| 1. |
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| 2. |
- Abdalla, H., et al.
(författare)
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Sensitivity of the Cherenkov Telescope Array for probing cosmology and fundamental physics with gamma-ray propagation
- 2021
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Ingår i: Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics. - : Institute of Physics Publishing (IOPP). - 1475-7516. ; :2
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA), the new-generation ground-based observatory for gamma-ray astronomy, provides unique capabilities to address significant open questions in astrophysics, cosmology, and fundamental physics. We study some of the salient areas of gamma-ray cosmology that can be explored as part of the Key Science Projects of CTA, through simulated observations of active galactic nuclei (AGN) and of their relativistic jets. Observations of AGN with CTA will enable a measurement of gamma-ray absorption on the extragalactic background light with a statistical uncertainty below 15% up to a redshift z = 2 and to constrain or detect gamma-ray halos up to intergalactic-magnetic-field strengths of at least 0.3 pG. Extragalactic observations with CTA also show promising potential to probe physics beyond the Standard Model. The best limits on Lorentz invariance violation from gamma-ray astronomy will be improved by a factor of at least two to three. CTA will also probe the parameter space in which axion-like particles could constitute a significant fraction, if not all, of dark matter. We conclude on the synergies between CTA and other upcoming facilities that will foster the growth of gamma-ray cosmology.
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| 3. |
- Al Kharusi, S., et al.
(författare)
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SNEWS 2.0 : a next-generation supernova early warning system for multi-messenger astronomy
- 2021
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Ingår i: New Journal of Physics. - : IOP Publishing. - 1367-2630. ; 23:3
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- The next core-collapse supernova in the Milky Way or its satellites will represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to obtain detailed information about the explosion of a star and provide significant scientific insight for a variety of fields because of the extreme conditions found within. Supernovae in our galaxy are not only rare on a human timescale but also happen at unscheduled times, so it is crucial to be ready and use all available instruments to capture all possible information from the event. The first indication of a potential stellar explosion will be the arrival of a bright burst of neutrinos. Its observation by multiple detectors worldwide can provide an early warning for the subsequent electromagnetic fireworks, as well as signal to other detectors with significant backgrounds so they can store their recent data. The supernova early warning system (SNEWS) has been operating as a simple coincidence between neutrino experiments in automated mode since 2005. In the current era of multi-messenger astronomy there are new opportunities for SNEWS to optimize sensitivity to science from the next galactic supernova beyond the simple early alert. This document is the product of a workshop in June 2019 towards design of SNEWS 2.0, an upgraded SNEWS with enhanced capabilities exploiting the unique advantages of prompt neutrino detection to maximize the science gained from such a valuable event.
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| 4. |
- Terracciano, A, et al.
(författare)
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National character does not reflect mean personality trait levels in 49 cultures
- 2005
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Ingår i: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 1095-9203 .- 0036-8075. ; 310:5745, s. 96-100
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Most people hold beliefs about personality characteristics typical of members of their own and others' cultures. These perceptions of national character may be generalizations from personal experience, stereotypes with a "kernel of truth," or inaccurate stereotypes. We obtained national character ratings of 3989 people from 49 cultures and compared them with the average personality scores of culture members assessed by observer ratings and self-reports. National character ratings were reliable but did not converge with assessed traits. Perceptions of national character thus appear to be unfounded stereotypes that may serve the function of maintaining a national identity.
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| 5. |
- Halim, Jhoorhanah A., et al.
(författare)
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Non-invasive Digital Refractometer to Measure Maturation of Climacteric Fruits
- 2023
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Ingår i: ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development. - : University of Brunei Darussalam. - 0217-5460 .- 2224-9028. ; 40:3, s. 167-173
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Sugar content is a superior quality indicator for the post-harvesting and ripening status of climacteric fruits. Total soluble solids (TSS) represented by ∘Brix index is a measure of the sugar content. The conventional way to measure TSS is by invasive (IN) technique using manual or digital refractometers. While non-invasive (NIN) infrared refractometer devices have been developed in recent years for various agricultural and food science applications, its accuracy to measure fruit TSS directly is not straightforward, as the device is only dedicated to uses for a specific fruit. This study aims to investigate the suitability of the use of a non-invasive refractometer to measure TSS directly for some post harvested fruits. For comparison, a conventional invasive digital refractometer was also used. Red apples and green apples were used as a reference, while tests were done on bananas, mangos, red pears, golden pears and sapodillas. Among the fruit samples, red pear is the only fruit whose TSS can be measured using the non-invasive refractometer accurately, whereas the device is not suitable for the other fruits due to the significant percentage error and inapplicable corrective calibration value which may lead to a limited prediction of TSS content values.
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| 6. |
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| 7. |
- Leymarie, N., et al.
