| 1. |
- Fredriksson, Anna, et al.
(author)
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An Interactive Visualization Tool for Collaborative Construction Logistics Planning—Creating a Sustainable Project Vicinity
- 2022
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In: Sustainability. - : MDPI. - 2071-1050. ; 14:24
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The intensity of urban development is presently high, creating a construction boom. The number of transports per project is a major consideration in urban goods transport and emissions from a project. Presently, the stakeholders take part in a “blame game” in assigning fault for the emissions from construction transport and the disturbances to society in the vicinity of construction sites. Incorporation of logistics into urban planning requires an increased understanding of the interaction between construction transport flows and urban land use, and the inclusion of different stakeholders. The purpose of the study is to support collaborative planning of construction transport in urban planning, and specifically to explore how a planning tool based on interactive visualization could be designed. An action research process has generated two prototypes of an interactive visualization tool for collaborative planning of construction transport. The prototype facilitates a “shared deliberation space” by identifying alternatives and assessing predicted consequences, which supports a collaborative urban planning process. Based on the research conducted, we claim that the responsibility of construction transport planning should be taken by the municipality, i.e., the urban planning and traffic planning functions. © 2022 by the authors.
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| 2. |
- Andersson, Kristina, et al.
(author)
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Geostängslade BK4-transporter vid bropassager och på tjälade vägar
- 2023
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Geofenced heavy trucks to protect bridges at crossings allowing higher weight on frozen roads Winter is our friend. When the road body is deep frozen it can handle more weight than during the rest of the year. However, the bridges are not affected by the cold weather, and they are therefore still vulnerable to increased loads. How can we allow increased loads on frozen roads while ensuring protection of the bridges? In this report, we share our insights from a project with the idea of using geofencing to protect the bridges. The geofencing technology ensures that the truck drives at a lower speed over the bridge and the bridge can withstand loads up to 74 tons since decreased speed reduces dynamic loads. If the road keeper can get guarantees that all heavy trucks drive at a low speed over the bridge, heavier traffic can be accommodated. This technology would of course also be beneficial to use across bridges in Europe regardless of the climate. ' The project “Frozen roads and 74 tons”, paid by the Swedish Transport Administration, consisted of three parts. One part was a pilot study during winter 22/23 demonstrating trucks from AB Volvo and Scania loaded with 74 tons using geofencing when the trucks passed over weak bridges. A speed limit, i.e. 50 km/h, was imposed in a zone around each bridge, whose coordinates were stored in the digital map accessible through the trucks’ Fleet Management System. Two different geofencing technologies were tested: on the one hand Scania’s system with “active” geofencing, where the truck was programmed to maintain the allowed speed over the bridge and calculated and implemented this itself (the driver could, however, override this by pushing the gas pedal to the floor); on the other hand AB Volvo’s system with “passive” geofencing, where the driver received a warning message when approaching the zone and would then slow down if necessary. The drivers were interviewed before and after the pilot about their experience. The results from the pilot showed that if the technology is verified, the truck will do the right thing and is on the right road network when the technology is activated. The drivers also liked geofencing. Geofences thus work in practice. The second part of the project was about quantifying the societal benefits of using geofencing. More efficient planning, control and follow-up can lower costs, reduce environmental impact, and increase traffic safety. Calculations in the project show that about 12 percent of timber transports in Norrland use frozen roads. They can benefit from the technology and if the technology is introduced, the industry would make savings of the equivalent of SEK 15 million / year and reduced energy use equivalent to 280 cubic meter diesel. At national level, this corresponds to an energy efficiency potential of 0.12 percent. The third part of the project was about policy and regulation. Can we use the current legislation, or do we need new legislation to scale the use of geofencing across bridges? How can we ensure compliance? How can we share data? How can we handle EU trade barriers? In the report, we have suggestions for policy and legislation to implement the geofencing technology to protect sensitive bridges. Our analysis shows that it is possible with today's regulations for an authority to introduce regulations on geofences. Such rules should preferably be based on functional requirements and a system of self-monitoring.
