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Cerebral microvascular dysfunction in a rat model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
No full textThe aim of this research was to gain more insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying cerebral microvascular dysfunction in a rat model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). This thesis investigated the cognitive and cardiovascular phenotype of a rat model of comorbidities (obesity, diabetes, hypertension, HFpEF). Cerebral microvascular dysfunction was assessed by cerebral blood flow measurements, quantification of blood brain barrier leakages, and 3D quantification of the cerebral and cardiac vascular network. Through transcriptomic analysis, KLF2 and TRPV4 were identified as important targets in microvascular dysfunction in cerebral small vessel disease. This thesis contributes to a better understanding of cerebral microvascular dysfunction in a HFpEF model, and highlights the potential of a multi-action, biomechanical approach that could have therapeutic benefits for various organs
Exercise and nutritional strategies to promote bone health in elite cyclists
No full textMechanical loading of the skeleton is essential for the development and maintenance of bone mass. Non–weight-bearing sports, such as cycling, lack substantial mechanical loading, and, therefore, provide little benefit for bone. Indeed, this thesis revealed a high prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD) among elite cyclists. Low BMD was also associated with an increased fracture incidence during the active career. Consistent predictors of low BMD in elite cyclists included a lack of prior participation in bone-specific mechanical loading activities, along with markers of low energy availability, such as serum total triiodothyronine (T3) levels and body mass index (BMI). In addition, high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) revealed a high prevalence of low volumetric BMD and impaired bone microarchitecture and geometry.This PhD research subsequently showed that multi-directional jumping exercise combined with collagen supplementation during the off-season period is both feasible and effective in preserving BMD at the hip region in elite cyclists. However, another study in this thesis showed that the serum marker of bone formation procollagen type I N propeptide (P1NP) increased following brief jumping exercise, but with no further increase following collagen supplementation when compared to a placebo
Advancing automatic contouring in radiotherapy:clinical introduction, evaluation, and impact
No full textRadiotherapy is a key cancer treatment that aims to destroy cancer cells while limiting side effects. New technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) are helping improve this process, especially by automating the outlining (or “contouring”) of tumours and nearby healthy organs. This task is usually time-consuming and varies between doctors, but automation makes it faster and more consistent. This thesis studied how well these tools work, focusing first on lung and breast cancer, and later on head-and-neck and brain cancers. It found that certain AI tools save time and maintain treatment quality. It also showed that some adjustments are still needed, especially in complex cases. The research provided practical advice for using these tools in hospitals and showed that combining different models (like CT and MRI) gives the best results. Overall, automation in radiotherapy can improve care, reduce workload, and support better outcomes for patients
Formative assessment plans for better informed decision-making:Educational design research in secondary education
No full textOver the years, formative assessment has gained interest in educational systems around the world. Practice in a classroom is formative to the extent that evidence about student achievement is elicited, interpreted, and used by teachers, learners, or their peers, to inform decisions about the next steps in instruction that align with what students need at that moment to take the next step in their learning process. The worldwide interest is a result of the intuitive appeal, as well as theoretical claims that formative assessment can support and improve learning.This dissertation aimed to identify design principles that help teachers create effective formative assessment plans for multiple lessons and evaluate if these plans contribute to well-informed formative decision-making. Multiple cycles of design research, trying out, evaluating and refining design principles and designs, divided over four studies contributed to achieving this aim and ensured a more solid base for the design principles
With Friends Like These, Who Needs Explanations? Evaluating User Understanding of Group Recommendations
No full textGroup Recommender Systems (GRS) employing social choice-based aggregation strategies have previously been explored in terms of perceived consensus, fairness, and satisfaction. At the same time, the impact of textual explanations has been examined, but the results suggest a low effectiveness of these explanations. However, user understanding remains fairly unexplored, even if it can contribute positively to transparent GRS. This is particularly interesting to study in more complex or potentially unfair scenarios when user preferences diverge, such as in a minority scenario (where group members have similar preferences, except for a single member in a minority position). In this paper, we analyzed the impact of different types of explanations on user understanding of group recommendations. We present a randomized controlled trial (n = 271) using two between-subject factors: (i) the aggregation strategy (additive, least misery, and approval voting), and (ii) the modality of explanation (no explanation, textual explanation, or multimodal explanation). We measured both subjective (self-perceived by the user) and objective understanding (performance on model simulation, counterfactuals and error detection). In line with recent findings on explanations for machine learning models, our results indicate that more detailed explanations, whether textual or multimodal, did not increase subjective or objective understanding. However, we did find a significant effect of aggregation strategies on both subjective and objective understanding. These results imply that when constructing GRS, practitioners need to consider that the choice of aggregation strategy can influence the understanding of users. Post-hoc analysis also suggests that there is value in analyzing performance on different tasks, rather than through a single aggregated metric of understanding
The European Commission's Equivalence Decisions for Third-Country Central Counterparties:Between Financial Stability and Political Considerations
