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In recent years great advances in the field of biomedical engineering and organic electronics have been achieved. One promising application would be the regulation of blood glucose concentration in type 2 diabetes patients. This application would eliminate medication and would improve the standard of life. To achieve this goal a system is needed which receives information about the glucose concentration and reacts upon it. This output reaction could then be used to stimulate the body's own glucose regulation mechanisms. This thesis combined a glucose sensor with an artificial neuron to take the first step towards such a system. Two different artificial neurons, the Axon-Hillock neuron and the astable multivibrator, were characterized and examined upon their usability. The Axon-Hillock, build with organic electrochemical transistors, revealed that it could be applied for both regulating high and low blood glucose concentrations. The astable multivibrator, build with silicon-based transistors, was not as functional as the Axon-Hillock neuron but with more development it could become as good. The placement of the glucose sensor in the astable multivibrator circuit is essential parameter to consider. The results demonstrate that the examined system is functional and could become a part of a larger closed-loop system. Future tests on an animal model may demonstrate its viability as a treatment for type 2 diabetes.

A traumatic brain injury is usually caused by a direct impact to the head and is a common cause of disability and death all around the world. The most effective method to predict brain injury today, is to use a finite element head model. In this investigation, the three injury predictors strain, strain rate, and the product of strain and strain rate were investigated using a rat brain finite element model. The main goal was to find which injury predictor most effectively would predict injury. To find the injury predictor with the highest area under curve value, comparisons between experimental results obtained from simulations and results from previously performed experiments on rats were made. To better understand how different factors can affect the severity of symptoms from a traumatic brain injury, a parametric study with a focus on rotational direction and rotational duration was conducted. Simulations were run on a rat brain finite element model for three rotational directions and three rotational durations. The statistical analysis was completed for six experiments and nine brain regions. The three injury predictors were extracted from 26 simulations completed on a rat brain finite element model, and the maximum values of the 95th percentile for each brain region were extracted. The results showed that the product of the strain and the strain rate was the most effective injury predictor for four out of six experiments (unconscious time, EPM arm change, EPM open duration, and MWM session 3). The parametric study investigated rotation in the axial, coronal, and sagittal plane against the three rotational durations 1.5 ms, 3 ms, and 6 ms. The parametric study revealed that both the direction and duration of rotation importantly influence the extent of damage in traumatic brain injuries. The results showed that rotation in the axial plane and a 3 ms duration caused the most brain damage. It was also concluded that the results need to undergo additional verificat, En traumatisk hjärnskada orsakas vanligtvis av våld mot huvudet och är en vanlig orsak till både funktionsnedsättningar och dödsfall världen över. Den effektivastemetoden för att kunna förutsäga en hjärnskada idag är att använda en finit elementmetodmodell av en hjärna. I denna undersökning har de tre skadeprediktorerna belastning, belastningshastighet och produkten av belastningen och belastningshastigheten undersöktes med hjälp av simuleringar genomförda på en modell av en råtthjärna, byggd med hjälp av finita elementmetoden. Målet var att ta reda på vilken skadeprediktor som mest effektivt kunde förutsäga hjärnskada. För att hitta skadeprediktorn med högst area under curve-värde gjordes jämförelser mellan experimentella resultat från simuleringar mot resultat från tidigare utförda experiment på råttor. För att få en djupare förståelse för vilka parametrar som kan påverka graden av symptom från en traumatisk hjärnskada genomfördes en parametrisk studie med fokus på rotationsriktning och rotationstid. Nya simuleringar genomfördes på en finit elementmodell av en råtthjärna i tre rotationsriktningar och under tre rotationstider. Den statistiska analysen utfördes på sex experiment och för nio regioner i hjärnan. Belastningen, belastningshastigheten samt produkten av belastningen och belastningshastigheten extraherades från 26 simulerade finita element råtthjärnor och maximumvärdet från den 95.e percentilen sparades. Resultatet av den statistiska analysen visade att produkten av belastningen och belastningshastigheten var den skadeprediktorn med bäst skadeförutsägelse för fyra av sex experiment(medvetslös tid, EPM arm förflyttning, EPM varaktighet i öppet utrymme och MWM session 3). Under den parametriska studien undersöktes axial, koronal och sagittal rotationsriktning mot de tre rotationstiderna 1.5 ms, 3 ms och 6 ms. Resultatet av den parametriska studien visade att både rotationsriktning och rotationstid spelar viktiga roller när det kommer till omfattningen av s

Mental illnesses are the leading cause of disability in the world today, affecting nearly a billion people including 14% of the world’s adolescents. Mental illnesses include both psychiatric conditions and inconveniences and is a broad term to describe multiple different conditions in varying severity. Mental healthcare has become one of the most central focuses for the Swedish healthcare system and the need to further explore the mental healthcare system and the effectiveness of it is highly important. System dynamics and simulation modeling is a great tool in understanding the system and its behavior. Therefore, the aim of this thesis is development of a working system dynamic simulation model, that will show how the public healthcare system provides mental healthcare for depression and anxiety in Stockholm to adults. The system should be represented with relevant parameters of the real world to accurately simulate the mental healthcare infrastructure. A literature review was conducted to gain an understanding of the structure of the system, its challenges and behavior. The literature review also included gathering of data for the model. Due to privacy concerns of the patients and regulations some of the data was not obtainable throughout the process. The unobtainable data was estimated through information from the provided literature review. The system dynamic model was used to run various possible future scenarios. The scenarios were used to test different real-world situations and analyze the system output and behavior. The system was validated with historical data to estimate the accuracy of the model, and if the model output were in agreement with the real-world data. The system dynamic model was created in an iterative process including adding and removing parameters, stocks and flows throughout the process. However, to further validate the simulation model and increase the accuracy, further research needs to be performed. These include interviews wit, Psykisk ohälsa är den ledande orsaken för funktionsnedsättning just nu i världen, som påverkar nära en miljard människor inkluderat 14% av världens unga människor. Psykisk hälsa är en bred term som inkluderar både psykisk ohälsa och psykiskt välbefinnande. Ordet kan användas för flera olika diagnoser och kan visas i olika allvarlighetsgradsgrader. Sjukvård för psykisk ohälsa har blivit ett av Sveriges sjukvårdssystem största fokus och behovet av att ytterligare utforska och effektivisera är essentiellt. Systemdynamiska modeller och simuleringsmodeller är ett utmärkt verktyg för att förstå ett system och dess beteende. Därför har detta examensarbete inriktat sig på att utveckla en fungerande systemdynamisk simuleringsmodell som visar hur den allmänna sjukvården tillhandahåller psykiatrisk vård för depression och ångest till vuxna i Stockholm. System ska vara representerat med relevanta parametrar från den verkliga värden och simulera sjukvårdssystemet för psykiatrisk vård och dess infrastruktur. En litteraturöversikt genomfördes för att få en förståelse för strukturen för systemet och det innehavande utmaningar och beteende som finns. Litteraturöversikten innehöll också samlande av data för modellen. Vissa delar av den sökta data gick inte att hitta eller samla in på grund av föreskrifter eller integritetsproblem. När data inte gick att hitta gjordes istället uppskattningar genom informationen från den tidigare söka litteraturen. Det olika scenarios skulle föreställa olika verkligen situationer som skulle kunna uppkomma, dessa analyserades sedan och systemets resultat och beteende noterades. Modellen blev också validerad genom historiska data och genom att se att modellens resultat var i linje med den verkliga världens data. Systemdynamiska modellen blev genom iterationer förbättrad och efter valideringen konstruerades scenarion. Dock, för att kunna lita på resultatet behövs ytterligare forskning göras. För att ytterligare validera systemet behövs intervjuer

