Publikationer från Uppsala Universitet
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Adaptation with Climate Services : Disentangling the nexus between climate information and (mal)adaptation in socio-ecological-technical systems
No full textAdaptation to climate change is increasingly recognized as necessary for societal resilience. Yet, adaptation is neither straightforward nor inherently positive in today’s complex, unequal and rapidly changing world, which characterized the Anthropocene. This thesis investigates the interplay between climate information and (mal)adaptation in socio-ecological-technical systems (SETSs), with a particular focus on drought risk management in Europe. Through five interlinked studies, this research examines how climate services are used, misused, or underutilized in climate change adaptation, and how their design, accessibility, and usability influence maladaptive outcomes. Papers I and II analyse the European response to the 2022 drought, uncovering both the growing awareness of drought risk and the limitations of preparedness and institutional coordination. Findings highlight persistent fragmentation and reliance on short-term operational responses. The two papers also include a call for a European Drought Directive to enshrine systemic drought risk management into European governance. Paper III conceptualizes climate services through a system thinking lens, revealing how design and delivery may unintentionally reinforce path dependencies and systemic inequalities across a series of case studies. Paper IV develops a system dynamics model to explore trade-offs in adaptation pathways. It shows how short-term climate services may offer rapid economic gains but can heighten the risk of long-term system collapse. Conversely, long-term services foster resilience but demand delayed gratification and slower wealth generation. Paper V interrogates the format-function gap in climate service design, emphasizing how entrenched expectations and techno-scientific norms may stifle context-specific and transformative approaches. Across these studies, the thesis argues that maladaptation is not simply the result of poor decisions, but often emerges from well-intentioned but narrowly framed interventions, shaped by institutional constraints, political priorities, and epistemic norms. Climate information is therefore not a neutral addition, it plays a key role in driving adaptive and maladaptive processes. The thesis contributes to the development of more inclusive, reflexive, and transformative climate services. It advocates for a pluralistic vision of adaptation that embraces complexity, acknowledges trade-offs, and centres the diverse needs and values of affected communities
Groundwater flow impacts on very high temperature borehole thermal energy storage performance
No full textGround source heat pumps (GSHP) are known for their high heating and cooling efficiency. Specifically, in regions with predominantly longer heating seasons, such as Nordic countries, a Very High-Temperature Borehole Thermal Energy Storage (VHT-BTES) system, charged by concentrated solar collectors, offers a transformative and game-changing solution. This system can achieve remarkable heating efficiency, leading to practically costfree and emission-free operation. Effective VHT-BTES design is based on minimizing energy losses and maximizing thermal energy utilization. A critical consideration, however, is the potential impact of groundwater flow on system performance. This study investigates the effects of groundwater flow on the Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) and Return of Investment (RoI) of a model VHT-BTES system under Uppsala's climatic conditions, benchmarked against a design for no-flow condition. Furthermore, it explores various borehole configurations and design adaptations to mitigate the adverse effects of groundwater flow. Our findings demonstrate that Darcy velocities below 0.3m/month have negligible practical impact on SCOP and RoI. For higher velocities, while negative effects emerge, they can be significantly eliminated through re-optimization of borehole configurations or the addition of extra boreholes. The simulation results encourage investors, showcasing the viability and high performance of VHT-BTES systems for achieving zero-emission targets, even in the presence of groundwater flow
Contaminations from Lithium-Ion Battery Fires—Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Soot
No full textFluorinated substances are widely used in the different components of the lithium-ion battery cell, such as electrode binders, electrolyte, additives and separator materials. To date, most studies regarding the fluorinated contaminations from lithium-ion battery fires are focused on the gases formed, whereas the solids produced are not as well characterized. Here, we present an experimental study investigating the occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, in soot and particulates formed after thermal runaway in lithium-ion battery cells. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances were detected in every battery cell test performed in this study. The concentration of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances ranged between 20 to 130 ng/gsoot. Extrapolation of data gives an estimated release of 10 to 60 µg of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances per kg battery cells. Among the 22 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances analyzed, perfluorobutanesulfonic acid and perfluorobutanoic acid were found in the highest concentrations for all samples. Interestingly, perfluorooctanoic acid was detected in all tests, in concentrations ranging between 0.05 to 0.62 ng/gsoot. These findings are of importance not only for the purpose of decontamination after thermal runaway events, but also when it comes to the lithium-ion battery recycling processes
