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QC 20241118

This thesis investigates the host - parasitic relationships in mussel, started by investigating unexplained massmortalities in freshwater mussels, Margaritifera margaritifera. By compiling geodata with symptoms and histopathology (Paper 1). In Paper 2, I continued on these investigations, describing a parasitic gregarines in host. Using in situ hybridization (ISH) and ultrastructural analysis, we linked this gregarine to host detected lesions. To investigate fixed sampled, we used CARD-FISH demonstrating new patterns of parasitic infiltration of gonads. (Paper 3). In marine environments, protist parasites have been throughly documented, though several lesions remain unexplained. Using cell culture, we isolated Hexamita nelsoni linking this protist with blue mussels lesions in muscle & gonads, using CARD-FISH (Paper 4). The largest threat towards marine mussel aquaculture are Ascetosporean parasites, not culturable, requiring alternative methods for genomic studies. We used, density gradient filtration to concentrate Marteilia pararefringens and Bonamia ostreae from infected tissues, enabling these studies, Paper 5., Mitt doktorandsarbete undersöker relationen mellan musslan och dessa parasiter. Arbetet startade med studier av oförklarade massdödligheter bland sötvattens musslor, Margaritifera margaritifera, genom sammanställning av geologiska data och observerade sjukdomssymtom (Paper 1). In nästa studie (Paper 2), fortsätter vi detta genom att beskriva en ny gregarin (Apicomplexa) associerade med organförändringar. Med In situ hybridisering (ISH) och elektronmikroskopi, kunde vi koppla dessa till observerade vävnadsskador. Vidare påvisade vi olika arter av gregariner genom CARD-FISH metodik i histologiska prover och demonstrera därigenom nya mönster av parasitär infiltration (Paper 3). Mussel parasiter i marin miljö är väldokumenterade, även om vissa organskador förblivit oförklarade. Genom cellkultur från blåmussla isolerades Hexamita nelsoni, och kopplades till observerade organskador, i muskel och gonadvävnad, med CARD-FISH (Paper 4). Det största hoten mot vattenbruk av Bivalver är Ascetosporea parasiter, som ej går at odla. För genomisk undersökning krävs andra alternativ. Med gradient filtrering möjliggjordes koncentration av dessa celler och genomiska studier av Marteilia och Bonamia.

Imaging the structure and observing the dynamics of isolated proteins using single-particle X-ray diffractive imaging (SPI) is one of the potential applications of X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs). Currently, SPI experiments on isolated proteins are limited by three factors: low signal strength, limited data and high background from gas scattering. The last two factors are largely due to the shortcomings of the aerosol sample delivery methods in use. Here we present our modified electrospray ionization (ESI) source, which we dubbed helium-ESI (He-ESI). With it, we increased particle delivery into the interaction region by a factor of 10, for 26 nm-sized biological particles, and decreased the gas load in the interaction chamber corresponding to an 80% reduction in gas scattering when compared to the original ESI. These improvements have the potential to significantly increase the quality and quantity of SPI diffraction patterns in future experiments using He-ESI, resulting in higher-resolution structures.

Single-molecule detection (SMD) provides ultrahigh sensitivity in biosensing and bioimaging, which is crucial for DNA and protein sequencing, early disease diagnose, drug detection, environment monitoring, food safety, and a deeper understanding of biological process, etc. Among various methods developed for SMD, fluorescence-based methods and transistor-based methods are outstanding due to their high sensitivity and versatility. However, fluorescence-based methods usually rely on labels, and advanced but bulky and expensive microscopes, restricting them to research use. For the label-free nanoscale field-effect transistors (FETs), detections of charged molecules of nanometres or larger in size are dubious due to the so-called Debye screening effect. Here in this thesis, a novel optoelectronic device for molecular sensing is developed, combining the advantages of fluorescence-based methods and FET-based methods, while avoiding their disadvantages. Hydrogendoped amorphous InGaZnO thin film-based transistors (a-IGZO:H TFTs) are employed as phototransistors to detect photoluminescence signals from the upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) immobilized on top of the a-IGZO:H active layer. Molecular sensing is demonstrated using UCNP-based Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) with streptavidin-biotin bonding pairs and small gold nanoparticles as quenchers. The integration of UCNPs and FRET with phototransistors simplifies the optics and gives a high signal-noise ratio (SNR). The integrated setup is promising to be developed into a portable and cost-effective biosensing platform with high sensitivity. To improve SNR, plasmonic nanostructures including aluminum nanohole arrays and gold nanorod dimers are simulated and fabricated to enhance the fluorescence intensities of fluorophores including single quantum dots, organic dyes on single extracellular vesicles, and single UCNPs. The plasmonic nanostructures for enhancing fluorescence intensities of single UCNPs can be integ

The emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogenic bacteria and the lack of novel antibiotics reaching the market have led to an increase in treatment failures and mortality worldwide. Consequently, there is an urgent need for innovative alternative approaches to combat bacterial infections. Probiotic bacteria have demonstrated potential in both treating and preventing such infections. Efforts are underway to enhance probiotics, aiming for improved efficacy in targeting and inhibiting the colonization of pathogenic bacterial strains while ensuring their safety for use. The work presented in this thesis enhances our understanding of bacterial toxin delivery systems, explores their adaptability for clinical applications in bioengineered probiotic bacteria, and offers insights into biocontainment strategies crucial for the secure utilization of these probiotic strains. My research has primarily focused on contact-dependent growth inhibition (CDI) systems, which deliver toxic proteins to closely related bacteria and require direct cell-to-cell contact. In order to use CDI systems in probiotics, we first need to expand our knowledge of the toxin delivery mechanisms employed by these systems. In paper I, we show that class II CDI systems allow for broad-range cross-species toxin delivery and growth inhibition. We found that the CDI systems tested were able to inhibit the growth of clinically relevant species, such as Enterobacter cloacae and Enterobacter aerogenes. In paper II, we found that two toxins from two different bacterial species utilize the SecYEG translocon for target cell entry, and hence that, for these toxins at least, this crucial step lacks species-specificity. In paper III, we investigated the prevalence of CDI systems in E. coli and the potential advantages these bacteria gain from hosting multiple systems. In paper IV, we wanted to further our understanding of the roles of toxin delivery systems in colonization of host. We found that toxin delivery syste

