1. |
- Baresel, Christian, et al.
(author)
-
Reuse of treated wastewater for non-potable use (ReUse)
- 2015
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Population growth, increasing living standards, but also environmental hazards with global climate change as the most significant are all contributing to an increasing water stress in many parts of the world. While access to fresh water for drinking water is getting more costly due to environmental pollution, uses of drinking water conflicts with water needs for agricultural and industrial use, which are in need of substantial water quantities. The use of reclaimed wastewater for non-potable purposes provides a solution for this. This is not new and has in fact been applied in many regions as the main water management approach. As water scarcity becomes more severe, also the need for more sustainable and holistic approaches to deal with our limited fresh water resources becomes more and more obvious. The traditional one-way water handling approach, with end-of-pipe treatment releasing “clean” effluent water to nature, has to be converted into a society-internal water reuse scheme where different water qualities and water uses are considered as an integral part of the water cycle. The present report presents activities and results from an international project that aimed at developing and optimizing water treatment processes and systems for sustainable reuse of treated wastewater. The starting point is to combine the sequential batch treatment (SBR, sequencing batch reactors) with different conventional and emerging secondary and tertiary treatment techniques in various combinations, optimized from an overall sustainability perspective. Evaluation and optimization is achieved using life cycle assessment and life cycle cost assessment and their combination. Den här rapporten finns endast på engelska. Svensk sammanfattning finns i rapporten.
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2. |
- Björk, Robert G., 1974, et al.
(author)
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Contrasting effects of wood ash application on microbial community structure, biomass and processes in drained forested peatlands
- 2010
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In: FEMS Microbiology Ecology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1574-6941 .- 0168-6496. ; 73:3, s. 550-562
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The effects of wood ash application on soil microbial processes were investigated in three drained forested peatlands, which differed in nutrient status and time since application. Measured variables included concentrations of soil elements and phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs), net nitrogen mineralisation, nitrification and denitrification enzyme activity, potential methane oxidation, methane production and microbial respiration kinetics. Wood ash application had a considerable influence on soil element concentrations. This mirrored a decrease in the majority of the microbial biomarkers by more than one-third in the two oligotrophic peatlands, although microbial community composition was not altered. The decreases in PLFAs coincided with reduced net ammonification and net nitrogen mineralisation. Other measured variables did not change systematically as a result of wood ash application. No significant changes in microbial biomass or processes were found in the mesotrophic peatland, possibly because too little time (1 year) had elapsed since the wood ash application. This study suggests that oligotrophic peatlands can be substantially affected by wood ash for a period of at least four years after application. However, within 25 years of the wood ash application, the microbial biomass seemed to have recovered or adapted to enhanced element concentrations in the soil.
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3. |
- Björk, Robert G., 1974, et al.
(author)
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Temporal pattern of CO2, CH4 and N2O fluxes and soil microbial structure from snow-covered Alpine plant communities
- 2006
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In: Abstracts and Proceedings of the Geological Society of Norway. ; :4
-
Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Global warming is expected to have large effects on carbon exchange between the biosphere and the atmosphere in the Arctic. Arctic ecosystems, which can be a net sink in the summer, are often a net source of CO2 to the atmosphere on an annual basis. Few studies on winter CO2 and CH4 efflux have been conducted in the subarctic part of Sweden. So far, no integrated estimates of winter fluxes of CO2, CH4 or N2O has been reported from the alpine areas in the Scandinavian mountains. As much as 44 to 53% of the northern hemispheres landmass may be snow covered for parts of the year. The depth and spatial spread of snow cover is a result of moisture availability, duration of temperatures bellow 0ºC, storm frequency and the more local factors such as wind redistribution and compaction. In future climate scenarios, predictions of warmer climate and increased precipitations are often mentioned, but to which extent is more uncertain. However, the major changes in precipitation will occur over the North Pacific, North Atlantic and Scandinavia. The controlling factor for microbial activity in the organic layer during winter in alpine areas is the development of a consistent snow cover, which effectively decouples the soil from the atmospheric temperature. The air and soil temperature the days before snow cover development is important, as it sets the temperature conditions for the whole winter period. Soil microbial activity is markedly reduced below temperatures of 0 to -5°C, when the soil starts to freeze and free water becomes limited. Nitrogen mineralisation, nitrification and denitrification can, however, be maintained down to -4°C, and N2O production (from denitrification) in frozen soils has potential to affect annual dynamics and budgets of N (although the soil pore water content prior to freezing is an important regulating factor for winter N2O production). Snowbed communities are rarely, if ever, subjected to temperatures as low as -5°C, which implies that they may be favourable for microbial activity during the winter. Furthermore, tundra soil microbial biomass reaches its annual peak under snow, and fungi account for most of the biomass. However, how the microbial community changes during winter and snowmelt are poorly know and, in particular, in relation to trace gas fluxes. Flux of CO2, CH4 and N2O through a seasonal snowpack, using Fick’s law, from four plant communities with different snow regime and how it changes during snowmelt in the subarctic-alpine part of Sweden will be presented. We will also try to relate the trace gas fluxes to the soil microbial community composition using phospholipid fatty acid analysis.
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4. |
- Björk, Robert G., 1974, et al.
(author)
-
Temporal variation in soil microbial communities and the influence of snow cover
- 2007
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In: The 14th ITEX workshop, Falls Creek, Victoria, Australia, 2–6 February 2007..
-
Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Global climate change is projected to have a large impact in arctic and alpine areas. Future projections with increased temperature also include increased precipitation, but to which extent is uncertain. However, the major changes in precipitation will occur over the North Pacific, North Atlantic and Scandinavia. As much as 44 to 53% of the northern hemispheres landmass may be snow covered for parts of the year and in higher alpine terrain the increased precipitation will lead to a greater snow accumulation. The controlling factor for microbial activity in the organic layer during winter in alpine areas is the development of a consistent snow cover, which effectively decouples the soil from the atmospheric temperature. The air and soil temperature the days before snow cover development is important, as it sets the temperature conditions for the whole winter period. Soil microbial activity is markedly reduced below temperatures of 0 to -5°C, when the soil starts to freeze and free water becomes limited. Nitrogen mineralisation, nitrification and denitrification can, however, be maintained down to -4°C, and N2O production (from denitrification) in frozen soils could potentially affect the annual dynamics and budgets of N. Snowbed communities are rarely, if ever, subjected to temperatures as low as -5°C, which implies that they may be favourable for microbial activity during the winter. Furthermore, tundra soil microbial biomass reaches its annual peak under snow, and fungi account for most of the biomass. However, how the microbial community changes during winter and snowmelt is poorly known and, in particular, in relation to trace gas fluxes. The objective of our study was, therefore, to investigate the temporal pattern of soil microbial structure in four plant communities with contrasting snow cover and nitrogen turnover. This study was conducted at Latnjajaure Field Station (LFS) located in the midalpine region in northern Sweden. The study includes four different plant communities, heath snowbed, heath meadow, meadow snowbed, and mesic meadow. To characterize the soil microbial community we used phospholipid fatty acid analysis (PLFA), which is a method targeting the fatty acid profiles of membrane phospholipids microorganisms. The results show that at each individual sampling occasion the four plant communities’ exhibits different soil microbial structure. However, the temporal variation is larger than the difference across plant communities. This temporal shift in microbial structure seems to be partially related to the fatty acid 18:2ω6, indicative of fungi, which show a high proportion in soils protected by snow and decreases after snow melt. Furthermore, the shift in microbial structure during the season is more modest in snowbeds than the mesic heath and meadow.
