Although several studies have extensively discussed the role of intrapreneurs, individuals’ experiences of intrapreneurial processes in the academic context remain largely unexplored. The prominence of intrapreneurial logic in academia has led to increased institutional complexity and highlighting the need for an improved understanding of how to navigate multiple logics present at individual, organizational, and field levels to attain the desired intrapreneurial outcomes. To address these challenges, we propose an integrative framework that captures both organizational and individual-level responses to these multiple logics, while also incorporating intrapreneurial logic. Upon analyzing data from nineteen intrapreneurs across three universities, this study reveals that universities actively uphold the academic logic that intrapreneurs identify as a barrier, compelling them to refine their skills and actively hybridize logics by integrating multiple specific elements of intrapreneurship, teaching, and research. Simultaneously, universities incorporate intrapreneurial logic into their operational processes, even combining multiple logics, which intrapreneurs leverage within their own activities to push their ideas forward. The study offers implications for intrapreneurship literature, academic management, and policymakers to more effectively foster intrapreneurial activities.

Fast and accurate detection of antimicrobial resistance in pathogens remains a challenge, and with the increase in antimicrobial resistance due to mis- and overuse of antibiotics, it has become an urgent public health problem. We demonstrate how infrared attenuated total reflection (IR-ATR) can be used as a simple method for assessment of bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics. This is achieved by monitoring the metabolic activities of bacterial cells via nutrient consumption and using this as an indicator of bacterial viability. Principal component analysis of the obtained spectra provides a tool for fast and simple discrimination of antimicrobial resistance in the acquired data. We demonstrate this concept using four bacterial strains and four different antibiotics, showing that the change in glucose concentration in the growth medium after 2 h, as monitored by IR-ATR, can be used as a spectroscopic diagnostic technique, to reduce detection time and to improve quality in the assessment of antimicrobial resistance in pathogens.

At the beginning of this century, Hegselmann and Krause proposed a dynamical model for opinion formation that is referred to as the Bounded Confidence Opinion Dynamics (BCOD) model and that has since attracted a wide interest from different research communities. The model can be viewed as a dynamic network, in which each agent is endowed with a state variable representing an opinion and two agents interact if the distance between their opinions does not exceed a constant confidence bound. This relation of instantaneous proximity between the opinions naturally induces a dynamic interaction graph. At each stage of the opinion iteration, all agents synchronously update their opinion to the average of all opinions that belong to the neighbors in the interaction graph.BCOD models exhibit a broad variety of phenomena that cannot be studied by traditional methods, and their analysis has enriched the systems and control field with a number of novel mathematical tools. This fact, together with the existence of an extensive literature on the topic scattered across different fields, calls for a systematic presentation of the existing results on this class of dynamic networks. The aim of this survey is to provide an overview of BCOD models with time-synchronous interactions, with possibly asymmetric and heterogeneous confidence bounds. Conditions on the different classes of BCOD which ensure the convergence (in finite time or asymptotically) of the opinions are discussed, and the possible structures of the terminal opinions are described. The numerous phenomena highlighted in the literature from numerical studies, e.g., the characterization of steady state behaviors and the sensitivity to confidence thresholds, are also reviewed. Finally, some recent modifications and applications of BCOD models are discussed, and suggestions of directions for future research are provided.

The chapter accounts for the book’s theoretical and methodological framework, and main ambitions. Its foundation in pluriversal conversations on transnational, intersectional and decolonial feminisms is foregrounded, and related to the overall aim: to reflect upon and analytically practice transgressions of the methodological nationalist approaches that are ingrained in much contemporary humanities and social science research. The concept of pluriversality is presented as an alternative to the universalisms of Western modernity, and transnational, intersectional and decolonial feminisms are introduced as frameworks which can help critical scholars to push their research beyond conventional disciplinary reliance on methodologically nationalist traditions. The volume’s commitment to postdisciplinarity and emergent, explorative methodologies, including experiments with a blurring of boundaries between academic and creative writing genres, is emphasized. It is argued that such approaches are needed to transgress the limitations of methodologically nationalist outlooks. The chapter’s reflections on transgressive methodological frameworks is presented as a pluriversal conversation between members of the editorial team. Finally, the chapter tells the  story of the volume’s coming into being through encounters between scholars of different academic ages, affiliated with universities located along Global South/North/East/West axes, who met to establish multiply situated reflections on border transgressing research methodologies.   

Resilient performance is a crucial characteristic of complex socio-technical systems, enabling them to sustain essential functionality during changing or stressful conditions. Resilience Engineering (RE), a sub-field of safety research, focuses on this perspective of resilience. RE emphasises its “cornerstone model”, presenting the REsystem goals of “anticipating, monitoring, responding and learning”. The cornerstone of learning remains fragmented and undertheorized in the existing literature. This paper aims to enrich RE research and its practical implications by developing a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the role of learning from resilient performance. To achieve this aim, a scoping literature review was conducted to assess how learning is conceptualised in the RE literature and the theoretical foundations on which previous work rests. The main findings show that RE researchers view learning as the process of understanding the system, sharing knowledge, and re-designing system properties. The application of established learning theories is limited. This paper contributes to research by proposing an organisational process for the RE cornerstone of learning, paving the way for deeper discussions in future studies about learning from resilient performance within complex sociotechnical systems. 

Interfacing graphene with other low-dimensional material has gained attentions recently due to its potential to stimulate new physics and device innovations for optoelectronic and electronic applications. Here, we exploit a solution-processed approach to introduce colloidal quantum dot (CQD) to the bilayer graphene device. The magnetotransport properties of the graphene device is drastically altered due to the presence of the CQD potential, leading to the observation of AB-like oscillation in the quantum Hall regime and screening of the intervalley scattering. The anomalous magnetotransport behavior is attributed to the coulombic scattering introduced by the CQDs and is shown to be highly asymmetric depending on the polarity of the transport carriers. These results prove the potential of such flexible method for engineering microscopic scattering process and performance of the graphene device that may lead to intriguing device application in such hybrid system.

