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The effects of extramural English reading on phraseology in L2 writing : A key phrase frames approach
No full textForeign/second language (L2) learners worldwide are increasingly exposed to English outside the classroom through self-initiated, extramural English (EE) activities. Among the diverse types of EE activities, reading stands out as a particularly important activity for students. In particular, it has been shown to foster L2 learner's phraseological knowledge (e.g., phrasal verbs and collocations). This study explores whether the effects of EE reading extend to longer multi-word units by examining discontinuous four-word sequences with a variable slot occupied by fillers (e.g., the most ∗ aspect ), known as phrase frames (p-frames). The present study used the Swedish Learner English Corpus (SLEC), which comprises L2 English texts written by junior and senior high school students, to extract texts from learners who read in English every week vs. those who do not. Subsequently, we used a novel method for identifying p-frames that are key to the reading and non-reading groups, respectively, and examined the variability of fillers and structural characteristics of the identified key p-frames. The results show that key p-frames of the reading group are characterized by higher variability than those in the non-reading group. There were very limited differences between the groups at the level of the structural categories, but specifically for the function word frames, the reading group are characterized by p-frames that involved a noun phrase with a post-nominal modifier (e.g., the ∗ of a ). In contrast, the non-reading group included more embedded clauses in their texts. Pedagogical implications for the role of language exposure through self-initiated reading are discussed.
Log detection for autonomous forwarding using auto-annotated data from a real-time virtual environment
No full textObject detectors for autonomous forestry operations have previously been developed mainly by training on physical manually annotated data, which is both time-consuming and costly. Since the ground truth in the virtual model is known, the training data can be auto-annotated, enabling the creation of larger training datasets, while also improving time and cost efficiency. In this work, a virtual environment in Unity is used in co-simulation with a real-time digital twin of a physical forestry vehicle, to generate realistic auto-annotated training data, as captured by an onboard stereo camera. First, it is shown that a log detector trained on physical data can detect logs in the virtual environment. Second, new detectors are trained, using different shares of virtual and physical data. It is shown that a detector trained using only virtual data, can learn to detect logs in the physical world. Moreover, virtual pre-training is shown to improve the performance of physically trained and tested detectors, both at low availability of physical training data, and in terms of domain generalization. A detailed detector performance analysis also highlights further potential and opportunities for future improvements. Furthermore, the real-time capable virtual models enable future machine learning tasks utilizing different levels of Hardware-in-the-Loop. Validerad;2025;Nivå 2;2025-09-23 (u8);Funder: Skogstekniska Klustret (The Cluster of Forest Technology);Full text license: CC BYSustainable Autonomous Material Handling (SAMHand)AutoPlant
Self-compassion, depressive symptoms, and well-being : A cross-sectional exploration across athlete status and gender
No full textSelf-compassion is associated with positive mental health outcomes and may buffer against negative selfevaluations and emotional difficulties. Nevertheless, studies among athletes often explore self-compassion in specific groups in isolation (e.g., women athletes) (Ro<spacing diaeresis>thlin et al., 2019). The aims of this study were to 1) explore whether the relationship between gender and composite scores and specific dimensions of self-compassion (e.g., self-judgement) was moderated by athlete status; and 2) to explore the relationship between different dimensions of self-compassion and self-reported depressive symptoms and well-being among team sport athletes (n = 84, Mage = 22.9 +/- 5.0; 57.1 %men) and non-athletes (n = 189, Mage = 35.5 +/- 5.9; 32.8 %men). For our first aim, the relationship between gender and self-compassion (including specific dimensions) was not moderated by athlete status. However, regardless of gender, athletes reported significantly higher total self-compassion scores and significantly lower scores on specific dimensions of self-compassion, isolation, and over-identification, than nonathletes. For our second aim, self-judgement was positively associated with depressive symptoms in both athletes and non-athletes. Self-judgment was, however, negatively associated with well-being only among athletes, and isolation was negatively correlated with well-being only among non-athletes. Our results suggest that reducing self-judgement may be particularly important for promoting athletes' mental healt