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| 3. |
- Assenhöj, Maria, et al.
(author)
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Protein interaction, monocyte toxicity and immunogenic properties of cerium oxide crystals with 5% or 14% gadolinium, cobalt oxide and iron oxide nanoparticles–an interdisciplinary approach
- 2021
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In: Nanotoxicology. - : Taylor and Francis Ltd.. - 1743-5390 .- 1743-5404. ; 15:8, s. 1035-1038
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Metal oxide nanoparticles are widely used in both consumer products and medical applications, but the knowledge regarding exposure-related health effects is limited. However, it is challenging to investigate nanoparticle interaction processes with biological systems. The overall aim of this project was to improve the possibility to predict exposure-related health effects of metal oxide nanoparticles through interdisciplinary collaboration by combining workflows from the pharmaceutical industry, nanomaterial sciences, and occupational medicine. Specific aims were to investigate nanoparticle-protein interactions and possible adverse immune reactions. Four different metal oxide nanoparticles; CeOx nanocrystals with 5% or 14% Gd, Co3O4, and Fe2O3, were characterized by dynamic light scattering and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Nanoparticle-binding proteins were identified and screened for HLA-binding peptides in silico. Monocyte interaction with nanoparticle–protein complexes was assessed in vitro. Herein, for the first time, immunogenic properties of nanoparticle-binding proteins have been characterized. The present study indicates that especially Co3O4-protein complexes can induce both ‘danger signals’, verified by the production of inflammatory cytokines and simultaneously bind autologous proteins, which can be presented as immunogenic epitopes by MHC class II. The clinical relevance of these findings should be further evaluated to investigate the role of metal oxide nanoparticles in the development of autoimmune disease. The general workflow identified experimental difficulties, such as nanoparticle aggregate formation and a lack of protein-free buffers suitable for particle characterization, protein analyses, as well as for cell studies. This confirms the importance of future interdisciplinary collaborations. © 2021 The Author(s).
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| 4. |
- Bellner, Lars, 1973, et al.
(author)
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A proinflammatory peptide from herpes simplex virus type 2 glycoprotein G affects neutrophil, monocyte, and NK cell functions
- 2005
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In: J Immunol. - : American Association of Immunologists. ; 174:4, s. 2235-2241
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We have identified a synthetic peptide derived from the secreted portion of HSV type 2 glycoprotein G, denoted gG-2p20, which has proinflammatory properties in vitro. The gG-2p20 peptide, corresponding to aa 190-205 of glycoprotein G-2, was a chemoattractant for both monocytes and neutrophils in a dose-dependent fashion, and also induced the release of reactive oxygen from these cells. The receptor mediating the responses was identified as the formyl peptide receptor. The gG-2p20-induced activation of phagocytes had a profound impact on NK cell functions. The reactive oxygen species produced by gG-2p20-activated phagocytes both inhibited NK cell cytotoxicity and accelerated the apoptotic cell death in NK cell-enriched lymphocyte populations. Hence, we have for the first time been able to identify a potential function of the secreted portion of HSV-2 glycoprotein G. We propose that the proinflammatory gG-2p20 peptide identified could contribute to a reduced function and viability of NK cells during HSV-2 infection due to its ability to recruit and activate phagocytic cells.
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| 5. |
- Boge, Lukas, et al.
