Conditions In Sweden Research Articles

Extreme climate conditions in Sweden in a 100,000 year perspective as simulated by global and regional climate models

This article was submitted without an abstract, please refer to the full-text PDF file.

Workshop: summary of discussions and conclusions

1. Local application of collagen-gentamicin for prevention of sternal wound infection (SWI) is a fairly new concept. Is there reason to present recommendations or precautions regarding its use after summarizing the documentation and clinical experience so far? 2. An objective and reliable registration of all postoperative wound infections constitutes the basis for further improvements and allows the comparison of SWI rates over time and between centres. Is it possible to achieve recommendations for uniform follow-up of postoperative surgical site infections (SSI) after cardiac surgery among centres in the Nordic countries? 3. National registries exist for a number of diagnoses and conditions in Sweden. Is the time ripe for a National Medistinitis Registry? What should be the aim and design of such a registry?

What Mix Matters? Exploring the Relationships between Individuals' Incomes and Different Measures of their Neighbourhood Context

There is substantial interest among policy makers in both Western Europe and North America in reducing concentrations of disadvantaged households through initiatives to enhance the ‘social mix’ of neighbourhoods. However, there is little consideration or understanding with regard to which mix of household characteristics matters most in influencing the socio-economic outcomes for individual residents. This paper explores the degree to which a wide variety of 1995 neighbourhood conditions in Sweden are statistically related to earnings for all adult metropolitan and non-metropolitan men and women during the 1996–99 period, controlling for a wide variety of personal characteristics. The paper finds that the extremes of the neighbourhood income distribution, operationalized by the percentages of adult males with earnings in the lowest 30th and the highest 30th percentiles, hold greater explanatory power than domains of household mix related to education, ethnicity or housing tenure. Separating the effects of having substantial shares of low and high income neighbours, it is found that it is the presence of the former that means most for the incomes of metropolitan and non-metropolitan men and women, with the largest effects for metropolitan men.

Female Immigrants’ Health and Working Conditions in Sweden

Sweden is one of the European countries that has successively changed from a mainly ethnically homogeneous society into a multi-ethnic society. In 2001, almost 20 per cent of the Swedish population ...

Drama Research in Sweden: Mapping the Field

A review of drama research in Sweden is presented, based on a descriptive analysis of Swedish doctoral dissertations. Bourdieu's field concept is used as a framework and the results are discussed in relation to the perceived need for a research discipline in drama. The author asks: How can Swedish drama research be described? Which theoretical perspectives and research methods are being used? This overview shows the academic disciplines that are hosting research of drama in education. Influences from their theoretical perspectives are briefly discussed. It is found that there is no autonomous field but rather a domain of drama research which includes dissertations within the disciplines of Education and Literature. It is put forward that conditions in Sweden are not as good as other Nordic countries, where subject specific education and expert tutors are available at the research level. Taking into account the general tendencies to work in inter- and cross-disciplinary ways and around ‘knowledge areas’ within higher education, the author wonders if an autonomous research discipline is unnecessary or even impossible to achieve.

Comparison between the Sperm Morphology in Semen Samples Obtained from Yearling Beef Bulls by Transrectal Massage of the Ampullae and Cauda Epididymal Dissection