This report focuses on the characterization of an acupuncture needle microsensor, designed tomeasure the conductivity and oxygen saturation of tissues in the body, in particular musculartissues. The device is intended to help the practitioner localize and treat sources of chronicneuromuscular pain in patients. Acupuncture is shown in some cases to lower pain in patients.The specific aim of this project was to characterize the functional properties of the microsensor.Oxygen sensing is accomplished using the phosphorescent indicator dye platinum tetraphenyltetrabenzoporphyrin (PtTPTBPF) placed on the tip of an optical fiber placed in the lumen oflong, thin needle, while conductivity sensing is accomplished with a gold-sputtered electrodearrangement at the tip of the needle. The end goal is to get the microsensor needle classified asa medical device. Preclinical tests that are required for the needle to get the approval arediscussed in this report. To determine the needle’s accuracy and precision when measuringconductivity and oxygen saturation, an experimental setup was created in which an in-vitromaterial for the simulation of muscular tissue was utilized. The in-vitro test material wascomprised of a cellulose gel containing different nitrate salts producing a material with similarstiffness to soft tissues in the human body. Different concentrations of the nitrate salts produceddifferent conductivities in the tissue model gels that covered the conductivity span of humantissues. To create different levels of oxygen saturation, the tissue model gels were placed in aplastic bag filled with oxygen or nitrogen. Performance characterizations of individual devicescan be used to calibrate individual devices, which provides data for the technical file used in theapproval of the device as a medical device. However, none of the sensors where able tomeasure the true value of conductivity in the calibration liquids. The oxygen sensor where alsoto slow to get to the true value of

In Sweden, where a decentralized healthcare system is applied, all patients are registered at a primary healthcare center. To access most of the publicly funded specialized care clinics, patients need to be referred by a general physician at the primary healthcare center. However, long waiting times and queues to access specialized care clinics in Sweden, has been a serious problem and concern for decades. Addressing this issue is important for improving patients’ transition to specialized care and the functionality of the Swedish healthcare system. The aim of this thesis is to explore the Swedish healthcare system to analyze the transition of patients to specialized care clinics and identify the reasons for long waiting times and queues. This was done by analyzing the Swedish healthcare system and develop a serious game prototype which models the process of access to specialized care within the Swedish healthcare system. The prototype was used to understand the delay that happens in patients’ transition and access process to specialized care services. A system analysis including a literature review is conducted to gain an understanding of the Swedish healthcare system and gather data to be used in the designed prototype. The outcome of the system analysis is a visual representation of the Swedish healthcare system including laws and stakeholders. A game frame is developed from the system analysis. Maps, tables, and a flow-diagram are developed to visualize patients’ access to specialized care. All of this was used to design the game prototype. The final prototype is developed through an iterative process, where several prototypes are designed and tested through game sessions with experts. The prototypes are evaluated after each game session. Finally, learning and findings gained from the prototypes design and the game sessions are documented. This includes reasons for long waiting times for a first visit at a specialized care clinic such as the structure of the Sw, I Sverige tillämpas decentraliserat sjukvårdssystem där alla patienter registeras vid en vårdscentral. För att få tillgång till de flesta offentligt finansierade specialistvårdsmottagningar remitteras patienterna av en allmänläkare vid vårdscentralen. Dock har långa väntetider och köer till specialiserad sjukvård varit ett allvarligt problem och bekymmer i Sverige i årtionden. Att hantera denna fråga är avgörande för att förbättra patienternas övergång till specialiserad vård och för att den svenska sjukvården ska fungera smidigt. Målet med detta projekt är att utforska det svenska sjukvårdssystemet för att analysera patientövergångar till specialistvårdsmottagningar och identifiera orsakerna till de långa väntetiderna och köerna. Detta uppnåddes genom att analysera det svenska sjukvårdssystemet och utveckla en prototyp av ett seröst simuleringssspel som simulerarr processen att få tillgång till specialiserad vård inom det svenska sjukvårdssystemet. Prototypen användes för att förstå förseningar som uppstår under patientövergångar och tillgång till specialvårdtjänster. En systemanalys inklusive en litteraturöversikt genomförs för att få en djupare förståelse för det svenska sjukvårdssystemet och samla in data som kommer att användas i den utformade prototypen. Resultatet av systemanalysen är en visuell representation av det svenska sjukvårdssystemet, inklusive juridiska lagar och berörda parter. Genom systemanalys utvecklas ett spelramverk. Kartor, tabeller och ett flödesschema utvecklas för att visuellt framställa patienternas tillgång till specialiserad vård. Allt detta användes sedan för att designa spelprototypen. Den slutliga prototypen utvecklas genom en iterativ process, där flera prototyper designas och testas genom spel sessioner med experter. Prototyperna utvärderas och dokumenteras efter varje spel-sessioner. Slutligen dokumenteras de lärdomar och resultat som erhållits från prototyputformningen och spel-sessionerna. Detta inkluderar orsaker till långa vä

In the current pursuit of sustainable energy, biofuel cells are attracting considerable attention. Within biomedical engineering, the concept of harnessing energy from biological fluids, such as blood, holds significant promise, enabling both full autonomy and miniaturization. In this context, this study aims to identify the most efficient biofuel cells for miniaturised implantable biosensors and design a prototype based on the obtained results. To achieve this goal, a systematic literature review was conducted, comparing biofuel cells based on relevant parameters for powering devices, including power density and operative voltages. This categorization guided material selection, considering a cost-performance trade-off. Carbon nanotubes and Laccase were chosen to facilitate oxygen reduction at the cathode, while carbon nanotubes with Glucose Oxidase (with and without ferrocenemethanol) played a similar role at the anode—where glucose proved to be the most advantageous fuel. Electrode functionalization and assessment involved electrochemical and morphological analyses, culminating in the recording of initial results for the biofuel cell prototype. The analysis of scientific literature revealed that under physiological conditions, including pH, glucose concentration, and single-chamber biofuel cells, the maximum power density obtained was 1 mW/cm$^2$ at 0.65 V. The use of nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes, and enzymes proved crucial for achieving this performance by enhancing electron transfer, increasing the effective area, and introducing specificity to each electrode, enabling the biofuel cell to operate without the need for a membrane. During the design phase, the functionalisation of the cathode highlighted the critical role of oxygen, which has a limited concentration in the solution. At the anode, the attempt to achieve mediated electron transfer proved successful, in contrast to the method of direct electron transfer. Finally, the characterisation of the

Background: The Rotation Invariant Vision Transformer (RViT) is a novel deep learning model tailored for brain tumor classification using MRI scans. Methods: RViT incorporates rotated patch embeddings to enhance the accuracy of brain tumor identification. Results: Evaluation on the Brain Tumor MRI Dataset from Kaggle demonstrates RViT's superior performance with sensitivity (1.0), specificity (0.975), F1-score (0.984), Matthew's Correlation Coefficient (MCC) (0.972), and an overall accuracy of 0.986. Conclusion: RViT outperforms the standard Vision Transformer model and several existing techniques, highlighting its efficacy in medical imaging. The study confirms that integrating rotational patch embeddings improves the model's capability to handle diverse orientations, a common challenge in tumor imaging. The specialized architecture and rotational invariance approach of RViT have the potential to enhance current methodologies for brain tumor detection and extend to other complex imaging tasks.

