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- Ingelsson, Erik, et al.
(författare)
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Detailed Physiologic Characterization Reveals Diverse Mechanisms for Novel Genetic Loci Regulating Glucose and Insulin Metabolism in Humans
- 2010
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Ingår i: Diabetes. - 0012-1797 .- 1939-327X. ; 59:5, s. 1266-1275
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE-Recent genome-wide association studies have revealed loci associated with glucose and insulin-related traits. We aimed to characterize 19 such loci using detailed measures of insulin processing, secretion, and sensitivity to help elucidate their role in regulation of glucose control, insulin secretion and/or action. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS-We investigated associations of loci identified by the Meta-Analyses of Glucose and Insulin-related traits Consortium (MAGIC) with circulating proinsulin, measures of insulin secretion and sensitivity from oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs), euglycemic clamps, insulin suppression tests, or frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance tests in nondiabetic humans (n = 29,084). RESULTS-The glucose-raising allele in MADD was associated with abnormal insulin processing (a dramatic effect on higher proinsulin levels, but no association with insulinogenic index) at extremely persuasive levels of statistical significance (P = 2.1 x 10(-71)). Defects in insulin processing and insulin secretion were seen in glucose-raising allele carriers at TCF7L2, SCL30A8, GIPR, and C2CD4B. Abnormalities in early insulin secretion were suggested in glucose-raising allele carriers at MTNR1B, GCK, FADS1, DGKB, and PROX1 (lower insulinogenic index; no association with proinsulin or insulin sensitivity). Two loci previously associated with fasting insulin (GCKR and IGF1) were associated with OGTT-derived insulin sensitivity indices in a consistent direction. CONCLUSIONS-Genetic loci identified through their effect on hyperglycemia and/or hyperinsulinemia demonstrate considerable heterogeneity in associations with measures of insulin processing, secretion, and sensitivity. Our findings emphasize the importance of detailed physiological characterization of such loci for improved understanding of pathways associated with alterations in glucose homeostasis and eventually type 2 diabetes. Diabetes 59:1266-1275, 2010
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- Femenias, Paula, 1966, et al.
(författare)
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Improving the market up-take of energy producing solar shading: A communication model to discuss preferences for architectural integration across different professions
- 2017
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Ingår i: Proceedings of th9th Nordic Conference on Construction Economics and Organization, 13-14 June, 2017 at Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, SWEDEN. ; , s. 140-151
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Electricity producing solar shading provides possibilities for a combined solution for solar shading andbuilding integrated locally produced energy from renewable sources. The multi-functionality of theseproducts calls for collaboration between a range of actors from manufacturers, clients, architects,engineers, and contractors. Two major challenges for the increased up-take of the technology has beenidentified and is dealt with in a transdisciplinary research project, called ELSA, involving industry andacademic institutions. First, the successful architectural integration of solar shading in terms of form,size, colour, detailing etc. in relation to the overall building design will be decisive in order to persuadearchitects. Second, the development of these multi-functional products to reach functional, technical,economic and aesthetical qualities is dependent upon communication between different professions.As a means to initiate a dialogue between the different professional groups taking part in the ELSAproject, a model, the AIQ-model (Architectural Integration Qualities), to assess preferences forarchitectural integration of energy producing solar shading was developed and tested in a workshop.The results indicate a large consensus across different professional groups when assessing successfularchitectural integrations. Consequently, discrepancies in aesthetic appraisal of energy producing solarshading should not be the main hindrance for a broader implementation of such solutions. The challengerather lies in that architectural integration qualities will concur with other important aspects of themulti-functional solution, and not all professional groups will put architectural integration qualitiesabove other functions. The workshop shows that the AIQ model serves its function to initiate and tofocus discussions. The value of group discussions to reach consensus was also observed. The AIQmodel provide definitions to clarify the judgment base behind aesthetic assessments that wasappreciated but all groups but most easily applied by the architects. The model should be furtherdeveloped to include also other aspects than aesthetics.
