Malaria is a serious disease that can lead to fatal consequences if not treated. It is mainly spread via Plasmodium falciparum, a parasite carried by mosquitoes as host organisms. As a potential way of treating malaria, research is being done on possible inhibitors of calmodulin (CaM) in the parasite. CaM is a highly conserved protein found in all eukaryotes, and is important in many essential biochemical reactions. The potential inhibitor analysed in this study is calmidazolium (CZM). This study aims to characterise structure and stability differences between the C-lobes of human and P. falciparum CaM, while analysing the effect of the presence of CZM.  Previous studies have proven that CZM acts as an inhibitor to human CaM by binding to the C-lobe, with a dissociation constant in the nano molar range. In other studies, thermal stability measurements have shown that the secondary structure of P. falciparum CaM is more stable than that of human CaM.  In this study, the stability measurements showed that for the ANS binding site and around tyrosines, the C-lobe of human CaM was more stable than the C-lobe of P. falciparum CaM, knowledge which was previously unknown. When studying the entire secondary structure, the C-lobe of P. falciparum CaM was found to be more stable, which is in agreement with previous studies for the secondary structure of the complete CaM variants. For binding, the dissociation constants for both the C-lobe of human CaM and for the C-lobe of P. falciparum CaM were proven to be at a lower range than micro molar, most likely in the nano molar range. This is in agreement with earlier findings regarding the entire human CaM. Furthermore, CaM and CZM were proven to have their absorbance at the same wavelengths. Finally, several amino acid differences between the C-lobes of human and P. falciparum CaM were found that could play a role in binding and stability. One specific amino acid that was suggested to contribute to the stabilisation of the C-lobe of P. falciparum CaM was isoleucine. In the C-lobe of human CaM, these isoleucines were exchanged to threonine and arginine. Another amino acid difference that could potentially play a key role was the valine versus isoleucine, where valine might contribute to the stabilisation of the ANS binding site of the C-lobe of human CaM. To perform this study, the methods fluorescence spectroscopy, UV spectroscopy and circular dichroism were used, as well as several bioinformatic tools.  Overall, both stability and structure analyses have helped determine several differences between the two CaM variants, opening up possibilities to find an inhibitor that targets only the CaM of P. falciparum. CZM still remains as an interesting potential inhibitor, and can hopefully be a part of future research in malaria treatment.

The Reusist project has explored, evaluated, and designed a system through a co-creation process around the unsustainable disposal of valuable surplus furniture found at Återbruket (SSAM) and on-campus at Linnaeus University. The main aim of this project is implementing positive circular economy behaviours and attitudes through a designerly perspective, in light of consumerism and the constant need for and disposal of furniture. Design ethnography methods, workshops, and other techniques were used to drive co-creation; deriving values from stakeholders to shape the design outcome. Sustainability is explored holistically through environmental, social, economical, and cultural factors, with a main focus on the practice of re-framing value and circulating household furniture for as long as possible as a step towards a circular economy. The system proposed targets students as well as the general public, and so can be considered as a public service. Its main components consist of an umbrella concept of ‘Share’ founded upon ‘Furniture Packages’, enabled through ‘Repair’ and ‘Redesign’, and whose accessibility is amplified through a ‘Digital Presence’ which also enables ‘Crowdsourcing’. This project ended by presenting the proposal to the two direct collaborators, Återbruket (SSAM) and Svenska Kyrkan. However, this project isn’t finalised, as there are possible future steps to expand with an even more embedded collaboration alongside stakeholders and organisations.

