Publikationer från Uppsala Universitet
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Plasma protein biomarkers of Plasmodium falciparum infection in pregnant women : a high-throughput proteomics study
No full textIntroduction: Pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa face heightened susceptibility to Plasmodium falciparum malaria, with placental sequestration driving adverse outcomes. The infection may lead to pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM) because of the sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes in the placental intervillous space. Although there are several tools for diagnosing malaria infection during pregnancy, including blood smear microscopic examination, rapid diagnostic tests, and PCR, there are no tools for detecting placental infection and, by extension, any dysfunction associated with PAM. Thus, PAM, specifically placental infection, can only be confirmed via postnatal placental histopathology. Therefore, there is an urgent need for specific plasma biomarkers of PAM. Methods: Here, we used the high throughput proximity extension assay to screen plasma from malaria-exposed pregnant women for differentially expressed proteins that may serve as candidate biomarkers of Plasmodium falciparum infection during pregnancy, with future potential to inform diagnosis of PAM or adverse malaria outcomes. Such biomarkers may also elucidate the pathophysiology of PAM. Results: Using proximity extension assay (PEA), we identified elevated IgG Fc receptor IIb (FCGR2B) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in malaria-positive pregnancies, while neurturin (NRTN) and IL-20 were downregulated. Discussion: IL-20 emerged as a top candidate biomarker, warranting validation in large cohorts with placental histopathology
Influence of User Trust in the Process of the Adoption of AI-Powered Chatbots for Mental Well-Being Support
No full textThis study examines the factors influencing user trust and adoption of AI powered chatbotsfor mental well-being support, focusing on perceived empathy, reliability and privacy. Toexamine the relationship the study conducted correlation and regression analyses usingsurvey data from 70 participants from Sri Lanka and Sweden. Results revealed that perceivedempathy (r = 0.702, β = 0.449) and privacy (r = 0.654, β = 0.365) significantly predictedadoption, while reliability showed only correlational significance (r = 0.466) withoutregression impact (β = 0.075). Notably, the study identified a "knowledge-trust paradox,"where greater AI familiarity did not translate to higher trust levels. These findings challengeconventional technology acceptance models by demonstrating that emotional and ethicalfactors outweigh functional reliability in mental health contexts. What this study shows forhuman-computer interaction is that (1) empathy boosts acceptance of AI in therapy, (2)privacy matters less than what was previously believed and (3) trust standards must accountfor variations in the specific domain. According to the results, AI mental health tools shouldplace greater focus on empathy, protect user privacy well and be appropriate for variouscultures to improve users’ trust. It is limited by its use of small samples and a single location,so future research could study the same factors over a long period and compare them indifferent countries. It sheds light on forming trust in AI-based mental health systems andshares insights that can be used by medical professionals, developers and policymakers
Navigating the Hardship Together : Factors Associated With Couple Relationship Functioning in Parents With Cancer Who Have Dependent Children
No full textBackground When a parent is diagnosed with cancer, it often affects both family life and the couple relationship significantly. However, research on factors that influence relationship functioning over time in this population is limited. Aims To investigate the development of relationship functioning and factors associated with relationship functioning over a 1-year period among parents with cancer. Methods In this longitudinal study, 180 parents with cancer, aged 24–60 years, with dependent children completed online surveys at 2 time-points: at inclusion (T1) and 1 year later (T2). Data included self-reported sociodemographic, physical health and psychological factors, and relationship functioning. The outcome was relationship functioning at T2 assessed using 4 subscales (Dyadic cohesion, Dyadic satisfaction, Sensuality, and Sexuality) of the validated self-assessment scale Quality of Dyadic Relationship Scale-36 (QDR). Linear regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with the outcome. Results All aspects of relationship functioning statistically declined over time, except sexuality. After adjusting for multiple T1 factors, completion of cancer treatment predicted higher Dyadic cohesion; poor self-rated health predicted lower Dyadic satisfaction; higher age, being a mother and attachment-related anxiety predicted lower Sensuality; and lower age of youngest child, anxiety and attachment-related anxiety predicted lower Sexuality. Conclusions Cancer significantly impacts relationship functioning among parents with cancer who have dependent children, with significant declines in Dyadic cohesion, Dyadic satisfaction, and Sensuality over time. A number of sociodemographic, physical health and psychological factors were shown to predict lower relationship functioning. Addressing these factors may help identify and support parents with cancer who are at risk of, or who perceive, difficulties in their couple relationship