As electroejaculation (EEJ) is prohibited for use on unanaesthetized animals in Sweden, there is a need for an alternative method of semen collection from bulls in the field. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of transrectal massage (TM) of the ampullae to collect semen from yearling beef bulls under field conditions in Sweden. Transrectal massage was performed on 52 yearling beef bulls. Volume of semen collected, duration of procedure, percentage progressively motile sperm, and sperm concentration were measured. Smears were prepared for sperm morphology examination. Semen samples were obtained from 47 of 52 bulls. Mean volume was 3.2 ml (SD +/- 3.7), mean duration of collection was 7.4 min (SD +/- 2.8), mean percentage progressively motile sperm was 43.5% (SD +/- 29.2) and mean concentration was 201.9 x 10(6) spermatozoa/ml (SD +/- 278 x 10(6)). Twenty-three of the 52 bulls were slaughtered 3-4 days after semen collection and aliquots of the cauda epididymal contents were collected for sperm morphology examination. The percentages of proximal droplets, abnormal tails and abnormal midpieces were significantly higher (p < 0.05) and the percentage of detached heads was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the post-mortem samples compared with those in the TM samples. However, importantly there was no significant difference between the two sample types in the percentages of abnormal heads. This study demonstrates that semen can be collected from yearling beef bulls by TM. We think that TM constitutes a useful tool, when semen collection with EEJ or artificial vagina (AV) is not possible under field conditions, when included in the bull breeding soundness evaluation (BBSE) protocol. However, further studies are needed, and presently being carried out, to evaluate if semen samples collected by TM are comparable with semen samples collected by AV.

From Rosén von Rosenstein to HUGO (The Human Genome Organization)

The situation of health for children in Sweden in the middle of the 1700 century was very bad with an infant mortality of 50-60 %. Rosén von Rosenstein made outstanding contribution for better child health and sick care through research and teaching, which tremendously improved child care and social conditions in Sweden. One of the most important effects of this was a marked falling in infant death rate. He pointed out that a child was not an incomplete variant of the adult and that children had special needs and specific diseases, which required specific therapy and that deficiency states and diseases could be prevented. This is in line with clinical genetics, the ultimate goal of which is the prevention and management of genetic diseases. Rosén von Rosenstein defended his thesis ‘‘De historiis morborum rite consignandis’’ (On the writing of case reports) in 1730,where he pointed out the importance of a detailed case and family history, which also is basic in clinical genetics.

Biogas production from crop residues on a farm-scale level: is it economically feasible under conditions in Sweden?

Anaerobic digestion would enable the energy potential of agricultural crop residues such as sugar beet tops and straw to be harnessed. Sweden is so spread out that full utilisation of this potential by centralised slurry-based technology is difficult. It appears that simple but effective high-solids reactor systems have a better chance of being economically viable on a farm-scale level (50-500 kW). In the present study, the financial prospects of high-solids digestion, using either single-stage fed-batch or two-stage batch reactor systems, are compared on a farm-scale level (50 kW) with those of conventional slurry digestion, on the basis of experimental results and observations on a laboratory- and pilot-scale. The gas produced can be used for heat, combined heat and power or as vehicle fuel. The results indicate high-solids single-stage fed-batch operations to stand the best chances of being competitive, particularly in connection with organic farming. The methane yield, degree of gas utilisation, and operational costs were found to have the strongest impact on the financial success of the process.

What happened to the care of older persons in Sweden?: A retrospective analysis based upon simulation model calculations, 1985–2000

There is in Sweden a lack of national data connecting public care services to needs in various sub-groups. As result of these statistical deficiencies there has been a severe lack of solid facts to guide the public debate in Sweden concerning the developments of the old age care system. Also connected to this are the similar problems of predicting future needs development in order to estimate future burdens on the systems of care. A computer model has been developed that, by combining different national and local data sources, describes the development of the Swedish public system of care for older persons in terms of service provision and costs per needs group according to age, gender, marital status and degree of disability or ill-health. The model works in 5-year steps and has a retrospective part covering the period 1985–2000 and a prospective part for the period 2005–2030. In this article is described the structure of the model, assumptions, data sources and results for the retrospective part of the model.The model calculations show that despite of a large increase in the number of older persons there has not been a very substantial increase of needs. The number of persons with severe ill-health is basically unchanged, even if there appears to have been some shift in the composition of the group towards more heavy disability. The reductions in provided services, that the municipalities have been forced to do depending on the harsher economic conditions in Sweden since the beginning of the 1990s, have almost exclusively been targeted on persons with lesser needs. Those most in need have largely been shielded.

