<p>Urea has been widely used as a crop fertilizer to increase crop yield. The low nutrient use efficiency (NUE) of urea, however, is a challenge. Coated fertilizers are considered a solution not only for enhancing the NUE but also for alleviating soil and water pollution. In this paper, the physical properties of coated fertilizers were analyzed, including their particle size distribution, fracture force, thermal behavior, envelope density, and apparent density (regular fertilizer: pure urea and the Anderson 12-6-6; slow release fertilizer: Osmocote 14-14-14, the Anderson 18-6-12; controlled release fertilizer: Environmentally smart nitrogen (ESN), Florikan 14-14-14, Everris 17-3-6). The granules’ closed and open pore number, pore volume, and total porosity were analyzed using X-ray micro-tomography (XRCT). The results demonstrated that pure urea and Florikan have a similar median particle size, around 4 mm, while ESN and Osmocote have a similar median particle size of around 3 mm. Finally, Everris, the Andersons 18-6-12, and the Andersons 12-6-6, have a similar median particle size of roughly 2.5 mm. The fracture pressure of ESN (4.58±0.98 MPa) and the NPK combination fertilizers (Florikan: 9.40±1.46 MPa and Osmocote: 8.94±2.09 MPa) were higher than pure urea. The envelope and apparent density of pure urea (envelope: 1.22±0.02 kg/m³ and apparent: 1.27±0.01 kg/m³) and ESN (envelope: 1.26±0.03 kg/m³ and apparent: 1.27±0.00 kg/m³) are similar, while all NPK fertilizers have a significantly higher density (envelope: 1.68–1.87 kg/m³ and apparent: 1.83–2.09 kg/m³). ESN had higher internal pore space and a higher total pore volume than pure urea, while NPK combination fertilizer showed lesser pores and significantly smaller pore volumes. The physical properties were also significantly different when comparing urea and NPK compound fertilizers, mainly because of the differences in their nutrient coatings and manufacturing methods. The coating of the urea increases the granule strength but does not alter the thermal properties; however, the overall porosity of the granules is influenced by the coating. In this thesis core, different binders were used to alter the internal structure of the urea granule to control the dissolution behavior and to make it a slow-release fertilizer. The layered agglomeration technique was used to manufacture the granules. The core of the granule was made by granulating technical urea powder in a drum granulator, with corn starch as the binder. A second layer of urea was added to the core by drum granulation in order to obtain a nutrient release pattern that matches with the crop demand. Corn starch, PEG 4000, and corn starch hydrogel were used as binders for the second layer. The density, thermal properties, strength, and internal porosity were measured to compare with market urea and coated slow-release fertilizer granules. All the dissolution rates of the double layer granules were slower than for market urea. Among these granule types, the dissolution rate curve of the granule with starch hydrogel in the second layer better matched the crop demand curve than those of the other two types of granules. Moreover, the strength of the double layer granules with hydrogel was the greatest of the three double layer granules. So, overall, the double layer granule manufactured with corn starch in the core and starch hydrogel in the second layer performed the best. Although the pattern of dissolution of the double layer granule was similar to the crop nitrate demand curve, a soil-based study is needed to verify the nitrate release characteristics.<br></p><ul> </ul>

Research questions:  How do social media influencers affect fashion purchase intent? How is slow fashion behavior affected by social media influencers?                                 Purpose:                  The purpose of this paper is to investigate the possible effects that social media influencers have on slow fashion behavior, in addition to explore the effects of social media influencers on fashion purchase intent. Method:                   This research was conducted through a quantitative study and the data was collected using an online survey. The survey was constructed and distributed in collaboration with a research group at Mälardalen University.  Conclusion:             This study confirms that influencers have the possibility to influence consumers’ behavior and provides initial insight into how their communities can affect consumers. The study concludes that influencers can persuade consumers to purchase fashion products online. However, there is ambiguity into how much influencers affect consumers. The study showed that the relationship between influencers and their communities is not clear, and especially how the two concepts interact in the way they influence consumers to behave more sustainably. Despite the complex relationship, both have the capability to positively and negatively affect consumers’ slow fashion behavior. While consumers may not employ all behaviors favorable in the slow fashion movement, any positive behavior will make a difference.

The purpose of this study is to research which factors influence consumer satisfaction towards a fashion company. The purpose is also, to contribute with knowledge on the concept Slow Fashion.

