Search

Introduction: Closed-loop spinal cord stimulation (CL-SCS) is a recently introduced system that records evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs) from the spinal cord elicited by each stimulation pulse and uses this information to automatically adjust the stimulation strength in real time, known as ECAP-controlled SCS. This innovative system compensates for fluctuations in the distance between the epidural leads and the spinal cord by maintaining the neural response (ECAP) at a predetermined target level. This data collection study was designed to assess the performance of the first CL-SCS system in a real-world setting under normal conditions of use in multiple European centers. The study analyzes and presents clinical outcomes and electrophysiological and device data and compares these findings with those reported in earlier pre-market studies of the same system. Methods: This prospective, multicenter, observational study was conducted in 13 European centers and aimed to gather electrophysiological and device data. The study focused on the real-world application of this system in treating chronic pain affecting the trunk and/or limbs, adhering to standard conditions of use. In addition to collecting and analyzing basic demographic information, the study presents data from the inaugural patient cohort permanently implanted at multiple European centers. Results: A significant decrease in pain intensity was observed for overall back or leg pain scores (verbal numerical rating score [VNRS]) between baseline (mean ± standard error of the mean [SEM]; n = 135; 8.2 ± 0.1), 3 months (n = 93; 2.3 ± 0.2), 6 months (n = 82; 2.5 ± 0.3), and 12 months (n = 76; 2.5 ± 0.3). Comparison of overall pain relief (%) to the AVALON and EVOKE studies showed no significant differences at 3 and 12 months between the real-world data release (RWE; 71.3%; 69.6%) and the AVALON (71.2%; 73.6%) and EVOKE (78.1%; 76.7%) studies. Further investigation was undertaken to objectively characterize

Background: Adults with refractory, mechanical chronic low back pain associated with impaired neuromuscular control of the lumbar multifidus muscle have few treatment options that provide long-term clinical benefit. This study hypothesized that restorative neurostimulation, a rehabilitative treatment that activates the lumbar multifidus muscles to overcome underlying dysfunction, is safe and provides relevant and durable clinical benefit to patients with this specific etiology. Materials and Methods: In this prospective five-year longitudinal follow-up of the ReActiv8-B pivotal trial, participants (N = 204) had activity-limiting, moderate-to-severe, refractory, mechanical chronic low back pain, a positive prone instability test result indicating impaired multifidus muscle control, and no indications for spine surgery. Low back pain intensity (10-cm visual analog scale [VAS]), disability (Oswestry Disability Index), and quality of life (EuroQol's “EQ-5D-5L” index) were compared with baseline and following the intent-to-treat principle, with a supporting mixed-effects model for repeated measures that accounted for missing data. Results: At five years (n = 126), low back pain VAS had improved from 7.3 to 2.4 cm (−4.9; 95% CI, −5.3 to −4.5 cm; p < 0.0001), and 71.8% of participants had a reduction of ≥50%. The Oswestry Disability Index improved from 39.1 to 16.5 (−22.7; 95% CI, −25.4 to −20.8; p < 0.0001), and 61.1% of participants had reduction of ≥20 points. The EQ-5D-5L index improved from 0.585 to 0.807 (0.231; 95% CI, 0.195–0.267; p < 0.0001). Although the mixed-effects model attenuated completed-case results, conclusions and statistical significance were maintained. Of 52 subjects who were on opioids at baseline and had a five-year visit, 46% discontinued, and 23% decreased intake. The safety profile compared favorably with neurostimulator treatments for other types of back pain. No lead migration

Recent scientific evidence shows that genetic diversity must be maintained, managed, and monitored to protect biodiversity and nature's contributions to people. Three genetic diversity indicators, two of which do not require DNA-based assessment, have been proposed for reporting to the Convention on Biological Diversity and other conservation and policy initiatives. These indicators allow an approximation of the status and trends of genetic diversity to inform policy, using existing demographic and geographic information. Application of these indicators has been initiated and here we describe ongoing efforts in calculating these indicators with examples. We specifically describe a project underway to apply these indicators in nine countries, provide example calculations, address concerns of policy makers and implementation challenges, and describe a roadmap for further development and deployment, incorporating feedback from the broader community. We also present guidance documents and data collection tools for calculating indicators. We demonstrate that Parties can successfully and cost-effectively report these genetic diversity indicators with existing biodiversity observation data, and, in doing so, better conserve the Earth's biodiversity.

Background: Impaired neuromuscular control and degeneration of the multifidus muscle have been linked to the development of refractory chronic low back pain (CLBP). An implantable restorative-neurostimulator system can override the underlying multifidus inhibition by eliciting episodic, isolated contractions. The ReActiv8-B randomized, active-sham-controlled trial provided effectiveness and safety evidence for this system, and all participants received therapeutic stimulation from four months onward. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the two-year effectiveness of this restorative neurostimulator in patients with disabling CLBP secondary to multifidus muscle dysfunction and no indications for spine surgery. Materials and Methods: Open-label follow-up of 204 participants implanted with a restorative neurostimulation system (ReActiv8, Mainstay Medical, Dublin, Ireland) was performed. Pain intensity (visual analog scale [VAS]), disability (Oswestry disability index [ODI]), quality-of-life (EQ-5D-5L), and opioid intake were assessed at baseline, six months, one year, and two years after activation. Results: At two years (n = 156), the proportion of participants with ≥50% CLBP relief was 71%, and 65% reported CLBP resolution (VAS ≤ 2.5 cm); 61% had a reduction in ODI of ≥20 points, 76% had improvements of ≥50% in VAS and/or ≥20 points in ODI, and 56% had these substantial improvements in both VAS and ODI. A total of 87% of participants had continued device use during the second year for a median of 43% of the maximum duration, and 60% (34 of 57) had voluntarily discontinued (39%) or reduced (21%) opioid intake. Conclusions: At two years, 76% of participants experienced substantial, clinically meaningful improvements in pain, disability, or both. These results provide evidence of long-term effectiveness and durability of restorative neurostimulation in patients with disabling CLBP, secondary to multifidus muscle dysfunction. Clinical Trial Registration: The study