Chapter 8. Sick leave due to coronary artery disease or stroke

The assessment of the literature on sick-leave with cardiovascular diseases include only studies with sufficient scientific quality. These studies describe sick leave following stroke, myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We found limited scientific evidence for the following results: After stroke, more than half of the patients of working age returned to work (RTW) during the first year following onset (higher rate for the younger patients). The consequences of brain damage, e.g. impaired ADL ability or cognitive capacity, play an important role in this respect. Also after myocardial infarction most patients RTW. PCI is a milder coronary artery intervention than CABG and RTW is more rapid. However, in the long run there are no differences in sick leave. People at higher ages or with physically demanding jobs return to work to a lesser degree. An international comparison shows that the duration of sick leave due to these conditions in Sweden is longer than in other countries although there is no scientific evidence to support this practice. It appears that the interest in research on sick leave in patients with cardiovascular diseases has waned in recent years. Developments in acute cardiological care should inspire renewed scientific involvement in this area of research.

High Use of Sedatives and Hypnotics in Ethnic Minorities in Sweden

Objective. To study use of analgesics, and psychotropic drugs in relation to health indicators in four ethnic minorities in Sweden in comparison with Swedish-born. Design. Cross-sectional study based on data from the Survey of Living Conditions and Immigrant Survey of Living Conditions in Sweden in 1996. Study population. Random samples of 1890 Swedish residents, in the age range 27-60 years, born in Chile, Poland, Turkey and Iran and 2452 age-matched Swedish-born residents. Results. A two fold higher use of prescribed analgesics and antidepressants and a five to sixfold higher use of hypnotic and sedative drugs was demonstrated in members of ethnic minorities in Sweden in comparison with Swedish-born. In a multivariate analysis the higher use of prescribed analgesics and antidepressants was explained almost entirely by a higher morbidity in the minority study groups. A twofold higher use of sedatives and hypnotics was demonstrated in the minority study populations compared to the Swedish-born sample even after adjustment for extensive indicators of psychiatric and physical health in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions. The higher use of sedatives and hypnotics in relation to health in the minority samples in the present study indicates a differential treatment of minor psychiatric disorders of members of ethnic minorities in Swedish health services. Further studies that yield more qualitative data regarding the interaction of Swedish physicians with migrant patients are needed to explain these differences and to create a basis for intervention.

Children’s Living Conditions in Sweden. Social Patterns and Trends in Parental Accessibility, Child Care and Economic Resources

In this study, using data from the Swedish level of living surveys in 1981 and 1991 of more than 3,500 children, social patterns and trends in children’s living conditions are analysed. The conditions focused on are linked to parental employment, namely, parental accessibility, use of child care and economic resources. The primary statistical method used is logistic regression analysis. The results show differences in children’s access to mothers and fathers as parental access is restricted by various aspects of employment. There were also differences in childrenrsquo;s resources by social class and family structure. Of further importance was the combination of these, especially in the way that social class was more decisive for the children of single parents.

Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation on Amphibian Embryonic and Larval Development

Effects of ultraviolet radiation on hatching success, larval survival, and induced abnormalities were tested in three threatened (Hyla arborea, Bufo calamita, and Triturus cristatus) and two common (Rana temporaria and Bufo bufo) amphibians of Sweden. In the laboratory, all species were exposed to artificial UV-radiation (intensities corresponding to midsummer conditions in Sweden) or visible light (controls) for ten days, during which hatching occurred. The effects of ambient levels of UV-radiation on hatching success and survival of B. bufo, R. temporaria, and B. calamita were also determined during outdoor conditions when exposed to three different light regimes: Full solar radiation, UV-filtered sunlight (exposed to photo- synthetically active radiation only) or darkness. In the laboratory experiment, neither eggs nor larvae of R. temporaria, B. bufo, B. calamita, and H. arborea were negatively affected by UV-radiation. However, UV-radiation induced darker pigmentation in tadpoles of H. arborea. Only one species, T cristatus, showed reduced hatching frequencies and lower larval survival when exposed to UV-radiation in comparison to visible light. However, since female T cristatus wrap their eggs in macrophyte leaves, embryos are effectively protected against solar radiation. In the outdoor exper- iments, there were no differences between the light treatments for any of the species. Thus, none of these species are likely to be threatened by moderately increased levels of ultraviolet radiation.

