| 1. |
- Lembrechts, Jonas J., et al.
(author)
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SoilTemp : A global database of near-surface temperature
- 2020
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In: Global Change Biology. - : Wiley. - 1354-1013 .- 1365-2486. ; 26:11, s. 6616-6629
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Current analyses and predictions of spatially explicit patterns and processes in ecology most often rely on climate data interpolated from standardized weather stations. This interpolated climate data represents long-term average thermal conditions at coarse spatial resolutions only. Hence, many climate-forcing factors that operate at fine spatiotemporal resolutions are overlooked. This is particularly important in relation to effects of observation height (e.g. vegetation, snow and soil characteristics) and in habitats varying in their exposure to radiation, moisture and wind (e.g. topography, radiative forcing or cold-air pooling). Since organisms living close to the ground relate more strongly to these microclimatic conditions than to free-air temperatures, microclimatic ground and near-surface data are needed to provide realistic forecasts of the fate of such organisms under anthropogenic climate change, as well as of the functioning of the ecosystems they live in. To fill this critical gap, we highlight a call for temperature time series submissions to SoilTemp, a geospatial database initiative compiling soil and near-surface temperature data from all over the world. Currently, this database contains time series from 7,538 temperature sensors from 51 countries across all key biomes. The database will pave the way toward an improved global understanding of microclimate and bridge the gap between the available climate data and the climate at fine spatiotemporal resolutions relevant to most organisms and ecosystem processes.
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| 2. |
- Lembrechts, Jonas J., et al.
(author)
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Global maps of soil temperature
- 2022
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In: Global Change Biology. - : Wiley. - 1354-1013 .- 1365-2486. ; 28:9, s. 3110-3144
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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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| 3. |
- Abel, Edvard, 1970, et al.
(author)
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Fatigue in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Treated With Radiation Therapy: A Prospective Study of Patient-Reported Outcomes and Their Association With Radiation Dose to the Cerebellum
- 2022
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In: Advances in Radiation Oncology. - : Elsevier BV. - 2452-1094. ; 7:5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: Although fatigue is a known side effect in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) receiving radiation therapy, knowledge regarding long-term fatigue and dose-response relationships to organs at risk is scarce. The aim of this prospective study was to analyze patient-reported fatigue in patients with HNC receiving radiation therapy and to explore any possible association with organ-at-risk doses. Methods and Materials: Patients with HNC referred for curative radiation therapy were eligible for inclusion in the study. To assess patient-reported fatigue, quality of life questionnaires (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 and QLQ-FA12) were distributed before treatment and 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 60 months after the start of treatment. Mean dose (Dmean) and near maximum dose (D2%) of the cerebellum and brain stem were evaluated in relation to baseline-adjusted fatigue scores at 3 months. Results: One hundred twenty-six patients treated with intensity modulated radiation therapy between 2008 and 2010 were available for final analysis. Female sex and age <60 years were associated with higher fatigue at baseline, whereas patients also treated with chemotherapy had reduced physical and emotional fatigue at 6 months. Physical fatigue (QLQ-FA12 scale) increased from baseline up to 3 months (29 vs 59; P < .0001) but showed no difference compared with baseline from 1 to 5 years. Emotional fatigue was significantly lower at 5 years compared with baseline (14 vs 28; P < .0001). Patients with cerebellum Dmean > 3.5 Gy had higher mean physical fatigue scores at 3 months (38 vs 27; P = .036). Conclusions: Although there is a significant increase in fatigue scores for patients with HNC up to 1 year after radiation therapy, this study showed a return to baseline levels at 5 years. A possible association was found between physical fatigue and a higher mean dose to the cerebellum.
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| 4. |
- Abel, Edvard, 1970, et al.
