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Municipal politics in Allbo hundred : A study of Härlöv, Kvenneberga, Skatelöv and Västra Torsås rural municipalities 1919–1951
No full textThis essay investigates conflict and consensus in four rural municipalities of Småland—Härlöv, Kvenneberga, Skatelöv, and Västra Torsås—during the period 1919–1951. The study explores which issues triggered conflict and led to voting, and how party affiliation may have played a role at a time when party politics was still relatively weak in smaller rural municipalities. In addition to conflict and consensus, the study applies political culture and local identity as theoretical frameworks. The research also investigates how these four municipalities positioned themselves in relation to the forthcoming municipal reform of 1952. The results show that conflict most often arose around issues related to municipal expenditures, but disputes were also common when individuals were to be appointed to political positions. Västra Torsås, the largest of the four municipalities in the study, experienced the highest number of conflicts. Regarding the 1952 municipal reform, all municipalities demonstrated a strong sense of local identity, and in the cases of Härlöv and In Kvenneberga, there was a preference to merge with a neighboring municipality with which they already had close cooperation. Poor infrastructure, geographical challenges, and weaker local democracy were common arguments used when municipalities rejected certain options
Navigating the space between empirics and theory - Empirically stylized modelling for theorising social-ecological phenomena
No full textThe potential of agent-based modelling (ABM) for developing theory has been recognized, yet methodologies are lacking. Building theories of social-ecological systems is challenging because of complex causality, contextdependence, and social-ecological interdependencies. We propose an approach that addresses these challenges through combining case-based empirical research with ABM in a collaborative modelling process. In-depth empirical research is essential for identifying a puzzle and potential explanations thereof, and for recognizing context and social-ecological interdependencies. Collaborative model building and analysis enables careful abstraction and reflection, and allows further exploring and testing the emerging theory in dynamic contexts, leading to better-grounded and transparent assumptions and theories. We call this approach BIM (Being In the Middle) and articulate it through three features: contextually embedded, collaboratively abductive and empirically stylized. We highlight how BIM facilitates new interdisciplinary avenues for discovering social-ecological interdependencies, discuss how it can be applied and what challenges and frontiers lie ahead.Funding Agencies|research and innovation programme [101097891TRANSMOD]; Marianne och Marcus Wallenbergs Stiftelse [MMW 2022.0102]; Swedish Research Council for Sustainable Development (Formas) [2020-00454]; National Science Foundation [2206739]</p
Proteome-wide Alkylation to Improve Peptide Sequence Coverage and Detection Sensitivity
No full textEffective ionization of peptides is critical for the sensitivity and accuracy of proteomic analyses, especially in nanoproteomics and single-cell proteomics, where the material is scarce. Previous studies have demonstrated the potential of peptide alkylation to improve ionization on certain peptides. In this work, we extend the scope of peptide alkylation by systematically modifying peptides with alkyl chains ranging from one to six carbons, aiming to enhance the ionization signal across a broad peptide spectrum. Our global alkylation approach revealed a significant increase in the ionization signal for a large portion of peptides, underscoring the technique's potential to improve proteomic analyses' sensitivity and overall sequence coverage. By employing machine learning to examine the relationship between alkylation-induced signal enhancement and various peptide characteristics, we found that the increase in signal strength is closely connected to peptide hydrophobicity. This relationship suggests that alkylation can particularly augment the detectability of hydrophilic peptides. Our findings not only highlight the importance of hydrophobicity in peptide ionization efficiency but also suggest that strategic alkylation could be a powerful tool to overcome the limitations imposed by sample size in proteomic with limited sample size.QC 20250526</p
Radiation Dose and Image Quality in KneeRadiographic Projections Using portableand Fixed Detectors : An Experimental Quantitative Study