Medical technology is an important part of healthcare and society, and new solutions are needed to meet the demands of aging population and prevalence of chronic diseases. During the last decade considerable technical progression has taken place but implementation of these new solutions is still cumbersome. This study reviews the current state of research within management and engineering studies concerning implementation of medical technology and identifies avenues for further research. A systematic search with keywords such as implementation and medical technology identified 2809 hits of which only ten papers were about implementation of medical technology. This review provides four contributions to research and management: (1) the findings show that there is no field that can be called implementation of medical technology within management and engineering studies, (2) there is no specific journal that publishes research on the topic, (3) majority of the papers are opinion articles and qualitative case studies and (4) many reported barriers to implementation relate to technology. In order to address the complex task of implementing medical technology, management scholars to a larger extent need to acknowledge and study aspects that go beyond technology.

Early cancer detection is pivotal for improving treatment outcomes and reducing the impact on society. This thesis explores the potential of natural language processing (NLP) techniques to enhance the early detection of colorectal cancer by leveraging primary care data from electronic health records in Sweden. By harnessing the information contained within physician notes, the aim is to develop an NLP model capable of identifying subtle patterns indicative of early-stage cancer, which may be overlooked by human perception. NLP techniques, including Topic Modeling, Named Entity Recognition (NER), and Text Classification, are employed to extract relevant features from the physician notes. The features are then incorporated into existing algorithms to evaluate their impact on cancer detection performance. Additionally, the study assesses the effectiveness of clinical notes for cancer detection three months prior to the diagnosis date, and explores the suitability of existing Swedish language models for text classification of clinical language data. While the study encountered limitations related to data quality, quantity, and project timeframe constraints, the results demonstrate the potential of NLP for cancer detection. Clinical notes were successfully transformed into machine learning features, resulting in improved performance across most metrics. The utilization of clinical notes for cancer detection three months prior to the diagnosis date also increased performance across most metrics, albeit with lower overall predictive power due to the absence of strongly correlated symptoms during that period. The findings suggest that NLP could serve as a valuable source of information for machine learning models in cancer detection, as highly relevant information is present in the analyzed clinical notes. However, the current performance metrics indicate that further refinement and the acquisition of additional data are necessary before the developed models can be deemed, Tidig upptäckt av cancer är avgörande för att förbättra patientens prognos och minska påverkan på samhället. Detta arbete utforskar potentialen av naturlig språkbehandlingsteknik (NLP) för att facilitera tidig upptäckt av kolorektal cancer med primärvårdsdata från elektroniska journaler i Sverige. Genom att tillvarata informationen i patientjournalerna är målet att utveckla en NLP-modell som kan identifiera subtila mönster som tyder på tidig cancer, vilka kan förbises av mänsklig perception. Informationen extraheras från patientjournalerna med NLP-teknikerna Temamodellering (Topic Modeling), Named Entity Recognition (NER) och Textklassificering. Informationens inverkan på prestandan för cancerdetektering utvärderas sedan i befintliga algoritmer. För att simulera realistiska kliniska tillstånd utvärderades modellen även med en mindre mängd data, där information tre månader före diagnos uteslöts. Slutligen utforskar arbetet befintliga svenska språkmodeller för textklassificering av kliniskt språk. Trots begränsningar relaterade till datakvalitet, kvantitet och projektets tidsram, visar resultaten potentialen av NLP för cancerdetektering. Informationen extraherades framgångsrikt ur de kliniska anteckningarna, vilket resulterade i en ökad prestanda för de flesta mätvärdena. Användningen av kliniska anteckningar för cancerdetektering tre månader före diagnosdatum ökade också prestandan av de flesta mätvärden, även om den övergripande prediktiva kraften var lägre på grund av att starkt korrelerade symtom var frånvarande under den perioden. Resultaten tyder på att NLP kan utgöra en värdefull informationskälla för maskininlärningsmodeller vid cancerdetektering, då högst relevant information återfanns i de kliniska anteckningarna. De nuvarande prestandamåtten indikerar dock att ytterligare vidareutveckling och en större datamängd är nödvändig innan eventuell klinisk implementering.

This project developed a user-friendly interface for an existing neurofeedback (NFB) application targeting post-concussion syndrome (PCS) users, making it accessible without requiring specific technical knowledge. Objectives included 1: Transforming a Python-dependent NFB-application into a more user-friendly version and 2: Validating its efficacy as a potential rehabilitation tool through a pilot trial with focus on PCS users.The NFB training involved high-contrast pattern videos in horizontal, vertical, or rotational direction, with the intensity varying depending on the day across a 14-day training regimen. The neurofeedback mechanism analyzed the mean Power Spectral Density (PSD) values within the alpha frequency range (8 - 12 Hz) to modulate the training videos speed.The pilot trial included six healthy subjects that were evaluated on the NFB training’s effect on their recorded mean PSD values. Two subjects dropped out due to the intensity of the training videos. Bayesian ANCOVA revealed changes in the mean PSD depending on the ‘Day’ of the training, with a Bayes factor: BFM = 45.019 and a Posterior probability: P(M|data) = 0.918. The results from the trial showed that the participants had varying ability to control their cognitive response to the NFB-training, with a peak in alpha activity observed during the sixth day, suggesting improved control in response to the training's visual stimuli (see Figure 12). No significant influence from the directionality of the visual stimuli was observed. The project showed that the participants could engage with the newly developed NFB-application and training. It also showed that the training had an effect on the participants mean PSD values. The observed effect of the NFB-training provides a foundation for further research., Projektet utvecklade ett användarvänligt gränssnitt för en befintlig neurofeedback (NFB)-applikation riktad mot användare med postkontusionellt syndrom (PCS), vilket gjorde applikationen tillgänglig utan tidigare specifika tekniska kunskaper. Målen inkluderade 1: Att omvandla en Python-beroende NFB-applikation till en mer användarvänlig version och 2): Validera dess effektivitet som ett potentiellt rehabiliteringsverktyg genom en pilotstudie med fokus på PCS-användare.NFB-träningen involverade videor med högkontrastmönster i horisontella, vertikala eller roterande riktning, där intensiteten varierade beroende på dagen över ett 14-dagars träningsregim. Neurofeedback-mekanismen analyserade de genomsnittliga värdena för effektspektraltäthet (PSD) inom alfafrekvensområdet (8 - 12 Hz) för att modulera träningsvideornas hastighet.Pilotstudien inkluderade sex friska försökspersoner som utvärderades med avseende på NFB-träningens effekt på deras registrerade genomsnittliga PSD-värden.Två försökspersoner hoppade av på grund av intensiteten i träningsvideorna.Bayesiansk ANCOVA avslöjade förändringar i de genomsnittliga PSD-värdena beroende på 'Dagen' för träningen, med en Bayes faktor: BFM = 45.019 och en Posterior sannolikhet: P(M|data) = 0.918. Resultaten från studien visade att deltagarna hade varierande förmåga att kontrollera sin kognitiva respons på NFB-träningen, med en topp i alfaaktivitet observerad under den sjätte dagen, vilket tyder på förbättrad kontroll som svar på träningsvisuella stimuli (se Figure 12). Ingen signifikant påverkan från riktningen av de visuella stimulina observerades.Projektet visade att deltagarna kunde engagera sig i den nyutvecklade NFB-applikationen och träningen. Det visade också att träningen hade en effekt på deltagarnas genomsnittliga PSD-värden. Den observerade effekten av NFB-träningen utgör en grund för vidare forskning.