Bakgrund: Människans ökade konsumtion av produkter använder upp naturens resurser och bidrar till utsläpp, detta är särskilt relevant gällande produkter med kort livslängd så som sportmode då dessa produkter massproduceras på olika geografiska regioner för att sedan fraktas världen över och användas en kortare period för att sedan kastas. Producenterna jobbar främst med en linjär ekonomi men de börjar gå mer mot en cirkulär ekonomi istället genom att använda mer hållbara material och återanvända gamla produkter. Syfte: Syftet med studien är att beskriva hur återförsäljare inom sportmode branschen använder sig av green marketing för att bidra till en cirkulär ekonomi? Metod: En kvalitativ fallstudie med abduktiv ansats, där vi genomfört semistrukturerade intervjuer. Teoretiskt perspektiv: Studien utgår från teorier som anses vara relevanta för att se hur återförsäljarna använder sig av green marketing för att nå en cirkulär ekonomi. Teorierna berör green marketing, strategier, green washing, cirkulär ekonomi och konsumentbeteende. Empiri: Empiri delen består av fyra semistrukturerade intervjuer med företag i Skandinavien som jobbar med återförsäljning av sportmode på den svenska marknaden. Slutsatser: Återförsäljare av sportmode använder sig av green marketing till stor del för att skapa starka samarbeten med externa intressenter. Där kan vi se att hållbarhetskrav ställs från båda håll vilket i sin tur bidrar till att företagen fortsätter att utveckla deras miljötänk och hållbarhetsarbete. Genom att forska fram nya material och tillverkningsprocesser jobbar företagen för att kunna öka deras cirkulära flöden och gå ifrån dagens linjära ekonomi. / Background: Man's increased consumption of products uses up natural resources and contributes to emissions, this is especially relevant for products with a short lifespan such as sports fashion as these products are mass-produced in different geographical regions and then shipped around the world and used for a shorter period. cast. Producers work mainly with a linear economy, but they are starting to move more towards a circular economy instead by using more sustainable materials and reusing old products. Aim: The aim of the study is to describe how retailers in the sports fashion industry use green marketing to contribute to a circular economy? Method: A qualitative method with an abductive approach, where we conducted semi-structured interviews. Theoretical perspective: The study is based on theories that are considered relevant to see how retailers use green marketing to achieve a circular economy. The theories concern green marketing, strategies, green washing, circular economy and consumer behavior. Empirical: The empirical part consists of four semi-structured interviews with companies in Scandinavia that work with the resale of sports fashion on the Swedish market. Conclusions: Retailers of sportswear use green marketing to a large extent to create strong collaborations with external stakeholders. There we can see that sustainability requirements are set from both sides, which in turn contributes to companies continuing to develop their environmental thinking and sustainability work. By researching new materials and manufacturing processes, companies work to be able to increase their circular flows and move away from today's linear economy.

Purpose: This research aimed to identify and synthesize circular economy-oriented business model innovation opportunities for the textile and apparel industry of Bangladesh to position the business to its B2B customers by achieving a sustained competitive advantage.  Design/methodology/approach: In this study, we conducted a multiple case study, analyzing 3 case companies using an abductive method under the interpretive research philosophy. As a result of our research, we aim to understand the current perceptions of the circular economy in Bangladesh's garment industry and identify opportunities for business model innovation. Therefore, we designed a questionnaire to obtain valuable insights and opinions from 9 business practitioners. In order to gain an in-depth understanding of the respondents, semi-structured interviews and rating-based surveys were conducted. Results: As key results, three CE process has been identified as the most potential to bring BMI- are design (narrowing resource loop), production (slowing resource loop), and recycle (closing resource loop) based on which the T&A industry can position its business to achieve a sustained competitive advantage. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, no previous research has been done on this topic. This paper establishes an integrated conceptual model which is first of a kind to integrate CE resource loops and resource-based view. The data presented here are all based on the respondents' perceptions. This thesis paper can help academics do further research on industries that face issues with value creation, and professionals can apply the suggested practical solutions implications in their industry. Key Words: Sustainability, Circular Economy, Business-to-Business Positioning, Business Model Innovation, Textile and Apparel Industry