Evacuation preparedness includes ensuring proper infrastructure, resources and planning for moving people from a dangerous area to safety. This is especially important and challenging during mass gatherings, such as large concerts. In this paper, we present the Emergency Exit Layout Problem (EELP) which is the problem of locating a given number of emergency exits and deciding their width such that the time it takes to evacuate the crowd from an arena is minimized. The EELP takes into account the geography of the arena and its surroundings, as well as the number of pedestrians in the crowd and the distribution of these within the arena. The EELP is formulated as a two-stage stochastic mixed integer linear program to handle the uncertainty related to the location of the possible incidents and the distribution of the pedestrians. Two cases are studied, a large concert planned at the Leangen trotting track in Trondheim and a smaller indoor arena. For each case, the EELP is solved for different scenarios, and the suggested layouts are evaluated using an agent-based simulation model. In particular, the potential of incorporating detailed assessment regarding the location and probability of specific incidents and the distribution of pedestrians are investigated. The computational study shows that making a more detailed risk assessment has little effect on the large concert, but a significant impact on the location of the emergency exits for the smaller indoor case. The results also indicate that it is more important to consider the location and probability of specific incidents rather than the pedestrian distribution.

Feminist Reconfigurings of Alien Encounters reclaims the notion of alien encounters together with strange, but queerly loved companions, Vulgar slugs, diatoms (micro-algae), and familiars (spiritguides of witches), the book’s three human co-authors ask: what would it take to establish more-than-human, bio- and geo-egalitarian co-existence on a planet in trouble?  

This playfully crafted mixed-genre book is informed by feminist posthumanisms, and co-created with a spectral community of more-than-humans, who are respectfully summoned to contribute with their perspectives. In focus of the entangled artistic-philosophical-poetic investigations are questions of ethics, aesthetics and methodologies to co-exist response-ably rather than based on modern human beliefs in exceptionalism, and entitlement to sovereignty, control and conquest of more-than-human worlds. 

Feminist Reconfigurings of Alien Encounters is intended for broad global audiences of researchers, teachers, professionals, NGOs, politicians, students from undergraduate to postgraduate levels, artists, writers, activists and artivists, who are interested in entangled artistic-poetic-philosophical modes of understanding the world as well as in ecology, new feminist materialism, critical posthumanism, and questions about radically rethinking and reimagining human/more-than-human relations on Earth.

Allergy to pollen and animal dander is a major public health problem. Close to 30% of the population have symptoms from the upper and/or lower respiratory tract when they meet fur animals or pollen. Whereas symptom-relieving medications have a good to sufficient effect on about 80% of those affected, a large group of 10–20% have severe symptoms, despite medication, with an impact on well-being and ability to work. In Sweden, the annual cost of allergy was calculated at €1.3 billion in 2014.

Immunotherapy is effective in treating and preventing pollen allergy and allergic asthma, but is expensive, complicated, requiring 40 injections, and takes more than three years to complete if subcutaneous injections are used. Tablets placed under the tongue are another method, with one tablet taken every day for three years. Only 1.5‰ receive such treatment, yet just over 3% would need it.

With intralymphatic immunotherapy, a small dose of allergen is given in a lymph node in the groin on 3 occasions, one month apart. As this method takes only eight weeks, it is a much faster and less costly treatment. However, although several studies have shown that the treatment is safe, its efficacy remains the subject of doubt.

Our pilot study in 2012, with a 3-year follow-up to 2015, showed encouraging results, and was followed by a double-blind randomised study with 72 participants from 2014 to 2018. The research subjects then received treatment with birch and grass pollen extract or one extract and a placebo. Regardless of treatment, symptoms, quality of life and medication consumption improved during the birch and grass pollen seasons in the 3 years after treatment. Increased frequencies of T-regulatory lymphocytes may explain the non-specific effects.

In 2017 to 2018, we conducted a double-blind study with 38 participants, half of whom received placebo and half, active treatment. In this study, we saw no difference between the treatment groups in the first year after treatment. However, after discontinuation and unblinding in 2019, i.e., two years after treatment, the actively treated group improved in terms of symptoms, and quality of life was improved compared with the placebo group despite less need for medication. T-regulatory lymphocytes increased one year after treatment only in the actively treated group.

A long-term follow-up of the research subjects from our two larger studies in 2022, i.e., five to eight years after treatment, showed in the double-blind study without a pure placebo that the scores for symptoms, medication use, and quality of life remained as low as after the first three years. In the placebo-controlled study, a statistically significant improvement in symptoms remained during the grass pollen season. Analysing the two studies together, symptom improvement was significant even during the birch pollen season. Thus, although the effect does not seem to diminish, those who did not receive birch, but only grass, needed to use more medication during the birch pollen season in 2022, seven to eight years after treatment. Moreover, those who did not receive grass but only birch needed more medication during the grass pollen season. This may suggest that the non-specific effect begins to wane after seven to eight years.

Allergy to pollen is a major problem for individuals and society, where symptom-relieving treatment with drugs is not enough for many. They can be helped with immunotherapy, which takes at least three years, is expensive and fraught with side effects. In contrast, intralymphatic immunotherapy involves three injections over eight weeks. Our three studies show that the treatment is safe and indicate that it has a clinical effect up to eight years after treatment. T-regulatory cells appear to be important to the immunological mechanism, leading to tolerance to pollen.

The practice of envisioning the future has deep roots in the past. Across the continent of Africa, there are traditions of oral storytelling, griots, folklore, and indigenous speculation that offer guidance on how to live in the present and orient towards better futures. Whilst these traditions can act as navigational compasses, they are not prevalent in conventional futuring methodologies. Rather, we are surrounded by perspectives of thinking about the future as a projection of current trends. In this perspective, we offer a new heuristic, the Entangled Time Tree, to the body of futuring approaches for how to acknowledge multiple pasts and alternative ways of conceptualizing futures. We recognise that in a decolonial approach, it is necessary to consider a multiplicity of pasts that lead to diverse presents and futures; a recognition that we see reflected in Africanfuturism and in traditional storytelling that further offer diverse ways of understanding temporality and futures. We propose that the diverse forms of storytelling across the African continent constitute critically underexplored forms of knowledge for enabling a decolonial approach to futuring through three mechanisms -stories as power, stories as healing, and stories as diversification. We argue that centering these stories will allow the exploration of more just and ecologically sustainable futures. We recognise that this is just a first, but we hope a promising, step towards a longer term commitment of creating more diverse, imaginative visions and pathways of a decolonial future that will be useful not only on the African continent, but globally.