(författare)
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Interlaboratory Study on Differential Analysis of Protein Glycosylation by Mass Spectrometry: The ABRF Glycoprotein Research Multi-Institutional Study 2012
- 2013
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Ingår i: Molecular & Cellular Proteomics. - 1535-9476. ; 12:10, s. 2935-2951
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- One of the principal goals of glycoprotein research is to correlate glycan structure and function. Such correlation is necessary in order for one to understand the mechanisms whereby glycoprotein structure elaborates the functions of myriad proteins. The accurate comparison of glycoforms and quantification of glycosites are essential steps in this direction. Mass spectrometry has emerged as a powerful analytical technique in the field of glycoprotein characterization. Its sensitivity, high dynamic range, and mass accuracy provide both quantitative and sequence/structural information. As part of the 2012 ABRF Glycoprotein Research Group study, we explored the use of mass spectrometry and ancillary methodologies to characterize the glycoforms of two sources of human prostate specific antigen (PSA). PSA is used as a tumor marker for prostate cancer, with increasing blood levels used to distinguish between normal and cancer states. The glycans on PSA are believed to be biantennary N-linked, and it has been observed that prostate cancer tissues and cell lines contain more antennae than their benign counterparts. Thus, the ability to quantify differences in glycosylation associated with cancer has the potential to positively impact the use of PSA as a biomarker. We studied standard peptide-based proteomics/glycomics methodologies, including LC-MS/MS for peptide/glycopeptide sequencing and label-free approaches for differential quantification. We performed an interlaboratory study to determine the ability of different laboratories to correctly characterize the differences between glycoforms from two different sources using mass spectrometry methods. We used clustering analysis and ancillary statistical data treatment on the data sets submitted by participating laboratories to obtain a consensus of the glycoforms and abundances. The results demonstrate the relative strengths and weaknesses of top-down glycoproteomics, bottom-up glycoproteomics, and glycomics methods. T6G 2G2, Canada. [Cipollo, John F.; An, Yanming] US FDA, Ctr Biol Evaluat & Res, Bethesda, MD 20993 USA. [Desaire, Heather; Go, Eden P.] Univ Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045 USA. [Goldman, Radoslav; Pompach, Petr; Sanda, Miloslav] Georgetown Univ, Dept Oncol, Washington, DC [Halim, Adnan; Larson, Goran; Nilsson, Jonas] Univ Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Acad, Dept Clin Chem & [Hensbergen, Paul J.; Wuhrer, Manfred] Leiden Univ, Med Ctr, Biomol Mass Spectrometry Unit, NL- [Jabs, Wolfgang; Marx, Kristina; Resemann, Anja; Schweiger-Hufnagel, Ulrike; Suckau, Detlev] Bruker [Ly, Mellisa; Staples, Gregory O.] Agilent Technol, Agilent Labs, Santa Clara, CA 95051 USA. [Mechref, Yehia; Song, Ehwang] Texas Tech Univ, Dept Chem & Biochem, Lubbock, TX 79409 USA. [Nyalwidhe, Julius O.; Watson, Megan] Eastern Virginia Med Sch, Leroy T Canoles Jr Canc Res Ctr, Dept [Packer, Nicolle H.; Thaysen-Andersen, Morten] Macquarie Univ, Dept Chem & Biomol Sci, Biomol [Sihlbom, Carina] Gothenburg Univ, Prote Core Facil, Gothenburg, Sweden. [Tang, Haixu] Indiana Univ, Sch Informat, Bloomington, IN 47405 USA. [Valmuv, Leena] Finnish Red Cross Blood Serv, Helsinki 00310, Finland. [Wada, Yoshinao] Osaka Med Ctr Maternal & Child Hlth, Res Inst, Izumi Ku, Osaka 5941101, Japan.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- Andrady, Anthony, et al.
(författare)
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Environmental effects of ozone depletion and its interactions with climate change: Progress report, 2016
- 2017
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Ingår i: Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1474-9092 .- 1474-905X. ; 16:2, s. 107-145
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Parties to the Montreal Protocol are informed by three Panels of experts. One of these is the Environmental Effects Assessment Panel (EEAP), which deals with two focal issues. The first focus is the effects of UV radiation on human health, animals, plants, biogeochemistry, air quality, and materials. The second focus is on interactions between UV radiation and global climate change and how these may affect humans and the environment. When considering the effects of climate change, it has become clear that processes resulting in changes in stratospheric ozone are more complex than previously believed. As a result of this, human health and environmental issues will be longer-lasting and more regionally variable. Like the other Panels, the EEAPproduces a detailed report every four years; the most recent was published as a series of seven papers in 2015 (Photochem. Photobiol. Sci., 2015, 14, 1–184). In the years in between, the EEAP produces less detailed and shorter Progress Reports of the relevant scientific findings. The most recent of these was for 2015 (Photochem. Photobiol. Sci., 2016, 15, 141–147). The present Progress Report for 2016 assesses some of the highlights and new insights with regard to the interactive nature of the direct and indirect effects of UV radiation, atmospheric processes, and climate change. The more detailed Quadrennial Assessment will bemade available in 2018.
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| 10. |
- Halim, Sharif A., et al.
(författare)
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Frequency, clinical and angiographic characteristics, and outcomes of high-risk non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes patients with left circumflex culprit lesions
- 2016
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Ingår i: International Journal of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0167-5273 .- 1874-1754. ; 203, s. 708-713
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The relationship between culprit vessel, infarct size, and outcomes in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE ACS) is unclear. In some reports, the left circumflex artery (LCX) was more often the culprit at angiography than the right coronary artery (RCA) or left anterior descending artery (LAD), and infarcts were larger with LCX culprits. Methods: We determined culprit vessel frequency and initial patency (TIMI flow grade), median fold elevation of peak troponin above the upper limit of normal, and outcomes (30-day death or myocardial infarction [MI] and 1-year mortality) by culprit vessel in high-risk NSTE ACS patients in the EARLY ACS trial. Results: Of 9406 patients, 2066 (22.0%) had angiographic core laboratory data. We evaluated 1774 patients for whom the culprit artery was not the left main, a bypass graft, or branch vessel. The culprit was the LCX in 560 (31.6%), LAD in 653 (36.8%), and RCA in 561 (31.6%) patients. There were fewer women (24.1%) and more prior MI (25.5%) among patients with a culprit LCX compared with those with a culprit LAD or RCA. Patients with LCX (21.2%) and RCA (27.5%) culprits more often had an occluded artery (TIMI 0/1) than did those with LAD (11.3%). Peak troponin elevation was significantly higher for LCX than RCA or LAD culprits. LCX culprit vessels were not associated with worse 30-day or 1-year outcomes in adjusted models. Conclusions: Among patientswith NSTE ACS, the frequencies of LCX, LAD, and RCA culprits were similar. Although LCX lesions were associated with higher peak troponin levels, there was no difference in short-or intermediateterm outcomes by culprit artery.
