Publikationer från Uppsala Universitet
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Are minorities in politics held to a higher standard? Experimental & observational evidence from candidate selection
No full textAre candidates from underrepresented demographics in politics held to ahigher standard in candidate selection processes? We explore whetherwomen, youths, and immigrants are required to demonstrate a greatercommitment to the party line to be deemed suitable for office. Our focus isspecifically on loyalty to the party line, a key selection criterion in mostpolitical systems. We analyze data from an original conjoint experimentinvolving 1,300 party selectors from six major political parties in Sweden,along with validated roll-call voting records and renomination data for allSwedish MPs elected between 2002 and 2022. Our findings suggest thatSwedish party selectors do not demand greater loyalty from candidatesbelonging to political outgroups. On the contrary, equally loyal outgroupcandidates are at least as appealing to party selectors as their ingroupcounterparts, if not more so. This result contributes to debates on politicalrepresentation and party politics and may also be of interest to practitionersfocused on minority empowerment
Rebellious Bodies: The Aesthetics of Political Resistance : The Visual Language of Makeup and Fashion
No full textThis thesis examines how historically marginalized groups across various political and cultural contexts have transformed aesthetic practices, such as fashion, hair, makeup, and physical representation, into strategic acts of political resistance. Previous social movement literature has privileged large-scale mobilization and traditional repertoires of contention, while this research argues that niche, aesthetic strategies are equally influential in defying repression and inequalities. Using a comparative case study of four social movements, such as the U.S. Suffragettes, the Pachuca women in 1940s Los Angeles, the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement in Iran, and transgender women and drag queens as part of LGBTQIA+ resistance, this examination illustrates how ordinary beauty and fashion practices have become repertoires of contention. Through a qualitative, interpretive analysis of secondary sources, including historical archives, social media, and scholarly articles, I draw on concepts such as Political and Cultural Opportunity Structures, Semiotics, Dramaturgy, Feminist Body Politics, Political Intersectionality, and Repertoires of Contention. These theories and analytical frameworks work to demonstrate how aesthetic resistance has challenged repressive dynamics and fostered international and domestic support. The findings suggest that aesthetic political defiance serves as a visual language that amplifies the demands of each social movement and reframes the boundaries of acceptable protest methods. Although each case is unique, they all turn to aesthetics as a method of resistance, illustrating how the body can become a platform for cultural, political, and societal rebellion. Thus, this thesis argues that fashion, makeup, and body styling are inherently political weapons of defiance that disrupt entrenched systems of repression and demand recognition. This thesis asks: How have makeup and embodied aesthetic strategies been utilized in political resistance across various political and cultural contexts?
An Investigation of the Viability of Quadrature-Based Localized Galerkin-RBF Methods for PDE Problems
No full textLocalized radial basis function (RBF) methods alleviate the computational and memory costs of global RBF approaches, but high-dimensional problems still require fine resolution. Weak forms improve accuracy by lowering the highest order of differentiation, but their meshless implementation faces the challenge of quadrature, which often necessitates either a background mesh or a complex construction process. In this thesis, we propose a truly meshless and unified weak-form framework based on the Galerkin projection. The generation of quadrature weights is reformulated, via the Meshless Finite Difference (MFD) method, as the solution of a boundary value problem. In this way, both the quadrature generation and the PDE discretization can use the same localized RBF schemes (RBF-FD or RBF-PUM), resulting in a concise and implementation-friendly pipeline. Building on this foundation, we develop two methods: Galerkin-RBF-FD and Galerkin-RBF- PUM. Numerical experiments on a two-dimensional Poisson problem demonstrate that Galerkin- RBF- PUM outperforms the standard RBF-PUM in accuracy and achieves an improved convergence rate by one order, whereas Galerkin-RBF-FD underperforms the standard RBF- FD. These results confirm the viability of the proposed framework and highlight RBF-PUM as the more promising direction for future investigation.
