| 1. |
- Iredahl, Fredrik, 1988-
(författare)
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Assessment of microvascular and metabolic responses in the skin
- 2016
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The general aim of this project was to develop experimental in vivo models that allow for minimally invasive investigations of responses in the skin to microvascular and metabolic provocations. The cutaneous microvasculature has emerged as a valuable model and been proposed to mirror the microcirculation in other organs. Dysfunction in the cutaneous microcirculation has thus been linked to systemic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Models for investigating skin responses could facilitate the understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms as well as effects of drugs.In the first study, three optical measurement techniques (laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF), laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) and tissue viability imaging (TiVi)) were compared against each other and showed differences in their ability to detect microvascular responses to provocations in the skin. TiVi was found more sensitive for measurement of noradrenaline-induced vasoconstriction, while LSCI was more sensitive for measurement of vascular occlusion. In the second study, microvascular responses in the skin to iontophoresis of vasoactive drugs were found to depend on the drug delivery protocol. Perfusion half-life was defined and used to describe the decay in the microvascular response to a drug after iontophoresis. In the third study, the role of nitric oxide (NO) was assessed during iontophoresis of insulin. The results showed a NO-dependent vasodilation in the skin by insulin. In the fourth study the vasoactive and metabolic effects of insulin were studied after both local and endogenous administration. Local delivery of insulin increased skin blood flow, paralleled by increased skin concentrations of interstitial pyruvate and lactate, although no change in glucose concentration was observed. An oral glucose load resulted in an increased insulin concentration in the skin paralleled by an increase in blood flow, as measured using the microdialysis urea clearance technique, although no changes in perfusion was measured by LSCI.The thesis concludes that when studying skin microvascular responses, the choice of measurement technique and the drug delivery protocol has an impact on the measurement results, and should therefore be carefully considered. The thesis also concludes that insulin has metabolic and vasodilatory effects in the skin both when administered locally and as an endogenous response to an oral glucose load. The vasodilatory effect of insulin in the skin is mediated by nitric oxide.
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| 2. |
- Nussipova, Gulnar, 1978-
(författare)
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Unpacking the Value of Emerging Technologies : Experimentation, Communication and Knowledge Brokering
- 2023
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- While many emerging technologies are making significant strides in the marketplace, others are developing at a slower pace. Historical experience has shown that their success can vary widely, from outright failure to becoming indispensable to daily life. The creation of value associated with emerging technologies has become a focal point for CEOs, business leaders, policymakers, and global forums such as the World Economic Forum. They actively explore opportunities for value creation using these technologies. Yet, the value of emerging technologies often remains uncertain since their adoption in new contexts and usage may deviate significantly from providers' intended use cases. The commercialization of emerging technologies presents a profound challenge due to the uncertain value and complex landscape of innovation.This thesis aims to investigate the processes that help unpack the value of emerging technologies to customers in a B2B context, with a focus on processes that recognize the evolving, dynamic nature of value. The thesis contends that co - creation processes help customers in unpacking the value of emerging technologies. Given the constantly evolving nature of emerging technologies, it is important to adopt a comprehensive perspective in order to fully comprehend their complex nature. In order to address the challenges presented by the uncertain value of emerging technologies in B2B settings, this thesis proposes a framework that focuses on three co-creation processes - experimentation, communication, and knowledge brokering - that may assist customers in unpacking the value of emerging technologies for their businesses. Finally, the thesis concludes with a discussion of its contributions, both theoretical and practical implications, and recommendations for further research.