(author)
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Long-Term Aspects of Quality of Life in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Treated With Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy: A 5-Year Longitudinal Follow-up and Comparison with a Normal Population Cohort
- 2020
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In: Advances in Radiation Oncology. - : Elsevier BV. - 2452-1094. ; 5:1, s. 101-110
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- © 2019 The Author(s) Purpose: Knowledge of long-term health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with advanced head and neck cancer treated with intensity modulated radiation therapy is scarce. Methods and Materials: HRQOL in 126 patients with advanced head and neck cancer treated with intensity modulated radiation therapy was followed longitudinally from diagnosis to 5 years after treatment with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer's QLQ-C30, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer's Head and Neck Cancer Module, and the M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory. The survivors' HRQOL was compared with an age- and sex-matched normal population cohort. Results: At 5 years, 73 of the 95 surviving patients had completed the study. Significant reductions in general pain (29 vs 12), head and neck (HN) pain (22 vs 14), and feeling ill (20 vs 10) were found, and emotional functioning (70 vs 83) and global quality of life (67 vs 74) improved, compared with baseline values. Conversely, dry mouth (19 vs 56), senses (8 vs 27), teeth problems (10 vs 22), opening mouth (19 vs 56), and sticky saliva (15 vs 40) were markedly worse, although significant improvements had occurred over time after treatment. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory scores >80 at 5 years indicated good swallowing function. In a subgroup analysis, dry mouth and senses were significantly better in patients treated with chemoradiotherapy. Comparison to a normal population cohort's HRQOL shows that the study group experienced a wide array of symptoms affecting their quality of life. Conclusions: The results of this large, long-term follow-up study show that a majority of patients report a reasonable quality of life 5 years after treatment and that there seems to be continuous improvement over time. Comparison with a normal population cohort, however, underlines the fact that classical side effects remain, even with improved radiation techniques. Additional emphasis on normal-tissue-sparing radiation therapy is warranted, with close attention devoted to HRQOL outcomes.
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| 5. |
- Bjerke, Axel, et al.
(author)
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Onset of the degradation of CVD alpha-Al2O3 coating during turning of Ca-treated steels
- 2021
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In: Wear. - : Elsevier BV. - 0043-1648 .- 1873-2577. ; 477
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The ability to control the shape, distribution and composition of non-metallic inclusions has had an important impact on many aspects of steel making. One such impact is on the machinability. Ca-treatments have shown to be able to reduce the abrasiveness of oxide inclusions, improve chip-breaking and lead to formation of deposits that reduce tool wear. However, machining Ca-treated steels with Al2O3 coated cemented carbide tools has not been as advantageous as expected. This study investigates the mechanisms behind the anomalous wear of Al2O3 coatings when turning soft Ca-treated steels. Longitudinal turning tests at a range of speeds (vc = 100-600 m/min) show rapid localized degradation of the Al2O3 coating limited to the sliding zone. Detailed analysis of the degradation mechanisms was performed using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The results demonstrate a presence of chemical interactions between the alumina coating and non-metallic inclusions. The interaction resulted in the formation of mainly calcium aluminates and partly alumina-magnesia spinel. In-operando infrared thermography measurements indicate cutting temperatures of 850-1000 degrees C. Thermodynamic calculations give that CaO and MgO readily reacts with Al2O3, while the reaction with CaS requires presence of additional oxygen at these cutting conditions. Additional turning experiments investigate the influence of oxygen by controlling the cutting environment by adding oxygen (compressed air) or removing oxygen (supply argon). These additional tests show that the presence of additional oxygen has a limited impact on the possible Ca-Al2O3 interaction. This demonstrat a potential for further machinability improvements by controlling the chemical interaction between Ca and Mg based non-metallic inclusions and alumina coatings.
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| 6. |
- Björk, Folke, et al.
(author)
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Electroosmosis - A method applied for handling of moisture in foundations
- 2020
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In: E3S Web of Conferences. Volyme 172, 2020. - : EDP Sciences.
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Electroosmosis is an electrokinetic phenomena which is applied in some technical fields. It is also applied large scale for transport of moisture out of basements. We see the method of electroosmosis as an opportunity for solving moisture problems in basements. However, there is a need to develop both the technology for the method and the understanding about what to expect out of it. Better methods are needed to predict whether the method will work in a particular case. © The Authors.
