| 1. |
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| 2. |
- de Jong, Roelof S., et al.
(author)
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4MOST-4-metre Multi-Object Spectroscopic Telescope
- 2014
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In: Ground-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy V. - : SPIE. - 0277-786X .- 1996-756X. ; 9147
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- 4MOST is a wide-field, high-multiplex spectroscopic survey facility under development for the VISTA telescope of the European Southern Observatory (ESO). Its main science drivers are in the fields of galactic archeology, high-energy physics, galaxy evolution and cosmology. 4MOST will in particular provide the spectroscopic complements to the large area surveys coming from space missions like Gaia, eROSITA, Euclid, and PLATO and from ground-based facilities like VISTA, VST, DES, LSST and SKA. The 4MOST baseline concept features a 2.5 degree diameter field-of-view with similar to 2400 fibres in the focal surface that are configured by a fibre positioner based on the tilting spine principle. The fibres feed two types of spectrographs; similar to 1600 fibres go to two spectrographs with resolution R> 5000 (lambda similar to 390-930 nm) and similar to 800 fibres to a spectrograph with R> 18,000 (lambda similar to 392-437 nm & 515-572 nm & 605-675 nm). Both types of spectrographs are fixed-configuration, three-channel spectrographs. 4MOST will have an unique operations concept in which 5 year public surveys from both the consortium and the ESO community will be combined and observed in parallel during each exposure, resulting in more than 25 million spectra of targets spread over a large fraction of the southern sky. The 4MOST Facility Simulator (4FS) was developed to demonstrate the feasibility of this observing concept. 4MOST has been accepted for implementation by ESO with operations expected to start by the end of 2020. This paper provides a top-level overview of the 4MOST facility, while other papers in these proceedings provide more detailed descriptions of the instrument concept[1], the instrument requirements development[2], the systems engineering implementation[3], the instrument model[4], the fibre positioner concepts[5], the fibre feed[6], and the spectrographs[7].
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| 3. |
- Akner, Gunnar, 1953-, et al.
(author)
-
Vi står gärna bakom en utfallsbaserad vård
- 2017
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In: Dagens Samhälle. - 1652-6511.
-
Journal article (pop. science, debate, etc.)abstract
- Jörgen Nordenström försöker få det till att vår kritik av värdebaserad vård egentligen handlar om att vi vill ha mer resurser. Han har helt missuppfattat oss, skriver 26 specialistläkare i en replik.
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
- Joshi, Peter K, et al.
(author)
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Directional dominance on stature and cognition in diverse human populations
- 2015
-
In: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 523:7561, s. 459-462
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Homozygosity has long been associated with rare, often devastating, Mendelian disorders, and Darwin was one of the first to recognize that inbreeding reduces evolutionary fitness. However, the effect of the more distant parental relatedness that is common in modern human populations is less well understood. Genomic data now allow us to investigate the effects of homozygosity on traits of public health importance by observing contiguous homozygous segments (runs of homozygosity), which are inferred to be homozygous along their complete length. Given the low levels of genome-wide homozygosity prevalent in most human populations, information is required on very large numbers of people to provide sufficient power. Here we use runs of homozygosity to study 16 health-related quantitative traits in 354,224 individuals from 102 cohorts, and find statistically significant associations between summed runs of homozygosity and four complex traits: height, forced expiratory lung volume in one second, general cognitive ability and educational attainment (P < 1 × 10(-300), 2.1 × 10(-6), 2.5 × 10(-10) and 1.8 × 10(-10), respectively). In each case, increased homozygosity was associated with decreased trait value, equivalent to the offspring of first cousins being 1.2 cm shorter and having 10 months' less education. Similar effect sizes were found across four continental groups and populations with different degrees of genome-wide homozygosity, providing evidence that homozygosity, rather than confounding, directly contributes to phenotypic variance. Contrary to earlier reports in substantially smaller samples, no evidence was seen of an influence of genome-wide homozygosity on blood pressure and low density lipoprotein cholesterol, or ten other cardio-metabolic traits. Since directional dominance is predicted for traits under directional evolutionary selection, this study provides evidence that increased stature and cognitive function have been positively selected in human evolution, whereas many important risk factors for late-onset complex diseases may not have been.
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| 6. |
- Mattsson, Hans-Åke, et al.
(author)
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Experiences from Procurement of Integrated Bridge Maintenance in Sweden
- 2009
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In: European Journal of Transport and Infrastructure Research. - 1567-7133. ; 9:2, s. 143-163
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The trend in many countries is to outsource maintenance with competitive tendering. The design of the tender is then a crucial issue. A new type of tendering contract, called "Integrated Bridge Maintenance", was introduced in one experimental area in Sweden. In this case bridge maintenance is separated out from the standard road maintenance contract. A pilot project has been running since 2004 for all bridges in Uppsala County with about 400 bridges. The experiences and lessons from this pilot project are presented here, and analysed from a transaction cost perspective. An important feature of the contract was that it contained a combination of measures that should be carried out and properties of the bridges that the contractor was responsible to maintain. This created a balance between predictability and flexibility for the contractor. The client was satisfied because of increased competence and a low price. The latter can partly be explained by the possibility for the specialised bridge crew to get additional work from other sectors. One problem was that some properties were difficult to measure, which led to some controversies. As information about old bridges always are incomplete a partnering structure need to be built into the contract. Experience has also shown that a conscious policy to maintain long run competition is important. The general conclusion is that the project was seen as successful and as creating more "value for money".
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| 7. |
- Naghavi, Mohsen, et al.
(author)
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Global, regional, and national age-sex specific all-cause and cause-specific mortality for 240 causes of death, 1990-2013: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013
- 2015
-
In: The Lancet. - 1474-547X .- 0140-6736. ; 385:9963, s. 117-171
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Up-to-date evidence on levels and trends for age-sex-specifi c all-cause and cause-specifi c mortality is essential for the formation of global, regional, and national health policies. In the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013 (GBD 2013) we estimated yearly deaths for 188 countries between 1990, and 2013. We used the results to assess whether there is epidemiological convergence across countries. Methods We estimated age-sex-specifi c all-cause mortality using the GBD 2010 methods with some refinements to improve accuracy applied to an updated database of vital registration, survey, and census data. We generally estimated cause of death as in the GBD 2010. Key improvements included the addition of more recent vital registration data for 72 countries, an updated verbal autopsy literature review, two new and detailed data systems for China, and more detail for Mexico, UK, Turkey, and Russia. We improved statistical models for garbage code redistribution. We used six different modelling strategies across the 240 causes; cause of death ensemble modelling (CODEm) was the dominant strategy for causes with sufficient information. Trends for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias were informed by meta-regression of prevalence studies. For pathogen-specifi c causes of diarrhoea and lower respiratory infections we used a counterfactual approach. We computed two measures of convergence (inequality) across countries: the average relative difference across all pairs of countries (Gini coefficient) and the average absolute difference across countries. To summarise broad findings, we used multiple decrement life-tables to decompose probabilities of death from birth to exact age 15 years, from exact age 15 years to exact age 50 years, and from exact age 50 years to exact age 75 years, and life expectancy at birth into major causes. For all quantities reported, we computed 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). We constrained cause-specific fractions within each age-sex-country-year group to sum to all-cause mortality based on draws from the uncertainty distributions. Findings Global life expectancy for both sexes increased from 65.3 years (UI 65.0-65.6) in 1990, to 71.5 years (UI 71.0-71.9) in 2013, while the number of deaths increased from 47.5 million (UI 46.8-48.2) to 54.9 million (UI 53.6-56.3) over the same interval. Global progress masked variation by age and sex: for children, average absolute diff erences between countries decreased but relative diff erences increased. For women aged 25-39 years and older than 75 years and for men aged 20-49 years and 65 years and older, both absolute and relative diff erences increased. Decomposition of global and regional life expectancy showed the prominent role of reductions in age-standardised death rates for cardiovascular diseases and cancers in high-income regions, and reductions in child deaths from diarrhoea, lower respiratory infections, and neonatal causes in low-income regions. HIV/AIDS reduced life expectancy in southern sub-Saharan Africa. For most communicable causes of death both numbers of deaths and age-standardised death rates fell whereas for most non-communicable causes, demographic shifts have increased numbers of deaths but decreased age-standardised death rates. Global deaths from injury increased by 10.7%, from 4.3 million deaths in 1990 to 4.8 million in 2013; but age-standardised rates declined over the same period by 21%. For some causes of more than 100 000 deaths per year in 2013, age-standardised death rates increased between 1990 and 2013, including HIV/AIDS, pancreatic cancer, atrial fibrillation and flutter, drug use disorders, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and sickle-cell anaemias. Diarrhoeal diseases, lower respiratory infections, neonatal causes, and malaria are still in the top five causes of death in children younger than 5 years. The most important pathogens are rotavirus for diarrhoea and pneumococcus for lower respiratory infections. Country-specific probabilities of death over three phases of life were substantially varied between and within regions. Interpretation For most countries, the general pattern of reductions in age-sex specifi c mortality has been associated with a progressive shift towards a larger share of the remaining deaths caused by non-communicable disease and injuries. Assessing epidemiological convergence across countries depends on whether an absolute or relative measure of inequality is used. Nevertheless, age-standardised death rates for seven substantial causes are increasing, suggesting the potential for reversals in some countries. Important gaps exist in the empirical data for cause of death estimates for some countries; for example, no national data for India are available for the past decade.
