Publikationer från Uppsala Universitet
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The Role of Theatre Testing in Prevention Science
No full textTheatre Testing, a method extensively employed in marketing research and advertising, involves presenting materials to an audience in a controlled setting to gather feedback and insights. While the application of Theatre Testing in marketing and advertising is long-standing, its increasing application in prevention science raises several critical questions. This article describes the Theatre Testing process, debates the merits and drawbacks of the method, and exemplifies the pros and cons by discussing the method in relation to gender-based violence prevention within the Swedish ‘open preschool’ context. Advocates of Theatre Testing argue that simulating interventions before actual implementation offers valuable insights into participant responses, which can enhance the acceptability and effectiveness of these interventions. However, the controlled setting of Theatre Testing may not accurately reflect real-world conditions, leading to potentially misleading conclusions about the intervention. One promising development in addressing certain limitations, such as reaching the target group, is the introduction of social media-based Theatre Testing
Model-Based Design and Validation of Advanced Mechatronic Systems illustrated by Modern Steer-by-Wire Systems
No full textThe automotive industry is experiencing a significant transformation driven by the demand for automation, autonomy and resource reduction. A key factor in this transformation is the model-based design and validation of advanced vehicle systems, particularly Steer-by-Wire systems, which are essential for highly automated and autonomous vehicles. However, Steer-by-Wire systems, characterized by the absence of a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels, present unique challenges for achieving robust control as well as ensuring driving comfort and safety. This dissertation addresses these challenges by exploring innovative approaches for the optimal control of Steer-by-Wire systems, highlighting the model-based design and the integration of simulation environments. For this, a detailed model is developed, considering all relevant degrees of freedom and nonlinear characteristics of a real Steer-by-Wire system. Based on this detailed model, the dissertation presents a novel multivariable control approach that enhances the robustness and performance of Steer-by-Wire systems compared to traditional designs. The derived control approach demonstrates improved system stability and performance, effectively addressing parameter uncertainties and varying driving conditions. These satisfactory characteristics are validated both in an augmented simulation environment and on a real prototype. By combining virtual testing within the augmented simulation environment with real-world prototyping, the need for labor-intensive physical testing is minimized, thus optimizing development resources and time. The presented methods are not only employed for the development of Steer-by-Wire systems, but also for further applications in automotive engineering, including driver assistance systems, sensor evaluations and perception systems. In conclusion, the research contributes to mechatronics and automotive engineering by advancing autonomous driving through robust control approaches, virtual testing and agile development strategies. The insights and methodologies proposed not only advance the development of novel Steer-by-Wire systems, but can also serve as a basis for future innovations in mechatronic systems that require precise control and reliability
AI Potential in the Mechatronic Product Development : Identification, Utilization and Evaluation
No full textThis thesis explores the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in mechatronic product development, focusing on the identification, utilization, and evaluation of AI-driven approaches. The increasing complexity of cross-domain collaboration, coupled with the demand for efficiency and reliability, necessitates structured methodologies to systematically integrate AI into engineering processes. While AI offers significant opportunities, challenges related to trustworthiness, robustness, and effective implementation remain critical considerations. To address these challenges, this work introduces a generalized five-step methodology, providing a structured framework for assessing AI’s role in mechatronic development. The methodology enables the targeted identification of AI potential, structured integration into engineering workflows, and systematic evaluation of its impact. By applying this framework to real-world industrial case studies, the thesis demonstrates its practical applicability across different AI use cases, including translation, interpretation, and prediction. As mechatronic product development continues to evolve, leveraging AI in a structured and validated manner ensures that organizations not only overcome current challenges but also enhance innovation, decision-making, and cross-domain collaboration. The findings of this thesis provide a scalable foundation for AI-driven advancements while maintaining a balance between AI potential and investment considerations