At least three probabilistic definitions of hidden Markov models (HMMs) have been used frequently in the literature. Unfortunately, one of these definitions shows fatal flaws, however nowadays a lot of literature still uses this definition. The aim of this paper is on one hand to specifically point out one such fatal flaw (in terms of deriving the well-known forward-backward algorithm), and on the other hand to list key properties of HMMs under the other two plausible (and equivalent) probabilistic definitions for further developments. As applications, we rigorously layout forward-backward algorithms for inhomogeneous HMMs and hidden reciprocal models, and fully present connections between HMMs and undirected graphical models which are not mentioned anywhere in the literature, to the best of our knowledge.

The complex orbifold structure of the moduli space of Riemann surfaces of genus g (g≥2) produces a stratification into complex subvarieties named equisymmetric strata. Each equisymmetric stratum is formed by the surfaces where the group of automorphisms acts in a topologically equivalent way. The Riemann surfaces in the equisymmetric strata of dimension one are of two structurally different types. Type 1 equisymmetric strata correspond to Riemann surfaces where the group of automorphisms produces a quotient surface of genus zero, while those of Type 2 appear when such a quotient is a surface of genus one. Type 1 equisymmetric strata have been extensively studied by the authors of the present work in a previous recent paper, we now focus on Type 2 strata. We first establish the existence of such strata and their frequency of occurrence in moduli spaces. As a main result we obtain a complete description of Type 2 strata as coverings of the sphere branched over three points (Belyi curves) and where certain isolated points (punctures) have to be eliminated. Finally, we study in detail the doubly infinite family of Type 2 strata whose automorphism groups have order the product of two primes.

Young people represent a high-risk group of drivers and the prevalence of road traffic crashes among young drivers is high. Thus, to increase traffic safety, it is essential to ensure that new drivers are both sufficiently educated in and assessed for risk awareness.The aim of this study was to examine the possibility and potential benefit of using a driving simulator screening test as a complement to the existing on-road driving test. The main idea is to detect drivers who are not ready to proceed to the driving test.A comparative study was performed with participants who passed and failed a simulator test and an on-road driving test, respectively. A comparison between subjective and objective measures of performance and risk was also included. A driving simulator was placed at a traffic school and customers were recruited as participants. In total, 70 participants took part in the study and the simulated drive consisted of rural roads, urban traffic, and motorways with 16 different scenarios, constructed from the second level of the GDE matrix, to examine driving behavior, attention, and risk perception.The results show that with a screening test in a driving simulator, it is possible to detect drivers who consider themselves ready to take a driving test, but who have not yet reached the level of risk awareness required to be a safe driver. Test scenarios should be suited to detect deficiencies in risk awareness, test different levels of the GDE matrix and, to complement the driving test, be difficult to assess in an on-road driving test. Deficiencies in self-evaluation that are well-known among young drivers are again confirmed. To practice self-evaluation, the driving simulator is suggested as a pedagogical tool, linked to the GDE matrix.

This paper proposes a novel placement technique based on the improved golden jackal optimization (IGJO) algorithm for multiple capacitor banks (CBs) and multi-type DGs in a distribution network considering single and multi-objective problems. The proposed algorithm incorporates memory-based equations and random walk strategy to enhance the performance of the recent golden jackal optimization in terms of accuracy and convergence speed. The optimization problem is formulated as a weighted multi-objective that seeks to enhance the voltage profiles, boost stability, and minimize the total active power loss. An index named reactive loss sensitivity (QLSI) is also employed with the developed IGJO to identify the candidate nodes for the DGs and CBs installation to reduce the search space of the optimization algorithm. The robustness of the developed IGJO algorithm is evaluated through the CEC 2020 benchmark functions, and a comparison study is conducted with the original GJO and the other nine fresh competitors using various statistical tests to confirm its dominance and superiority. Then, the proposed IGJO is implemented in single and multi-objectives for the optimal deployment of multiple CBs individually and simultaneously with multiple DGs with different operating modes to enhance the performance of the IEEE 69-bus radial distribution system (RDS). The fetched outcomes are compared with the original GJO, weevil optimizer algorithm (WeevilOA), skill optimization algorithm (SOA), and Tasmanian devil optimization (TDO) to further measure its efficacy using different statistical tests. The IGJO algorithm is also applied to deploy multiple DGs for the IEEE 118-bus RDS with the aim of minimizing active loss. The simulation findings affirmed that the proposed IGJO technique beats the other rivals in all investigated situations, qualifying for the optimal inclusion of DGs in the presence of generation and demand uncertainties. Specifically, the integration of three units of CBs synchronously with three DGs Type-I and DG Type-III reduces

This chapter looks at how people vocally display bodily strain. While strain sounds can be a “leakage” of an individual bodily effort, they can also be performed without tension beyond what is necessary for their production, and acted upon by co-present others. The study re-specifies the pioneering but impressionistic account of response cries by Goffman (1978) through analyzing the minute mutual temporalities of vocal and bodily strain in the recordings of naturally occurring strain grunts during physical work and body instruction. The chapter argues that strain grunts are regularly produced alongside bodily effort, with variable phonetic characteristics, with outbreaths reflecting tension release, and at moments when the success of the effort is at risk. This leads to local (re)configuration of embodied participation in the task at hand and the emergence of strain displays as having been informative.

