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  • 1.
    Abdel–Khalik, Jonas
    et al.
    Storbritannien.
    Björklund, Erland
    Kristianstad University, School of Education and Environment, Avdelningen för Naturvetenskap. Kristianstad University, Plattformen för molekylär analys. Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Avdelningen för miljö- och biovetenskap. Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Research environment MoLab.
    Hansen, Martin
    USA.
    Development of a solid phase extraction method for the simultaneous determination of steroid hormones in H295R cell line using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry2013In: Journal of chromatography. B, ISSN 1570-0232, E-ISSN 1873-376X, Vol. 935, no September, p. 61-69Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The H295R in vitro cell line produces the majority of the steroidogenesis, for which reason it is commonly used as a screening tool for endocrine disrupting chemicals. Simultaneous determination of the precursor cholesterol and key steroid hormones could give a broad insight into the mechanistic disruption of the steroidogenesis. Steroid hormones have primarily been extracted from H295R incubation medium by means of liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and the obtained recoveries and matrix effects have typically not been stated or assessed. In the present study a solid-phase extraction (SPE) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous extraction of cholesterol and five key steroid hormones pregnenolone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone, cortisol and aldosterone from H295R incubation medium, and finally detected by LC-MS/MS. Cholesterol was recovered at a level of 55.7%, while steroid hormone recoveries ranged from 98.2 to 109.4%. Matrix effects varied between -0.6% and 62.8%. Intra-day precision was deemed acceptable, but the inter-day precision for pregnenolone and aldosterone exceeded the precision limit of 15% RSD. Although LLE has been the most frequently used extraction method in H295R studies, however, our investigation has shown that SPE may relatively easily extract and recover steroid hormones, potentially replacing LLE.

  • 2.
    Abdel–Khalik, Jonas
    et al.
    Institute of Mass Spectrometry, College of Medicine, Swansea University.
    Björklund, Erland
    Kristianstad University, School of Education and Environment, Avdelningen för Naturvetenskap. Kristianstad University, Plattformen för molekylär analys. Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Avdelningen för miljö- och biovetenskap. Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Research environment MoLab.
    Hansen, Martin
    Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Stanford University.
    Simultaneous determination of endogenous steroid hormones in human and animal plasma and serum by liquid or gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry2013In: Journal of chromatography. B, ISSN 1570-0232, E-ISSN 1873-376X, Vol. 928, no June, p. 59-77Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Analytical methodologies based on liquid or gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry for the simultaneous determination of two or more endogenous steroid hormones in human and animal plasma and serum has received increased attention the last few years. Especially in the clinical setting steroid profiling is of major importance in disease diagnostics. This paper discusses recent findings in such multi-steroid hormone procedures published from 2001 to 2012. The aim was to elucidate possible relationships between chosen analytical technique and the obtained analyte sensitivity for endogenous steroid hormones. By evaluating the success, at which the currently applied techniques have been utilized, more general knowledge on the field is provided. Furthermore the evaluation provides directions in which future studies may be interesting to conduct.

  • 3.
    Abdel-Khalik, Jonas
    et al.
    England.
    Björklund, Erland
    Kristianstad University, School of Education and Environment, Avdelningen för Naturvetenskap. Kristianstad University, Plattformen för molekylär analys. Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Avdelningen för miljö- och biovetenskap. Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Research environment MoLab.
    Nielsen, Frederik Knud
    Danmark.
    Hansen, Martin
    Danmark.
    Incorporation of (14)C-cholesterol in human adrenal corticocarcinoma H295R cell line and online-radiodetection of produced (14)C-steroid hormone metabolites2017In: Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, ISSN 0731-7085, E-ISSN 1873-264X, Vol. 145, p. 569-575Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    This study demonstrates the addition of (14)C-cholesterol to the human cell line H295R will in-situ form radiolabeled steroid hormones allowing for new mechanistic and metabolic insights. The aim of the present study was to in-situ radiolabel steroid hormones from cell line-incorporated (14)C-cholesterol using the OECD guideline 456, H295R steroidogenesis in-vitro assay. Radiodetection of the steroid metabolites of the steroidogenic pathway allows for an improved understanding of the various enzymatic mechanisms involved without necessarily being dependent on quantification. Generated radiolabeled steroids were analyzed using HPLC hyphenated with a Flow Scintillation Analyzer (FSA). H295R cells were incubated with radiolabeled cholesterol and cell media were collected and prepared by solid phase extraction and analyzed with HPLC-FSA. For successful radiolabeling of the steroids in the steroidogenesis of H295R cells, radioactive cholesterol may potentially only need to be added just before the cells are incubated for 72h in well plates. Based on the obtained HPLC-FSA chromatograms, and confirmation of the observations by studies in the literature, a qualitative time profile for the production of steroid hormones was estimated. Multiple radiolabeled steroid hormones were identified by means of analytical standards and UV (ultraviolet) co-chromatography, though the elucidation of multiple metabolites remains unresolved. Although online radiodetection proved to suffer from suboptimal sensitivity, the concept of radiolabeling the steroidogenesis in H295R cells with (14)C-cholesterol and detecting the radiolabeled steroid hormones online was proved and may assist in further toxicological studies.

  • 4.
    Aghi, Nawar
    et al.
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science.
    Abdulal, Ahmad
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science.
    House Price Prediction2020Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    This study proposes a performance comparison between machine learning regression algorithms and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The regression algorithms used in this study are Multiple linear, Least Absolute Selection Operator (Lasso), Ridge, Random Forest. Moreover, this study attempts to analyse the correlation between variables to determine the most important factors that affect house prices in Malmö, Sweden. There are two datasets used in this study which called public and local. They contain house prices from Ames, Iowa, United States and Malmö, Sweden, respectively.The accuracy of the prediction is evaluated by checking the root square and root mean square error scores of the training model. The test is performed after applying the required pre-processing methods and splitting the data into two parts. However, one part will be used in the training and the other in the test phase. We have also presented a binning strategy that improved the accuracy of the models.This thesis attempts to show that Lasso gives the best score among other algorithms when using the public dataset in training. The correlation graphs show the variables' level of dependency. In addition, the empirical results show that crime, deposit, lending, and repo rates influence the house prices negatively. Where inflation, year, and unemployment rate impact the house prices positively.

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  • 5.
    Ahlerup, Amanda
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science.
    Naturen, kulturen och helheten: En studie i hur kulturreservatens informationstexter skildrar samspelet mellan natur och kultur i landskapet2019Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [sv]

    Den europeiska landskapskonventionen belyser att landskapet skapas genom påverkan av och i samspel mellan naturliga processer och mänsklig kultur. Konventionen har bidragit till en medvetenhet kring vikten av att uppmärksamma detta samspel och behovet av en integrerad natur- och kulturmiljövård. Kulturreservaten knyter genom sin intention att förmedla natur- och kulturhistoriska helheter an till landskapskonventionen. Syftet med denna studie är att undersöka i vilken utsträckning kulturreservatens informationstexter skildrar samspelet mellan naturelement och kulturelement i landskapet. Informationstexter i nio kulturreservat har analyserats genom en innehållsanalys där förekomsten av fristående naturelement och kulturelement samt samspel mellan naturelement och kulturelement har kvantifierats. Resultatet visar att skildringar av samspel förekommer i 60% av reservatens informationstexter. Detta indikerar att uppdelningen av skyddsvärda områden i natur- och kulturreservat möjligen är obefogad då landskapet inte låter sig indelas i natur och kultur. 

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  • 6.
    Ahnfelt, Nils-Otto
    et al.
    Uppsala Universitet.
    Fors, Hjalmar
    Karolinska Institutet.
    Wendin, Karin
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Research Environment Food and Meals in Everyday Life (MEAL). Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Avdelningen för mat- och måltidsvetenskap.
    Assessing sensory properties of the early modern medicine “Elixir amarum Hiaernei”2018Conference paper (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Introduction

    We are reworking the early modern medicine with focus on products, today known as Swedish Bitters or similar names, and historically as “Elixir amarum Hiaernei”. The history of the recipe dates back at least to mid-18th century. It was probably one of the Hiaerne-brothers, Ulrik Leonhard (1712-1758) or Christian Henric (1709-1794), who invented this universal medication. From a number of Linnaeus sources from later 18th century it is well known that odor, flavor and taste were used to assess pharmacological potential of medicinal herbals.

    The purpose of this study was to assess ingredients of “Elixir amarum Hiaernei” from a sensory perspective.      

    Methods

    The ingredients in “Elixir amarum Hiaernei” according to the 18th century recipes: agarikon, aloe, gentian, myrrh, rhubarb, saffron, Theriac Andromachalis, zedoary together with alcohol and sugar.

    These ingredients were assessed by a trained sensory panel using a slightly modified version of the Flavor Profile Method®. Each ingredient was evaluated with respect to odor, taste and flavor.

    Results

    All ingredients were intense in taste, flavor and odor. The ingredients could be described due to its sensory characteristics, in which they differed largely. However, they had in common that they were high in bitterness.

    Discussion

    The ingredients of this historic medication had intense tastes, flavors and odors in line with historical sources. It points for example out that the senses, especially olfaction, was of high importance for the apothecary during the 18th century. In order to find the right blend of ingredients the sensory profiles were of highest importance, both ingredients and blended medication were valuated due to this by physicians as well as patients. Sensory evaluation was also of major importance in the quality assessment of medical herbals by the early modern apothecary.

     

    Sensory profiles of the medical ingredients will be presented at the Eurosense symposium.