Assessment of Fertility after Using Different Procedures to Thaw Ram Spermatozoa Frozen in Mini Straws

ContentsIn this study, fertility rates were compared after using different procedures (50°C and 70°C) to thaw ram spermatozoa frozen in mini straws. Semen from three, 1.5–2.5‐year‐old rams of the same breed, selected for use in an AI programme, was collected using an artificial vagina. The semen was diluted with a skim milk extender containing 7% glycerol (v/v), packed in 0.25‐ml mini straws and frozen in a programmable freezer. Post‐thaw sperm motility was assessed subjectively using a phase contrast microscope. Sperm membrane integrity was assessed with fluorescent dyes (Calcein AM/EthD‐1). Statistically significant variation in the incidence of membrane integrity was found, both between rams and between freezing operations. Significant differences between the different thawing procedures used in this study were seen for membrane integrity (p &lt; 0.01), as assessed with the fluorescent dyes (Calcein AM/EthD‐1), but not for the post‐thaw motility. The average fertility in this study was 39.7%, with a wide variation between freezing operations (not significant), rams (p &lt; 0.001; 30.4, 33.3 and 64.6%) and flocks (p &lt; 0.001, range: 14.8–61.6%). No statistically significant differences were found for the different thawing procedures, in terms of the fertility (39.0 and 40.4%, respectively) and the litter size (1.32 and 1.41, respectively). Thawing at 50°C for 9 s, instead of 70°C for 5 s, does not seem to further affect either fertility or litter size. The use of this lower temperature would facilitate the practical use of frozen–thawed ram semen under farm conditions in Sweden.

Institutional Effects on the Evolution of the Size Distribution of Firms

In this paper it is argued that the size distribution of firms may largely be determined by institutional factors. This hypothesis is tested in an exploratory fashion by studying the evolution of the size distribution of firms over time in Sweden for a period spanning from the late 1960s to the early 1990s. The data used is divided into finer size classes compared to most previous studies. This gives more scope for investigating the impact of institutions. Moreover, we use a unique data set, starting in 1984, to take account of corporate groups and government ownership. The analysis shows a poor development for intermediate-sized (10-199 employees) firms. This is likely to reflect the existence of a threshold that many firms are either unwilling or unable to cross. The analysis of the institutions and rules of the game determining the entrepreneurial and business conditions in Sweden indicate that the conditions have been unfavorable for small firms, and hence that too few small firms have managed to grow out of the smallest size classes. The conclusion is supported by an international comparison of the number of firms in different size classes. Data indicate that Sweden has fewer small (10-99 employees), and more large (500+) firms per capita than other European countries.

An Evaluation Of Algorithms And Systems ForComputer-Aided Train Dispatching

A distinctive feature of the train control process is that it is fairly easy to handle when trains are running according to their timetables and no disturbances occur, but is extremely difficult to handle in an optimal way in case of disruptions. Within this research area, one focus has been on development of models, algorithms and systems, which support optimal computer-aided train dispatching. This paper summarises an evaluation of the properties, in general and with respect to rules and conditions in Sweden, of one of the more important of the existing algorithms. We have also implemented it as a minor prototype system in order to, off-line, evaluate its possibilities and limitations concerning the dynamic aspects of train traffic control.