This study investigates the formation of VET teaching practice when using simulation as a teaching method to support students’ vocational learning at upper secondary schools in Sweden. The study is based on repeated interviews with twelve VET teachers from two schools over the course of three years. Drawing upon practice theory, the findings show that the use of simulators brought about both new knowledge and new relationships in teaching practice, as well as side effects such as dependency on other relatings outside the school. A new practice for vocational learning emerged, which required rearrangement of teachers’ work, roles and relatings.

This chapter contributes to the understanding of how change within auditing is initiated and formed through collaboration and negotiation between FAR and other actors within the organisational field of municipal auditing in Sweden. The empirical data is based on documents and interviews with actors within and outside the audit profession. Thus, the data represents different perspectives and interests throughout the change process. The analyses show that it was different partial jolts that made the various actors feel institutional pressure to get involved in the change process. At the end of the change process, an additional partial jolt, initiated by an outside actor, facilitated and accelerated the process as it reinforced the understanding of interdependence between the actors involved.

We mark the 50th anniversary of mathematical modeling education by reviving the term the spirit of mathematical modeling (SoMM), which idealistically reflects core aspects of mathematical modeling. The basis of our analysis is the notion of bildung, which is an educational philosophy that strives for harmonizing heart, mind, social life and culture. We built SoMM on five descriptions of mathematical modeling: two research studies from the 1970s, two studies about the work of professional modelers, and one about an environmental school project. We captured SoMM as a collection of aspects at the micro, meso and macro level: at the micro level, we found aspects such as agency, anticipating, scrutiny and critique as part of SoMM; at the meso level, we found collaborating, consulting and navigating social norms; and at the macro level, interdisciplinarity, relevance and social justice. Through the lens of bildung-based educational philosophies, we see that instruction and assessment traditions have transposed mathematical modeling into teachable practices that drift away from SoMM. We recommend focusing more on fostering mathematical modeling and to assess students through alternative formats (e.g., group projects).

Robots that can talk and move may turn from tools to potential participants, which poses new methodological challenges, particularly for transcription. This chapter first presents best practices for transcribing multimodal robot actions, focusing on sound. Robots animate the action repertoires that they are given by their designers and can do so again and again, producing virtually identical sequences. This work discusses how to transcribe such repeated action, balancing between the general script and situated moves. Moving from transcription to analysis, the chapter pays special attention to differences in how humans and robots demonstrate understanding of sequential actions. The chapter closes by demonstrating how transcription can reveal the dynamic character of robot participation, which is often assisted and scaffolded by humans who frame the robot's actions as relevant and accountable.

Non-sustainable single-use plastics used for food packaging needs to be phased out. Films made from cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) are suitable candidates for biodegradable and recyclable packaging materials as they exhibit good mechanical properties, excellent oxygen barrier properties and high transparency. Yet, their poor water vapour barrier properties have been a major hindrance in their commercialisation. Here, we describe the preparation of 25 mu m thick CNF films with significantly improved water vapour barrier properties after deposition of ultrathin polymeric and metallic coatings, parylene C and aluminium, respectively. When first adding a 40 nm aluminium layer followed by an 80 nm parylene layer, i.e. with a combined thickness of less than one percent of the CNF film, a water vapour transmission rate of 2.8 g m(- 2) d(-1) was achieved at 38 C and 90 % RH, surpassing a 25 mu m polypropylene film (4-12 g m(- 2) d(-1)). This is an improvement of more than 700 times compared to uncoated CNF films, under some of the harshest possible conditions a packaging material will need to endure in commercial use. The layers showed a good and even coverage, as assessed by atomic force microscopy, and the parylene-coated surfaces were hydrophobic with a contact angle of 110, providing good water repellency.

The appearance of an object is determined by its chromatic and geometric qualities in its surrounding environment using four optical parameters: color, gloss, translucency, and surface texture. Reconstructing the appearance of objects is of great importance in many applications, including creative industries, packaging, fine-art reproduction, medical simulation, and prosthesis-making. Printers are reproduction devices capable of replicating objects’ appearance in 2D and 3D forms. With the introduction of new printing technologies, new inks and materials, and demands for innovative applications, creating accurate reproduction of the desired visual appearance has become challenging. Thus, the appearance reproduction workflow requires improvements and adaptations. 

Accurate color reproduction is a critical quality measure in reproducing the desired appearance in any printing process. However, printers are devices with a limited number of inks that can either print a dot or leave it blank at a specific position on a substrate; hence, to reproduce different colors, optimal placement of the available inks is needed. Halftoning is a technique that deals with this challenge by generating a spatial distribution of the available inks that creates an illusion of the target color when viewed from a sufficiently large distance. Halftoning is a fundamental part of the color reproduction task in any full-color printing pipeline, and it is an effective technique to increase the potential of printing realistic and complex appearances. Although halftoning has been used in 2D printing for many decades, it still requires improvements in reproducing fine details and structures of images. Moreover, the emergence of new technologies in 3D printing introduces a higher degree of freedom and more parameters to the field of appearance reproduction. Therefore, there is a critical need for extensive studies to revisit existing halftoning algorithms and develop novel approaches to produce high quality prints that match the target appearance faithfully. This thesis aims at developing halftoning algorithms to improve appearance reproduction in 2D and 3D printing. 

Contributions of this thesis in the 2D domain is a dynamic sharpness-enhancing halftoning approach, which adaptively varies the local sharpness of the halftone image based on different textures in the original image for realistic appearance printing. The results show improvements in halftone quality in terms of sharpness, preserving structural similarity, and decreasing color reproduction error. The main contribution of this thesis in 3D printing is extending a high quality 2D halftoning algorithm to the 3D domain. The proposed method is then integrated with a multi-layer printing approach, where ink is deposited at variable depths to improve the reproduction of tones and fine details. Results demonstrate that the proposed method accurately reproduces tones and details of the target appearance. Another contribution of this thesis is studying the effect of halftoning on the perceived appearance of 3D printed surfaces. According to the results, changing the dot placement based on the elevation variation of the underlying geometry can potentially control the perception of the 3D printed appearance. It implies that the choice of halftone may prove helpful in eliminating unwanted artifacts, enhancing the object’s geometric features, and producing a more accurate 3D appearance. The proposed methods in this thesis have been evaluated using different printing techniques.    