Background:Handgrip strength is the total voluntary muscle strength of the hand that increases with age to reach its maximum at theage of 35. There are many factors that can affect the handgrip strength, the most important ones are age and gender. Sincehandgrip strength gives a good indication of how strong the rest of the body is and is an easy and reliable test, it is often apart of many examinations. The handgrip strength is measured with hand dynamometers. Aim:The purpose of this study is to investigate how many of the obese children and adolescents that reach the normal value forhandgrip strength and if there are any differences between groupings based on gender and age. Method:This study consists of two different stages, a literature study, and an empirical study. The literature study was conducted tocollect useful information about why hand grip strength is measured, how it is done and the technical principle behind handdynamometers. During the empirical study the data was collected from test results and analysed with Microsoft Excel. Result:Most of the children and adolescents reached the normal value for hand grip strength. There were more boys than girls andmore patients from the older group who reached the normal value. In the younger group there were equal percentage ofboys and girls that reached the normal value while in the older group there were more boys than girls that reached thenormal value. Conclusion:Most of the children and adolescents reached the normal value for handgrip strength and there were differences betweenthe groups.

Severe knee injuries, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, and their increase in women’s football have received more attention recently, and research has shown that women are more likely to suffer knee injuries when practicing their sport than men are. Several injury prevention programs have been developed to increase strength and neuromuscular control, in order to decrease the injury rate. However, the current approach for knee injury prevention is not individualized or optimized for identifying high-risk players. Thus, this project aims to approach the idea of optimizing injury prevention work with pose estimation, through taking a first step towards integrating relevant exercises and performance feedback into players’ smartphones. This first step includes investigating if the performance of established knee injury prevention exercises can be classified as “pass” or “fail”, from an injury prevention point of view, based on kinematic and biomechanical metrics, using pose estimation. Moreover, if the open-source pose estimation neural network BlazePose can estimate the key joint positions accurately enough in the context of such knee injury prevention exercises. To achieve this, video data of established knee injury prevention exercises (single leg squat, double leg squat, lunge, and single leg jump) were recorded from 9 subjects with regular smart devices. BlazePose was then applied to the data and relevant classification metrics were calculated from the coordinate output provided by the pose estimation. Each repetition of the exercises was classified based on the metrics. The classified data was then used to train and test logistic regression models for each exercise and the model performances were analyzed to evaluate if the classification metrics were valid. Furthermore, the coordinate estimation accuracy of BlazePose was evaluated against a validation system containing a depth sensor. Results of this work show that three out of four of the exercises, Allvarliga knäskador, så som korsbandsskador, och ökningen av dem inom damfotboll har uppmärksammats mer på senare tid, och forskning visar att kvinnor löper större risk att drabbas av knäskador under deras sportutövande än vad män gör. Flertalet skadeförebyggande träningsprogram har utvecklats i syfte att öka styrka och neuromuskulär kontroll för att minska antalet skador. Den nuvarande metoden för att förebygga knäskador är dock inte individualiserad nog eller optimerad för att identifiera spelare i riskzonen. Därför syftar det här projektet till att närma sig idén om att optimera den skadeförebyggande träningen med poseuppskattning genom att ta ett första steg mot att integrera relevanta övningar och prestationsåterkoppling i spelarnas egna telefoner. Detta första steg inkluderar att undersöka om utförandet av etablerade knäskadeförebyggande övningar kan bli klassificerade som ”godkänd” eller ”underkänd”, ur ett skadeförebyggande perspektiv, baserat på kinematiska och biomekaniska mätvärden, med hjälp av poseuppskattning. Dessutom, om det neurala nätverket BlazePose för poseuppskattning med öppen källkod kan uppskatta positionen av viktiga leder i kroppen tillräckligt exakt för sådana skadeförebyggande övningar. För att åstadkomma detta samlades videodata av etablerade knäskadeförebyggande övningar (enbensknäböj, tvåbendknäböj, utfallssteg och enbenshopp) in från 9 personer med vanliga smarta enheter. BlazePose applicerades sedan på datan och relevanta klassificeringsmätvärden beräknades från koordinatdatan som erhölls av poseuppskattningen. Den klassificerade datan användes sedan för att träna och testa logistiska regressionsmodeller för varje övning, och modellernas prestanda analyserades för att utvärdera om klassificeringsmätvärdena var gångbara. Vidare så utvärderades BlazePoses koordinatuppskattning mot ett valideringssystem innehållande en djupsensor. Resultaten av arbetet visade att tre av fyra övningar kunde klassificeras med de valda mätvärdena, med måt

With the growing demand for an increase in food production, whilst 30% of thecrop production is lost due to plant diseases, there is a need for plant diseasedetection that do not require laboratories and trained personnel. This can besolved by the usage of nanotechnology and the integration of microneedles.Microneedles can extract biofluids from the plants, and with the integrationwith a sensor, allow for on-site disease detection.The most recently developed type of microneedle is the porous microneedle,which extract biofluids by capillary action. Previous papers have proposeddifferent materials and processes for the fabrication of porous microneedlesbut state that further research has to be done. This Thesis aims to createprotocols for fabrication of porous microneedles from different cellulosicmaterials as well as evaluate their characteristics.Before the protocols were established, two master molds were created forthe casting of the porous microneedles. One by engraving a PMMA sheetusing a CO2 laser, and the other by 3D printing a resin mold. The twomaterials that were used were cellulose acetate and chromatography paper.The materials were used both separately and combined in the fabricationprocess. To characterize the porous microneedles, three properties wereevaluated, porosity, mechanical stability and extraction capability.The results from the fabrication of porous microneedles and the propertytests has provided information for further development of the project as wellas future work regarding porous microneedles., På grund av den ökande efterfrågan på matproduktionen i världen ikombination med det faktum att ca 30% av all den mat som odlas går förloradpå grund av plantsjukdomar, medför att det finns ett behov av detektering avdessa sjukdomar på ett snabbt och smidigt sätt som inte kräver laboratoriereller utbildad personal. Det här kan lösas genom användadet av nanoteknologioch integrering av mikronålar. Mikronålar kan extrahera biovätskor frånplantor, och genom att integrera mikronålarna med sensorer, tillåta detekteringpå plats på odlingsmarkerna.En typ av mikronål är den porösa mikronålen som genom kapillärkraftkan extrahera biovätskor. Tidigare artiklar har presenterat olika material ochprocesser för tillverkningen av porösa mikronålar, men mer forskning krävsför att utveckla porösa mikronålar för extrahering av biovätskor från plantor.Syftet med den här avhandlingen är skapa protokoll för tillverkningen avporösa mikronålar från cellulosamaterial, samt utvärdera dess egenskaper.Innan protokollen etablerades skapades två master formar för tillverkningenav de porösa mikronålarna. En form skapades genom ingraveringi PMMA med hjälp av en CO2 laser och den andra genom att med hjälpav en 3D printer skriva ut en form med resin. De två materialen somanvändes för tillverkningen av de porösa mikronålarna var cellulosa acetat ochkromatografipapper. Materialen användes både var för sig och tillsammans.För att karaktärisera de porösa mikronålarna utvärderades tre egenskaper,porositet, mekanisk stabilitet och extraktionsförmåga.Resultaten från tillverkningen av porösa mikronålar och de karaktäriseradeegenskaperna har bidragit med information för fortsatt utveckling av projektetsamt framtida arbete med porösa mikronålar.