No full textCentral counterparties (CCPs) play an essential role in modern financial markets. Their market access is strictly regulated, not only domestically but also across borders. To gain access to European Union financial markets, third-country CCPs (TC-CCPs) must comply with the recognition procedure set up by the European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR). One of the conditions in this procedure is that the European Commission has adopted an equivalence decision concerning the legal framework of the TC-CCP's home jurisdiction. Such a decision states that the foreign legal framework is deemed to be equivalent to that provided by EMIR. In this paper, we analyse the equivalence decisions and underlying legal frameworks of three different jurisdictions, i.e., the United Kingdom, the United States, and Switzerland, in order to distil common principles. We also identify common observations concerning the Commission's attitude when it adopts decisions. We find that the Commission demands strict equivalence but is also a negotiator with two faces. What is, at first glance, a technical assessment aimed at safeguarding financial stability is supplemented by broader political and practical considerations. We conclude that the current approach can help promote financial stability but warn that it creates uncertainty for the market players involved
A Computational Framework for Modelling Biomechanical Tumour Dynamics and Tissue Interactions:A Proof-of-Concept in Pleural Mesothelioma
No full textIn Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM), solid stress and tissue deformation significantly impact tumour growth and invasion. This study presents a computational framework that integrates biomechanical tumour dynamics, tissue deformation, and force interactions within a realistic anatomical setting. Using the Finite Element Method, the framework is applied to a lung mesh reconstructed from CT scans, incorporating a synthetic mesothelioma tumour with defined material properties. Numerical results from the simulations closely match the analytical solution, with deviations within 5%, confirming the model’s reliability and accuracy. Simulations of point compression and surface expansion effectively capture the localised tumour deformation and lung volume changes, replicating expected breathing mechanics under different conditions. The findings emphasize the role of mechanical interactions in tumour progression, demonstrating how increased tissue stiffness affects deformation patterns and respiratory dynamics. This study establishes a foundation for integrating computational biomechanics with predictive tumour modelling, offering potential applications in personalised medicine for MPM
Principles of Sustainable Product Design
No full textThe European Green Deal, the Circular Economy Action Plan, and the EU Plastics Strategy have the ambition to change the way plastics and plastics products are designed, manufactured, used, and recycled. In the meantime, over 300 large companies have pledged within the Circular Plastics Alliance to increase the share of recycled plastics in their products. However, such a transformation comes with multiple challenges, since recycled plastics are often different from virgin plastics when it comes to material properties and quality. This chapter has the goal to help designers master this transition and take first steps to introducing recycled plastics in their process. It deals with the concept of Design for and Design from Recycling with plastics as part of industrial circular product design. First, it introduces the reader to the fundamental concepts of material selection in product design. Afterward, it elaborates how to introduce recycled plastics in a non-disruptive manner into the production process
Health outcomes and health service use during armed conflicts:a comparison of conflict and non-conflict areas in Northern Nigeria
No full textIn conflict-affected regions, persistent violence and instability severely hinder access to healthcare, deepen inequalities and introduce new barriers to service delivery. This dissertation investigates the impact of armed conflict on health systems and outcomes in Northern Nigeria, with a specific focus on women and children, populations most vulnerable during crises.Each chapter of the study builds a comprehensive understanding of healthcare dynamics in conflict-affected settings. It begins with a critical literature review, then empirically examines the effects of conflict on maternal health service utilization, child nutrition, and neonatal outcomes using geo-referenced national survey data. The findings reveal a high burden of unmet health needs in conflict-exposed communities and demonstrate how conflict weakens routine service access. The dissertation concludes by offering targeted, evidence-based policy recommendations and programming strategies aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery in fragile settings, while also identifying pathways for future research to build more resilient and equitable health systems
Beyond the Numbers:10 Facts About How We Really Live: A Statistical Journey Through Life's Deepest Truths
No full textWhat if everything you think you know about making decisions is wrong?Every morning, you unconsciously perform complex statistical calculations that would impress a PhD mathematician. You assess probabilities, manage risk, reduce error, and benchmark your choices—all without realizing you're doing it. You are, quite literally, a walking, breathing statistician.After 25+ years of teaching statistics to thousands of students, Dr. Khaled Wahba discovered something remarkable: the "dry" mathematical concepts he taught weren't abstract theories—they were the hidden operating system of human life itself."Beyond the Numbers: 10 Facts About How We Really Live" reveals the profound statistical truths that govern everything from your morning coffee decision to your career choices, from your relationships to your financial investments. This isn't another statistics textbook—it's a revelation about who you really are and how you actually make every important decision in your life.You'll discover:Why your brain is constantly calculating "p-values" every time you take a riskHow the "good-to-bad ratio" secretly determines your happinessWhy perfectionism is actually a statistical error in thinkingHow correlation vs. causation explains why your relationships work (or don't)The hidden "confidence intervals" that should guide every major life decisionWritten in beautifully accessible language with zero mathematical formulas, this book transforms intimidating statistical concepts into profound insights about human nature. Whether you're making career decisions, evaluating relationships, or simply trying to understand why you think the way you do, this book will change how you see yourself and your world.Perfect for readers who love Malcolm Gladwell, Daniel Kahneman, or anyone curious about the hidden patterns that shape human behavior."Statistics isn't about numbers—it's about us. This book proves it."Key Benefits:✓ Finally understand why you make the decisions you do ✓ Improve your judgment without complex calculations✓ See patterns in your life you never noticed before ✓ Make better choices using unconscious statistical wisdom ✓ Transform anxiety about uncertainty into confident decision-making ✓ Perfect for anyone fascinated by human psychology and behavior ✓ Written by a professor with 25+ years of teaching experience ✓ Zero technical jargon—maximum life-changing insigh