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| 8. |
- Rosdahl, Hans, et al.
(author)
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Effect of physiological hyperinsulinemia on blood flow and interstitial glucose concentration in human skeletal muscle and adipose tissue studied by microdialysis
- 1998
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In: Diabetes. - : American Diabetes Association. - 0012-1797 .- 1939-327X. ; 47:8, s. 1296-1301
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The effect of an euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic glucose clamp (94 +/- 5 microU/ml) on blood flow and glucose extraction fraction in human skeletal muscle and adipose tissue was investigated. Limb blood flow was measured by venous occlusion pletysmography and tissue blood flow by the microdialysis ethanol technique. Insulin infusion resulted in an increased blood flow in the calf and forearm (64 and 36%, respectively; P < 0.01) but not in the studied muscles of these limbs (ethanol outflow-to-inflow ratio: m. gastrocnemius 0.144 +/- 0.009 to 0.140 +/- 0.011, NS; m. brachioradialis 0.159 +/- 0.025 to 0.168 +/- 0.027, NS). This was accompanied by an increased extraction fraction of glucose, as measured by an increased arteriovenous difference over the forearm (0.16 +/- 0.04 to 0.70 +/- 0.10 mmol/l; P < 0.001) and by an increase in the estimated arterial-interstitial glucose difference in the gastrocnemius (0.82-1.42 mmol/l) and brachioradialis muscle (0.82-1.97 mmol/l). The blood flow in adipose tissue was significantly increased during insulin infusion, as evidenced by a decreased ethanol outflow-to-inflow ratio (0.369 +/- 0.048 to 0.325 +/- 0.046; P < 0.01). This was accompanied by an unchanged concentration of glucose in the dialysate (-2.6%, NS). In summary, during physiological hyperinsulinemia 1) a blood flow increase was detected in the calf and forearm, but not in the studied muscles of these limbs; 2) the blood flow increased in the subcutaneous adipose tissue; and 3) the estimated arterial-interstitial glucose difference increased in both muscles studied and was larger in the forearm muscle than the arteriovenous glucose difference over the forearm. The present study shows that microdialysis is a useful tool to obtain tissue-specific information about the effect of insulin on blood flow and glucose extraction in human skeletal muscle and adipose tissue.
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| 9. |
- Shungin, Dmitry, et al.
(author)
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New genetic loci link adipose and insulin biology to body fat distribution.
- 2015
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In: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 518:7538, s. 187-378
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Body fat distribution is a heritable trait and a well-established predictor of adverse metabolic outcomes, independent of overall adiposity. To increase our understanding of the genetic basis of body fat distribution and its molecular links to cardiometabolic traits, here we conduct genome-wide association meta-analyses of traits related to waist and hip circumferences in up to 224,459 individuals. We identify 49 loci (33 new) associated with waist-to-hip ratio adjusted for body mass index (BMI), and an additional 19 loci newly associated with related waist and hip circumference measures (P < 5 × 10(-8)). In total, 20 of the 49 waist-to-hip ratio adjusted for BMI loci show significant sexual dimorphism, 19 of which display a stronger effect in women. The identified loci were enriched for genes expressed in adipose tissue and for putative regulatory elements in adipocytes. Pathway analyses implicated adipogenesis, angiogenesis, transcriptional regulation and insulin resistance as processes affecting fat distribution, providing insight into potential pathophysiological mechanisms.
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| 10. |
- Smith, Jennifer A, et al.
(author)
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Genome-wide association study identifies 74 loci associated with educational attainment
- 2016
-
In: Nature (London). - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1476-4687 .- 0028-0836. ; 533:7604, s. 539-542
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Educational attainment is strongly influenced by social and other environmental factors, but genetic factors are estimated to account for at least 20% of the variation across individuals. Here we report the results of a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for educational attainment that extends our earlier discovery sample of 101,069 individuals to 293,723 individuals, and a replication study in an independent sample of 111,349 individuals from the UK Biobank. We identify 74 genome-wide significant loci associated with the number of years of schooling completed. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with educational attainment are disproportionately found in genomic regions regulating gene expression in the fetal brain. Candidate genes are preferentially expressed in neural tissue, especially during the prenatal period, and enriched for biological pathways involved in neural development. Our findings demonstrate that, even for a behavioural phenotype that is mostly environmentally determined, a well-powered GWAS identifies replicable associated genetic variants that suggest biologically relevant pathways. Because educational attainment is measured in large numbers of individuals, it will continue to be useful as a proxy phenotype in efforts to characterize the genetic influences of related phenotypes, including cognition and neuropsychiatric diseases.
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| 11. |
- Abdi, Adel, et al.
(author)
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Designing appropriate contracts for achieving efficient winter road and railway maintenance with high performance quality : A survey of the state of practice in Sweden
- 2014
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In: International Journal of Quality and Service Sciences. - 1756-669X .- 1756-6703. ; 6:4, s. 399-415
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose - For a long time, the winter maintenance of the Swedish road and railway network had been performed in-house by Swedish Transport Administration, Swedish local authorities i.e. municipalities and Stockholm public transport. During the last 15 years the winter operation and maintenance of these state infrastructures have been performed by public procurement and contracting from independent contractors, where in practice the lowest price is the dominating selection criteria. The aim of this paper is to investigate and identify how these contracts are designed and how satisfied the parties are with the contract and the quality of the performed work during the winter and point our directions for improvement. Design/methodology/approach - The study was conducted by a literature review and followed by semi-structured interviews and electronic questionnaire. Findings - The results of the study which are based on the interviews and the online questionnaire show that there is widespread dissatisfaction with the contracts among both clients and contractors. Practical implications - The article prepares a basis showing how a contract affects the quality of the performed winter road and railway maintenance services. Originality/value - The findings lead to a number of suggestions about how to improve the contracts, e.g. having a separate winter maintenance contract to increase the quality of performed winter maintenance measures, a more partnering-like structure where consultations and adjustment can be made during the contract period. A partnering structure also makes it less important to get all the details right in the contract.