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  • 7.
    Ahnfelt, Nils-Otto
    et al.
    Uppsala Universitet.
    Fors, Hjalmar
    Karolinska Institutet.
    Wendin, Karin
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Research Environment Food and Meals in Everyday Life (MEAL). Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Avdelningen för mat- och måltidsvetenskap.
    Historical continuity or different sensory worlds?: what we can learn about he sensory characteristics of early modern pharmaceuticals by taking them to a trained sensory panel2020In: Berichte zur Wissenschaftsgeschichte, ISSN 0170-6233, E-ISSN 1522-2365, ISSN 0170-6233, Vol. 43, no 3, p. 412-429Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Early modern medicine was much more dependent on the senses than its contemporary counterpart. Although acomprehensive medical theory existed that assigned great value to taste and odor of medicaments, historicaldescriptions of taste and odor appears imprecise and inconsistent to modern eyes. How did historical actors move from subjective experience of taste and odor to culturally stable agreements that facilitated communication about the sensory properties of medicaments?This paper addresses this question, not by investigating texts, but by going straight to the sensory impression, which certain substances convey.The aim is not to overwrite or rectify historical descriptions but to investigate whether modern methodologies for sensory assessment can be enlisted to understand the past. We draw on history of science for framing and research questions, pharmaceutical science for knowledge of pharmaceuticals and preparations,and food and meal science for assaying proceduresand protocols. We show that sensory evaluation can yield precise descriptions that would not have been alien to early modern medicine makers. However,there are problems with translating descriptions of taste between different historical contexts. By comparing contemporary descriptions of sensations with eighteenth-century ones, the article discusses how sensory descriptions are highly dependentoncontext, and subject to historicalchange.

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  • 8.
    Alassadi, Abdulrahman
    et al.
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science.
    Ivanauskas, Tadas
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science.
    Classification Performance Between Machine Learning and Traditional Programming in Java2019Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    This study proposes a performance comparison between two Java applications with two different programming approaches, machine learning, and traditional programming. A case where both machine learning and traditional programming can be applied is a classification problem with numeric values. The data is heart disease dataset since heart disease is the leading cause of death in the USA. Performance analysis of both applications is carried to state the differences in four main points; the development time for each application, code complexity, and time complexity of the implemented algorithms, the classification accuracy results, and the resource consumption of each application. The machine learning Java application is built with the help of WEKA library and using its NaiveBayes class to build the model and evaluate its accuracy. While the traditional programming Java application is built with the help of a cardiologist as an expert in the field of the problem to identify the injury indications values. The findings of this study are that the traditional programming application scored better performance results in development time, code complexity, and resource consumption. It scored a classification accuracy of 80.2% while the Naive Bayes algorithms in the machine learning application scored an accuracy of 85.51% but on the expense of high resource consumption and execution time.

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  • 9.
    Albenny, Dimah
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Sciences.
    Reducing meat consumption: a mixed methods study investigating attitudes of young adult omnivores2020Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Background

    Meat is one of the most nourishing and highly consumed foods, but the controversy around theconsumption of meat products, and the negative effects around the consumption of meatproducts led to increased scholarly attention on the user willingness to alter their meatconsumption. In Sweden, a guideline by the Livsmedelsverket (The Swedish National Food Agency) in 2015 encouraged people to consume less red and processed meat. This was because 72 per cent of men and 42 per cent of women in Sweden have individual consumption levels that exceed the 500 grams per week of red and processed meats as recommended by the World Cancer Research Fund.

    Objective

    This planned mixed-methods study inquires about the attitudes of young adult omnivorestowards the reduction of meat intake, their expected liking of changing dietary habits, andmotivation towards the reduction of meat consumption in Sweden. Changing dietary habits inthe current context refers to the participant’s willingness to favour meat alternatives.

    Methods

    The current study is a convergent mixed method design using both a quantitative survey andqualitative interviews to collect primary data.

    Results and conclusion

    The participants from both the qualitative and quantitative study are broadly worried about thehealth problems associated with high meat consumption and motivation for reducing meatconsumption was based on health as well as ethical issues. Being opposed to reducing meatconsumption is a common position for young adult omnivores. 

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  • 10.
    Alerstam, Thomas
    et al.
    Lund University.
    Bäckman, Johan
    Lund University.
    Johanna, Grönroos
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Research environment Man & Biosphere Health (MABH). Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Avdelningen för miljö- och biovetenskap.
    Olofsson, Patrik
    Heberg, Sweden.
    Strandberg, Roine
    Lund University.
    Hypotheses and tracking results about the longest migration: the case of the arctic tern2019In: Ecology and Evolution, E-ISSN 2045-7758Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The arctic tern Sterna paradisaea completes the longest known annual return migration on Earth, traveling between breeding sites in the northern arctic and temperate regions and survival/molt areas in the Antarctic pack‐ice zone. Salomonsen (1967, Biologiske Meddelelser, Copenhagen Danske Videnskabernes Selskab24, 1) put forward a hypothetical comprehensive interpretation of this global migration pattern, suggesting food distribution, wind patterns, sea ice distribution, and molt habits as key ecological and evolutionary determinants. We used light‐level geolocators to record 12 annual journeys by eight individuals of arctic terns breeding in the Baltic Sea. Migration cycles were evaluated in light of Salomonsen's hypotheses and compared with results from geolocator studies of arctic tern populations from Greenland, Netherlands, and Alaska. The Baltic terns completed a 50,000 km annual migration circuit, exploiting ocean regions of high productivity in the North Atlantic, Benguela Current, and the Indian Ocean between southern Africa and Australia (sometimes including the Tasman Sea). They arrived about 1 November in the Antarctic zone at far easterly longitudes (in one case even at the Ross Sea) subsequently moving westward across 120–220 degrees of longitude toward the Weddell Sea region. They departed from here in mid‐March on a fast spring migration up the Atlantic Ocean. The geolocator data revealed unexpected segregation in time and space between tern populations in the same flyway. Terns from the Baltic and Netherlands traveled earlier and to significantly more easterly longitudes in the Indian Ocean and Antarctic zone than terns from Greenland. We suggest an adaptive explanation for this pattern. The global migration system of the arctic tern offers an extraordinary possibility to understand adaptive values and constraints in complex pelagic life cycles, as determined by environmental conditions (marine productivity, wind patterns, low‐pressure trajectories, pack‐ice distribution), inherent factors (flight performance, molt, flocking), and effects of predation/piracy and competition.

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  • 11.
    Al-Galby, Mohamed
    et al.
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science.
    Arezou, Madani
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science.
    Hardware Root of Trust for Linux Based Edge Gateway2018Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Linux-based Edge Gateways that connects hundreds or maybe thousands of IoT devices, are exposed to various threats and cyber-attacks from the internet. These attacks form a considerable risk targeting the privacy and confidentiality of IoT devices throughout their gateways. Many researches and studies have been conducted to alleviate such a problem. One of the solutions can be achieved by building a root of trust based on a hardware module such as Trusted Platform Module (TPM) or software like Trusted Execution Environment (TEE). In this work, we provide a solution to the problem by enabling Hardware Root of Trust (HRoT) using TPM on a product from HMS Industrial Network AB known as GWen board, a Linux-based embedded system, used as gateway to connect IoT devices. We describe a method that uses the processor of the GWen (i.e. Zynq-7020 FPGA SoC) to enable secure boot. Besides, we provide a method to enable the TPM chip mounted on the GWen (i.e. SLB 9670 TPM 2.0) using TPM Software Stack TSS 2.0. We demonstrated, in detail, various use-cases using the TPM on GWen including cryptographic keys generation, secure key storage and key usage for different cryptographic operations. Furthermore, we conducted an analysis to the adopted solution by inspecting the latency of TPM commands on the GWen gateway. According to the high restrictions of TPM 2.0 specifications and based on our results, adding the TPM 2.0 to the IoT gateway GWen will enhance the security of its Linux distribution and will makes it possible to securely identify and authenticate the gateway on the network based on its secret keys that are stored securely inside its TPM.

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  • 12.
    Alho, Jussi S.
    et al.
    Ecological Genetics Research Unit, Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki.
    Herczeg, Gábor
    Ecological Genetics Research Unit, Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki.
    Söderman, Fredrik
    Population and Conservation Biology, Department of Ecology and Evolution, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University.
    Laurilla, Anssi
    Population and Conservation Biology, Department of Ecology and Evolution, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University.
    Jönsson, K. Ingemar
    Kristianstad University, School of Education and Environment, Avdelningen för Naturvetenskap. Kristianstad University, Forskningsmiljön Man and Biosphere Health (MABH).
    Merilä, Juha
    Ecological Genetics Research Unit, Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki.
    Increasing melanism along a latitudinal gradient in a widespread amphibian: local adaptation, ontogenic or environmental plasticity?2010In: BMC Evolutionary Biology, E-ISSN 1471-2148, Vol. 10, p. 317-Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BackgroundThe thermal benefits of melanism in ectothermic animals are widely recognized, but relatively little is known about population differentiation in the degree of melanism along thermal gradients, and the relative contributions of genetic vs. environmental components into the level of melanism expressed. We investigated variation in the degree of melanism in the common frog (Rana temporaria; an active heliotherm thermoregulator) by comparing the degree of melanism (i) among twelve populations spanning over 1500 km long latitudinal gradient across the Scandinavian Peninsula and (ii) between two populations from latitudinal extremes subjected to larval temperature treatments in a common garden experiment.

    ResultsWe found that the degree of melanism increased steeply in the wild as a function of latitude. Comparison of the degree of population differentiation in melanism (PST) and neutral marker loci (FST) revealed that the PST > FST, indicating that the differences cannot be explained by random genetic drift alone. However, the latitudinal trend observed in the wild was not present in the common garden data, suggesting that the cline in nature is not attributable to direct genetic differences.

    ConclusionsAs straightforward local adaptation can be ruled out, the observed trend is likely to result from environment-driven phenotypic plasticity or ontogenetic plasticity coupled with population differences in age structure. In general, our results provide an example how phenotypic plasticity or even plain ontogeny can drive latitudinal clines and result in patterns perfectly matching the genetic differences expected under adaptive hypotheses. 

