O bambu é considerado um dos materiais naturais com a melhor relação resistência por peso. Entre as características responsáveis encontram-se os feixes fibrosos do esclerênquima, que protegem os elementos de condução de água e solutos na planta, além de serem preenchidos pelo parênquima. Os feixes estão distribuídos gradual-mente, da parte interna à externa do bambu, aumentando a rigidez do colmo. Contudo, a morfologia da seção dos feixes fibrosos e a presença da matriz parenquimática no caule ainda não foram totalmente estudados, quanto à sua importância estrutural, nem aplicados em estruturas biônicas. Esse estudo trata do design de estruturas biônicas baseada na caracterização do bambu, por meio de técnicas não-invasivas, de proto-tipagem e de análise por elementos finitos. Um protocolo de amolecimento e secagem para secionamento foi seguido em uma amostra de bambu (Bambusa tuldoides Munro). A superfície da amostra foi analisada por microtomografia computadorizada de raios X de alta resolução. As imagens resultantes permitiram a segmentação dos tecidos constituintes e caracterização em nível celular. Os modelos 3D do parênquima e do esclerênquima foram discretizados para uma análise por elementos finitos não-linear. Os resultados mostraram que o parênquima é configurado como uma matriz celular de baixa densidade e que distribui as tensões em todos os elementos de re-forço na planta, sendo considerado um tecido com importante função estrutural. De mesmo modo, a geometria da seção dos feixes fibrosos apresentou um desempenho mecânico superior às seções referenciais. Ambas características foram aplicadas no desenvolvimento de duas estruturas biônicas, sendo analisadas como mais eficientes em comparação a um modelo da literatura, e impressas em 3D para análise visual. / Bamboo is considered one of the natural materials with the best strength-to-weight ratio. Among the features responsible for its properties are the sclerenchyma’s fiber bundles that protect the conducting elements of water and solutes in the plant, and are filled by parenchyma. Bamboo fibers are gradually distributed from the inner to the outer side of the plant, thus increasing the culm stiffness. However, the morphology of the section of the fiber bundles and the presence of the parenchymatic matrix in the stem have not been fully studied regarding its structural importance, neither applied in bionic structures. This study addresses the design of bionic structures based on the characterization of bamboo, by means of non-invasive techniques, rapid prototyping and finite element analysis. A bamboo sample (Bambusa tuldoides Munro) was col-lected and softening and drying protocols were followed for proper sectioning. The surface of the sample was analyzed by high-resolution X-ray microcomputed tomog-raphy. Resulting images allowed the segmentation of the sample’s constituent tissues and the characterization at a cellular level. The 3D models of the parenchyma and sclerenchyma were discretized for a non-linear finite element analysis. The results showed that the parenchyma is set as a low-density cellular matrix by distributing the stresses among all reinforcement elements in the plant, being considered a tissue with great structural importance. Likewise, the shape of the fiber bundles’ section showed superior mechanical performance compared to reference sections. Both characteris-tics were applied in the development of two bionic structures that were analyzed as more efficient than a literature model, and 3D printed for a visual analysis.

Tesis para optar al grado de Magíster en Literatura / Escuela de Postgrado / Esta investigación tiene como fin estudiar la construcción del cuerpo marginal en tres textos narrativos escritos durante la dictadura y postdictadura chilena: Lumpérica (1983) de Diamela Eltit. Óxido de Carmen (1986) de Ana María del Río y La esquina es mi corazón (1995) de Pedro Lemebel. Desde mi punto de vista, estas configuraciones del cuerpo se articulan, principalmente, desde las voces narrativas, las que definen a los cuerpos como espacios de resistencia político-identitaria. En la tesis sostengo que la representación del cuerpo marginal del corpus de estudio entra en debate con el proyecto ideológico refundacional al Estado chileno que se inicia con el Golpe de Estado en Chile (1973). Dicho proyecto se sostiene en, al menos, tres tipos de discursos: el nacionalista, el católico y el neoliberal. Los tres actúan sobre la matriz heteronormativa para reproducir un determinado orden de relaciones que evoluciona hacia un modelo neoliberal. Los textos seleccionados desafían el contexto ideológico en el que fueron escritos, generando concepciones contrahegemónicas de sujeto y de comunidad, así como recursos literarios que problematizan las bases de los discursos antes mencionados.