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5. |
- Björk, Robert G., 1974, et al.
(author)
-
Temporal variation in soil microbial communities in Alpine tundra
- 2008
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In: Soil Biology & Biochemistry. - : Elsevier BV. - 0038-0717. ; 40:1, s. 266-268
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Temporal variation in soil microbial communities was studied at a mid-alpine environment in Latnjajaure, northern Sweden, using phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis. The results show two seasonal shifts in microbial composition. The first shift was associated with snowmelt and mainly related to a decrease in fungal PLFAs, accompanied by an increase in branched 17:0 and methylated PLFAs (biomarkers for Gram-positive- and actinobacteria, respectively), resulting in a decrease in the ratio of fungi-to-bacteria. The second shift occurred across the growing, season, and was associated with a switch from shorter to longer PLFAs and an increase in 18:1 omega 7 (biomarker for Gram-negative bacteria). Vegetation, snow cover dynamics, and N turnover seem to be of minor importance to broadscale microbial community structure in this area. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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6. |
- Krause-Jensen, D, et al.
(author)
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Nordic Blue Carbon Ecosystems: Status and Outlook
- 2022
-
In: Frontiers in Marine Science. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 2296-7745. ; 9
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Vegetated coastal and marine habitats in the Nordic region include salt marshes, eelgrass meadows and, in particular, brown macroalgae (kelp forests and rockweed beds). Such habitats contribute to storage of organic carbon (Blue Carbon – BC) and support coastal protection, biodiversity and water quality. Protection and restoration of these habitats therefore have the potential to deliver climate change mitigation and co-benefits. Here we present the existing knowledge on Nordic BC habitats in terms of habitat area, C-stocks and sequestration rates, co-benefits, policies and management status to inspire a coherent Nordic BC roadmap. The area extent of BC habitats in the region is incompletely assessed, but available information sums up to 1,440 km2 salt marshes, 1,861 (potentially 2,735) km2 seagrass meadows, and 16,532 km2 (potentially 130,735 km2, including coarse Greenland estimates) brown macroalgae, yielding a total of 19,833 (potentially 134,910) km2. Saltmarshes and seagrass meadows have experienced major declines over the past century, while macroalgal trends are more diverse. Based on limited salt marsh data, sediment C-stocks average 3,311 g Corg m-2 (top 40-100 cm) and sequestration rates average 142 g Corg m-2 yr-1. Eelgrass C-stocks average 2,414 g Corg m-2 (top 25 cm) and initial data for sequestration rates range 5-33 g Corg m-2, quantified for one Greenland site and one short term restoration. For Nordic brown macroalgae, peer-reviewed estimates of sediment C-stock and sequestration are lacking. Overall, the review reveals substantial Nordic BC-stocks, but highlights that evidence is still insufficient to provide a robust estimate of all Nordic BC-stocks and sequestration rates. Needed are better quantification of habitat area, C-stocks and fluxes, particularly for macroalgae, as well as identification of target areas for BC management. The review also points to directives and regulations protecting Nordic marine vegetation, and local restoration initiatives with potential to increase C-sequestration but underlines that increased coordination at national and Nordic scales and across sectors is needed. We propose a Nordic BC roadmap for science and management to maximize the potential of BC habitats to mitigate climate change and support coastal protection, biodiversity and additional ecosystem functions.
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7. |
- Lembrechts, Jonas J., et al.
(author)
-
Global maps of soil temperature
- 2022
-
In: Global Change Biology. - : Wiley. - 1354-1013 .- 1365-2486. ; 28:9, s. 3110-3144
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Research in global change ecology relies heavily on global climatic grids derived from estimates of air temperature in open areas at around 2m above the ground. These climatic grids do not reflect conditions below vegetation canopies and near the ground surface, where critical ecosystem functions occur and most terrestrial species reside. Here, we provide global maps of soil temperature and bioclimatic variables at a 1-km2 resolution for 0–5 and 5–15cm soil depth. These maps were created by calculating the difference (i.e. offset) between in situ soil temperature measurements, based on time series from over 1200 1-km2 pixels (summarized from 8519 unique temperature sensors) across all the world's major terrestrial biomes, and coarse-grained air temperature estimates from ERA5-Land (an atmospheric reanalysis by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts). We show that mean annual soil temperature differs markedly from the corresponding gridded air temperature, by up to 10°C (mean=3.0±2.1°C), with substantial variation across biomes and seasons. Over the year, soils in cold and/or dry biomes are substantially warmer (+3.6±2.3°C) than gridded air temperature, whereas soils in warm and humid environments are on average slightly cooler (−0.7±2.3°C). The observed substantial and biome-specific offsets emphasize that the projected impacts of climate and climate change on near-surface biodiversity and ecosystem functioning are inaccurately assessed when air rather than soil temperature is used, especially in cold environments. The global soil-related bioclimatic variables provided here are an important step forward for any application in ecology and related disciplines. Nevertheless, we highlight the need to fill remaining geographic gaps by collecting more in situ measurements of microclimate conditions to further enhance the spatiotemporal resolution of global soil temperature products for ecological applications.
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8. |
- Nilsson, Kerstin, et al.
(author)
-
54 forskare: Inte alla klarar höjd pensions-ålder
- 2017
-
In: Svenska Dagbladet, Stockholm. - 1101-2412.