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| 12. |
- Abdi, Adel, et al.
(author)
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Effective Winter Highway Maintenance through Applicationof Partnering Concept
- 2013
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In: International Journal of Engineering Management and Economics (IJEME). - 1756-5154 .- 1756-5162. ; 3:3, s. 112-125
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Inmany countries winter road maintenance is outsourced to private contractors. Selecting appropriate contract for performance of winter highway maintenance and implementing it in an efficient way is then very important for both results and costs. Writing contracts concerning winter road maintenance is however difficult as weather conditions are hard to describe in an exact way and as what is rational to do in a certain situation, depends on expected future conditions. Problems during recent harsh winters in Sweden have clearly illustrated this. The study argues, with reference both to theoretical and empirical studies, that a partnering concept can improve efficiency in outsourced winter road maintenance. A detailed model of how partnering can be implemented is presented for winter road maintenance contracts together with systems for information supply such as International Roughness Index –surface unevenness measurement and Road Weather Information System.
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| 13. |
- Abdi, Adel
(author)
-
Efficient Winter Road Maintenance : A Study of Technical and Contractual Issues
- 2014
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Since ancient times, roads have tied people and cultures together. Roads have been createdwith the aim of facilitating trade and cultural exchange among different regions in the world. After the technologic development in vehicle industry and dramatically increase of motoring in the world during the past century road communication has gained a great importance for transporting people and goods. Thus, good safety and accessibility on roads all year round is now a vital necessity for a healthy economy in all modern societies. In order to keep roads safe, available for use with high transport quality they need to be maintained in real time. One of the most difficult tasks in this context is to keep the roads in good condition and accessible even during winter. The main objective of this doctoral thesis is to attempt to specify the most efficient ways of executing winter road maintenance. The preliminary issue in this context is whether it is the use of current assistive tools, that is, technical aspects that should be optimized and developed or whether it is the way in which winter maintenance services are procured and outsourced, that is, contractual aspects that should be improved which could give the optimal impact for both clients and contractors and make winter road maintenance more effective, or both issues. In order to define the outline of the research project a comprehensive state of the art survey was initiated with the intention of collecting and gaining insights into the earlier studies in the research area. Three basic areas associated with the performance of winter road maintenance were considered to be most relevant for review due to the anchorage between the areas. The selected areas were climatological, technical and contractual aspects. The literature review was followed by an electronic questionnaire survey. The results of the study in this stage showed that current technical methods almost functioned in a reasonable manner but there was an imprecise dissatisfaction with the current maintenance contract. The second stage of the research consisted of a number of additional empirical investigations in order to identify contractual problematic issues behind the current winter road maintenance in Sweden. Generally, those factors that are rarely considered as potential underlying causes to costly performance of winter road maintenance in Sweden were studied in this research project for example improper use of related technical assistive tools, procurement of improper bundled winter services and inappropriate contract structure. This thesis consists of six papers, five of which are related to each other, and the first one is completely independent but within research area. Findings in the thesis contributes to extend understanding about; how designing appropriate contracts can improve winter road maintenance, how proper use of assistive tools can reduce unnecessary winter road maintenance costs and minimize road traffic disruptions and delays, how a partnering structure in contracts can create confidence and trust between clients and contractors that in turn leads to minimizing or eliminating conflicts and disputes between parties involved, how choice of appropriate procurement methods through proper bundling of winter road services can contribute to shorten the procurement process and create incentives for contractors, and how selection of proper payment mechanisms can contribute to higher service quality of performed winter road measures. Additionally, an adequate knowledge and understanding of climate, proper knowledge of road weather and its impact on winter road traffic is essential for contribution of better planning of how to maintain the road network during winter. Since understanding about winter issues and its effect on winter road traffic is far from complete and winter road maintenance in the cold regions is a similar challenge, broad and complex, the results of this research may even contribute to improving winter maintenance problems in the countries with severe winters like Sweden.
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| 14. |
- Abdi, Adel, et al.
(author)
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Payment mechanisms for winter road maintenance services
- 2013
-
In: Australasian Journal of Construction Economics and Building. - : University of Technology, Sydney (UTS). - 1835-6354. ; 13:4, s. 18-31
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In countries with severe winters, a major portion of the annual budget for road maintenance is allocated to winter road maintenance. Thus it is important to identify an appropriate basis for the remuneration of the entrepreneurs who carry out the maintenance tasks, one that minimises or eliminates disputes and that satisfies both client organisations and contractors. The objective of this study is to investigate and evaluate the payment models applied in Sweden for winter road maintenance services and suggest possible improvements. Inadequate reimbursement models lead either to unnecessary cost overruns that affect the client's annual budget or cause cash flow problems for the contractor, which can result in safety issues. To solve the problems associated with paying for just-in-time road maintenance, cold region countries such as Sweden have developed various remuneration models, including some based on what is known as the Weather Index. The study uses a domestic questionnaire survey, analysis of a number of current contract documents, a series of meetings with project managers followed by an international benchmarking investigation. The study identified four winter maintenance remuneration models of which one is based on weather data. The study reveals that the payment model based on weather data statistics is applied only to roads with higher traffic flow and generates the most uncertainty about costs. Possible improvements should include more reliable weather data obtained from weather stations and bonuses related to customer satisfaction.
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| 15. |
- Abdi, Adel, et al.
(author)
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Public Procurement of Winter Road Maintenance Services Based on EU Procurement Directive : Lessons from Sweden
- 2013
-
In: Journal of Investment and Management. - : Science Publishing Group. - 2328-7721 .- 2328-7713. ; 2:4, s. 70-86
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Public procurement of road maintenance services, particularly in cold regions is not an easy task in order to satisfy road-users during winter. Road-users’ dissatisfaction, complaint and pressure can usually be considered as major factors for having more accessible and safe roads during winter. These pressures have contributed and led to an increasing critical approach focusing on public procurement of these services after some harsh winters in the recent years in Sweden with traffic disruption and delay as consequence i.e. an increasing focus on the way in which the Swedish state authorities and local governments procure winter road maintenance services. The present study which is part of a larger research project investigating efficient winter road maintenance through procurement, tendering and contract aimed at extending this knowledge base with regard to procurement and socioeconomic factors with focus on the winter maintenance of the Swedish road network. The study reveals that even the Swedish winter road maintenance services are procured and outsourced in accordance with EU directive and public procurement rules transposed into the Swedish act on public procurement, the act has been interpreted in a manner that all the process has led to great dissatisfaction of end-users during winter due to improper bundling of winter related services. The lack of economic motivation in current contracts concerning winter road maintenance in the form of incentives has led to an inefficient performance of winter road measures. The study suggests a number of proposals in order to make forthcoming contracts more effective through proper bundling of winter services and create incentives for contractors to improve the performance of winter road maintenance services.
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| 16. |
- Abdi, Adel, et al.