This publication highlights how cities, responsible for 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions, can transition toward sustainability. Drawing on Nordic examples, the brief outlines three key areas for reducing urban emissions: spatial planning with low-carbon infrastructure, electrification of energy systems, and enhancing carbon storage through green and blue spaces. Nordic countries showcase how integrating ambitious climate policies into urban planning can support net-zero goals. However, challenges like regulatory barriers, grid capacity, and balancing land use require coordinated efforts and investment. The recommendations aim to inspire global cities to adopt similar strategies.

This project addresses the significant impact of ammonia (NH₃), reactive nitrogen (Nr), and methane (CH₄) emissions from the agriculture sector on air pollution and climate change. By analyzing over 300 mitigation measures across the Nordic countries and beyond, it identifies integrated strategies that reduce the effects on both air pollution and climate change simultaneously. These measures can support the Nordic countries to comply with national and international commitments. The project highlights 17 integrated measures—primarily in manure and fertilizer management—capable of reducing both NH₃ and CH₄ emissions. Recommendations include policy enhancements, financial incentives, and improved coordination among agriculture, environment, and climate sectors to achieve sustainable agricultural practices and effective emissions reductions.

The Skagerrak is a productive miniature deep sea with diverse habitat and nature types harbouring distinct marine populations. Marine protection in Skagerrak is weak overall, especially considering areas with regulation of bottom-contacting fisheries. Marine protected areas in Skagerrak (MPAs) are largely restricted to shallow coastal areas, meaning that vulnerable and ecologically important deep-water habitat types are poorly protected. The deepest parts of the Skagerrak are situated in the Norwegian Trench, which is home to vulnerable marine ecosystems, and constitute the most important carbon sink in the greater North Sea region. Establishment of a coherent network of MPAs in the Skagerrak will require international coordination, where marine spatial planning should consider the benefits of protection to biodiversity, fisheries and climate change adaptation and mitigation.

The Nordic Conference on Co-location of Marine Industries was held from September 25 to September 26 at Sankt Gertrud Konferens in Malmö. The conference aimed to bring Nordic stakeholders together and facilitate an exchange of ideas as a part of Sweden’s presidency in the Nordic Council of Ministers. The main focus of the conference was offshore renewable energy, fishing, and aquaculture, aiming to highlight opportunities and challenges with increasing demand for sea space and promoting nature-positive solutions for co-location. This report aims to summarize the content that was presented during the conference along with the input that was gathered from the attendees, as well as provide suggestions for future work towards increased coexistence and co-location of marine industries.

Cities contribute to 70% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, driven by rapid urbanization and infrastructure expansion. By 2050, cities will house 70% of the global population, making sustainable construction essential. This report, presented at COP29, explores key solutions for reducing urban emissions through spatial planning, low-carbon infrastructure, electrification, green/blue infrastructure, and the circular economy. Insights from 500+ stakeholders across the Nordics emphasize both challenges and opportunities in achieving deep decarbonization. The report provides recommendations for policymakers to advance sustainable urban development, aligned with the Nordic Vision 2030.

The purpose of the study is to showcase good practices, promote cooperation, build knowledge, and facilitate exchanges of experiences, thereby contributing to strengthening the Nordic countries' ability to conduct effective and appropriate work against waste crime. The study, initiated in February 2024, focused on understanding the supervisory systems of the Nordic countries and their efforts in combating illegal waste management. It comprised four interconnected parts: a literature review, interviews, a workshop, and a final report. The findings of the study are compared and analyzed in three different chapters: waste crimes, supervisory authorities, and main themes.

Skagerrak is a unique ecosystem with a large diversity of habitats and species, but the management of the fisheries resources has shortcomings to be addressed. Here we shed light on the current management situation for a range of commercially valuable species in Skagerrak. Some of these species show increasing trends in abundance while others are declining. However, in either case, we argue that species and fisheries will benefit from improved management, but to succeed, Norway, Sweden and Denmark must come together and develop a data- and research-based unified local management plan to underpin a sustainable utilization of Skagerrak's sea food resources in the future.

Samarbetsprogrammet för miljö och klimat 2025–2030 tar sin utgångspunkt i den av FN benämnda trippelkrisen. Med fokus på klimat, biologisk mångfald och föroreningar samt på cirkulär ekonomi ska det nya samarbetsprogrammet stärka nordisk samverkan där det finns nordisk nytta. Norden ska fortsatt vara ledande i den gröna omställningen och en globalt konkurrenskraftig och socialt hållbar region. Samtidigt är klimat- och miljöfrågorna globala angelägenheter och därför bör de nordiska länderna fortsatt vara en stark och tydlig röst för att främja effektiva lösningar i internationella miljö- och klimatförhandlingar.

In this first comprehensive mapping of Nordic hydrogen value chains, an overview of the status and the nature of clean hydrogen projects across the Nordic region is established, based on definitions of “Nordic hydrogen valley” and “Nordic hydrogen hotspot”, specifically developed for the mapping carried out in this report. The mapping results are visualized in an interactive digital tool (available at nordich2valleys.org), at the same time ensuring a joint Nordic digital platform as the basis for future updates of the Nordic hydrogen value chain landscape. In addition to the mapping, the report analyses the potential of clean hydrogen-based fuels in Arctic maritime transport. Finally, the report carries out an analysis of drivers, barriers and policy measures regarding the development of hydrogen valleys in the Nordics and on that basis policy recommendations are highlighted.