Levelling-up walking as a mode of transport - a case for changing hierarchies
No full textIntroduction Walking has a key role in achieving the compact and 15-min city, improving public health, and reaching sustainability goals. However, whilst walking is placed at the top of the transport hierarchy in public documents throughout Scandinavia, in reality, walking as a mode of transport is consistently downplayed and hierarchically placed in the bottom of the transport hierarchy. Focus in the public and planning discourse is instead commonly on either motorised transport, public transport, or cycling, regardless of whether the focus is on city planning, logistics or safety. Methods To better understand why this is the case – as well as attempting to suggest solutions to levelling-up walking as a mode of transport – academics, policymakers, and practitioners from across Scandinavia were strategically selected to contribute with their knowledge through focus groups and individual surveys during 2021 and 2023. Results In the analysis of the material, it became clear that walking was largely viewed in the parallel perspectives of two fields: planning and safety. These fields coexist as disparate and disconnected fields, basing their work on different methodologies and input data, resulting in an incoherent understanding of walking as a mode of transport. However, the analysis also enabled the development of a thematic model: realising walking as a mode of transport, illustrating an ideal construct in which planning and safety perspectives work coherently. Conclusion The results suggest that there is a strong desire to level-up walking as a mode of transport and change the status and hierarchy in the transport system. However, to do so requires a more holistic and multi-disciplinary view.Fulltext license: CC BY</p
Through the lens of social workers : Issues raised in the Family Talk Intervention in pediatric oncology
No full textFamilies affected by cancer need psychosocial support, however few family interventions have been scientifically evaluated. The Family Talk Intervention (FTI) was pilot tested in pediatric oncology with 26 families. Issues raised and addressed during FTI meetings were explored by analyzing hospital social workers' (HSWs) fieldnotes. The findings show a range of severity in the family issues raised. These encompassed families' wellbeing, communication, conflicts, strengths, and needs for further support. Findings indicate that FTI can be a structured, yet flexible, way for HSWs to identify and address the complex psychosocial needs of these families
Your everyday hero: media representations of civic safety engagements
No full textThis article explores how civil society-based safety engagements are represented in Swedish news media, and how these representations are mediated through emotions. In a political climate where “increased safety” has become a dominant goal, we analyze how media narratives construct emotional regimes around safety and responsibility. Drawing on Stuart Halls work on representation and theories of emotions, we show how news media not only reflect but help (re)produce emotional and spatial geographies of (un)safety through personalized storytelling and emotive language. Focusing on personal portrayals of grassroots safety initiatives, such as women-led taxi services and local volunteer efforts, we demonstrate how emotions such as fear and frustration are articulated as morally productive and politically legitimate responses to unsafety. These narratives represent engagement as a matter of individual initiative and personal responsibility, often along gendered and racialized lines. Women are depicted as self-governing subjects whose emotional investments justify their civic actions, aligning with neoliberal ideals of responsibilized citizenship. Media participates in an emotional politics that valorizes agency and affective community while depoliticizing broader issues of inequality and exclusion. These representations risk obscuring the structural causes of unsafety by recasting safety as a matter of personal duty rather than collective or institutional responsibility
Hardwood-derived cellulose nanofibrils and micro-fibrillated cellulose via Fenton pretreatment : Issues of fiber fragmentation and coating performance