Generative artificial intelligence in medicine : a mixed-methods survey of UK general practitioners
No full textObjective To explore the opinions of general practitioners (GPs) in the UK about the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools in primary care. Methods and analysis At the beginning of 2024, using a convenience sample, we administered an online mixed-methods survey to registered GPs currently working in the UK. Results A total of 1006 GPs responded, with 53% being male and 54% over 46 years old. One-fifth of GPs reported having used AI for clinical practice, with male doctors and those in bigger cities being more likely to have used it. 80% of respondents expressed a need for more training in understanding these tools. GPs at least somewhat agreed AI would improve documentation (59%) and patient information gathering (56%). 55% felt AI could increase inequities and 54% saw potential for patient harm, but 47% believed it could enhance healthcare efficiency. GPs who used these tools were significantly more optimistic about the scope for generative AI in improving clinical tasks. One-third of GPs left comments that were classified into four major themes: (1) lack of familiarity and understanding with AI, (2) role of AI in clinical practice, (3) concerns about AI and (4) AI and the future of healthcare. Conclusions This study highlights UK GPs’ developing perspectives on generative AI in clinical practice, emphasising the need for more training. Many GPs reported a lack of knowledge and experience with this technology, although a portion already used non-medical grade technology for clinical tasks, with the risks that this entails
Virtual Testing of Assistance Functions in Agricultural Machinery
No full textAutomated driving has been a key development trend in the passenger car sector for years, while also gaining relevance in the commercial vehicle domain. For the cost-efficient development of assistance and automation functions in low-volume production, virtual testing plays a central role. In this context, virtual testing refers to the use of simulations that accompany the development process. Virtual Test Fields support this process as a development tool, comprising a high-resolution virtual 3D environment and the capability to integrate additional dedicated tools.This thesis investigates Virtual Test Field concepts in the agricultural vehicle sector and demonstrates how they support the development process of driver assistance and automation functions. For this purpose, the Virtual Test Field is mapped onto the phases of the V-model for the development of mechatronic and cyber-physical systems. Moreover, existing software solutions are reviewed to identify additional potential. On this basis, a structure for a Virtual Test Field is defined, and an environment tailored to agricultural scenarios is implemented using a high-end game engine. This environment is scalable to other commercial vehicle segments. Within this environment, a variety of operating conditions can be simulated and assistance systems tested. Based on this, a methodology for reconstructing real images in virtual environments is presented. In this process, the parameters of the real system are first identified. The virtual environment is then configured accordingly to generate precise image reconstructions through simulation. Subsequently, the methodology is applied to a real agricultural assistance system and thereby evaluated. The results not only provide new perspectives for the design and use of Virtual Test Fields but also advance existing research in virtual image reconstruction. With respect to future research, the presented work provides a basis for the generation of synthetic image data for machine learning, the integration of sensor hardware, as well as further modules into the Virtual Test Field
A Multicenter Study of Factors Related to Early Implant Failures – Part 1 : Implant Materials and Surgical Techniques
