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Towards effective decision support for structural design and risk management : An information-dependent probabilistic system representation enhanced with support vector machine and unfair sampling
No full textStructural design and risk management typically involve uncertainties related to structural performance and loading conditions, which must be effectively managed to ensure compliance with safety requirements. Additionally, the relationships among parameters influencing structural performance are often complex and not easily discernible, thereby complicating the decision-making process. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a decision support framework based on the concept of information-dependent probabilistic system representation. The framework aims to identify unacceptable design parameters in structural design and enhance risk management by updating probabilistic models of uncertain parameters for similar structures when new observational information becomes available. To overcome the computational challenges of structural reliability analysis, a support vector machine (SVM) is employed as a surrogate model for the finite element analysis typically used to evaluate the performance of engineering structures. Additionally, to handle the imbalance issue in the SVM training dataset, an unfair sampling method is introduced. An illustrative example involving a reinforced concrete structure subjected to earthquake loading is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework
For the Price of Freedom – Perceptions of Car Use
No full textThis interview-based study seeks to gain insight into the varying motivations behind car usage across different societal groups, alongside their attitudes towards travel behavior and transportation options. Its overarching goal is to delve deeper into the factors and constraints that influences individuals’ car use and mode choice. The research methodology involves collecting one-month travel data and considering individual characteristics while selecting a diverse cross-section of the Swedish population. The study is underpinned by the ontological viewpoint of time geography and the concept of “constraints”, forming the foundation for the analysis. The findings suggest that the connection between individuals and their cars represents freedom of mobility but also a dependence to a varying degree between different life stages and level of car orientation. The primary influencing factor for modal choice appears to be individuals’ perceptions of alternative transportation options and their practical viability. The outcome of the study indicates the value of analyzing individual and external constraints of different groups in order to further understand the perception of transportation options
A versatile microfluidic intermediate delivery reservoir for isolating fluid dynamics in serially interconnected microfluidic networks
No full textBackground: Serially interconnected microfluidic devices enable advanced applications such as multi-step chemical processing and multi-organ-on-chip systems. However, managing these systems presents challenges due to interdependent fluid dynamics in their connecting channels, where even minor disturbances can propagate throughout the network, affecting overall system performance. Methods: This study introduces a microfluidic-based intermediate delivery reservoir (mIDR) designed to decouple flow interdependencies between serially connected devices while preserving essential microfluidic features, such as consistent liquid residence time. When integrated with a pneumatic pump, the mIDR enables precise liquid pressure regulation and independent control of both inlet and outlet flow rates. Its wedge-shaped open-channel structure generates capillary force gradients, enhancing liquid transfer efficiency. Experimental validation using time-sensitive enzymatic reactions confirms its ability to maintain laminar flow characteristics, isolate crosstalk, and stabilize interconnected microfluidic device operation. Significant findings: The open-channel design of the mIDR expands its versatility, allowing for additional functionalities such as debubbling and direct accessibility, which combine the advantages of both open and closed microfluidic systems. This innovation provides a robust and flexible solution for controlling fluid dynamics in complex microfluidic networks, offering improved reliability and efficiency for multi-step (bio)chemical processes
Putting cyclists in boxes : An analysis of the bike box
No full textRecent years have seen an uptake in cycling and, with it, an increase in cyclists being involved in crashes. One particularly problematic area is that of urban signalised intersections, which are responsible for a majority of the crashes involving cyclists. One reason is the increased complexity at such locations. The bike box has been hailed as an infrastructure measure to help increase the safety and visibility of cyclists at intersections, most importantly by reducing the risk of blind spot conflicts. Results on the safety benefits are, however, inconclusive. For the bike box to have the desired safety benefits, it is important that cyclists use it as intended. The study presented here uses observations and questionnaire data collected in the Netherlands and Sweden to better understand the use of the bike box. We find that cyclists going straight ahead do not use the bike box as intended, standing to the right-hand side of the cars. Cyclists turning left do use the bike box as intended, but are less common in all the observed locations. This suggests that the bike box can have a positive effect, but the most common users do not position themselves as intended and still risk being involved in blind spot conflicts. Furthermore, this dual use of the bike box can be misinterpreted by drivers, who expect to see cyclists in front, ignoring their presence on the right-hand side. These results can help inform the actual effectiveness of the bike box in increasing the safety of cyclists at signalised intersections
Multiple Immunological Aspects in Myeloma
No full textMultiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological malignancy, characterized by clonal proliferation of neoplastic plasma cells in the bone marrow, causing hematopoietic suppression and impaired antibody production. Bacterial infections remains a major cause of mortality in MM. As in in most malignancies, myeloma cells modify their microenvironment to promote tumor growth, including suppression of the immune system.This thesis investigated different aspects of neutrophil function, including the immunoregulatory role of normal density granulocytes (NDGs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs).In paper I, neutrophils from patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), and newly diagnosed MM exhibited reduced phagocytic ability and capacity of oxidative burst compared with healthy controls. The impairment was most pronounced in bone marrow (BM) samples and might contribute to the increased susceptibility to bacterial infections in MM. Lenalidomide treatment was associated with restored neutrophil function.In paper II, levels and suppressive abilities of MDSCs as well as NDGs, were investigated. No increase in MDSC levels was detected in peripheral blood (PB) or BM, and they