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  • 13.
    Alhuttaitawi, Saif
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science.
    Storage System for Harvested Energy in IoT Sensors2018Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    This work presents an energy system design for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) after applying our design the WSN should theoretically have an infinite lifetime. Energy harvesting sources can provide suitable energy for WSN nodes and reduce their dependence on battery. In this project, an efficient energy harvesting and storage system is proposed. By using (two supercapacitors and four DC/DC converters with step up /step down capabilities) all of them controlled by Microcontroller via switches to consider the best way to save energy to keep the WSN alive as long as possible. The usage of supercapacitors as an energy buffer to supply the sensor components (microcontroller and radio) with energy it needs to work. We could control the energy flow according to a specific voltage levels in supercapacitors to guaranty the full functionality for WSN with minimizing the loss of energy, and that’s leads to long time life for the wireless sensor node WSN. Another important thing we find in our experiment that is the inner leakage of the supercapacitor and how it has a critical effect on how long it can serve our system with energy. This paper contains on two theoretical sections (Part one and part two) which are based on literature reviews, and one experimental section (Part three) based on experimental building the prototype, coding and testing.

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  • 14.
    Alkufai, Meysah
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Sciences.
    Fungerar AHA-metoden för epifytiska lavar och mossor?: En studie av naturvärdesindikatorer hos träd i park- och kyrkliga kulturmiljöer2021Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Old trees in cultural environments are receiving increasing attention in nature conservation due to their high conservation values and provide important habitat for endangered plant and animal species. The purposes of the study were to investigate whether Sörensson's AHA-method is applicable also to mosses and lichens, as well as to compare two environments with old trees. 443 trees were inventoried in Kristianstad, of which 230 in Tivoliparken and 213 in Östra begravningsplatsen. The trees were assessed based on the occurrence of: cavities, barkless areas, and so on. These findings were used to assign each tree to the five AHA classes of varying conservation value. Trees were also searched for predetermined lichens and mosses signalling high conservation value, and a simple count was made of the total number of trivial cryptogam species on each tree. Tivoliparken had a wider scatter of trees among the AHA classes; 56 in the highest value classes (class I and II), 114 in class III, and 60 as resource trees. At Östra begravningsplatsen, half of the oldest trees were in the two highest value classes and 93 in class III. The remaining trees ended up as resource trees. In total, 89 records of 6 signal species were made, and one wood fungus. There was a significant association between AHA class and richness of trivial species when trees of all species were pooled, but no association when beech and linden were assessed separately. These results suggest that the AHA method does not work on cryptogams.

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  • 15.
    Alm, Robert
    et al.
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Sciences.
    Imeri, Lavdim
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Sciences.
    A performance comparison between graph databases: Degree project about the comparisonbetween Neo4j, GraphDB and OrientDB on different operations2021Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    In this research we study what is the theoretical complexity of Neo4J, OrientDB and GraphDB, (three known Graph Databases that can be accessed by a Java instance), and how this complexity is manifested in a real life performance, To study their practical performance, a software was implemented and named as a profiler, which is capable to profile, (to record the time that is needed), each operation, and display the results in an accurate and organized manner. The technical documentation of those 3 databases was reviewed as well, to identify how the databases work, and what are their strong and weak points. By the profiling process, the best performance was displayed by Neo4J, and while OrientDB failed to deliver, GraphDB takes the second place in terms of performance. We can identify a potential in OrientDB’s approach, but its structure is too complex and rigid. Neo4J has a robust structure and an architecture that gives to it a great performance, while the Cypher syntax, which Neo4J uses, minimizes the possibility of human error. GraphDB is optimized for large scale public-data operations but performs well as a stand-alone solution as well.

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  • 16.
    Alsultan, Mohammed
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Avdelningen för miljö- och biovetenskap.
    Can rural Gaza Strip be both biogas “self-sufficient” and organic waste and wastewater problem free?2013Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    The rural areas in the Gaza Strip suffer from the problem of sanitation and organic waste as well as electricity and cooking fuel. In this thesis, the biogas plant was designed to solve those problems based on the fixed dome plant design as shown in Figure 3 and4. Therefore, the efficiency and selectivity was good for biogas plant which is easy for the local people disposal of organic waste and wastewater as well as self-sufficiency of biogas for cooking and electricity for the family. The sediments from the biogas plant are also used as fertilizers in agriculture. Thus it is possible to know the amount of biogas production, the cost of biogas, the amount of fertilizer, the cost of fertilizers and the amount of disposal of organic waste and wastewater. The calculation shows that the size of digester which is equal to 12 cubic meters as shown in figure 4.The construction is cost of $ 930 as shown in Table 2. Through the results will be disposed of organic waste, wastewater and manure are about 48 kilograms per day for the family. The Biogas is produced 0.5 tons of biogas is estimated about $ 100 in rural areas in the Gaza Strip. It is also produced fertilizers equivalent of $ 113 per month. So the results and calculations are clear that the rural family is self-sufficient of biogas, the dispose of organic waste and wastewater and agricultural growth by the fertilizers from the biogas plant. 

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  • 17.
    Altenhammar, Emma
    et al.
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science.
    Persson, Linn
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science.
    Lagringsduglighet av Conferencepäron i kyl och rumstemperatur: en jämförelse mellan ekologiskt och konventionellt odlade päron2020Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Introduction

    ‘Conference’ pear is a climactic autumn pear with unpredictable storage capacity. By studying the storage capacity of the pears, insights can be obtained which can reduce food waste.

    Aim

    The aim of this thesis is to study the storability of conference pears in refrigerated temperature against room temperature after longterm storage in modified atmosphere. The study compares conventionally and organically grown pears.

    Material and methods

    Organic and conventional Conference pears were studied in refrigerated and room temperature during a three week period. Every other day 5 pears were taken from each test group (organic in cool and room temperature, conventional in cool and room temperature). The pears went through a series of tests which measured weight, color, firmness, brix and pH. As a sensory study, a consensus test was made where pears were assessed by a panel according to predetermined attributes in seven-grade scales.

    Results

    The result shows that Conference pears stored at room temperature lost more weight than Conference pears stored in cool during the test period. The pH value dropped for all pear groups while Brix levels decreased for pears stored in cool, but increased for pears stored in room temperature. All pears developed a darker color throughout the test period, both internally and externally. Conventionally grown pears retained it’s green color best in cool storage compared to organically grown peras, but developed a yellow tone instead. All organic pears were perceived to develop a grainier texture and a more brownish color than conventional pears.

    Conclusion

    The shelf-life of Conference pears became shorter in room temperature compared to the refrigerated temperature after long-term storage in modified atmosphere. With the exception of the pears starting values, the ripening behavior of organic and conventional pears are similar except that the conventional pears developed a more yellow color over time and the organic pears developed a more brown color instead.

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  • 18.
    Alwan, Dawid
    et al.
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Sciences.
    Johansson, Patrik
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Sciences.
    Texturskillnad i kyckling: påverkar ett tillskott av morötter och grönkål i fodret de sensoriska egenskaperna hos kyckling?2018Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Introduction: Being able to influence the sensory properties of chicken by affecting the feed during breeding, is an interesting concept that can lead to many possibilities. At Bosarp's farm just outside of Blentarp in Skåne they have tried to execute this concept by adding carrots and kale as a complement to the chicken’s basic diet.Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate whether carrot and kale, as a complement to the basal diet, affect the sensory characteristics of the chicken meat.Material and method: To achieve the aim of this study two different sensory differences tests have been applied, first a duo trio test and then a two paired sample test.Results: There were no differences regarding the appearance and taste characteristics between the samples of meat from chickens bred with or without the addition of carrots and kale in the feed, but there was a significant difference regarding the texture.Conclusion: There was a difference in texture, which was either due to the feeding, the cooking, the age of the chicken or handling of the chicken meat after slaughter.

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  • 19.
    Andersson, Amanda
    et al.
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science.
    Sidibé, Linnéa
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science.
    Stigande havsnivåers påverkan på kulturmiljöer och naturtyper: En studie längs Skånes kust och i Vellinge kommun2019Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [sv]

    Stora klimatförändringar sker just nu globalt, en konsekvens av dessa förändringar är stigande havsnivåer längs kusterna. En förhöjd havsnivå kan utgöra ett hot mot lågt liggande miljöer och andra värden i anslutning till kusten. I Sverige har ingen tidigare studie gjorts på hur kulturmiljöer och naturtyper påverkas av klimatförändringar så som stigande havsnivåer. Syftet med denna studie är att undersöka i vilken utsträckning kulturmiljöer och naturtyper längs Skånes kust kommer att påverkas av stigande havsnivåer på 1 m, 2 m och 3 m. Resultatet av den extensiva studien längs Skånes kust visar att det är flest kulturmiljöer som påverkas vid en förändrad havsnivå på 1 m i Vellinge och Lomma kommun, då 41 st respektive 15 st lämningar kommer att påverkas. De naturtyper som påverkas i störst omfattning längs Skånes kust är glasörtstränder, salta strandängar och strandängar vid Östersjön. Detaljstudien i Vellinge kommun visar att Riksantikvarieämbetets värderingsplattform är svår att applicera på kulturmiljöer utan lämpar sig bättre att applicera på enskilda objekt eftersom plattformens värderingsmall är för abstrakt för att identifiera och täcka in alla värden som en kulturmiljö omfattar. Länsstyrelsen i Västra Götalands åtgärdsförslag går att tillämpa olika bra beroende på kulturmiljön och vilka objekt den utgör. Även här är det lättare att tillämpa åtgärdsförslagen beroende på enskilda objekt, snarare än en hel kulturmiljö. Åtgärdsförslagen är svåra att applicera på naturtyper eftersom de flesta åtgärderna skulle skapa en barriär för växt- och djurlivet.