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- Femenias, Paula, 1966, et al.
(författare)
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Improving the Market Up-take of Energy Producing Solar Shading: Experiences from Three Cases of Retrofit
- 2017
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Ingår i: Proceedings from the World Sustainable Built Environment Conference 2017 Hong Kong 5-7 June. ; , s. 682-688
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The paper presents the test of a multi-value framework for the evaluation of energy producing solar shading on three cases of Swedish retrofitting projects. The evaluation framework was developed in collaboration between academics and industry partners in a transdisciplinary research project and considers: energy production, indoor environment and comfort, visibility and communication, aesthetics, design and process, and maintenance and repair. Results show that the model even though having few criteria gives a general and comprehensive feed-back about the outcomes, challenges and success of the projects. None of the projects scores high in all aspects,instead they exemplify different approaches to energy producing solar shading. All three have shading and low maintenance as important criteria for design. Furthermore, the availability of subsidies to add solar energy production to the shading has been decisive for choosing that solution. Case 1 has had energy production as an important driver and no architect was involved while in Case 3, being a listed building, aesthetics has been crucial.Case 2 shows a way forward with a good collaboration between the actors and a compromise between shading,energy production and aesthetics which respect the original design.
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- Haegermark, Maria, 1984, et al.
(författare)
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Profitability of Solar Photovoltaic Rooftop Systems in Buildings with Medium Sized Loads
- 2017
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Ingår i: Proceedings of the 11th ISES Eurosun 2016 Conference. - Freiburg, Germany : International Solar Energy Society. - 9783981465969 ; , s. 1218-1227
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- In Sweden, it is generally most feasible to install solar photovoltaics (PV) primarily for self-consumption, as long as there either is a large enough load when the sun shines or that over-generation is generously compensated. Currently there are two support schemes for PV: a capital subsidy and a tax rebate for grid feed-ins. However, the latter is not available for systems above.1.00A, thus making self-consumption highly important for these systems. This paper studies the profitability of systems connected to loads from 100 to 700 MWh, most of them above 100A. In particular, it compares multi-family buildings to other building types. Analyses were based on measured electricity use matched to simulated PV yield and current market conditions. Calculations were conducted with and without consideration of existing roofs. In general, the supply points in multi-family buildings had less favorable load profiles than the ones in other buildings, which resulted in lower self-sufficiencies as well as relatively lower profitability and smaller system sizes. The support schemes turned out to be crucial for the profitability in most cases, but not all. For supply points in other building types with loads above 300 MWh profitable systems were found also without a subsidy. Taking areas and orientations of existing roofs into consideration drastically decreased the share of profitable systems.
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- Kovács, Gyöngyi, et al.
(författare)
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Gender mainstreaming in humanitarian purchasing
- 2011
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Ingår i: Gender, peace and development.
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Abstract in UndeterminedIn the humanitarian context, gender mediates access to aid. The gender of the beneficiary is not only intrinsically linked with her/his disaster vulnerability (Enarson, 2002), but also to their ability to physically access aid distribution points (Lutz and Gady, 2004) and even to be considered a beneficiary in the first place. There is, however, yet another factor mitigating an individual’s access to aid: namely the humanitarian organization and its workers (Kovács and Tatham, 2009).Particularly in the case of purchasing within humanitarian organizations, it is both the mainstreaming of gender among purchasers and as well as the use of the purchasing function itself to empower women that deserve attention. In relation to the latter, humanitarian organizations have frequently adopted a strategy aimed at increasing the income, skills and influence of women in local communities by purchasing from them (UNOPS, 2010). In case of former, the gender of the purchaser has been linked to the quality of decision-making in, for example, deciding what products to buy and distribute to beneficiaries (Min et al., 1995). In particular, the gender of the decision maker affects their awareness of gender specific needs, and there is ample evidence of the wrong items being bought and of the needs of female beneficiaries not being considered sufficiently well in purchasing decisions. Examples of such failings include the provision of tents for refugee/IDP camps made of transparent materials that made it possible to detect females who were alone and, thus, exposed them to sexual violence; or the absence of hygiene items for females. Purchasing decisions are, thus, linked to the safety and hygiene, health and wellbeing the beneficiaries.Gender is, therefore, an important aspect that purchasers in the humanitarian context need to consider - and yet it is an area of current practice that has frequently been overlooked. However, this is less surprising when one considers the gender ratios of purchasing decision-makers which, in the humanitarian context, can range from 70:30 up to 90:10 male to female. Thus, although gender mainstreaming is undoubtedly on the agenda of many humanitarian organizations, there is clear evidence that this strategic aim yet to be implemented in the area of purchasing. The aim of this research is, therefore, to improve the situation of beneficiaries through diverse and more gender-aware purchasing decisions.