>Magister Scientiae - MSc / infarction (MI) affects many parts of the western world and in South Africa alone it is estimated that MI is responsible for 1 in 6 deaths (17.3%). Traditional diagnostic methods for MI include an electrocardiograms and blood tests. The problem with these diagnostic methods are that they are time consuming, require large sample volumes, expensive equipment and complicated machinery. To achieve early detection of MI the discovery of specific, sensitive and reliable biomarkers are required. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been identified as a reliable biomarker for MI due to the fact that it has a defined cutoff of 100 pg/ml and it is not susceptible to patient‘s age which could make early detection of BNP complicated. Early detection methods for BNP has been based on immunoradiometric assays but problems associated with immunoradiometric assays are that there is a restricted availability of antigens and incubation of the labeled antibody could take up to two weeks which affects the patients waiting time on results. Electrochemical biosensors are emerging as early detection method for MI because they can be designed to be sensitive, specific to BNP at a low cost. This research study reported for the first the successful fabrication and implementation of highly sensitive mercaptosuccinic acid capped nickel selenide quantum dots (MSA-NiSe2 QDs) aptasensor for the detection of BNP. The poly-dispersed MSA-NiSe2 QDs were synthesized via an inexpensive, simple and reproducible aqueous microwave assisted irradiation method. The prepared MSA-NiSe2 QDs were characterized by Ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV-Vis), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), High Resolution Transmission/Scanning Electron Microscopy (HR TEM/SEM) and Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXSpace). The electrochemical properties of the MSA-NiSe2 QDs were investigated by Cylic Voltammetry (CV) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). HR-TEM revealed the formation of small sized MSA-NiSe2 QDs about 4 nm in diameter which was complemented by SAXSpace. UV-Vis studies showed absorption peaks in the ultraviolet region (100-400 nm) confirming the small size of these QDs as well confirming the direct and indirect bandgap of the QDs. XRD confirmed that the QDs are crystalline and belong to the bulk cubic MSA-NiSe2 QDs phase. FTIR studies confirmed the successful capping of MSA on the QDs due to the disappearance of the thiol peak at 2652 cm-1. Electrochemical studies revealed that the MSA-NiSe2 QDs showed good electrochemical properties on screen printed carbon electrodes (SPCE) which allowed them to be used as a mediating platform between the aptamer and SPCE. The successful detection of BNP was achieved by an incubation process between the aptamer drop coated on the MSA-NiSe2 QDs/SPCE surface overnight. The response of the MSA-NiSe2 QDs based aptasensor towards different concentrations of BNP was studied by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). DPV showed a good linearly with correlation coefficient of R2 = 0.98. DPV also showed a high sensitivity (0.4513 μA/ pg/mL) towards detecting BNP with a detection limit of 11.93 pg/ml. The value of 11.93 pg/ml falls within the negative predictive value range of 10-100 pg/ml for early-stage diagnosis of BNP.