No full textA novel cellulose nano material was prepared through a controlled Fenton oxidation process utilizing hydrogen peroxide and ferrous ions. The reaction parameters enabled ferrous-catalyzed oxidation, which combined with mechanical treatment resulted in an effective fibrillation of cellulose fibers. Optical microscopy images provided a visual comparison of fiber morphology between untreated hardwood pulp and Fenton-treated samples, clearly illustrating the fibrillation effect. The samples were evaluated for fiber drainage behavior, and conclusions about accessibility and the extent of fibrillation were made. Measurements of the surface charge of the samples revealed an increase in negative charges originating from added carboxyl groups, which is essential for the dispersing and stabilization of cellulose nano fibrils and micro-fibrillated cellulose (CNF/MFC). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the introduction of the carboxyl groups due to the Fenton treatment. The CNF/MFC material was used as paper coatings, without adding additional materials. The coated samples underwent analyses of permeability and roughness, revealing possibilities for enhancements in barrier properties and hydrophobicity. The results emphasize the ability of Fenton oxidation in generating high-quality small scale cellulosic materials with customized functionalities, underscoring their potential application in advanced coating technologies and sustainable material innovation
Predictive analysis of drifting test cases and critical areas for enhancing embedded systems using a Gaussian distribution methodology for multi-output analysis
No full textMany sectors of the economy are impacted by embedded computer systems including tools, basic architecture and a range of other features that contribute to the success of these systems. It is vital to guarantee these systems’ functionality and dependability. However, instances in which drifting behaviour can occur in embedded systems as a result of things such as software upgrades, hardware deterioration, and environmental changes over time, which can lead to drifting behaviour. As a result, test cases may become antiquated or less effective in identifying important areas of concern. This study offers a new technique for the multi-output realm of Temperature Monitoring Nuclear Reactor Systems (TMCNRS) predictive analysis of drifting test cases and key regions in embedded systems using Gaussian distribution. The examination makes use of artificial intelligence practices and statistical tools to perceive and adjust to variations in the system's behaviour. The suggested approach's preliminary step is gathering historic test case and system behaviour data. Using this data, a baseline Gaussian distribution that replicates the anticipated behaviour of the embedded system and the test cases that go along with it is established. In the subsequent phase, the performance of the embedded system will be continuously monitored, and renewed data will gradually be collected as to its performance. Drift is the nonconformity of the system's behaviour with the reference line distribution that has been set. Exploiting a multi-output Gaussian distribution model, the technique forecasts conceivable drift in every test case and crucial region. Advanced learning practices are incorporated in the third phase, which modifies the test cases and critical area recognition criteria based on identified drift. The algorithm may adaptively change test cases to increase their efficiency and more correctly identify new key regions by assessing the deviations from the baseline distribution. In order to authenticate the efficacy of the suggested methodology, a multitude of real-world embedded systems across diverse fields of application are subjected to intensive experimentation. According to our results, even in the face of drifting action, the predictive analysis that manipulates the multi-output Gaussian distribution greatly increases the accuracy of the test case as well as strengthens the capacity of the system to detect important locations within the system in the presence of drifting action. The creation of a reliable and flexible technique for identifying drifting test cases and crucial regions in integrated systems is where this study contributes. Through the use of Optimal Gaussian distribution (OGD) in the context of multiple outputs, the suggested methodology presents a novel way to preserve the dependability and efficiency of embedded systems, guaranteeing their capacity to function efficiently even in constantly evolving and dynamic surroundings. This study should also be able to enhance the quality and dependability of embedded systems in order to be more capable of satisfying the constantly changing needs of society and current technology in the future.
Constructing Poly(Ionic Liquid)s-Based Solid State Electrolytes and Application in Lithium Metal Batteries
No full textLithium metal batteries (LMBs) are attracting attention for their potential to enhance energy density while offering safety over conventional Li-ion batteries (LIBs) with flammable liquid organic electrolytes. However, realizing LMBs presents a formidable challenge, and developing compatible and effective solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) has been proposed as one effective strategy to address the challenge. SSEs are typically classified into inorganic solid electrolytes (ISEs), solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs), and solid composite electrolytes (SCEs), while each type has inherent limitations that prevent them from forming an ideal SSE. The SSEs using polymer are promising in further development owing to the capabilities of the polymer in facilitating Li+ transport and enabling the operation of LMBs with high-voltage