Manganese-rich deposits in the lower member of the Datangpo Formation (DTP) (ca. 663–654 Ma) in South China formed in the aftermath of the Cryogenian Sturtian glaciation. The Mn in the DTP occurs dominantly as rhodochrosite and Ca-rhodochrosite. A hydrothermal origin of the Mn2+ is shown by the rare earth element distribution and significantly high Mn/Fe ratios (3–19, average = 10.1). Previous studies suggested a microbially-mediated process for controlling the DTP black-shale hosted Mn carbonate deposits. However, detailed reports on the formation mechanisms of micro-scale (<2–5 μm) ooid-like Mn carbonates in the DTP have rarely been published. Systematic petrography and geochemical analyses in this study demonstrate the coexistence of two types of micro-scale ooidal-like Mn carbonates formed through two distinct mechanisms, either dominated by microbially-mediated or physiochemically-forced pathways. The Type I Mn carbonate has relatively larger grain size of 2–5 μm and exhibits a radial-concentric microfabric that shows signs of growth banding in the form of alternating light and dark laminae, which mainly express variation in Ca and Mn concentrations. The initial precipitation phase of the Type I Mn carbonate is interpreted to be Mn oxide/hydroxide, based on positive Ce anomalies and selective enrichments of particular trace elements. Novel evidence indicates that the capture of Mn as a carbonate phase directly from the water column by primarily precipitated calcite, which is referred to as the Type II Mn carbonate, has also contributed to the DTP Mn-rich deposits. Multiple roles of organic matter in Mn carbonate formation have been established: (1) catalysed Mn-redox cycling; (2) trapping and transportation of initial mineral precipitates to sediments; (3) serving as a carbon source; (4) regulating the morphology of the Mn carbonate. As a key link for understanding Cryogenian carbon and Mn cycling, specific formation pathways for the DTP Mn-carbonates are likely to have been controlled by given atmospheric-oceanic compositions (including oxygen level, pCO2, and redox conditions) in response to major geological and biological events during the interglacial period. In turn, massive storage of inorganic carbon and phosphorous in Mn carbonate phases would have had a substantial influence on biogeochemical carbon cycling during the Cryogenian. 

The Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman and Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals (SHERLOC) instrument onboard the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover detected so far some of the most intense fluorescence signals in association with sulfates analyzing abraded patches of rocks at Jezero crater, Mars. To assess the plausibility of an organic origin of these signals, it is key to understand if organics can survive exposure to ambient Martian UV after exposure by the Perseverance abrasion tool and prior to analysis by SHERLOC. In this work, we investigated the stability of organo-sulfate assemblages under Martian-like UV irradiation and we observed that the spectroscopic features of phthalic and mellitic acid embedded into hydrated magnesium sulfate do not change for UV exposures corresponding to at least 48 Martian sols and, thus, should still be detectable in fluorescence when the SHERLOC analysis takes place, thanks to the photoprotective properties of magnesium sulfate. In addition, different photoproduct bands diagnostic of the parent carboxylic acid molecules could be observed. The photoprotective behavior of hydrated magnesium sulfate corroborates the hypothesis that sulfates might have played a key role in the preservation of organics on Mars, and that the fluorescence signals detected by SHERLOC in association with sulfates could potentially arise from organic compounds. 