exhibited limited suppressive ability toward T cells, suggesting that MDSCs are not major contributors to MM pathogenesis. NDGs, however, displayed immunoregulatory activity, potentially contributing to MM development.In paper III, NDGs induced a contact-dependent suppression of T cell proliferation, mediated by CD11b and reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by NDGs. NDGs also induced a loss of the T helper (Th)1 surface marker CD183, which was unrelated to ligand binding. Moreover, incubation with NDGs suppressed cytokine production by Th1, Th2 and Th17 cells.In paper IV, we tested whether NDGs from PB or BM of MM patients exerted suppressive effects on Tcells, similar to MDSCs. NDGs from the BM of MM patients, but not healthy donors, inhibited T cell proliferation. This effect could not be explained by alterations in maturity levels of NDGs in the bone marrow. NDGs in PB from both MM patients and controls inhibited T cell proliferation and IFN-γ production. PB NDGs did not need to be preactivated to mediate suppressive effects. Instead, they became activated during coculture, indicating that contact with activated T cells is important for their regulatory function. The inhibitory effect was ROS dependent and reversed with the inhibitor catalase. This suggests that NDGs possesses MDSC-like properties that might support myeloma cell growth
Municipal monies as policy tools to advance Human Rights Economies
No full textMunicipal currencies are emerging as policy tools for fostering local economies and enhancing human rights, as illustrated by the cases of Mumbuca in Maricá, Brazil, and Vilawatt in Viladecans, Spain. These local currencies address socio-economic and environmental challenges by articulating currency issuance with community priorities, such as social welfare or reducing energy poverty. Unlike national currencies that often bypass local needs, municipal currencies provide a customised means to strengthen local resilience, boost economic participation, and align economic activity with public goals. The chapter explores how these unique monetary systems contribute to creating inclusive, sustainable economies grounded in the values of human rights and community well-being
Climate Impact of Laryngeal Masks: Climate and Other Environmental Impacts of Reusable and Single-Use Laryngeal Masks in Sweden
No full textBackgroundThe use of single-use laryngeal masks has increased in recent decades; yet, their climate and environmental impacts remain poorly understood. This study aimed to compare the climate impacts of reusable and single-use laryngeal masks.MethodsWe conducted a life cycle assessment that compared the reusable Ambu Aura40 with the single-use Ambu AuraStraight and Intersurgical Igel+ laryngeal masks. Data were obtained from the manufacturers, the ecoinvent database v3.10 and from Helsingborg Hospital, Sweden. Climate impacts were assessed using the ReCiPe2016 method, assuming 40 reuses of the Aura40. The results were expressed in carbon dioxide equivalents over a 100-year period (CO2e) and presented as medians with 95% reference intervals for one use.ResultsThe climate impact of the Aura40 was 141 gCO2e (129–156), versus 597 gCO2e (533–686) and 1000 gCO2e (848–1210) for the AuraStraight and Igel+, respectively. Compared with the Aura40, the AuraStraight had a 323% greater climate impact (∆456 gCO2eq [390–535]), and the Igel+ had a 607% higher climate impact (∆856 gCO2eq [709–1070]). The Igel+ had a 68% greater climate impact (∆404 gCO2eq [224–608]) than the AuraStraight. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the climate impact of the Aura40 exceeded that of the AuraStraight and was similar to that of the Igel+ when a high-climate-impact electricity mix was used.ConclusionsThe Aura40 reusable laryngeal mask constitutes an opportunity to reduce the climate impact of anaesthesia in a setting with a low-climate-impact electricity mix. Among single-use options, the AuraStraight had a lower climate impact than the Igel+.Editorial CommentSingle-use or reusable anesthesia equipment, like laryngeal masks have different costs associated with their use, and leave different environmental ‘footprints’. This analysis presents models for these, to estimate the environmental impact and costs of these. This type of analysis is important to try to clarify the use ‘case’ for different alternatives for choices for materiel used in clinical areas like anesthesia
Abandoning Theology for Theory : Stephen D. Moore, Gilles Deleuze, and the Secularization of Biblical Studies
No full textIt has been a century since the birth of philosopher Gilles Deleuze (1925-95). At his friend’s expense, Michel Foucault once joked, saying that un jour ce siecle sera peut-etre deleuzien: “perhaps one day this century will be known as Deleuzian?” Is there truth to the notion that the present moment expresses something of a “Deleuzian aeon” for the humanities, and what are its ramifications for biblical studies? In this article, a leading voice of theory in exegesis, Stephen D. Moore and The Bible after Deleuze: Affects, Assemblages, Bodies without Organs functions as a screen for issues afflicting “high theory” and theorists of continental philosophy. Through a careful review of Bible after Deleuze and its main contributions, Moore’s study addresses the broad difficulties of combining certain aspects of theory with exegesis in Scandinavia, I argue. Specifically, Bible after Deleuze is interesting in the symptomatic role of theory to replace questions of “theology” in relation to the critical study of the Bible. With this in mind, I ask “What challenges can be found to underlie the task of implementing high theory to a methodologically driven discipline, such as biblical studies?” In the end, Bible after Deleuze is to be applauded for its actualization of contemporary continental philosophy for biblical studies. Acting as a secularizing force in biblical studies however, Bible after Deleuze also diagnoses a tendency of “theory” to replace the historical connection of exegesis and theology
Multi-Sector Collaboration to Promote Healthy Ageing: A Comparative Case Study of National Policy Responses in the Western Pacific Region
No full textThis study investigates how national policies in nine Western Pacific countries—China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Cambodia—promote healthy ageing through multi-sector collaboration. The objective is to identify common patterns and country-specific features in the governance and organization of collaborative efforts. Using comparative case study analysis based on government documents, official reports, academic literature, and authoritative websites, the analysis reveals a growing policy emphasis on cross-sector collaboration in healthy ageing. Three distinct models of collaborative governance were identified, each characterized by different sectoral roles and coordination mechanisms. These findings contribute to a better understanding of how multi-sector approaches are structured and implemented in diverse policy contexts to support healthy ageing. The study offers practical insights for policymakers aiming to strengthen intersectoral collaboration and align national strategies with international frameworks such as the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030) and the WHO Regional Action Plan for Healthy Ageing in the Western Pacific Region