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Den gröna omställningen och teknikutvecklingens effekter på framtida gruvarbete
No full textDenna artikel baseras på en enkätstudie om hur teknik- och organisationsexperter inom gruvsektorn i EU och Australien föreställer sig att den gröna omställningen kommer att påverka framtidens gruvarbete, kompetensbehov och gruvföretagens rekrytering av gruvarbetare. Resultatet visar att de främsta utmaningarna vid nyrekrytering externaliseras genom att peka på allmänhetens negativa attityder gentemot gruvdrift. Vidare betonas att den gröna omställningen och teknikutvecklingen kommer att förändra gruvarbetares arbetsuppgifter och skapa nya kompetensbehov. Detta indikerar att anställda gruvarbetares behov av kompetensutveckling kommer att öka liksom gruvföretagens behov av att utveckla lärande organisationer. Detta är ett intressant perspektiv som inte tidigare varit framträdande inom gruvindustrin.Validerad;2025;Nivå 1;2025-08-14 (u5);Full text license: CC BY</p
Smart mobility and infrastructure The role ofIntelligent Transportation Systems onaccessibility with regards to advancements in AI
No full textThe thesis discusses how Artificial Intelligence (AI) may interplay with Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to enhance the four main transport modes of accessibility to pedestrians, cyclists, car users, and public transport users. As the population becomes urbanized and the demand for mobility has grown, the process of developing responsive infrastructure becomes a critical area of study. The research employs a qualitative methodology based on a literature study. Its aim is to identify the limitations regarding ITS today and propose AI-driven innovations. For pedestrians, the thesis discusses intelligent crosswalks linked to adaptive traffic signals. Though intelligent, these systems are limited by their reliance on cameras and LiDAR sensors, which are sensitive to adverse climatic conditions. A solution to this is to have AI systems that are capable of handling multimodal platform-style sensing technology that uses radar, audio, and thermal sensors to sustain accurate detection. Such systems can adapt to the usage of sensors depending on weather conditions to preserve the level of accuracy. For cyclists, ITS tends to give priority to vehicles over bicycle traffic. The thesis suggests that AI can help to achieve predictive systems that observe the demand of bicycle users to give priority to cyclists at intersections. With a federated learning process that empowers cities to train AI systems based on traffic patterns, cyclists would have adaptive solutions based on real-world data from various cities. For automobile traffic, V2X technology from various automobile makers creates a hurdle in successful communication as well as information exchange between the cars and the environment. The Thesis envisions a future where an AI-controlled V2X platform has the potential to standardize communication for every vehicle. Of particular significance in light of self-driving vehicles, which are programmed to function at their maximum capacity with the help of successful information exchange. For the public transport sector, existing ITS solutions are normally operated from centralized control centers, hence less responsive to unexpected disturbances. A decentralized AI system where vehicles communicate and respond to each other independently in real-time can improve the response of the entire system
Exploring the evolution of active sites on Fe2GeO4–Ni3Ge2O5(OH)4 interfaces for water oxidation
No full textThe oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a pivotal process in electrochemical energy conversion. Herein, we report a computational study-guided experimental work that uncovers the dynamics of active sites in a heterostructure composed of two distinct phases: Brunogeierite (Fe2GeO4) and serpentine (Ni3Ge2O5(OH)4). This heterostructure is synthesized by introducing varying amounts of a nickel precursor into pristine Fe2GeO4. When comparing pristine materials, Fe in Fe2GeO4 is better for OER as compared with the Ni in Ni3Ge2O5(OH)4. Interestingly, the Ni becomes more active in the heterostructure following the structural distortion and the induced increased electron transfer, which we proved by ex situ/in situ XAS studies. These findings highlight the dynamic evolution of active sites in the heterostructure, elucidating how the synergy between structural and electronic factors transforms catalytic behavior. The optimized heterostructure as an ideal model reveals enhanced electrocatalytic performance with an overpotential of 325 mV versus RHE to achieve a current density of 100 mA cm–2, a Tafel slope of 42 mV dec–1, and long-term stability exceeding 50 h even at high current densities, making it highly promising for a wide range of critical electrolysis applications.Funder: Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) (H53D23003840001);Full text license: CC BY</p
From Piles of Clothes to an Organised Space : Designing functional and aesthetic furniture for daily clothes