cathodes. However, the current polymers in LMBs suffer from poor high-voltage stability, making it challenging to achieve long cycle life. Poly(ionic liquid)s (polyILs), a new type of polymer that incorporates the properties of ionic liquids (ILs), including wide electrochemical stability window (ESW) and high ionic conductivity, into polymer frameworks, offer a promising alternative to the traditional polymers in SSEs. This thesis aims to develop polyIL-based SSEs with enhanced ionic conductivity, a wide ESW, a high lithium transference number (tLi+), reduced electrodes/electrolyte interface resistance, and suppression of lithium dendrites growth, ultimately enabling LMBs with extended cycle life. These objectives are achieved by tuning the constituents of the polyIL-based SSEs. The specific achievements of this thesis are as follows: 1. The application of ILs in SSEs and their effects on LMB performance were reviewed and summarized. The analysis highlighted that ILs can improve ionic conductivity, broaden the ESW of electrolytes, and enhance interface contact between the electrode and electrolyte. Considering the overall performance of ILs, including high ionic conductivity, a wide ESW, and cost-effectiveness, EMIMTFSI was selected for subsequent experiments. 2. Three F-based Li-salts were selected to prepare SSEs using poly(ethylene oxide) host and polyimide substrate. The investigation focused on the impact of F content and chemical structures (F-connecting bonds) of these Li-salts on the cell performance and uncovering the formation process of LiF in the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). The results revealed that the F-connecting bond plays a more significant role than the F element content, resulting in slightly better cell performance using LiPFSI than LiTFSI and substantially better performance than LiFSI. The preferential breakage of bonds in LiPFSI was found to be related to its position to the Li anode. Consequently, the LiPFSI reduction mechanism was proposed. 3. Using the template method, a polyIL-based SCE was synthesized with boron nitride (BN) nanosheets as inert inorganic fillers. BN was chosen due to its high specific surface area and porous structure. An optimal BN content of 1.6 wt% was found to increase the amorphous regions of the polyIL, facilitating Li+ migration, and enhancing both tLi+ and ionic conductivity. The Li//LiFePO4 cell assembled with the optimized SCE delivered a stable capacity of up to 152 mA h g−1 after 300 cycles. 4. A concentration gradient poly(ionic liquid) (polyIL)-based SCE (GSCE) was synthesized via natural sedimentation and photopolymerization to simultaneously meet the distinct requirements of both the cathode and the lithium metal anode. The concentration of active inorganic filler was optimized, with 5 wt% as the optimal content. Compared to the uniform SCE, the GSCE demonstrated a higher tLi+ and improved ionic conductivity. As a result, the Li/GCSE-5/LMFP cell operated at a cut-off voltage of 4.3 V and exhibited a long cycle life. 5. A polyIL-based SSE was developed by combining a polyIL material host with a modified cellulose acetate (CA)-polyIL substrate to enrich diverse functional groups. This design effectively mitigated the non-uniform filler distribution within the polymer host while maintaining high mechanical strength and facilitating the Li+ migration. Additionally, the use of the same polyIL-based material as a cathode binder significantly improved their interfacial compatibility. As a result, the developed LMB demonstrated stable operation at a high cut-off voltage of 4.8 V and an extended cycle life
Development of Thin Film Semitransparent Sb2S3 Solar Cells
No full textSolar photovoltaics (PV) is one of the most promising renewable sources of energy. Crystalline and multi-crystalline silicon solar cells hold most of the market share (up to 95%) of the photovoltaic industry. However, they require high-purity silicon and high production costs. Thin film technologies, including a-Si, Cu(In, Ga)(S, Se)2 (CIGS), and CdTe, have been thoroughly researched due to their minimal material consumption and scalability, yet they have struggled to achieve significant commercial success. These technologies face challenges such as low technological flexibility (e.g., use of flexible substrates), use of critical or toxic raw materials, and long-term stability. Furthermore, semitransparent photovoltaic technologies (STPVs) can harness previously unused spaces like windows and facades to produce on-site electricity. Buildings represent 40% of overall energy use and are responsible for 36% of total greenhouse gas emissions. STPVs will play a crucial role in meeting the energy requirements of a ‘zero-emission building’. The shortcomings of current PV technologies and the potential of STPVs incentivize the search for alternative PV technologies utilizing absorber materials that can effectively address these issues sustainably and at a reduced cost. Antimony sulfide (Sb2S3) is an emerging light absorber material with favorable properties, such as a high absorption coefficient, wide