La zone de subduction centrale en Equateur est caractérisée par un patch fortement couplé, pas de grands séismes connus et de fréquents essaims sismiques, dont certains associés à des épisodes de glissements lents (SSE). Les hypocentres déterminés sur un réseau temporaire dense onshore-offshore image la sismicité de fond et plusieurs essaims (01/2013), synchrones d’un SSE (Mw´ 6.3). Une sismicité permanente se produit à 20-30 km de profondeur, proche et sous la zone de contact interplaque (ZCI), bordant la partie profonde de la zone couplée. Les essaims superficiels (10 km) ont lieu sur des zones de failles crustales de la plaque plongeante (ZFC-Nazca), inverses, sub-verticales et qui bordent un massif océanique en subduction. Le SSE 2012-2013 est un événement composite se développant sur 2 patchs distincts. Le premier patch (P1), plus petit, se localise sur une partie peu couplée de la ZCI et le second (P2), plus superficiel, sur une zone fortement bloquée (>70%). Depuis le 25/11 et durant ~1,5 mois, sans sismicité, P1 se déverrouille progressivement, indiqué par un glissement discontinu, lent et faible. Le 13/01, l'accélération soudaine du glissement sur P1 réactive une ZFC-Nazca (1er essaim), située immédiatement updip P1 et downdip P2, ce qui favorise le début d´un glissement rapide, fort et continu sur P2 (et sur P1). Nous proposons que les fluides, expulsés par l'activité sur la ZFC-Nazca et injectés au niveau de la ZCI, contribuent à modifier le comportement de stabilité des matériaux, favorisant ce SSE inattendu sur une zone fortement bloquée. Environ 80% du moment asismique total sont libérés sur P2 en une semaine, concomitant d´essaims sur différentes ZFC-Nazca / The central subduction zone of Ecuador is characterized by a highly coupled patch, no known large earthquakes and frequent seismic swarms, some of them associated to slow slip events (SSE). The earthquakes recorded on a temporal onshore-offshore network show an unprecedented image of the background seismicity and of several intense swarms in early 2013, concomitant of a SSE (6.3 Mw). The 20-30 km deep permanent seismic clusters develop near and below the interface contact zone (ICZ), contouring the downdip limit of the locked area. The shallower swarms (10 km depth) occur on sub-vertical inverse crustal fault zones of the Nazca plate that seem to bound a known oceanic massive in subduction. The 2012-2013 SSE is a composite event developing on 2 distinct patches. The first and smaller patch (P1) is sited on an intermediate coupled portion of the ICZ than the shallower second patch (P2) that lies on a highly locked area (> 70%). Since 2012 Nov. 25 and during ~1.5 month, without seismicity, P1 progressively unlocks as revealed by the slow, low and intermittent slip. On 2013 Jan. 16, the sudden slip acceleration on P1 activates a Nazca crustal fault zone (first swarm) located immediately updip P1 and downdip P2, which in turn favors the onset of the faster, higher and continuous slip on P2 (and on P1). We propose that the fluids expelled by the fault activity and injected above, within the ICZ, contribute to modify the material stability behavior and favor the unexpected SSE on a highly locked area. About 80% of the total aseismic moment is released during one week on P2, at the same time than intense seismic swarms on distinct Nazca crustal fault zones

This thesis takes its departure in the view of modern society as being characterised by a heavy focus on efficiency and economic growth, and perception that everything is moving faster and faster in line with Hartmut Rosa´s theory of social acceleration. The effects of this can be seen in rising numbers of stress related sicknesses and mental health problems, as well as a heavy pressure on the earths resources to facilitate continued growth. The aim of the thesis is to investigate the challenges and possibilities for individuals in Sweden to slow down and live a simpler life in this context. Previous research suggests that slower lifestyles can be beneficial both for well-being and environmental sustainability reasons, so understanding the preconditions of this to be possible can be an important aspect when trying to plan for a sustainable future. The theoretical framework consists of the model of voluntary simplicity lifestyle by Osikominu and Bocken (2020), the theory of social acceleration by Rosa (2009) and selected writings on Social Change. The thesis is based on a thematic analysis of empiric material from individuals in Sweden who has transitioned to a slower and more simple lifestyle, generally in terms of working less, reducing their consumption and living closer no nature, and also are visible on social media, reaching out to many others as inspiration. The material consists of writings and recordings from the study-persons in the form of blog-posts and podcasts. The study could confirm that many parts of the VSL-model also were applicable and experienced in the Swedish context. Most participants had in common that their previous lifestyle was characterised by stress, pressure, and living according to others expectations, in line with Rosa´s theory of social acceleration. Their new slower and simpler lifestyles were a decision to follow their own path in life and start to value their time more. The challenges that could be recognised was the norm of working full-time, achievement values, living outside the norm, ethical dilemmas regarding consumption and, for those living on the countryside, transport and infrastructure. The possibilities most recognised were concerning their wellbeing, closely related to their possibility of finding time for recovery, as well as living more in contact with the environment. Social life appeared both as a challenge and a possibility.

Language is the way in which individuals are able to express ideas, feelings, needs, expectations, and form relationships with others in their surrounding environment. A disruption in language development may negatively impact a child's social development. Research shows that children with language delays or disorders tend to have increased social and behavioral difficulties (Cantwell & Baker, 1977; Caulfield, Fischel, DeBaryshe, & Whitehurst, 1989). However, research has not examined temperament differences in young children with language delays or disorders. The question this study sought to answer was: Is there a significant difference in the dimensions of temperament between children with a history of slow expressive language development and their peers with normal language development? The subjects in this study ranged in age from 64 to 74 months. They included 33 children with a history of slow expressive language development (SELD) and 27 children with normal language development. The temperamental characteristics of each of the subjects was assessed by ratings provided by their parents, utilizing the Parent Temperament Questionnaire for Children (Thomas, Chess, & Korn, 1977), a questionnaire to assess the way a child behaves during everyday situations. The question was analyzed by calculating the means and standard deviations for the nine temperament dimensions for· the two groups. To determine if there were significant differences among the two groups, two tailed t-tests were computed at the .05 level of significance. The Parent Temperament Questionnaire for Children (Thomas et al., 1977) showed the children with a history of slow expressive language development to have significantly different scores in the dimensions of approach-withdrawal and intensity of reaction than the subjects with normal language development at 5 years of age.