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
- Jamil, Tarek S., et al.
(författare)
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Enhancement of TiO2 behavior on photocatalytic oxidation of MO dye using TiO2/AC under visible irradiation and sunlight radiation
- 2012
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Ingår i: Separation and Purification Technology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1383-5866 .- 1873-3794. ; 98, s. 270-279
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The activated carbon loaded TiO2 photocatalyst was prepared and characterized by FT-IR, scanning electron micrograph (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The photocatalytic efficiency of activated carbon loaded TiO2 was evaluated by photocatalytic oxidation of Methyl Orange (MO) dye in aqueous medium using visible and solar light. TiO2/AC exhibited higher photocatalytic oxidation efficiency of MO than that of naked TiO2. The various experimental parameters like initial dye concentration, amount of catalyst and solution pH for efficient dye degradation are investigated. Activity measurements performed under visible light and solar irradiation have shown good results for the photo degradation of MO in aqueous solution. The higher efficiency of TiO2/AC is due to synergy effect of activated carbon. Addition of high adsorption capacity activated carbon to photoactive titanium dioxide in photocatalytic degradation of dyes improves the efficiency of dye mineralization. The present catalysts show high adsorptivity and high photoactivity for the degradation of the MO dye and can be very easily separated from the solution by sedimentation or simple filtration and it can be used repeatedly for MO removal with preservation of its photoactivity.
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
- Kjellberg, A, et al.
(författare)
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Hyperbaric oxygen for treatment of long COVID-19 syndrome (HOT-LoCO): protocol for a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase II clinical trial
- 2022
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Ingår i: BMJ open. - : BMJ. - 2044-6055. ; 12:11, s. e061870-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Long COVID-19, where symptoms persist 12 weeks after the initial SARS-CoV-2-infection, is a substantial problem for individuals and society in the surge of the pandemic. Common symptoms are fatigue, postexertional malaise and cognitive dysfunction. There is currently no effective treatment and the underlying mechanisms are unknown, although several hypotheses exist, with chronic inflammation as a common denominator. In prospective studies, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been suggested to be effective for the treatment of similar syndromes such as chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. A case series has suggested positive effects of HBOT in long COVID-19. This randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial will explore HBOT as a potential treatment for long COVID-19. The primary objective is to evaluate if HBOT improves health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for patients with long COVID-19 compared with placebo/sham. The main secondary objective is to evaluate whether HBOT improves endothelial function, objective physical performance and short-term HRQoL.Methods and analysisA randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase II clinical trial in 80 previously healthy subjects debilitated due to long COVID-19, with low HRQoL. Clinical data, HRQoL questionnaires, blood samples, objective tests and activity metre data will be collected at baseline. Subjects will be randomised to a maximum of 10 treatments with hyperbaric oxygen or sham treatment over 6 weeks. Assessments for safety and efficacy will be performed at 6, 13, 26 and 52 weeks, with the primary endpoint (physical domains in RAND 36-Item Health Survey) and main secondary endpoints defined at 13 weeks after baseline. Data will be reviewed by an independent data safety monitoring board.Ethics and disseminationThe trial is approved by the Swedish National Institutional Review Board (2021–02634) and the Swedish Medical Products Agency (5.1-2020-36673). Positive, negative and inconclusive results will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals with open access.Trial registration numberNCT04842448.
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Miranda, A., et al.
(författare)
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Electronic properties of freestanding Ti3C2Tx MXene monolayers
- 2016
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Ingår i: Applied Physics Letters. - : American Institute of Physics (AIP). - 0003-6951 .- 1077-3118. ; 108:3, s. 033102-1-033102-4
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We report on the electrical characterization of single MXene Ti(3)C(2)Tx flakes ( where T is a surface termination) and demonstrate the metallic nature of their conductivities. We also show that the carrier density can be modulated by an external gate voltage. The density of free carriers is estimated to be 8 +/- 3 X 10(21) cm(-3) while their mobility is estimated to be 0.7 +/- 0.2 cm(2)/Vs. Electrical measurements, in the presence of a magnetic field, show a small, but clearly discernable, quadratic increase in conductance at 2.5 K. (C) 2016 AIP Publishing LLC.
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| 18. |
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| 19. |
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| 20. |
- Abdel-Halim, SM, et al.
(författare)
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Mutations in the promoter of adenylyl cyclase (AC)-III gene, overexpression of AC-III mRNA, and enhanced cAMP generation in islets from the spontaneously diabetic GK rat model of type 2 diabetes
- 1998
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Ingår i: Diabetes. - : American Diabetes Association. - 0012-1797 .- 1939-327X. ; 47:3, s. 498-504
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Glucose-induced insulin release is decreased in the spontaneously diabetic GK rat, a nonobese rodent model of type 2 diabetes. Forskolin restores the impaired insulin release in both the isolated perfused pancreas and isolated islets from these rats (Abdel-Halim et al., Diabetes 45:934-940, 1996). We demonstrate here that the insulinotropic effect of forskolin in the GK rat is due to increased generation of cAMP and that it is associated with overexpression of adenylyl cyclase (AC)-III mRNA and gene mutations. The AC-III mRNA overexpression was demonstrated by in situ hybridization using oligonucleotide probes binding to different regions of the rat AC-III mRNA. It was associated with the presence of two point mutations identified at positions -28 bp (A --> G) and -358 bp (A --> C) of the promoter region of the AC-III gene and was demonstrable in both GK rat islets and peripheral blood cells. Transfection of COS cells with a luciferase reporter gene system revealed up to 25-fold increased promoter activity of GK AC-III promoter when compared with normal rat promoter (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, forskolin restores the impaired insulin release in islets of the GK rat through enhanced cAMP generation. This is linked to overexpression of AC-III mRNA in GK islets due to two functional point mutations in the promoter region of the AC-III gene.