Background: Restorative neurostimulation is a rehabilitative treatment for patients with refractory chronic low back pain (CLBP) associated with dysfunction of the lumbar multifidus muscle resulting in impaired neuromuscular control. The ReActiv8-B randomized, sham-controlled trial provided evidence of the effectiveness and safety of an implanted, restorative neurostimulator. The two-year analysis previously published in this journal demonstrated accrual of clinical benefits and long-term durability. Objective: Evaluation of three-year effectiveness and safety in patients with refractory, disabling CLBP secondary to multifidus muscle dysfunction and no indications for spine surgery. Materials and Methods: Prospective, observational follow-up of the 204 implanted trial participants. Low back pain visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), EuroQol quality of life survey, and opioid intake were assessed at baseline, six months, and one, two, and three years after activation. The mixed-effects model repeated measures approach was used to provide implicit imputations of missing data for continuous outcomes and multiple imputation for proportion estimates. Results: Data were collected from 133 participants, and 16 patients missed their three-year follow-up because of coronavirus disease restrictions but remain available for future follow-up. A total of 62% of participants had a ≥ 70% VAS reduction, and 67% reported CLBP resolution (VAS ≤ 2.5cm); 63% had a reduction in ODI of ≥ 20 points; 83% had improvements of ≥ 50% in VAS and/or ≥ 20 points in ODI, and 56% had these substantial improvements in both VAS and ODI. A total of 71% (36/51) participants on opioids at baseline had voluntarily discontinued (49%) or reduced (22%) opioid intake. The attenuation of effectiveness in the imputed (N = 204) analyses was relatively small and did not affect the statistical significance and clinical relevance of these results. The safety profile remains favorable, and

Artificial intelligence (AI) models trained using medical images for clinical tasks often exhibit bias in the form of disparities in performance between subgroups. Since not all sources of biases in real-world medical imaging data are easily identifiable, it is challenging to comprehensively assess how those biases are encoded in models, and how capable bias mitigation methods are at ameliorating performance disparities. In this article, we introduce a novel analysis framework for systematically and objectively investigating the impact of biases in medical images on AI models. We developed and tested this framework for conducting controlled in silico trials to assess bias in medical imaging AI using a tool for generating synthetic magnetic resonance images with known disease effects and sources of bias. The feasibility is showcased by using three counterfactual bias scenarios to measure the impact of simulated bias effects on a convolutional neural network (CNN) classifier and the efficacy of three bias mitigation strategies. The analysis revealed that the simulated biases resulted in expected subgroup performance disparities when the CNN was trained on the synthetic datasets. Moreover, reweighing was identified as the most successful bias mitigation strategy for this setup, and we demonstrated how explainable AI methods can aid in investigating the manifestation of bias in the model using this framework. Developing fair AI models is a considerable challenge given that many and often unknown sources of biases can be present in medical imaging datasets. In this work, we present a novel methodology to objectively study the impact of biases and mitigation strategies on deep learning pipelines, which can support the development of clinical AI that is robust and responsible.

Genetic diversity is a key aspect of biological variation for the adaptability and survival of populations of species and must be monitored to assure maintenance. We used data from the Swedish Red List 2020 and from published reviews to apply three indicators for genetic diversity proposed for the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). We studied a wide range of taxonomic groups, and made more detailed indicator assessments for mammals and herptiles. For indicator 1, the proportion of populations with effective population size Ne > 500, 33% of 22,557 investigated species had a population size estimate that could be used as a proxy for Ne. For herptiles and mammals, 70% and 49% of populations of species, respectively, likely had Ne > 500. Data for evaluation of indicator 2, the proportion of remaining populations or historical range, was available for 20% of all species evaluated for the Red List. Meanwhile, 32% of the herptile and 84% of the mammal populations are maintaining their populations and range. For indicator 3, the number of species or populations in which genetic diversity is monitored using DNA-based methods, there are genetic studies on 3% of all species, and 0.3% are beeing monitored genetically. In contrast, 68% of mammals and 29% of herptiles are studied using DNA, and 8% of mammals and 24% of herptiles are genetically monitored. We conclude that the Red List provides data that are suitable for evaluating the genetic indicators, but the data quality can be improved. We also show that the genetic indicators capture conservation issues of genetic erosion that the Red List misses.There is a synergy in estimating the genetic indicators in parallel with the Red Listing process. We propose that indicator values could be included in national Red Listing as a new category - “genetically threatened”, based on the genetic indicators.

ABSTRACT: Chronic low back pain can be caused by impaired control and degeneration of the multifidus muscles and consequent functional instability of the lumbar spine. Available treatment options have limited effectiveness and prognosis is unfavorable. We conducted an international randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial at 26 multidisciplinary centers to determine safety and efficacy of an implantable, restorative neurostimulator designed to restore multifidus neuromuscular control and facilitate relief of symptoms (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02577354). Two hundred four eligible participants with refractory mechanical (musculoskeletal) chronic LBP and a positive prone instability test indicating impaired multifidus control were implanted and randomized to therapeutic (N = 102) or low-level sham (N = 102) stimulation of the medial branch of the dorsal ramus nerve (multifidus nerve supply) for 30 minutes twice daily. The primary endpoint was the comparison of responder proportions (≥30% relief on the LBP visual analogue scale without analgesics increase) at 120 days. After the primary endpoint assessment, participants in the sham-control group switched to therapeutic stimulation and the combined cohort was assessed through 1 year for long-term outcomes and adverse events. The primary endpoint was inconclusive in terms of treatment superiority (57.1% vs 46.6%; difference: 10.4%; 95% confidence interval, -3.3% to 24.1%, P = 0.138). Prespecified secondary outcomes and analyses were consistent with a modest but clinically meaningful treatment benefit at 120 days. Improvements from baseline, which continued to accrue in all outcome measures after conclusion of the double-blind phase, were clinically important at 1 year. The incidence of serious procedure- or device-related adverse events (3.9%) compared favorably with other neuromodulation therapies for chronic pain.

Global conservation policy and action have largely neglected protecting and monitoring genetic diversity—one of the three main pillars of biodiversity. Genetic diversity (diversity within species) underlies species’ adaptation and survival, ecosystem resilience, and societal innovation. The low priority given to genetic diversity has largely been due to knowledge gaps in key areas, including the importance of genetic diversity and the trends in genetic diversity change; the perceived high expense and low availability and the scattered nature of genetic data; and complicated concepts and information that are inaccessible to policymakers. However, numerous recent advances in knowledge, technology, databases, practice, and capacity have now set the stage for better integration of genetic diversity in policy instruments and conservation efforts. We review these developments and explore how they can support improved consideration of genetic diversity in global conservation policy commitments and enable countries to monitor, report on, and take action to maintain or restore genetic diversity.