Assessment of ram sperm membrane integrity following different thawing procedures

Semen from five 2.5-yr-old rams selected for use in an AI program was collected over 3 consecutive days using an artificial vagina. The semen was diluted with a skim milk extender containing 7% glycerol (v/v), packed in French mini-straws (approx. 100 mill/straw), and frozen in a programmable freezer. Three freezing operations were carried out per ram. Three straws per freezing operation were subjected to the following thawing procedures: 1) 70 °C, 5 sec; 2) 50 °C, 9 sec and 3) 35 °C, 12 sec. Post-thaw sperm motility was subjectively assessed using a phase contrast microscope; while the combined fluorochromes carboxyfluorescein diacetate and propidium iodide (CFDA/PI), the hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOS) and the presence of normal apical ridges (NAR's) were used to determine the degree of sperm membrane integrity. Significant differences between thawing treatments were found for post-thaw motility (P < .05) and membrane integrity (P < 0.01), and variation among rams was statistically significant. Post-thaw sperm motility as well as the percentage of spermatozoa showing intact membranes were significantly higher (P < 0.01) for straws thawed at 70 °C than for those thawed at 35 °C (67.0 ± 1.1 and 63.0 ± 1.1%, and 50.5 ± 1.5 and 41.7 ± 1.5%, respectively). However, no corresponding statistically significant difference could be found for these parameters when 70 °C and 50 °C thawing were compared. It was concluded that sperm can be thawed at 50 °C for 9 sec instead of 70 °C for 5 sec without further reducing sperm motility or membrane integrity. This lower thawing temperature would facilitate the widespread use of frozen/thawed ram semen under farm conditions in Sweden.

Sensitivity of Root Rot Antagonist Phlebiopsis gigantea spores to high temperature or pressure

Aqueous suspensions of Phlebiopsis gigantea oidiospores, used as a biological control agent against Heterobasidion annosum, were either (1) set under pressure, (2) warmed or (3) used in mechanized stump treatment. Survival of P. gigantea following these treatments was monitored by estimation of oidia germination on agar medium and compared with the germination of oidia from control suspensions. Pressure up to 2200 kPa had no effect on the survival of P. gigantea. No effect on the survival was detected following incubation at ambient pressure for between 5 min and 8 h at 20°C. Phlebiopsis gigantea spore germination had an optimum at 30°C. When exposed to temperatures exceeding 30°C, viability of P. gigantea spores decreased with time. During mechanized stump treatment, survival of P. gigantea was not significantly lower, neither after the suspension had passed through the stump treatment device nor after 7 h time, compared with a fresh control suspension. Thus, mechanized application under normal summer conditions in Sweden did not obstruct the spore germination of P. gigantea in this study.

Rationality of routine health examinations by physicians of 18-month-old children: experiences based on data from a Swedish county.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the rationality of health check-ups by a physician of 18-month-old children. The study population consisted of all 4075 children in Uppsala county who were 18 months old in 1994 and should have had a routine health examination at that point. Information about the 18-month health examination came from primary data in a longitudinal child health register regarding all children of preschool age. The children in the study population were classified into two main categories, namely children with no newly detected health problem (92.6%) and children in whom a new health problem was detected (3.3%). Data from the register and other sources were analysed to categorize the health problems by severity and type and to determine who (parents, nurse or physician) had identified each. Among the 4075 children in the study population, 135 children were identified as having a newly detected health problem. One-third of them were actually healthy (false positive). Among the 92 verified new health problems (2.3%), 48 were minor, 42 were moderate and 2 were severe. More than half of the moderate health problems were transient infections. The main conclusion of the study is that, under current conditions in Sweden, it would be reasonable to replace the 18-month examination by a physician with an examination by a nurse, this examination being particularly orientated towards developmental and psychosocial problems.

A STUDY OF THE STORAGE CONDITIONS FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL IRON IN SWEDISH MUSEUMS

"A STUDY OF THE STORAGE CONDITIONS FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL IRON IN SWEDISH MUSEUMS." Studies in Conservation, 41(sup2), p. 17