Polycystic ovary syndrome and the risk of ovarian tumours
No full textObjective To explore the risk of ovarian cancer (OC) and its subtypes among women with PCOS. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study with a follow-up of 25 years. The study included 479,759 participants, of which 80,131 were diagnosed with PCOS and 399,628 were matched controls (1:5 ratio). The data were obtained from Swedish registers, primarily the National Patient Registry and the Swedish National Cancer Registry. We used Cox regression to calculate hazard ratios, both crude and adjusted, and 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI). Results During the study period, 450 individuals were diagnosed with OC or borderline tumour of the ovary (BOT). Following adjustment for obesity, country of birth and education, women with PCOS did not have an increased risk of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), aHR: 1.00 (95 % CI 0.64–1.55). However, the risks of developing BOT and non-EOC were higher in women with PCOS, aHR: 1.61 (95 % CI 1.16–2.23) and aHR: 4.26 (95 % CI 2.50–7.03), respectively. When further subgrouping non-EOC, stromal tumours stood out with a seventh-fold increased risk among women with PCOS. Conclusion Women with PCOS are at higher risk of developing non-EOC and BOT than women without PCOS. Although the risk estimate is high, non-EOC is a rare diagnosis. Thus, the findings of this study may provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of PCOS and ovarian cancer, primarily non-EOC. However, they do not indicate any necessity for screening or alterations in the follow-up of women with PCOS
Synthesis of Hard Boron Thin Films by Low Frequency Magnetron Sputtering
No full textThe synthesis of hard boron (B) films using low frequency (4000 Hz) magnetron sputtering of B target in Ar is demonstrated. Dense B films are deposited with the substrate bias Vs applied synchronously with the cathode pulses. The substrate temperature does not exceed 150 °C during growth. The contamination levels are below 5.9 at.%, which is markedly lower than previously reported. Ion mass spectrometry analysis reveals that ion flux incident at the growing film surface is dominated by Ar+. B+ ions exhibiting broad high-energy tails are also detected. B films are amorphous containing 1–2 nm crystallites, changing from rhombohedral- at floating substrate bias to a metastable tetragonal-α-B at Vs ≥ 160 V. Higher Vs of up to 240 V results in a lowered film density due to the (1) Ar gas bubble formation, and (2) the ion-induced α-phase transition, which leads to a sparser packing of B atoms. The nanoindentation hardness and elastic modulus reach 29.1 ± 1.1 and 438.7 ± 20.4 GPa, respectively, while the residual stresses are lower than −1.1 GPa. The presented approach outlines a low-temperature growth of dense B films with attractive mechanical properties for applications on temperature sensitive substrates
Catching the train to transition : Creation and analysis of hypothetical future scenarios of German passenger railroads till 2050
No full textTransforming the German railway system is essential for achieving national climate targets and advancing a sustainable energy transition. This thesis develops 5 contrasting explorative scenarios for the future of passenger rail in Germany up to 2050, focusing on energy use, emissions and passenger capacity. The aim is to explore how different pathways might affect both environmental sustainability and social justice. A qualitative scenario methodology was used, based on secondary data and literature analysis, incorporating major global and national trends in climate policy, technology and mobility behaviour. The five scenarios: Sustainable Success, Business as Usual, Tech-Driven Growth, Fragmented Failure and Reclaimed Rail, reflect diverging societal values and political choices. Sustainable Success presents a coordinated, well-funded transformation achieving both climate goals and equity goals through electrification and strong public investment. Business as Usual warns of stagnation due to policy delays and underinvestment. Tech-Driven Growth imagines a high tech but socially unequal system, where innovation advances but access remains limited. Fragmented Failure illustrates a breakdown driven by disconnection, low trust and poor coordination. Reclaimed Rail highlights local and regional efforts to drive change from below, offering hope but also revealing the limits of decentralised action without national support. These scenarios together underline that technology alone cannot deliver a sustainable rail future. Public trust, fair access and wages, and coherent policy are equally crucial for succeeding. The rail system must be understood not just as infrastructure, but as a public service contributing to social inclusion and climate action. The study concludes that reaching climate goals is requiring strong, inclusive leadership and investment at all levels. Whilst the absence of primary data and emissions modelling limits some aspects of the research, the scenario approach offers valuable insights into the range of possible outcomes and supports more holistic transport planning. The findings are especially relevant for policymakers, planners and researchers aiming to align rail development with a just and sustainable energy transition.
