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This thesis encompasses an introductory part and five papers related to developing techniques and phantoms required for the further growth of photoacoustic imaging (PAI). In PAI, images are created by detecting acoustic waves followed by the absorption of laser light, enabling high spatial resolution while maintaining high optical contrast. Due to the distinct absorption patterns of various chromo
Objectives: While high socioeconomic status (SES) indicators generally protect against mental health issues such as mood disorders in overall populations, evidence suggests that these protective effects might be attenuated for marginalized groups such as immigrants, in comparison to groups who are more socially privileged. This phenomenon is referred to as Marginalization-related Diminished Return
The global aviation industry is experiencing growing pressure to decarbonize, driving significant demand for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Second-generation feedstocks that do not directly compete with food crops, such as lipid oils from insects and lignin-derived oils, are promising sources, but their high concentrations of inorganic contaminants and oxygen make them incompatible with existing
Titanium alloys are known for being difficult to machine. Within the groups of Ti alloys, the machinability is reduced when going from the α-alloys, to α + β, and finally to near-β or β-alloys. Uncoated cemented carbide is traditionally used for machining these alloys and finding a suitable coating to improve the performance is a challenge due to the high strength of Ti alloys and the high chemica
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Infection after transrectal prostate biopsy (TPBx) is a well-known risk. A comprehensive investigation of risk factors may identify measures for safe TPBx as an alternative to a change in biopsy route. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for infection after TPBx.METHODS: We included all outpatient TPBx cases in Region Kronoberg, Sweden, from January 2010 to
Background: The quality of the total mesorectal excision specimen in rectal cancer surgery is assessed with a three-tier grade (mesorectal, intramesorectal and muscularis propria). This study aimed to analyse the prognostic impact of the total mesorectal excision grade on survival, and to identify risk factors for intramesorectal and muscularis propria resection in a population-based setting. Meth
Every two weeks, one of the world’s estimated 7,000 languages dies. Yet what are the consequences of having to give up one’s native language? Speakers of minority languages worldwide face barriers to using their languages outside their homes, often with negative consequences for educational and economic success. A new survey of the Indigenous Sámi in Sweden and Norway suggests that language polici
The International Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Reference Center launches annual global HPV genotyping proficiency panels to enhance the precision and international standardization of HPV genotyping services. This study aims to assess the proficiency levels achieved in the global HPV genotyping proficiency panels conducted in 2022 and 2023, and to evaluate trends in performance over time. The profici
What is love? Is it an uncontrollable emotion? Is it, instead, socially shaped, both an emotion and a social practice? Can the bonds of care and affection between humans and non-human animals be said to be on a par with parent-child relationships between humans? Do parents owe love to their children – and do mothers and fathers, respectively, owe it to different degrees? Do subversive weddings cha
As part of the project FIRE21, a workshop was organised in Trondheim on September 8, 2023, inviting all project partners (Lund University, Research Institutes of Sweden, the Technical University of Denmark and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology) to brainstorm on potential problems for the fire and rescue services (FRS) in the 21st century, and recommendations on how to improve the
Introduction: No national recommendation for antibiotic prophylaxis for planned caesarean section in Sweden exists. Swedish delivery units have chosen different strategies. Some units routinely administer antibiotic prophylaxis to all women for whom a caesarean section is planned, while other units give prophylactic antibiotics to risk groups only. We took advantage of this “natural experiment” to
The purpose of the research presented in this thesis is to enhance the field of accessibility to include a multitude of perspectives. Based on cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT), it analyzes how human, artifactual and natural factors impact an individual’s possibilities to act in concrete situations that are part of a systemic whole.The thesis presents two main results:An enhanced accessib
The ever increasing data rates in wireless communication require analog to digital converters (ADCs) with greater requirements on speed and accuracy, while being power efficient to prolong battery life. This dissertation contains an introduction to the field and five papers that focus on the continuous-time (CT) Delta-Sigma modulator (DSM) as ADC. Paper I analyses the performance degradation of d
BACKGROUND: For reasons that remain unclear, surgery for Graves' disease is associated with a higher risk of hypocalcemia than surgery for benign atoxic goiter. In the present study, we evaluated risk factors for postoperative hypocalcemia in patients undergoing operation for Graves' disease. METHODS: Data from 1,157 patients who underwent operation for Graves' disease between 2004 and 2008 were
The need for quantification of land cover from pollen data has led to the development of a Landscape Reconstruction Algorithm (LRA). The LRA includes several models of which the REVEALS model estimates regional vegetation abundance using pollen assemblages from large sites (lakes or bogs). In this paper we explore the effects of selection and number of pollen samples, and choice of pollen producti
The Tree Theme Method (TTM) is an intervention based on sessions involving creative activities and life storytelling/story-making, in which the client paints trees representing various periods of his/her life. The aim of this study was to investigate clients' experiences of participating in a TTM intervention and their perceptions of the therapeutic relationship. Thematic interviews were undertake