No full textBACKGROUND: Dental implant materials, designs as well as general concepts for surgical techniques have evolved during the last decades. It has been validated that primary stability followed by bone apposition around implants is crucial for implant survival as most implant failures occur during the first year. However, new implant materials and different micro and macro designs have improved implant survival in more challenging clinical conditions. Therefore, clinical research with large patient groups is needed to investigate the effects of different implant designs and surgical protocols with the aim to improve early implant outcomes. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to investigate the clinical use of dental implant materials, designs, and surgical techniques related to early implant complications and failures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients who had received implant surgery in 2007 and 2017 at three specialist centers in Sweden were identified using charge codes. Data were retrieved from a dental record system as well as from digital and analog registries on implant surgeries. Information on anamnestic data, bone status, implant materials and designs, surgery techniques, and early implant failures and complications during the first year was compiled and analyzed. Descriptive statistics were used for comparison of the time cohorts. The data were statistically analyzed with a multivariable logistic regression model with a significance level of p < 0.05 using early implant failures and complications as the dependent variables. RESULTS: For 2007, 799 patients with 2473 implants were identified. For 2017, 1076 patients with 2287 implants were identified. However, 74 (3.7%) patients were excluded, mainly due to lack of data. Differences were observed when comparing the two cohorts. In 2017, fewer preoperative antibiotics were prescribed, more incidences of exposed implant threads were reported, more non-submerged implant surgeries were performed, shorter implant lengths were used, more implants were placed in augmented bone, and tapered implants with a variable design were used. Implants of commercially pure titanium (CP Ti) Grades 1-4 with moderately and minimally rough surfaces were used in 2007, whereas CP Ti Grade 4 and alloy titanium zirconium (TiZr) with moderately rough surfaces were used in 2017. Significantly higher number of implant failures were reported in 2017 at the implant level: 56 (2.4%) in 2017 compared to 26 (1.1%) in 2007. Eleven variables were shown to increase the risk of failure including exposed implant threads OR 3.56 (1.60, 7.91) p = 0.0018 and increased number of implants per patients 1.26 (1.14, 1.39) p < 0.001 analyzed at the patient level. Nine variables were shown to increase the risk of early implant complications, including exposed implant threads OR 4.52 (2.60, 7.87) p < 0.001, sinus membrane perforations OR 8.14 (2.46, 26.93) p < 0.001, and no prescription of preoperative antibiotics OR 4.52 (2.60, 7.87) p < 0.001 analyzed at the patient level. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports on changes in implant materials, designs, and surgical techniques between 2007 and 2017. Significantly higher numbers of implant failures and complications were reported in 2017. Factors related to early implant complications and failures were identified
A Multicenter Study of Factors Related to Early Implant Failures – Part 2 : Patient Factors
No full textBackground: Recent advancements in dental implant materials, designs, and surgery have increased their use, especially for challenging local conditions. As guidelines for individualized risk assessment are increasingly emphasized, implant treatment has become available to patients with diverse medical backgrounds. However, clinical research with large patient groups is needed to investigate the effects of patient-related factors associated with early implant failure. Purpose: This paper investigates patient factors in two patient cohorts associated with early implant complications and failures. Materials and Methods: The collected data were analyzed and presented in two studies. Both studies followed the same data collection methodology and compared cohorts treated in 2007 and 2017. The same patient-level dataset was analyzed, although the second study included additional analyses of diseases and allergies. Data were analyzed univariately (p < 0.20) to select variables for the multivariable logistic regression model (p < 0.05), with early implant failures and complications as dependent variables. Results: In total, 1875 patients with 4670 implants were included. There were 74 (3.7%) dropouts, mainly due to lack of data. The 2007 cohort comprised 799 patients with 2473 implants, and the 2017 cohort comprised 1076 patients with 2287 implants. Differences were observed between the two cohorts for the number of implants per patient, exposed implant threads, and preoperative antibiotics. In the 2007 cohort, 23 (2.9%) patients had early implant failure. In the 2017 cohort, 40 (3.7%) had early implant failure (p > 0.30). Significantly more implants failed in the 2017 cohort (n = 56, 2.4%) than in the 2007 cohort (n = 26, 1.1%) (p < 0.001). Early complications were reported for 56 (7.0%) patients in 2007 and 145 (13.5%) patients in 2017 (p < 0.001). Three patient-related variables were associated with an increased risk of early failure-food allergy, exposed implant threads, and increased number of implants. Seven variables were related to an increased risk of complications: smoking, exposed threads, no preoperative antibiotics, number of implants, sinus perforations, food allergy, and metal allergy. Conclusions: This study identified three factors associated with early implant failure and seven associated with early complications