Coupling SWAT+ and GOTM-WET models to assess agricultural management practices for mitigating harmful algal blooms in Mar Menor, Spain
No full textWe analysed the effectiveness of agricultural best management practices (BMPs) for mitigating harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the Mar Menor lagoon, Spain, by coupling SWAT + catchment and GOTM-WET lake models. We compared the effectiveness of different BMP scenarios, including “vegetative filter strips”, “contour farming”, “fertilizer reduction”, “crop rotation”, and their combination for reducing high chlorophyll a (Chl-a) events over the period 2003–2022. All BMPs significantly reduced nutrient inputs entering the lagoon, which limited the formation of HABs. The scenario that combined all BMPs was the most effective in controlling HABs, decreasing the numbers of days with HABs by 81 %, and the Chl-a by 50 % during periods of HABs. This was mainly explained by the effectiveness of crop rotation, fertilizer reduction and vegetative filter strips in differentially reducing nutrient inputs (e.g. crop rotation reduced nitrogen by 47.4 % and phosphorus by 31.8 %). Contour farming was the least effective BMP in reducing nutrient inputs, and thus controlling HABs (1.6 % in Chl-a reduction and 5.8 % in days with HAB). The results suggest that HABs dynamics in Mar Menor are controlled by interactive effects of different nutrient forms, where orthophosphate plays a key role in initiating the HABs which is then maintained by high nitrogen concentrations. This research underscores the relevance of agricultural BMPs for effectively mitigating HABs driven by eutrophication in coastal vulnerable aquatic ecosystems like Mar Menor. Coupling SWAT+ and GOTM-WET models, moved beyond solely nutrient simulations and allowed the incorporation of lagoon responses to BMPs for HAB prevention
The frequency of SARS-CoV-2 in stool : A prospective study of healthy preschool children in Sweden
No full textThe study investigated the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 among healthy preschool children in two Swedish municipalities, a country where preschools remained uniquely opened throughout the pandemic. Stool samples were obtained from diapers collected at preschools in November-December 2021 and analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, laboratory data concerning COVID-19 in the two regions were reviewed. Sixty-seven percent of invited preschools participated, providing 350 stool samples (Uppsala n=231, Gävle n=119). The children had a median age of 24 months (range 12-72). SARS-CoV-2 was not detected in any stool sample during the study period, which coincided with the initial omicron wave. The first pediatric omicron case appeared nearly two weeks after the first adult case. These findings suggest preschool children did not constitute a silent source nor played a major role in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 during the first phases of the largest wave of COVID-19, so far.De två sista författarna delar sistaförfattarskapet</p
Who gets What, Where and How? : Sweden's Donor Roles from 2003 to 2024
No full textThis thesis examines the financial flows of Swedish foreign assistance across partner countries, development sectors, and financial channels under conservative and social democratic governments. Using Breuning’s typology of donor roles as a theoretical framework, it analyzes how Sweden's development funding reflects its donor role under different political mandates. The thesis employs panel data regression and data visualizations. Findings indicate that Sweden has consistently maintained a Good Neighbor and Activist donor role, regardless of government type, suggesting either a stable national consensus or challenges in implementing significant policy shifts. Given the ongoing implementation of the 2023 Reform Agenda, a follow-up study in the coming years will be necessary to assess whether the current conservative government is reshaping Sweden’s donor role
Laser-etched flexible microsupercapacitors based on nanocellulose and conductive metal–organic frameworks
No full textFlexible supercapacitors hold promise for applications in wearable electronic devices. However, the challenges of achieving flexibility, miniaturization, and high volumetric capacitance persist. In this work, precise laser etching of cellulose composites, prepared via in-situ growth of conductive metal–organic frameworks (c-MOFs) on cellulose nanofibers (CNF), was employed to fabricate flexible, binder-free, and integrated microsupercapacitors (MSCs). The interfacial synthesis of Ni3(HITP)2 (a type of c-MOF) on the surface of CNF yields a continuous and uniform conductive shell, enabling efficient electron transfer along the CNF@c-MOF nanofibers. The interwoven structure of the nanofibers creates a hierarchical porous network with enhanced surface area featuring interconnected porous channels, enabling rapid ion transport. The laser etching technique facilitates one-step production of integrated MSCs with a precisely interdigitated configurations and micron-scale accuracy. The fabricated MSCs demonstrate excellent mechanical stability, with a tensile strength of up to 81.9 MPa, and remarkable flexibility, maintaining consistent electrochemical performance under bending stress. The flexible device, with a thickness of only 45 µm, achieves a high volumetric specific capacitance of 36.7 F cm−3 at a current density of 0.17 mA cm−2 and a specific energy density of 2,497.5 µWh cm−3 at a power density of 53.3 mW cm−3. This study provides a new strategy for designing flexible, binder-free, integrated MSCs with high capacitances and long cyclic stability, demonstrating significant potential for applications in wearable electronics.De två första författarna delar förstaförfattarskapet</p