Background Waste has been around since humans started to create products. Today, it is a growing problem in the world; humans keep producing waste at a faster pace than we can handle. The world is becoming more conscious of our actions, and new solutions to manage and utilize the waste are desired. Medical waste lacks a global definition, which results in a lack of standardization for medical waste management. The rapid development of medical science and technology has led to increased use of medical consumables. Single-use gloves are the most commonly used consumable within healthcare. They are not recycled due to fear of contamination, which results in a big load on the environment by not preserving the value of the material. Objectives The objectives with the research have been to understand the waste industry and identify where waste streams have the opportunity to be replaced with circular systems through new technology. From the findings, design and propose a new technology that fits into a circular economy. Method Design Research Methodology and MSPI Innovation process worked as frameworks for the design process for the researchers during the thesis work. Inspiration from company visits, interviews, job shadowing, and literature research initiated the project and was used to clarify the problem. Prototypes, testing, and literature research were used to validate the design progress and followed up by lab experiments and mechanical design of a fully circular system. Results Through tests and experiments, a circular system for single-use protection gloves was designed. The proposed technology would eliminate the need for raw material extraction, manufacturing, and transportation. The system is based on making protection gloves from Polyvinyl Alcohol. Due to the unique properties of the material, it is possible to dissolve the gloves in water, sterilize them and remanufacture them into new gloves. The gloves proved to have similar mechanical properties to the current options on the market. The system includes many elements from the manufacturing process of nitrile rubber and latex gloves, but the introduction of cleaning and sterilization steps will question the main reason consumable protection gloves are used in the first place, to ensure sterility. Conclusion Optimizing, automating, and implementing this system will make the healthcare industry more environmentally friendly. Introducing a system to remanufacture and sterilize single-use gloves is a statement to prove the possibility to replace linear life cycles with circular ones, by questioning the reasons behind unsustainable behavior and solving those problems. Contaminated waste is incinerated today. Some argue that energy recovery classifies as recycling, but this system will focus on preserving the value of the material by reusing it in multiple cycles. Similar work will be necessary to keep up with the increased production of waste. Circular systems may enable humans to fulfill their needs with a significantly decreased environmental load. Before implementing this solution in the healthcare industry, more research must be carried out. However, the innovation of an in-house system and a more direct approach to manufacture – recycle – reuse, has presented to create new value of waste and further technological development to enhance the waste management and recycling industry. / Bakgrund Avfall har funnits sedan människor började tillverka produkter. Idag är det ett växande problem i världen, människor fortsätter att producera avfall i en snabbare takt än vad vi kan hantera. Världen blir mer medveten om åtgärderna men nya innovationer för att hantera och utnyttja avfallet behövs. Medicinskt avfall saknar en global definition som resulterar i brist på standardisering för hantering av medicinskt avfall. En snabb utveckling av medicinsk vetenskap och teknik har lett till en ökad användning av medicinska engångsartiklar. Engångshandskar är de vanligaste förbrukningsvarorna inom sjukvården och återvinns inte på grund av rädsla för förorening, vilket resulterar i en stor belastning på miljön eftersom materialets värde inte tas vara på. Syfte Målet med forskningen har varit att förstå avfallsindustrin och identifiera var avfallsströmmar kan ersättas med cirkulära system genom ny teknik. Utifrån resultaten, utforma och föreslå ny teknik som passar in i en cirkulär ekonomi. Metod Designforskningsmetodik (Design Research Methodology) och MSPI:s Innovationsprocess användes som ramar för designprocessen för forskarna under avhandlingsarbetet. Inspiration från företagsbesök, shadowing, intervjuer och litteraturforskning initierade projektet och användes för att klargöra problemet. Prototyper, tester och litteraturforskning användes för att validera designframstegen. Följt av laborationer och mekanisk design av ett komplett cirkulärt system. Resultat Genom tester och experiment designades ett cirkulärt system för skyddshandskar avsedda för engångsbruk. Den föreslagna tekniken skulle eliminera behovet av råmaterialutvinning, tillverkning och transport. Systemet är baserat på tillverkning av skyddshandskar från polyvinylalkohol. På grund av materialets unika egenskaper är det möjligt att lösa upp handskarna i vatten, sterilisera dem och åter tillverka dem till nya handskar. Handskarna visade sig ha jämförbara mekaniska egenskaper som de nuvarande alternativen på marknaden. Systemet innehåller många element från tillverkningsprocessen av nitrilgummi- och latexhandskar, men införandet av rengörings- och steriliseringssteg kommer att ifrågasätta den främsta orsaken till att förbrukningsskyddshandskar används i första hand - för att säkerställa sterilitet. Slutsats Optimering, automatisering och implementering av detta system kommer att göra sjukvårdsindustrin mer oberoende och mer miljövänlig. Att införa ett system för att återvinna och sterilisera skyddshandskar för engångsbruk, bevisar möjligheten att ersätta linjära livscykler med cirkulära, genom att ifrågasätta orsakerna bakom ohållbart beteende och lösa dessa problem. Förorenat avfall förbränns idag, somliga hävdar att energiåtervinning kan klassificeras som återvinning, men energiåtervinning saknar egenskapen att bevara materialets värde. Detta system har materialvärdet i fokus genom att återanvända det i flera cykler. Liknande arbete kommer att krävas för att hålla jämna steg med den ökade avfallsproduktionen. Cirkulära system kan göra det möjligt för människor att uppfylla sina behov med en avsevärt minskad miljöbelastning. Lösningen behöver ytterligare forskning och måste förbättras före implementering. Men innovationen i ett internt system och ett mer direkt tillvägagångssätt för tillverkning - återvinning - återanvändning har presenterats för att skapa nytt värde för avfall och ny teknisk utveckling för att förbättra avfallshanteringen och återvinningsindustri.