Linguistic Hauntings at the Margins of China
No full textThis study examines emotional and material traces lingering in the aftermath of forced linguistic landscape transformations in Inner Mongolia following the implementation of a new assimilationist national language policy in 2022. Drawing on ethnographic and linguistic landscape data, the study specifically examines how the multilingual signs that have undergone invisibilization or changes in their layouts are accompanied by marginalized senses and excluded voices—linguistic hauntings—in the multilingual Mongolian borderlands. In this study, linguistic hauntings are animated by Mongolian linguistic anxiety and conditioned by the Chinese state's intensified language oppression in transitioning from a multinational and multilingual state to a unified Chinese nation with one singular language. The article suggests that linguistic haunting is a powerful lens for analysing the interlinked political, affective and temporal dimensions in drastically reconfiguring landscapes. The study contributes to the sociolinguistics of the specters, borderlands multilingualism, nationalism and its linguistic entailments
Pathophysiological hypotheses of the triad in abusive infant shaking : A systematic review and analysis of corroborated cases
No full textSubdural hemorrhage, retinal hemorrhages, and encephalopathy are associated with the medical diagnosis of abusive head trauma. These findings have also been observed in children exposed to admitted or witnessed shaking. There are various suggested mechanisms behind these findings. One mechanism is exclusive to intentional shaking, while the other suggested mechanisms are compatible with both intentional and accidental violence as well as an underlying illness. We performed a systematic literature review of case reports on triad findings with subsequent analysis on the empirical consequences of three mechanistic hypotheses: (1) the outcome components arise independently following acceleration-deceleration forces during shaking; (2) the outcome components are partially dependent and caused by pathophysiological mediators following hypoxia caused by damage to the brainstem or cervical spinal cord by shaking; (3) the outcome factors are partially dependent and are caused by re-bleeding triggered by shaking in chronic subdural hematoma. From a total of 9628 articles, we identified twelve publications including in total 100 cases that met the inclusion criteria. We identified no sufficiently detailed case report, but nine cases had information that allowed for tentative testing of the hypotheses. Three cases had findings consistent with that triad findings are partially dependent and related to chronic subdural re-bleeding (hypothesis 3), whereas no case provided support for the other hypotheses. Thus, published cases do not provide the information needed to understand the mechanism underlying triad findings in infants subjected to shaking
Rum för konst : Aktörer, rum och betraktare
No full textI have studied four different designs for art museum and art galleries exhibiting modern and contemporary art, Malmö konsthall, Skissernas Museum, Louisiana art museum and Copenhagen Contemporary. The two first ones are in southern Sweden and the two last ones are in Denmark. Two are art galleries and the other two are art museums. I have listed three questions: What was the vision for starting the institution? Which actors are involved in the initiative and establishing the institutions and which are the actors involved in running the institutions. Where in the city are these institutions? How do they connect and impact the surroundings in which they are located? In what way has the spaces for art, art galleries and art museums changed with modern and contemporary art? Is there a difference in how art is perceived when on display in an art gallery with flexible space or in an art museum with more fixed spaces and spatial connections. The first theory used, is for the involved actors, the actors network theory, ANT, and in what way the network produce and reproduce its power. For the institutions, both for arrival and for entering, two theories are used. The phenomenological architecture analysis model is used for describing the landscape, the outdoor arrival area as well as the interior of the institutions from a spatial and architectural perspective. The second theory used is the reception aesthetic theory. I have used Wolfgang Kemps theory in studying the institutions, the display and the spatial organisation of the institutions. There is a difference in the task between an art gallery and an art museum meaning that the art gallery without any collection of their own are designed in a more flexible way and can use the available space to curate and subdivide the available exhibition area more freely. The temporary exhibitions in the art museum need to adapt to the fixed spaces. The architectural design and the spatial organisation of the institution as well as the interconnection between the spaces supports the display of the art as well as the routing of the visitor, in different ways