Product design and development are essential for a circular transition. Circularity decisions, such as those concerning the type of material, assembly method, and expected lifespan, made during the early design stages will significantly influence a product’s quality, cost, esthetics, sustainability, and circularity performance over the product lifecycle. However, circularity is not often considered in the early stages of product design and development. This paper presents the development of the concept circularity evaluation tool (CCET), which aims to support the evaluation of alternative product concepts in terms of their circularity potential in the early stages of product design and development. The CCET was iteratively developed based on an extensive literature review of the success criteria for tool development, guidelines, and existing tools for circular product design and development and strong collaboration with manufacturing companies. The tool was tested and verified at four manufacturing companies in Nordic countries. The tool has been proven useful for evaluating the circularity of products and supportive in the decision-making process in the early stages of product design and development. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Additive manufacturing (AM), or 3D printing, is a growing industry involving a wide range of different techniques and materials. The potential toxicological effects of emissions produced in the process, involving both ultrafine particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are unclear, and there are concerns regarding possible health implications among AM operators. The objective of this study was to screen the presence of respiratory health effects among people working with liquid, powdered, or filament plastic materials in AM. Methods: In total, 18 subjects working with different additive manufacturing techniques and production of filament with polymer feedstock and 20 controls participated in the study. Study subjects filled out a questionnaire and underwent blood and urine sampling, spirometry, impulse oscillometry (IOS), exhaled NO test (FeNO), and collection of particles in exhaled air (PEx), and the exposure was assessed. Analysis of exhaled particles included lung surfactant components such as surfactant protein A (SP-A) and phosphatidylcholines. SP-A and albumin were determined using ELISA. Using reversed-phase liquid chromatography and targeted mass spectrometry, the relative abundance of 15 species of phosphatidylcholine (PC) was determined in exhaled particles. The results were evaluated by univariate and multivariate statistical analyses (principal component analysis). Results: Exposure and emission measurements in AM settings revealed a large variation in particle and VOC concentrations as well as the composition of VOCs, depending on the AM technique and feedstock. Levels of FeNO, IOS, and spirometry parameters were within clinical reference values for all AM operators. There was a difference in the relative abundance of saturated, notably dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (PC16:0_16:0), and unsaturated lung surfactant lipids in exhaled particles between controls and AM operators. Conclusion: There were no statistically significant differences between AM operators and controls for the different health examinations, which may be due to the low number of participants. However, the observed difference in the PC lipid profile in exhaled particles indicates a possible impact of the exposure and could be used as possible early biomarkers of adverse effects in the airways. 

Utilizing iron silicate copper slag as supplementary cementitious material (SCM) is a means to improve resource efficiency and lower the carbon dioxide emissions from cement production. Despite multiple studies on the performance of these slags in SCM applications, the variations in cooling procedure, grinding, and methods for evaluating reactivity limit the ability to assess the influence of chemical composition on reactivity from the literature data. In this study, a methodology was developed to synthesize iron silicate slags, which were then evaluated for their inherent reactivity using the R3 calorimeter-based experiments. The results demonstrated that laboratory-scale granulation produced the same reactivity as industrially granulated slag. Furthermore, a synthesized triplicate sample showed high repeatability. Based on these two aspects, this method can be used to systematically study the influence of chemical composition on the inherent reactivity of iron silicate slags while producing results that are directly translatable to industrial slags. © 2023 by the authors.

The metallurgical and cement industries contribute significantly to anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions. Utilizing oxidic by-products from the metallurgical industry as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) can improve resource efficiency and reduce emissions from cement production. Iron silicate copper slags have been studied as SCMs, but mainly in systems where Portland cement is used as an activator. There is limited research on the inherent reactivity of the slag under changing processing conditions. The present study offers insight into the effect of granulation temperature and grinding on the inherent reactivity of an industrially produced iron silicate copper slag. The results showed that granulation temperature had an insignificant effect on reactivity, while grinding generated substantial improvements. The latter effect was concluded to stem from the increased specific surface area, increased number of sites for nucleation and growth of hydrates, and changes in the inherent reactivity owing to structural changes induced by the grinding. 