Beyond the predictions routinely achievable by first-principles calculations and using metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), we report a GaN monolayer in a buckled geometry obtained in confinement at the graphene/SiC interface. Conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM) was used to investigate vertical current injection across the graphene/SiC interface and to establish the uniformity of the intercalated regions. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM) was used for atomic resolution imaging and spectroscopy along the growth direction. The experimentally obtained value of the buckling parameter, 1.01 & PLUSMN; 0.11 & ANGS;, adds to the existing knowledge of buckled GaN monolayers, which is based solely on predictive first-principles calculations. Our study reveals a discontinuity in the anticipated stacking sequence attributed to a few-layer graphitic-like GaN structure. Instead, we identify an atomic order suggestive of ultrathin gallium oxide Ga2O3, whose formation is apparently mediated by dissociative adsorption of oxygen onto the GaN monolayer. An atomic resolution image of an intercalated structure at a graphene/SiC interface along the growth direction which is determined as a buckled GaN monolayer at the immediate interface with an underlying SiC substrate and ultrathin Ga2O3 on top.

High-performance electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction are of interest in the development of next-generation sustainable hydrogen production systems. Although expensive platinum-group metals have been recognized as the most effective HER catalysts, there is an ongoing requirement for the discovery of cost-effective electrode materials. This paper reveals the prospects of two-dimensional (2D) noble metals, possessing a large surface area and a high density of active sites available for hydrogen proton adsorption, as promising catalytic materials for water splitting. An overview of the synthesis techniques is given. The advantages of wet chemistry approaches for the growth of 2D metals over deposition techniques show the potential for kinetic control that is required as a precondition to prevent isotropic growth. An uncontrolled presence of surfactant-related chemicals on a 2D metal surface is however the main disadvantage of kinetically controlled growth methods, which stimulates the development of surfactant-free synthesis approaches, especially template-assisted 2D metal growth on non-metallic substrates. Recent advances in the growth of 2D metals using a graphenized SiC platform are discussed. The existing works in the field of practical application of 2D noble metals for hydrogen evolution reaction are analyzed. This paper shows the technological viability of the "2D noble metals" concept for designing electrochemical electrodes and their implementation into future hydrogen production systems, thereby providing an inspirational background for further experimental and theoretical studies.

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a thermally stable n-type semiconducting material. ZnO 2D nanosheets have mainly gained substantial attention due to their unique properties, such as direct bandgap and strong excitonic binding energy at room temperature. These are widely utilized in piezotronics, energy storage, photodetectors, light-emitting diodes, solar cells, gas sensors, and photocatalysis. Notably, the chemical properties and performances of ZnO nanosheets largely depend on the nano-structuring that can be regulated and controlled through modulating synthetic strategies. Two synthetic approaches, top-down and bottom-up, are mainly employed for preparing ZnO 2D nanomaterials. However, owing to better results in producing defect-free nanostructures, homogenous chemical composition, etc., the bottom-up approach is extensively used compared to the top-down method for preparing ZnO 2D nanosheets. This review presents a comprehensive study on designing and developing 2D ZnO nanomaterials, followed by accenting its potential applications. To begin with, various synthetic strategies and attributes of ZnO 2D nanosheets are discussed, followed by focusing on methodologies and reaction mechanisms. Then, their deliberation toward batteries, supercapacitors, electronics/optoelectronics, photocatalysis, sensing, and piezoelectronic platforms are further discussed. Finally, the challenges and future opportunities are featured based on its current development.

Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB), a tick-borne infection caused by spirochetes within the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.L.) complex, is among the most prevalent bacterial central nervous system (CNS) infections in Europe and the US. Here we have screened a panel of low- passage B. burgdorferi s.l. isolates using a novel, human-derived 3D blood-brain barrier (BBB)-organoid model. We show that human-derived BBB-organoids support the entry of Borrelia spirochetes, leading to swelling of the organoids and a loss of their structural integrity. The use of the BBB-organoid model highlights the organotropism between B. burgdorferi s.l. genospecies and their ability to cross the BBB contributing to CNS infection.

The current standard method of diagnosing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) involves uncomfortable and invasive nasopharyngeal (NP) sampling using cotton swabs (CS), which can be unsuitable for self-testing. Although mid-turbinate sampling is an alternative, it has a lower diagnostic yield than NP sampling. Nasal wash (NW) has a similar diagnostic yield to NP sampling, but is cumbersome to perform. In this study, we introduce a 3D printed fluidic swab (3DPFS) that enables easy NW sampling for COVID-19 testing with improved diagnostic yield. The 3DPFS comprises a swab head, microchannel, and socket that can be connected to a syringe containing 250 & mu;L of NW solution. The 3DPFS efficiently collects nasal fluid from the surface of the nasal cavity, resulting in higher sensitivity than CS for the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This was confirmed by both reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and lateral flow assays (LFA) in virus-spiked nasal samples and clinical samples. Additionally, users reported greater comfort when using the 3DPFS compared to CS. These findings suggest that the 3DPFS can improve the performance of COVID-19 testing by facilitating efficient and less painful nasal sample collection.

Neutron detection is of great importance in many fields spanning from scientific research, to nuclear science, and to medical application. The development of silicon-based neutron detectors with enhanced neutron detection efficiency can offer several advantages such as spatial resolution, enhanced dynamic range and background discrimination. In this work, increased detection efficiency is pursued by fabricating high aspect ratio 3D micro-structures filled with neutron converting materials (B4C) on planar silicon detectors. An in-depth feasibility study was carried out in all aspects of the sensor fabrication technology. Passivation of the etched structures was studied in detail, to ensure good electrical performance. The conformal deposition of B4C with a newly developed process showed excellent results. Preliminary electrical characterisation of the completed devices is promising, and detectors have been mounted on dedicated boards in view of the upcoming tests with neutrons.