Most marine species in the Skagerrak have populations that are genetically distinct from populations in the surrounding North Sea, Kattegat, and Baltic Sea. A considerable number of these species also have multiple distinct populations within the Skagerrak, particularly along the coast and inside fjords. Overall, the Skagerrak is well connected with adjacent seas through passive dispersal of eggs and larvae and active migration of adults. The persistence of distinct local populations despite the large potential for connectivity calls for population-specific conservation and management of marine biodiversity in the Skagerrak. Management should therefore strive to be ecosystem-based, yet species- and population-specific to avoid neglecting or overexploiting vulnerable local populations.

The world is currently facing a biodiversity and climate crisis which are globally interlinked. Nature-based solutions (NbS) is part of the solution to these challenges. NbS encompass different actions spanning protection, sustainable use, and restoration of ecosystems to solve societal challenges such as biodiversity loss, food security, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. As such, NbSs are highlighted by both the UN, IPBES and IPCC as a cost-effective way of meeting the Sustainable Development Goals. One of the main points of NbS is that they are implemented to meet societal challenges. In this report we focus on several societal challenges and how they can be addressed by NbS. We also focus on six ecosystem types and how NbS can be implemented in these: coastal, cultural landscapes, forests, mountains, urban, and freshwater ecosystems including rivers, lakes and wetlands.

This report presents a set of recommendations to shift the Nordic construction sector towards operating within the planetary boundaries. The recommendations have been extracted from nearly three years of extensive collaboration with stakeholders across the construction sector, including urban planners, architects, engineers, policymakers, and activists. Through debates, interviews, and roundtable discussions, participants shaped a set of recommendations to guide the next five years of the Nordic Vision 2030. Addressing the profound systemic and cultural challenges of the construction sector requires more than legislation and technological solutions. Discussions have elevated beyond immediate solutions, exploring ecological economics, life-centric worldviews, and redefining the concept of a "good life" based on culture and social connectedness.

In the period 2019-2024, the Nordic working group for Chemicals, Environment and Health (NKE) has worked actively to meet the objectives of the Programme for Nordic Co-operation on the Environment and Climate. In short, our contribution can be summarised as a strive towards safe management of chemicals. NKE conducted projects and conferences, conducting analyses, producing reports, organising workshops, etc. and responding to requests from ministers through 12 specialised subgroups. The report will serve as an example of what can be achieved across the Nordic countries with relatively few resources and a diverse mix of talented, enterprising and dedicated people.

Samstarfsáætlun um umhverfis- og loftslagsmál fyrir árin 2025–2030 tekur mið af hinni þríþættu ógn sem Sameinuðu þjóðirnar hafa skilgreint. Í samstarfsáætluninni er lögð áhersla á loftslagsmál, líffræðilega fjölbreytni og mengun sem og hringrásarhagkerfið og þannig er henni ætlað efla norrænt samstarf þar sem norrænt notagildi er fyrir hendi. Norðurlönd skulu áfram vera leiðandi við hin grænu umskipti og samkeppnishæft og félagslega sjálfbært svæði í alþjóðlegu tilliti. Loftslags- og umhverfismál eru alþjóðleg málefni og því eiga Norðurlönd einnig að vera sterk og skýr rödd til að stuðla að árangursríkum lausnum í alþjóðlegum samningaviðræðum um umhverfismál og loftslagsmál.

The report details the findings of a Nordic Enforcement project ensuring compliance with the new REACH restriction targeting hazardous chemicals in tattoo inks.The project examined 211 inks from 64 enterprises, revealing several contained restricted substances, and many of those from outside the EU. Labelling compliance was also an issue, with only 8% correctly labelled. The report highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and increased awareness, as only 7% of inks fully met the new regulations.

Ympäristö- ja ilmastoalan yhteistyöohjelma vuosille 2025–2030 pohjautuu YK:n määrittelemään kolminkertaiseen kriisiin. Uudella yhteistyöohjelmalla pyritään vahvistamaan pohjoismaista yhteistyötä siellä, missä siitä on pohjoismaista hyötyä. Ohjelman painopistealueita ovat ilmasto, luonnon monimuotoisuus ja luonnon saastuminen sekä kiertotalous. Pohjolan tulee edelleen olla vihreän siirtymän kärkipaikalla ja globaalisti kilpailukykyinen ja sosiaalisesti kestävä alue. Ilmasto- ja ympäristöasiat ovat globaaleja, ja tästä syystä Pohjoismailla on jatkossakin oltava voimakas ja selkeä ääni tehokkaiden ratkaisujen edistämiseksi kansainvälisissä ympäristö- ja ilmastoneuvotteluissa.

Coastal and marine ecosystems are under pressure from various human activities, which exert direct and indirect impacts on underwater biota. Relevant management policies urgently need detailed information on ecological impacts of the activities. The COMA project analyzed the impacts of human activities and pressures on marine ecosystem were from three different viewpoints: (1) What evidence there is of ecosystem responses to single and multiple pressures?, (2) How different human activities impact the marine ecosystem?, and (3) What evidence there is of the sustainable levels of human activities? By applying a review, a meta analysis and three case studies, COMA addressed the questions, provided advice and suggested an approach for management.

The Co-operation Programme for the Environment and Climate 2025–2030 takes its starting point from what the UN has termed the triple crisis. By placing focus on the climate, biodiversity and pollution, as well as the concept of the circular economy, this new co-operation programme shall bolster Nordic collaboration in areas where there is Nordic benefit to be found. The Nordic Region must continue to play a leading role in the green transition, and it shall remain a globally competitive and socially sustainable region. At the same time, climate change is a global issue, and so it is important that the Nordic countries retain a clear and convincing voice in order to promote effective solutions within international environment and climate negotiations.