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- Kovács, Gyöngyi, et al.
(författare)
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Practices in the wine supply chain
- 2015
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Ingår i: NOFOMA 2015. - Molde : Molde University College. - 9788279622079
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: The low level of supply chain maturity and the lack of industry best practices in wine supply chains are stated to be some of the biggest challenges for this industry. The aim of this paper is, therefore, to explore practices in the wine supply chain, and to evaluate a framework of supply chain practices through a multiple case study.Design/methodology/approach: A multiple case study approach is used, through which the case of a multi-national wine producer is compared to the supply chains of small Australian winemakers.Findings: The findings corroborate that performance, while highlighted in production and the quality of the product, is less in focus in terms of efficiency and effectiveness in the supply chain. The wine supply chain is very manufacturing and marketing-focused, with distribution supporting these activities. The case study shows that supply chain practices such as customer orientation, process integration and visibility are key to the wine supply chain, albeit they are not discussed in supply chain terms.Research limitations/implications (if applicable): The research indicates the link between supply chain practice and performance, yet the directionality of this link remains to be established.Practical implications: Wine researchers have called for more research in supply chain management. This paper aims to fill this gap and in addition provide practitioners with practice examples.Original/value: This paper is a first evaluation of a conceptual framework on supply chain practices in the wine supply chain. This framework is very useful for eliciting current practices but also for benchmarking with other companies in the wine industry.
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- Kovacs, Peter, et al.
(författare)
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Comparison of five approaches to solar assisted cooling
- 2009
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Ingår i: 29th Biennial Solar World Congress of the International Solar Energy Society, ISES 2009; Johannesburg; South Africa; 11 October 2009 through 14 October 2009. - 9781617388521 ; 1, s. 423-430
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Numerous different options are available for cooling buildings using solar energy. In this theoretical study, which is also a pre study for a pilot installation, five generic technologies are compared: 1. Conventional compressor chiller fed by electricity from PV panels 2. Absorption chiller fed by a combination of medium temperature solar heat and district heating 3. Absorption chiller fed by a combination of low to medium temperature solar heat and district heating 4. Evaporative cooling (tower) fed by electricity from PV panels 5. Desiccant cooling fed by medium temperature solar heat and district heating The financial viability of each technology will essentially depend on competing supply energy tariffs, local climate, time distribution of cooling loads, the internal cooling distribution system, subsidy levels and expected operational costs. Furthermore, the buyers' choice of a system will also be affected by the fact that the technologies are in different stages of maturity. From the point of view of the district heating provider potential impact on the heating network is also of great interest. The study compares the five technologies in the light of these different aspects. The paper describes the method in more detail as well as the results of the study. The best overall conditions were found for a combination of PV powered conventional chillers which, according to calculations have a significantly lower LCC than the reference district cooling, even if subsidies are not taken into account. The concept based on free cooling from a wet cooling tower powered by PV has a much lower cost than the chiller, but the technical feasibility of this new and very energy efficient technology is not yet considered to be proven. Results from the economical analysis of solar assisted district heating powered comfort cooling varies within a wide range depending on the tariff applied for the district heat.
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