Hemodynamic assessment is an integral part of the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular disease. Four-dimensional cardiovascular magnetic resonance flow imaging (4D Flow CMR) allows comprehensive and accurate assessment of flow in a single acquisition. This consensus paper is an update from the 2015 4D Flow CMR Consensus Statement. We elaborate on 4D Flow CMR sequence options and imaging considerations. The document aims to assist centers starting out with 4D Flow CMR of the heart and great vessels with advice on acquisition parameters, post-processing workflows and integration into clinical practice. Furthermore, we define minimum quality assurance and validation standards for clinical centers. We also address the challenges faced in quality assurance and validation in the research setting. We also include a checklist for recommended publication standards, specifically for 4D Flow CMR. Finally, we discuss the current limitations and the future of 4D Flow CMR. This updated consensus paper will further facilitate widespread adoption of 4D Flow CMR in the clinical workflow across the globe and aid consistently high-quality publication standards.

Purpose Fluorescence-guided surgery applying 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) in high-grade gliomas is an established method in adults. In children, results have so far been ambiguous. The aim of this study was to investigate 5-ALA-induced fluorescence in pediatric brain tumors by using the surgical microscope and a spectroscopic hand-held probe. Methods Fourteen randomly selected children (age 4-17) with newly MRI-verified brain tumors were included. No selection was based on the suspected diagnosis prior to surgery. All patients received 5-ALA (20 mg /kg) either orally or via a gastric tube prior to surgery. Intratumoral fluorescence was detected with the microscope and the probe. Moreover, fluorescence in the skin of the forearm was measured. Histopathology samples revealed seven low-grade gliomas, four medulloblastomas, one diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, one glioblastoma and one atypical meningioma. Blood samples were analyzed, and potential clinical side effects were monitored. Results Microscopically, vague fluorescence was visible in two patients. Intratumoral fluorescence could be detected in five patients with the probe, including the two patients with vague microscopic fluorescence. Three of the oldest children had PpIX fluorescence in the skin. Nine children did not show any fluorescence in the tumor or in the skin. No clinical side effects or laboratory adverse events were observed. Conclusion Fluorescence could not be used to guide surgery in this study, neither with the surgical microscope nor with the hand-held probe. In nine children, no fluorescence was discerned and children with noticeable fluorescence were all older than nine years. 5-ALA was considered safe to apply in children.

Despite remanufacturing being a value-retention process capable of bringing both economic and environmental benefits to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the remanufacturing market is small, and the OEM share on the market is even smaller. There are trends in OEMs hesitating to initiate remanufacturing due to the lack of knowledge or often unjustified assumptions about how remanufacturing affects their business-as-usual. To further motivate OEMs to initiate remanufacturing, there is a need to extend the remanufacturing initiation theory to showcase how remanufacturing could be initiated in practice. Therefore, this paper aims to describe a remanufacturing initiation and demonstrate the initiation steps for OEMs by developing a remanufacturing initiation framework. The framework is developed based on a remanufacturing initiation led by an OEM of robotic lawn mowers. Based on the case study, a 5-step approach for initiating remanufacturing (5AFIR) framework—the remanufacturing sapphire—was developed to interpret and visualise the remanufacturing approach taken at the studied OEM. The framework steps consist of the following: (1) Select a product family, (2) involve actors prone to be impacted by remanufacturing, (3) iteratively identify prerequisites and assess the system performance, (4) develop a plan and industrialise remanufacturing, and (5) refine and validate the assessment in Step 3.

Objective: Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) has been increasingly performed for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAAs). However, multiple randomized trials have failed to demonstrate a survival benefit compared with open aortic surgery. During a 12-year period, 100% of patients without a history of aneurysm surgery had undergone EVAR for a rAAA at orebro University Hospital, with no emergent open aortic surgery performed. In the present study, we evaluated the mortality and technical success during this "EVAR-only" period. Methods: A single-center, retrospective observational study was conducted. We identified all patients who had presented to Orebro University Hospital with a rAAA between October 2009 and September 2021. Patients with isolated iliac artery, thoracic, and thoracoabdominal aortic ruptures were not included. Patients who had received previous aortic interventions (open or endovascular) and patients who had received palliative treatment instead of surgical intervention were also excluded. The patient characteristics, perioperative and postoperative data, and mortality rate were investigated. Results: EVAR had been performed in 100 patients. Preoperative hemodynamic instability had been present in 54 patients (54%), and 18 (18%) had undergone aortic balloon occlusion. The aneurysm location was infrarenal in 89 patients (89%). Bifurcated stent grafts had been used in 97 patients (97%), and adjunct endovascular techniques had been used for 27 patients (27%). Of 98 patients, EVAR had been performed with the patient under local anesthesia for 62 patients (63%). Peri-and postoperative complications at 30 days had occurred in 20 of 100 patients (20%) and 22 of 79 patients (28%), respectively. The overall mortality at 30 days was 27% (27 of 100 patients), and the mortality for those with an isolated infrarenal rAAA was 24% (21 of 89 patients). The overall mortality at 1 year was 39% (39 of 100 patients) and for those with an isolated infrarenal rAAA was 37% (33 of 89 patients). The presence of preoperative hemodynamic instability and the use of ABO were statistically significantly and independently associated with increased 30-day mortality on multivariate logistic regression analysis. Conclusions: All 100 patients who had undergone surgery for a rAAA had been treated using EVAR and endovascular adjuncts, with a relatively low mortality rate, thus continuing the "EVAR-only" approach. A low proportion of rAAA patients were considered surgically unsuitable. These findings support the applicability of EVAR for the treatment of all rAAAs at suitable centers.