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| 3. |
- Paulson, Fredrik, 1976-
(författare)
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Inclusion of sustainability aspects in product development at manufacturing companies
- 2018
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Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Due to current consumption and production patterns of products, pressure on already constrained natural resources, an increasing global population, increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and reduced access to clean water globally, studying manufacturing companies’ inclusion of sustainability aspects in their product development becomes important.The aim of this thesis is to expand current knowledge on the inclusion of sustainability aspects in product development at manufacturing companies. More specifically, the expansion of current knowledge covers how manufacturing companies include sustainability aspects in product development, the challenges manufacturing companies may face when including sustainability aspects in product development, and the reasons for these challenges.To fulfil this aim, a literature study and a multiple case study were conducted at two international, listed, manufacturing companies in Sweden. Empirical data was collected using semi-structured interviews with two employees at each company and by analyzing the companies’ latest sustainability report.Empirical results include two context-dependent descriptions of how manufacturing companies include sustainability aspects in product development, 21 challenges the companies face, and 14 reasons for those challenges.Conclusions include: (1) the role of conventional methods when including sustainability aspects in product development has been largely ignored in prior research; (2) a company’s product owner influences the inclusion of sustainability aspects in product development, and in product requirements in particular; (3) the following three challenges are proposed incorporated in a comprehensive framework of challenges that has been developed in prior research:Making suppliers fulfil the sustainability requirements that are placed on them. Transforming sustainability aspects, or general goals, into measurable requirements that contribute to reduced environmental impact from products while at the same time contributing to competitive profit.Identifying how to reach economic goals more efficiently with a more sustainable initiative or solution than other initiatives.
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| 4. |
- Andersson, David E.
(författare)
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The Emergence of Markets for Technology : Patent Transfers and Patenting in Sweden, 1819–1914
- 2016
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- This thesis is concerned with the emergence of markets for technology and studies the evolution of patent transfers and its determinants, patent agencies and independent versus firm patenting in Sweden during the 19th century and the turn of 20th century. It explores how and why markets for technology emerge and under what circumstances by investigating the evolution of Swedish patent legislation and the patterns of patent transfers between individuals and firms. It presents a three-pronged framework studying: structure and actors, technology and transactions.Using a new and unique database covering every Swedish privilege and patent over the 1819–1914 period the empirical analysis reveals that although the transferability of intellectual property goes all the way back to the 18th century patent transfers did not start to increase significantly until the first modern Swedish patent law was passed in 1884. Along with the new law a market for patenting services also emerged where actors such as patent agents and the firms they founded, patent agencies, functioned as intermediaries in the market for patents and international networks of patenting. A few older patent agencies managed to create an oligopolistic setting where they introduced price controls through special interest groups.The thesis also questions the current dichotomous classification of independent and firm patenting. The methodological contribution lies in showing that research that depend too much on patent statistics run the risk of underestimating the importance of the firm when patents granted to individuals actually cover inventive activities that has taken place inside the boundaries of firms.Finally, the study shows that special marketplaces for the sale of patented and unpatented technology were created to help inventors find buyers and financiers for their invention and to help firms find new technology. The patent law of 1884 made it possible to trade in several submarkets of technology where the right to patent a certain invention could be bought, ideas could be financed, pending patent applications or the priority right to foreign markets could be bought and sold.The results lend support to the research emphasizing the role of intellectual property as a disclosure and diffusion mechanism for new technology.
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| 5. |
- Fransén, Jian, 1986-
(författare)
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Large data and machine learning in analysis, diagnostics, and clinical decision making: applications in the treatment of burn injury
- 2023
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Burn injury is a common trauma globally. Large burns require fluid resuscitation, infection control, and specialized intensive care. The size of the burn and infections caused by resistant microbes are correlated to mortality, and accurate mortality predictions are important. Errors are common when diagnosing burn depth, but early diagnosis is necessary to make correct surgical decisions. Machine learning (ML) is a set of mathematical algorithms with self-learning capabilities, which might make them suitable for medical applications.This thesis explores systematic large data analysis and ML algorithms for clinical applications in burn treatment by examining antibiotic resistance, improving mortality predictions, and automating diagnosis of burn depth.Paper I aims to find relevant trends and correlations on clinical outcomes such as mortality, microbial distribution, and antibiotic resistance from pooled data from a burn center. Data from 1570 patients and 15,006 microbiology cultures were systematically analyzed. Our results show a sustained low risk of harmful microbes, resistance, and a suggested low mortality rate.Paper II used clinical biomarkers from burn patients to train ML algorithms to predict mortality and compare it with Baux scores. When applying five types of ML algorithms, it showed no significant difference in mortality prediction compared with Baux scores.Paper III examines convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithms for two purposes. One to segment a burn wound and the other to classify whole wound images for surgery or conservative treatment. A total of 1105 diverse images were collected from patients at admission to burn centers in Sweden and South Africa. The algorithm was adequate for segmenting burn wounds and could be improved when categorizing images for surgery or conservative treatment.Paper IV further assesses CNN to automatically segment and diagnose a diverse set of early burn images for deep or superficial burn injury. A total of 1004 images were included. The algorithm proved adequate in segmenting superficial injuries but not deep injuries and performed similarly between darker and lighter skin patients.Future studies might incorporate infection variables in ML mortality predictions and larger sample sizes. Regarding automated burn image diagnosis, including multiple non-image variables might improve usability.