No full textMany people share the same challenge: storing clothes that have been worn once and will be used again. This often results in a disorganised environment, which can increase stress levels and reduce efficiency at home. We have all experienced situations where clothes are everywhere, making it difficult to find the clothes we want to reuse. There is no clear solution that addresses the storage of everyday clothing. While some products exist, they are often designed with formal wear in mind, rather than casual clothes. Identifying this gap in the market inspired the main research question of this thesis: How can a sustainable clothing storage solution be designed to both be functional and aesthetically pleasing? To explore this question, The Double Diamond design process was applied to ensure both convergent and divergent thinking. Through benchmarking, we analysed the existing market and identified key flaws in current solutions. A literature review provided further insights into the subject and established a strong theoretical foundation. Through interviews and surveys, the user challenges could be defined, leading to the identification of user needs. During the develop phase, brainstorming and thumbnail sketching generated a wide range of ideas. Focus groups were used to ensure that users were actively involved in the process, helping to shape a solution that met their needs. Finally, in the deliver phase, a final prototype was developed. This included both digital and physical prototypes, with the physical prototype being user tested to ensure the final design fulfilled the identified needs. The result is a product design specifically for hanging everyday clothes in a way that looks organised and visually appealing. The product communicates its casual purpose through small gallows and a ball on top, evoking the silhouette of a human figure. The ball also serves a purpose: it allows users to hang hoodies by their hoods or even caps, if desired. The primary purpose of this product is to help organise home environments and reduce everyday stress, contributing to improved well-being and a calmer, more structured lifestyle.Många människor delar samma utmaning: att förvara kläder som har använts en gång och kommer att användas igen. Detta resulterar ofta i en oorganiserad miljö, vilket kan öka stressnivåerna och minska effektiviteten i hemmet. Vi har alla upplevt situationer där kläder ligger överallt, vilket gör det svårt att hitta de kläder vi vill återanvända. Det finns ingen tydlig lösning som adresserar förvaring av vardagskläder. Även om vissa produkter existerar, är de ofta designade för mer formella plagg snarare än vardagskläder. Att identifiera detta hål i marknaden inspirerade den huvudsakliga forskningsfrågan för detta examensarbete: Hur kan en hållbar klädförvaring designas för att vara både funktionell och estetiskt tilltalande? För att undersöka denna fråga användes Double Diamond-designprocessen för att säkerställa både konvergent och divergent tänkande. Genom benchmarking analyserade vi den befintliga marknaden och identifierade centrala brister i dagens lösningar. En litteraturstudie gav ytterligare insikter i ämnet och etablerade en stark teoretisk grund. Genom intervjuer och enkäter kunde användarnas utmaningar definieras, vilket ledde till identifieringen av deras behov. Under utvecklingsfasen genererade brainstorming och thumbnail sketching en bred variation av idéer. Fokusgrupper användes för att säkerställa att användarna var aktivt involverade i processen, vilket hjälpte till att forma en lösning som uppfyllde deras behov. Slutligen, i den sista fasen, utvecklades en slutlig prototyp. Detta inkluderade både digitala och fysiska prototyper, där den fysiska prototypen användartestades för att säkerställa att den slutliga designen uppfyllde de identifierade behoven. Resultatet är en produkt designad specifikt för att hänga vardagskläder på ett sätt som ser organiserat och visuellt tilltalande ut. Produkten förmedlar sitt vardagliga syfte genom små galgar och en boll på toppen, vilket ska associera med en mänsklig siluett. Bollen fyller också en funktion: den gör det möjligt för användaren att hänga hoodies i huvan eller till och med kepsar, om det önskas. Produktens huvudsakliga syfte är att bidra till en mer organiserad hemmiljö och minska vardagsstress, vilket i sin tur bidrar till ökat välbefinnande och en lugnare, mer strukturerad livsstil
Adopting AI Integrated Blockchain for EnhancingData Security in Cloud ComputingInsights from IT Professionals
No full textAbstract This study looks at how IT professionals think about using Artificial Intelligence (AI)-integratedblockchain to make cloud data more secure. It uses the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory tounderstand what makes people want to adopt this technology and what holds them back. Aqualitative methodology was employed, using semi-structured interviews with six IT professionalsfrom different backgrounds and places. The data were analyzed through thematic analysis, guidedby the five DOI stages: learning about the technology, being persuaded by its benefits, decidingwhether to use it, actually starting to use it, and checking if it delivers results.The interviews show that people usually hear about AI-integrated blockchain from research papersand industry news. They are mainly interested in its ability to stop threats early and keep data safe,but they worry about how complicated and hard it might be to scale up. Decisions to adopt arebased on whether the technology will give good returns and if their peers recommend it. Most startwith small pilot projects because of problems linking new technology to old systems. Success ismeasured by improvements in security, which matches the DOI theory’s ideas. These findings offerpractical advice for organizations thinking about this technology. However, because only sixpeople were interviewed, more research with bigger and more varied groups is needed to get aclearer picture and to see how things change over time