Head injury leading cause of infant and child death globally, also crucial in cases of child abuse determination. Adult head injury has been extensively studied, but due to the complex anatomical and biomechanical properties of infant skulls, there are few studies on infant head injury. Based on the statistical suture data generated by morphological framework using CT images and the finite element (FE) head models generated from the image data, this study developed a computational framework to integrate different suture morphologies into subjectspecific FE models of infant skulls, provided an effective tool for integrating different forms of suture into the skull model, using algorithms such as statistical shape and iterative nearest point (ICP), principal component analysis (PCA) and K-nearest neighbour (KNN). This tool could help the subsequent experiments to further conduct systematical analysis of the impact of infant sutures on infant head impact, which advances the application of finite elements in pediatric head fracture research., Huvudskador är den ledande dödsorsaken globalt för spädbarn och barn och är också avgörande vid fastställande av barnmisshandel. Huvudskador hos vuxna har studerats utförligt, men på grund av spädbarnsskallars komplexa anatomiska och biomekaniska egenskaper finns det få studier om huvudskador hos spädbarn. Baserat på statistisk suturdata som genererats genom en morfologisk ramverk med hjälp av CT-bilder och finita element (FE) huvudmodeller skapade från bilddata, har denna studie utvecklat ett beräkningsramverk för att integrera olika suturmorfologier i subjektspecifika FE-modeller av spädbarnsskallar, och tillhandahållit ett effektivt verktyg för att integrera olika former av suturer i skallmodellen med algoritmer såsom statistisk form och iterativ närmaste punkt (ICP), principkomponentanalys (PCA) och K-närmaste grannar (KNN). Detta verktyg kan hjälpa till med efterföljande experiment för att ytterligare genomföra systematiska analyser av effekten av spädbarnssuturer på spädbarnshuvudets påverkan, vilket främjar tillämpningen av finita element i forskning om pediatriska huvudfrakturer.

Cerebral Palsy (CP) a neuromotor disorder that leads to abnormal developmentof movement, muscle tone and posture and the chance of CP among the newborn is around 2.08‰. This study focuses on studying the spatial distributionpattern of intramuscular fat of the calf muscle in children withCP. Based onthe Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans from patients and the controlgroup, the 3D model of each muscle can be recosntructed, as well as thequantification of the fat distribution of different segments. Besides the averageFat Fraction (FF), the spatial distribution of Proton Density Fat Fraction(PDFF) of the muscles in interest are also evaluated., (CP) Cerebral Palsy är en neuromotorisk störning som leder till avvikande utveckling avrörelse, muskeltonus och hållning, och risken för CP bland nyfödda liggerpå cirka 2,08‰. Denna studie fokuserar på att undersöka det rumsligadistributionsmönstret av intramuskulärt fett i vadmusklerna hos barn med CP.Baserat på MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)-skanningar från patienter och kontrollgruppen kan 3D-modellav varje muskel rekonstrueras, liksom kvantifieringen av fettfördelningeni olika segment. Förutom genomsnittlig FF (Fat Fraction) utvärderas även den rumsligadistributionen av PDFF(Proton Density Fat Fraction) för musklerna av intresse.

3D bioprinting is a prominent field within tissue engineering, with potential for construction of complex structures mimicking physiological properties of human tissue. Bioinks are a crucial part to achieve precise tissue engineering and enabling cell viability. To achieve 3D bioprinting the bioink needs to attain characteristics that allow for printing, retaining shape and cells being able to survive and adapt to the environment present in the printed construct. Over the years, different materials have been proposed as bioink, including naturally derived polymers, natural polymers as well as synthetic polymers, though coming with several drawbacks including lack of interaction between cells and matrix. With help from different chemical, physical or mechanical processes, these materials have been able to mimic the physiological processes in mammals. In the field of natural polymers, decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM), derived from tissue extracellular matrix through decellularization, emerges as a promising candidate. Through decellularization, ECM's structural and compositional integrity remains intact while cellular components are removed, thus providing cells with a physiological 3D environment. However, 3D bioprinting of dECM remains challenging, due to low storage modulus of the hydrogel and slow gelation time, only a few studies report the use of dECM hydrogels as bioinks. In this report, porcine skin derived dECM was used to form a hydrogel for evaluation in terms of rheological characteristics: viscosity, storage modulus and loss modulus in combination with a printability assessment: examining extrudability, shape fidelity and uniformity and, as well as the gelation and reversibility factors. Evaluation of previously mentioned factors was conducted on a set of concentrations of dECM in the hydrogel, these different concentrations were achieved by dilution using phosphate saline buffer (PBS). Concentrations examined in this study were of the lower var

During surgery there is always a risk of instruments or patients being contaminated by airborne particles in the operating room. This is due to people in the room, their activities and the equipment in the room. The room ventilation system is crucial for maintaining a clean environment and reducing the risk of infection. QleanAir wanted to explore whether they could further improve the operating environment by introducing a new mobile ventilation device with horizontal airflow. The purpose of this project was to investigate whether this device could make the operating environment cleaner through various measurements with and without the device. The mobile ventilation device consists of a diffuser connected to an air purifier with a HEPA 14 filter. The diffuser was placed above the patient on the operating table and generated a horizontal airflow of HEPA-filtered air over the patient. Measurements were conducted in two different environments, and both particle and airflow measurements were made. Particle measurements were taken both in the zone with the horizontal airflow and in the periphery of the room for comparison purposes. The results showed a significant reduction in particles when the diffuser was used compared to when it was not used. This discovery may contribute to creating even cleaner and safer operating environments for both patients and staff., Under en operation finns alltid risken att instrument eller patient kontamineras av luftburna partiklar i operationssalen. Detta på grund av personer i lokalen, deras aktiviteter och utrustningen i lokalen. Ventilationssystemet i operationssalen spelar en avgörande roll för att upprätthålla en ren miljö och minska risken för infektion. QleanAir ville utforska om de kunde förbättra operationsmiljön ytterligare genom att introducera en ny mobil luftrenare med horisontellt luftflöde. Syftet med projektet var att undersöka om denna mobila luftrenare kunde förbättra renheten i operationsmiljön genom att utföra olika mätningar med och utan systemet. Den mobila luftrenaren består av en diffusor kopplad till en luftrenare med HEPA 14 filter. Diffusorn placerades över patienten på operationsbordet och genererade ett horisontellt luftflöde med HEPA-renad luft över patienten. Mätningar genomfördes i två olika miljöer, och både partikel- och luftflödesmätningar utfördes. Partikelmätningar togs både i zonen med det horisontella luftflödet och i övriga rummet för att kunna göra en jämförelse. Resultaten visade en betydande minskning av partiklar när diffusorn användes jämfört med när den inte används. Denna upptäckt kan bidra till att skapa ännu renare och säkrare operationsmiljöer för både patienter och personal.

This study assesses the effectiveness of automated hermetically sealed waste management systems compared to conventional waste disposal methods in reducing microbial loads in hospitals. A comparative analysis was conducted between Södersjukhuset, which utilizes the automated system, and Östra Sjukhuset, which employs a conventional system. Microbial presence was quantified through colony forming units (CFUs). Results demonstrate that Södersjukhuset experienced a 49.3% reduction in mean CFU count and a 6.10% reduction in median CFU count compared to Östra Sjukhuset. Statistical analysis using the Mann-Whitney U test produced a p-value of 0.055, slightly above the significance threshold of 0.05, providing limited statistical support of the difference in microbial load between the hospitals. Hence, the findings suggest that there may be a potential for automated waste management systems to improve hospital sanitation and patient safety., Denna studie undersöker effektiviteten av automatiserade hermetiskt slutna avfallshanteringssystem jämfört med konventionella avfallshanteringsmetoder på sjukhus, med fokus på deras påverkan på mikrobiell närvaro. Genom en jämförande analys mellan Södersjukhuset, utrustat specifikt med Envacs automatiserade system, och Östra Sjukhuset som använder den konventionella metoden, kvantifierar studien bakteriekontamineringsnivåer genom kolonibildande enheter (CFU). Resultaten visade ett 49,3% lägre genomsnittligt CFU-antal och ett 6,10% lägre median CFU-antal på Södersjukhuset jämfört med Östra Sjukhuset, vilket tyder på att automatiserade system avsevärt minskar mikrobiell kontaminering. Mann-Whitney U-testet gav ett p-värde på 0,055 och därför implicerar begränsat statistiskt stöd för skillnaden i mikrobiell belastning mellan sjukhusen. Därav tyder resultaten på att det kan finnas en potential för automatiserade avfallshanteringssystem att förbättra sjukhussanering och patientsäkerhet.

