökad produktivitet. Pandemin och drastiskt förändrade arbetsförhållanden tvingade organisationer att tillämpa diverse strategier för att möta de negativa aspekterna av virtuellt distansarbete. En strategi som organisationer tillämpade var att schemalägga tid för kommunikativa och sociala interaktioner, för att skapa förutsättningar för gemenskap även under geografiskt spridda förhållanden
Disagree and commit: degrees of argumentation-based agreements
No full textIn cooperative human decision-making, agreements are often not total; a partial degree of agreement is sufficient to commit to a decision and move on, as long as one is somewhat confident that the involved parties are likely to stand by their commitment in the future, given no drastic unexpected changes. In this paper, we introduce the notion of agreement scenarios that allow artificial autonomous agents to reach such agreements, using formal models of argumentation, in particular abstract argumentation and value-based argumentation. We introduce the notions of degrees of satisfaction and (minimum, mean, and median) agreement, as well as a measure of the impact a value in a value-based argumentation framework has on these notions. We then analyze how degrees of agreement are affected when agreement scenarios are expanded with new information, to shed light on the reliability of partial agreements in dynamic scenarios. An implementation of the introduced concepts is provided as part of an argumentation-based reasoning software library