The vascular system consists of blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and hybrid vessels, each with unique functions defined by specialized endothelial cells (ECs). These ECs show remarkable heterogeneity, adapting to organ- and disease-specific conditions. In this work, we used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to define the transcriptome of normal blood endothelial cells (BEC), lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) and hybrid vessel ECs from selected mouse and human tissue. Through this detailed analysis we identified a new population of sinusoidal ECs with a unique hybrid vessel identity in the penile vasculature described in paper I. In addition, in paper II we uncovered a previously undescribed subtype of dermal capillary LECs in mouse skin, characterized by their expression of immune regulatory genes. By utilizing scRNA-seq and genetic mouse models, we explored the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying oncogenic PI3K-driven lymphatic and venous malformations (LM and VM, respectively) and showed in paper II and paper III that distinct subpopulations of LECs and BECs respond differently to the PI3K gain-of-function mutation Pik3caH1047R. Specifically, LECs respond by expanding the newly identified immune-interacting capillary subpopulation, which promotes the recruitment of pro-lymphangiogenic myeloid cells. In the blood vasculature, venous-like capillaries and post-capillary venules respond to PI3K activation through selective clonal expansion, leading to the formation of VMs. Furthermore, we identified a venous-specific regulatory feedback loop in paper III, involving the inhibition of the transcription factor FOXO1 and the activation of the Angiopoietin-TIE2 signalling pathway. This feedback loop promotes VM growth and represents a promising therapeutic target for developing effective treatments for VM patients. Overall, the work presented in papers I-III significantly advanced our understanding of EC heterogeneity and function in normal tissues and vascu

Kunskapen om världens insekter ökar snabbt tack vare DNA- baserade metoder. Forskare vid Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet samt Naturhistoriska riksmuseet har tagit fram ett undervisningspaket för biologilärare som vill visa eleverna hur forskningen om insekter kan gå till, från sortering och laboratorietekniker till DNA-streckkodning.

Publications with Vision III-ideas of scientific literacy and science education are reviewed. Since its inception in 2007, the same yearas Vision I and II were first formulated by Roberts, there have been at least eight mainly independent proposals for Vision III. The ideas encapsulated in Vision III – understood as alternative views to Western mainstream understandings – have been in existence for an even longer period. Different interpretations of Vision III are reviewed. Common interpretations and emphases are (environmental) engagement, pluralism, realising complexity, the political, and responsible knowing-in-action. The article explores how the three visions relate to each other and their different curriculum emphases. Six new curriculum emphases are suggested for Vision III: STS-perspectives (science and technology studies), ethico-sociopolitical perspectives, agency, philosophical values, cultural-existential perspectives, and embodied knowledge. The article culminates with a suggestion of an integrated conceptualisation of Vision III. Scientific literacy from Vision III-perspectives can be characterised as: based on broad scientific knowings, fundamental anddigital literacy, and an understanding of our complex world from pluralistic perspectives (cross-disciplinary, critical, historyphilosophy-sociology, intersectionality, indigenous worldviews, relationalism), being engaged and prepared for ‘glocal’ action. In essence, Vision III can be seen as synonymous with critical-eco-reflexive Bildung-oriented scientific literacy and science education.

Sweden was first outside North America in solving crime usingforensic genetic genealogy (FGG), but further use of the methodwas inhibited due to unclear legislative support and subsequentlymethod implementation has been delayed awaiting necessary legalamendments. This paper describes the present state of law enforcementuse of FGG in Sweden and foresight.

Dog ownership gained popularity during the pandemic. However, there was alsoa corresponding increase in the number of dogs being relinquished andrehomed. The rehoming procedure is known to be stressful to the dog, butthe short- and long-term effects still need to be better understood. This studyaimed to enhance our understanding of the short- and long-term challengesdogs encounter during the rehoming process by combining behavioral andphysiological measures. The study included 20 relinquished dogs from aSwedish shelter and 30 rehomed dogs, comparing them to 33 control dogsthat have been with their owner since leaving the breeder as puppies. Allparticipants performed an unsolvable problem task, eye-contact test, andmemory test and hair samples were obtained to analyze cortisolconcentrations. Furthermore, dog owners (of rehomed and control dogs)completed a questionnaire assessing their perceived human-dog relationship.These owner-dog dyads also participated in a behavioral synchronization test.The result indicated that shelter dogs had the shortest eye-contact duration inboth an eye-contact test and an unsolvable problem task, but there was nodifference between the three groups in the short-term memory test or in stressrelated behaviors. Analysis of hair cortisol concentrations in the dogs revealedthat the shelter dogs had higher long-term stress levels than rehomed dogs, butthey did not differ significantly from control dogs. Both rehomed and controldogs synchronized their behavior with their owner, but, interestingly, the ownersof rehomed dogs reported a higher emotional closeness to their dogs thanowners of control dogs. Consequently, despite the observed short-term effectsduring the rehoming procedure, this study suggests that rehomed dogs canadapt to their new life and develop a strong relationship with their owner.KEYWORDSanimal welfare, behavioral synchronization, contact-seeking behavior, human-do

In 2009 the author initiated his “zoonetics” activities by recording purring in the male cheetah Caine as well as in the domestic cat Misha and presented the results at the Fonetik Meeting in 2010 at Lund University. Subsequent studies of cheetah purring then followed, including a study of purring in Caine’s daughter Jade and son Parker in 2013, Jade at the time 7 months old. In May 2019 the author recorded Jade again (now 7 years old) and was then able to study whether any changes in her purring had occurred and, specifically, whether Jade as an adult had kept her cub characteristics or was now more similar to her father, who was 7 years old when he was recorded. To the best of my knowledge this study presents the first longitudinal study of purring in a cheetah.