This thesis examines the use of the ExoActive exoskeleton from Festool, a device designed to reducephysical strain and enhance work efficiency for tasks performed above shoulder height. Exoskeletonsare developed to support and enhance human movement during physically demanding tasks, andresearch has shown they can reduce biomechanical strain and prevent musculoskeletal disorders.The study focuses on four key areas: user-friendliness, adaptability, workflow integration, and safety.The aim is to evaluate user experience, identify areas for improvement, and understand retailers'perspectives on potential customer needs.By using methods, such as interviews, surveys and observations, it is possible to receive feedbackfrom users which might be useful to help develop ExoActive furthermore. Surveys are targeting bothusers and resellers to get a broader view and identify areas of improvement.Despite many positive aspects, some areas for improvement were identified. The exoskeleton wasfound to be cumbersome in tight spaces, making it difficult to use on scaffolding and in small areas.The cost was also considered high, which could be a barrier for smaller companies or individualcraftsmen.The conclusion of the study shows that ExoActive effectively relieves muscle and joint strain,improving work performance and potentially reducing injury risks. To enhance usability and reducecosts, further research and development of personalized components and improved design tominimize pinching risks and make the device more compact and practical in confined spaces aresuggested. Additionally, a long-term study is recommended to evaluate how user experiences changeover time.

Before a product is created and released on the market, virtual prototyping is often used to optimize the product. However, to create an optimized and safe product, the process relies heavily on correct data, especially within the field of medical technology. One of these metrics is how light reflects and transmits through the material, called the material light-scattering property. While there are optical measurement tools and optic laboratories that can retrieve these material properties, their expense and reliance on specialized facilities pose barriers. This study aims to identify and calibrate a suitable detector for light scattering measurements, assess its data collection capabilities, and develop calibration algorithms to enhance accuracy. The study successfully identified the necessary detector specifications and selected an appropriate detector. Additionally, two critical issues for data collection were pinpointed, leading to the creation of calibration algorithms to address these challenges. By enabling users to retrieve material light scattering properties independently, this research contributes to an easier product development process, ultimately enhancing patient care and medical innovation on a broader scale., Innan en produkt skapas och släpps på marknaden används ofta virtuell prototypning för att optimera produkten. Men för att skapa en optimerad och säker produkt är processen i hög grad beroende av korrekta data, särskilt inom medicinsk teknik. En av dessa metriker är hur ljus reflekteras och överförs genom materialet, vilket kallas materialets ljusspridningsegenskap. Även om det finns optiska mätverktyg och optiska laboratorier som kan hämta dessa materialegenskaper, utgör deras kostnad och beroende av specialiserade faciliteter hinder. Denna studie syftar till att identifiera och kalibrera en lämplig detektor för ljusspridningsmätningar, utvärdera dess datainsamlingsförmåga och utveckla kalibreringsalgoritmer för att förbättra noggrannheten. Studien identifierade framgångsrikt de nödvändiga specifikationerna för detektorn och valde en lämplig detektor. Dessutom identifierades två kritiska problem i datainsamlingen, vilket ledde till skapandet av kalibrerings algoritmer för att hantera dessa utmaningar. Genom att möjliggöra för användare att få tag på materialets ytljusspridnings egenskaper själva bidrar denna forskning till en enklare produktutvecklingsprocess, vilket i slutändan förbättrar patientvård och medicinsk innovation på en bredare skala.

This thesis presents the development of an innovative force-sensing attachment device designed to determine the optimal pressure to be applied by a pressure cuff during pediatric ultrasound-guided venous access procedures. This initiative addresses the critical challenge of vein compressibility in pediatric patients, whose smaller and more compressible veins can compromise the success of cannulation by making veins prone to collapse under pressure. The need for a tool that provides quantitative feedback on the compressibility of veins is paramount, as it enables healthcare professionals to ascertain the most effective pressure cuff settings to maintain vein patency during needle insertion. The device's development focused on creating a compact, ergonomic, user-friendly tool that integrates seamlessly with current ultrasound technologies, facilitating the real-time measurement of pressure applied to the vein until its collapse. This measure indirectly indicates vein compressibility under varying pressures, thus informing the adjustment of pressure cuff settings for optimal vein preparation. The project employed a systematic design and development approach, incorporating healthcare professionals' feedback to refine the prototype's practicality and effectiveness in clinical environments. The significant contribution of this thesis is the provision of a device that measures the force required to collapse a vein, enabling healthcare professionals to identify optimal pressure cuff settings—a critical factor previously determined through less precise methods. Initial results demonstrate the device’s effectiveness in conveying real-time data on the pressure applied, facilitating the adjustment of pressure settings to prevent vein collapse. This advancement not only propels the field of medical device development but also enhances pediatric healthcare by offering a novel solution to a complex clinical challenge, potentially leading to higher procedural success rates, reduced, Denna avhandling presenterar utvecklingen av en innovativ kraftsensorfästanordning avsedd att bestämma det optimala trycket som ska appliceras med en blodtrycksmanschett under procedurer för venös åtkomst med ultraljudsguidade hos barn. Detta initiativ tar itu med den kritiska utmaningen med venkompressibilitet hos pediatriska patienter, vars mindre och mer kompressibla vener kan kompromettera framgången med kanulering genom att göra vener benägna att kollapsa under tryck. Behovet av ett verktyg som ger kvantitativ återkoppling om venernas kompressibilitet är av största vikt, eftersom det möjliggör för vårdpersonal att fastställa de mest effektiva inställningarna för blodtrycksmanschetten att bibehålla venpatensen under nålinsättning. Utvecklingen av enheten fokuserade på att skapa ett kompakt, ergonomiskt, användarvänligt verktyg som integreras med befintliga ultraljudsteknologier, vilket underlättar mätning i realtid av det tryck som appliceras på venen till dess kollaps. Detta mått indikerar indirekt venens kompressibilitet under varierande tryck, vilket informerar justeringen av blodtrycksmanschettens inställningar för optimal venförberedelse. Projektet använde en systematiskt utvecklings- och designansats, där feedback från vårdpersonal inkorporerades för att finslipa prototypens praktikalitet och effektivitet i kliniska miljöer. Det betydande bidraget från denna avhandling är tillhandahållandet av en enhet som mäter den kraft som krävs för att kollapsa en ven, vilket möjliggör för vårdpersonal att identifiera optimala inställningar för blodtrycksmanschetten – en kritisk faktor som tidigare bestämts genom mindre precisa metoder. Inledande resultat visar enhetens effektivitet i att förmedla realtidsdata om det applicerade trycket, vilket underlättar justering av tryckinställningarna för att förhindra venkollaps. Detta framsteg driver inte bara fram fältet för medicinteknisk utveckling utan förbättrar också barnsjukvården genom att erbjuda en ny lösning på en kom