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| 21. |
- Abdullah, Abu Sayeed Md., et al.
(författare)
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Effects of climate change and maternal morality : Perspective from case studies in the rural area of Bangladesh
- 2019
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Ingår i: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI AG. - 1661-7827 .- 1660-4601. ; 16:23
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study explored the community perception of maternal deaths influenced by natural disaster (flood), and the practice of maternal complications during natural disaster among the rural population in Bangladesh. It also explored the challenges faced by the community for providing healthcare and referring the pregnant women experiencing complications during flood disaster. Three focus group discussions (FGDs) and eight in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted in the marginalized rural communities in the flood-prone Khaliajhuri sub-district, Netrakona district, Bangladesh. Flood is one of the major risk factors for influencing maternal death. Pregnant women seriously suffer from maternal complications, lack of antenatal checkup, and lack of doctors during flooding. During the time of delivery, it is difficult to find a skilled attendant, and referring the patient with delivery complications to the healthcare facility. Boats are the only mode of transport. The majority of maternal deaths occur on the boats during transfer from the community to the hospital. Rural people feel that the maternal deaths influenced by natural disaster are natural phenomena. Pre-preparation is needed to support pregnant women during disasters. There is unawareness of maternal health, related care, and complications during disasters among local health service providers and volunteers.
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| 22. |
- Anasori, Babak, et al.
(författare)
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Mo2TiAlC2: A new ordered layered ternary carbide
- 2015
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Ingår i: Scripta Materialia. - : Elsevier. - 1359-6462 .- 1872-8456. ; 101, s. 5-7
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Herein we report on the synthesis of a new layered ternary carbide, Mo2TiAlC2, that was synthesized by heating an elemental mixture at 1600 degrees C for 4 h under an Ar flow. Its hexagonal, a and c lattice parameters were calculated via Rietveld analysis of powder X-ray diffraction patterns to be, respectively, 2.997 angstrom and 18.661 angstrom. High-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy showed that this phase is ordered, with Ti layers sandwiched between two Mo layers in a M(3)AX(2) type ternary carbide structure. (C) 2015 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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| 23. |
- Antoniewicz, Lukasz, et al.
(författare)
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Electronic cigarettes increase endothelial progenitor cells in the blood of healthy volunteers
- 2016
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Ingår i: Atherosclerosis. - : Elsevier BV. - 0021-9150 .- 1879-1484. ; 255, s. 179-185
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background and aims: The use of electronic cigarettes is increasing dramatically on a global scale and its effects on human health remain uncertain. In the present study, we measured endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and microvesicles (MVs) in healthy young volunteers following short-term exposure to inhalation of e-cigarette vapor (ECV) to determine vascular changes.Methods: Sixteen healthy seldom smokers were randomized into two groups either exposed or not exposed to 10 puffs of ECV for 10 min, in a crossover design. Blood samples were obtained at baseline and 1, 4 and 24 h following exposure. EPCs (CD34 + CD309) and MVs were analyzed by flow cytometry. MVs were phenotyped according to origin (platelet (CD41), endothelial (CD144), leukocytes (CD45), monocytes (CD14)) and nuclear content (SYTO 13 dye). In addition, expression of inflammation markers such P-selectin (CD62P), E-selectin (CD62E), CD40-ligand (CD154) and HMGB1 was investigated. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) was also measured at baseline and after 24 h.Results: EPC levels in blood were significantly increased 1 h following exposure to ECV and returned to baseline values after 24 h. Only E-selectin positive MVs (endothelial origin) were slightly elevated (p < 0.038). FeNO was unaffected by exposure to ECV. Conclusions: In healthy volunteers, ten puffs of e-cigarette vapor inhalation caused an increase in EPCs. This increase was of the same magnitude as following smoking of one traditional cigarette, as we previously demonstrated. Taken together, these results may represent signs of possible vascular changes after short e-cigarette inhalation. Further studies analyzing potential cardiovascular health effects are critical as the e-cigarette market continues to burgeon.
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| 24. |
- Biswas, Animesh, 1978-, et al.
(författare)
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Exploration of social factors associated to maternal deaths due to haemorrhage and convulsions : Analysis of 28 social autopsies in rural Bangladesh
- 2016
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Ingår i: BMC Health Services Research. - London, United Kingdom : BioMed Central. - 1472-6963. ; 16:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Social autopsy is an innovative approach to explore social barriers and factors associated to a death in the community. The process also sensitize the community people to avert future deaths. Social autopsy has been introduced in maternal deaths in Bangladesh first time in 2010. This study is to identify the social factors in the rural community associated to maternal deaths. It also looks at how the community responses in social autopsy intervention to prevent future maternal deaths.Methods: The study was conducted in the Thakurgaon district of Bangladesh in 2010. We have purposively selected 28 social autopsy cases of which maternal deaths occurred due to either haemorrhage or due to convulsions. The autopsy was conducted by the Government health and family planning first line field supervisors in rural community. Family members and neighbours of the deceased participated in each autopsy and provided their comments and responses.Results: A number of social factors including delivery conducted by the untrained birth attendant or family members, delays in understanding about maternal complications, delays in decision making to transfer the mother, lack of proper knowledge, education and traditional myth influences the maternal deaths. The community identified their own problems, shared within them and decide upon rectify themselves for future death prevention.Conclusions: Social autopsy is a useful tools to identify social community within the community by discussing the factors that took place during a maternal death. The process supports villagers to think and change their behavioural patterns and commit towards preventing such deaths in the future.
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| 25. |
- Biswas, Animesh, 1978-, et al.