UNESCO TALK 1. Posthumanities as Multispecies Tales: STORYING EXPOSURE Cecilia Åsberg In an all too humanized world, environmental storytelling finds itself in desperate times but also in times of opportunity. It matters what stories tell stories, stated Marilyn Strathern (1992:10), a feminist anthropologist of science already in the 1990s. Building on that embrace of storytelling, Donna J Haraway (2016 a:12), famously continued: “It matters what matters we use to think other matters with; it matters what stories we tell to tell other stories with; it matters /…/, what thoughts think thoughts, what descriptions describe descriptions […]. It matters what stories make worlds; what worlds make stories.” Put simply, wording is a conduit of worlding. In this very interdisciplinary scenario, all kinds of story-telling matters. From various perspectives to responsive posthumanities that I bring together in this talk, I wish here to give some theoretical and empirical examples of the practices I have come to term storying exposure. Threats and fears of looming environmental crisis instils a conservative emergency response in people (Mbembe & Roitman 1995), to look out only for themselves and not for others, to stay in line. This means we need today to work harder than ever before to produce stories and expositions that instil a sense of wordly belonging and local community. Literature, reading and vulnerability studies have a special role in this. Recent works in environmental humanities, ecocriticism and place-based storytelling (Haraway 2014; Alaimo 2016; van Dooren 2014; DeSilvey 2017) have explored many types of exposure stories. From The Word for World is Forest by Ursula LeGuin to Animal’s People by Indra Sinha. There is even a growing tendency in Environmental Humanities to seek accounts for giving polarized debates and heating climates, stressed environments and communities storied form in ways that might eschew the trap of focusing only on “damage stories., UN SDG, UNESCO

Denna kvalitativa studie beskriver elevers frågor under utomhusundervisning i de naturvetenskapliga ämnena i F-3 utifrån intervjuer med lärare samt observation av elever. Forskning beskriver elevers frågor och intresse som en viktig aspekt av naturvetenskaplig undervisning generellt, men att det finns mycket lite forskning kring just vilken typ av frågor som förekommer och vilka källor dessa frågor har. Syftet med studien är därför att skapa en bredare förståelse av elevers frågor i samband med utomhusundervisning i de naturvetenskapliga ämnena. Studien undersöker frågeställningarna: Vilka källor till elevers fråge-aktivitet beskriver lärare för F-3 att de har erfarenhet av i samband med naturvetenskaplig utomhusundervisning? samt Vilka typer av frågor ställer elever i F-3 i samband med utomhusundervisning i de naturvetenskapliga ämnena? Studien baseras på intervjuer av lärare för F-3 samt en observation av naturvetenskaplig undervisning utomhus i F-3. Insamlad data har analyserats genom tematisk analys samt analysschema. Studiens resultat besvarar frågeställningarna genom två övergripande teman: källor till frågor samt förekomst och typer av frågor. Under utomhusundervisning i de naturvetenskapliga ämnena ställer elever frågor som beskriver utforskande, reflektion, omsorg samt frågor av praktisk karaktär. Intervjuer med lärare visar att elever blir mer benägna att ställa frågor genom engagemang och stimulans i samband med undervisning, att observera samt i form av modellering och uppmuntran av lärare. Studien har relevans för naturvetenskaplig undervisning för de yngre åldrarna och bidrar med insyn i elevers fråge-aktivitet i samband med naturvetenskaplig utomhusundervisning.

Skolverket beskriver att barn ska lära sig att “bidra till en ekonomisk, social och miljömässig utveckling”. Vi vill förstå hur barn visar sitt intresse för naturens kretslopp. Vårt arbete är en fallstudie som fokuserar på vattnets kretslopp och hur barn utforskar det tillsammans med en förskollärare. Syfte: Att undersöka hur barn utforskar naturvetenskapliga fenomen i förskolan, en fallstudie om vattnets kretslopp. Metod: Observation av barn i undervisningssituationer samt i den fria leken. Analyserat och presenterat utifrån en kvalitativ metod. Resultat: Våra observationer visar ett samspel mellan barn och förskollärare i ett gemensamt utforskande av ett naturvetenskapligt fenomen. När barn får vara delaktiga med att ställa hypoteser samt att vara aktiva i processen bidrar det till att deras intresse upprätthålls och ger förutsättningar för att barnen utvecklas i sitt lärande.

This study investigates the impact of digitalization on preschool pedagogy. Six preschool teachers were interviewed to examine their perception of how digital tools are used to promote teaching in science and technology, as well as their view on a revised curriculum focusing on digitalization and its potential consequences for preschool education. The aim of this qualitative study is to highlight how preschool teachers perceive their work with digital tools. The preschool teachers in the study have shown a significant interest in the field, with half of them having undertaken further training in digitalization. The preschool teachers report that they frequently use digital tools in their teaching and view these tools as opportunities to enhance children's exploration in ways that analog tools cannot. However, all participants agreed that digital tools should not replace analog ones, but that a varied use of both digital and analog tools can foster a creative teaching environment. Additionally, all preschool teachers in this study expressed concerns that the proposal to remove the requirement for digital tools from the preschool curriculum could lead to unequal education in light of societal digital development, and that it could reduce investments in professional development for preschool teachers. The study indicates that children are not passive consumers of digital tools in preschool; rather, their production and exploration are central. The preschool teachers believe that digital tools can contribute to a broader perspective on exploration and a deeper understanding of how digital tools are used in a wider context., Denna studie undersöker digitaliseringens påverkan på förskolepedagogiken. Sex förskollärare intervjuades för att undersöka deras uppfattning om hur digitala verktyg används för att främja undervisning i naturvetenskap och teknik samt deras syn på en reviderad läroplan med fokus på digitalisering och dess potentiella konsekvenser för undervisningen i förskolan. Syftet med denna kvalitativa studie är att belysa hur förskollärare uppfattar sitt arbete med digitala verktyg. Förskollärarna i studien har visat stort intresse för området, och hälften av dem har genomgått vidareutbildning inom digitalisering. Förskollärarna rapporterar att de ofta använder digitala verktyg i undervisningen och ser dessa som möjligheter att främja barnens utforskande på sätt som analoga verktyg inte kan möjliggöra. Samtliga var dock eniga om att digitala verktyg inte bör ersätta analoga, utan att ett varierat användande av både digitala och analoga verktyg kan främja en kreativ undervisningsmiljö. Vidare uttryckte alla förskollärare i denna studie att förslaget att ta bort kravet på digitala verktyg från förskolans läroplan skulle kunna leda till en ojämlik utbildning med tanke på samhällets digitala utveckling, samt att det skulle kunna minska satsningar på förskollärares kompetensutveckling. Studien visar att barn inte är passiva konsumenter av digitala verktyg i förskolan, utan att barnens producerande och utforskande står i centrum. Förskollärarna menar att digitala verktyg kan bidra till ett bredare perspektiv på utforskande och en ökad förståelse för hur digitala verktyg används i ett bredare sammanhang.