Addressing Adhesive-Induced Agglomeration: Metal Detachment and Flow Behavior in Recycled Paper Fibres/Cellulose
No full textThis study investigates the presence and potential removal of metal particles that exist in fibers obtained from recycled coated and printed paper, which must be removed through deinking and washing to ensure material safety and optimize pulp formulation for use in food and pharmaceutical packaging applications. For the production of modern packaging material, virgin cellulose fibers are combined with recycled fibers. In such a pulp mixture, recycled fibers introduce sticky particles that contain binders, metals, and ink particles. Those sticky particles that induce aggregation of residues and fibers alter pulp rheology and hinder product formation; therefore, their removal during the deinking process is essential to ensure pulp quality, process efficiency, and product viability. Recycled coated paper was pulped and deinked using a conventional washing process, and the metal content in cellulose pulp was evaluated with Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Rheological measurements were used to reveal its effect on the flow behavior of pulp. The results indicate that the amount of coating with the presence of adhesives and the electronegativity of metals affects metal separation upon washing and deinking. Metals with lower electronegativity, such as Ag, Ti, Cr, V, and Zn, are easily removed from pulp after washing, improving the rheological behaviour of pulp. This research provides novel insights into optimizing the composition and processing of recycled pulp to enhance sustainability, safety, and quality in sustainable packaging production.Validerad;2025;Nivå 2;2025-09-30 (u8);Funder: Republic of Serbia Ministry ofScience, Technology, and Innovation (451-03-136/2025-03/200051);Full text license: CC BY</p
Comparing signal processing and speaker placement for making sound effects glue to the stage of the theater
No full textIn a theater production there are often many types of sound that are amplified by aspeaker system. One of these types of sounds is sound effects. Reproducing soundeffects through speakers, often hung above the stage, can create a separationbetween the action and the sound. This study aims to find out how audiencesperceive this separation, identify what audiences think is important and preferablein theatre sound design and propose solutions to the separation problem. Two different solutions for sonically positioning sound effects havebeen developed and tested: reproducing a sound effect through a speakerhidden on stage near the prop, and, through a PA with added reverb andLP-filtering. There were four different sound effects (radio, TV, telephoneand window with garden ambience), each had two versions. 32participants evaluated these options in a theater-like venue with a stage ofstatic props that matched the sound effects. For each sound effect,participants got to choose which one was more believable and which onethey preferred. They also got to explain why they chose each version. The results of the study showed that, for all the sound effects, theones from the stage were deemed more believable and almost alwayspreferable. The most common motivation was because the sound appearedto come from the prop on stage. However, other factors included how thesound spread through the room, if it was realistic and if the visual featuresmatched the audible features. The study therefore concluded that if asound is more believable or preferable when played through a speaker onstage or from the PA depends on the theatrical setting and dramatic contextof the sound effect
Kärlek på swipe-avstånd? : En kvalitativ studie om unga vuxnas syn på kärlek och relationer i dejtingappens era
No full textI takt med att dejtingappar blivit en självklar del av ungas vardag och dejtingliv har förutsättningarna och praktikerna för hur kärlek och relationer initieras, formas och förstås, förändrats. Syftet med denna studie är att undersöka hur unga vuxna upplever, förstår och förhåller sig till kärlek och relationer i en digitaliserad dejtingkultur, samt hur dejtingappar relaterar till deras föreställningar och praktiker kring intimitet, romantik och varaktighet. Forskningsfrågorna var: Hur beskriver unga vuxna sina föreställningar och förväntningar kring kärlek och relationer i en digitaliserad och individualiserad kontext? Vilka normer och ideal kring romantik och relationer kommer till uttryck genom användning av dejtingappar? Hur resonerar unga vuxna gällande hur relationer initieras, formas och upprätthålls genom nätdejting? Studien baseras på sju kvalitativa intervjuer med unga vuxna i 21-24-årsåldern och har analyserats genom tematisk analys. Det teoretiska ramverket i studien består av Anthony Giddens teori om det rena förhållandet och