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  • 20.
    Andersson, Anna
    et al.
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science.
    Andersson, Sanna
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science.
    Aluntillverkningens betydelse för skogen: med ett exempel från Andrarums alunbruk i Skåne 1637–19122020Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Andrarums alummill left a great impression in the surrounding forest. The mill required large resources of wood to be able to process alum slate to alum, which meant that the need for wood resources was big. The area around the alummill was given a mark in the terrain in 1730, with 21 large stones placed along the circular periphery, which is called Verkalinjen. The purpose of the study is to investigate the importance of alum production for the forest inside the Verkalinjen. The focus of the thesis was to study the importance of wood consumption during the years when the mill was active. In addition to a general study for the entire area within the Verkalinjen, the study was delimited to the properties Breabäck, Snärpe, Rugeröd and Nybygget. The method and materials used in the essay are studies of historical map material and analysis of documents belonging to the archive at Christinehof. Maps were rectified and digitized in GIS-ArcMap, inside the Verkalinjen and in the selected research area. The result shows that the forest in the study area has decreased greatly between 1684 and 1704, from having been a forest area, to been transformed into a sparse and thin beech forest. The use of the forest has changed over time and the results show that there was a forest shortage in the study area during the 18th century. In the middle of the 17th century, it is believed that the forest in the Andrarums alummill district will never meet the needs of the mill in the long term and it will be difficult for the forest to recover. Replanting, housekeeping and grazing ban take effect, but despite this, an open and woodless landscape emerges during the 18th century, with elements of small islands of forest. The result also shows that the forest has recovered in the early 1900s and there is then a great variety of trees in the area, with both deciduous and coniferous forests.

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  • 21.
    Andersson, Annie
    et al.
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science.
    Habainy, Rana
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science.
    Friluftsliv i Östra Göinge: en undersökning om attityd och natur i Östra Göinge kommun2020Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    This thesis focuses on the attitude between nature and the residents of Östra Göinge municipality. The purpose of this research and thesis is to provide a clearer picture of the resident’s outdoor life and relationship to nature within the municipality. In addition, this research considered possible development opportunities in the outdoor life category within the community while also addressing the question of accessibility to green areas. This research used an online survey, distributed on Facebook, to groups linked to Östra Göinge. The results from the survey show that even though the residents of the community are satisfied with the access to green areas in the municipality, they still see development opportunities which will help promote outdoor life in Östra Göinge.

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  • 22.
    Andersson, Eva
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science.
    Toxikologisk tillväxtstudie av sötvattenalgen Raphidocelis subcapitata: En jämförelse mellan flödescytometer NovoCyte och automatisk cellräknare TC202018Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Biological toxicity tests are performed by exposing a test organism to different concentrations of chemicals over a certain period of time. Results from acute studies are presented as EC50 (Effect Concentration, affecting 50% of the population). Tests used as a basis for risk assessments shall be performed in a quality acceptable way based on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). The aim of this study was to study the toxic effect of potassium dichromate on unicellular green algae R. subcapitata, by counting cells with two different apparatus: flow cytometer and automatic cell counter. Additionally, to compare the EC50 mean values against the ISO 8692 value for control of test precision and to compare accuracy and analytical time of two methods. Potassium dichromate was used for growth inhibition in toxicity tests. The EC50 results showed no statistically significant difference between the two instruments (p = 0.47). The accuracy of acute toxicity analysis was confirmed as valid as both EC50 average measurement values compared to ISO 8692 value were found within the 95% confidence interval. When comparing the two methods of the study, greater spread was observed around the mean value in the cell count's results, where three EC50 values were outside 95% CI. The result of the flow cytometer had less spread and higher accuracy compared to the cell count. The study showed that flow cytometers could be used in future toxicological tests with algae, but several repeated tests are required to confirm the benefits of analysis with the flow cytometer.

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  • 23.
    Andersson, Fredrik
    et al.
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science.
    Hansson, Mattias
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science.
    Expansionsmöjligheter hos Acheta domesticus: En studie om syrsmjölets påverkan på färg,textur, gillande och expansion i extruderadmajskrok.2020Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    In line with a growing world population, higher demands are put on primary producers to supply raw materials in adequate quantities. Research in the area is of great importance in finding new sustainable sources of nutrients such as protein, which presently brings with it many environmental disadvantages. As the EU approves insects as food, more people are becoming aware of potential benefits they can provide. The purpose of this report is to investigate the effect of the addition of cricket flour on the color, texture, liking and expansion of an extruded corn puff. This is a step towards the implementation of insects in the Western diet. By analyzing the water and protein content of the extruded product, as well as measuring its color, texture, radial expansion and consumer appreciation, collected data can be compared and any correlations can be shown. The results of the study show that with a higher proportion of cricket flour the texture becomes more compact, shows less expansion and a color change toward a darker tone. The samples with a lower proportion of added cricket flour, and thus a better expansion, received the highest points of liking on all the questions in the consumer test.

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  • 24.
    Andersson, Johanna
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science.
    Heteronormativa blommor och könsrollsbundna bin, är naturen verkligen så normativ?: en analys av hur läroböcker i biologi och naturkunskap rekonstruerar normer om kön och sexualitet vid beskriviningar av djurs beteende2020Independent thesis Advanced level (professional degree), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [sv]

    Detta arbete handlar om hur normer om kön och sexualitet (re)konstrueras i biologiundervisningen, och fokuserar på innehåll om hur djurs beteende beskrivs. Tidigare forskning pekar på att undervisningen och läroböcker inom biologi och naturkunskap är mycket heteronormativ och förklarar kvinnor och män i dikotomiska termer. En del av forskningsrapporterna uppmärksammade också att det finns en svårighet att sammanföra det biologiska innehållet och innehåll som behandlar sexualitet, genus och relationer i undervisningen. Endast två studier är gjorda på hur normer om kön och sexualitet konstrueras då djurs beteende beskrivs. Då forskning visar att biologin och dess förklaringar på djurs beteende har betydelse för vad vi människor ser som naturliga beteenden för oss, kan innehåll om djurs beteende i undervisnngen ge normativa föreställningar om kön och sexualitet. Undersökningen gjordes utifrån frågeställningarna: 

    Vilka förklaringar om djurs beteende utifrån kön och sexuella strategier framställs i läroböcker för kurserna biologi 1 och naturkunskap 2 för gymnasieskolan?

    Vilka följemeningar om kön och sexualitet kan dessa beskrivningar ge elever? 

    Tre läroböcker i biologi och tre läroböcker i naturkunskap analyserades med diskursanalys som analysmetod. Resultatet visade bland annat att det fanns betydligt mer innehåll i biologiböckerna än naturkunskapsböckerna, att antalet normativa beskrivnngar skiljde sig mycket åt mellan böckerna, och att en del böcker riskerar att ge eleverna normativa föreställningar om kön och sexualitet. Följemeningar som identifierades för några av böckerna var bland annat att beteendemässiga könsskillnader är biologiskt bestämt och att heterosexualiteten är naturlig. Perspektiv som är viktiga för arbetet och som är utgångspunkter är teorin om diskurser, normer, queerteori, samt queer- och genusperspektiv på biologi.

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  • 25.
    Andersson, Max
    et al.
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science.
    Öhman, Eric
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science.
    Konsumtionsval, uppfattningar och inställningar: vad utgör studenters attityder till fermenterade drycker?2019Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Fermentation is a process that mankind has used since the first civilizations. These ancient methods are still being used today and fermented beverages has since the last few decades gained an acceptance over the world and is considered a trend. The aim of this study was to study students’ attitudes toward fermented beverages with low or no alcoholic contents, with a focus on the knowledge about these beverages, why and when they are consumed and also in what context. The study consisted of an initial shorter questionnaire which was distributed to students at the Kristianstad University, Sweden followed by an individual semi-structured interview. The results showed great variations regarding the students’ knowledge of fermented beverages and if they had tried any of these. The students’ attitudes were characterized by values and norms and the results from the questionnaire showed that many individuals consumed fermented beverages for its health-promoting effects. Instead of drinking alcoholic beverages and also to try something new. This also emerged from the interviews where health and environmental awareness were important reasons as to why fermented beverages were consumed, but also curiosity over trying something new. The results from both the questionnaire and the interviews showed that these beverages were consumed at dinner, parties or other social gatherings. All informants agreed that fermented beverages derive complex attributes and that maybe it might be these attributes that makes it possible for these beverages to take on a large audience as they do today. From this study a conclus

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    Konsumtionsval, uppfattningar och inställningar - vad utgör studenters attityder till fermenterade drycker?
  • 26.
    Andersson, Rachele
    et al.
    Lunds universitet.
    Jönsson, Peter
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Education, Department of Psychology. Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Research environment Man & Biosphere Health (MABH).
    Sandsten, Maria
    Lunds universitet.
    Stochastic modeling and optimal time-frequency estimation of task-related HRV2019In: Applied Sciences, E-ISSN 2076-3417, Vol. 9, no 23, p. 1-16, article id 5154Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    In this paper, we propose a novel framework for the analysis of task-related heart rate variability (HRV). Respiration and HRV are measured from 92 test participants while performing a chirp-breathing task consisting of breathing at a slowly increasing frequency under metronome guidance. A non-stationary stochastic model, belonging to the class of Locally Stationary Chirp Processes, is used to model the task-related HRV data, and its parameters are estimated with a novel inference method. The corresponding optimal mean-square error (MSE) time-frequency spectrum is derived and evaluated both with the individually estimated model parameters and the common process parameters. The results from the optimal spectrum are compared to the standard spectrogram with different window lengths and the Wigner-Ville spectrum, showing that the MSE optimal spectral estimator may be preferable to the other spectral estimates because of its optimal bias and variance properties. The estimated model parameters are considered as response variables in a regression analysis involving several physiological factors describing the test participants’ state of health, finding a correlation with gender, age, stress, and fitness. The proposed novel approach consisting of measuring HRV during a chirp-breathing task, a corresponding time-varying stochastic model, inference method, and optimal spectral estimator gives a complete framework for the study of task-related HRV in relation to factors describing both mental and physical health and may highlight otherwise overlooked correlations. This approach may be applied in general for the analysis of non-stationary data and especially in the case of task-related HRV, and it may be useful to search for physiological factors that determine individual differences.