We propose a two-scale finite element method designed for heterogeneousmicrostructures. Our approach exploits domain diffeomorphisms between themicroscopic structures to gain computational efficiency. By using a convenientlyconstructed pullback operator, we are able to model the different microscopicdomains as macroscopically dependent deformations of a reference domain.This allows for a relatively simple finite element framework to approximatethe underlying system of partial differential equations with a parallel computa-tional structure. We apply this technique to a model problem where we focuson transport in plant tissues. We illustrate the accuracy of the implementationwith convergence benchmarks and show satisfactory parallelization speed-ups.We further highlight the effect of the heterogeneous microscopic structure onthe output of the two-scale systems. Our implementation (publicly available onGitHub) builds on the deal.II FEM library. Application of this techniqueallows for an increased capacity of microscopic detail in multiscale modeling,while keeping running costs manageable.

Plastics and their derivatives have forever changed the nature of human activity. Their various material advantages, such as versatility, low cost, and ease of fabrication, have made them essential for virtually all industries. While their resistance to degradation is often considered one of their greatest traits, it has also been found to be a significant danger. As proper disposal methods fail, large plastics slowly degrade into micro and nanoplastics. These contaminants are extremely small, hard to detect, and challenging to remove from both the environment and consumer goods. This leads to their accumulation in all ecosystems and in the human body, raising questions for policymakers and society at large about how dangerous these contaminants actually are. For this reason, novel monitoring solutions must be developed to enable micro and nanoplastic sample preparation and identification, so that the lifecycle of plastics can be studied and their impact on human life can be better understood. To address the challenge of managing contaminants at these size ranges, acoustofluidics – a fusion of acoustic actuation and microfluidics – is a promising candidate due to its ability to manipulate particles even during flow. The work presented in this thesis focuses on developing an acoustofluidic platform, termed the EchoGrid, capable of trapping micro and nanoplastics at throughputs traditionally considered unattainable for both microfluidics and acoustofluidics, in a way that is compatible with endpoint analysis. In Paper I, we presented the EchoGrid as a novel device capable of enriching microplastics at high flow rates. Additionally, we developed the silica-enhanced seed particle method to address samples with low concentrations of microplastics, while further increasing the flow rate. We also evaluated the complex manner in which microplastics of different sizes organize themselves around a silica cluster. Status: Accepted. Reference: Costa, M., Hammarström, B., Van D, Plaster och deras derivat har för alltid förändrat karaktären av mänsklig aktivitet. Deras olika materialfördelar, såsom mångsidighet, låg kostnad och enkel tillverkning, har gjort dem oumbärliga för i princip alla industrier. Plasternas motståndskraft mot nedbrytning har hyllats som en av deras främsta egenskaper, men har även visat sig vara en betydande fara. När korrekt avfallshantering misslyckas, bryts större delar av plast långsamt ner till mikro- och nanoplaster. Dessa föroreningar är extremt små, svåra att upptäcka och utmanande att ta bort från både miljön och konsumentprodukter. Detta leder till deras ackumulering i alla ekosystem och i människokroppen, vilket i sin tur väcker frågor hos beslutsfattare och samhället i stort om hur farliga dessa föroreningar egentligen är. Av denna anledning bör nya övervakningslösningar utvecklas för att möjliggöra provberedning och identifiering av mikro- och nanoplaster så att plasternas livscykel kan studeras och deras påverkan på människor bättre kan förstås. För att hantera utmaningen att kontrollera föroreningar i dessa storlekar är akustofluidik – en sammanslagning av akustisk manipulering och mikrofluidik – en lovande kandidat. Detta beror på dess förmåga att manipulera partiklar även under flöde. Arbetet som presenteras i denna avhandling fokuserar på att utveckla en akustofluidisk plattform, kallad EchoGrid, som kan fånga mikro- och nanoplaster även vid genomflöden som traditionellt anses oåtkomliga för både mikro- och akustofluidik på ett sätt som är kompatibelt med slutpunktsanalys. I Artikel I presenterar vi EchoGrid, ett nytt instrument som är kapabel att koncentrera mikroplaster vid höga flödeshastigheter. Dessutom utvecklar vi en kiselberikad fröpartikel-metod för att hantera prover med låg koncentration av mikroplaster, där flödeshastigheten ökas ytterligare. Vi utvärderar också det komplexa sättet som mikroplaster i olika storlekar organiserar sig runt ett kluster av kiseldioxid. I Artikel II rapportera, QC 2024-11-15