<p>A dynamical understanding of orbits in the Earth-Moon neighborhood that can sustain long-term activities and trajectories that link locations of interest forms a critical foundation for the creation of infrastructure to support a lasting presence in this region of space. In response, this investigation aims to identify and exploit fundamental dynamical motion in the vicinity of a candidate ‘hub’ orbit, the L2 southern 9:2 lunar synodic resonant near rectilinear halo orbit (NRHO), while incorporating realistic mission constraints. The strategies developed in this investigation are, however, not restricted to this particular orbit but are, in fact, applicable to a wide variety of stable and nearly-stable cislunar orbits. Since stable and nearly-stable orbits that may lack useful manifold structures are of interest for long-term activities in cislunar space due to low orbit maintenance costs, strategies to alternatively initiate transfer design into and out of these orbits are necessary. Additionally, it is crucial to understand the complex behaviors in the neighborhood of any candidate hub orbit. In this investigation, a bifurcation analysis is used to identify periodic orbit families in close proximity to the hub orbit that may possess members with favorable stability properties, i.e., unstable orbits. Stability properties are quantified using a metric defined as the stability index. Broucke stability diagrams, a tool in which the eigenvalues of the monodromy matrix are recast into two simple parameters, are used to identify bifurcations along orbit families. Continuation algorithms, in combination with a differential corrections scheme, are used to compute new families of periodic orbits originating at bifurcations. These families possess unstable members with associated invariant manifolds that are indeed useful for trajectory design. Members of the families nearby the L2 NRHOs are demonstrated to persist in a higher-fidelity ephemeris model. </p><p><br></p> <p>Transfers based on the identified nearby dynamical structures and their associated manifolds are designed. To formulate initial guesses for transfer trajectories, a Poincaré mapping technique is used. Various sample trajectory designs are produced in this investigation to demonstrate the wide applicability of the design methodology. Initially, designs are based in the circular restricted three-body problem, however, geometries are demonstrated to persist in a higher-fidelity ephemeris model, as well. A strategy to avoid Earth and Moon eclipse conditions along many-revolution quasi-periodic ephemeris orbits and transfer trajectories is proposed in response to upcoming mission needs. Lunar synodic resonance, in combination with careful epoch selection, produces a simple eclipse-avoidance technique. Additionally, an integral-type eclipse avoidance path constraint is derived and incorporated into a differential corrections scheme as well. Finally, transfer trajectories in the circular restricted three-body problem and higher-fidelity ephemeris model are optimized and the geometry is shown to persist.</p>

The diploma thesis deals with the concept of circular economy (hereinafter CE) and its application in several Czech and one multinational company. On these specific examples of companies, the work shows how circularity is achieved, with all the essentials of this fact, what support for the concept is offered in the Czech Republic and, last but not least, what obstacles and problems the companies face. Along with this practical experience, opinions by theoretical experts who deal with the issue in their profession are further examined. The aim of the work was to map the matter of use of secondary raw materials and other principles of CE in both practical and theoretical spheres of knowledge, and where possible, to compare these two views. Furthermore, the work focuses on the benefits of real use of the principles of CE in the Czech conditions from an environmental point of view. In its theoretical part, it first addresses the issue of waste in general, especially from the perspective of a global problem. It presents the development, current situation and forecast of the size of waste generation, including its impacts. Furthermore, it has introduced the concept of CE, its various concepts and definitions, together with the main principles. Subsequently, it presents the real adoption of the concept by...

Heavy Neutral Leptons (HNLs) are the heavier counterparts of the light neutrinos of the Standard Model of particle physics. HNLs can simultaneously solve several of the problems the Standard Model cannot yet resolve, one example being that they provide a candidate for Dark Matter. This thesis work aims to shed light on the nature of HNLs and study the displaced signature the particle gives rise to at colliders. The collider of interest is the Future Circular Collider that will be colliding electrons and positrons and the signal studied is the production of an HNL and a light neutrino from an intermediate Z boson, produced from the collision of an electron and a positron. The event generation was set up through MadGraph and PYTHIA and for the detector simulations DELPHES was used. Validation of three HNL samples were carried out in a standalone framework and in the FCC framework. The samples were validated by comparing theoretically calculated lifetimes with the lifetimes attained by simulation. Kinematic studies of the transverse momentum of the HNL and its decay particles showed correlation to the mass of the HNL. Reconstruction of the number of tracks created by the HNL decay was possible and the results of two track dominance were found to correlate with theory. For the vertexing study, the reconstruction of the production vertex of the decay particles was possible where displaced vertices were observed, hence proving the possibility of implementing displaced signatures in the FCC framework for the very first time. The next step in this trajectory of the study would be to investigate vertex fitting of the reconstructed vertices in order to carry out tracking studies of the HNL. This work hence sets the foundation for further exploration of HNLs and provides stepping stones for the possibility of discovery of HNLs in the FCC-ee.