-
Journal article (pop. science, debate, etc.)abstract
- Ett hållbart och acceptabelt pensionssystem måste utformas utifrån personliga förutsättningar och förhållanden i arbetslivet, så att fler klarar att arbeta i högre ålder. Att enbart genom ekonomiska åtgärder höja pensionsåldern är inte långsiktigt hållbart, skriver 54 forskare.DEBATT | PENSIONForskning visar att cirka var fjärde har en diagnos eller skada orsakad av sitt arbete. Detta gör arbetsorsakad sjukdom och skada till ett betydelsefullt folkhälsoproblem. Att då enbart genom ekonomiska åtgärder höja pensionsåldern för samtliga (yrkes)grupper utifrån deras kronologiska ålder är inte långsiktigt hållbart när individers biologiska ålder är så olika bland annat till följd av arbetslivet. Detta är en demokratifråga. Forskning om äldre i arbetslivet och hållbart arbete visar att man då främst flyttar individer från pensionssystemet till sjukförsäkringssystemet och ökar klyftorna i samhället.Debatt Det här är en argumenterande text med syfte att påverka. Åsikterna som uttrycks är skribentens egna.Vi är 54 forskare som nu gemensamt har skrivit denna debattartikel. Anledningen är att vi är oroade över att cirka var fjärde blir sjuk av sitt arbete samtidigt som man i det förslag som ligger om att senarelägga ålderspensionen i princip utgår ifrån att arbetskraftsdeltagande enbart styrs av ekonomin. Vi vill trycka på betydelsen av åtgärder i arbetslivet för att komma tillrätta med ohälsan, det vill säga inte enbart ekonomiska restriktioner som tvingar folk som inte kan, vill och orkar att stanna kvar i arbetslivet till en högre kronologisk ålder.Pensionssystemet bygger på att vi ska arbeta en viss del av våra liv för att förtjäna möjligheter till pension. Vi bör dock inte enbart utgå ifrån antalet år sedan en person föddes, då korttidsutbildade generellt träder in på arbetsmarknaden tidigare än långtidsutbildade. De har alltså varit en del av arbetskraften från en yngre ålder. Människor med kortare utbildning har oftare ett arbete som innebär påfrestningar som kan inverka negativt på hälsotillståndet och som till och med kan påskynda det biologiska åldrandet. Dessutom lever korttidsutbildade generellt sett inte lika länge som långtidsutbildade, vilket delvis även avspeglar skilda livs- och arbetsvillkor.Den svenska sjukförsäkringsreformen 2008 avsåg att få tillbaka människor i arbete. Men studien fann att den faktiskt bidrog till att fler gick i tidig ålderspension av dem som var i åldern 55–64 år. Ökningen var störst bland korttidsutbildade. Mer än 5 procent fler gick i tidig ålderspension då det blev svårare att få sjukpenning och sjukersättning. Vi kan notera att det är vanligare att manliga chefer tar ut tidig ålderspension, jämfört med kvinnliga maskinskötare inom tillverkningsindustrin. I vissa yrken är det dessutom vanligare att människor, trots pension, både orkar och faktiskt ges möjlighet att arbeta vidare om de har en specialkompetens som efterfrågas. Om vi endast kombinerar ekonomiska morötter med piskor finns en stor risk att vi ökar klyftan mellan grupper som både kan och vill fortsätta att yrkesarbeta och personer som av olika skäl inte längre kan eller orkar.Ta nytta av den forskning som vi har tagit fram. Ett hållbart och acceptabelt pensionssystem måste utformas utifrån personliga förutsättningar och förhållanden i arbetslivet. Ett hållbart arbetsliv för allt fler i vår åldrande befolkning fordrar att vi samtidigt beaktar faktorer som relaterar till biologisk/kroppslig ålder, mental/kognitiv ålder samt social ålder/livsloppsfas och våra attityder som är kopplade till ålder. Vi måste ta större hänsyn till olika förutsättningar och varierande funktionsförmåga och utifrån detta anpassa de åtgärder som gör att arbetslivet blir möjligt och hållbart för allt fler även i högre ålder.”Morötter” är viktigare för en god arbetshälsa och hög produktivitet än en piska i form av oron för en dålig ekonomi.Forskning visar att pedagogik som bygger på ”morötter” oftast är betydligt bättre än ”piskor” för att nå framgångsrika och långsiktiga mål. ”Morötter” i samhället, för organisationer, företag och individer är därför viktiga för god arbetshälsa och fortsatt produktivitet och kan bidra till ett längre arbetsliv även för grupper som tidigare inte ens klarat av att arbeta fram till pensionsåldern. Genom forskning inom området har bland annat swage-modellen utarbetats. Detta är ett verktyg som visar på komplexiteten i ett hållbart arbetsliv och tillsammans med systematiskt arbetsmiljöarbete, handlingsplaner och åtgärder syftar till ett mer hållbart arbetsliv. Morötter är enligt forskningen i detta sammanhang åtgärder för en god fysisk och mental arbetsmiljö, avpassad arbetsbelastning, stödjande teknik, att man kan anpassa arbetstakten, alternativa arbetstidsmodeller vid behov. Det är viktigt att man känner sig trygg och förväntas och tillåts vara delaktig, att man blir sedd av chefen och arbetskamraterna. Att de egna arbetsuppgifterna upplevs som meningsfulla och behövda av andra skapar självförverkligande och tillfredsställelse i arbetet. Att man känner att ens arbetsuppgifter och man själv är viktig för organisationen och företaget. Att man trots högre ålder inkluderas i olika nysatsningar och får tillgång till kompetensutveckling och inte blir åsidosatt eller åldersdiskriminerad. Utvärderingar visar att de äldre medarbetarna som fick några av dessa anpassningar och möjligheter var mer effektiva, utvilade, stimulerade när de var på arbetet samtidigt som sjukfrånvaron minskade. Vilket i sin tur bidrar till ett längre arbetsliv för grupper som tidigare inte klarat av att arbeta fram till pensionsåldern. I organisationer som bygger på en deltagar- och lärandekultur rustas de anställda för att klara omställningar, nya arbetsuppgifter och vid behov även yrkesbyten.Med en åldrande befolkning där allt fler lever allt längre behöver vi arbeta till en högre ålder i framtiden för att pensionssystemet ska hålla. Men ”morötter” är viktigare för en god arbetshälsa och hög produktivitet än en piska i form av oron för en dålig ekonomi. Det kräver också att vi ändrar våra attityder och förhållningssätt till äldre på arbetsmarknaden, vilket vi bäst gör genom att organisationer och företag får incitament till och erbjuder mer individanpassade arbetsvillkor, särskilt för personer i högre ålder. Låt oss därför använda den framtagna kunskapen i praktiken för att göra arbetslivet friskt och hållbart för alla åldrar.
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9. |
- Nilsson, Kerstin, et al.
(author)
-
Vi är oroade över senare ålderspension
- 2017
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In: Dagens Samhälle. - 1652-6511.
-
Journal article (pop. science, debate, etc.)abstract
- Var fjärde person blir i dag sjuk till följd av sitt arbete. Att höja pensionsåldern för alla yrkesgrupper, utan konkreta åtgärder för att minska ohälsan, är därför problematiskt och mycket oroande. Det är, enligt forskarna, inte långsiktigt samhällsekonomiskt lönsamt att utan andra åtgärder höja pensionsåldern för alla. Vi – 54 forskare – är mycket oroade över konsekvenserna av att, som föreslagits, senarelägga ålderspensionen.Förslaget utgår i princip från arbetskraftsdeltagande i princip enbart styrs av ekonomin, medan forskningen visar att det bara är en av flera faktorer som styr hur länge och hur mycket människor väljer att arbeta.Det här sättet att lösa problemet med en åldrande befolkning och ett sviktande pensionssystem är inte samhällsekonomiskt lönsamt på lång sikt, utan riskerar bara att flytta runt folk mellan olika ersättningssystem. Pensionssystemet bygger på att vi ska arbeta en viss del av våra liv för att tjäna in vår pension. Vi bör dock inte enbart utgå ifrån ålder eller antalet år sedan en person föddes då korttidsutbildade generellt träder in på arbetsmarknaden tidigare än långtidsutbildade. De med kortare utbildningstid har alltså varit en del av arbetskraften från en yngre ålder. Människor med kortare utbildning har också oftare ett arbete som innebär påfrestningar som kan inverka negativt på hälsotillståndet och som till och med kan påskynda det biologiska åldrandet. Dessutom lever korttidsutbildade generellt sett inte lika länge som långtidsutbildade, vilket delvis även avspeglar skilda livs- och arbetsvillkor.Ta nytta av den forskning som vi har tagit fram. Ekonomin är självklart viktigt för att vi ska vilja arbeta, men den är som sagt enbart en av flera faktorer med betydelse vårt arbetsliv.Hälsotillståndet, både det fysiska och det mentala, har en avgörande betydelse för hur länge och hur mycket vi orkar arbeta. Ett fysiskt och mentalt belastande arbete är en stark riskfaktor för en nedsatt hälsa i slutet av arbetslivet. Arbetstid, arbetstakt och möjlighet till återhämtning spelar en allt större roll ju äldre vi blir. Andra aspekter är arbetsinnehåll, hur meningsfulla och stimulerande arbetsuppgifterna är, balansen mellan arbete och familjesituation och fritidsaktiviteter. Organisationskultur, ledarskapet, stöd i arbetet och kompetens har stor betydelse för om vi ska kunna och vilja arbeta till en högre ålder. Vi måste ta större hänsyn till olika förutsättningar och varierande funktionsförmåga och utifrån detta anpassa de åtgärder som gör att arbetslivet blir möjligt och hållbart för allt fler även i högre ålder.Ett hållbart och acceptabelt pensionssystem måste därför utformas utifrån personliga förutsättningar och förhållanden i arbetslivet. Ett hållbart arbetsliv för allt fler i vår åldrande befolkning fordrar att vi samtidigt beaktar faktorer som relaterar till biologisk/kroppslig ålder, mental/kognitiv ålder samt social ålder/livsloppsfas samt de attityder som är kopplade till ålder.