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  • 27.
    Andersson, Sebastian
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Avdelningen för mat- och måltidsvetenskap.
    En undersökning av baobabfruktens teknologiska och sensoriska egenskaper vid såstillverkning2020Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    The study will provide a sauce based on dehydrated baobabpulp. Baobab is a tree mostly grown in Africa of which the pulp, kernels, leaves and bark can be used for food applications or as herbal medication. The fruit has a high nutritional value of both macronutrients and micronutrients. During the study, dried pulp extracted from the baobab fruit was used as an emulsifier and flavoring of a sauce adapted for a vegan oats/kelpburger. In order to investigate which flavor the consumers prefer and to determine the taste of the end product, an acceptance test is carried out in a grocery store. A semi-trained panel was used to perform a descriptive test with oats/kelpburger and baobab emulsion. The sensory profile of the oat/kelpburger were developed from a previous project av Aventure AB. The descriptive test examined how the baobabsauce taste, pH and viscosity of affect the sensory profile of oats/kelpburger. The studies show that consumers prefer a sauce based on an emulsion with a lower viscosity and do not like a neutral baobabsauce. Upon swallowing, the level of liking of texture decreases and this may be due to insoluble particles in the baobabpulp. The different flavorings of the emulsions affected the oat/kelpburger's sensory profile differently, the Sudanese emulsion masked the taste and aroma of kelp while the neutral emulsion increased the intensity of the burnt taste and aroma of the oat/kelpburger.

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  • 28.
    Andersson, Sebastian
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science.
    Lipemi-interferens vid mätning av Hb på Sysmex XN-10 och HemoCue Hb 201+2019Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Anemia can arise from either loss of erythrocytes or impaired production of new erythrocytes. In order to discover and evaluate the treatment of anemic patients, correct Hb measurements are important. A common method to measure Hb concentration is photometry in combination with chemical conversion of the Hb. Like all light-dependent methods this suffers from a vulnerability to turbidity that scatters light. Lipemia is a common cause of turbidity caused by e.g. recent intake of high fat foods, diabetes mellitus, liver or kidney disease, alcoholism and some drugs. Manufacturers of Hb analyzers use different methods to counter the influence of interference from lipemia on measurements. Sysmex XN-10 analyzers use a fat dissolving sheath fluid in its photometric channel (HGB) and HemoCue measures absorbance at a second wavelength to compensate for turbidity. Sysmex XN-10 also has an optic channel (HGB-O) for counting reticulocytes by measuring their nucleic acid and Hb content. At the same time this channel measures Hb equivalents of erythrocytes and gives a calculated value of Hb content in the entire sample. The aim of this study was to compare the photometric and the optical channels for measuring Hb concentration in whole blood. Both the Sysmex XN-10 channels were compared with HemoCue Hb 201+ when measuring Hb concentrations in lipemic samples. Plasma Hb concentration was determined for the corresponding samples in order to investigate correlation between elevation in Hb concentration with and without simulated lipemia and in the plasma after centrifugation. Samples analyzed at Skånes University Hospital in Lund during the month of November 2018 (n = 392) using both HGB and HGB-O on XN-10 were compared using Spearman's signed correlations coefficient. Lipemia was simulated by using the fat emulsion Intralipid in a total of 32 samples. Samples collected and analyzed on the previous day was used for the study. Each sample was split into one part with added Intralipid to form a lipemic sample and one part with NaCl-solution of the same volume as Intralipid in the lipemic sample. The differences between lipemic and non lipemic samples was tested for significance by the non-parametric Wilcoxons signed ranks test for each of the methods. Significance between the three methods was tested by using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests. Level of significance was set to p < 0.05. The results showed good correlation between earlier test run on both HGB and HGB-O with a Spearman correlation score of 0,982.  A significant difference was found between lipemic and non lipemic samples with the photometric method (p < 0,001) but not the optical method (p = 0,11) on XN10. HemoCue Hb 201+ also showed a significant difference (p < 0,001) between lipemic and non lipemic samples but a lower median than HGB and less deviation than HGB-O. The median of HGB-O indicated that it was influenced the least by lipemia of the three methods but had the greatest deviation of the differences. The greater deviation of HGB-O values may have been caused by hemolysis since the method measures intra cellular Hb. HemoCue shows according to this study the slightest deviation of the three methods and a less heightened median value compared to HGB which confirms the methods suitability as complement to HGB when dealing with lipemic samples.

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  • 29.
    Andersson, Tobias
    et al.
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Sciences.
    Reinholdsson, Håkan
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Sciences.
    REST API vs GraphQL: A literature and experimental study2021Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    The purpose of this study is to compare the two architectural techniques REST and GraphQL. This thesis will compare the two techniques and what defines them. A literature study and experimental study are carried out by the researchers. Four applications have been developed that include the ability to disable and to enable caching for both technologies to test the performance effect of caching. Earlier work has not covered the effects on caching related to these two frameworks. The literature study results point to that REST services are up to date and GraphQL is a technique with a shorter history, but that has declared growth in the industry and is a well suited choice for example when bandwidth matters in mobile phone applications. In the experimental study the tests showed slightly better results on average for REST API in terms of total response time (ms). Depending on the intended project there are many factors that need to be evaluated before making a decision on which framework to use. 

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  • 30.
    Andiappan, Anand Kumar
    et al.
    Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore.
    Nilsson, Daniel
    Kristianstad University, School of Education and Environment, Avdelningen för Naturvetenskap. Kristianstad University, Forskningsmiljön Biomedicin.
    Halldén, Christer
    Kristianstad University, School of Education and Environment, Avdelningen för Naturvetenskap. Kristianstad University, Forskningsmiljön Biomedicin.
    Yun, Wang De
    Department of Otolaryngology, National University of Singapore.
    Säll, Torbjörn
    Department of Cell and Organism Biology, Lund University.
    Cardell, Lars Olaf
    Division of ENT Diseases, CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet.
    Tim, Chew Fook
    Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore.
    Investigating highly replicated asthma genes as candidate genes for allergic rhinitis2013In: BMC Medical Genetics, E-ISSN 1471-2350, Vol. 14, p. 51-Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Asthma genetics has been extensively studied and many genes have been associated with the development or severity of this disease. In contrast, the genetic basis of allergic rhinitis (AR) has not been evaluated as extensively. It is well known that asthma is closely related with AR since a large proportion of individuals with asthma also present symptoms of AR, and patients with AR have a 5-6 fold increased risk of developing asthma. Thus, the relevance of asthma candidate genes as predisposing factors for AR is worth investigating. The present study was designed to investigate if SNPs in highly replicated asthma genes are associated with the occurrence of AR.

    METHODS: A total of 192 SNPs from 21 asthma candidate genes reported to be associated with asthma in 6 or more unrelated studies were genotyped in a Swedish population with 246 AR patients and 431 controls. Genotypes for 429 SNPs from the same set of genes were also extracted from a Singapore Chinese genome-wide dataset which consisted of 456 AR cases and 486 controls. All SNPs were subsequently analyzed for association with AR and their influence on allergic sensitization to common allergens.

    RESULTS: A limited number of potential associations were observed and the overall pattern of P-values corresponds well to the expectations in the absence of an effect. However, in the tests of allele effects in the Chinese population the number of significant P-values exceeds the expectations. The strongest signals were found for SNPs in NPSR1 and CTLA4. In these genes, a total of nine SNPs showed P-values <0.001 with corresponding Q-values <0.05. In the NPSR1 gene some P-values were lower than the Bonferroni correction level. Reanalysis after elimination of all patients with asthmatic symptoms excluded asthma as a confounding factor in our results. Weaker indications were found for IL13 and GSTP1 with respect to sensitization to birch pollen in the Swedish population.

    CONCLUSIONS: Genetic variation in the majority of the highly replicated asthma genes were not associated to AR in our populations which suggest that asthma and AR could have less in common than previously anticipated. However, NPSR1 and CTLA4 can be genetic links between AR and asthma and associations of polymorphisms in NPSR1 with AR have not been reported previously.

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  • 31.
    Argento, Daniela
    et al.
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Business, Research environment Governance, Regulation, Internationalization and Performance (GRIP. Kristianstad University, Faculty of Business, Department of Business.
    Einarson, Daniel
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Avdelningen för datavetenskap. Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Research environment of Computer science (RECS).
    Mårtensson, Lennart
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Research environment Man & Biosphere Health (MABH). Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Avdelningen för miljö- och biovetenskap.
    Persson, Christel
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Education, Research environment Learning in Science and Mathematics (LISMA). Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Avdelningen för miljö- och biovetenskap.
    Wendin, Karin
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Research Environment Food and Meals in Everyday Life (MEAL). Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Avdelningen för mat- och måltidsvetenskap. Danmark.
    Westergren, Albert
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Health Science, Research Environment PRO-CARE, Patient Reported Outcomes - Clinical Assessment Research and Education. Kristianstad University, Research Platform for Collaboration for Health. Kristianstad University, Faculty of Health Science, Department of Nursing and Integrated Health Sciences. Lunds universitet.
    Integrating sustainability in higher education: a Swedish case2020In: International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, ISSN 1467-6370, Vol. 21, no 6, p. 1131-1150Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Purpose – This paper aims to unveil how sustainability is integrated into the courses/programmes ofhigher education institutions. The research question addressed is: how do academics representing differentdisciplines cooperate and engage in the work of integrating sustainability into their teaching programmes.Design/methodology/approach – This paper draws upon the notions of practise variation andinstitutional work from institutional theory and empirically focusses on the case of Kristianstad University(Sweden). This case is based on an autoethnographic approach and illustrates the experiences shared by sixcolleagues, representing different disciplines, engaged in implementing sustainability in their courses/programmes.Findings – The findings highlight how academics representing different disciplines, with specific traditionsand characteristics, face the sustainability challenge. Despite being bound by similar sustainable developmentgoals, differences across disciplines need to be acknowledged and used as an asset if trans-disciplinarity is theultimate goal.Research limitations/implications – Although the intrinsic motivation of individuals to work withsustainability might be a strong driver, the implementation of sustainability within courses/programmes andacross disciplines requires joint efforts and collective institutional work.Practical implications – By highlighting how academics engage in the work of integratingsustainability, this study emphasizes that managers of higher education institutions need to account for thetime and additional resources needed to ensure that academics effectively cope with sustainability. Intrinsicmotivation may not last if organizational structures and leadership are not supportive on a practical level andin the long run.