ABSTRACT Date:  2021-06-03 Level:  Bachelor Thesis in Business Administration, 15 cr Institution: School of Business, Society and Engineering, Mälardalen University Authors: Aryan Singh   Omar Eyad  Shaheen Mohammad  Title:  How Market Intelligence Helps With Pricing Tutor:  Ali Farashah Keywords: Digitalization, Business Intelligence (BI), Market Intelligence (MI), Competitive Intelligence (CI), Pricing, Decision Making, Dynamic Pricing Model, Price Authority Research Question: How does MI help in pricing decisions of the European market in Systemair Purpose: The purpose of this research is to investigate if Market Intelligence (MI) has any effect on pricing decisions within the European market in Systemair Group. Since the field of MI in pricing decisions is explorative, this study will conduct thorough interviews with the goal of getting a deep understanding of how MI can help with pricing decisions. This study also aims to contribute to the research in this subject. Method: This study has been conducted in a qualitative manner on the case company Systemair Group. Primary data was collected through academic articles found via the library of Mälardalen University and scientific databases. The research was based on 5 semi-structured interviews conducted online with employees of Systemair. Conclusion: MI plays an important role in pricing. It gathers real time market data that is objective to feelings from the sales team or other employees. Factory capacity will be optimized with the evolution of MI, profit margin will be set higher than before and so this will result in a push in the overall price level of Systemair products. Value-Based Selling points and Resources are an integral part of the dynamic pricing model, specifically in Strategic Input and Data Input respectively.

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<p>  </p> <p>Cardiovascular disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States for over 70 years. To evaluate the extent and progression of cardiovascular disease, non-invasive imaging techniques are frequently used clinically and pre-clinically. Current echocardiographic and cine magnetic resonance approaches rely on measurements that are typically obtained from two-dimensional images, which assumes uniformity of the structure being evaluated. To explore methods to potentially address these shortcomings, our group has developed and validated high frequency four-dimensional ultrasound techniques as well as created a software toolbox that allows for measurement of myocardial kinematics. In this thesis, I assisted in the application of these methods to two murine models of disease states: myocardial infarction and aortic aneurysm. Another study I aided in focused on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging data from patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. From our software, we are able to obtain various strain and strain rate estimates that reveal significant functional changes in infarction and Duchenne muscular dystrophy earlier than standard measurement techniques. Furthermore, we are able to identify vascular expansion, transmural thickening, and changes in hemodynamics prior to aneurysm development. Earlier detection and localization allows for more targeted surveillance and interventions, which ultimately may result in improved clinical outcomes. Ideally, these findings can be used to expand the capabilities of cardiac research and the development of clinically applicable imaging techniques and treatments to better address underlying cardiovascular pathophysiology. </p>

Detta examensarbete har ägnats åt att undersöka FMI:s påföljdsystem och tillsynsmetoder under  tidsperioden  2007  till  2016.  Utifrån  FMI:s  statistik  har  orsaker  till  disciplinära  påföljder, orsaker till anmälningar, antal hanterade ärende samt antal disciplinära åtgärder kartlagts. Den  nya  fastighetsmäklarlagen  infördes  2011.  Lagändring  innebar  bland  annat  att  en  ny  disciplinär  påföljd,  erinran,  togs  i  bruk.    Förändringen  av  statistiska  data  under  åren analyserades för att utvärdera eventuell inverkan på fastighetsmäklarbranschen.  Det läggs extra blickfång på förändringen i påföljdsystemet och dess effekter. Tidsperioden som granskats delades upp i två femårs perioder, det vill säga 2007 till och med 2011 samt 2012 till och med 2016. Diverse analytiska data över jämförelser på de två femårsperioderna har presenterats för att kunna identifiera skillnader mellan de olika perioderna. FMI:s  tillsynsmetoder  har  framställts  och  fördelning  mellan  de  olika  tillsynsmetoderna  har  redogjorts. FMI:s och andra myndigheternas hantering av anonyma anmälningar har utretts och presenterats i rapporten. / In this thesis has FMIs sanction system and regulatory methods between 2007 and 2016 has examined.  Distribution  of  different  reasons  for  disciplinary  actions,  different  reasons  for  notifications, quantity of handled cases and quantity of disciplinary actions has charted by utilizing statistics since 2007. Evolution of statistic data under those years has explored and possible  influence  on  them  has  been  investigated.  