Integrating mock circulatory loops (MCLs) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of fourth-dimensional flow (referred to as 4D flow MRI) has the potential to provide a comprehensive view of hemodynamics in the aortic region. While MCLs simulate bulk hydraulic properties of cardiovascular blood flow in specific regions of the cardiovascular system in benchtop studies, 4D flow MRI captures detailed velocity information, shear stress, and precise properties of fluid flow in a clinical context. However, this integration presents challenges because MCLs often contain large and ferromagnetic components, making them incompatible with the MRI environment. Therefore, this project focuses on designing, building, and evaluating an MRI-compatible MCL simulating aortic blood flow. This includes constructing a pump and modules to mimic the compliance and resistance of the cardiovascular system, all composed of non-ferromagnetic or -conducting materials and with appropriate size to be compatible with the MRI. Verification of the MCL was done to evaluate that target values were met in terms of pressure and flow, and its repeatability and runtime were evaluated. Finally, a 4D flow MRI scan of the loop was performed to evaluate the compatibility. The MCL achieved the target ranges for heart rate (60-180 bpm) and stroke volume (70-114 ml/beat), and a maximum cardiac output of 7.65 L/min. The MCL could be run for a minimum of one hour with a standard deviation of the mean flow of 0.0131 L/min and mean aortic pressure of 0.0737 mmHg. A general standard deviation of 0.021- 0.045 L/min for mean flow and 0.331-1.402 mean mmHg for pressure showed that the system had a high repeatability. Although an unwanted pressure fluctuation made it difficult to verify the pressure curve, tuning of resistance and compliance successfully influenced the pressure as intended. 4D flow images of the MCL were acquired, and the system did not produce any image artifacts and is considered safe for use in the M, Integrering av kardiovaskulära flödesmodeller (KFM:er) med magnetisk resonanstomografi (MRT) av fyrdimensionellt flöde (refererat till som 4D flow MRI) har potentialen att producera en omfattade helhets bild av hemodunamiken i aortaregionen. Medan KFM:er simulerar bulkhydraulika egenskaper hos kardiovaskulärt blodflöde i specifika regioner av det kardiovaskulära systemet i bänktops studier, fångar 4D flow MRI detaljerad hastighetsinformation, skjuvspänning och exakta egenskaper hos vätskeflödet i ett kliniskt sammanhang. Denna integration medför dock utmaningar eftersom att KFM:er ofta innehåller stora och ferromagnetiska komponenter, vilket gör dem inkompatibla med MRT-miljön. Därför fokuserar detta projekt på att designa, bygga och utvärdera en MRT-kompatibel KFM som simulerar blodflödet i aorta regionen. Detta inkluderar att konstruera en pump och moduler för att efterlikna det kardiovaskulära systemets följsamhet och motstånd, alla sammansatta av icke-ferromagnetiska eller ledande material och med lämplig storlek för att vara kompatibla med MRT. Verifiering av den KFM:en gjordes för att utvärdera att målvärdena uppfylldes vad gäller tryck och flöde, och dess repeterbarhet och körtid utvärderades. Slutligen utfördes en 4D fow MRI-skanning av flödesmodellen för att utvärdera kompatibiliteten. Den KFM:en uppnådde målområdena för hjärtfrekvens (60-180 slag per minut) och slagvolym (70-114 ml/slag) och en maximal hjärtminutvolym på 7,65 l/min. Den kunde köras i minst en timme med en standardavvikelse av medelflödet på 0,0131 l/min och medelaortatrycket på 0,0737 mmHg. En generell standardavvikelse på 0,021-0,045 l/min för medelflöde och 0,331-1,402 medel mmHg för tryck visade att systemet hade en hög repeterbarhet. Även om en oönskad tryckfluktuation gjorde det svårt att verifiera tryckkurvan, påverkade inställning av motstånd och följsamhet trycket som avsett. 4D-flödesbilder av den KFM:en erhölls, och systemet producerade inga bildartefakter och anses säkert för an

Background Implementation within complex healthcare organisations is a topic that is not talked about enough. Medical technology is undergoing fast development and has revolutionised healthcare-systems over the last 50 years. Technical solutions have become a daily part of the healthcare sector. Why is it that some organisations introduce technology, and then later on abandon it? Aim The aim of this study is to understand which factors affect the abandonment of Philips CareEvent in a complex care environment (Neonatal Department), and which strategies could be used to overcome these barriers. Method This study was divided into 3 different stages: problem identification, analysis of complexity, and design of implementation strategies. Using interviews with five users for the empirical study, and analysing the results using the NASSS-framework for implementation, all three stages were fulfilled. Results This study found that the technology's value for the users and its software were the two most problematic domains within the NASSS-framework that had resulted in the abandonment of CareEvent. By analysing the barriers within the individual domains, strategies were created to overcome the barriers. Conclusion CareEvent is an example of medical technology that was not successfully adopted by caregivers despite filling a gap that must be filled to manage the increased workload. The NASSS-framework shows that despite CareEvents potential benefits for the organisation and its users, its abandonment is a result of its poor performance, lacking modernity and insufficient user-education. By implementing the technology using the concluded strategies in addition with an updated software, the chance of a successful reimplementation increases significantly.

This study aims to investigate how additive manufactured scaffolds can benefit the formation of dentin from odontoblasts in teeth, which could have a significant impact on how teeth are repaired in dentistry. To achieve this, different scaffolds need to be examined and tested to determine their suitability in this area. Two different scaffolds have been designed, one with a diamond structure in the pores and the other with a gyroid structure. To support the body's natural formation of dentin, the environment where the cells are applied is crucial. Here, the material's porosity and pore size play a decisive role in how effectively the formation occurs. To create scaffolds suitable for use within the body, it is essential to ensure that the materials used are biocompatible and not harmful in any way. Therefore, scaffolds are made from calcium phosphate and aerogel. However to enable manufacturing through DLP printing resin is added to the slurry. This toxic resin is then removed through post-processing with debinding, leaving behind a scaffold suitable for use. This process however, significantly affects the scaffold's strength causing it to easily break down. Consequently, research is being conducted on how PLA which is a biocompatible plastic can be used as a coating on the scaffolds to bind the ceramic particles together, resulting in a more durable scaffold. To answer the question of whether it is possible to 3D print scaffolds with sufficient strength for handling and use in the intended application, samples with various structures were produced and subjected to compression testing. These tests demonstrated how the PLA coating enhances the scaffold's strength while maintaining its biocompatibility. This project demonstrates how the post processed ceramic scaffolds meet the requirement for mechanical strength by being handleable by hand and tools without breaking after treatment. However, the number of tests conducted was insufficient within this projects timef

Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects an estimated 250,000 to 500,000 people globally each year according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It often results in neuromuscular deterioration below the injury site, leading to changes in motoneuronal behaviour and spastic responses. These changes impact intrinsic ionic currents, notably the persistent inward currents (PICs), which are crucial for motoneuronal excitability and motor output. This study explores the PICs in individuals with SCI by analysing pre-recorded high-density surface electromyography (HDsEMG) signals from the tibialis anterior (TA), gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and soleus (SOL) muscles. These signals were obtained from a prior study, performed on an SCI group and an able-bodied control group, and involved trapezoidal contraction trials at 20 % and 50 % maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). PIC estimations were conducted using the paired motor unit (PMU) analysis to quantify frequency differences (∆f) between a higher threshold test unit and a lower threshold control unit, which reflect PIC amplitude. Several criteria were established to ensure that test-control unit pairs shared common synaptic input, a fundamental premise of PMU analysis. The analysisrevealed deficiencies in available motor units (MUs) for reliable PIC estimations, particularly in the GM at 20 % MVIC of the SCI group. Despite methodological effectiveness in the control group, PIC amplitudes were reduced in the TA and SOL muscles of the SCI group compared to the control group. Future research could include a younger SCI cohort, as the participants in this study were older than those typically observed in other studies. Similarly, expanding PIC research efforts towards older adults is warranted, as there is a gap in validation data in current research for PICs in lower limb muscles in this demographic. Additionally, incorporating multiple measurement sessions could mitigate the influence of spastic events on data acquisition