  • 32.
    Arponen, Omar
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science.
    Realtids-PCR för påvisande av plasmidburen ampicillinresistens: Kartläggning av förekomst i vattenisolat från Helge Å, Kristianstad2018Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    The antibiotic class β-lactams include drugs such as penicillins, cephalosporines, carbapenems and monobactams which mechanism of action is to inhibit cell-wall synthesis. Bacteria have developed several mechanisms to counter β-lactams. Bacteria can defend themselves from antibiotics by releasing enzymes that attack the antibiotic compound itself by hydrolysis, target alteration or redox reactions. Presence of antibiotics can also trigger a downregulation of genes coding for antibiotic binding proteins, as well as upregulation of proteins that serves as channel and pump proteins that ensure no accumulation of antibiotics occurs in the cytosol. The aim with the study was to investigate the presence of three plasmid-mediated genes (blaFOX, blaCIT(CMY-2) and blaMOX) coding for ampicillin resistance (pAmpC) in water isolates sampled from Helge River, Kristianstad. The detection of genes was done according to a previous optimized protocol for Real-Time PCR with SYBR™Green chemistry (duplex blaCIT(CMY-2)/blaMOX and singleplex blaFOX). The method proved not to be robust for multiplex PCR, only the singelplex for the gene blaFOX could produce valid results. 30 of 96 isolates were deemed as positive for the gene, whereas 27 of 79 were considered clinical relevant. Among the 27 isolates, 16 also harbored other genes for resistance (13 blaCTX-M, 2 blaOXA, 1 blaTEM and 1 blaSHV). One isolate carried on three resistancegenes (blaFOX, blaCTX-M och blaTEM). A majority of the positive isolates, 20 out of 27, were sampled near the pumpstation. The findings indicate that Helge river might be a reservoir for dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes.

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  • 33.
    Arvidsson, Åke
    et al.
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Research environment of Computer science (RECS). Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Avdelningen för datavetenskap.
    Grinnemo, Karl-Johan
    Karlstads universitet.
    Chen, Eric Zhi
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Avdelningen för datavetenskap. Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Research environment of Computer science (RECS).
    Wang, Qinghua
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Research environment of Computer science (RECS). Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Avdelningen för datavetenskap.
    Brunström, Anna
    Karlstads universitet.
    Web metrics for the next generation performance enhancing proxies2019In: 2019 27TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SOFTWARE, TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND COMPUTER NETWORKS (SOFTCOM) / [ed] Begusic, D Rozic, N Radic, J Saric, M, IEEE , 2019, p. 171-176Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The fast growth of Internet traffic, the growing importance of cellular accesses and the escalating competition between content providers and network operators result in a growing interest in improving network performance and user experience. In terms of network transport, different solutions ranging from tuning TCP to installing middleboxes are applied. It turns out, however, that the practical results sometimes are disappointing and we believe that poor testing is one of the reasons for this. Indeed, many cases in the literature limit testing to the simple and rare use case of a single file download, while common and complex use cases like web browsing often are ignored or modelled only by considering smaller files. To facilitate better testing, we present a broader view which includes domain counts, flow counts and different forms of concurrency to better characterise the complexity around web pages, and from which the potential for different optimisation techniques can be estimated. We also derive numerical values of these metrics for a small set of popular web pages and study similarities and differences between pages with the same kind of content (newspapers, e-commerce and video) and between pages designed for the same platform (computer and smartphone).

  • 34.
    Arvidsson, Åke
    et al.
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Avdelningen för datavetenskap. Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Research environment of Computer science (RECS).
    Ivanovich, Milosh
    Australien.
    Fitzpatrick, Paul
    Australien.
    Modelling user experience of adaptive streaming video over fixed capacity links2021In: Performance evaluation (Print), ISSN 0166-5316, E-ISSN 1872-745X, Vol. 148, p. 1-12, article id 102199Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Streaming video continues to experience unprecedented growth. This underscores the need to identify user-centric performance measures and models that will allow operators to satisfy requirements for cost-effective network dimensioning delivered with an acceptable level of user experience. This paper presents an analysis of two novel metrics in the context of fixed capacity links: (i) the average proportion of a video’s playing time during which the quality is reduced and (ii) the average proportion of videos which experience reduced quality at least once during their playing time, based on an M/M/∞ system. Our analysis is shown to hold for the more general M/G/∞ system for metric (i), but not for (ii) and simulation studies show an unexpected form of sensitivity of metric (ii) to the flow duration distribution, contrary to the norm of increasing variance causing worse performance. At typical operational loads these new metrics provide a more sensitive and information rich guide for understanding how user experience degrades, than the widely used average throughput metric does. We further show that only the combined use of this existing and our new metrics can provide a holistic perspective on overall user performance.

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  • 35.
    Arvidsson, Åke
    et al.
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Avdelningen för datavetenskap.
    Westberg, Lars
    Kungliga tekniska högskolan.
    Fast transport for edge computing in 5G networks2018In: Proceedings of 2018 26th International Conference on Software, Telecommunications and Computer Networks (SoftCOM) / [ed] Dinko Begušić, Nikola Rožić, Joško Radić, and Matko Šarić, New York: IEEE Communications Society, 2018, p. 41-45Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    We consider TCP performance for cloud servicesin 5G cellular networks and show that edge clouds offer the highest throughput, but that further improvements still arepossible. To this end we devise a concept where edge clouds connected directly to the radio access network can increase their transmission rates by relying on the built in re-transmissions (through quality of service features) and on the built in userfairness (through per-user buffers and scheduler policies). We use numerical examples from measurements in real networks to demonstrate that the concept is efficient and significantly improves the effective throughput beyond what placement alone can do, and we also outline possible further improvements.

  • 36.
    Arvidsson, Åke
    et al.
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Avdelningen för datavetenskap.
    Westberg, Lars
    Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan.
    Transport bottlenecks of edge computing in 5G networks2019In: Journal of Communication Software and Systems, ISSN 1845-6421, E-ISSN 1846-6079, Vol. 15, no 1, p. 59-65Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    We consider bottlenecks of TCP throughput in scenarios with edge clouds and 5G cellular networks. By numerical examples from measurements in real networks, we show that edge clouds indeed improve throughput but that several, nonnegligible bottlenecks remain. We therefore devise a concept where edge clouds connected directly to the radio access networkcan increase their transmission rates by relying on built in retransmissions (through quality of service features) and on the built in user fairness (through per-user buffers and scheduler policies). We then return to the numerical examples and show that our solution provides substantial gains and we concludeby identifying and discussing the remaining bottlenecks and the potential of an improved protocol.

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  • 37.
    Aspegren, Nina
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Sciences.
    Friluftsliv i fysisk planering: sammanställning av tillgång till natur för friluftsliv i Skånes kommuner2021Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [sv]

    Arbetet har utgått från ett av de 10 friluftslivsmål som fastställdes av regeringen år 2012. Friluftslivsmål nr. 4 tillgång till natur för friluftsliv, har målet att säkerställa möjligheter till friluftslivet genom hållbart brukande, fysisk planering och bevarande. Arbetet rör den fysiska tillgången till natur för friluftsliv. En sammanställning har gjorts av Skånes kommuner genom en enkätundersökning för att se om de har kartlagt och värderat naturområden för friluftsliv, hur de hanterar skydd för friluftsliv samt om det sker förändringar i tillgång till natur för friluftsliv i de kommunala översiktsplanerna, i så fall hur? Vidare analyseras svaren åt vilken utvecklingsriktning de följer i friluftslivsmålen. Sammanfattningsvis har en majoritet av kommunerna gjort kartläggning av områden för friluftsliv eller planerar att göra det inom 1–2 år. Skydd för friluftsliv har en stark plats i den fysiska planeringen och det värderas högt med ett skydd specifikt för friluftsliv. Kommunerna behandlar friluftslivsmålen i dess fysiska planering och en positiv riktning i friluftslivsmålen kan tydas från resultatet. Markanvändningen förändras positivt för friluftslivet. Resultatet visar på en positiv utvecklingsriktning i insatserna för målen.