Many young children develop language over a broad range of ages yet present as having normal language development. When language development lags behind what is considered a normal time line, it is important to consider the various factors that may contribute to the delay in development. The purpose of the current study was to examine various aspects of temperament among three groups of children with varying language histories. The specific question to be answered was, do significant differences occur on parent and clinician questionnaires of temperament among three groups of first grade children demonstrating varying levels of language development: those with normal language (NL), those with a history of expressive language delay (HELD), and those with chronic expressive language delay (ELD)? Subjects for this study included 23 subjects in the NL group, 22 subjects in the HELD group, and 6 subjects in the ELD group. The groups were compared utilizing the Temperament Assessment Battery for Children (TABC) on six variables of temperament on Parent Forms and five variables of temperament on Clinician Forms. The data were analyzed to see if significant differences existed among the language diagnostic groups. On the Parent Forms, a trend towards low approach/withdrawal characteristics was observed between the NL and ELD groups. On the Clinician Forms, a significant difference was observed on the variable, approach/withdrawal, between the NL group and HELD group. Both parametric and non-parametric analyses were in agreement on this finding. The suggestion that low approach/withdrawal tendencies exist within late talking children may be the long term result of interaction between expressive language delayed children and the communication environment. These results must be viewed tentatively because the sample groups were of unequal numbers. If all diagnostic groups had been of equivalent size, the results may have been yielded stronger significance.

Words that deviate in their physical characteristics from their surrounding lead to enhanced recall memory, a pattern known as the Von Restorff effect. Furthermore, common (high frequency; HF) words are more likely to be recalled than uncommon (low frequency; LF) words when they occur in pure lists, while this pattern is reversed in mixed lists of both HF and LF words. This study investigated whether the Von Restorff effect and the reversal of word frequency effects in mixed lists, which may both be explained by enhanced perceived distinctiveness, are associated with common underlying brain processes. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded while participants studied and subsequently recalled 70 word lists using rote memorization strategies. The three list types included (1) 14 regular-sized and one larger word, (2) 14 HF words and one LF word, or (3) 14 LF words and one HF word. The behavioral data showed a typical Von Restorff effect, a word frequency effect, as well as a reversal of the word frequency effect for LF words isolated in HF word lists ("LF isolates"). Larger words and LF isolates elicited a P300, an ERP component associated with subjective distinctiveness, whose amplitude was correlated with subsequent recall for both word types. This indicates that LF isolates were perceived as distinctive, and that this perceived distinctiveness aided subsequent recall in a similar way as for physically deviant words. Both larger words and LF isolates also elicited a left-lateralized slow wave which was larger for subsequently recalled than for not recalled words. This ERP component supposedly reflects item-to-item elaborative processes, indicating that such elaborative processes are enhanced when LF words occur in HF word list. HF words isolated in lists of LF words did not elicit comparable ERP subsequent memory effects. Rather, for these "HF isolates", the N400 was negatively correlated with subsequent recall, an ERP component that reflects semantic integration processes. We conclude that the reversal of the word frequency effect in mixed lists can be explained by a combination of enhanced subjective distinctiveness and enhanced inter-item elaborative processes for LF words that occur in lists of HF words.

This paper presents an investigation of the human need of being needed and how dependent we are of each other. I am dealing with my fears of temporary relationships, temporary meetings and the Individualized society, it is about the fast-paced  lives we live and how there is no time for stopping and taking care of each other and our surroundings.I use my craft to reconnect, talk about new or old relationships, and the impact relationships has on the development in one another. I discuss the perspective we have on time and where we have our focus in the moment. Connecting it to the slow movement, making time for the moment that we are in, everything happens in the present.

This dissertation may be read on several different levels. At its most accessible, it is a detailed ethnographic description of how ‘women in mining’ negotiate the daily terrain of caregiving and being exposed to highly contagious and resistant diseases that are associated with mining, which could potentially adversely affect their day-to-day lives, wellbeing and family relations. At its most analytical, it utilises Nixon’s concept of ‘slow violence’ by carefully charting the challenges that a female mineworker faces; having to provide for her family even in the most difficult situations, and sometimes at the expense of her own health. Hence, ‘women in mining’ are situated in a web of connections that exist between working underground and being caregivers in their homes; while at risk of transmitting tuberculosis (TB) and acquiring reproductive health related problems. This dissertation illustrates the tactics and coping strategies that women in mining employ, and argues that they ‘make a plan’ to minimise the negative social consequences of ill health.