The effect of large optical depths on the non-Gaussian 21-cm signal from Cosmic Dawn
No full textDuring the Cosmic Dawn (CD), the HI 21-cm optical depth (τ) in the intergalactic medium can become significantly large. Consequently, the second and higher order terms of τ appearing in the Taylor expansion of the HI 21-cm differential brightness temperature (δTb) become important. This introduces additional non-Gaussianity into the signal. We study the impact of large τ on statistical quantities of HI 21-cm signal using a suite of standard numerical simulations that vary X-ray heating efficiency and the minimum halo mass required to host radiation sources. We find that the higher order terms suppress statistical quantities such as skewness, power-spectrum, and bispectrum. However, the effect is found to be particularly strong on the non-Gaussian signal. We find that the change in skewness can reach several hundred percent in low X-ray heating scenarios, whereas for moderate and high X-ray heating models the changes are around ∼40 per cent and ∼60 per cent, respectively, for Mh,min = 109 M. This change is around similar to 75 per cent, 25 per cent, and 20 per cent for low, moderate, and high X-ray heating models, respectively, for Mh,min = 1010 M. The change in bispectrum in both the halo cut-off mass scenarios ranges from similar to 10 per cent to similar to 300 per cent for low X-ray heating model. However, for moderate and high X-ray heating models the change remains between ∼10 per cent and ∼200 per cent for both equilateral and squeezed limit triangle configuration. Finally, we find that up to third orders of τ need to be retained to accurately model δTb, especially for capturing the non-Gaussian features in the HI 21-cm signal
Induction of a transcriptional adaptation response by RNA destabilization events
No full textTranscriptional adaptation (TA) is a cellular process whereby mRNA-destabilizing mutations are associated with the transcriptional upregulation of so-called adapting genes. The nature of the TA-triggering factor(s) remains unclear, namely whether an mRNA-borne premature termination codon or the subsequent mRNA decay process, and/or its products, elicits TA. Here, working with mouse Actg1, we first establish two types of perturbations that lead to mRNA destabilization: Cas9-induced mutations predicted to lead to mutant mRNA decay, and Cas13d-mediated mRNA cleavage. We find that both types of perturbations are effective in degrading Actg1 mRNA, and that they both upregulate Actg2. Notably, increased chromatin accessibility at the Actg2 locus was observed only in the Cas9-induced mutant cells but not in the Cas13d-targeted cells, suggesting that chromatin remodeling is not required for Actg2 upregulation. We further show that ribozyme-mediated Actg1 pre-mRNA cleavage also leads to a robust upregulation of Actg2, and that this upregulation is again independent of chromatin remodeling. Together, these data highlight the critical role of RNA destabilization events as a trigger for TA, or at least a TA-like response
Bio-hybrid photoelectrochemical catalysis for solar fuels and chemicals conversion
No full textBio-hybrid photoelectrochemical (PEC) devices integrate the complementary advantages of both biocatalyst and abiotic components, providing opportunities for efficient catalysis under mild conditions with high selectivity and low over-potential. However, the practical applications of such devices depend on the stability and efficiency of the bio-abiotic interface, where suboptimal charge transfer, biocatalyst fragility, and scalability challenges persist. In this Perspective, we evaluate established strategies for wiring biocatalysts to electrode substrates within bio-hybrid PEC architectures, analyze their catalytic performance, and operational limitations, and underly mechanistic principles. Then, we highlight the integration of whole-cell biocatalysts with high-performance semiconductor scaffolds as a promising design paradigm, offering a scalable platform for sustainable, solar-driven chemical production
The correlation between the change in quadriceps femoris strength and its thickness in the postoperative rehabilitation after an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction : A prospective study
No full textBakgrund: I den postoperativa rehabiliteringen efter en främre korsbandsrekonstruktion är det betydelsefullt att kunna mäta förändringen av quadriceps femoris tjocklek samt styrka. Ultraljud som mätmetod skulle kunna fylla en viktig funktion. Syfte: Syftet med studien var att undersöka förändringen av tjockleken för m. quadriceps femoris samt förändringen av styrkan för patienter efter en främre korsbandsrekonstruktion. Korrelationen mellan förändringen av m. quadriceps femoris tjocklek och förändringen av styrkan studerades. Metod: Ultraljudsundersökning samt isokinetisk styrkemätning för att mäta tjocklek och styrka sex och nio månader postoperativt genomfördes på 16 deltagare. Datan insamlades från ultraljudsundersökningen i centimeter samt styrkemätningen i enheten peak torque. Icke parametriskt test användes för att undersöka förändringen av tjockleken samt förändringen av muskelstyrkan. Korrelationsanalys med Spearmans korrelationskoefficient utfördes för att beräkna sambandet mellan förändringen av tjocklek och muskelstyrka. Resultat: Tjockleken förändrades från 4,3 cm (median) vid sex månader till 4,8 cm mätt vid nio månader. Denna förändring var statistiskt signifikant säkerhetsställd (p < 0,001). Styrkan förändrades från 172Nm (median) vid sex månader till 192 Nm mätt vid nio månader. Förändringen var statistiskt säkerhetsställd (p = 0,001). En svag negativ korrelation (r = - 0,439) uppvisades för förändringen för muskelstyrka och tjocklek. Förändringen var ej statistiskt signifikant säkerhetsställd (p = 0,09). Konklusion: Både tjockleken och muskelstyrkan förändrades under den pågående postoperativa rehabiliteringen, men sambandet mellan dessa förändringar var inte statistiskt säkerställd. Ultraljudets förmåga att mäta tjockleken för quadriceps femoris behöver studeras vidare i större kliniska studier för att klarlägga om det finns ett samband mellan förändringen avseende tjocklek och muskelstyrka. Background: In the postoperative rehabilitation after an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, it is important to be able to measure the change in quadriceps femoris thickness and strength. Ultrasound as a measurement method could fulfil an important function. Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the change in thickness of the femoris m. quadriceps femoris as well as the change in strength for patients after an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The correlation between the change in the thickness of the femoris m. quadriceps femoris and the change in strength was studied. Method: Ultrasound examination and isokinetic strength measurement to measure thickness and strength six and nine months postoperatively were conducted on 16 participants. The data was collected from the ultrasound examination in centimeters and the strength measurement in the peak torque unit. Non-parametric tests were used to examine the change in thickness as well as the change in muscle strength. Correlation analysis with Spearman's correlation coefficient was performed to calculate the relationship between the change in thickness and muscle strength. Result: The thickness changed from 4.3 cm (median) at six months to 4.8 cm measured at nine months. This change was statistically significantly collateralized (p < 0.001). The strength changed from 172 Nm (median) at six months to 192 Nm measured at nine months. The change was statistically significant (p = 0.001). A slight negative correlation (r = - 0.439) was shown for the change in muscle strength and thickness. The change was not statistically significantly significant (p = 0.09). Conclusion: Both thickness and muscle strength changed during the ongoing postoperative rehabilitation, but the association between these changes was not statistically significant. The ability of ultrasound to measure the thickness of the quadriceps femoris needs to be studied further in larger clinical studies to clarify whether there is a correlation between the change in thickness and muscle strength
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in aging : Trends and clinical implications
No full textThe neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has emerged as a widely accessible and cost-effective marker of systemic inflammation, derived from routine peripheral blood counts. It has demonstrated clinical relevance across a broad spectrum of conditions, including infections, cardiovascular disease, malignancies, trauma, postoperative complications, and cancer. Aging is associated with a gradual rise in NLR, driven by increasing neutrophil counts and declining lymphocyte numbers, reflecting underlying immunosenescence and systemic inflammation. Elevated NLR in older adults has been linked to greater morbidity and mortality, with higher levels correlating with increased risk, disease severity, and poorer clinical outcomes in age-related conditions. Interestingly, centenarians exhibit a slower age-related increase in NLR compared with non-centenarians, suggesting a more resilient immune system. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the trajectory of NLR across the human lifespan and its clinical relevance in the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of selected age-related diseases. Additionally, it explores emerging strategies to mitigate age-related NLR increases, including regular physical activity, targeted dietary interventions, and pharmacological approaches. A deeper understanding of NLR dynamics may inform preventive and therapeutic strategies to enhance health outcomes in aging populations
Imitation Regularization Using Skill Embeddings for Reinforcement Learning in a BVR Air Combat Scenario
No full textIn modern BVR (Beyond Visual Range) air combat training, autonomous agents are used as opponents to train fighter pilots. For these agents to be effective, they must not only achieve high tactical performance but also behave in a human-like and realistic manner. This thesis explores methods using imitation learning, applied to a specific BVR air combat scenario where an agent must execute an escape maneuver to evade an incoming missile. The method combines Reinforcement Learning (RL) with skill embeddings learned from expert pilot demonstration data. Instead of learning behaviors from scratch, the agent is guided by latent skill representations derived from expert trajectories. This encourages the agent to explore more structured behaviors while still optimizing task performance. The goal is to use imitation learning to find a balance between optimal task performance, while maintaining human-like behavior, a concept we refer to as imitation regularization. The results show that imitation regularization not only maintains but can even enhance task performance, especially in generalization to previously unseen initial conditions. The agent’s performance is compared to a baseline RL agent trained without skills, using low-level aircraft control actions. To evaluate behavioral similarity, the study uses trajectory-based metrics such as Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) and Frechet distance, as well as a qualitative study. Findings indicate that skill-based agents can effectively mimic local behaviors, such as sharp evasive turns, but struggle with imitating longer-term behavioral patterns. The study also highlights the sensitivity of skill-based approaches to hyperparameter choices