(författare)
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Facility death review of maternal and neonatal deaths in Bangladesh
- 2015
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Ingår i: PLOS ONE. - San Francisco, USA : Public Library of Science. - 1932-6203. ; 10:11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives To explore the experiences, acceptance, and effects of conducting facility death review (FDR) of maternal and neonatal deaths and stillbirths at or below the district level in Bangladesh. Methods This was a qualitative study with healthcare providers involved in FDRs. Two districts were studied: Thakurgaon district (a pilot district) and Jamalpur district (randomly selected from three follow-on study districts). Data were collected between January and November 2011. Data were collected from focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and document review. Hospital administrators, obstetrics and gynecology consultants, and pediatric consultants and nurses employed in the same departments of the respective facilities participated in the study. Content and thematic analyses were performed. Results FDR for maternal and neonatal deaths and stillbirths can be performed in upazila health complexes at sub-district and district hospital levels. Senior staff nurses took responsibility for notifying each death and conducting death reviews with the support of doctors. Doctors reviewed the FDRs to assign causes of death. Review meetings with doctors, nurses, and health managers at the upazila and district levels supported the preparation of remedial action plans based on FDR findings, and interventions were planned accordingly. There were excellent examples of improved quality of care at facilities as a result of FDR. FDR also identified gaps and challenges to overcome in the near future to improve maternal and newborn health. Discussion FDR of maternal and neonatal deaths is feasible in district and upazila health facilities. FDR not only identifies the medical causes of a maternal or neonatal death but also explores remediable gaps and challenges in the facility. FDR creates an enabled environment in the facility to explore medical causes of deaths, including the gaps and challenges that influence mortality. FDRs mobilize health managers at upazila and district levels to forward plan and improve healthcare delivery. © 2015 Biswas et al.This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
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| 26. |
- Biswas, Animesh, et al.
(författare)
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Gestational diabetes : Exploring the perceptions, practices and barriers of the community and healthcare providers in rural Bangladesh: A qualitative study
- 2020
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Ingår i: Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity. - 1178-7007. ; 13, s. 1339-1348
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background and Objective: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent and important disease during pregnancy and has detrimental effects on both the mother and the baby. The current study explored the perception and attitude of the community people about GDM and describes the challenges and gaps in knowledge, availability and accessibility of services for GDM screening and management at a rural community in Bangladesh. Methods: We performed a qualitative study including seven Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and eight Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) from November 2017 to January 2018 at randomly selected areas of Tangail district. A highly trained team including two anthro-pologists conducted the qualitative studies (FGDs and KIIs) under the guidance of experienced researchers. Thematic analysis was performed. Results: GDM is not a known term for pregnant women, their husbands, mothers, and mothers-in-law. Most of the participants (78.7%) did not even hear the term. Some of them (25.5%) perceived that GDM will persist for whole life and transmit from husband to wife and mother to baby. Some people (21.3%) thought that GDM entirely depends on the wish of the God. Most of the participants (68.1%) perceived that symptoms of other types of diabetes and GDM are almost the same. Some participants (19.1%) thought that GDM patients need to intake some medicines that might affect the fetus. The majority of the respondents (83%) had no idea when a pregnant woman should test her diabetes during pregnancy. If GDM diagnosed, pregnant women decided to follow the advice of the doctors. The results from KII with health managers found that they lack in-depth knowledge of GDM. There is no structured guideline or protocol at their facilities for GDM management. Conclusion: The existing barriers at the communities for adequate detection and management of GDM are identified properly. The findings of this study will be helpful for the decision-makers in taking necessary actions to control the GDM.
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| 27. |
- Biswas, Animesh, 1978-, et al.
(författare)
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Maternal complications in a geographically challenging and hard to reach district of Bangladesh : a qualitative study
- 2016
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Ingår i: F1000 Research. - London, United Kingdom : Faculty of 1000 Ltd.. - 2046-1402. ; 5
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Maternal complications contribute to maternal deaths in developing countries. Bangladesh still has a high prevalence of maternal mortality, which is often preventable. There are some geographically challenging and hard to reach rural districts in Bangladesh and it is difficult to get information about maternal complications in these areas. In this study, we examined the community lay knowledge of possible pregnancy complications. We also examined the common practices associated with complications and we discuss the challenges for the community.Methods: The study was conducted in Moulvibazar of north east Bangladesh, a geographically challenged, difficult to reach district. Qualitative methods were used to collect the information. Pregnant women, mothers who had recently delivered, their guardians and traditional birth attendants participated in focus group discussions. Additionally, in-depth interviews were conducted with the family members. Thematic analyses were performed.Results: The study revealed that there is a lack of knowledge of maternal complications. In the majority of cases, the mothers did not receive proper treatment for maternal complications. There are significant challenges that these rural societies need to address: problems of ignorance, traditional myths and family restrictions on seeking better treatment. Moreover, traditional birth attendants and village doctors also have an important role in assuring appropriate, effective and timely treatment.Conclusions: The rural community lacks adequate knowledge on maternal complications. Reduction of the societal barriers including barriers within the family can improve overall practices. Moreover, dissemination of adequate information to the traditional birth attendant and village doctors may improve the overall situation, which would eventually help to reduce maternal deaths.
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| 28. |
- Biswas, Animesh, 1978-, et al.