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10. |
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11. |
- Alexandre, Ana, et al.
(author)
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Effects of CO2 enrichment on photosynthesis, growth, and nitrogen metabolism of the seagrass Zostera noltii
- 2012
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In: Ecology and Evolution. - : Wiley. - 2045-7758. ; 2:10, s. 2620-2630
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Seagrass ecosystems are expected to benefit from the global increase in CO2 in the ocean because the photosynthetic rate of these plants may be C-i-limited at the current CO2 level. As well, it is expected that lower external pH will facilitate the nitrate uptake of seagrasses if nitrate is cotransported with H+ across the membrane as in terrestrial plants. Here, we investigate the effects of CO2 enrichment on both carbon and nitrogen metabolism of the seagrass Zostera noltii in a mesocosm experiment where plants were exposed for 5 months to two experimental CO2 concentrations (360 and 700 ppm). Both the maximum photosynthetic rate (Pm) and photosynthetic efficiency (alpha) were higher (1.3- and 4.1-fold, respectively) in plants exposed to CO2-enriched conditions. On the other hand, no significant effects of CO2 enrichment on leaf growth rates were observed, probably due to nitrogen limitation as revealed by the low nitrogen content of leaves. The leaf ammonium uptake rate and glutamine synthetase activity were not significantly affected by increased CO2 concentrations. On the other hand, the leaf nitrate uptake rate of plants exposed to CO2-enriched conditions was fourfold lower than the uptake of plants exposed to current CO2 level, suggesting that in the seagrass Z. noltii nitrate is not cotransported with H+ as in terrestrial plants. In contrast, the activity of nitrate reductase was threefold higher in plant leaves grown at high-CO2 concentrations. Our results suggest that the global effects of CO2 on seagrass production may be spatially heterogeneous and depend on the specific nitrogen availability of each system. Under a CO2 increase scenario, the natural levels of nutrients will probably become limiting for Z. noltii. This potential limitation becomes more relevant because the expected positive effect of CO2 increase on nitrate uptake rate was not confirmed.
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12. |
- Ali, Yusuf, et al.
(author)
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Experimental determination of concentration factors of Ni, Ru and Sb in the model diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum
- 2023
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In: Scientific Reports. - 2045-2322. ; 13:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper describes the experimental determination of concentration factors (CF) for nickel, ruthenium and antimony in the model diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum Bohlin (Bacillariophyceae), which was chosen as a representative of marine phytoplankton. Better determinations of these CF are needed to improve the modelling of marine ecosystems at release points, where radioactive pollutants enter the ecosystem, for more accurate predictions of radiation dose to humans caused by these pollutants. A literature study revealed that the currently implemented values of these CF are based on very scarce data, and a computational sensitivity study showed that the radiation dose caused by radioisotopes of these elements depend strongly on the phytoplankton CF. Nutrient-enriched water samples from Swedish coastal waters were used as a medium for growing of the diatom species P. tricornutum and radioactive isotopes of the studied elements were added to the cultures during the exponential growth phase. The radioactivity in the P. tricornutum and in the culture medium were measured separately and used for determination of CF. Conservative estimates of the CF based on this phytoplankton proxy on the present data are 6400 L/kg for nickel, 20,000 L/kg for ruthenium and 890 L/kg for antimony, with P. tricornutum biomass masses referring to dry weight. The estimates for nickel and ruthenium are similar to previously published values, which underpins the credibility of radiation dose calculations based on these values. The estimate for antimony is uncertain, but also, to our knowledge, represents the first published experimentally based data on this CF.
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13. |
- Asplund, Fredrik, 1977-, et al.
(author)
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Knowing too much? : On bias due to domain-specific knowledge in internal crowdsourcing for explorative ideas
- 2021
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In: R&D Management. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0033-6807 .- 1467-9310.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Internal crowdsourcing utilizes a firm’s employees, of which many have a strong understanding of the domains in which the firm operates, for contributing with, developing and evaluating ideas. On the one hand, these employees can use their domain-specific knowledge to identify the value of what may seem a far-fetched solution to the average employee. On the other hand, previous research has shown that employees typically evaluate ideas in their domains less favorably if they do not align with ongoing exploitation activities. Hence, this study focuses on whether a higher degree of relevant domain-specific knowledge makes employees participating in internal crowdsourcing prefer exploitative solutions when evaluating ideas. An empirical study of an online platform for firm-internal innovation in a multinational engineering company showed that employees who only infrequently participated in internal crowdsourcing mostly contributed to and evaluated ideas within their own domain. Employees who frequently participated also contributed to and evaluated ideas outside their own domains. By statistically analyzing group differences during idea evaluation, we show that employees participating infrequently favor exploitable solutions, whereas employees participating frequently are more uncertain. The former difference is only seen concerning ideas that require domain-specific knowledge to understand, but the latter is observed for all types of ideas. This study makes three substantial contributions. First, employees with domain-specific knowledge, through their preference for exploitative solutions, bias the outcome of internal crowdsourcing when idea evaluation requires domain-specific knowledge. Second, this bias is aggravated by the overall higher level of uncertainty displayed by employees participating frequently in internal crowdsourcing and thereby tend to reach out to other domains. Third, in order to mitigate this, bias management can build engagement in internal crowdsourcing through idea challenges that do not require domain-specific knowledge and consider avoiding employees with a strongly associated domain knowledge for idea evaluation.
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14. |
- Asplund, Fredrik, 1977-, et al.