Ultrasound imaging suffers from noise and artifacts that can hinder accurate diagnoses. This project investigates two approaches to address this challenge: Image Processing Algorithm Evaluation and Image Synthesis with Generative Adversarial Networks. The first approach is inspired by low-dose CT reconstruction techniques. We explored the potential of traditional image processing algorithms to improve ultrasound image quality. The performance of various image processing algorithms was evaluated on their ability to enhance image quality using established metrics like signal-to-noise ratio, peak signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio, structrual similarity index measure, and high-contrast spatial resolution. Our analysis revealed the effectiveness of specific algorithms in different areas of image enhancement, highlighting interesting trends in their performance. For instance, some algorithms excelled at noise reduction, while others demonstrated better detail preservation. For the second approach, considering patient privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR), we investigated the feasibility of synthesizing high-quality ultrasound images using Generative Adversarial Networks. A separate dataset of 10,000 ultrasound images from a phantom was created. The Generative Adversarial Networks architecture was specifically designed to learn the relationship between low-frequency input images and their corresponding high-frequencycounterparts within this dataset. The generated images were evaluated with the same quality metrics used for processed images. Our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of different image processing algorithms in specific areas of image enhancement. We discuss these observations and identify intriguing trends in their performance. Additionally, the Generative Adversarial Networks approach successfully generated high-quality ultrasound images, exhibiting significant improvements in detail preservation and image contrast compared to the low-frequency inp, Ultraljudsundersökning lider av brus och artefakter som kan hindra korrekta diagnoser. Detta projekt undersöker två tillvägagångssätt för att möta denna utmaning: Bildbehandlingsalgoritmutvärdering och bildsyntes med generativa kontradiktoriska nätverk. Det första tillvägagångssättet är inspirerat av lågdos-CT-rekonstruktionstekniker. Vi undersökte potentialen hos traditionella bildbehandlingsalgoritmer för att förbättra ultraljudsbildkvaliteten. Prestandan hos olika bildbehandlingsalgoritmer utvärderades på deras förmåga att förbättra bildkvaliteten med hjälp av etablerade mätvärden som signal-brusförhållande, toppsignal-brusförhållande, kontrast-brusförhållande, strukturellt likhetsindexmått och hög- kontrast spatial upplösning. Vår analys avslöjade effektiviteten hos specifika algoritmer inom olika områden av bildförbättring, vilket lyfte fram intressanta trender i deras prestanda. Vissa algoritmer utmärkte sig till exempel när det gäller brusreducering, medan andra visade bättre detaljbevarande. För det andra tillvägagångssättet, med tanke på patientskyddsbestämmelser (t.ex. GDPR), undersökte vi möjligheten att syntetisera högkvalitativa ultraljudsbilder med hjälp av Generative Adversarial Networks. En separat datauppsättning med 10 000 ultraljudsbilder från en fantom skapades. Arkitekturen Generative Adversarial Networks utformades specifikt för att lära sig förhållandet mellan lågfrekventa ingångsbilder och deras motsvarande högfrekventamotsvarigheter inom denna datauppsättning. De genererade bilderna utvärderades med samma kvalitetsmått som används för bearbetade bilder. Våra resultat visar effektiviteten hos olika bildbehandlingsalgoritmer inom specifika områden av bildförbättring. Vi diskuterar dessa observationer och identifierar spännande trender i deras prestanda. Dessutom genererade tillvägagångssättet Generative Adversarial Networks framgångsrikt högkvalitativa ultraljudsbilder, som uppvisade betydande förbättringar i detaljbevarande och bildkontrast j

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that affects approximately 0.5-1% of the global population and damages the small intestine when gluten is ingested. The disease is believed to have existed since wheat was first introduced into the diet, but much about it remains unknown, and the only current treatment is to adhere to a lifelong gluten-free diet. It is not uncommon for individuals to struggle with maintaining a gluten-free diet due to various challenges such as economics, avail- ability, and lack of motivation. To demonstrate the importance of adhering to a gluten-free diet, I have developed a mathematical model that can predict the damage to the body from eating gluten for those with celiac disease. This thesis presents the development of a mathematical model through systems biology to simulate the changes of antibody levels and villi damage in individu- als with celiac disease. The model provides insights into the immune response triggered by gluten ingestion and the subsequent impact on the small intestine’s villi. By testing different hypothesis on what affects the immune response a model have been developed that can predict, with some limitations, how antibody levels fluctuate when switching between gluten-containing and gluten-free diets. The model has been validated with available data. The developed model is described with ordinary differential equations. It is based on the assumption that all individuals with celiac disease have a basal antibody level, even when following a gluten-free diet. The model also accounts for vary- ing sensitivity to gluten among individuals, resulting in different amounts of an- tibody production and a different decrease rate. The results highlight the critical importance of maintaining a strict gluten-free diet for those with celiac disease, regardless of symptom presence. This work un- derscores the potential of systems biology to enhance our understanding of celiac disease, offering a foundation for further research. It

Today, a significant public health challenge is the global shortage of organs needed for transplantation, with only 10 percent of the demand being met according to the World Health Organization. Moreover, there is a pressing need for new in vitro research models to replace or supplement existing models with ones of better relevance and reliability in human translation. In vitro models with tissue equivalents offer promising alternatives. An emerging solution is to create living tissue that resembles the structure of the body's natural tissues using bioprinting (3Dprinting with bioink). This thesis investigates the potential of utilizing a Schiff-based self-healing hyaluronic acid hydrogel with three different crosslinkers as a bioink, focusing on evaluating its printability attributes to address mentioned challenges. The thesis project involved a comprehensive literature study, which included compiling information from scientific papers to establish the background and theoretical framework. Additionally, insights gained from the literature study, coupled with discussions with experts in the field, were used to develop a laboratory protocol. This protocol served as a structured guide for carrying out all experimental procedures. The practical work was divided into four main categories: coding and designing 3D-construct with computer-aided design (CAD), hydrogel preparation, bioprinting and imaging and microscopic observation. All images were compiled into a result, and the result was analyzed and discussed. It was found that the bioink properties differed between the three hydrogels, adipic acid dihydrazide (ADH), propanediylbishydroxylamine dihydrochloride (PDO) and diaminobutane (DAB). Among them, the ADH hydrogel displayed the most favorable and reliable characteristics. Based on the analysis, a conclusion was drawn that the self-healing hydrogel showed promise for bioprinting applications. However, further testing and modification are necessary to optimize its pr

Background:Adipose tissue is vital for our functioning, but too much adipose tissue can lead to serious illnesses. It is therefore important to be able to measure the amount of adipose tissue, and various methods and devices exist for this purpose. Some measuring techniques apply pressure to the skin, compressing it and the adipose tissue below. When adipose tissue is compressed, it results in a smaller millimeter value, leading to an inaccurate result. Aim:The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the ultrasound device Logiq E10s is a suitable device for measuring adipose tissue. Since the Logiq E10s has an integrated pressure sensor, the study aims to determine if this feature can eliminate the issue of skin compression during fat measurement. Method:Logiq E10s was compared with two more established devices, Bodymetrix and Harpenden. An empirical investigation was planned and conducted with the three devices. With a total of 39 participants, an extensive data collection made it possible to compare the different devices. For participant classification based on fat percentage (FM%), the BodPod device was used. Result and conclusion:It was found that Logiq E10s is a functional device for measuring adipose tissue. A correlation was also found between the device's measurement precision and the categorization of FM%. It was finally concluded that the results are influenced by who performs the measurement and handles the device.