(författare)
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Social Autopsy of maternal, neonatal deaths and stillbirths in rural Bangladesh : Qualitative exploration of its effect and community acceptance
- 2016
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Ingår i: BMJ Open. - London, United Kingdom : BMJ Publishing Group. - 2044-6055. ; 6:8
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: Social Autopsy (SA) is an innovative strategy where a trained facilitator leads community groups through a structured, standardised analysis of the physical, environmental, cultural and social factors contributing to a serious, non-fatal health event or death. The discussion stimulated by the formal process of SA determines the causes and suggests preventative measures that are appropriate and achievable in the community. Here we explored individual experiences of SA, including acceptance and participant learning, and its effect on rural communities in Bangladesh. The present study had explored the experiences gained while undertaking SA of maternal and neonatal deaths and stillbirths in rural Bangladesh. Design: Qualitative assessment of documents, observations, focus group discussions, group discussions and in-depth interviews by content and thematic analyses. Results: Each community’s maternal and neonatal death was a unique, sad story. SA undertaken by government field-level health workers were well accepted by rural communities. SA had the capability to explore the social reasons behind the medical cause of the death without apportioning blame to any individual or group. SA was a useful instrument to raise awareness and encourage community responses to errors within the society that contributed to the death. People participating in SA showed commitment to future preventative measures and devised their own solutions for the future prevention of maternal and neonatal deaths. Conclusions: SA highlights societal errors and promotes discussion around maternal or newborn death. SA is an effective means to deliver important preventative messages and to sensitise the community to death issues. Importantly, the community itself is enabled to devise future strategies to avert future maternal and neonatal deaths in Bangladesh.
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| 29. |
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| 30. |
- Dyatkin, Boris, et al.
(författare)
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Electrode Surface Composition of Dual-Intercalation, All-Graphite Batteries
- 2017
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Ingår i: C-JOURNAL OF CARBON RESEARCH. - : MDPI. - 2311-5629. ; 3:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Dual-intercalation batteries implement graphite electrodes as both cathodes and anodes and offer high specific energy, inexpensive and environmentally sustainable materials, and high operating voltages. Our research investigated the influence of surface composition on capacities and cycling efficiencies of chemically functionalized all-graphite battery electrodes. We subjected core-shell spherical particles and synthetic graphite flakes to high-temperature air oxidation, and hydrogenation to introduce, respectively, -OH, and -H surface functional groups. We identified noticeable influences of electrode surface chemistry on first-cycle efficiencies and charge storage densities of anion and cation intercalation into graphite electrodes. We matched oxidized cathodes and hydrogenated anodes in dual-ion batteries and improved their overall performance. Our approach provides novel fundamental insight into the anion intercalation process and suggests inexpensive and environmentally sustainable methods to improve performance of these grid-scale energy storage systems.
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| 31. |
- Efanov, AM, et al.
(författare)
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Insulinotropic activity of the imidazoline derivative RX871024 in the diabetic GK rat
- 2002
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Ingår i: American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism. - : American Physiological Society. - 0193-1849 .- 1522-1555. ; 282:1, s. E117-E124
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The insulinotropic activity of the imidazoline derivative RX871024 was compared in pancreatic islets from nondiabetic Wistar rats and spontaneously diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats. RX871024 significantly stimulated insulin secretion in islets from both animal groups. The insulinotropic activity of RX871024 was higher than that of the sulfonylurea glibenclamide. This difference was more pronounced in islets from GK rats compared with Wistar rat islets. More importantly, RX871024 substantially improved glucose sensitivity in diabetic β-cells, whereas glibenclamide stimulated insulin secretion about twofold over a broad range of glucose concentrations in nondiabetic and diabetic rats. RX871024 induced a faster increase in cytosolic free Ca2+concentration and faster inhibition of ATP-dependent K+channel activity in GK rat islets compared with Wistar rat islets. RX871024 also induced a more pronounced increase in diacylglycerol concentration in GK rat islets. These data support the idea that imidazoline compounds can form the basis for the development of novel drugs for treatment of type 2 diabetes, which can restore glucose sensitivity in diabetic β-cells.
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| 32. |
- El Ghazaly, Ahmed, et al.
(författare)
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Ultrafast, One-Step, Salt-Solution-Based Acoustic Synthesis of Ti3C2 MXene
- 2021
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Ingår i: ACS Nano. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1936-0851 .- 1936-086X. ; 15:3, s. 4287-4293
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The current quest for two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes) has been to circumvent the slow, hazardous, and laborious multistep synthesis procedures associated with conventional chemical MAX phase exfoliation. Here, we demonstrate a one-step synthesis method with local Ti3AlC2 MAX to Ti3C2Tz MXene conversion on the order of milliseconds, facilitated by proton production through solution dissociation under megahertz frequency acoustic excitation. These protons combined with fluorine ions from LiF to selectively etch the MAX phase into MXene, whose delamination is aided by the acoustic forcing. These results have important implications for the future applicability of MXenes, which crucially depend on the development of more efficient synthesis procedures. For proof-of-concept, we show that flexible electrodes fabricated by this method exhibit comparable electrochemical performance to that previously reported.
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| 33. |
- Etman, Ahmed, et al.
(författare)
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Computationally Driven Discovery of Quaternary Tantalum-Based MAB-Phases: Ta4M & DPRIME;SiB2 (M & DPRIME; = V, Cr, or Mo): Synthesis, Characterization, and Elastic Properties
- 2023
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Ingår i: Crystal Growth & Design. - : AMER CHEMICAL SOC. - 1528-7483 .- 1528-7505. ; 23:6, s. 4442-4447
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Out-of-plane chemically ordered transitionmetal boride(o-MAB) phases, Ta4M & DPRIME;SiB2 (M & DPRIME; = V, Cr), and a structurally equivalent disordered solidsolution MAB phase, Ta4MoSiB2, are synthesized.DFT calculations are used to examine the dynamic stability, elasticproperties, and electronic density states of the MAB phases. We report on the synthesis of computationally predictedout-of-planechemically ordered transition metal borides labeled o-MAB phases, Ta4M & DPRIME;SiB2 (M & DPRIME; =V, Cr), and a structurally equivalent disordered solid solution MABphase Ta4MoSiB2. The boride phases were preparedusing solid-state reaction sintering of the constituting elements.High-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy along withRietveld refinement of the powder-X-ray diffraction patterns revealedthat the synthesized o-MAB phases Ta4CrSiB2 (98 wt % purity) and Ta4VSiB2 (81 wt% purity) possess chemical ordering with Ta preferentially residingin the 16l position and Cr and V in the 4c position, whereas Ta4MoSiB2 (46wt % purity) was concluded to form a disordered solid solution. Densityfunctional theory (DFT) calculations were used to investigate thedynamic stability, elastic properties, and electronic density statesfor the MAB phases, confirming the stability and suggesting the boridesbased on Cr and Mo to be stiffer than those based on V and Nb.