(author)
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Use of Road Weather Information System (RWIS) as Assistive Tool for Effective Winter Road Maintenance : Technical andContractual Interactions
- 2012
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In: International Journal of Engineering and Technolgy. - 2049-3444. ; 2:12, s. 2002-2012
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Winter highway operation and maintenance in the northern periphery is a challenge, a broad and complex area. Understanding about this area and its effect on winter traffic performance is far from complete. During the last forty years since Swedish Transport Administration (former Swedish National Road Administration) began attempting of the use of Road Weather Information System -RWIS on the Swedish road network, the repair and maintenance methods of this assistive tool has dramatically changed. Changing of the methods have been due to the progress and development of the technology within this area i.e. from simple stations that could be connected via telephone network for icy road warning to amore sophisticated and modern internet based technology. The main objective of this study was to investigate and find the importance and effectiveness of using weather data collected from RWIS by road agencies as an assistive tool for effective performance of winter road maintenance, and how these tools are currently maintained without influencing the delay of winter road maintenance.The study also attempts to find possible interactions between technical and contractual issues that may affect winter road maintenance. The method of the study was partly based on a theoretical study by reviewing some internationally published articles and reports in this area and furthermore a domestic questionnaire survey, an internationalbenchmarking and a follow-up study within a selected region in Sweden. The results of the study reveal that even if the weather stations are normally placed on roads where the risk of icy roads is greatest, there are indirect factors which influence the planned maintenance of these tools which subsequenly cause delay of winter road maintenance.
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| 17. |
- Abrikosov, Igor, et al.
(author)
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Phase Stability and Elasticity of TiAlN
- 2011
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In: Materials. - : MDPI. - 1996-1944. ; 4:9, s. 1599-1618
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We review results of recent combined theoretical and experimental studies of Ti1−xAlxN, an archetypical alloy system material for hard-coating applications. Theoretical simulations of lattice parameters, mixing enthalpies, and elastic properties are presented. Calculated phase diagrams at ambient pressure, as well as at pressure of 10 GPa, show a wide miscibility gap and broad region of compositions and temperatures where the spinodal decomposition takes place. The strong dependence of the elastic properties and sound wave anisotropy on the Al-content offers detailed understanding of the spinodal decomposition and age hardening in Ti1−xAlxN alloy films and multilayers. TiAlN/TiN multilayers can further improve the hardness and thermal stability compared to TiAlN since they offer means to influence the kinetics of the favorable spinodal decomposition and suppress the detrimental transformation to w-AlN. Here, we show that a 100 degree improvement in terms of w-AlN suppression can be achieved, which is of importance when the coating is used as a protective coating on metal cutting inserts.
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| 18. |
- Abrikosov, Igor, et al.
(author)
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Theoretical description of pressure-induced phase transitions: a case study of Ti-V alloys
- 2015
-
In: High Pressure Research. - : Taylor andamp; Francis: STM, Behavioural Science and Public Health Titles. - 0895-7959 .- 1477-2299. ; 35:1, s. 42-48
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We discuss theoretical description of pressure-induced phase transitions by means of first-principles calculations in the framework of density functional theory. We illustrate applications of theoretical tools that allow one to take into account configurational and vibrational disorders, considering Ti-V alloys as a model system. The universality of the first-principles theory allows us to apply it in studies of different phenomena that occur in the Ti-V system upon compression. Besides the transitions between different crystal structures, we discuss isostructural transitions in bcc Ti-V alloys. Moreover, we present arguments for possible electronic transitions in this system, which may explain peculiar behaviour of elastic properties of V upon compression.
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| 19. |
- Adiyaman, Ahmet, et al.
(author)
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Determinants of the ambulatory arterial stiffness index in 7604 subjects from 6 populations
- 2008
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In: Hypertension. - 1524-4563. ; 52:6, s. 1038-44
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) is derived from 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure recordings. We investigated whether the goodness-of-fit of the AASI regression line in individual subjects (r(2)) impacts on the association of AASI with established determinants of the relation between diastolic and systolic blood pressures. We constructed the International Database on the Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Relation to Cardiovascular Outcomes (7604 participants from 6 countries). AASI was unity minus the regression slope of diastolic on systolic blood pressure in individual 24-hour ambulatory recordings. AASI correlated positively with age and 24-hour mean arterial pressure and negatively with body height and 24-hour heart rate. The single correlation coefficients and the mutually adjusted partial regression coefficients of AASI with age, height, 24-hour mean pressure, and 24-hour heart rate increased from the lowest to the highest quartile of r(2). These findings were consistent in dippers and nondippers (night:day ratio of systolic pressure >or=0.90), women and men, and in Europeans, Asians, and South Americans. The cumulative z score for the association of AASI with these determinants of the relation between diastolic and systolic blood pressures increased curvilinearly with r(2), with most of the improvement in the association occurring above the 20th percentile of r(2) (0.36). In conclusion, a better fit of the AASI regression line enhances the statistical power of analyses involving AASI as marker of arterial stiffness. An r(2) value of 0.36 might be a threshold in sensitivity analyses to improve the stratification of cardiovascular risk.
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| 20. |
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| 21. |
- Ahlén, Elsa, 1990, et al.
(author)
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Glycemic control, renal complications, and current smoking in relation to excess risk of mortality in persons with type 1 diabetes
- 2016
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In: Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology. - : SAGE Publications. - 1932-2968. ; 10:5, s. 1006-1014
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Abstract Background: A substantial excess risk of mortality still exists in persons with type 1 diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the excess risk of mortality in persons with type 1 diabetes without renal complications who target goals for glycemic control and are nonsmokers. Furthermore, we evaluated risk factors of death due to hypoglycemia or ketoacidosis in young adults with type 1 diabetes. Methods: We evaluated a cohort based on 33 915 persons with type 1 diabetes and 169 249 randomly selected controls from the general population matched on age, sex, and county followed over a mean of 8.0 and 8.3 years, respectively. Hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality for persons with type 1 diabetes versus controls were estimated. Results: The adjusted HRs for all-cause and CVD mortality for persons with type 1 diabetes without renal complications (normoalbuminuria and eGFR ≥ 60 ml/min) and HbA1c ≤ 6.9% (52 mmol/mol) compared to controls were 1.22 (95% CI 0.98-1.52) and 1.03 (95% CI 0.66-1.60), respectively. The HRs increased with higher updated mean HbA1c. For nonsmokers in this group, the HRs for all-cause and CVD mortality were somewhat lower: 1.11 (95% CI 0.87-1.42) and 0.89 (95% CI 0.53-1.48) at updated mean HbA1c ≤ 6.9% (52 mmol/mol). HRs for significant predictors for deaths due to hypoglycemia or ketoacidosis in persons < 50 years were male sex 2.40 (95% CI 1.27-4.52), smoking 2.86 (95% CI 1.57-5.22), lower educational level 3.01 (95% CI 1.26-7.22), albuminuria or advanced kidney disease 2.83 (95% CI 1.63-4.93), earlier hospital diagnosis of hypoglycemia or ketoacidosis 2.30 (95% CI 1.20-4.42), and earlier diagnosis of intoxication 2.53 (95% CI 1.06-6.04). Conclusions: If currently recommended HbA1c targets can be reached, renal complications and smoking avoided in persons with type 1 diabetes, the excess risk of mortality will likely converge substantially to that of the general population.
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| 22. |
- Ahlford, Katrin, et al.
(author)
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Rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of alkyl and aryl ketones in aqueous media
- 2008
-
In: Green Chemistry. - : Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). - 1463-9262 .- 1463-9270. ; 10:8, s. 832-835
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A novel lipophilic rhodium catalyst was evaluated in the enantioselective transfer hydrogenation of ketones in water using sodium formate as the hydride donor, and in the presence of sodium docecylsulfonate. Alkyl alkyl ketones were reduced in good yields and in moderate to good enantioselectivities, and the reduction of aryl alkyl ketones proceeded with excellent enantioselectivity (up to 97% ee).
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| 23. |
- Ahmadi, Shilan Seyed, et al.