(author)
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The genesis of public-private innovation ecosystems : Bias and challenges
- 2021
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In: Technological forecasting & social change. - : Elsevier. - 0040-1625 .- 1873-5509. ; 162
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The emergence of technology increasingly depends on innovation ecosystems and frequently involves actors from both industry and academia. However, value creation may experience challenges due to bias formed during public-private innovation ecosystem genesis.This empirical study of bias in a new pan-European public-private initiative provides results regarding innovation ecosystems and the individuals typically active during their genesis: value creation is biased towards the selection of incumbent firms and complement challenges, and participation is biased towards engineers with knowledge of exploitation from multiple domains and researchers with knowledge of exploitation from single domains.This suggests that the implications of the loose coupling emphasised by the innovation ecosystems discourse and the knowledge of the different contexts in which firms capture value are more complex than previously acknowledged. The practical implications are that the ability of public innovation ecosystem leadership to act early on novel technology might be offset by the inability of involved firms to commit to bringing the technology to market and that individuals typically active during public-private innovation ecosystems genesis are not ideal for handling this challenge. In fact, increasingly connected public leadership could smother the innovation ecosystem unless well-connected and multidisciplinary researchers are brought in as brokers.
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15. |
- Asplund, Maria. E., 1970, et al.
(author)
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Dynamics and fate of blue carbon in a mangrove-seagrass seascape : influence of landscape configuration and land-use change
- 2021
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In: Landscape Ecology. - : Springer. - 0921-2973 .- 1572-9761. ; 36, s. 1489-1509
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context Seagrass meadows act as efficient natural carbon sinks by sequestering atmospheric CO2 and through trapping of allochthonous organic material, thereby preserving organic carbon (C-org) in their sediments. Less understood is the influence of landscape configuration and transformation (land-use change) on carbon sequestration dynamics in coastal seascapes across the land-sea interface. Objectives We explored the influence of landscape configuration and degradation of adjacent mangroves on the dynamics and fate of C-org in seagrass habitats. Methods Through predictive modelling, we assessed sedimentary C-org content, stocks and source composition in multiple seascapes (km-wide buffer zones) dominated by different seagrass communities in northwest Madagascar. The study area encompassed seagrass meadows adjacent to intact and deforested mangroves. Results The sedimentary C-org content was influenced by a combination of landscape metrics and inherent habitat plant- and sediment-properties. We found a strong land-to-sea gradient, likely driven by hydrodynamic forces, generating distinct patterns in sedimentary C-org levels in seagrass seascapes. There was higher C-org content and a mangrove signal in seagrass surface sediments closer to the deforested mangrove area, possibly due to an escalated export of C-org from deforested mangrove soils. Seascapes comprising large continuous seagrass meadows had higher sedimentary C-org levels in comparison to more diverse and patchy seascapes. Conclusion Our results emphasize the benefit to consider the influence of seascape configuration and connectivity to accurately assess C-org content in coastal habitats. Understanding spatial patterns of variability and what is driving the observed patterns is useful for identifying carbon sink hotspots and develop management prioritizations.
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16. |
- Asplund, Maria. E., 1970, et al.
(author)
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Methane Emissions From Nordic Seagrass Meadow Sediments
- 2022
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In: Frontiers in Marine Science. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 2296-7745. ; 8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Shallow coastal soft bottoms are important carbon sinks. Submerged vegetation has been shown to sequester carbon, increase sedimentary organic carbon (C-org) and thus suppress greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The ongoing regression of seagrass cover in many areas of the world can therefore lead to accelerated emission of GHGs. In Nordic waters, seagrass meadows have a high capacity for carbon storage, with some areas being recognized as blue carbon hotspots. To what extent these carbon stocks lead to emission of methane (CH4) is not yet known. We investigated benthic CH4 emission (i.e., net release from the sediment) in relation to seagrass (i.e. Zostera marina) cover and sedimentary C-org content (%) during the warm summer period (when emissions are likely to be highest). Methane exchange was measured in situ with benthic chambers at nine sites distributed in three regions along a salinity gradient from similar to 6 in the Baltic Sea (Finland) to similar to 20 in Kattegat (Denmark) and similar to 26 in Skagerrak (Sweden). The net release of CH4 from seagrass sediments and adjacent unvegetated areas was generally low compared to other coastal habitats in the region (such as mussel banks and wetlands) and to other seagrass areas worldwide. The lowest net release was found in Finland. We found a positive relationship between CH4 net release and sedimentary C-org content in both seagrass meadows and unvegetated areas, whereas no clear relationship between seagrass cover and CH4 net release was observed. Overall, the data suggest that Nordic Zostera marina meadows release average levels of CH4 ranging from 0.3 to 3.0 mu g CH4 m(-2) h(-1), which is at least 12-78 times lower (CO2 equivalents) than their carbon accumulation rates previously estimated from seagrass meadows in the region, thereby not hampering their role as carbon sinks. Thus, the relatively weak CH4 emissions from Nordic Z. marina meadows will not outweigh their importance as carbon sinks under present environmental conditions.
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17. |
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18. |
- Beer, Sven, et al.
(author)
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Basic Concepts and Key Parameters of Chlorophyll Fluorescence
- 2021
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In: Research Methods of Environmental Physiology in Aquatic Sciences. - Singapore : Springer. - 9789811553530 - 9789811553547 ; , s. 221-229
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Book chapter (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Photosynthetic rates can be measured in several different ways. Classically, phytoplankton productivity has been measured by uptake rates of 14C-labelled inorganic carbon (Ci, i.e. CO2 and HCO3−), which is a sensitive measure even for sparse phytoplankton assemblages. For macrophytes, gas exchange of CO2 or O2 have been used as preferred methods of photosynthetic productivity. All these above mentioned methods have the disadvantage of being slow (minutes to hours or days) and the need for enclosing the plants, the latter of which invariably alters their surroundings from natural ones in terms of light (both irradiance and spectrum), water flow and decreasing nutrient, such as Ci, levels, as well as increasing O2 concentrations, which may impede on rates. For the last 20 years, chlorophyll fluorescence measurements have increasingly replaced the other methods as being both sensitive and speedy, and applicable under natural, non-enclosed, conditions. This chapter explains the background to chlorophyll fluorescence, as well as the principles of pulse-amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorometry and, briefly, fast repetition rate fluorometry (FRRF) measurements.
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19. |
- Beer, Sven, et al.
(author)
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Carbon Dioxide vs. Bicarbonate Utilisation
- 2021
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In: Research Methods of Environmental Physiology in Aquatic Sciences. - Singapore : Springer. - 9789811553530 - 9789811553547 ; , s. 153-164
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Book chapter (other academic/artistic)abstract
- While CO2 is the external inorganic carbon (Ci) form used for photosynthesis in terrestrial plants, the higher concentration of bicarbonate (HCO3−) in most water bodies renders this ionic Ci form the preferred external Ci source for most cyanobacteria, microalgae, and submerged macrophytes. The equilibrium concentrations of these two Ci forms depend largely on pH. For example, at today’s average seawater pH of 8.1, the HCO3− concentration is approximately 120 times that of dissolved CO2; in most lakes and streams pH values are lower so this ratio is reduced in favour of CO2 (but this Ci form is seldom higher than that of HCO3−), and HCO3− utilisation becomes less advantageous. On the other hand, the affinity of aquatic phototrophs for CO2 is much higher than that for HCO3−, and the preferred Ci form will thus be a compromise between the affinities for, and concentrations of, the two Ci forms. This chapter will outline ways to determine whether, and to what degree, external CO2 or HCO3− is utilised by various aquatic phototrophs.