Due to special offers or seasonal discounts, there is a huge rush in the mall for shopping and shoppers end up purchasing many product items without knowing the final bill amount. After realizing final bill amount at the bill counter is over the budget, it becomes cumbersome job to remove the unwanted product items at that time. This results into a hectic job and queue gets longer due to such delay. So to avoid that, fully automated smart cart billing system is developed for shoppers to keep the track of total bill of purchased product items and pay the bill in most quick and easy way. The IoT based smart cart billing system consists of barcode scanner, microcontroller, display & trolley unit. In this system, scanning of barcode is totally done by shoppers with the help of smart trolley and it immediately gives an idea to shopper about the final bill amount after inclusion of every product into the cart. In this proposed system, shopper just need to visit billing counter to pay the final bill amount only

Due to special offers or seasonal discounts, there is a huge rush in the mall for shopping and shoppers end up purchasing many product items without knowing the final bill amount. After realizing final bill amount at the bill counter is over the budget, it becomes cumbersome job to remove the unwanted product items at that time. This results into a hectic job and queue gets longer due to such delay. So to avoid that, fully automated smart cart billing system is developed for shoppers to keep the track of total bill of purchased product items and pay the bill in most quick and easy way. The IoT based smart cart billing system consists of barcode scanner, microcontroller, display & trolley unit. In this system, scanning of barcode is totally done by shoppers with the help of smart trolley and it immediately gives an idea to shopper about the final bill amount after inclusion of every product into the cart. In this proposed system, shopper just need to visit billing counter to pay the final bill amount only

Due to special offers or seasonal discounts, there is a huge rush in the mall for shopping and shoppers end up purchasing many product items without knowing the final bill amount. After realizing final bill amount at the bill counter is over the budget, it becomes cumbersome job to remove the unwanted product items at that time. This results into a hectic job and queue gets longer due to such delay. So to avoid that, fully automated smart cart billing system is developed for shoppers to keep the track of total bill of purchased product items and pay the bill in most quick and easy way. The IoT based smart cart billing system consists of barcode scanner, microcontroller, display & trolley unit. In this system, scanning of barcode is totally done by shoppers with the help of smart trolley and it immediately gives an idea to shopper about the final bill amount after inclusion of every product into the cart. In this proposed system, shopper just need to visit billing counter to pay the final bill amount only

Due to special offers or seasonal discounts, there is a huge rush in the mall for shopping and shoppers end up purchasing many product items without knowing the final bill amount. After realizing final bill amount at the bill counter is over the budget, it becomes cumbersome job to remove the unwanted product items at that time. This results into a hectic job and queue gets longer due to such delay. So to avoid that, fully automated smart cart billing system is developed for shoppers to keep the track of total bill of purchased product items and pay the bill in most quick and easy way. The IoT based smart cart billing system consists of barcode scanner, microcontroller, display & trolley unit. In this system, scanning of barcode is totally done by shoppers with the help of smart trolley and it immediately gives an idea to shopper about the final bill amount after inclusion of every product into the cart. In this proposed system, shopper just need to visit billing counter to pay the final bill amount only

Due to special offers or seasonal discounts, there is a huge rush in the mall for shopping and shoppers end up purchasing many product items without knowing the final bill amount. After realizing final bill amount at the bill counter is over the budget, it becomes cumbersome job to remove the unwanted product items at that time. This results into a hectic job and queue gets longer due to such delay. So to avoid that, fully automated smart cart billing system is developed for shoppers to keep the track of total bill of purchased product items and pay the bill in most quick and easy way. The IoT based smart cart billing system consists of barcode scanner, microcontroller, display & trolley unit. In this system, scanning of barcode is totally done by shoppers with the help of smart trolley and it immediately gives an idea to shopper about the final bill amount after inclusion of every product into the cart. In this proposed system, shopper just need to visit billing counter to pay the final bill amount only

Due to special offers or seasonal discounts, there is a huge rush in the mall for shopping and shoppers end up purchasing many product items without knowing the final bill amount. After realizing final bill amount at the bill counter is over the budget, it becomes cumbersome job to remove the unwanted product items at that time. This results into a hectic job and queue gets longer due to such delay. So to avoid that, fully automated smart cart billing system is developed for shoppers to keep the track of total bill of purchased product items and pay the bill in most quick and easy way. The IoT based smart cart billing system consists of barcode scanner, microcontroller, display & trolley unit. In this system, scanning of barcode is totally done by shoppers with the help of smart trolley and it immediately gives an idea to shopper about the final bill amount after inclusion of every product into the cart. In this proposed system, shopper just need to visit billing counter to pay the final bill amount only

Global conservation policy and action have largely neglected protecting and monitoring genetic diversity-one of the three main pillars of biodiversity. Genetic diversity (diversity within species) underlies species' adaptation and survival, ecosystem resilience, and societal innovation. The low priority given to genetic diversity has largely been due to knowledge gaps in key areas, including the importance of genetic diversity and the trends in genetic diversity change; the perceived high expense and low availability and the scattered nature of genetic data; and complicated concepts and information that are inaccessible to policymakers. However, numerous recent advances in knowledge, technology, databases, practice, and capacity have now set the stage for better integration of genetic diversity in policy instruments and conservation efforts. We review these developments and explore how they can support improved consideration of genetic diversity in global conservation policy commitments and enable countries to monitor, report on, and take action to maintain or restore genetic diversity.

Due to special offers or seasonal discounts, there is a huge rush in the mall for shopping and shoppers end up purchasing many product items without knowing the final bill amount. After realizing final bill amount at the bill counter is over the budget, it becomes cumbersome job to remove the unwanted product items at that time. This results into a hectic job and queue gets longer due to such delay. So to avoid that, fully automated smart cart billing system is developed for shoppers to keep the track of total bill of purchased product items and pay the bill in most quick and easy way. The IoT based smart cart billing system consists of barcode scanner, microcontroller, display & trolley unit. In this system, scanning of barcode is totally done by shoppers with the help of smart trolley and it immediately gives an idea to shopper about the final bill amount after inclusion of every product into the cart. In this proposed system, shopper just need to visit billing counter to pay the final bill amount only

Global conservation policy and action have largely neglected protecting and monitoring genetic diversity—one of the three main pillars of biodiversity. Genetic diversity (diversity within species) underlies species’ adaptation and survival, ecosystem resilience, and societal innovation. The low priority given to genetic diversity has largely been due to knowledge gaps in key areas, including the importance of genetic diversity and the trends in genetic diversity change; the perceived high expense and low availability and the scattered nature of genetic data; and complicated concepts and information that are inaccessible to policymakers. However, numerous recent advances in knowledge, technology, databases, practice, and capacity have now set the stage for better integration of genetic diversity in policy instruments and conservation efforts. We review these developments and explore how they can support improved consideration of genetic diversity in global conservation policy commitments and enable countries to monitor, report on, and take action to maintain or restore genetic diversity.