Aims: To test, for the first time in latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), the effects of autoantigen-specific immunotherapy by intralymphatic administration of aluminium-formulated recombinant human glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD-alum); specifically, to test if this treatment is safe, to test whether it induces a strong immunological response akin to a similar protocol in type 1 diabetes and to look for associations with preserved beta-cell function. Materials and Methods: Three GAD-alum injections, 4 mu g each, were administered 1 month apart into an inguinal lymph node in 14 people with newly diagnosed LADA (age 30-62 years) presenting with high levels of antibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase (GADA). Adverse effects, immunological variables and beta-cell function were monitored, with detailed measurements at 5 and 12 months from baseline. Results: Clinical adverse effects were minor and transient and measured laboratory variables were unaffected. All participants completed the study. Treatment raised levels of GADA, elicited strong effects on reactivity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to GAD and raised cytokine/chemokine levels. Beta-cell function appeared stable preferentially in the seven participants carrying human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotypes DR3DQ2, as assessed by C-peptide glucagon tests (P < 0.05 vs. seven non-carriers). Conclusion: Intralymphatic treatment with GAD-alum in LADA is without clinical or other safety concerns over a 12-month period. As in a similar protocol used in type 1 diabetes, treatment exerts a strong immunological impact and is compatible with protection of beta-cell function preferentially in HLA-DR3DQ2 LADA patients. These findings pave the way for a randomized controlled trial in this important subgroup of LADA patients.

Future brain-computer interfaces will require local and highly individualized signal processing of fully integrated electronic circuits within the nervous system and other living tissue. New devices will need to be developed that can receive data from a sensor array, process these data into meaningful information, and translate that information into a format that can be interpreted by living systems. Here, the first example of interfacing a hardware-based pattern classifier with a biological nerve is reported. The classifier implements the Widrow-Hoff learning algorithm on an array of evolvable organic electrochemical transistors (EOECTs). The EOECTs channel conductance is modulated in situ by electropolymerizing the semiconductor material within the channel, allowing for low voltage operation, high reproducibility, and an improvement in state retention by two orders of magnitude over state-of-the-art OECT devices. The organic classifier is interfaced with a biological nerve using an organic electrochemical spiking neuron to translate the classifiers output to a simulated action potential. The latter is then used to stimulate muscle contraction selectively based on the input pattern, thus paving the way for the development of adaptive neural interfaces for closed-loop therapeutic systems.

Software products are increasingly used in critical infrastructures, and verifying the security of these products has become a necessary part of every software development project. Effective and practical methods and processes are needed by software vendors and infrastructure operators to meet the existing extensive demand for security. This article describes a lightweight security risk assessment method that flags security issues as early as possible in the software project, namely during requirements analysis. The method requires minimal training effort, adds low overhead, and makes it possible to show immediate results to affected stakeholders. We present a longitudinal case study of how a large enterprise developing complex telecom products adopted this method all the way from pilot studies to full-scale regular use. Lessons learned from the case study provide knowledge about the impact that upskilling and training of requirements engineers have on reducing the risk of malfunctions or security vulnerabilities in situations where it is not possible to have security experts go through all requirements. The case study highlights the challenges of process changes in large organizations as well as the pros and cons of having centralized, distributed, or semi-distributed workforce for security assurance in requirements engineering.

Previous studies have shed light on the importance of affect in risk perception and the role of mental imagery in generating affect. In the current study, we explore the causal relationship between mental imagery, affect, and risk perception by systematically varying the level of mental imagery in three levels (i.e., enhanced, spontaneous, or prevented). In light of the increasing environmental risk of adverse events caused by climate change, we operationalize risk as participants perceived risk of climate change. One-thousand-fifty-five participants were recruited online and randomized to one of three levels of mental imagery. As predicted, we found a causal link between the level of mental imagery, affective experience, and perceived risk of climate change, in that enhanced mental imagery caused a larger decrease in positive affective valence and a larger increase in perceived risk of climate change. We argue that mental imagery enhances the negative affect associated with the risk event by creating a perceptual experience that mimics seeing the environmental risk events.

Background Progress feedback, also known as measurement-based care (MBC), is the routine collection of patient-reported measures to monitor treatment progress and inform clinical decision-making. Although a key ingredient to improving mental health care, sustained use of progress feedback is poor. Integration into everyday workflow is challenging, impacted by a complex interrelated set of factors across patient, clinician, organizational, and health system levels. This study describes the development of a qualitative coding scheme for progress feedback implementation that accounts for the dynamic nature of barriers and facilitators across multiple levels of use in mental health settings. Such a coding scheme may help promote a common language for researchers and implementers to better identify barriers that need to be addressed, as well as facilitators that could be supported in different settings and contexts. Methods Clinical staff, managers, and leaders from two Dutch, three Norwegian, and four mental health organizations in the USA participated in semi-structured interviews on how intra- and extra-organizational characteristics interact to influence the use of progress feedback in clinical practice, supervision, and program improvement. Interviews were conducted in the local language, then translated to English prior to qualitative coding. Results A team-based consensus coding approach was used to refine an a priori expert-informed and literature-based qualitative scheme to incorporate new understandings and constructs as they emerged. First, this hermeneutic approach resulted in a multi-level coding scheme with nine superordinate categories and 30 subcategories. Second-order axial coding established contextually sensitive categories for barriers and facilitators. Conclusions The primary outcome is an empirically derived multi-level qualitative coding scheme that can be used in progress feedback implementation research and development. It can be applied across contexts and settings, with expectations for ongoing refinement. Suggestions for future research and application in practice settings are provided. Supplementary materials include the coding scheme and a detailed playbook.