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20. |
- Beer, Sven, et al.
(author)
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Fluorescence Measurement Techniques
- 2021
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In: Research Methods of Environmental Physiology in Aquatic Sciences. - Singapore : Springer. - 9789811553530 - 9789811553547 ; , s. 231-238
-
Book chapter (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Chlorophyll fluorometers are constructed such that the immediate outcomes of the measurements provide information on quantum yields (Y) of electrons passing through photosystem II (PSII). If the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) absorbed by PSII (PARa) is known, then photosynthetic rates can be calculated as electron transport rates (ETR). If only the incident irradiance (PARi) is known (which often is the case), then relative ETRs (rETR) can be calculated as the product of Y and PARi. There are sometimes easy ways to at least estimate PARa, and they will be described in this chapter, as will other practical means to measure photosynthetic parameters using fluorometry.
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21. |
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22. |
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23. |
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24. |
- Beretta, M., et al.
(author)
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Moderating Ideation in Web-Enabled Ideation Systems
- 2018
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In: The Journal of product innovation management. - : Blackwell Publishing. - 0737-6782 .- 1540-5885. ; 35:3, s. 389-409
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- While organizations increasingly implement web-enabled ideation systems to access the collective intelligence of their distributed employees, recent studies show that most attempts to use these systems underperform or fail. This article draws on a qualitative case study of the Ericsson system “Idea Boxes” to explore a novel approach to manage ideation based on the use of the moderator role. The aim of this study is to understand to what extent and how the introduction of moderators can contribute to a better management of web-enabled ideation systems and to overcome the shortcomings commonly associated with their use. The contribution of this study to innovation literature is threefold. First, it develops a conceptual framework that gives insights into the practices implemented by moderators to manage ideation, namely: (1) formulating an ideation strategy, (2) combining means for community building, and (3) formalizing the ideation process. It focuses on unfolding their key complementarities. Second, this study relates these practices to the shortcomings of web-enabled ideation systems with respect to the sourcing, filtering, and handling of employees' ideas. It discusses how the identified practices can help organizations address these shortcomings by stimulating sustained employee participation, increasing the quality and fit of the ideas generated, and ensuring their efficient selection and integration. Third, this article compares moderators to other innovation roles discussed in the new product development literature with the aim of broadening the future research agenda toward an investigation of emerging organizational roles having limited formal authority to manage innovation. The findings of this study provide valuable guidelines to managers to implement more sophisticated approaches for a better management of the ideation process through web-enabled ideation tools.
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25. |
- Bergendahl, Magnus
(author)
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Collaboration and competition in firm-internal ideation management : Two alternatives – and a third way out
- 2015
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The passive reliance on ideas to spontaneously emerge within companies is today replaced with more active and continuous ideation management that embraces employees from different functions and knowledge-domains within the company to create and develop ideas. A frequently observed feature in the active management of ideation is the reliance on collaboration and competition mechanisms. These mechanisms use the strength of enabling people to working together towards a shared interest (collaboration) and the power of enabling people to outperform each other in submitting the best idea (competition). The existing research on collaboration and competition in ideation is found inconclusive about their effects as collaboration is stated to both enhance and hamper performance, and as competition is claimed to both drive and reduce performance in ideation. This constitutes a limitation to the management of ideation as it reduces the ability to actively and purposefully guide ideation through a deliberate use of the two mechanisms.The aim of this thesis is to investigate collaboration and competition mechanisms in firm-internal ideation. A multi-methodological approach has been deployed using three different studies: a multiple case study, a survey, and an experiment. This has allowed for the phenomenon of ideation to be studied using different perspectives and for the individual results to be triangulated. The empirical data has been acquired from both industry and experiments with university students.The conducted research has revealed that the inconsistencies on the effects from the two mechanisms are possible to understand and resolve by applying a more detailed level of analysis. When competition is decomposed into components of individual- and group competition, it is found that individual competition drives idea quantity and that it hampers collaboration, whereas group competition instead is found to induce collaboration and to nurture idea quality. This indicates that competition can be used to manage levels of collaboration in ideation, thereby bridging the two mechanisms.This thesis further presents that the individual effects from each of the mechanisms are complementary to each other. This implies that the effect from each mechanism is retained when combined with the other mechanisms, and that the combined effect is equal to, or even greater than, the sum of the individual effects. This combined use is found to drive both ideation efficiency and motivation, and is offering management an interesting third alternative, out of the two mechanisms, of how firm-internal ideation can be managed in a more effective and efficient manner.An analytical framework is included, presenting the interrelationships between the mechanisms, motivation, ideation behavior and the ideation performance.
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26. |
- Bergendahl, Magnus, 1976-, et al.
(author)
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Ideation High Performers : A Study of Motivational Factors
- 2015
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In: Creativity Research Journal. - : Routledge. - 1040-0419 .- 1532-6934. ; 27:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- As innovation today is one of the keys to success for firms, creativity among its employees becomes a key asset and the understanding about what motivates employees in ideation is consequently of high interest. This article addresses differences in motivation among high- and low performers in ideation and contributes to existing theory by enhancing the understanding about what characterizes motivation among ideation high performers. The quantitative analysis used is based on a study performed at a multinational consumer goods company based in Sweden, surveying employees’ performance, motivation and their preferences towards collaboration and competition. Among key findings is the possible combination of collaboration and competition mechanisms as motivating means in firms’ ideation management.
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27. |
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28. |
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29. |
- Bevemyr, Mats, 1964-, et al.
(author)
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Events of potential learning : how preschoolers produce curriculum at the computer during free play periods
- 2016
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In: Nordisk Barnehageforskning. - : Nordisk Barnehageforskning. - 1890-9167. ; 12:8, s. 1-16
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Abstract: The Swedish preschool curriculum emphasizes children’s learning through play. This means that children’s learning in everyday practice is accomplished through a complex mixture of teacher-led activities and activities the children themselves initiate. When learning is viewed as situated and constituted through social interaction (Lave & Wenger, 1991), almost all social events have learning potential. Consequently, from an educational and a curriculum point of view it is important to raise the question of how children’s learning can be made visible, and determine what kind of learning children’s own initiated (play) activities imply. The focus of the paper is on children’s (aged 3-5 years) “communities of practice” at the computer during “free play” period in two various Swedish preschools settings. Events of peer interaction are analyzed in detail to illustrate what kind of learning activities are going on at the computer, and to discuss these events of potential learning in relation to the curriculum goals and the educational practice. From a curriculum point of view, the analyses show that the children’s activities at the computer involve a variety of events that might provides for learning that can be viewed as goal-oriented. From the children’s point of view, the project of socialization seems to be the most prominent goal. A crucial point for educational success, however, is to understand not only what the object of learning is, rather what motivates children’s play apprenticeship in their own “communities of practice”.
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30. |
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31. |
- Björk, Jonas, et al.