(author)
-
Risk factors for nephropathy in persons with type 1 diabetes: a population-based study
- 2022
-
In: Acta Diabetologica. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0940-5429 .- 1432-5233. ; 59, s. 761-772
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims Albuminuria is strongly associated with risk of renal dysfunction, cardiovascular disease and mortality. However, clinical guidelines diverge, and evidence is sparse on what risk factor levels regarding blood pressure, blood lipids and BMI are needed to prevent albuminuria in adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes. Methods A total of 9347 children and adults with type 1 diabetes [mean age 15.3 years and mean diabetes duration 1.4 years at start of follow-up] from The Swedish National Diabetes Registry were followed from first registration until end of 2017. Levels for risk factors for a risk increase in nephropathy were evaluated, and the gradient of risk per 1 SD (standard deviation) was estimated to compare the impact of each risk factor. Results During the follow-up period, 8610 (92.1%) remained normoalbuminuric, 737 (7.9%) individuals developed micro- or macroalbuminuria at any time period of whom 132 (17.9% of 737) individuals developed macroalbuminuria. Blood pressure >= 140/80 mmHg was associated with increased risk of albuminuria (p <= 0.0001), as were triglycerides >= 1.0 mmol/L (p = 0.039), total cholesterol >= 5.0 mmol/L (p = 0.0003), HDL < 1.0 mmol/L (p = 0.013), LDL 3.5- < 4.0 mmol/L (p = 0.020), and BMI >= 30 kg/m(2) (p = 0.033). HbA1c was the strongest risk factor for any albuminuria estimated by the measure gradient of risk per 1 SD, followed by diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, cholesterol and LDL. In patients with HbA1c > 65 mmol/mol (> 8.1%), blood pressure > 140/70 mmHg was associated with increased risk of albuminuria. Conclusions Preventing renal complications in adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes need avoidance at relatively high levels of blood pressure, blood lipids and BMI, whereas very tight control is not associated with further risk reduction. For patients with long-term poor glycaemic control, stricter blood pressure control is advocated.
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| 24. |
- Ahmadi, Zahra, 1966-
(author)
-
Market orientation and public housing companies in the Swedish declining market
- 2016
-
Licentiate thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The licentiate thesis consists of three papers with the particular topic in public housing. They discuss how the public housing companies manage the transition to higher economic demands meeting increased customer and market requirements. These studies focus specifically on how the public housing company deal with market challenges associated with the decision to demolish, maintain and/or new construction. Market-oriented perspective can be a tool for the public housing companies to achieve better customer value and enhance economic development. Although the market orientation concept has contributed to valuable improvements in research, the thesis assumes that it is necessary to distinguish between that the public housing companies operate market-oriented to meet customer requirements and their focus on innovation.Paper I develops market/innovation types and then investigates how public housing companies adapt to these types. It was found that economic conditions in the municipality have a major impact on the housing companies, causing them to act innovatively and create superior customer value by innovations. The study confirms that the implementation of market and innovation orientation contributes to competitive advantages in growing markets, while weak economic conditions impair implementation in declining markets.Paper II addresses how public housing companies in declining markets act based on the concept of market intelligence. This study suggested and tested whether there is a positive link between collecting customer information, disseminating it in the organization, and responding to customer needs, and whether this link has an impact on strategic performance. The result shows that weak links exist in the process; the efficiency of intelligence distribution in public housing companies is affected mainly by their responsiveness to customer needs.Paper III also addresses the public housing companies’ market strategies in declining markets. This study, based on a market-strategic perspective, compares how public housing companies act in relation to customer wants compared to the private housing market. The result shows that public housing companies are more engaged in carrying out new construction, renovation, and reconstruction, as well as taking more social responsibility compared to the private sector. In particular, their concern for the customers’ social needs is evident.
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| 25. |
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| 26. |
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| 27. |
- Ahmadi, Zahra, 1966-, et al.
(author)
-
Sustainable strategies in a declining housing market : a comparative study
- 2018
-
In: International Journal of Management Practice. - 1477-9064 .- 1741-8143. ; 11:4, s. 400-421
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The purpose of this study is first to examine and compare sustainable strategies within public and private housing companies in declining markets in central Sweden. Then, the study evaluates the impact of new legislation that requires public housing companies to act in a ‘businesslike’ way, in the same way as a long-term private company. A quantitative study was conducted based on a survey sent to 72 housing companies. The results show that public housing companies are more strategy oriented than private housing companies. The results can be viewed as an on-going interaction process, where a company’s strategies affect its profit. The study aims toincrease the understanding of activities within housing companies in adeclining market that engage the companies in sustainable strategies to improve their market knowledge and profit.
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| 28. |
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| 29. |
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| 30. |
- Andersson, Per-Erik, et al.
(author)
-
Regression of left ventricular wall thickness during ACE-inhibitor treatment of essential hypertension is associated with an increase in insulin mediated skeletal muscle blood flow
- 1998
-
In: Blood Pressure. - 0803-7051 .- 1651-1999. ; 7:2, s. 118-126
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) has been associated with insulin resistance, a condition with an impaired insulin-mediated vasodilation in skeletal muscle. ACE-inhibitors have been reported to be superior to most other antihypertensive drugs in inducing a regression of LVH. In a double-blind study with parallel groups, 50 patients with essential hypertension were randomized to treatment with either fosinopril (20 mg o.d.) or atenolol (50 mg o.d.) for 12-16 weeks. Left ventricle wall thickness (LVWT, defined as the sum of interventricular septum and posterior wall), diastolic function (represented by the ratio between the E-wave and the A-wave of mitral blood flow) and femoral artery blood flow (FBF) were evaluated using ultrasonic measurements. FBF was measured at normoinsulinemia and after 2 h of euglycemic hyperinsulinemia. Before treatment, the insulin-induced increase in FBF was inversely related to the LVWT (r = -0.52, p < 0.02). The reduction in ambulatory 24-h SBP/DBP was 13/9 mmHg for fosinopril and 15/14 for atenolol, ambulatory DBP being significantly more reduced by atenolol (p = 0.03 for difference in treatment effect). However, only fosinopril treatment resulted in a significant reduction in LVWT (from 20.5 mm to 19.4 mm, p < 0.05). The degree of reduction in LVWT was related to the increase in FBF in the fosinopril group (r = -0.45, p < 0.05). For fosinopril (but not for atenolol), there was a positive relationship between the change in E/A ratio and the change in femoral artery stroke volume (r = 0.80, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Impaired insulin-induced stimulation of leg blood flow was related to an increased LVWT. Furthermore, during fosinopril treatment, regression of LVWT was associated with enhanced skeletal muscle blood flow during hyperinsulinemia. This indicates that impaired peripheral blood flow (and thereby increased afterload) may be a possible mechanism explaining the previously found association between insulin resistance and cardiovascular hypertrophy.