Non-fiction Isn't Boring! : A netnographic Study of Non-fiction Reading Practices on TikTok
No full textTikTok, and particularly the subcommunity known as BookTok, has emerged as a significant force in the international literary landscape since 2020. Despite its growing influence, both BookTok and its non-fiction segment remains an underexplored area in research. The aim of this thesis is to broaden our understanding of non-fiction reading in digital environments by examining how non-fiction is discussed and understood under the hashtag #nonfiction on TikTok. This study explores how non-fiction may function as a digital reading community and what reading practices are articulated within it. Anchored in a social constructivist framework, the study applies a qualitative research design combining netnography with reflexive thematic analysis. The empirical material consists of videos and user comments collected through fieldwork. The analysis is further informed by Unruh's (1980) approach to social worlds and Felski's (2008) approach to reading motivation. The findings demonstrate that non-fiction reading on TikTok is shaped by a range of motivations including knowledge acquisition, emotional resonance, shock value and enchantment. Non-fiction is often framed as transformative, affectively engaging, and entertaining, challenging conventional notions of the genre as merely informational or utilitarian. At the same timethere is still a strong narrative within BookTok that frames non-fiction as un-engaging and difficult to read. This thesis contributes to a growing body of research on adult voluntary reading, non-fiction readers and provides valuable insight for library-based reading initiatives. This is a two-year master's thesis in Library and Information Science
Scandinavian Values : A Comparative Study of the Digitalization in National Archives
No full textDigitalization is one of the biggest ongoing changes for archival institutions today. The national archives in a country usually have a consultative role in the archival profession, and have the responsibility to digitize the cultural heritage for the state. Yet the values associated with a digital cultural heritage in archival institutions are largely understudied, and there have been no comparative studies on the subject. This study examines and compares the values of the digital cultural heritage in national archives in Scandinavia, as well as the approaches and methods to digitalize their services and collections. The theory in this study is value theory and value relativism as described by Lars Bergström, and a value chart of the cultural heritage developed by Svante Beckman. The method is a comparative study of the governing documents concerning digitalization in the national archives, as well as annual reports from a four-year period. The national archives that were examined are Rigsarkivet in Denmark, Arkivverket in Norway, and Riksarkivet in Sweden. The empirical material was examined with thematical analysis. This study finds that the Scandinavian national archives share many of the same values associated with the digital cultural heritage, and how the digitalization is achieved. All of the institutions have a strong focus on the user needs of the visitors of the archives, as well as researchers and public officials. The values with a digital cultural heritage are first and foremost democracy, accessibility and increasing possibilities to reach new visitors and audiences. All of the archival institutions speak of the digital cultural heritage as data to be used and reused by the public, researchers and potentially the business sector. There are differences in how far user platforms are developed, and how risk preparedness is mentioned and valued in the documents. This is a two years master’s thesis in Archival Science
The art of reading promotion : A matter of participation
No full textThe purpose of this study is to discuss the significance of youth participation and codetermination in the libraries’ reading programs, reading promotion and literacy practices. Previous research suggests that reading fiction in your spare time declines during adolecence and that this has implications for school results and the everyday literacy. Furthermore, teens and young adults do not use the library in the same way or to the same extent as adults and children, wich makes it more challenging to reach them. With the Swedish library act and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child as a backdrop, the libraries tries to work purposefully to engage and include young people in the daily work as well as in planned activities. Qualitative interviews were conducted with library staff and an initiatior of a foundation dedicated to reading promotion, about their experiences of working with young people in the public library and their views on participatory elements in reading activities. The interviews were analyzed using a theoretical framework of Shier’s model of participation, empowerment and perspectives on literacy. Findings of the present study suggest, among other things, that youth participation and codetermination are areas where the libraries tend to work actively but that it is complicated to find the continuity, economy and the appropriate methods. To manage to reach out to the vast majority of young people, libraries will need to collaborate with other community actors, youth centers and the like. The results also show that the libraries’ work aimed at adolecents is demanding due to the amount of time spent on creating relationsships with the target audience, which on the other hand is also seen as a crucial part of youth participation. Being allowed to participate in libraries’ reading promotion activities can have positive effects on young people’s desire to read and their self-confidence
Ab-initio quantum transport in two-dimensional materials
No full textTwo-dimensional (2D) magnets present exciting opportunities for next-generation nanoelectronics and spintronics, though a comprehensive understanding of their transport characteristics remains an active area of research. In this thesis, we employ first-principles density-functional theory combined with non-equilibrium Green's function methods (DFT+NEGF). This allows us to investigate how atomic-scale interfaces, spin–orbit coupling, magnetic ordering and switching phenomena, and electron–phonon coupling influence quantum transport in graphene and borophene nanoribbons, as well as in magnetic van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures based on Fe4GeTe2 and VSe2. First, realistic Wannier-derived tight-binding models substantially enhance predictions of transport phenomena in graphene nanoribbons, clearly illustrating the effects of perpendicular electric fields and charged impurities on conductance properties. Second, our simulations reveal exceptional spin-filtering performance in vdW heterostructures incorporating Fe4GeTe2 achieving nearly ideal spin polarization (up to 97%) and remarkably high tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR > 480% in low bias) in multilayer magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs). Third, we explored spin-transfer torque (STT) efficiency in MTJs consisting of monolayer 1T-VSe2 ferromagnets, MoS2 tunneling barriers, and tantalum disulfide (TaS2) electrodes in different structural polytypes (1T and 2H). Our detailed computational analysis reveals that the choice of TaS2 polytype has a significant influence on spin-dependent transport, critical current density, and Gilbert damping. These findings highlight the crucial role of atomic-level structural tuning in optimizing STT-driven magnetization switching. Finally, electron–phonon coupling is found to enhance spin currents in borophene nanoribbons and monolayer VSe2 by enabling additional conduction channels through inelastic scattering processes. This underlines lattice vibrations as an essential element for the strategic engineering of spintronic devices. Collectively, these results deepen our understanding of quantum transport in 2D magnetic systems and deliver concrete strategies for advancing nanoelectronic and spintronic device design