(author)
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Accuracy of GFR estimating equations combining standardized cystatin C and creatinine assays: a cross-sectional study in Sweden
- 2015
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In: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine. - : Walter de Gruyter GmbH. - 1434-6621 .- 1437-4331. ; 53:3, s. 403-414
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The recently established international cystatin C calibrator makes it possible to develop non-laboratory specific glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimating (eGFR) equations. This study compares the performance of the arithmetic mean of the revised Lund-Malmo creatinine and CAPA cystatin C equations (MEAN(LM-REV+CAPA)), the arithmetic mean of the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation (CKD-EPI) creatinine and cystatin C equations (MEAN(CKD-EPI)), and the composite CKD-EPI equation (CKD-EPICREA+CYSC) with the corresponding single marker equations using internationally standardized calibrators for both cystatin C and creatinine. Methods: The study included 1200 examinations in 1112 adult Swedish patients referred for measurement of GFR (mGFR) 2008-2010 by plasma clearance of iohexol (median 51 mL/min/1.73 m(2)). Bias, precision (interquartile range, IQR) and accuracy (percentage of estimates +/- 30% of mGFR; P-30) were compared. Results: Combined marker equations were unbiased and had higher precision and accuracy than single marker equations. Overall results of MEAN(LM-REV+CAPA)/MEAN(CKD-EPI)/CKD-EPICREA+CYSC were: median bias -2.2%/-0.5%/-1.6%, IQR 9.2/9.2/8.8 mL/min/1.73 m(2), and P-30 91.3%/91.0%/91.1%. The P-30 figures were about 7-14 -percentage points higher than the single marker equations. The combined equations also had a more stable performance across mGFR, age and BMI intervals, generally with P-30 >= 90% and never <80%. Combined equations reached P-30 of 95% when the difference between eGFR(CREA) and eGFR(CYSC) was <10% but decreased to 82% at a difference of >= 40%. Conclusions: Combining cystatin C and creatinine assays improves GFR estimations with P-30 >= 90% in adults. Reporting estimates of both single and combined marker equations in clinical settings makes it possible to assess the validity of the combined equation based on the agreement between the single marker equations.
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32. |
- Björk, Jonas, et al.
(author)
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Adsorption of Aromatic and Anti-Aromatic Systems on Graphene through π−π Stacking
- 2010
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In: The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1948-7185. ; 1, s. 3407-3412
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The adsorption of neutral (poly)-aromatic, antiaromatic, and more generally π-conjugated systems on graphene is studied as a prototypical case of π-π stacking. To account for dispersive interactions, we compare the recent van der Waals density functional (vdw-DF) with three semiempirical corrections to density functional theory and two empirical force fields. The adsorption energies of the molecules binding to graphene predicted by the vdw-DFwere found to be in excellent agreement with temperature desorption experiments reported in litera- ture,whereas the results of theremaining functionals andforce fields only preserve the correct trends. The comparison of the dispersive versus electrostatic contribu- tions to the total binding energies in the aromatic and antiaromatic systems suggests that π-π interactions can be regarded as being prevalently dispersive in nature at large separations, whereas close to the equilibrium bonding distance, it is a complex interplay between dispersive and electrostatic Coulombic interactions. Moreover our results surprisingly indicate that the magnitude of π-π interactions normalized both per number of total atoms and carbon atoms increases signifi- cantly with the relative number of hydrogen atoms in the studied systems.
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33. |
- Björk, Jennie, et al.
(author)
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Creating Better Innovation Measurement Practices
- 2017
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In: Mit Sloan Management Review. - : Sloan Management Review Association. - 1532-9194. ; 59:1, s. 45-53
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- For most companies, innovation is a top managerial priority. Many managers look at successful innovators such as Apple Inc. and Google Inc. with envy, wishing their companies could be half as innovative. To boost and benchmark innovation, managers often use quantitative performance indicators.1 Some of these indicators measure innovation as results or outcomes such as sales from new products. Others measure innovation as a process, using metrics such as the number of innovation projects in progress. And some track input measures such as the number of ideas generated, while still others focus on the innovation portfolio, by looking at factors such as the percentage of investments in breakthrough projects versus product line extensions.
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34. |
- Björk, Jennie, et al.
(author)
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Heterogeneity and performance in innovation idea networks
- 2008
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In: Proceedings of the 9<sup>th</sup> CINet conference.
-
Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- This paper addresses the influence of heterogeneity on the creativityperformance of formal and informal groups when generating innovation ideas.Data on all innovation ideas generated at a company during three years havebeen gathered and analyzed. The empirical results showed that heterogeneityin formal groups has a positive influence on the quality of the ideas generated.However, after a certain amount of heterogeneity the performance drasticallydecreased, showing that there is an optimum for when heterogeneityinfluences the performance of the formal groups positively. The informalgroups did not show the same results.Managerial implications of the findings are that both the strategic input toideation and its organizing need to be considered.
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35. |
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36. |
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37. |
- Björk, Jennie, et al.
(author)
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Ideation capabilities for continuous innovation
- 2010
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In: Creativity and Innovation Management. - : Wiley. - 0963-1690 .- 1467-8691. ; 19:4, s. 385-396
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper explores ideation capabilities in large organizations. Based on the dynamic capabilities framework, it is seen that ideation capabilities are managerial and organizational processes for the stimulation, identification, selection and implementation of ideas. In order to explore how these capabilities are manifested and used in firms, case studies of four Swedish companies have been performed. The results of the study show that there are different approaches to ideation. In terms of the nature of innovative ideas, the observations lead to the suggestion that ideation presents some seemingly paradoxical issues to management. Firms with an explicit focus on building ideation practices experience that there are some negative consequences of the resultant formalization. Furthermore, the extent to which many employees should be involved in ideation is a difficult aspect, even though new technologies make this more viable. Also the degree to which the search for ideas should be directed is a non-trivial question, as the ideation processes can be facilitated by both freedom and limitations. It is nevertheless seen that firms can benefit from more deliberate approaches to ideation, in particular if these are broad and balanced and focus on both building capabilities that formalize the informal, in terms of establishing explicit processes, roles and systems, and building capabilities needed to manage informal structures in new ways.
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38. |
- Björk, Jennie, et al.
(author)
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Ideation performance in projects and informal groups
- 2009
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In: Proceedings of the 1st ISPIM Innovation Symposium. - 9789522146656
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Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Ideation activities take place in all parts of an organization and in different settings. Received theory points out that both formal and informal groups hold potential for creativity and knowledge creation, but how these groups differ in terms of ideation is not known. The importance of group heterogeneity and access to information and knowledge through network connections has been stressed in earlier research and the performed study has focused on these factors. More specifically, this research explores the ideation performance of project teams and informal groups, respectively, by studying how heterogeneity and network connectivity might influence the quality of the innovation ideas created. Drawing upon an internal database from a large Swedish consumer goods company, all innovation ideas created by both formal and informal group constellations during three years have been analyzed. The investigation showed that a moderate level of heterogeneity in formal groups has a positive influence on the quality of the ideas generated. The ideation performance of informal groups did not reveal any interdependence with heterogeneity. Network connectivity was interdependent with creative performance for informal groups, where a certain amount of connectivity positively influenced the performance of the group. The performance of formal groups did not show this pattern and also revealed no significant relationship with network connectivity. Based on the analysis, implications for management and theory are drawn and discussed.