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| 31. |
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| 32. |
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| 33. |
- Anop, Sviatlana, 1974-
(author)
-
Apartment price determinants : A comparison between Sweden and Germany
- 2015
-
Licentiate thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Similar development of economic fundamentals in Germany over the last two decades did not lead to the same dramatic house price increases as it is in Sweden. What can explain this house price stability over a long period? This thesis attempts to find the answer this question.The first paper in this thesis contains an extended literature review on the studies focused on the factors affecting house prices in the short and in the long run. Existing literature adopts a broad variation of approaches and reaches different conclusions attempting to answer the question about what are the key drivers of house prices. Conclusions often depend on the model specifications and econometric methods applied. Though there is a considerable agreement in real estate economics theory regarding the main factors that affect house prices (or so called “fundamental determinants”), it is hard to find a consistent definition regarding what factors can be considered as “fundamentals” and what factors belong to “non-fundamentals”. The dominating factors that are presented in the majority of the studies are income, population, interest rate, housing stock and unemployment. Studies done after the recent financial crisis put more attention on such factors as the behavior of the market participants, financing conditions and regulations. The characteristics of the bank lending and valuation policies as well as regulations on the rental market have received attention in the research literature, but the impact of these factors on house price dynamics is not measured and not well described. Therefore the other two papers in this thesis aim to provide a better insight in to the factors that create fluctuations in housing markets.The second paper investigates the effects of macroeconomic indicators such as population, income housing stock, mortgage interest rate on house prices. Estimation is done by applying panel data methodology on regional data for major cities in Germany and Sweden and by using yearly observations from 1995 to 2010. Results suggest that the long-run development of apartment prices in Sweden can be explained by changes in such factors as population, disposable income per capita, mortgage interest rate, housing stock, and prices per square meter in the previous period. The price for the previous period has the highest impact in comparison with other factors in Sweden. At the same time for Germany this is the only factor that is valid for long-term house price development. Estimates for fundamental factors such as population, disposable income, mortgage interest rate and housing stock appeared as not significant in house price development in the long run in Germany. A closer analysis has shown that the fundamental factors developed in a similar way in both countries during the analyzed period, though the house prices dynamic is very different. The conclusion is that fundamental factors cannot provide an explanation for the differences in house price developments in two countries and further analysis of institutional differences in the housing markets is done in the third paper.Third paper applies a comparative analysis approach and hypothetico-deductive method in order to examine the differences in the banking policies on mortgage financing and approaches to valuation of mortgage properties in Germany and Sweden. The results suggest that the extreme rise in Swedish house prices above the long-term trend was created by expanding bank lending policies that was supported by the general macroeconomic factors and regulation environment on the housing market. The main difference between countries in approaches to valuation for mortgage purposes is that in Germany that mortgage is based not on the market value as it is in Sweden, but on the long-run sustainable value, so called “fundamental” value. Mortgage lending value is determined in such a way that is also develops in the same tempo as fundamentals in the long-run and is not that procyclical as market value. Using a long-term sustainable value has a restrictive effect on the housing prices and in such a way stabilizes the market. One more factor that gives stability to the housing market in Germany is the well-functioning rental market. Third paper contributes to a better understanding of necessary conditions for the house prices to rise in the long run above the fundamentals level and suggests policy solutions that can reduce the risks of housing bubbles and increase financial stability.
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| 34. |
- Anund Vogel, Jonas, 1981-, et al.
(author)
-
A Note on Developing A New Type of Construction Contracts to Promote New Technologies and Sustainability
- 2024
-
In: Civil Engineering Research Journal. - : Juniper Publishers. - 2575-8950. ; 14:5
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In its different forms, the built environment is the single largest energy consumer in the EU, and one of the largest carbon dioxide emitters. Green buildings and smart technologies are two of the most important elements to reach this goal. In a situation where the use of new technologies and new knowledge becomes more important as well as the news flow increase the role of the technical consultant becomes more important. Also, the client/developer role become increasingly important when buildings turn from storage facilities to service generating entities. A closer alliance between client and consultant is necessary to align business models with new technologies. Contracts are the most important instrument to shape incentive structures for optimal economic outcomes, as well as for shaping incentives for optimal operation of smart and sustainable buildings. In this paper we propose a contract design that incentivise consultants to fully use their knowledge to make sure that planned systems are installed and operated in an optimal manner. There are in general two approaches to this type of contract design. The first is to write a detailed contract setting out how to deal with possible outcomes going forward. The second, and the approach used in this paper, is to write a less detailed contract that sets out a framework of incentives for continuing cooperation and to keep a good reputation.
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| 35. |
- Anund Vogel, Jonas, 1981-, et al.
(author)
-
Att styra allmänningar – en studie av svenska bostadsrättsföreningar
- 2017
-
In: Ekonomisk Debatt. - Stockholm. - 0345-2646. ; :2, s. 55-66
-
Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Det är viktigt i ett samhälle att ha institutioner som bidrar till ett effektivt utnyttjande av resurser. Syftet med denna artikel är att granska den svenska bostadsrättsformen utifrån de kriterier som Elinor Ostrom formulerat rörande vad som bidrar till en effektiv förvaltning av en ”allmänning”. Avslutningsvis presenteras också reformförslag som vi bedömer skulle minska problemen i dagens strukturer, problem som främst sammanhänger med att den som startar föreningen och bygger dess hus inte har något långsiktigt ansvar.
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| 36. |
- Anund Vogel, Jonas, 1981-, et al.
(author)
-
Incentivising innovation in the construction sector : the role of consulting contracts
- 2019
-
In: Australasian Journal of Construction Economics and Building. - : UNIV TECHNOLOGY, SYDNEY-UTS EPRESS. - 1835-6354 .- 1837-9133. ; 19:2, s. 181-196
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The issue of whether contracts promote innovation and sustainability is an important but overlooked aspect for achieving energy and environmental targets, as well as for creating smart and sustainable cities. In this article, based on the principle/agent problem and Holmstrom and Milgrom's work on optimal contracts it is argued that the current general conditions of architectural and engineering consulting agreements in Sweden (ABK 09)-a standard type of contract often used in developer/consultant relations-may not incentivize choices that support the long-term goals of society. Furthermore, although this exploratory study specifically analyses a Swedish standard contract, the question of how contractual incentive structures can optimize real-world performance is a general one, and thus the article's findings have general applicability. This exploratory study also points to further research into how contractual structures impact climate-neutral buildings. In this way, Swedish consultants who use ABK 09 are incentivized to include low-risk, well-proven, and widely used technologies in order to minimize risks for themselves. This study contributes to resolving this dilemma by suggesting how ABK 09 could be restructured to change the balance between incentives and risk and incentivize innovation and sustainability. As mentioned above, the current study operates at a theoretical level. It discusses six possible changes that would better align the contract with the societal goals of innovation and sustainability.
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| 37. |
- Anund Vogel, Jonas, 1981-
(author)
-
Incentivising Innovation in the Swedish Construction Industry
- 2020
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Almost 40 percent of global final energy use and CO2 emissions are connected to buildings and building-related activities; it is therefore important to incentivise the design and construction of resource-efficient buildings. Unfortunately, energy demand and associated emissions in the sector continue to grow. Such incentives will help achieve energy and environmental targets, reduce costs, and make smart and sustainable buildings and cities possible at a larger scale. Because novel technologies carry risks alongside their advantages, developers, contractors and consultants must have incentives to reduce and share those risks in a rational way if we are to meet the crucial long-term societal goals of reduced use of resources and emissions. I hypothesise that there are legal and institutional frameworks (rules, building codes, regulations, standard contracts, etc.) that result in weak or negative incentives for construction industry actors to invest in, propose, and install resource-efficient technologies. If the hypothesis holds true, then the goal is to identify ways to better incentivise construction industry actors to fully engage in the design and construction of smart and sustainable buildings. To tackle this, four studies were carried out using a mixed-method approach. Paper 1 identifies 38 barriers to energy efficiency in Swedish multifamily buildings. The next study (Paper 2) develops a categorisation framework in order to understand where to engage to overcome or bypass barriers to energy efficiency. Paper 3 and 4 are devoted to analysing two sets of barriers and propose possible solutions to overcome or avoid them: (1) how the current legal framework guiding start and operation of housing co-operatives (mainly the Co-operative Act) influences incentives for engaging in resource-efficient construction, and (2) how the legal instrument for collaboration between developers and consultants incentivises resource-efficient construction. In this case, the contract under investigation is the General Conditions of Contract for Consulting Agreements for Architectural and Engineering Assignments (ABK 09)”. Changes to these two sets of legal and institutional frameworks could have a significant impact on how buildings are designed, produced and used. The changes proposed could incentivise construction industry actors to fully pursue the creation of smart, sustainable buildings that deliver services to users and reduce negative environmental impacts stemming from both the building construction and operation phases.