Interspecific introgression is considered a potential threat to endangered taxa. One example where this has had a major impact on conservation policy is the lesser white-fronted goose (LWfG). After a dramatic decline in Sweden, captive breeding birds were released between 1981–1999 with the aim to reinforce the population. However, the detection of greater white-fronted goose (GWfG) mitochondrial DNA in the LWfG breeding stock led to the release program being dismantled, even though the presence of GWfG introgression in the actual wild Swedish LWfG population was never documented. To examine this, we sequenced the complete genomes of 21 LWfG birds from the Swedish, Russian and Norwegian populations, and compared these with genomes from other goose species, including the GWfG. We found no evidence of interspecific introgression into the wild Swedish LWfG population in either nuclear genomic or mitochondrial data. Moreover, Swedish LWfG birds are genetically distinct from the Russian and Norwegian populations and display comparatively low genomic diversity and high levels of inbreeding. Our findings highlight the utility of genomic approaches in providing scientific evidence that can help improve conservation management as well as policies for breeding and reinforcement programmes.

Interspecific introgression is considered a potential threat to endangered taxa. One example where this has had a major impact on conservation policy is the lesser white-fronted goose (LWfG). After a dramatic decline in Sweden, captive breeding birds were released between 1981–1999 with the aim to reinforce the population. However, the detection of greater white-fronted goose (GWfG) mitochondrial DNA in the LWfG breeding stock led to the release program being dismantled, even though the presence of GWfG introgression in the actual wild Swedish LWfG population was never documented. To examine this, we sequenced the complete genomes of 21 LWfG birds from the Swedish, Russian and Norwegian populations, and compared these with genomes from other goose species, including the GWfG. We found no evidence of interspecific introgression into the wild Swedish LWfG population in either nuclear genomic or mitochondrial data. Moreover, Swedish LWfG birds are genetically distinct from the Russian and Norwegian populations and display comparatively low genomic diversity and high levels of inbreeding. Our findings highlight the utility of genomic approaches in providing scientific evidence that can help improve conservation management as well as policies for breeding and reinforcement programmes.

The 196 parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) will soon agree to a post-2020 global framework for conserving the three elements of biodiversity (genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity) while ensuring sustainable development and benefit sharing. As the most significant global conservation policy mechanism, the new CBD framework has far-reaching consequences- it will guide conservation actions and reporting for each member country until 2050. In previous CBD strategies, as well as other major conservation policy mechanisms, targets and indicators for genetic diversity (variation at the DNA level within species, which facilitates species adaptation and ecosystem function) were undeveloped and focused on species of agricultural relevance. We assert that, to meet global conservation goals, genetic diversity within all species, not just domesticated species and their wild relatives, must be conserved and monitored using appropriate metrics. Building on suggestions in a recent Letter in Science (Laikre et al., 2020) we expand argumentation for three new, pragmatic genetic indicators and modifications to two current indicators for maintaining genetic diversity and adaptive capacity of all species, and provide guidance on their practical use. The indicators are: 1) the number of populations with effective population size above versus below 500, 2) the proportion of populations maintained within species, 3) the number of species and populations in which genetic diversity is monitored using DNA-based methods. We also present and discuss Goals and Action Targets for post-2020 biodiversity conservation which are connected to these indicators and underlying data. These pragmatic indicators and goals have utility beyond the CBD; they should benefit conservation and monitoring of genetic diversity via national and global policy for decades to come.

Interspecific introgression is considered a potential threat to endangered taxa. One example where this has had a major impact on conservation policy is the lesser white-fronted goose (LWfG). After a dramatic decline in Sweden, captive breeding birds were released between 1981-1999 with the aim to reinforce the population. However, the detection of greater white-fronted goose (GWfG) mitochondrial DNA in the LWfG breeding stock led to the release program being dismantled, even though the presence of GWfG introgression in the actual wild Swedish LWfG population was never documented. To examine this, we sequenced the complete genomes of 21 LWfG birds from the Swedish, Russian and Norwegian populations, and compared these with genomes from other goose species, including the GWfG. We found no evidence of interspecific introgression into the wild Swedish LWfG population in either nuclear genomic or mitochondrial data. Moreover, Swedish LWfG birds are genetically distinct from the Russian and Norwegian populations and display comparatively low genomic diversity and high levels of inbreeding. Our findings highlight the utility of genomic approaches in providing scientific evidence that can help improve conservation management as well as policies for breeding and reinforcement programmes.

Abram Burgher,1 Peter Kosek,2 Steven Surrett,3 Steven M Rosen,4 Todd Bromberg,4 Ashish Gulve,5 Anu Kansal,5 Paul Wu,6 W Porter McRoberts,6 Ashish Udeshi,7 Michael Esposito,7 Bradford E Gliner,8 Mona Maneshi,8 Anand Rotte,8 Jeyakumar Subbaroyan8 1Hope Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA; 2Oregon Neurosurgery, Eugene, OR, USA; 3Oregon Medical Group, Eugene, OR, USA; 4Delaware Valley Spine and Pain, Trevose, PA, USA; 5The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK; 6Holy Cross Hospital, Inc., Ft, Lauderdale, FL, USA; 7Florida Pain Institute, Merritt Island, FL, USA; 8Nevro Corp., Redwood City, CA, USACorrespondence: Anand RotteNevro Corp., 1800 Bridge Parkway, Redwood City, CA 94065, USAEmail anand.rotte@nevro.comBackground: Chronic upper extremity pain (UEP) has complex etiologies and is often disabling. It has been shown that 10 kHz SCS can provide paresthesia-free and durable pain relief in multiple pain types and improve the quality of life of patients.Objective: To gain additional evidence on the safety and effectiveness of 10 kHz SCS for the treatment of chronic UEP.Study Design: It was a prospective, multicenter, and observational study. The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov prospectively (clinical trial identifier: NCT02703818).Setting: Multicenter.Patients, Intervention and Main Outcomes: A total of 43 subjects with chronic UEP of ≥ 5 cm (on a 0– 10 cm visual analog scale; VAS) underwent a trial of 10 kHz SCS, and subjects with ≥ 40% pain relief received a permanent implant. All subjects had upper limb pain at baseline, while some had concomitant shoulder or neck pain. Subject outcomes were assessed for 12 months, and the primary outcome was the responder rate (percentage of subjects experiencing ≥ 50% pain relief from baseline) at three months.Results: Thirty-eight subjects successfully completed the trial (88.3% success rate), 33 received permanent implants (five withdrew consent), and 32 had device activation