Geologically, the Arctic is one of the least-explored regions of Earth. Obtaining data in the high Arctic is logistically, economically, and environmentally expensive, but the township of Longyearbyen (population of 2617 as of 2024) at 78° N represents a relatively easily accessible gateway to Arctic geology and is home to The University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS). These unique factors provide a foundation from which to teach and explore Arctic geology via the classroom, the laboratory, and the field. UNIS was founded in 1993 as the Norwegian “field university”, offering field-based courses in Arctic geology, geophysics, biology, and technology to students from Norway and abroad. In this contribution, we present one of the educational components of the international collaboration project NOR-R-AM (a Norwegian-Russian-North American collaboration in Arctic research and collaboration, titled Changes at the Top of the World through Volcanism and Plate Tectonics) which ran from 2017 to 2024. One of the key deliverables of NOR-R-AM was a new graduate (Master's and PhD-level) course called Arctic Tectonics and Volcanism that we have established and taught annually at UNIS since 2018 and detail herein. The course's main objective is to teach the complex geological evolution of the Arctic from the Devonian period (∼ 420 million years ago, Ma) to the present day through integrating multi-scale datasets and a broad range of geoscientific disciplines. We outline the course itself before presenting student perspectives based on both an anonymous questionnaire (n=27) and in-depth perceptions of four selected students. The course, with an annual intake of up to 20 MSc and PhD students, is held over a 6-week period, typically in spring or autumn. The course comprises modules on field and polar safety, Svalbard/Barents Sea geology, wider Arctic geology, plate tectonics, mantle dynamics, geo- and thermochronology, and geochemistry of igneous systems. A field component, which in some

Background: Alexithymia is an important transdiagnostic risk factor for emotion-based psychopathologies. However, it remains unclear whether alexithymia questionnaires actually measure alexithymia, or whether they measure emotional distress. Our aim here was to address this discriminant validity concern via exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and the Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire (PAQ). Method: United States general community adults (N = 508) completed the TAS-20, PAQ, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21). EFA was used to examine the latent dimensions underlying these measures' scores. Results: Our EFA extracted two higher-order factors, an “alexithymia” factor and a “general distress” factor (i.e., depression, anxiety, stress). All PAQ scores loaded cleanly on the alexithymia factor, with no cross-loadings on the distress factor. However, for the TAS-20, Difficulty Identifying Feelings (DIF) facet scores cross-loaded highly on the distress factor. Limitations: Our sample consisted of general community adults; future work in clinical settings will be useful. Conclusions: Our data indicate that the PAQ has good discriminant validity. However, the TAS-20 appears to have significant discriminant validity problems, in that much of the variance in its DIF facet reflects people's current levels of distress, rather than alexithymia. The TAS-20, which has traditionally been the most widely used alexithymia questionnaire, may therefore not be the optimal alexithymia tool. Our findings add to the body of evidence supporting the validity and utility of the PAQ and suggest that, moving forward, it is a superior option to the TAS-20 for alexithymia assessments., CC BY 4.0 DEED © 2024 The Author(s)Correspondence Address: D.A. Preece; Curtin University, School of Psychology, Bentley, Kent Street, 6102, Australia; email: david.preece@curtin.edu.au; CODEN: JADIDFunding: None.

Lake Victoria is the world’s largest tropical lake and the third-largest water body, providingsignificant water resources for surrounding environments including the cultural, societal, andlivelihood needs of people in its basin and along the White Nile. The aim of this study was to usedecade-long time series of measured lake flow in the lake system and phosphorus deposition todevelop a suitable numerical model based on shallow water equations (SWE) for assessing waterquality in Lake Victoria, an increasingly important tool under climate variation. Different tech-niques were combined to identify a numerical model that included: i) a high-resolution SWEmodel to establish raindrop diffusion to trace pollutants; ii) a two-dimensional (2D) verticallyintegrated SWE model to establish lake surface flow and vertically transported wind speed flowacting on lake surface water by wind stress; and iii) a site-specific phosphorus deposition sub-model to calculate atmospheric deposition in the lake. A smooth (non-oscillatory) solution wasobtained by applying a high-resolution scheme for a raindrop diffusion model. Analysis with thevertically integrated SWE model generated depth averages for flow velocity and associatedchanges in water level profile in the lake system and showed unidirectional whole lake windblowing from the southwest to northeast. The atmospheric phosphorous deposition modelenabled water value assessment for mass balances with different magnitudes of both inflows andoutflows demonstrating annual total phosphorus at 13, 500 tons concentrating at mid-lakewestern and eastern parts. The model developed here is simple and suitable for use in assess-ing flow changes and lake level changes and can serve as a tool in studies of lake bathymetry andnutrient and pollution transport processes. Our study opens towards refining models of complexshallow-water systems, QC 20240212

Cybersecurity investments are made within a complex and ever-evolving environment, where regulatory changes represent a significant risk factor. While cybersecurity regulations aim to minimize cyber risks and enhance protection, the uncertainty arising from frequent changes or new regulations can significantly impact organizational response strategies. This paper explores the determinants and implications of regulatory risks associated with cybersecurity, aiming to provide a deeper understanding of how these risks influence strategic decision-making. The study delves into the suggestion of preventive and mitigative controls that enable businesses to adapt to and mitigate potential disruptions caused by regulatory changes, thereby preserving their established cybersecurity practices. Another key contribution of this study is the introduction of a stochastic econometric model that illustrates how regulatory risks and uncertainties can affect investment behaviors, often prompting a “wait-and-see” stance. This model synthesizes the complex relationship among investment choices, regulatory changes, and cybersecurity risks, providing insights into the dynamic nature of cybersecurity investment strategies. The research findings offer valuable guidance for risk management and strategic planning in cybersecurity investments. By comprehensively understanding the drivers and impacts of regulatory risks, businesses and policymakers can develop more effective risk evaluation and management approaches. This is essential for sustaining a strong cybersecurity posture while navigating the changing regulatory environment., H2020 ARCADIAN-IoT