BACKGROUND: Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy has shown effectiveness in managing chronic tinnitus. Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy is currently available in only a few languages (English, Swedish, Spanish, and German). The current study aimed to adapt, evaluate, and compare the readability and acceptability of the Turkish internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy materials compared to previous versions. METHODS: Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy materials were adapted from the preexisting American English to the Turkish population in a 4-step process: (1) cultural adaptations, (2) acceptability adaptation of materials to the Turkish-speaking population, and (3) literacy-level adjustments. Experts (n = 11) and patients (n = 11) rated the intervention materials and the ePlatform for acceptability, including usability, content, presentation, and suitability (4). RESULTS: Literacy-level adjustments generated acceptable and readability levels of the Turkish version of the internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy program. The average readability score was 76.15 +/- 0.35. The Turkish internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (Mdn: 7.00) was statistically lower compared to the Swedish (Mdn: 9.00) but higher when compared to the American English and Spanish (Mdn: 5.00) versions. There were no statistical differences between the British English and Turkish versions in readability scores. Acceptability in the internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy platform was rated favorably. CONCLUSION: The Turkish internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy was found to be user-friendly and easy to understand, with navigations that are straightforward, have clear information, and are supported by audiologists. The readability score of the Turkish internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy is within recommended limits to ensure comprehensibility. We suggest that an online cognitive behavioral therapy program is adaptable for other languages for countries with a limited number of clinicians focused on cognitive behavioral therapy and tinnitus.

This investigation reports the influence of Ti-C and Ti-W cathode composition on an industrial-scale dc vacuum arc plasma source. Further, we analyze the influence of plasma generation and plasma properties on the resulting cathode surface after the operation and on basic film properties. The results are compared with previous work focused on Ti-Al and Ti-Si compound cathodes. For all Ti-X compound cathodes (X = W, C, Al, and Si), a direct correlation between plasma ion energy/charge and the cohesive energy of the cathode was demonstrated, with a small number of exceptions to a limited set of specific cathode compositions. Hence, the "velocity rule" and effects from different electron temperatures were suggested to be important for gaining a more detailed understanding of plasma properties. A discrepancy was found between the cathode and plasma ion composition, though the difference was reduced in a corresponding comparison between the cathode and the deposited film composition. A significant contribution of a flux of neutrals and/or macroparticles to the final film composition was, therefore, suggested. The effect of the melting point of the cathode phase composition on the intensity of macroparticle generation and the smoothness of the cathode surface operation was also investigated. The presented results contribute to the fundamental understanding of vacuum arc plasma generation and transport and are of importance for further development and applicability of Ti-based coatings from arc deposition.

Significant metabolic pathways have been linked to AKR1B1 and AKR1B10. These enzymes are crucial biological targets in the therapy of colon cancer. In the past several decades, drug repurposing has gained appeal as a time and cost-efficient strategy for providing new indications for existing drugs. The structural properties of the plant-based alkaloidal drugs theobromine and theophylline were examined using density functional theory (DFT) computations, where the B3LYP/SVP method was used to quantify the dipole moment, polarizability, and optimization energy. Optimized structures obtained through DFT studies were docked inside the active pocket of target proteins to evaluate their inhibitory potential. Moreover, molecular dynamic simulation provides significant insight into a dynamic view of molecular interactions. The findings of current revealed theobromine and theophylline as strong AKR1B1 and AKR1B10 inhibitors, respectively. In addition, the anti-cancer potential of theophylline and theobromine was validated by targeting various tumor proteins, i.e. NF-kappa B, cellular tumor antigen P53 and caspase-3 using a molecular docking approach. Theobromine was found to be strongly interacted with NF-kappa B and caspase-3, whereas theophylline potentially inhibited cellular tumor antigen P53. In addition, the ADMET characteristics of theobromine and theophylline were identified, confirming their drug-like capabilities. These results should open the way for further experimental validation and structure-based drug design/repurposing of AKR1B1/AKR1B10 inhibitors for the treatment of colon cancer and associated malignancies. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Adipocyte signaling, normally and in type 2 diabetes, is far from fully understood. We have earlier developed detailed dynamic mathematical models for several well-studied, partially overlapping, signaling pathways in adipocytes. Still, these models only cover a fraction of the total cellular response. For a broader coverage of the response, large-scale phosphoproteomic data and systems level knowledge on protein interactions are key. However, methods to combine detailed dynamic models with large-scale data, using information about the confidence of included interactions, are lacking. We have developed a method to first establish a core model by connecting existing models of adipocyte cellular signaling for: (1) lipolysis and fatty acid release, (2) glucose uptake, and (3) the release of adiponectin. Next, we use publicly available phosphoproteome data for the insulin response in adipocytes together with prior knowledge on protein interactions, to identify phosphosites downstream of the core model. In a parallel pairwise approach with low computation time, we test whether identified phosphosites can be added to the model. We iteratively collect accepted additions into layers and continue the search for phosphosites downstream of these added layers. For the first 30 layers with the highest confidence (311 added phosphosites), the model predicts independent data well (70-90% correct), and the predictive capability gradually decreases when we add layers of decreasing confidence. In total, 57 layers (3059 phosphosites) can be added to the model with predictive ability kept. Finally, our large-scale, layered model enables dynamic simulations of systems-wide alterations in adipocytes in type 2 diabetes.

Aquila Optimizer (AO) is a well-known nature-inspired optimization algorithm (NIOA) that was created in 2021 based on the prey grabbing behavior of Aquila. AO is a population-based NIOA that has demonstrated its effectiveness in the field of complex and nonlinear optimization in a short period of time. As a result, the purpose of this study is to provide an updated survey on the topic. This survey accurately reports on the designed enhanced AO variations and their applications. In order to properly assess AO, a rigorous comparison between AO and its peer NIOAs is conducted over mathematical benchmark functions. The experimental results show the AO provides competitive outcomes.

Processing natural cellulose requires its dissolution and regeneration. It is known that the crystallinity of re-generated cellulose does not match that of native cellulose, and the physical and mechanical properties of re-generated cellulose can vary dependent on the technique applied. In this paper, we performed all-atom molecular dynamics simulations attempting to simulate the regeneration of order in cellulose. Cellulose chains display an affinity to align with one another on the nanosecond scale; single chains quickly form clusters, and clusters then interact to form a larger unit, but the end results still lack that abundance of order. Where aggregation of cel-lulose chains occurs, there is some resemblance of the 1-10 surfaces found in Cellulose II, with certain indication of 110 surface formation. Concentration and simulation temperature show an increase of aggregation, yet it appears that time is the major factor in reclaiming the order of "crystalline" cellulose.