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| 38. |
- Anund Vogel, Jonas, 1981-, et al.
(author)
-
Who is Governing the Commons : Studying Swedish Housing Cooperatives
- 2016
-
In: Housing, Theory and Society. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1403-6096 .- 1651-2278. ; 33:4, s. 424-444
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study examines current governance structures related to multifamily buildings designed by single actors (developers) and operated in cooperative forms. The study analyses the long-term sustainability of the resource regime of study (multifamily buildings) and inked governance structures by applying Ostrom’s eight design principles for long-term survival of self-organized resource regimes (Common-pool resources or CPR’s). The study also searches for signs of movement towards social innovation and collective action in current governance structures. We argue that the structures governing planning, production and operation of housing cooperatives in Sweden do not fulfil the eight design principles for the long-term survival of the resource regime of study, nor do they encourage movement towards social innovation or collective action. In order to ensure the long-term survival of the resource regime of study and to increase innovation in governance structures, five adjustments are proposed; changes in the structures governing risk/profit distribution, communication, collaboration and information between actors in the Swedish cooperative housing sector.
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| 39. |
- Anvret, Anna, et al.
(author)
-
Possible involvement of a mitochondrial translation initiation factor 3 variant causing decreased mRNA levels in Parkinson's disease.
- 2010
-
In: Parkinson's disease. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2042-0080. ; 2010
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Genes important for mitochondrial function have been implicated in Parkinson's disease (PD). Mitochondrial translation initiation factor 3 (MTIF3) is a nuclear encoded protein required for the initiation of complex formation on mitochondrial ribosomes. Dysfunction of MTIF3 may impair mitochondrial function and dopamine neurons appear to be particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress, which may relate to their degeneration in PD. An association was recently reported between the synonymous rs7669(C>T) in MTIF3 and PD in a German case-control material. We investigated rs7669 in a Swedish Parkinson case-control material. The study revealed no significant association of the individual genotypes or alleles with PD. When comparing the combined TT/CT-genotypes versus the CC-genotype, we observed a significant association (P = .0473) with PD. We also demonstrated that the TT-genotype causes a significant decrease in MTIF3 mRNA expression compared to the CC-genotype (P = .0163). Our findings support the hypothesis that MTIF3 may be involved in the etiology of PD.
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| 40. |
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| 41. |
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| 42. |
- Atterhög, Mikael, et al.
(author)
-
How does increased competition on the housing market affect rents? : an empirical study concerning Sweden
- 2004
-
In: Housing Studies. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0267-3037 .- 1466-1810. ; 19:1, s. 107-123
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of the study is to investigate if more competition leads to lower rents on the housing market. Data about the rent level for similar apartments in 30 cities in Sweden were available. Three hypotheses were formulated: (H1) Increased 'internal' competition, measured by the market share of the municipal housing company (that dominates the market and is price-leader according to the Swedish system of rent regulation), leads to lower rents. (H2) Increased 'external' competition measured by the price level on the market for single-family owner occupied housing, leads to lower rents. (H3) Lower capital expenditure in the municipal housing company leads to lower rents. The statistical analysis showed a strong correlation between the rent level and the level of external competition, but no relation was found for the level of internal competition and the level of capital expenditure. A possible conclusion is that policies that make it easier for households to leave the rental market are important for increasing the pressure on the firms in the rental sector and reducing rents.
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| 43. |
- Atterhög, Mikael, 1962-
(author)
-
The effect of competition and ownership policies on the housing market
- 2005
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- This dissertation consists of five studies presented in seven essays. The overall objectives are to investigate the extent and consequences of competition on the rental housing market as well as the importance of national government policies for the substitute good, i.e. owner-occupied housing. However, each essay also has specific objectives. Due to the characteristics of the housing market, one should not expect competition to be very fierce. The market characteristics are, for instance, capital-intensive, complicated and time-consuming construction processes as well as a limited supply of land in many areas. In fact, firms have a lot to gain from colluding and to avoid e.g. price wars. It is therefore theoretically more likely that housing companies will engage in “functional” or “strategic” competition such as the quality of housing services. Essay I and IV analyze the unique municipal housing market in Sweden where apartment rents are determined by negotiations between the local municipal company and the local Union of Tenants. A regression analysis is applied on data from 30 municipalities. There was a strong correlation between apartment rents at local municipal markets and the level of “external” competition (measured by the price level on the market for single-family owner occupied housing), but not with “internal” competition (measured by the market share of the municipal housing company) or the capital expenditure of the municipal housing company (presumed to reflect historical construction and renovation costs for the apartments). The dissertation also investigates the consequences on rents (essay II) and on the quality of housing services (essay III) from a local Swedish municipal housing company selling a substantial part of its apartment stock (15-40 percent) and thereby theoretically creating more competition. These essays use a quasi-experimental methodology whereby the development of the housing market in a privatization town is compared with the development in a very similar comparison town. It is found that privatization has lead to lower rents in the short- and medium-term in six out of seven privatization towns. The development of the quality of housing services was more related to the performance of each individual company and not a specific category of companies. In essay V, these results are merged and developed further. Essay VI presents a wide range of policies available for governments wishing to increase access to home ownership for low-income households and thereby increasing the pressure on rental housing companies to reduce rents. A systematic overview of policies is provided based on the four distinct time periods of a typical ‘housing career’ of a household; i.e. down payment accumulation stage, transaction stage, ownership stage and selling stage. It is found that many policies are required to meet the specific and differing needs of households for governments wishing to encourage home ownership. Essay VII describes that home ownership rates have increased in almost all industrialized countries during the period from World War II until mid-1990s. The essay analyses the implications of government policies and some other factors (e.g. national wealth, income distribution) on home ownership rates in 13 industrialized countries during the period 19702000. A fixed-effect model is applied on a panel data set. The most important result is that a statistically significant and positive correlation between government support and home ownership rates was found although this is only a preliminary conclusion since data was scarce.
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| 44. |
- Beaumont, Robin N, et al.
(author)
-
Genome-wide association study of offspring birth weight in 86,577 women identifies five novel loci and highlights maternal genetic effects that are independent of fetal genetics.
- 2018
-
In: Human molecular genetics. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1460-2083 .- 1460-2083 .- 0964-6906. ; 27:4, s. 742-756
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of birth weight have focused on fetal genetics, while relatively little is known about the role of maternal genetic variation. We aimed to identify maternal genetic variants associated with birth weight that could highlight potentially relevant maternal determinants of fetal growth. We meta-analysed data on up to 8.7 million SNPs in up to 86,577 women of European descent from the Early Growth Genetics (EGG) Consortium and the UK Biobank. We used structural equation modelling (SEM) and analyses of mother-child pairs to quantify the separate maternal and fetal genetic effects. Maternal SNPs at 10 loci (MTNR1B, HMGA2, SH2B3, KCNAB1, L3MBTL3, GCK, EBF1, TCF7L2, ACTL9, CYP3A7) were associated with offspring birth weight at P<5x10-8. In SEM analyses, at least 7 of the 10 associations were consistent with effects of the maternal genotype acting via the intrauterine environment, rather than via effects of shared alleles with the fetus. Variants, or correlated proxies, at many of the loci had been previously associated with adult traits, including fasting glucose (MTNR1B, GCK and TCF7L2) and sex hormone levels (CYP3A7), and one (EBF1) with gestational duration. The identified associations indicate genetic effects on maternal glucose, cytochrome P450 activity and gestational duration, and potentially on maternal blood pressure and immune function, are relevant for fetal growth. Further characterization of these associations in mechanistic and causal analyses will enhance understanding of the potentially modifiable maternal determinants of fetal growth, with the goal of reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with low and high birth weights.