Panarthropoda is a monophyletic group of invertebrate animals with a segmented body, paired appendages, dorsal brain, and ventral nerve cords. In order to study the mechanisms underpining their evolution, I study the genetic factors that drive their development. A typical research strategy is the candidate gene approach, in which orthologs of genes from a well established model organisms such as the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster are studied in other more or less related species for comparison. Recently developed single-cell RNA sequencing technologies allow the profiling of gene expression on the level of individual cells, and thus provide a much more detailed insight into gene expression. In Paper-I, I applied the candidate gene approach to study the potential role of two transcription factors, called tiptop/teashirt and spalt, as trunk-selectors in panarthropods. In Paper-II, I applied single-cell RNA sequencing to obtain the transcriptome of embryonic cells from spiders at mid-to-late stage in development. This generated a gene expression/gene-cell matrix that I analyzed to define the identity of cell clusters. In Paper-III, I present an improved SCS data analysis based on the data presented in Paper-II. This revealed a number of new cell clusters including a cluster that is characterized by known eye-developmental genes, genes that have previously not been identified as eye-developmental genes, and hitherto un-investigated genes. My in-situ hybridization analyis shows that these genes are potential novel factors of eye development in the spider. This work constitutes a successful example of the advantages of applying scRNA-seq in the study of panarthropod evolution and development.

School-age educare centres (SAEC) have traditionally been places with room for play and for the realization of children’s interests, initiatives, and needs. In recent years, there have been discursive shifts, where SAEC has moved from a social pedagogical arena towards an educational pedagogical one. This change is the focus of this dissertation’s study, which aims to contribute knowledge about how science and technology are expressed in SAEC teaching. The study is ethnographically inspired, and video observations and field notes, as well as formal and informal interviews have been used as data collection methods. The study has been conducted at three different SAEC with diverse conditions. One is located at a compulsory school for pupils with intellectual disabilities, one is an outdoor SAEC, and one is what could be described as an 'ordinary' SAEC that reflects contemporary conditions of SAEC; a large number of enrolled students, inadequate facilities, and a low proportion of staff with pedagogical training. Critical discourse analysis (CDA) in accordance with Norman Fairclough has been used as a theoretical and methodological framework. The study’s results indicate that there is a desire among SAEC staff to conduct goal-directed teaching, that is, to plan teaching in advance, based on the curriculum’s goals, to carry it out systematically so that all students have access to the teaching, and to base it on students’ interests. The results show the challenges that SAEC staff face in delivering the teaching. These include difficulties in finding time and space for teaching, getting students to want to participate, and getting them interested. Another challenge is the difficulty of implementing SAEC group-oriented approach within SAEC in compulsory school for pupils with intellectual disabilities. SAEC staff mostly rely on traditional teaching methods, mainly developed within the framework of the school. At the same time, the results show other ways of realizing the, Fritidshem har av tradition varit en plats med utrymme för lek och tillvaratagande av barns intressen, initiativ och behov. På senare år har det skett diskursförskjutningar där fritidshemmet rört sig från en socialpedagogisk arena mot en utbildningspedagogisk. Det är denna förändring som avhandlingens studie intresserar sig för genom att studera och bidra med kunskap om hur naturvetenskap och teknik kommer till uttryck i fritidshemmets undervisning. Studien är etnografiskt inspirerad. Videoobservationer, fältanteckningar samt formella och informella samtal har använts som datainsamlingsmetod. Studien har genomförts på tre olika fritidshem med skilda förutsättningar. Ett av fritidshemmen finns på anpassad grundskola, ett är ett utomhusfritidshem och ett är vad som skulle kunna betecknas som ett "vanligt" fritidshem som avspeglar fritidshemmets nutida villkor: ett stort antal inskrivna elever, bristfälliga lokaler och låg andel personal med pedagogisk utbildning. Kritisk diskursanalys (CDA) i enlighet med Norman Fairclough har använts som teoretisk och metodologisk utgångspunkt. Studiens resultat visar att det finns en vilja hos fritidshempersonal att bedriva en målstyrd undervisning, det vill säga planera undervisning i förväg baserat på läroplanens mål, genomföra den på ett systematiskt sätt så att alla elever får del av undervisningen och i detta ta utgångspunkt i elevers intresse. Resultaten visar på de utmaningar som fritidshemspersonalen stöter på när de realiserar undervisningen. Det handlar bland annat om svårigheter att hitta tid och plats för undervisningen, att få eleverna att vilja delta och att få dem intresserade. En annan utmaning är svårigheten att genomföra fritidshemmets grupporienterade arbetssätt i fritidshem på anpassad grundskola. I hög grad lutar fritidshemspersonal sig tillbaka på traditionella undervisningstraditioner, huvudsakligen utvecklade inom ramen för skolan. Samtidigt visar resultaten på andra sätt att realisera undervisningsuppdraget

This qualitative study mainly addresses and examines the impact digital tools have on pupilsin education concerning their comprehension and also the pupils' own perception of the useof digital tools. The study is based on a phenomenological and hermeneutic approach withfocus on two questions: “How can the use of digital tools affect pupils’ understanding ofscience education?” and “What opinions emerge in the pupils’ descriptions of the use ofdigital tools in science education?”. The questions are answered through analysing andinterpreting the response from a survey and interview and comparing them to previousresearch. The results, among other things, are that the effects on pupils' comprehension of theteaching in connection with the use of digital tools are both positive and negative. Thepositive opinions of the pupils show that teaching with digital tools makes learning more funand easy. Digital tools enable faster understanding of scientific concepts and can give thepupils quicker feedback from the teacher. Negative opinions, on the other hand, show that useof digital tools cause distractions during class that in turn lead to stress. Some pupils indicatethat the education becomes uniform when it includes digital tools. The study concludes thatthe opinions of the pupils are diverse, but that digital tools are mostly considered to have apositive impact on learning in science education.