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  • 38.
    Augustsson, Johanna
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science.
    De öppna fältens rationalisering i områden med olika ägarstruktur i nordöstra Helsingborg under perioden 1947–2017: Med fokus på trädrader och habitatöar2019Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [sv]

    De senaste 50 åren har intensifieringen av jordbruket ökat i takt med maskinernas framfart. Detta på bekostnad av att livsviktiga biotoper för djur och växter försvunnit, då åkerlandskapet blivit allt mer homogent. Skogen och jordbrukslandskapet är två av de artrikaste landskapstyperna och utgör idag störst hot för Sveriges rödlistade arter. Undersökningsområdet ligger i nordvästra Skånes åkerlandskap och uppsatsen behandlar jordbruksmarkens öppna fält och dess utveckling. Uppsatsen belyser även skillnader mellan små- och medelstora jordbruk jämfört med storjordbruk i ett område bestående av Fleninge, Kropp, Holk och Rosendal, belägna i nordöstra Helsingborgs kommun. Undersökningsområdet är intressant för att studera olika markägares förhållningssätt till jordbruksmarken. En GIS-analys över områdets landskapsutveckling av öppna fält, trädrader och habitatöar presenteras för åren 1947, 1965 och 2017. Analysen visar att medelstorleken på de öppna fälten, betesmarken och åkermarken i båda undersökningsområdena har mer än fördubblats på 70 år, med störst förändring på storjordbruket. Det syns även tydligt att antalet fält successivt minskat med åren då 197 fält har försvunnit på de små- och medelstora jordbruken samtidigt som 69 försvunnit i storjordbruksområdet. En genomsnittlig minskning av trädrader, med cirka 129 meter per år, sker på det små- och medelstora jordbruket, där minskningen är störst. Habitatöarna går från att ha varit vanligare inom storjordbruket till att merparten försvinner under undersökningsperiodens senare del. På det små- och medelstora jordbruket ökar antalet habitatöar även om en stor andel habitatöar avlägsnas, så tillkommer många. År 2017 finns totalt 99 habitatöar i undersökningsområdet, vilket innebär en minskning med cirka 0,4 habitatöar per år. Habitatöarna har dock varit svåra att analysera, detta ser dock ut att hänga samman med att glesa typer av trädrader tillkommer där, vilka enligt gängse kategoriseringskriterier inte räknas till trädrader utan blir individuella habitatöar. Denna utveckling har troligen en negativ inverkan på den biologiska mångfalden i området. Då minskning av habitat och biotoper är ett av de största hoten för biodiversiteten och arters utrotning är det grundläggande att jordbruket istället bidrar till bevarande av arter för en hållbar framtid.

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  • 39.
    Axelsson, Carolina
    et al.
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Research environment Man & Biosphere Health (MABH). Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Avdelningen för miljö- och biovetenskap. Lunds universitet.
    Rehnstam-Holm, Ann-Sofi
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Research environment Man & Biosphere Health (MABH). Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Avdelningen för miljö- och biovetenskap. Lunds universitet.
    Nilson, Bo
    Lunds universitet.
    Rapid detection of antibiotic resistance in positive blood cultures by MALDI-TOF MS and an automated and optimized MBT-ASTRA protocol for Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae2019In: Infectious Diseases, ISSN 2374-4235, E-ISSN 2374-4243Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Introduction: For fast and effective antibiotic therapy of serious infections like sepsis, it is crucial with rapid information about antibiotic susceptibility, especially in a time when the number of infections caused by multi resistant bacteria has escalated in the world.Methods: Here, we have used a semi-quantitative MALDI-TOF-MS based method for antibiotic resistance detection, MBT-ASTRA™, which is based on the comparison of growth rate of the bacteria cultivated with and without antibiotics. We demonstrate a new protocol where several parameters have been optimized and automated leading to reduced hands-on time and improved capacity to simultaneously analyse multiple clinical samples and antibiotics.Results: Ninety minutes of incubation at 37 °C with agitation was sufficient to differentiate the susceptible and resistant strains of E. coli and K. pneumoniae, for the antibiotics cefotaxime, meropenem and ciprofloxacin. In total, 841 positive blood culture analyses of 14 reference strains were performed. The overall sensitivity was 99%, specificity 99% and the accuracy 97%. The assay gave no errors for cefotaxime (n = 263) or meropenem (n = 289) for sensitive and resistant strains, whilst ciprofloxacin (n = 289) gave six (0.7%) major errors (false resistance) and four (0.5%) very major errors (false susceptibility). The intermediate strains showed a larger variety compared to the E-test MIC values.Conclusions: The hands-on time and the analysis time to detect antibiotic resistance of clinical blood samples can be substantially reduced and the sample capacity can be increased by using automation and this improved protocol.

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  • 40.
    Bagewitz, Cornelia
    et al.
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science.
    Gustavsson, Emelie
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science.
    Metoder för minskat matsvinn: ett fokuserat fältarbete på gymnasieskolor2018Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Introduction

    About one-third of all food produced for human consumption in the world is either wasted or lost. This means that large amounts of resources, which are used in the production of food, are used in vain. If the food waste would decrease it would reduce the carbon dioxide emissions, lower the energy- and raw material consumption and reduce the environmental impact. Food waste is not a new area of research, however, there is a need for more studies that address methods for reducing it. A big part of the food waste in Sweden comes from large-scale catering establishments, especially from schools, which leads to the aim of this study.

     

    Aim

    The aim is to study which methods a couple of upper secondary schools are using for reducing their food waste, the employees experience of the methods and their thoughts on measures of improvement.  

     

    Method

    Interviews and observations were carried out using focused ethnography in four upper secondary schools in Helsingborg. The collected data was reviewed using thematic analysis. The literature in the study was used as an analytical tool.

     

    Results

    The methods used by the schools consisted of different ways of serving, re-using food, smaller garbage cans, communication, competition, and measuring and keeping track of the food waste. 

     

    Conclusion

    The methods perceived as most efficient were smaller sized serving tools, utilizing and re-using food, smaller garbage cans and measuring the food waste, while spoons used to taste the food before serving yourself was not considered as useful. The communication between the school and the kitchen staff needs to improve to facilitate the task of reducing food waste. Lectures about food waste could be a way to involve the students in the task.

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  • 41.
    Bak, Søren Alex
    et al.
    Analytical Bioscience, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen.
    Björklund, Erland
    Kristianstad University, School of Education and Environment, Avdelningen för Naturvetenskap. Kristianstad University, Plattformen för molekylär analys. Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Avdelningen för miljö- och biovetenskap. Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Research environment MoLab.
    Occurrence of ionophores in the Danish environment2014In: Antibiotics, E-ISSN 2079-6382, Vol. 3, no 4, p. 564-571Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Antibiotics in the environment are a potential threat to environmental ecosystems as well as human health and safety. Antibiotics are designed to have a biological effect at low doses, and the low levels detected in the environment have turned focus on the need for more research on environmental occurrence and fate, to assess the risk and requirement for future regulation. This article describes the first occurrence study of the antibiotic polyether ionophores (lasalocid, monensin, narasin, and salinomycin) in the Danish environment. Various environmental matrices (river water, sediment, and soil) have been evaluated during two different sampling campaigns carried out in July 2011 and October 2012 in an agricultural area of Zealand, Denmark. Lasalocid was not detected in any of the samples. Monensin was measured at a concentration up to 20 ng·L−1 in river water and 13 µg·kg−1 dry weight in the sediment as well as being the most frequently detected ionophore in the soil samples with concentrations up to 8 µg·kg−1 dry weight. Narasin was measured in sediment samples at 2 µg·kg−1 dry weight and in soil between 1 and 18 µg·kg−1 dry weight. Salinomycin was detected in a single soil sample at a concentration of 30 µg·kg−1 dry weight.

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  • 42.
    Bak, Søren Alex
    et al.
    Eurofins Denmark A/S, Environment, Vejen.
    Hansen, Martin
    Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Stanford University.
    Pedersen, Kenneth Munk
    Halling-Sørensen, Bent
    Björklund, Erland
    Kristianstad University, School of Education and Environment, Avdelningen för Naturvetenskap. Kristianstad University, Plattformen för molekylär analys. Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Avdelningen för miljö- och biovetenskap. Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Research environment MoLab.
    Quantification of four ionophores in soil, sediment and manure using pressurised liquid extraction2013In: Journal of Chromatography A, ISSN 0021-9673, E-ISSN 1873-3778, Vol. 1307, no September, p. 27-33Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    A multi-residue pressurised liquid extraction (PLE) methodology has been established for the determination of the four ionophores: lasalocid, monensin, salinomycin and narasin in solid environmental matrices. The PLE methodology is combined with solid phase extraction as clean-up using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry applying electrospray ionisation for detection. The samples were freeze-dried prior to extraction. The absolute recoveries for soil and sediment ranged from 71 to 123% (relative standard deviation (RSDs) below 16%) and in the range 94–133% (RSDs 9–35%) for poultry manure. The final method allowed for the detection of four ionophores down to a few hundred ng kg−1 in natural solid matrices with limit of quantifications (LOQs) being 0.96, 0.87, 0.98, and 0.64 μg kg−1 in soil for lasalocid, monensin, salinomycin, and narasin, respectively. Corresponding LOQs in sediment were 1.28, 1.34, 1.39, and 0.78 μg kg−1 for the respective ionophores, while in manure the LOQs were 0.98, 1.01, 1.45, and 1.01 μg kg−1.

  • 43.
    Bechshoft, Thea
    et al.
    Danmark.
    Wright, Andrew J.
    Danmark.
    Weisser, Johan J.
    Danmark.
    Teilmann, Jonas
    Danmark.
    Dietz, Rune
    Danmark.
    Hansen, Martin
    Danmark.
    Björklund, Erland
    Kristianstad University, Plattformen för molekylär analys. Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Avdelningen för miljö- och biovetenskap. Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Research environment MoLab. Danmark.
    Styrishave, Bjarne
    Danmark.
    Developing a new research tool for use in free-ranging cetaceans: recovering cortisol from harbour porpoise skin2015In: Conservation Physiology, E-ISSN 2051-1434, Vol. 3Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    We developed a chemical analytical procedure for sampling, extracting and determining epidermal skin cortisol concentrations (SCCs) in the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) using gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. In brief, this involved a pressurized liquid extraction with a two-step solid-phase clean-up. A derivatization step was conducted prior to detection. To evaluate the new assay, cortisol was analysed in three different sample types obtained from four harbour porpoises: skin plates, dorsal fin skin plugs (with and without lidocaine) and epidermal scrapes. Skin cortisol concentrations could be measured using the new assay in the majority of the tested skin samples down to a minimal sample size of 49 mg dry weight (dw). Water content ranged from 10 to 46% in the plug samples, which had SCCs from 2.1 to 77.7 ng/g dw. Epidermal scrape samples had the highest water content (83–87%) and lower SCCs (0.6–15 ng/g dw), while the skin plates had intermediate water contents (60–66%) and SCCs of 2.6–13.0 ng/g dw. SCC was slightly higher in plugs with lidocaine than without (average values of 41 and 33 ng/g dw, respectively). Substantial within-individual variations in cortisol concentrations are also common in other matrices such as blood and hair. Some important factors behind this variation could be e.g. the animal's sex, age, body condition, reproductive stage, and the body region sampled, as well as season, moulting cycles and water temperature. Clearly, more research into SCCs is required. The findings described here represent the first critical steps towards using epidermal skin cell samples to assess chronic stress levels in cetaceans and the development of a widely applicable health-assessment tool in these species.