No full textIntroduktion Slätröntgen är en viktig metod för att diagnosticera frakturer i knäleden. En knäundersökning sker med joniserande strålning vilket innebär en risk och därför tillämpas ALARA-principen för att hålla stråldosen så låg som möjligt. Valet mellan en lös eller fast detektor kan påverka både stråldos och bildkvalitet. Bildkvaliteten påverkas av olika faktorer som detektoreffektivitet, brusnivå och upplösning. Det är viktigt att välja en metod som balanserar låg stråldos och hög bildkvalitet. Syfte Syftet med den här studien är att undersöka skillnaden på stråldos och bildkvalité vid knäprojektioner med användning av en fast detektor och en lös detektor. Metod och material En stråldos mätning genomfördes på ett slätröntgenlabb där ett antropomorfiskt helbensfantom positionerades för tre olika projektioner, frontal, in- och utvridning. En stråldosmätare placerades på fantomet för att indirekt mäta patient stråldosen. För att bedöma bildkvaliteten tillfrågades sex radiologer att granska sex bilder och bedöma vilken bild de ansåg vara bäst av varje projektion. Resultat Resultatet visade att stråldosen var lägre vid användning av lös detektor på majoriteten av projektionerna. Bedömningen av bildkvaliteten varierade beroende på projektion samt radiolog. Samtliga radiologer ansåg att frontaprojektionen var bäst med lös detektor medan majoriteten av radiologerna ansåg att in- och utvridningsprojektionerna var bättre på fast detektor. Slutsats Användning av en lös detektor resulterar i en lägre stråldos för patienten. Vilken detektor typ som är bäst varierar beroende på radiologens preferenser samt projektion.Introduction X-ray is an important method for diagnosing fractures. X-ray involves the use of ionizin radiation. Therefore, the ALARA principle is applied to minimize the radiation dose. The choice between a portable and a fixed detector can influence both radiation dose and imagequality. It is essential to select a method that achieves a balance between low radiation dose and high image quality. Aim The aim of this study is to research if there is any difference in image quality and radiation dose depending on the use of a portable detector or a fixed detector. Materials and methods An anthropomorphic leg phantom was positioned into three different projections: frontal, internal and external oblique view. A radiation dosimeter was placed on the phantom to indirectly measure the patient radiation dose. To assess the image quality, six radiologists were asked to review six projections assess which image that is the best out of each projection. Result The result showed that the portable detector resulted in a lower radiation dose compared to a fixed detector. The image quality depends on the projection and radiologist. The frontal projection had better image quality on the portable detector according to all radiologists. The majority of radiologists thought that the internal and external oblique projection was better on a fixed detector. Conclusion The portable detector is better from a radiation dose perspective. The image quality and detector type depends on the projection and the radiologist preferences
Estimating the plasma volume by infusing albumin: a retrospective feasibility study
No full textBackground The combined changes in plasma albumin and blood hemoglobin can probably be used to estimate the plasma volume (PV) when albumin is infused. However, the optimal setup, timing of the blood sampling, and the importance of capillary leakage to the calculations are unclear. Methods In this technical vignette, we estimated the PV using retrospective data on plasma albumin and blood hemoglobin obtained during intravenous infusion of 3 mL/kg of 20% albumin over 30 min in 41 volunteers and 45 patients. We used a manual and a kinetic correction for capillary leakage of albumin. The results were compared to the mean of two anthropometric equations derived via tracer methods. Results The anthropometric PV was 3.00 +/- 0.63 L (mean +/- SD). The strongest linearity between the albumin-derived and anthropometric PV was obtained at the end, and 10 min after the end, of the 30-min infusions; the correlation coefficient was 0.75 over this time frame. The difference between the two measures (the prediction error) was 0.31 +/- 0.56 L but the SD was only half as high for PVs&lt; 2.5 L than for larger PVs. There was slightly stronger linearity and better accuracy, but no better precision, when data were corrected for capillary leakage. Conclusion This study suggests how an evaluation of this method using isotopes can be conducted. Changes in plasma albumin and blood hemoglobin have the best chance to accurately indicate the PV at the end of, or 10 min after, a 30-min infusion of albumin. Subtraction of 0.3 L from the PV is sufficient to correct for capillary leakage of albumin.Funding Agencies|Karolinska Institute; Grifols</p
Safety and efficacy of combined portal and hepatic vein embolisation in patients with colorectal liver metastases (DRAGON1): a multicentre, single-arm clinical trial