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| 34. |
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| 35. |
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| 36. |
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| 37. |
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| 38. |
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| 39. |
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| 40. |
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| 41. |
- Guest, PC, et al.
(författare)
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Proinsulin processing in the diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rat
- 2002
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Ingår i: The Journal of endocrinology. - : Bioscientifica. - 0022-0795 .- 1479-6805. ; 175:3, s. 637-647
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The biosynthesis and processing of proinsulin was investigated in the diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat. Immunofluorescence microscopy comparing GK and Wistar control rat pancreata revealed marked changes in the distribution of alpha-cells and pronounced beta-cell heterogeneity in the expression patterns of insulin, prohormone convertases PC1, PC2, carboxypeptidase E (CPE) and the PC-binding proteins 7B2 and ProSAAS. Western blot analyses of isolated islets revealed little difference in PC1 and CPE expression but PC2 immunoreactivity was markedly lower in the GK islets. The processing of the PC2-dependent substrate chromogranin A was reduced as evidenced by the appearance of intermediates. No differences were seen in the biosynthesis and post-translational modification of PC1, PC2 or CPE following incubation of islets in 16.7 mM glucose, but incubation in 3.3 mM glucose resulted in decreased PC2 biosynthesis in the GK islets. The rates of biosynthesis, processing and secretion of newly synthesized (pro)insulin were comparable. Circulating insulin immunoreactivity in both Wistar and GK rats was predominantly insulin 1 and 2 in the expected ratios with no (pro)insulin evident. Thus, the marked changes in islet morphology and PC2 expression did not impact the rate or extent of proinsulin processing either in vitro or in vivo in this experimental model.
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| 42. |
- Gyamfi, S., et al.
(författare)
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Calibration of LKAB's Konsuln test mine ventilation model using barometer Pressure-Quantity (PQ) survey
- 2021
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Ingår i: Mine Ventilation. - London : Taylor & Francis. ; , s. 23-33
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Ventilation projects such as installation of primary fans, refrigeration system, heating systems, and Ventilation of Demand (VOD) system require some simulations to ascertain their benefits and fulfilment of their purpose before the actual financial commitment is made to execute such projects. Ventilation models used for the simulations should provide some degree of accuracy to ensure that their results will reflect the actual mine ventilation circuit. This paper outlines a barometer Pressure-Quantity (PQ) survey that was done to calibrate the existing ventilation model of LKAB’s Konsuln test mine before it was used in a VOD design study to determine whether it will be feasible for Konsuln mine to install the system. The results show a good correlation between the simulated airflows in the calibrated model and the actual underground measured airflow quantities and primary fans pressure. This good correlation has validated the model for its use in Konsuln VOD design study.
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| 43. |
- Gyamfi, S., et al.
(författare)
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Development of Strategies to Reduce Ventilation and Heating Costs in a Swedish Sublevel Caving Mine—a Unique Case of LKAB’s Konsuln Mine
- 2022
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Ingår i: Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration. - : Springer. - 2524-3462 .- 2524-3470. ; 39:2, s. 221-238
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper outlines a unique case of the development of strategies to reduce ventilation and heating costs in Konsuln iron ore mine in northern Sweden. The mine, located just south of Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara Aktiebolag’s Kiruna iron ore mine, was developed as a test mine 2018–2020 for the Sustainable Underground Mining (SUM) project. Besides functioning as a test mine, Konsuln also contributes ore production. The existing mine ventilation system was designed for the current production rate of 0.8 million tons per annum (Mtpa). There is a plan to increase this rate to between 1.8 and 3 Mtpa in the future, and this requires the primary fans to be upgraded. Therefore, a study was carried out to determine whether using ventilation on demand (VOD) could avoid this fan upgrade and reduce Konsuln’s ventilation and heating power costs in the future. The study also investigated whether using battery electric vehicles (BEVs) along with VOD or as a standalone strategy could further reduce these power costs. In addition, the study analyzed the suitability of heating power reduction strategies presently or previously used in the Nordic countries and Canada to investigate potential additional strategies to reduce the heating power cost, the largest portion of Konsuln’s ventilation and heating power costs. The study found using VOD can avoid the expensive upgrading of the existing primary fans and reduce Konsuln’s ventilation and heating power costs in the future. Using BEVs can further reduce these costs. Finally, none of the Nordic and Canadian heating power reduction strategies is suitable for Konsuln because they require unique conditions that do not exist in Konsuln.
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| 44. |
- Halim, Adrianus, et al.
(författare)
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Improvement of Working Conditions and Opinions of Mine Workers When Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) Are Used Instead of Diesel Machines — Results of Field Trial at the Kittilä Mine, Finland
- 2022
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Ingår i: Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration. - : Springer. - 2524-3462 .- 2524-3470. ; 39:2, s. 203-219
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A major part of the European Union’s (EU) project Sustainable Intelligent Mining System (SIMS) is investigating the development of diesel-free/carbon-neutral underground mines in order to ensure sustainable underground mining in the future. Replacing diesel machines with electric vehicles in underground hard rock mines has been widely acknowledged by the mining industry worldwide as a critical step to improve working conditions by reducing diesel exhaust related contaminants, to reduce mine ventilation electrical power cost by reducing mine airflow quantity, and to reduce mine greenhouse gas emissions. All of these are major requirements to achieve sustainable future underground mining practices. A field trial of Epiroc’s 2nd generation of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) at Agnico Eagle Finland’s Kittilä mine was conducted during 2019 – 2020. Vehicles tested were MT42 mine truck, ST14 Load-Haul-Dump (LHD), and Boomer E2 jumbo drill rig. This paper outlines the improvement of the working conditions observed in the field trial, and the opinions of the mine personnel at Kittilä mine on using BEVs instead of diesel machines. Measurements of atmospheric contaminants and air temperatures taken during the field trial clearly demonstrated a significant improvement of working conditions when BEVs were operating as opposed to diesel machines. This field observation was supported by the opinion of the majority of the Kittilä mine workers. However, some remaining concerns must be addressed before BEVs can replace diesel machines.