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| 7. |
- Björk, Klara, 1973, et al.
(author)
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Paradise is an island and so is hell
- 2023
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In: ELIA Academy 2023: Exploring Situatedness, 10 – 12 May Évora, Portugal..
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Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Performance lecture at the ELIA Academy 2023. Björk and Nåls guides the audience on a journey through the Norwegian island of Vega, a place of extraordinary beauty and wonder, and at the same time, a place of deep ecological and historical trauma. The promise of utopia and the threat of dystopia is ever-present on any island. Their performance lecture will include sensory exercises that will give the participants an embodied experience of the island of Vega — the smells, the sounds, and the sights — but also evoke its history and forgotten stories. In their lecture, they will also speak to theories, persons, and the non-humans that have helped them understand the islands they have visited.
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| 8. |
- Björk Skuladottir, Edda, et al.
(author)
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Translation and validation of Assessment of Work Performance (AWP) into the Icelandic language and culture
- 2021
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In: Work. - : IOS PRESS. - 1875-9270 .- 1051-9815. ; 69:4, s. 1305-1316
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND:Evidence-based services in vocational rehabilitation call for valid and reliable assessments of work performance for intervention planning and safe return to work for individuals with illness or injuries. Assessments that are easy to use, culturally adapted, and in a language professionals and clients understand is important for their utility. Translation and adaption of assessments to new languages and cultures are of importance to maintain high standards of assessments and the quality of services in the vocational rehabilitation setting. OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to translate and adapt the Assessment of Work Performance (AWP), into the Icelandic language and culture. Furthermore, to investigate the content validity and utility of the evaluation instrument. METHODS:The study was conducted in two phases. The first phase, based on the Dual-Panel translation method, included two expert panels performing translation and cultural adaption of the original Swedish AWP. In the second phase field testing of the translated instrument was followed by an online survey among vocational rehabilitation professionals for content validation and utility. RESULTS:The results of the study showed satisfactory opinions from experienced professionals toward the content validity, translation, cultural adaption, and utility of the Icelandic version of the AWP. CONCLUSIONS:The study indicates that the Dual-Panel translation method is a valid method when translating instruments from one language and culture to another. Furthermore, the results of the study imply that the AWP can be regarded as content valid up to an acceptable degree for implementation in vocational rehabilitation services in Iceland.
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Bröms, Gabriella, et al.
(author)
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Capturing biologic treatment for IBD in the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register and the Swedish National Patient Register–a validation study
- 2021
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0036-5521 .- 1502-7708. ; 56:4, s. 410-421
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: It is not known to what extent biologic treatment for IBD is captured in the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register (PDR) and the National Patient Register (NPR). Methods: A cross-sectional study from July 2005 until 2017, comparing data on biologic treatment in the PDR and the NPR with medical records. We assessed the proportion of started treatment episodes in the medical records that were found in the PDR/NPR ever, within +/− one year and within +/− three months; for any biologic drug, per specific drug (infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab), by calendar period (2005–2008, 2009–2012, and 2013–2017) and by study center. For adalimumab, we assessed the validity of end of treatment episodes. Results: Medical records of 1361 patients and 2323 treatment episodes with any biologic were reviewed and 80.1% (95% CI: 78.4–81.7) were ever captured in the PDR/NPR in. A time window of +/− one year or +/− three months reduced the sensitivity to 63.3% (95% CI: 61.3–65.3) and 52.6% (95% CI: 50.5–54.6), respectively. The sensitivity was high (>85%) for the prescribed injection drugs adalimumab, golimumab, and ustekinumab for all time windows and for adalimumab end of treatment, while considerably lower for the infusion drugs infliximab and vedolizumab. Conclusions: The PDR and the NPR are reliable data sources on treatment with injection biologics in patients with IBD in Sweden. Infliximab and vedolizumab are poorly captured, why PDR/NPR data should only be used after careful consideration of their limitations or complemented by other data sources, e.g., the disease-specific quality register SWIBREG.
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