  • 44.
    Beery, Thomas
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Education, Research environment Learning in Science and Mathematics (LISMA). Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Research environment Man & Biosphere Health (MABH). Kristianstad University, Faculty of Education, Department of Mathematics and Science Education.
    What we can learn from environmental and outdoor education during COVID-19: a lesson in participatory risk management2020In: Sustainability, E-ISSN 2071-1050, Vol. 12, no 21, p. 9096-Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    COVID-19 has impacted education on all levels, with many institutions turning to online formats to deal with the global public health crisis. This study aims to carefully consider participatory risk management, given concerns about the specific impact of COVID-19 upon environmental and outdoor education. An environmental and outdoor education expedition-style university-based field course at the Laponia World Heritage Site provided the context for considering environmental and outdoor education’s response to COVID-19. Whether or how risk could be effectively managed in the unique setting during the COVID-19 pandemic was explored using action research methodology. A combination of systematic instructor observation, student–instructor communication, and surveys to student participants provided the data to consider the research question. Outcomes underscore the critical role of participatory risk management in environmental and outdoor education settings and highlight the concept of interdependence in environmental and outdoor education risk management. In addition, the research provides support for the action research idea of practitioners as researchers.

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  • 45.
    Beery, Thomas H.
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Research environment Man & Biosphere Health (MABH). Kristianstad University, Faculty of Education, Avdelningen för matematik- och naturvetenskapernas didaktik.
    Exploring access to nature play in urban parks: resilience, sustainability, and early childhood2020In: Sustainability, E-ISSN 2071-1050, ISSN ISSN 2071-1050, Vol. 12, no 12Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Nature play is an important component of the development of resilience in early childhood. Nature play is also an element of urban sustainability through a consideration of access to urban nature. From the foundation of access to nature play as a part of both resilience and sustainability considerations, a mixed-method case study was initiated. Spatial analysis, survey outreach, and focus group methodology have been combined to consider whether city parkland provides access for preschools to incorporate nature play, and, further, whether other barriers may exist to limit or prevent the use of city parks for nature play by preschool programs. The results indicate the existence of quality proximate access, but other factors creating barriers for broader application of nature play exist. The results also illustrate the critical role of public access to public parks as part of urban sustainability and the development of resilience in young children. The implications for the use of city parkland for nature play are presented. 

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  • 46.
    Beery, Thomas H.
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Research environment Man & Biosphere Health (MABH). Kristianstad University, Faculty of Education, Avdelningen för matematik- och naturvetenskapernas didaktik.
    Exploring the role of outdoor recreation to contribute to urban climate resilience2019In: Sustainability, E-ISSN 2071-1050, Vol. 11, no 22Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Climate resilience is an important mix of climate mitigation and climate adaptation designed to minimize current and future disruption while promoting opportunity. Given the importance of the regional and local arena for consideration of impacts of climate change trends and needs for climate action, climate resilience in one community, Duluth, Minnesota, is considered. At the core of this project is the climate resilience question: what can we currently be doing in our communities to prepare for projected climate change while simultaneously improving life for current residents and visitors? Given the growing importance of outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism in Duluth, the role this sector may be able to play in climate resilience is considered. Using action research methodology, the research process of adjusting, presenting, and conducting follow-up from a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Adaptation for Coastal Communities workshop is presented. The study takes a unique look at one workshop outcome, a Duluth Parks and Recreation planning tool. Specifically, a resilience checklist is presented as a useful sample outcome of the overall process. Beyond the study community, the role of outdoor recreation to serve climate resilience is explored and affirmed.

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  • 47.
    Beery, Thomas H.
    et al.
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Research environment Man & Biosphere Health (MABH). Kristianstad University, Faculty of Education, Avdelningen för matematik- och naturvetenskapernas didaktik.
    Chawla, Louise
    USA.
    Levin, Peter
    USA.
    Being and becoming in nature: defining and measuring connection to nature in young children2020In: International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education, ISSN 2331-0464, Vol. 7, no 3, p. 3-22Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    This paper examines the meaning, assessment, and development of connection to nature (C2N) in two- to five-yearold children. It grows out of a Connection to Nature Workshop organized by the University of Florida, Stanford University, the North American Association for Environmental Education, and the Children and Nature Network to evaluate instruments that measure C2N. Defining and measuring C2N in young children emerged as a current research gap. The workshop was followed by the formation of an Expert Advisory Panel on Early Childhood Nature Connection to address this need. Through semi-structured interviews and narrative responses to a survey, panel participants provided insight on early childhood connection to nature and reviewed existing measures of nature connection for this age group. This paper presents a synthesis of panel ideas. One outcome of the analysis was a detailed description of C2N, highlighting the importance of both quantity and quality of time in nature. Quality time in nature includes opportunities for self-directed exploration, multisensory engagement with nature places, the presence of animals, and the supportive influence of peers and adults. Research implications include recommendations for mixed-method assessment strategies for young children as well as the importance of access to nature for all children.

  • 48.
    Beery, Thomas H.
    et al.
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Science, Research environment Man & Biosphere Health (MABH). Kristianstad University, Faculty of Education, Avdelningen för matematik- och naturvetenskapernas didaktik. USA.
    Lekies, Kristi S.
    USA.
    Childhood collecting in nature: quality experience in important places2019In: Children's Geographies, ISSN 1473-3285, E-ISSN 1473-3277, Vol. 17, no 1, p. 118-131Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    A need for a more specific understanding of childhood geographies has motivated an investigation of one activity, childhood collecting in nature. This study examined collecting behavior, places of collecting, and the relationship of these places to environmental connectedness in adulthood. Topophilia is presented as a guide to help consider why children collect in nature and to expand upon a limited understanding of collecting behavior. These ideas are explored with a mixed-method design strategy involving surveys and semi-structured interviews with a sample of Swedish university students. Results show collecting in nature to be a widespread, meaningful, and memorable experience in the formative years of participants. Results also demonstrate potential support for topophilia as a way to understand the childhood collecting nature phenomenon. Implications include recognition of the importance of family to support children’s engagement in the natural world and proximate access to nature as a critical aspect of childhood experience.

  • 49.
    Beery, Thomas H.
    et al.
    Kristianstad University, Faculty of Education, Department of Mathematics and Science Education. Kristianstad University, Faculty of Education, Research environment Learning in Science and Mathematics (LISMA). Kristianstad University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Research environment Man & Biosphere Health (MABH).
    Lekies, Kristi S.
    USA.
    Nature’s services and contributions: the relational value of childhood nature experience and the importance of reciprocity2021In: Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, E-ISSN 2296-701X, Vol. 9, p. 1-8, article id 636944Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    People depend on functioning ecosystems to meet human needs and support well-being across the life span. This article considers the interest in ecosystem service valuation, the growing interest in the benefits of nature experience for children, and ways to bridge these perspectives. We focus on embodied childhood nature experiences: the physical and multisensory experiences that intertwine child and nature. Additionally, we highlight the reciprocal quality of nature and child experience relationship as an example of how this relationship goes beyond the instrumental and demonstrates relational value. Underlying this perspective is the belief that children need to be better represented in the perception and action of ecosystem valuation in environmental policy.

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  • 50.
    Beery, Thomas
    et al.
    Kristianstad University, School of Education and Environment, Avdelningen för Naturvetenskap. Kristianstad University, Research environment Man & Biosphere Health (MABH).
    Jönsson, K. Ingemar
    Kristianstad University, School of Education and Environment, Avdelningen för Naturvetenskap. Kristianstad University, Research environment Man & Biosphere Health (MABH).
    Elmberg, Johan
    Kristianstad University, School of Education and Environment, Avdelningen för Naturvetenskap. Kristianstad University, Research environment Man & Biosphere Health (MABH).
    From environmental connectedness to sustainable futures: topophilia and human affiliation with nature2015In: Sustainability, E-ISSN 2071-1050, Vol. 7, no 7, p. 8837-8854Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Human affiliation with nonhuman nature is an important dimension of environmental concern and support for pro-environmental attitudes. A significant theory of human connectedness with nature, the Biophilia Hypothesis, suggests that there exists a genetically based inclination for human affiliation with the biological world. Both support and challenge to the Biophilia Hypothesis are abundant in the literature of environmental psychology. One response that both challenges and builds upon the Biophilia Hypothesis is the Topophilia Hypothesis. The Topophilia Hypothesis has extended the ideas of biophilia to incorporate a broader conception of nonhuman nature and a co-evolutionary theory of genetic response and cultural learning. While the Topophilia Hypothesis is a new idea, it is built upon long-standing scholarship from humanistic geography and theories in human evolution. The Topophilia Hypothesis expands previous theory and provides a multidisciplinary consideration of how biological selection and cultural learning may have interacted during human evolution to promote adaptive mechanisms for human affiliation with nonhuman nature via specific place attachment. Support for this possible co-evolutionary foundation for place-based human affiliation with nonhuman nature is explored from multiple vantage points. We raise the question of whether this affiliation may have implications for multifunctional landscape management. Ultimately, we propose that nurturing potential topophilic tendencies may be a useful method to promote sustainable efforts at the local level with implications for the global.

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