Purpose: This thesis’ purpose is to identify a CLSC model of flat glass, including actors,waste sources, and what can be done with recycled flat glass. In addition, this researchaims to propose a cost structure of a flat glass CLSC. Thus, this thesis’ research questions(RQ) are: RQ1: How can closed-loop supply chains (CLSC) for the purpose of flat glasslook like? RQ1.A: What actors are a part of a flat glass CLSC? RQ1.B: What are thewaste sources of flat glass in a flat glass CLSC? RQ1.C: What are the uses of flat glassas secondary material? RQ2: How can a cost structure for a closed-loop supply chain(CLSC) for the purpose of flat glass look like?  Method: For this purpose of this thesis the researchers chose to employ a pragmatistresearch philosophy. The thesis is an exploratory qualitative study using an abductiveapproach. A case study strategy was used, and data was collected through semi-structuredinterviews and a literature review. Seven interviews were conducted with the six casecompanies. Findings: A flat glass CLSC consists of three phases: manufacture, use, and secondary(raw) material. The main actors are float glass manufacturer, flat glass processor/refiner,flat glass distributor, construction and demolition company, flat glass recycler, and freighthauler. Sub-actors of a flat glass CLSC are raw materials supplier, government, thirdparty contractors, container glass manufacturer, and glass wool manufacturer. Secondarymaterial occurs during flat glass manufacturing, distribution/transport, construction, anddemolition. It can be divided into three types, i.e., pure, high quality cut-offs,contaminated flat glass, and end-of-use flat glass. The possible uses of flat glass assecondary material are float glass, container glass, and glass wool manufacturing. Thecost structure for a flat glass CLSC divides cost elements into the three phases of a flatglass CLSC and six supply chain cost categories, which include manufacturing cost,distribution cost, warehousing cost, administration cost, capital cost, and installation cost. Theoretical Implications: This master’s thesis helps in adding to two research areas: flatglass and CLSC. By reviewing existing literature and conducting the case studies inChina, Germany, and Norway, the researchers can reflect the current practices of flat glassCLSCs in different countries, thereby adding to existing scientific research to close theresearch gap of flat glass CLSCs. Practical Implications: This master’s thesis contributes to practice by providing a flatglass CLSC model and cost structure which can be used as a starting point of developinga flat glass CLSC and its cost structure. In addition, this thesis is connected to anotherbigger research project in collaboration with the Linnaeus University and the city ofVäxjö, the findings from this thesis are beneficial for improving the situation of flat glassin Sweden. Societal Implications: By researching circularity in CDW, this master’s thesis helps notonly the city of Växjö but also other Swedish cities to improve the situation of flat glassand strive towards a full circular economy, further contributing to an increase insustainability in Sweden.

Planetary Boundaries (PB) and Circular Economy (CE) are becoming the paradigm for sustainability. There is an increasing interest to operationalise PB into a framework for businesses to maximise profitability within environmental limits. The context of the cotton textile industry makes a good setting for understanding the casual chain of connections between the socio-economic system expressed by extensive global supply chain of cotton, and its ecological interconnection with the Earth’s system that is put under pressure. For this study, life cycle assessment (LCA) is recognised as a suitable approach for measuring the linkages between those two systems. Results show that among all phases of the life cycle of a cotton t-shirt, the usage phase is the most impacting for most of environmental indicators, followed by the manufacturing and farming phase. Production or extraction of raw material as elements considered upstream in the supply chain are the predominant cause of impacts in this case study. Increasing circularity of the system yields to an improvement in environmental performance. However, the system remains largely unsustainable when taking into account the state of the Earth’s system, through the PB. When assessing sustainability through LCA, ecological references like PB, must be considered to understand absolute environmental sustainability a product system. This will reveal whether less impacting options in the system, are still deteriorating a state of the environment as a part of the Earth’s system, which needs to be the area of protection. In conclusion, linking planetary boundaries to life cycle assessment can help assess the absolute environmental sustainability, as opposed to relative sustainability, of a production system. Combining an assessment of the state of the environment (safe, critical/uncertain, at risk), and the assessment of environmental hotspots of the system under scrutiny, will determine where priority for goals and actions of improvements for environmental sustainability needs most attention.