bandgap (1.7–1.8 eV), earth abundance, and nontoxic constituents. Its low melting point (~550 °C) allows for obtaining high-quality crystalline thin films at low temperatures. The Sb2S3 solar cells in this thesis use a conventional planar n-i-p heterojunction with a configuration: glass/bottom contact/electron transport layer (ETL)/Sb2S3/hole transport layer (HTL)/top contact. A commercial glass/fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate acts as the bottom contact. ETL and HTL help in the efficient and directional collection of electrons and holes. The top contact is a high-work function metal such as Au thin film (>60 nm for opaque devices). For semitransparent solar cells, the top electrode can be ultrathin Au (<15 nm) or indium tin oxide (ITO). N,N-di(4-methoxyphenyl)amino]-9,9′-spirobifluorene (spiro-OMeTAD), an organic material, has emerged as the predominant choice for HTLs; however, it is costly and requires additives that render it vulnerable to moisture and elevated temperatures. Therefore, finding suitable inorganic stable HTLs is of utmost importance. The first part of this thesis (papers I and II) utilizes copper thiocyanate (CuSCN), an inexpensive and easily processable inorganic material that is highly transparent, as the HTL to realize fully inorganic Sb2S3 solar cells. CuSCN was first evaluated in the solution-processed solar cells using Sb2S3 films deposited through chemical bath deposition (CBD) (paper I). The opaque and semitransparent planar solar cells using all-inorganic layers obtained power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 1.75% and 1.67%, respectively. Subsequently, a hydrothermal deposition technique was utilized to enhance the quality of the Sb2S3 thin films, resulting in all-inorganic hydrothermally deposited Sb2S3 solar cells (paper II). A direct comparison between solar cells using CuSCN as the HTL and those lacking an HTL underscored the importance of the HTL in these devices. The HTL-free solar cells achieve a modest PCE of 1.54%, which improves to 2.46% when CuSCN HTL is included. These findings were corroborated by a one-dimensional numerical simulation. A semitransparent device is fabricated with a PCE of 2.13% and an average visible transmittance (AVT) of 13.7%. Additionally, cadmium sulfide (CdS), derived from established CdTe PV technology, has solely served as the ETL for high-efficiency Sb2S3 solar cells. Nevertheless, cadmium's toxicity raises concerns that hinder the broader acceptance of these solar cells. Additionally, it possesses a low bandgap of 2.4 eV (with its characteristic yellow color), resulting in absorption-related current loss and diminished device transparency. Therefore, in the next section of the thesis (paper III), CdS was substituted with a wide bandgap, nontoxic TiO2 as the ETL. The PCE of the cadmium-free device using TiO2 was 5.1%, which was comparable to that of the CdS-based device (5.2%). However, the hydrothermal deposition of Sb2S3 on TiO2 results in non-uniform, island-like growth, which is unsuitable for semitransparent applications that require pinhole-free thin films of less than 100 nm. This island-like growth, caused by dewetting issues, is mitigated by applying an ultrathin ZnS layer (1–3 nm) on TiO2 using the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) deposition method. By utilizing the resulting excellent film morphology of Sb2S3 on TiO2-ZnS ETL, semitransparent solar cells were fabricated with an ultrathin Au (<10 nm) electrode, achieving a PCE of 3.3% and an AVT of 11.2%. In the last part (paper IV), a highly scalable radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering deposition was developed to obtain high-quality, uniform, and impurity-free Sb2S3 films directly on TiO2. Unlike the island-type growth of Sb2S3 on TiO2 seen in solution-based depositions, sputtering with the binary target enables the formation of smooth and dense Sb2S3 films, even at thicknesses less than 100 nm. A thorough optimization of the post-deposition annealing parameters yielded a record PCE of 4.6%. Semitransparent solar cells with varying degrees of transparency were developed through precise thickness control via sputter deposition. The semitransparent solar cells utilizing ultrathin Au as the top contact achieved PCEs of 3.2% (AVT: 10%), 2.6% (AVT: 13.5%), and 2.0% (AVT: 16.5%) for Sb2S3 layers with thicknesses of 80 nm, 60 nm, and 40 nm, respectively. Next, ITO is employed instead of ultrathin Au as the top transparent electrode to enhance transparency (AVT: 14.9% for the 60 nm Sb2S3 layer). Finally, the highly transparent CuSCN replaces the low bandgap polymer poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) as the HTL, further increasing the AVT to 20.5% for the same Sb2S3 thickness of 60 nm. This thesis highlights how the thin-film deposition conditions, the ETL/HTL interfaces, and the device structure significantly influence the AVT and PCE of Sb2S3 semitransparent solar cells. In conclusion, the results of this thesis will greatly contribute to future studies on high-performance semitransparent Sb2S3 solar cells