plastisk sexualitet, Ulrich Becks beskrivning av begreppet individualisering samt Zygmunt Baumans teori om flytande kärlek. Resultatet visar att kärlek och relationer uppfattas som en del av individens självprojekt och identitetsutveckling, snarare än fast styrt av traditionella normer. Relationer förväntas vara jämställda, reflexiva och ge ömsesidig emotionell tillfredställelse. Samtidigt beskrivs en slags marknadslogik i användandet av dejtingappar, där ideal och normer såsom bekräftelse, yta, valmöjligheter och tillgänglighet styr interaktionen. Dejtingappar används både strategiskt och som underhållande, men upplevs samtidigt bidra till osäkerhet, emotionell distans och svårigheter att forma långvariga relationer som omfattar tillit. Den digitala dejtingkulturen framstår därmed som ambivalent, där närhet och emotionellt skydd och trygghet måste försöka existera samtidigt. Studien bidrar med en fördjupad förståelse för hur dessa unga vuxna navigerar kärlek och relationer i en tid präglad av reflexivitet, digital utveckling och individualisering
Effekter av att beakta förbandsstyvhet i stabiliserande väggar i KL-trä : Fallstudie i RFEM 6
No full textStabilization of multi-storey timber buildings against horizontal loads, such as wind, is commonly achieved through diaphragm action in cross-laminated timber (CLT) walls and floors. Structural stability is significantly influenced by the behavior of the connections between elements, particularly their flexibility, in other words their ability to deform under load. However, due to limited time and knowledge, this flexibility is rarely considered in practice. Instead, connections are usually idealized as either fully rigid or completely flexible, raising concerns about the accuracy of such assumptions. This study investigates how realistic connection flexibility influences the distribution of vertical support reactions, furthermore the horizontal and vertical deformations in stabilizing CLT walls. Seven simulations were conducted in RFEM 6, varying parameters such as number of panels, door openings, joint displacement, fastener type, and load magnitude. Each case compared a rigid model to at least one model with flexible connections, where data for stiffness and capacities of the fasteners was obtained from Simpson Strong-Tie. The results show that connection flexibility reduces uplift forces but leads to localized peaks in compressive forces at panel ends. This is likely due to a shift in the resistance of overturning moments, where contact pressure at the wall base is increased due to the increase of rotation in the panels caused by greater allowance of strain in the fasteners closest to the board beginnings. Rigid models, by contrast, exhibited more uniform compressive forces but higher uplift forces, as the overturning moment is resisted primarily by tension in non-deforming connectors. Flexible models consistently showed increased deformations, particularly in the horizontal direction, with the greatest displacements observed in tall and slender configurations. The absence of friction in the models likely contributed to this effect, as friction would help limit horizontal movement. These findings highlight the height-to-width ratio as a key factor in deformation behavior when flexibility is considered. Despite the simplifications inherent in the modeling approach, the observed trends are consistent with those reported in more advanced and comprehensive studies. The results underscore the importance of accurately modeling connection stiffness when predicting load distribution and structural deformations. In particular, the pronounced changes in load paths highlight the need to consider connection flexibility to ensure both the safety and cost-efficiency of foundation and structural design in timber buildings
Fungal Innovation: Harnessing Mushrooms for Production of Sustainable Functional Materials
No full textUnderutilized co- and by-products are upgraded into materials with functional properties. The utilization of mushroom farming residues is investigated, specifically mushroom residues and spent mushroom substrate – whose chemical composition is determined – to produce cosmetic face masks, packaging films, and oil sorbents. Flexible mushroom sheets exhibit conformability and antioxidant activity between 82 and 94%, and better tensile strength in comparison with commercial cosmetic masks, making them suitable for such applications. Plasticization with glycerol increases the flexibility and tensile strain from ≈1 to 45% and moisture sorption from 32 to 100 wt.%. Spent mushroom substrate pulp yields stiff and strong rigid sheets with Young's moduli of 5 GPa and tensile strengths of 42 MPa. These sheets show 100% antioxidant activity, having hydrophobic behavior and oxygen barrier properties in dry conditions, and thus are promising for bioactive packaging applications. Foamed spent mushroom substrate sorbents demonstrate high affinity for both oil and water, with a water and oil uptake of 21 and 28 times their weight, respectively, while maintaining structural integrity. These properties make the foams viable as bio-based oil sorbents, highlighting the potential of by-products for advanced functional materials.Validerad;2025;Nivå 2;2025-02-18 (u8);Full text license: CC BY 4.0;Funder: University of Vienna</p