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| 45. |
- Halim, Joseph, et al.
(författare)
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Electronic and optical characterization of 2D Ti2C and Nb2C (MXene) thin films
- 2019
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Ingår i: Journal of Physics. - : IOP PUBLISHING LTD. - 0953-8984 .- 1361-648X. ; 31:16
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides and/or nitrides (MXenes) are a new class of 2D materials, with extensive opportunities for property tailoring due to the numerous possibilities for varying chemistries and surface terminations. Here, Ti2AlC and Nb2AlC MAX phase epitaxial thin films were deposited on sapphire substrates by physical vapor deposition. The films were then etched in LiF/HCl solutions, yielding Li-intercalated, 2D Ti2CTz and Nb2CTz films, whose terminations, transport and optical properties were characterized. The former exhibits metallic conductivity, with weak localization below 50 K. In contrast, the Nb-based film exhibits an increase in resistivity with decreasing temperature from RT down to 40K consistent with variable range hopping transport. The optical properties of both films were determined from spectroscopic ellipsometry in the 0.75 to 3.50 eV range. The results for Ti2Clz films confirm the metallic behavior. In contrast, no evidence of metallic behavior is observed for the Nb2CT(z) film. The present work therefore demonstrates that one fruitful approach to alter the electronic and optical properties of MXenes is to change the nature of the transition metal.
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| 46. |
- Halim, Joseph, et al.
(författare)
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Experimental and Theoretical Investigations of Out-of-Plane Ordered Nanolaminate Transition Metal Borides: M4CrSiB2 (M = Mo, W, Nb)
- 2023
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Ingår i: Inorganic Chemistry. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 0020-1669 .- 1520-510X. ; 62:14, s. 5341-5347
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We report the synthesis of three out-of-plane chemically ordered quaternary transition metal borides (o-MAB phases) of the chemical formula M4CrSiB2 (M = Mo, W, Nb). The addition of these phases to the recently discovered o-MAB phase Ti4MoSiB2 shows that this is indeed a new family of chemically ordered atomic laminates. Furthermore, our results expand the attainable chemistry of the traditional M5SiB2 MAB phases to also include Cr. The crystal structure and chemical ordering of the produced materials were investigated using high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction by applying Rietveld refinement. Additionally, calculations based on density functional theory were performed to investigate the Cr preference for occupying the minority 4c Wyckoff site, thereby inducing chemical order.
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| 47. |
- Halim, Joseph, et al.
(författare)
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Sodium hydroxide and vacuum annealing modifications of the surface terminations of a Ti3C2 (MXene) epitaxial thin film
- 2018
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Ingår i: RSC Advances. - : ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY. - 2046-2069. ; 8:64, s. 36785-36790
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We investigate, and quantify, changes in structure and surface terminations of epitaxial thin films of titanium carbide (Ti3C2) MXene, when treated by sodium hydroxide solution followed by vacuum annealing at 550 degrees C. Using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy, we show that NaOH treatment produce an increase in the c-lattice parameter together with an increase in the O terminations and a decrease in the F terminations. There is also an increase in the percentage of the binding energy of Ti-species in Ti 2p XPS region, which suggests an increase in the overall oxidation state of Ti. After subsequent annealing, the c-lattice parameter is slightly reduced, the overall oxidation state of Ti is decreased, and the F surface terminations are further diminished, leaving a surface with predominantly O as the surface terminating species. It is important to note that NaOH treatment facilitates removal of F at lower annealing temperatures than previously reported, which in turn is important for the range of attainable properties.
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| 48. |
- Halim, Joseph, et al.
(författare)
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Tailored synthesis approach of (Mo2/3Y1/3)(2)AlC i-MAX and its two-dimensional derivative Mo1.33CTz MXene: enhancing the yield, quality, and performance in supercapacitor applications
- 2021
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Ingår i: Nanoscale. - : ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY. - 2040-3364 .- 2040-3372. ; 13:1, s. 311-319
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A vacancy-ordered MXene, Mo1.33CTz, obtained from the selective etching of Al and Sc from the parent i-MAX phase (Mo2/3Sc1/3)(2)AlC has previously shown excellent properties for supercapacitor applications. Attempts to synthesize the same MXene from another precursor, (Mo2/3Y1/3)(2)AlC, have not been able to match its forerunner. Herein, we show that the use of an AlY2.3 alloy instead of elemental Al and Y for the synthesis of (Mo2/3Y1/3)(2)AlC i-MAX, results in a close to 70% increase in sample purity due to the suppression of the main secondary phase, Mo3Al2C. Furthermore, through a modified etching procedure, we obtain a Mo1.33CTz MXene of high structural quality and improve the yield by a factor of 6 compared to our previous efforts. Free-standing films show high volumetric (1308 F cm(-3)) and gravimetric (436 F g(-1)) capacitances and a high stability (98% retention) at the level of, or even beyond, those reported for the Mo1.33CTz MXene produced from the Sc-based i-MAX. These results are of importance for the realization of high quality MXenes through use of more abundant elements (Y vs. Sc), while also reducing waste (impurity) material and facilitating the synthesis of a high-performance material for applications.
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| 49. |
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| 50. |
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