Naturvårdsverket genomför 2017–2018 en utvärdering av viltforskningen som finansierats med medel ur Viltvårdsfonden åren 2003–2014. Utvärderingen består av tre delar: (1) en bibliometrisk analys av hur mycket som forskningen under perioden senare har citerats, (2) en webbaserad enkätundersökning om viltforskningen och dess relevans bland intressenter som deltar i eller på annat sätt berörs av viltförvaltningen i Sverige, och (3) en summerande utvärdering under 2018 av en internationell vetenskaplig expertpanel. Den här rapporten redovisar resultaten från den webbaserade enkätundersökningen som genomfördes 23 maj till 30 juni 2017 Syftet med enkäten var att få en bild av i vilken grad den finansierade forskningen gett relevant kunskap till stöd för en hållbar förvaltning av vilt i Sverige, om den kommunicerats på bra sätt samt vad som eventuellt saknas., As a part of the evaluation of the wildlife research funded 2004–2014 by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) using the Swedish Wildlife Management Fund, a web-based survey was carried out in 2017. Its purpose was to examine to what extent this research yielded relevant results and knowledge for sustainable wildlife management in Sweden, if it was disseminated and communicated in good ways, and if any important aspects were missing.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the international multicenter prospective single arm clinical trial was to evaluate restorative neurostimulation eliciting episodic contraction of the lumbar multifidus for treatment of chronic mechanical low back pain (CMLBP) in patients who have failed conventional therapy and are not candidates for surgery or spinal cord stimulation (SCS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-three subjects were implanted with a neurostimulator (ReActiv8, Mainstay Medical Limited, Dublin, Ireland). Leads were positioned bilaterally with electrodes close to the medial branch of the L2 dorsal ramus nerve. The primary outcome measure was low back pain evaluated on a 10-Point Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Responders were defined as subjects with an improvement of at least the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) of ≥2-point in low back pain NRS without a clinically meaningful increase in LBP medications at 90 days. Secondary outcome measures included Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Quality of Life (QoL; EQ-5D). RESULTS: For 53 subjects with an average duration of CLBP of 14 years and average NRS of 7 and for whom no other therapies had provided satisfactory pain relief, the responder rate was 58%. The percentage of subjects at 90 days, six months, and one year with ≥MCID improvement in single day NRS was 63%, 61%, and 57%, respectively. Percentage of subjects with ≥MCID improvement in ODI was 52%, 57%, and 60% while those with ≥MCID improvement in EQ-5D was 88%, 82%, and 81%. There were no unanticipated adverse events (AEs) or serious AEs related to the device, procedure, or therapy. The initial surgical approach led to a risk of lead fracture, which was mitigated by a modification to the surgical approach. CONCLUSIONS: Electrical stimulation to elicit episodic lumbar multifidus contraction is a new treatment option for CMLBP. Results demonstrate clinically important, statistically significant, and lasting improvement in pain, disability, and QoL.

Naturvårdsverket genomför 2017–2018 en utvärdering av viltforskningen som finansierats med medel ur Viltvårdsfonden åren 2003–2014. Utvärderingen består av tre delar: (1) en bibliometrisk analys av hur mycket som forskningen under perioden senare har citerats, (2) en webbaserad enkätundersökning om viltforskningen och dess relevans bland intressenter som deltar i eller på annat sätt berörs av viltförvaltningen i Sverige, och (3) en summerande utvärdering under 2018 av en internationell vetenskaplig expertpanel. Den här rapporten redovisar resultaten från den webbaserade enkätundersökningen som genomfördes 23 maj till 30 juni 2017 Syftet med enkäten var att få en bild av i vilken grad den finansierade forskningen gett relevant kunskap till stöd för en hållbar förvaltning av vilt i Sverige, om den kommunicerats på bra sätt samt vad som eventuellt saknas., As a part of the evaluation of the wildlife research funded 2004–2014 by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) using the Swedish Wildlife Management Fund, a web-based survey was carried out in 2017. Its purpose was to examine to what extent this research yielded relevant results and knowledge for sustainable wildlife management in Sweden, if it was disseminated and communicated in good ways, and if any important aspects were missing.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the international multicenter prospective single arm clinical trial was to evaluate restorative neurostimulation eliciting episodic contraction of the lumbar multifidus for treatment of chronic mechanical low back pain (CMLBP) in patients who have failed conventional therapy and are not candidates for surgery or spinal cord stimulation (SCS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-three subjects were implanted with a neurostimulator (ReActiv8, Mainstay Medical Limited, Dublin, Ireland). Leads were positioned bilaterally with electrodes close to the medial branch of the L2 dorsal ramus nerve. The primary outcome measure was low back pain evaluated on a 10-Point Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Responders were defined as subjects with an improvement of at least the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) of ≥2-point in low back pain NRS without a clinically meaningful increase in LBP medications at 90 days. Secondary outcome measures included Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Quality of Life (QoL; EQ-5D). RESULTS: For 53 subjects with an average duration of CLBP of 14 years and average NRS of 7 and for whom no other therapies had provided satisfactory pain relief, the responder rate was 58%. The percentage of subjects at 90 days, six months, and one year with ≥MCID improvement in single day NRS was 63%, 61%, and 57%, respectively. Percentage of subjects with ≥MCID improvement in ODI was 52%, 57%, and 60% while those with ≥MCID improvement in EQ-5D was 88%, 82%, and 81%. There were no unanticipated adverse events (AEs) or serious AEs related to the device, procedure, or therapy. The initial surgical approach led to a risk of lead fracture, which was mitigated by a modification to the surgical approach. CONCLUSIONS: Electrical stimulation to elicit episodic lumbar multifidus contraction is a new treatment option for CMLBP. Results demonstrate clinically important, statistically significant, and lasting improvement in pain, disability, and QoL.