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40. |
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41. |
- Björk, Jonas, et al.
(author)
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STM fingerprint of molecule-adatom interactions in a self-assembled metal-organic surface coordination network on Cu(111)
- 2010
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In: Physical Chemistry, Chemical Physics - PCCP. - : R S C Publications. - 1463-9076 .- 1463-9084. ; 12, s. 8815-8821
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A novel approach of identifying metal atoms within a metal-organic surface coordination network using scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) is presented. The Cu adatoms coordinated in the porous surface network of 1,3,8,10-tetraazaperopyrene (TAPP) molecules on a Cu(111) surface give rise to a characteristic electronic resonance in STM experiments. Using density functional theory calculations, we provide strong evidence that this resonance is a fingerprint of the interaction between the molecules and the Cu adatoms. We also show that the bonding of the Cu adatoms to the organic exodentate ligands is characterised by both the mixing of the nitrogen lone-pair orbitals of TAPP with states on the Cu adatoms and the partial filling of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the TAPP molecule. Furthermore, the key interactions determining the surface unit cell of the network are discussed.
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42. |
- Björk, Jennie, et al.
(author)
-
The Impact of Social Capital on Ideation : untapping the knowledge creation potential of internal networks
- 2010
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper examines the impact of social capital on the quality of ideas generated by individuals at work. Two dimensions of social capital are compared – the degree (i.e. the size) of an individual’s network of work relations, and the structural holes (i.e. gaps between nodes) of those relations. Analyzing a database from a Swedish company which has worked systematically with idea management, and which today has a well-established information technology system that collects ideas from a large number of employees, this study presents evidence indicating that the larger is the size of an individual’s’ ego network – specifically the number of social interactions with other actors – the larger this individual’s innovative performance in terms of high quality ideas, whereas the larger is the number of structural holes in the ego network, the lower is the quality of ideas generated by the individual. Our findings support the conclusion that individuals’ relationships within firms play a key role for value-creating behavior, and thereby contribute to a deeper understanding of how social capital influences idea generation.
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43. |
- Björk, Jennie, et al.
(author)
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The Impact of Social Capital on Ideation
- 2011
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In: Industry and Innovation. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1366-2716 .- 1469-8390. ; 18:6, s. 631-647
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper examines the impact of social capital on the quality of ideas generated by individuals at work. Two dimensions of social capital are investigated—the degree (i.e. size) of individuals' networks of ideation relations, and the structural holes (i.e. gaps between nodes) of those relations. Previous research has presented different and even conflicting empirical results concerning the effect of structural holes on innovation activities, and has not dealt specifically with the ideation phase of the innovation process. By drawing upon an idea database from a Swedish company that has worked systematically with idea management for an extensive period, this study investigates the interrelationship between social capital and ideation. The empirical study reveals that the larger the size of an individual's ego network, the higher is this individual's innovative performance in terms of high-quality ideas, whereas the larger the number of structural holes in an ego network, the lower is the quality of ideas generated by the individual in question. These findings support the conclusion that social capital, in terms of individuals' relationships with fellow employees within firms, has a positive influence on idea-generating behavior. Moreover, the results reveal that the presence of structural holes is negative for ideation performance, thus providing important new input to the recent debate on the interrelationship between structural holes and innovation in general.
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44. |
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45. |
- Björk, Jennie, et al.
(author)
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The What, Who, When, Where, and How of Idea Assessment.
- 2016
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Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- In contemporary innovation management literature there is limitedcomprehensive understanding regarding how different domains andfactors affect and bias early assessment of new product/service ideas.This paper aims at reviewing domains that previous research hasidentified affecting the evaluation of an idea and compiles them into aconceptual framework, and to test this framework among leading expertsand practitioners in the field of idea management. Empirical findings fromtwo workshops indicate that the identified domains in the framework areindeed relevant, but that additional aspect are highlighted and recognized by practitioners. We note that a proactive and deliberate approach to idea assessment needs to be carefully designed, attending to all factors in the presented framework in a comprehensive manner, while taking the organization's specific innovation needs and demands into account.
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46. |
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47. |
- Björk, Jennie, et al.
(author)
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Turning ideas into innovations : introducing demand-driven collaborative ideation
- 2014
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In: International Journal of Innovation and Regional Development. - 1753-0660 .- 1753-0679. ; 5:4/5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Web-enabled tools for ideation are becoming increasingly diffused in companies, but their true impact on innovation performance has been questioned. A factor that can explain some of the so far missing performance of these firm-internal systems for ideation is a lack of attention to the demand-side of ideation. Frequently, the focus of ideation is put more or less unilaterally on the supply-side, with the aim to generate as many or as good ideas as possible, instead of focusing on innovation needs. The aim of this article is to describe and analyse demand-driven collaborative ideation, with a particular emphasis on its management aspects. In order to empirically investigate how to manage this new approach to ideation, a case study of Ericsson, a Swedish multi-national corporation, has been performed. The results highlight that incentives, visibility and resources are three main components of demand-driven collaborative ideation and outline key challenges with this new approach to ideation.
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48. |
- Björk, Jennie, 1982-, et al.
(author)
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Where do good innovation ideas come from? : Exploring the influence of network connectivity on innovation idea quality
- 2009
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In: The Journal of product innovation management. - : Wiley. - 0737-6782 .- 1540-5885. ; 26:6, s. 662-670
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper aims to add to innovation management theory and practice by exploring the interrelationship between innovation idea quality and idea providers' network connectivity, using social network analysis. The study uses a database from a company that has worked systematically with idea management over a long period of time and today has a well-established information technology system that collects ideas from a large number of employees. In addition to the idea database, a number of interviews with key individuals within innovation were conducted to create rich contextual knowledge and understand more in detail how ideas are handled in the company. The analysis indicated that there is a clear interrelationship between the network connectivity and the quality of the innovation ideas created. The analysis was done for all the innovation ideas and then for ideas created by single individuals and by groups, respectively. In all three analyses the proportion of high-quality innovation ideas increased, as a step function, between the least connected group and the group thereafter. There is apparently a need for a certain amount of relations to increase the proportion of high-quality innovation ideas generated. Regarding only ideas provided by single individuals, more connections within the network resulted in a higher proportion of high-quality ideas. A different pattern was seen for ideas provided by groups as the proportion of high-quality innovation ideas grew with some increase in the connectivity of groups but declined with a further increase in connectivity. The findings suggest a number of implications for ideation management. To increase the number of high-quality innovation ideas created by individuals, the possibility to interact with other people should be supported and facilitated. However, in these settings, where individuals work with others in different groups, the most connected groups perform worst in terms of the proportion of high-quality ideas generated, which points to the necessity to consider a multitude of factors when managing ideation.
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49. |
- Björk, Jennie, 1982, et al.
(author)
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Where do good innovation ideas come from?
- 2008
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In: in proceedings of the 15th International Product Development Management Conference, June 29-July 1, 2008, Hamburg, Germany..
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)
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50. |
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