Those  values  before  and  after  law  amendment at 2011 has also been examined in order to analyze the influence of the new laws effect on sanction system and regulatory methods. A new discipline sanction called reminder has introduced thru the new real estate agent law (FML 2011:666). It imposed extra focus on the change at sanction system and its effect for the branch. Time period has been divided in two five years periods, 2007-­‐2011 and 2011-­‐2016.  Various  analytical  data  for  the  comparison  of  those  five  years  periods  has  been presented in order to identify the difference between those periods. FMIs  regulatory  methods  have  been  produced  and  distributions  between  those  different  regulatory  methods  have  been  narrated.  The  management  of  anonymous  notification  by FMI and other government bodies has been investigated and presented in the report.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: Patients receiving maintenance dialysis have higher mortality after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) than patients not receiving dialysis. Whether pPCI confers a benefit to patients receiving dialysis that is similar to that which occurs in lower-risk groups remains unknown. We compared the effect of pPCI on in-hospital outcomes among patients hospitalized for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and receiving maintenance dialysis with the effect among patients hospitalized for STEMI but not receiving dialysis. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: We used the National Inpatient Sample (2016-2018) and included all adult hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis of STEMI. PREDICTORS: Primary exposure was PCI. Confounders included dialysis status, demographics, insurance, household income, comorbidities, and the elective nature of the admission. OUTCOME: In-hospital mortality, stroke, acute kidney injury, new dialysis requirement, vascular complications, gastrointestinal bleeding, blood transfusion, mechanical ventilation, palliative care, and discharge destination. ANALYTICAL APPROACH: The average treatment effect (ATE) of pPCI was estimated using propensity score matching independently within the group receiving dialysis and the group not receiving dialysis to explore whether the effect is modified by dialysis status. Additionally, the average marginal effect (AME) was calculated accounting for the clustering within hospitals. RESULTS: Among hospitalizations, 4,220 (1.07%) out of 413,500 were for patients receiving dialysis. The dialysis cohort was older (65.2 ± 12.2 vs 63.4 ± 13.1, P < 0.001), had a higher proportion of women (42.4% vs 30.6%, P < 0.001) and more comorbidities, and had a lower proportion of White patients (41.1% vs 71.7%, P < 0.001). Patients receiving dialysis were less likely to undergo angiography (73.1% vs 85.4%, P < 0.001) or pPCI (57.5% vs 79.8%, P < 0.001). Primary PCI was associated with lower mortality in patients receiving dialysis (15.7% vs 27.1%, P < 0.001) as well as in those who were not (5.0% vs 17.4%, P < 0.001). The ATE on mortality did not differ significantly (P interaction = 0.9) between patients receiving dialysis (-8.6% [95% CI, -15.6% to -1.6%], P = 0.02) and those who were not (-8.2% [95% CI, -8.8% to -7.5%], P < 0.001). The AME method showed similar results among patients receiving dialysis (-9.4% [95% CI, -14.8% to -4.0%], P < 0.001) and those who were not (-7.9% [95% CI, -8.5% to -7.4%], P < 0.001) (P interaction = 0.6). Both the ATE and AME were comparable for other in-hospital outcomes in both groups. LIMITATIONS: Administrative data, lack of pharmacotherapy and long-term outcome data, and residual confounding. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with conservative management, pPCI for STEMI was associated with comparable reductions in short-term mortality among patients irrespective of their receipt of maintenance dialysis.

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The consumers of today have become used to a constant flow of new content. Whether the content being music, film and series, games or other forms of media. This has created a strain on the developers and creators, to create new and original content for an ever demanding audience. Creating original content can be a costly and time consuming process. Today there are tools to help in this process, many that build on the idea of procedurally generated content. But with these tools alone it can be hard for the creator to leave their mark on the content, since most of it will look all the same from the same tool.  We propose CLAPPY, or Collaborative Learning Algorithm for Predicting Personal Yield. The AI colleague that will learn the patterns of the creator, and help them express themselves in their content, regardless of the tool.  Controlled experiments were conducted where subjects were given a content creation tool in the form of a terrain generator for games. The thesis then compares the results of the content creation tool when the subjects used it on their own and with an AI-collaborator.