No full textBackground Major liver resection is often required for complete clearance of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Patients with insufficient future liver remnant (FLR) volume/function are at high risk of post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) and require FLR hypertrophy-inducing procedures to enable safe resection. The most recent variant of these procedures is combined portal and hepatic vein embolization (PVE/HVE). The DRAGON 1 trial evaluates the safety and efficacy of PVE/HVE, while assessing recruitment potential for the DRAGON 2 randomized trial. Methods DRAGON 1 is a prospective, single-arm, international, multicenter trial. Patients with upfront unresectable CRLM due to a small FLR were included. The primary outcome was the ability of centers to recruit three patients and perform PVE/HVE and liver resection without 90-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included recruitment capacity, PVE/HVE technical details, FLR volume changes, complications, and resection rates. The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04272931. Findings In total, 102 patients were included from 43 centers. Twenty-four centers (24/43 = 56%) recruited three or more patients, and 20 centers (20/43 = 47%) achieved this without 90-day mortality. Of 96 patients undergoing PVE/ HVE, no post-embolization mortality occurred, though major complications were reported in two patients. Resection was completed in 86 patients (86/96 = 90%), with seven patients (7/86 = 8%) dying within 90 days. PHLF grade B/C (International Study Group of Liver Surgery criteria) occurred in 19 patients (19/86 = 22%). Interpretation DRAGON 1 demonstrates that PVE/HVE is safe, with no embolization-related mortality, low morbidity, and high resection rates in upfront unresectable CRLM. Funding The Dutch Cancer Society, National Institute for Health and Care Research UK, Maastricht UMC+, Abbott Laboratories and Guerbet. Copyright (c) 2025 Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).Funding Agencies|Department of Radiology, Amsterdam UMC; van der Velden AL; GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Department of Abdominal Surgery and Transplantation, University of Liege; Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, Surgical Oncology, Klinikum Saarbruecken, Saarbruecken, Germany; Liverpool, UK</p
Effect of air layer thickness on melting kinetics and heat transfer in horizontally oriented hemispherical phase change material enclosures
No full textPhase change materials (PCMs) in thermal energy storage systems often encounter unintended air gaps that critically affect performance, yet their effects in hemispherical enclosures remain unexplored. This research delves into the critical role of air layer thickness in modulating the melting kinetics and heat transfer performance of PCM within horizontally oriented hemispherical enclosures—a configuration with considerable applications for thermal energy storage (TES) systems. This research has systematically quantified how air layer thickness (0–3 mm) affects PCM melting dynamics using advanced ANSYS/FLUENT 16 simulations. The absence of an air layer (0 mm) affords the fastest melting, driven by unobstructed natural convection and conduction. In other hand, incremental air layer thicknesses (1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm) have introduced enlightened thermal resistance, delaying melting completion by 15%, 30%, and 45%, respectively. In this regard, a 3 mm air layer has exhibited the most noticeable insulating effect, overwhelming the convective flow velocities by 35–40% and creating non-uniform temperature distributions of 18–22°C gradients. The obtained results disclose an essential trade-off. This is specifically disclosed as while air layers can enhance insulation, they obstruct heat transfer competence, extending the melting duration from 85 minutes (0 mm) to 123 minutes (3 mm). This research delivers actionable visions for optimising air gap design in PCM-based systems, balancing thermal regulation requirements with energy storage performance. The associated results are predominantly relevant for applications necessitating detailed thermal management, such as building-integrated TES and electronic cooling, where hemispherical enclosures offer geometric advantages
The radiographer’s experience of workingwith acute trauma in computed tomography : A survey study
No full textIntroduktion: Akuta traumasituationer kräver snabb och korrekt diagnostik. Röntgensjuksköterskan har vid dessa undersökningar en betydelsefull roll för patientens fortsatta vård genom de radiologiska undersökningarna. Vid omhändertagandet är ett välfungerande samarbete väsentligt för en effektiv och säker vård. Syfte: Syftet med studien är att undersöka röntgensjuksköterskans upplevelser av att arbeta med akuta trauman vid datortomografi. Metod: Studien baserades på en enkätundersökning med både kvantitativa och kvalitativadelar. Totalt deltog 39 röntgensjuksköterskor från tre större sjukhus i olika regioner. Resultat: Deltagarna upplevde en känsla av säkerhet och trygghet i arbetet vid akutatraumasituationer, även om vissa problemområden identifierades. För att stärka samarbetet med traumateamet önskade deltagarna ha gemensamma träningstillfällen i en stressfri miljö. Slutsats: Röntgensjuksköterskor upplever trygghet i sin yrkesroll vid akuta trauman och har fungerande strategier för att hantera stress. Trots ett generellt välfungerande interprofessionellt samarbete förekommer utmaningar som kan påverka arbetsflödet negativt. Fortsatt träning anses viktig för att stärka teamets samarbete.Introduction: Acute trauma situations require rapid and accurate diagnostics. In these examinations, the radiographer has an important role in the patient’s continued care through the radiological examinations. In healthcare, well-functioning collaboration is essential for effective and safe care. Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate the radiographer’s experiences of working with acute trauma in computed tomography. Method: A survey was conducted using quantitative and qualitative methods. A total of 39 radiographers from three major hospitals in different regions participated. Results: The participants felt secure and confident in their work during acute trauma situations, even though certain problem areas were identified. To strengthen collaboration with the trauma team, the participants expressed a desire for joint training sessions in a low-stress environment. Conclusion: Radiographers feel confident in their professional role during acute trauma and have effective strategies for managing stress. Despite generally well-functioning interprofessional collaboration, challenges may arise that negatively impact workflow. Continuous training is considered important for strengthening the team collaboration
Embodied pronunciation training for two phonological features of Swedish
No full textResearch has shown that gestures can have beneficial effects on second language (L2) pronunciation acquisition. However, we still do not have a coherent picture of these benefits, because different studies have investigated different gestures, testing either learners’ production (Hoetjes & van Maastricht, 2020; Li & Somlak, 2019; Yuan et al., 2019; Zhang et al., 2020) or perception (Baills et al., 2019; Hirata et al., 2014) but hardly both (Xi et al., 2020), and considering either segmental (Hirata et al., 2014; Hoetjes & van Maastricht, 2020; Li & Somlak, 2019; Xi et al., 2020) or prosodic features (Baills et al., 2019; Yuan et al., 2019; Zhang et al., 2020). Our project aims to investigate whether embodied pronunciation training has beneficial effects on the acquisition of two well-known difficulties for learners of Swedish: a suprasegmental feature, the Swedish complementary length contrast (vila ≠ villa), and a segmental one, the vowel contrast /i/≠/y/. Through two laboratory studies, focusing on one of the two contrasts each, we will investigate adult L2 learners’ production and perception of the above-mentioned features through a pre-/post-/ delayed post-test design, that is, before and after receiving pronunciation instruction with or without gestures. The instruction phase will consist of a video training learners on the given contrast in two or three different conditions (between subjects): no gestures (audiovisual speech only), and one or two gesture conditions, testing one or two different sets of gestures. Additionally, a control group (no training) will be included. The gesture conditions are currently being defined based on interviews conducted with teachers of L2 Swedish. Learners’ production will be assessed through native speaker ratings and acoustic analyses. Perception will be measured using a visual-world eye-tracking experiment, providing a continuous measure of learners’ processing abilities. Preliminary results from the first study about the length contrast will be presented at the conference. These two studies constitute the first part of a five-year project, where the two above- mentioned contrasts will also be investigated in an authentic classroom setting at a later stage
BETWEEN AMBITION AND STRUCTURE : A Case Study on Challenges in Public Procurement of Digital Innovation
No full textToday, the public sector is set to lead the way in digital innovation. As such, the demand for procurement processes equipped to handle complex needs, cross-functional collaboration and unclear objectives is growing This qualitative case study explores the organizational challenges of procuring digital innovation within a large Swedish public organization operating in the welfare sector. The study is based on semi-structured interviews, observations from workshops and internal documents. The findings highlight a gap between the organization’s ambitions and its capacity, where vertical structure, limited resources, and leadership focused on control and continuity hinder strategic coordination. This study contributes to current research by illustrating how procurement of digital innovation depends on an organization’s ability to identify emerging needs and work across organizational boundaries. The findings may also serve as guidance for developing a more adaptive and needs-oriented procurement practices within the public sector