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| 6. |
- Ghaviha, Nima, 1987-
(författare)
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Energy Optimal Operation of Electric Trains : Development of a Driver Advisory System
- 2016
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Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The electric traction system used in trains is the most energy efficient traction system in the transportation sector. Moreover, it has the least NOx and CO2 emissions in comparison to other transportation systems (e.g. busses, passenger cars, airplanes, etc.). On the other hand, they are extremely expensive, mainly due to high installation and maintenance cost of the catenary system, including e.g. overhead lines and substations. Consequently, the share of electrified lines is only slightly higher than non-electrified lines. For instance in Europe, 60% of the railway networks are electrified, and the percentage is much lower in other continents. Battery driven trains are a new generation of electric trains that can overcome such high costs while keeping CO2 emissions and energy consumption low.At the moment, there are only two battery driven electric trains developed and both of the trains are passenger electric multiple units (EMUs). An EMU is an electric train with a traction system in more than one wagon, in contrast to loco-haul electric trains which have a traction system in one wagon only. Energy management during the operation of battery driven trains is a crucial task, as energy optimal operation of trains considering the optimal use of batteries can increase both the operating time and the lifetime of batteries. Energy efficient train operation is realized using driver advisory systems (DAS) that instructs drivers on how to drive trains for minimum energy consumption. The aim of this research is to propose an algorithm for speed profile optimization of both EMUs and battery driven EMUs. The desired algorithm should be suitable as a core component for an online DAS with short response time.Several approaches are proposed in the literature for speed profile optimization of electric trains, and a few of these have been proposed for speed profile optimization of battery driven electric trains. The trains modeled in almost all of the approaches are trains using a notch system for controlling tractive effort. The proposed solution in this research project is to use discrete dynamic programming (DP) to find the optimum speed profile. The application of DP is studied for speed profile optimization of EMUs with a notch system as well as EMUs with a smooth gliding handle for controlling tractive effort. The problem is solved for both normal EMUs and battery driven EMUs.The results of this research show that DP can provide accurate results in a reasonably short time. Moreover, the proposed algorithm can be used as a base for a DAS with fast response time (real-time).