I denna uppsats jämförs relationen mellan landskapsarkitektprogrammen på SLU, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet, med yrkesverksamma landskapsarkitekter inom den privata sektorn som har varit aktiva i yrkeslivet högst tre år efter sin sista avslutade kurs. SLU:s landskapsarkitektprogram ligger på två olika universitetscampus, Ultuna och Alnarp, som båda för närvarande genomgår en förändring som påverkar den övergripande strukturen. Många av dagens samhällsförändringar påverkar landskapsarkitektyrket; urbanisering, sociala, ekonomiska, politiska och ekologiska faktorer för att nämna några. Särskilt urbaniseringen då mer än hälften av jordens befolkning bor i städer, vilket kommer att öka (Naturvårdsverket 2017). På grund av dessa samhällsförändringar är det nödvändigt att hålla landskapsarkitektprogrammet modernt och relevant. Ylva Dahlman, universitetslektor vid institutionen för stad och land på SLU, menar att det finns ett glapp mellan den yrkeskompetens som ackumuleras under utbildningen och de arbetsuppgifter som landskapsarkitekter får i sitt yrkesliv. Syftet med denna uppsats är därför att få en bättre förståelse för hur landskapsarkitekturutbildningarna vid SLU relaterar till de arbetsuppgifter som nyanställda landskapsarkitekterna får i den privata sektorn. Metoderna i denna uppsats var litteraturstudier, intervjuer och enkäter. Undersökningarna och uppsatsen är begränsad till landskapsarkitektstudenter på SLU och landskapsarkitekter som har arbetat i upp till tre år i den privata sektorn i Sverige efter deras sista avslutade kurs på utbildningarna. Både Tomas Eriksson, studierektor på Ultuna och Helena Mellqvist, studierektor på Alnarp frågade sig om SLU ska utbilda landskapsarkitekter för att direkt svara på arbetsmarknadens behov eller vara fritänkande och utmanande med nya lösningar på samhällsproblem inom vårt kompetensområde. Glappet inom projekteringskunskaper är ett exempel på hur utbildningen inte stämmer överens med nyanställda landskapsarkitekters vanl, This essay compares the intentions within the landscape architecture education programs at SLU, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, and the actual requirements for newly hired landscape architects within the Swedish private sector who have been in professional life for up to three years after their last finished course. SLU’s landscape architect programs are located at two different campuses, Ultuna and Alnarp, both which are currently undergoing a change affecting the overall structure. Current trends have an impact on today's landscape architect profession; urbanization and social, economical, political and ecological factors to name a few. Especially now when more than half of the Earth’s population live in cities, a number that’s increasing (Naturvårdsverket 2017). And because of these changes it is necessary to keep these educations modern and relevant. Ylva Dahlman, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Urban and Rural Development at SLU, expressed that there is a gap between the knowledges accumulated from the education and the actual assignments landscape architects acquire in their professional life. The purpose of this essay is therefore to get a better understanding of how the landscape architecture educations at SLU relate to the assignments newly hired landscape architects are faced with in the private sector. Methods used in this essay were literature studies, interviews and surveys. The essay is limited to study the private sector which represents the majority of employers for newly hired landscape architects, more specifically landscape architects that have worked up to three years since their last finished course within the programme. Both directors of studies discussed whether SLU should educate landscape architects to correspond to the needs of the labor market or to be independent, free thinking landscape architects that challenge society with new solutions within our area of expertise. The departments of landscape architecture at SLU

Background: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a standard treatment option for chronic neuropathic pain. However, some anatomical pain distributions are known to be difficult to cover with traditional SCS-induced paresthesias and/or may also induce additional, unwanted stimulation. We present the results from a retrospective review of data from patients with groin pain of various etiologies treated using neuromodulation of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Methods: Data from 29 patients with neuropathic groin pain were reviewed. Patients underwent trial therapy where specifically designed leads were implanted at the target DRGs between T12 and L4. Patients who had a successful trial (> 50% improvement) received the fully implantable neuromodulation system. Pain scores were captured on a visual analog scale (VAS) at baseline and at regular follow-up visits. Results: Twenty-five patients (86.2%) received fully implantable neurostimulators, and the average follow-up period was 27.8 ± 4.3 (standard error of the mean, SEM) weeks. The average pain reduction was 71.4 ± 5.6%, and 82.6% (19/23) of patients experienced a > 50% reduction in their pain at the latest follow-up. Individual cases showed improvement with a variety of etiologies and pain distributions; a subanalysis of postherniorrhaphy cohort also showed significant improvement. Conclusions: Early findings suggest that neuromodulation of the DRG may be an effective treatment for chronic neuropathic pain conditions in the groin region. This technique offers a useful alternative for pain conditions that do not always respond optimally to traditional SCS therapy. Neuromodulation of the DRG provided excellent cross-dermatomal paresthesia coverage, even in cases with patients with discrete pain areas. The therapy can be specific, sustained, and independent of body position.

The demand for keeping the information secure and confidential simultaneously has been progressively increasing. Among various techniques- Audio Steganography, a technique of embedding information transparently in a digital media thereby restricting the access to such information has been prominently developed. Imperceptibility, robustness, and payload or hiding capacity are the main character for it. In earlier, LSB techniques increased payload capacity would hamper robustness as well as imperceptibility of the cover media and vice versa. The proposed technique overcomes the problem. It provides relatively good improvement in the payload capacity by dividing the bytes of cover media into ranges to hide the bits of secret message appropriately. As well as due to the use of ranges of bytes the robustness of cover media has maintained and imperceptibility preserved by using a pyramid structure., Comment: 12 page, 16 Figures

Skateboardåkning är en av de aktiviteter som sker i offentliga rummet. Landskapsarkitekter är en av de yrkesgrupper som arbetar med att utforma just offentliga miljöer i städer. Jag som är både skateboardåkare och landskapsarkitektstudent ser intresserat på problematiken där skateboardåkningen krockar med allmänhetens användning av det offentliga rummen. I detta arbete har jag gestaltat ett förslag som tar plats på Vaksala torg i Uppsala. I början var skateboardåkarna surfare som utvecklade primitiva brädor att åka på. Först användes brädorna för att åka från ett ställe till ett annat men idag ligger fokus på att utföra trick. När sportens populäritet minskade i slutet av 1970-talet flyttade sig skateboardåkarna från betongparkerna till gaturummet. Sedan dess har gatuåkning varit det populäraste sättet att åka på. Jag har använt mig av landskapsarkitektens olika verktyg för att utarbeta min gestaltning; inventering, analys, program och koncept. Med hjälp av platsbesök på Uppsalas befintliga anläggningar för skateboardåkning, litteratur och källor har jag fått en uppfattning av vad min gestaltning kan tillföra inom ämnesområdet. Gestaltningen har inspirerats av Barockens arkitektur och stadsbyggande. Torget består av fyra block som är upphöjda över marken. Längs med och på blocken finns det byggnadselement att åka skateboard på. Formerna och byggnadsmaterialen är anpassade för att främja gatuåkning med skateboard. Mellan blocken går gator där marknadsverksamhet kan finnas. Marknadsgatorna går in mot en mittpunkt på torget där en fontän finns. Gestaltningens mål var att skapa ett offentligt rum där skateboardåkning och allmänheten kan samsas. Enligt förebilderna och teorierna kring skateboardåkning har jag uppfyllt många av de kriterierna för att gestalta framgångsrika platser för skateboardåkning. Då min bakgrund som skateboardåkare kan ha haft stor vikt i gestaltningens resultat har jag uppnåt en balans mellan de två målgruppernas behov av en offentligt rumt och pla, Skateboarding is one of the activities that occurs in the public space. Landscape architects is one of the proffessions that work with designing public spaces. As I am both a skateboarder and a landscape architecture student, the problems that arrise between skateboarder’s- and the public’s use of the public space interests me. In this paper I have designed a public place for skateboarding on Vaksala square in Uppsala, Sweden. In the beginning of skateboarding, surfers developed primitive boards to ride the streets while the surf was flat. At first the boards were used to move from one place to the other, but as of lately the focus lies on performing tricks. When the sport’s popularity dropped at the end of the 1970’s the skateboarders moved their activity from the concrete skateboardpark to the streets. Since then, streetskating has been the more commonly way to skate. I have used the landscape architect’s tools to work in a design process; inventory, analysis, design guidelines and concept. Site visits of skateboardparks in Uppsala, litterature and other sources gave me an idea of what my paper can add to the subject. The design is inspired by archicture and urban planning from the Baroque era. The design consists of four elevated blocks. On these blocks, and along them, there are shapes and built elements to skateboard on. Between the blocks are four streets which allows for market activities. These market streets go together into a centrepoint where a fontain is placed. The goal of the design was to create a public place where skateboarders and the public can get along. My design has filled the criteria the role models and theories of skateboarding has set out, to create a successful public space for both skateboarders and the public to use. My background as a skateboarder has had great effect on the design but I have still reached a balance between the needs for a place to skateboard and a public space in central Uppsala.