Prevalence and predictors of healthcare use for psychiatric disorders at 9 years after a first episode of psychosis : a Swedish national cohort study
No full textBACKGROUND: Psychotic disorders are known to exhibit heterogeneity with regards to illness course and prognosis, yet few studies have examined long-term healthcare use. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and predictors of healthcare use for psychiatric disorders at 9 years after the first episode of psychosis (FEP). METHODS: National registers were used to identify all Swedish residents aged 18-35 years with FEP between 2006 and 2013. The 12-month period-prevalence of secondary healthcare use was determined at each year of the 9-year follow-up, categorised according to main diagnosis (psychotic disorder vs other psychiatric disorder vs none vs censored). Multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine associations between baseline characteristics and healthcare use at 9 years and derive predicted probabilities and 95% CIs for the four outcome groups, for each predictor variable. FINDINGS: Among 7733 individuals with FEP, 31.7% were treated in secondary healthcare for psychotic disorders at the 9-year follow-up, 24.1% were treated for other psychiatric disorders, 35.7% did not use healthcare services for psychiatric disorders and 8.5% were censored due to death/emigration. Having an initial diagnosis of schizophrenia was associated with the highest probability of secondary healthcare use for psychotic disorder at 9 years (0.50, 95% CI (0.46 to 0.54)] followed by inpatient treatment at first diagnosis (0.37, 95% CI (0.35 to 0.38)). CONCLUSION: Although 56% of individuals with FEP were treated for psychiatric disorders in secondary healthcare 9 years later, a substantial proportion were treated for non-psychotic disorders. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Individuals with an initial diagnosis of schizophrenia, who received their first diagnosis in inpatient settings, may need more intensive treatment to facilitate remission and recovery
Oxidative markers and SOD variant : predictors of autism severity and susceptibility
No full textBackgroundThis study examines the relationship between oxidative stress, anti-oxidative markers, and the Ala16Val SOD2 polymorphism in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to better understand ASD severity and susceptibility. Material and methodsThe study included 80 children (40 with ASD and 40 controls) from Erbil City, Iraq. ResultsSerum antioxidant markers, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), were significantly lower in ASD patients compared to controls (P = 0.036 and P < 0.001, respectively), while markers of oxidative damage, including malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and cytochrome C, were significantly elevated (P < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed reduced SOD and GPX activities were strongly associated with increased autism severity, as measured by the childhood autism rating scale (CARS), while elevated NO and cytochrome C levels also correlated positively with higher CARS scores. Although the Ala16Val SOD polymorphism was not significantly associated with ASD risk, logistic regression showed no connection between SOD genotypes and serum SOD levels. ConclusionThese findings suggest oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant defense play critical roles in ASD severity. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY This study explores the relationship between oxidative stress, antioxidant markers, and the Ala16Val SOD2 polymorphism in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It involved 80 children (40 with ASD, 40 controls) from Erbil City, Iraq. Results showed significantly lower superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) levels in ASD patients, with elevated oxidative damage markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and cytochrome C. Regression analysis linked reduced SOD and GPX levels and increased NO and cytochrome C levels with higher Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) scores. While the SOD2 polymorphism was not associated with ASD risk, oxidative stress strongly influenced ASD severity. ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS Reduced serum SOD and GPX activities were significantly linked to autism severity, with lower levels correlating with higher CARS scores. Elevated oxidative stress markers (MDA, NO, and cytochrome C) were significantly associated with increased autism severity. The Ala16Val SOD polymorphism was not associated with ASD risk or serum SOD levels. Regression analysis identified SOD, GPX, NO, and cytochrome C as predictors of autism severity, with SOD showing the strongest negative association. Oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant defense mechanisms play a critical role in the progression of ASD symptoms