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| 45. |
- Belin, Andrea Carmine, et al.
(author)
-
Association study of two genetic variants in mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
- 2007
-
In: Neuroscience letters. - : Elsevier BV. - 0304-3940. ; 420:3, s. 257-62
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Mitochondrial (mt) dysfunction has been implicated in Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) is needed for mtDNA maintenance, regulating mtDNA copy number and is absolutely required for transcriptional initiation at mtDNA promoters. Two genetic variants in TFAM have been reported to be associated with AD in a Caucasian case-control material collected from Germany, Switzerland and Italy. One of these variants was reported to show a tendency for association with AD in a pooled Scottish and Swedish case-control material and the other variant was reported to be associated with AD in a recent meta-analysis. We investigated these two genetic variants, rs1937 and rs2306604, in an AD and a PD case-control material, both from Sweden and found significant genotypic as well as allelic association to marker rs2306604 in the AD case-control material (P=0.05 and P=0.03, respectively), where the A-allele appears to increase risk for developing AD. No association was observed for marker rs1937. We did not find any association in the PD case-control material for either of the two markers. The distribution of the two-locus haplotype frequencies (based on rs1937 and rs2306604) did not differ significantly between affected individuals and controls in the two sample sets. However, the global P-value for haplotypic association testing indicated borderline association in the AD sample set. Our data suggests that the rs2306604 A-allele could be a moderate risk factor for AD, which is supported by the recent meta-analysis.
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| 46. |
- Bellman, Lina, et al.
(author)
-
Boende för äldre: En studie av 10 kommuner
- 2015
-
Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Andelen äldre personer i det svenska samhället ökar. I Sverige finns boendeformer som på olika sätt är anpassade efter äldres behov. Hur utbudet av dessa för äldre individer anpassade boendeformer ser ut och vilken information kommuner ger till äldre kan ses som viktiga för att förstå om äldre väljer att bo kvar eller flytta. I denna rapport kartläggs hur nuvarande utbud av de tre boendeformerna vård- och omsorgsboende, trygghetsbostäder och seniorbostäder ser ut på bostadsmarknaden vad gäller den äldre befolkningen i tio utvalda kommuner. I rapporten ligger tonvikten på kommunala företrädares uppfattningar och på kommunernas planer. För att få en större förståelse görs jämförelser med siffror från samtliga kommuner hämtade från Boverkets Bostadsmarknadsenkät (2014). Denna rapport är den första delen av en större studie som syftar till att undersöka push- och pullfaktorer som påverkar äldres val av boende. Av kartläggningen framgår att bostadsutbudet i de olika kommunerna skiljer sig åt, där vissa har bostadsöverskott medan andra har bostadsunderskott men där majoriteten av kommunerna erbjuder de tre olika boendeformerna. I storstadsregionen och i de större städerna finns ett utbud av samtliga tre boendeformer medan flera av glesbygdskommunerna saknar trygghetsbostäder. Rådgivning i de flesta kommuner är reaktiv snarare än proaktiv. I rapporten väcks frågan om hur vi ska se på boendet för de äldsta.
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| 47. |
- Bellman, Lina, 1971-, et al.
(author)
-
How Does Education from a High-Status University Affect Professional Property Appraisers' Valuation Judgments?
- 2016
-
In: Journal of Real Estate Practice and Education. - : American Real Estate Society. - 1521-4842 .- 1930-8914. ; 19:2, s. 99-124
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The repertory grid technique is used to investigate professional property appraisers' thought patterns, and these patterns' complexity, with respect to the universities from which the appraisers graduated. Nearly half of Sweden's 138 authorized property appraisers participated in the study. The results indicate that the appraisers graduating from the university with the longest tradition of property education and ranked highest among the universities offering such education in Sweden have less complex thought patterns than do those graduating from other Swedish universities. This indicates that appraisers graduating from the highest ranked university simplify their valuation judgments more than do other appraisers.
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| 48. |
- Bellman, Lina
(author)
-
In the mind of the property appraiser : Studies of commercial property valuation
- 2022
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- A transparent market provides participants with as much information as possible. In Sweden, where the environment of commercial properties is highly transparent various actors still need to minimise some continuing information asymmetry, and one possibility is to hire property appraisers.Transparent commercial property markets are often regulated by governments and professional institutions. The combination of regulation and socialisation through memberships in professional associations and shared educational backgrounds, training, work experience, and institutional frameworks serve to produce and reproduce professional values and identities. The overall aim of this thesis is to describe and analyse the Swedish profession of property appraisers as expressed through members’ perceptions and use of various standards and methods, ways of gathering information gathering, assessments of value-influencing factors, and their confidence in their own assessments when valuing commercial properties.The repertory grid technique was used to collect and analyse empirical data and to map the thought patterns of respondents in two main samples. The repertory grid interviews in 2010/2011 included about half of the appraisers in Sweden (67 of 138), and in 2015 just over half (81 of 145).This thesis concludes that Swedish authorised property appraisers use country dependent valuation standards and methods, but there are signs of their increased adoption internationally. Swedish appraisers gather and assess information in a similar way. Their aggregated thought patterns demonstrate relatively strong homogeneity and moderate complexity. However, the findings also reveal that appraisers’ thought patterns differ depending on the university from which they graduated. The appraisers graduated from the highest ranked university simplify their valuation judgements more than do other appraisers.During the valuation process, property appraisers gather and assess a large amount of information considered relevant for estimations of a property object’s market value. Four types of information (local environment, location, rental income, and discount rate) seem to have the greatest impact on the estimated market value. The appraisers further perceive that these information types is common in that the decisions in the information gathering stage is critical to the entire valuation process when using clients as information sources. This seems to affect their perceived confidence at the assessment stage and, in turn, the final estimated market value. In situations where the appraisers have low confidence, they are left dependent on the clients, which risks reducing their independence.
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- Bellman, Lina, et al.
(author)
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Valuation standards and methods : are Sweden's (still) different?
- 2019
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In: Journal of European Real Estate Research. - : Emerald Group Publishing Limited. - 1753-9269 .- 1753-9277. ; 12:1, s. 79-96
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose The purpose of this study is to describe and analyse the methods and standards of valuation used by Swedish professional property valuers when appraising commercial properties and factors affecting those standards. The study builds on a 2002 comparative study of valuers in four European countries by McParland et al. (2002), but focuses specifically on property valuers in Sweden. Design/methodology/approach In 2010-2011, a questionnaire was used in face-to-face interviews with about half of the authorised property valuers in Sweden. Another questionnaire was emailed to all authorised property valuers in Sweden 2015 and again about half participated. Findings Analysis of the results shows some new trends in used and preferred standards and methods. Although Swedish valuers still rely mainly on local guidelines, they now increasingly use international standards and company guidelines, which may indicate a growing, if indirect, form of internationalisation. Swedish valuers still use discounted cash flow as their primary method, but their use of comparative methods has increased. Originality/value The data in this comparative study of valuation standards and methods over time used were collected from a specific group of property valuers authorised through the professional Swedish organisation Samhallsbyggarna (Swedish Professionals for the Built Environment), which contributes to an insight in the presiding of the harmonisation of valuation methods and standards.
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| 50. |
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