This short report presents the results of analyses and assessment of genetic Minimum Viable Population size of Scandinavian bears (Ursus arctos) that complement the population viability analyses already performed by Torbjörn Nilsson (2013). This is one of the scientific reports underpinning the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency’s Article-17 reporting in 2013 of Favourable Reference Population size for the brown bear in Sweden. It presents complementary population viability analyses of the Scandinavian population with the VORTEX software to quantify minimum viable population size (MVP) estimates in relation to two criteria for genetic viability. The analyses were based on simulations without immigration and mutation, and using the same demographic data from empirical studies of the Scandinavian population as were used in a previous SEPA report (6549), except for the updated data on the reproductive success of males. The genetic MVP corresponding to < 5% loss of genetic variability (i.e. heterozygosity) in 100 years was estimated at > 380 bears when effects of catastrophes were not simulated, and at > 400 bears when effects of rare catastrophes were included. The genetic MVP corresponding to an effective population size (Ne) of > 500 was estimated at > 2250 bears when effects of catastrophes were not simulated, and at > 2350 bears when rare catastrophes were included. The study approach and results are discussed, for example, in relation to the two MVP criteria, FRP, and to the degree of genetic differentiation and isolation of the Scandinavian bear population.

This short report presents the results of analyses and assessment of genetic Minimum Viable Population size of Scandinavian bears (Ursus arctos) that complement the population viability analyses already performed by Torbjörn Nilsson (2013). This is one of the scientific reports underpinning the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency’s Article-17 reporting in 2013 of Favourable Reference Population size for the brown bear in Sweden. It presents complementary population viability analyses of the Scandinavian population with the VORTEX software to quantify minimum viable population size (MVP) estimates in relation to two criteria for genetic viability. The analyses were based on simulations without immigration and mutation, and using the same demographic data from empirical studies of the Scandinavian population as were used in a previous SEPA report (6549), except for the updated data on the reproductive success of males. The genetic MVP corresponding to < 5% loss of genetic variability (i.e. heterozygosity) in 100 years was estimated at > 380 bears when effects of catastrophes were not simulated, and at > 400 bears when effects of rare catastrophes were included. The genetic MVP corresponding to an effective population size (Ne) of > 500 was estimated at > 2250 bears when effects of catastrophes were not simulated, and at > 2350 bears when rare catastrophes were included. The study approach and results are discussed, for example, in relation to the two MVP criteria, FRP, and to the degree of genetic differentiation and isolation of the Scandinavian bear population.

Denna studie syftar till att undersöka användares subjektiva reflektioner kring olika interaktionsverktyg och deras användningsområden för att få en djupare förståelse för hur verktygen tillskrivs olika funktionella betydelser och alternativ mening i interaktionen och självpresentationen. Genom detta vill vi förklara hur fenomenet sociala medier påverkar människors vardag och interaktionen i samhället. Detta kan exempelifieras genom hur individer planerar och dokumenterar sin vardag för att kunna framställa sig på ett önskvärt sätt på sina online-profiler. Materialet i denna intervjustudie består av totalt sex intervjuer med personer i olika åldrar. Vi har använt oss av ansatsen semistrukturerad öppen observationsintervju, med motiveringen att detta ger oss möjlighet att studera reflektioner och handlingssekvenser samtidigt. Studiens slutsats är att användares interaktion på sociala medier i många avseenden liknar face-to-face-interaktionen mellan individer i deras vardag, då normer från det övriga samhället ständigt relevantgörs genom tillströmmandet och socialisationen av nya användare. Institutionaliserade användningsområden för olika interaktionsverktyg används som logisk utgångspunkt i hur verktygen används och tolkas, exempelvis hur användare genom dessa kan prenumerera på och visa uppskattning för andras uppdateringar och aktiviteter. Alternativa meningstillskrivningar uppfattades som avvikande i denna publika kontext, när olika interaktionsritualer och själviska syften uppenbarades genom misslyckade hiding-beteenden. Den paradox vi fann utgjordes av hur den överförda meningen både kunde tolkas enligt det innehåll som verktygen användes kring, men även genom verktygens egenvärde som kvantifierade popularitets-indikatorer. Självpresentationens popularitet ställdes på så sätt mot de institutionaliserade funktioner som ursprungligen definierat verktygens användning. Den överförda meningen varseblevs och definierades slutligen genom betraktarens öga och deras för, We aim to study users’ subjective thoughs surrounding different communication tools and their area of use in order to gain a deeper understanding of how these tools are given different functional purposes and alternative meanings in users’ interaction and self presentation. With this information we aim to explain how the phenomenon social media impacts every day life and the interaction between people in our society. Examples of this can be imaged by how the planning and documen-tation of real life events are tailored to present users in a desirable way on their online profiles. The material generated in this study consists of six interviews with people of different ages. We used the approach semi-structured open observational interviews with the justification that this grant us the opportunity to study thoughts and actions simultaniously. The conclusion of this study is that the user interaction within social media in many ways represent the every day face-to-face interaction between individuals, since the norms of society as a whole are constantly manifested in the never ending integration of new users. The institutionalized purposes of different communication tools are used as the logical point of reference in regards to their intended area of use and interpretation. Main examples are how users through these tools can subscribe to and show appreciation for content and activities presented by others. Alternative meanings and purposes were percieved as deviant in more public contexts, when different interaction rituals and selfish purposes became apparent through failed attempts of hiding-behaviour. The paradox we found consisted of how the transferred meaning could be interpreted through the content these actions were used around, but also through their own value as quantified popularity indicators. The popularity of the users’ self presentation was in this way put against the institutionalized functionality that originally defined the purpose of the tools in ques