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| 7. |
- Isacson, Daniel
(författare)
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Treatment of Acute Uncomplicated Colonic Diverticulitis
- 2018
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The overall aim of this thesis was to evaluate the clinical management of AUD with regard to the no-antibiotic policy and its long-term effect, treatment on an outpatient basis and the potential health-care cost savingsStudy I: a retrospective study at Västmanlands Hospital that evaluated and confirmed the adherence to the no-antibiotic policy in patients with AUD and its safety regarding complications and recurrences. A total of 246 patients with acute diverticulitis were identified, of which 195 had computed tomography (CT) confirmed AUD. In total, 91.3% of these patients did not receive any antibiotics and only two developed complications.Study II: a retrospective study with the aim to conduct a long-term follow-up of all Swedish patients who participated in the AVOD trial in terms of recurrences, complications, surgery and quality of life. The medical records of 96% of the patients were reviewed with a mean follow up of 11 years. Quality of life questionnaires were sent out to all patients. There were no differences regarding the rates of recurrence, complications or surgery for diverticulitis. There were no differences in the quality of life between groups according to the EQ-5D questionnaire.Study III: a prospective study where 155 patients with CT-verified AUD as were treated as outpatients without antibiotics. On day 3, patients reported an average pain score of 1.8 of 10 on the VAS scale and only 30% of patients were using analgesia. Four patients returned to hospital because of treatment failure.Study IV: a retrospective cohort study at Västmanland’s Hospital evaluated the impact on admissions, complication rates and health-care costs of the policy of outpatient treatment without using antibiotics. Medical records of all patients diagnosed with AUD in the year before (2011) and after (2014) the implementation of outpatient management without antibiotics were reviewed. Overall 494 episodes of AUD were identified: 254 in 2011 and 240 in 2014. Three patients developed complications in 2011 and four in 2014. The proportion of patients managed as outpatients was 20% in 2011 compared with 61% in 2014. The hospital admissions, total length of stay of and total health-care costs were almost halved.In conclusion, these studies confirm the low complication and recurrence rates of AUD and strengthens findings that antibiotics have no benefit in the treatment of this disease. The no-antibiotic policy had no impact on short- or long-term outcomes regarding the rates of recurrence, complications, surgery or quality of life. Outpatient management was found to be feasible and safe, and significantly reduced admissions, which led to large health-care cost savings.
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| 8. |
- Khajavizadeh, Lida, 1978-
(författare)
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Materials Design for the Improvement of SiC Field Effect Gas Sensor performance in High Temperature Process Control applications
- 2023
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Following growing concerns about the effect these last decades of accelerating energy consumption, escalating use of natural (not the least fossil) resources, and waste generation has had on earth’s climate, human health, and the environment, industry is facing mounting pressure to increase the energy-, resource-, and cost-efficiency of both processes and products while drastically reducing pollutant emissions. In response, industry is, besides increasing their utilization of renewable energy and introducing new bio-based products, taking advantage of the rapid development in 5G technology and associated wireless interconnectivity to move towards full automation of production processes and facilities. With the ability to connect and collect information from a large number of instruments and process steps as well as to analyse huge amounts of multi-dimensional data, entire production lines can be automatically controlled and/or adapted, e.g., through the application of machine learning, for optimized efficiency and minimized greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions. In order to fully benefit from this so-called 4th industrial revolution and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), however, access to cost-efficient and long-term reliable means for measuring various process parameters in multiple locations is required.The basis for this thesis is therefore the characterization of silicon carbide-based Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET) gas sensors for their applicability in real-time monitoring of process gases/ gas mixtures and pollutant emissions in high-temperature applications, e.g., control of flue gas/ exhaust after-treatment systems, as well as investigations performed to gain a better understanding of the corresponding sensing mechanisms and to improve sensor performance in terms of e.g., long-term reliability.Besides demonstrating the general applicability of SiC MOSFET gas sensors in ammonia (NH3) slip detection and control of Selective Catalytic Reduction and similar flue gas/ exhaust emissions abatement systems to minimize the release of nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere from the energy production and transport sectors, sensors for the selective monitoring of nitrogen oxides with negligible interference from (sensitivity/ cross-sensitivity to) ammonia have been developed. Through variation of the gold/ iridium composition of the MOSFET gate contact, the interaction of which with gaseous substances in the ambient determines the sensor signal, sensors selective to ammonia and nitrogen oxides (NOx; NO and NO2), respectively, could be developed. Furthermore, as both sensor-types exhibit decent sensitivity to the respective substance over a common temperature interval, the realization of simultaneous NH3 and NOx monitoring with one and the same sensor probe would be facilitated. In relating the sensor response under different conditions to the composition and micro- (/nano-) structure of the gate contact material another piece in the puzzle towards an understanding of the ammonia sensing mechanism of field effect sensor devices could also be obtained.Through the investigation of co-deposited platinum group metals/ metal oxides in different ratios it was also shown possible to improve the long-term stability of carbon monoxide (CO) sensors intended for emissions monitoring and combustion control in industrial processes. Both the materials composition and structure were thereby evaluated and their effect on other important sensor parameters, e.g., sensitivity and temperature dependence, analysed. To further improve sensitivity and selectivity of CO as well as NH3 sensors for combustion control and ammonia slip monitoring applications, respectively, the sensor characteristics were also studied under different ambient conditions, e.g., variations in oxygen concentration, and related to the microstructure of the deposited gate materials. From the simultaneous tuning of film structure and operating temperatures, the selectivity could be enhanced for both the CO and NH3 sensors.In summary, the obtained research results from this thesis work have contributed to a further understanding of the sensing mechanisms of silicon carbide-based MOSFET sensors for CO, NOx, and NH3 monitoring and through the tuning of materials properties and sensor operation parameters generated improvements in sensor reliability, sensitivity, and selectivity of importance to the further realization of sensors for process control and emissions reduction applications.