(author)
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Freeze-dried and re-hydrated liquid crystalline nanoparticles stabilized with disaccharides for drug-delivery of the plectasin derivative AP114 antimicrobial peptide
- 2018
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In: Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 0021-9797 .- 1095-7103. ; 522, s. 126-135
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Liquid crystalline nanoparticles (LCNPs), e.g. cubosomes and hexosomes, are receiving more and more attraction as drug delivery vehicles. Dry powder formulation that forms LCNPs upon hydration can be advantageous to make new routes of administration accessible. In this work, we investigate use of three disaccharides (lactose, trehalose and sucrose) as protective matrices for glycerol monooleate based LCNP forming powders produced by freeze-drying. Phase behavior, particle size and size distributions at the different preparation steps were monitored by small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Particle appearance was imaged by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). Moreover, the therapeutic relevant antimicrobial peptide AP114 (plectasin derivative) was incorporated in the formulations. Peptide encapsulation and release as well as in vitro antibacterial effect were investigated. Results showed that all freeze-dried powders did form particles with liquid crystalline structure upon hydration. However, a phase transition from the bicontinuous cubic Pn3m to the reversed hexagonal was observed, as a consequence of sugar addition and the freeze-drying procedure. Data indicates that trehalose is the preferred choice of lyo-protectant in order to maintain a mono-modal particle size distribution. In addition, antimicrobial activity of AP114-containing formulations was found to be highest for the formulation containing trehalose. The release kinetics of AP114 from the nanoparticles was strongly affected by the dimensions of the hexagonal phase. Larger dimension of the hexagonal phase, significantly improved the release of AP114 and antimicrobial activity of the formulation.
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| 6. |
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| 7. |
- Bylund, Markus, et al.
(author)
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Exploring the importance of context parameters for service use in everyday situations
- 2004. - 1
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The work described herein focus on the impact of different context factors in short-term planning situations. We have investigated which services have been used to solve different tasks. The method used in the study was based on scenario descriptions. The participants reported how they would have acted in different situations and they also rated the importance of different context factors in different situations. Analyses were made that revealed relationships between context factors and services used by the participants of the study. A qualitative analysis was also conducted, with the aim to capture context factors not covered in the study design.
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| 8. |
- Dellve, Lotta, et al.
(author)
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Health care clinicians’ engagement in organizational redesign of care processes : Health care clinicians’ engagement in organizational redesign of care processes
- 2018
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In: Applied Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0003-6870. ; 68, s. 249-257
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Swedish health care system is reorienting towards horizontal organization for care processes. A main challenge is to engage health care clinicians in the process. The aim of this study was to assess engagement (i.e. attitudes and beliefs, the cognitive state and clinical engagement behaviour) among health care clinicians, and to investigate how engagement was related to work resources and demands during organizational redesign. A cohort study was conducted, using a questionnaire distributed to clinicians at five hospitals working with care process improvement approaches, two of them having implemented Lean production. The results show that kinds of engagement are interlinked and contribute to clinical engagement behaviour in quality of care and patient safety. Increased work resources have importance for engagements in organizational improvements, especially in top-down implementations. An extended work engagement model during organizational improvements in health care was supported. The model contributes to knowledge about how and when clinicians are mobilized to engage in organizational changes.
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Dellve, Lotta, 1965-, et al.
(author)
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Lean implementation approaches at different levels in Swedish hospitals : the importance for working conditions, worker engagement, health and performance
- 2014
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundSwedish healthcare organizations are investing heavily in internal reforms. Lean has been frequently used as an overall concept to improve care processes and decrease costs. Some evidence shows positive results, especially if work environment issues are considered in parallel with other desired outcomes. However, there are considerable difficulties in evaluating lean as a concept since its application and interpretation seem to vary widely. Further, like for other management concepts, lean outcomes crucially depend on the implementation process.Aim This program investigates implementations of lean and lean-like developments of processes of care, and how these affect the working conditions, health, and performance of healthcare employees. We also investigated organizational factors and conditions that mediated specific outcomes.MethodMixed method design: questionnaire to employees (n=880) and managers (n=320), qualitative interviews (n=55) and observations with follow up during three years. Five hospitals were selected, and within them five units that were connected by their flow of acute care patients, i.e. the emergency unit, the medical and surgical emergency ward (or ICU at small hospital) as well as one medical and one surgical ward. Initially we used qualitative-driven analyses and thereafter quantitative-driven mixed method analysis.ResultsThe implementation strategies varied between the hospitals and between the strategic and operative levels. Strategic managers also used different approaches to overcome the gap between strategic and operative levels. Operative managers shared similarities in their stepwise and coaching approaches encouraging participation among employees, but differences regarding how assignments were delegated. Social capital and attitudes among health care profession were of importance for employees’ work engagement and active engagement in development work.
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