Denna studie syftar till att undersöka användares subjektiva reflektioner kring olika interaktionsverktyg och deras användningsområden för att få en djupare förståelse för hur verktygen tillskrivs olika funktionella betydelser och alternativ mening i interaktionen och självpresentationen. Genom detta vill vi förklara hur fenomenet sociala medier påverkar människors vardag och interaktionen i samhället. Detta kan exempelifieras genom hur individer planerar och dokumenterar sin vardag för att kunna framställa sig på ett önskvärt sätt på sina online-profiler. Materialet i denna intervjustudie består av totalt sex intervjuer med personer i olika åldrar. Vi har använt oss av ansatsen semistrukturerad öppen observationsintervju, med motiveringen att detta ger oss möjlighet att studera reflektioner och handlingssekvenser samtidigt. Studiens slutsats är att användares interaktion på sociala medier i många avseenden liknar face-to-face-interaktionen mellan individer i deras vardag, då normer från det övriga samhället ständigt relevantgörs genom tillströmmandet och socialisationen av nya användare. Institutionaliserade användningsområden för olika interaktionsverktyg används som logisk utgångspunkt i hur verktygen används och tolkas, exempelvis hur användare genom dessa kan prenumerera på och visa uppskattning för andras uppdateringar och aktiviteter. Alternativa meningstillskrivningar uppfattades som avvikande i denna publika kontext, när olika interaktionsritualer och själviska syften uppenbarades genom misslyckade hiding-beteenden. Den paradox vi fann utgjordes av hur den överförda meningen både kunde tolkas enligt det innehåll som verktygen användes kring, men även genom verktygens egenvärde som kvantifierade popularitets-indikatorer. Självpresentationens popularitet ställdes på så sätt mot de institutionaliserade funktioner som ursprungligen definierat verktygens användning. Den överförda meningen varseblevs och definierades slutligen genom betraktarens öga och deras för, We aim to study users’ subjective thoughs surrounding different communication tools and their area of use in order to gain a deeper understanding of how these tools are given different functional purposes and alternative meanings in users’ interaction and self presentation. With this information we aim to explain how the phenomenon social media impacts every day life and the interaction between people in our society. Examples of this can be imaged by how the planning and documen-tation of real life events are tailored to present users in a desirable way on their online profiles. The material generated in this study consists of six interviews with people of different ages. We used the approach semi-structured open observational interviews with the justification that this grant us the opportunity to study thoughts and actions simultaniously. The conclusion of this study is that the user interaction within social media in many ways represent the every day face-to-face interaction between individuals, since the norms of society as a whole are constantly manifested in the never ending integration of new users. The institutionalized purposes of different communication tools are used as the logical point of reference in regards to their intended area of use and interpretation. Main examples are how users through these tools can subscribe to and show appreciation for content and activities presented by others. Alternative meanings and purposes were percieved as deviant in more public contexts, when different interaction rituals and selfish purposes became apparent through failed attempts of hiding-behaviour. The paradox we found consisted of how the transferred meaning could be interpreted through the content these actions were used around, but also through their own value as quantified popularity indicators. The popularity of the users’ self presentation was in this way put against the institutionalized functionality that originally defined the purpose of the tools in ques

The scarce heath (Coenonympha hero) is an internationally threatened butterfly in Western Europe, where it occurs primarily on hay fields and abandoned arable land in a small-scale agricultural landscape of south-central Scandinavia. Due to afforestation, this habitat is becoming increasingly fragmented in Sweden, and it can be expected that the scarce heath will decline abruptly when threshold conditions for metapopulation persistence are no longer met. We used stepwise polychotomous logistic regression to compare habitat characteristics and isolation measures for patches that harbour large, small or no populations, respectively, in an area of south-western Sweden. We found that patch area, distance to the nearest large population and amount of Galium spp. explained a significant part of the variation in relative abundance among patches. Distance to nearest large population resulted in a better model to predict occupancy than both distance to the nearest inhabited patch and connectivity, which suggests that primarily large populations act as sources for small satellite populations. Today, sites of three of the eight larger populations in the study area have been planted with spruce or pine and will disappear within 20 years. We argue that the disappearance of these patches may very well lead to rapid extinction of the whole metapopulation system.

Sweden is on the turn of a dramatic demographic change. The number of elderly will in the coming decade increase considerably. This also means that the need of dwellings adapted for accessibility increases. By adapting dwellings and housing areas to an increased level of accessibility, more people are given the opportunity to stay for a longer time in their habitual surroundings and the housing becomes secure for the user both in a physical and mental point of view. One of the least accessible housing areas in Halmstad is Klackerup. To make it possible for the dwellers to stay while getting older an adaptation of the accessibility in the dwellings as well as in the apartment blocks and their surroundings is demanded. The purpose of our dissertation has been to work out suggestions for appropriate actions concerning the dwellings, the apartment blocks and their surroundings. This has been performed with respect to the assumptions of the area, the requests and needs of the dwellers and the prevailing legislation.

Sweden is on the turn of a dramatic demographic change. The number of elderly will in the coming decade increase considerably. This also means that the need of dwellings adapted for accessibility increases. By adapting dwellings and housing areas to an increased level of accessibility, more people are given the opportunity to stay for a longer time in their habitual surroundings and the housing becomes secure for the user both in a physical and mental point of view. One of the least accessible housing areas in Halmstad is Klackerup. To make it possible for the dwellers to stay while getting older an adaptation of the accessibility in the dwellings as well as in the apartment blocks and their surroundings is demanded. The purpose of our dissertation has been to work out suggestions for appropriate actions concerning the dwellings, the apartment blocks and their surroundings. This has been performed with respect to the assumptions of the area, the requests and needs of the dwellers and the prevailing legislation.

Dispersal between habitat patches may be important for the long-term persistence of populations. We conducted a mark-release-recapture study and analysed the dispersal pattern in the scarce heath butterfly inhabiting a network of suitable habitat patches using stepwise logistic regression (SLR) and the Virtual Migration (VM) model. We also analysed the influence of different types of matrices. We found that the majority of the recaptured butterflies remained within the patch where they were originally caught. However, dispersal between patches did occur and both the SLR analysis and the VM model indicated that the migration pattern was significantly associated with patch area and its level of isolation. The SLR model also showed that there was a positive association between immigration rate and tree density, supporting earlier observations that this species prefers semi-open habitat. We discuss the use of SLR versus the VM model to analyse recapture data in dispersal studies. This system is not at equilibrium, as a number of the most important patches in the network are continuously being lost due to afforestation and a number of populations are facing deterministic extinction. This increases the risk of a chain reaction of local extinctions, which may cause a collapse of the whole system.