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| 9. |
- Matz, Henrik, 1967-
(författare)
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Begreppet domstol i EU-rätten : En studie av domstolsbegreppet i bestämmelserna om förhandsavgörande
- 2010
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Begreppet domstol i EU-rätten. En studie av domstolsbegreppet i bestämmelserna om förhandsavgörande. The concept court or tribunal in EU law. A study of the concept court or tribunal in the preliminary rulings procedure. This thesis deals with the concept of court or tribunal in article 267 of the Treaty of the functioning of the European Union. According to this article, the Court of Justice has jurisdiction to give preliminary rulings concerning the interpretation and the validity of EU law at the request of courts or tribunals of the member states. The concept of court or tribunal has been interpreted by the Court of Justice for about 50 years. In recent years, the Court of Justice has settled several important questions concerning the interpretation. At the same time, different aspects of the concept have become increasingly disputed. It is settled case-law that in order to determine whether a body making a reference is a court or tribunal for the purpose of article 267 of the Treaty, which is a question governed by union law alone, the Court of Justice takes account of a number of factors, such as whether the body is established by law, whether it is permanent and whether it is independent. Moreover, a national court may only refer a question to the Court of Justice if it has a judicial function. The intention in this thesis is to examine the case law of the Court of Justice in this field. The contents and function of the factors or criteria as well as the functional aspect of the concept are analysed in depth. The situation as regards some Swedish organs is also dealt with. The way the Court of Justice makes a demarcation between national public bodies with judicial functions and private judicial bodies, such as arbitration boards, is analysed. Further, the doctrine of separation of powers is used as a starting point for the analysis of the other basic demarcation, viz. that between public administrative authorities on one hand and courts or tribunals on the other. In addition to this, several other matters are discussed, such as whether the interpretation made by the Court of Justice matches the underlying purpose of the preliminary rulings procedure and whether, as asserted by an Advocate General, case-law is suffering from legal uncertainty. The proposal put forward by the same Advocate General for a reformed interpretation, which is more in co-ordination with the national judiciaries, is also discussed.
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| 10. |
- Ottosson, Mikael
(författare)
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Opposition and adjustment to industrial ‘greening’ : the Swedish forest industry’s (re)actions regarding energy transition – 1989-2009
- 2011
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- This thesis analyses how the Swedish forest industry has (re)acted regarding the energy transition and, in particular, regarding the reconstruction of the electricity and forest resources in Sweden during the 1989–2009 period. The thesis consists of four papers that analyse how the Swedish forest industry by means of energy management practices at individual pulp and/or paper mills, in corporate strategies performed by CEOs and boards of directors, and via its industry association, has dealt with mounting political and public demands for the industry to become ‘greener’. At the heart of the thesis are issues related to the industry’s substantial use and management of electricity and forest resources.This thesis focuses on the patterns of conflict and reconstruction that various forest industry representatives (e.g., CEOs) and entities (e.g., mills and resources) have experienced in relation to opposing and/or adjusting to the energy transition. The Swedish forest industry constitutes an illuminating case in a wider research context of how an industry (re)acts regarding increasing environmental and energy-related demands concerning its strategic resources. By using multidisciplinary theoretical concepts when analysing industrial change, this thesis demonstrates the industry’s wider embeddedness in science, policy, and material resources.
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