The use of Policy Lab processes has been growing in Sweden and other countries to accelerate the adaptation of regulations to emerging technologies. Policy Lab facilitates active collaboration between relevant authorities, companies, and stakeholders through interactive and iterative methods based on Design Thinking principles. This approach bridges the gap between the legislative domain responsible for developing regulatory frameworks and the innovative companies that create solutions for emerging markets using new technologies and opportunities. In our study, we applied Policy Lab processes to the EU Taxonomy Regulation to identify challenges and opportunities related to chemical safety and usage for manufacturers of complex products. The EU Taxonomy Regulation, along with its delegated acts, represent a serious effort to establish standardized sustainability reporting within EU. However, it is still in its early stages and lacks maturity. Moreover, certain ambiguities within the regulation currently prevent a comprehensive comparison of companies due to the development of other legislations. Addressing these gaps depends on the future development of, for example, REACH. Our conclusion is that the EU Taxonomy Regulation is part of a larger “movement” that reflects the policymakers’ intentions. This intention also includes increased data sharing at a significantly different level compared to current practices. In the long run, the shift will enable authorities to access the data and develop new legislations. Our specific focus was on the objective of pollution prevention and control regarding the use and presence of hazardous substances listed in Appendix C of the EU Taxonomy Regulation. According to Appendix C, activities must not lead to the manufacture, placing on the market or use of listed substances, whether on their own, in mixture or in articles. Regarding listed substances, reference is made to existing EU legislation that regulates hazardous substances within the EU. The most challenging aspect in Appendix C is point (g), which aims to identify substances, whether alone, in mixtures, or in articles, that meet the criteria set out in Article 57 of REACH but are not yet included in the Candidate list. Our workshops, interviews, and literature review confirmed that the main challenge in meeting the criteria of Appendix C, specifically point (g) is the need to enhance transparency and traceability throughout supply chains. Overcoming these challenges requires addressing barriers, such as the lack of a harmonized regulatory framework across the value chain, the need for faster identification and restriction of hazardous substances, and the reinforcement of stronger enforcement measures. The enabling of full declaration of the hazardous properties and functions of the substances, while considering the balance between information disclosure and protecting trade secrets, would reduce the need for extensive tracking of substance of very high concern along the value chain. To improve communication along the value chain and identify data gaps while protecting trade secrets, workshop participants have proposed the use of a user-friendly interface based on traffic light scenario. This interface would serve as a filter mechanism, allowing product manufacturers to establish specific criteria for material suppliers to respond to. The objective is to enhance communication, establish criteria, and effectively identify data gaps. While the SCIP database ensures accessibility of information on articles containing substances from the Candidate List above 0.1 w/w%, it is limited to hazardous substances on that list. This means that hazardous substances not listed in the Candidate List may not be covered by the database. The EU Commission has proposed the implementation of a digital product passport to enhance information sharing about products and their supply chain, including substances of concern. Our study is conducted under the Mistra SafeChem program, where screening tools for hazard and exposure assessment of substances are currently being developed. These tools aim to provide screening data for direct decision-making based on the Defined Approach (DA). These screening tools have the potential to contribute to filling data gaps during the early design phases of complex products, particularly when screening for multiple material alternatives.

Purpose. To investigate the response of the CC13 ionization chamber under non-reference photon beam conditions, focusing on penumbra and build-up regions of static fields and on dynamic intensity-modulated beams. Methods. Measurements were performed in 6 MV 100 × 100, 20 × 100, and 20 × 20 mm2 static fields. Monte Carlo calculations were performed for the static fields and for 6 and 15 MV dynamic beam sequences using a Varian multi-leaf collimator. The chamber was modelled using EGSnrc egs_chamber software. Conversion factors were calculated by relating the absorbed dose to air in the chamber air cavity to the absorbed dose to water. Correction and point-dose correction factors were calculated to quantify the conversion factor variations. Results. The correction factors for positions on the beam central axis and at the penumbra centre were 0.98-1.02 for all static fields and depths investigated. The largest corrections were obtained for chamber positions beyond penumbra centre in the off-axis direction. Point-dose correction factors were 0.54-0.71 at 100 mm depth and their magnitude increased with decreasing field size and measurement depth. Factors of 0.99-1.03 were obtained inside and near the integrated penumbra of the dynamic field at 100 mm depth, and of 0.92-0.94 beyond the integrated penumbra centre. The variations in the ionization chamber response across the integrated dynamic penumbra qualitatively followed the behaviour across penumbra of static fields. Conclusions. Without corrections, the CC13 chamber was of limited usefulness for profile measurements in 20-mm-wide fields. However, measurements in dynamic small irregular beam openings resembling the conditions of pre-treatment patient quality assurance were feasible. Uncorrected ionization chamber response could be applied for dose verification at 100 mm depth inside and close to large gradients of dynamically accumulating high- and low-dose regions assuming 3% tolerance between measured and calculated doses. © 2023 The Author(s).

A non-toxic hydrolytically fast-degradable antibacterial hydrogel is herein presented to preemptively treat surgical site infections during the first crucial 24 h period without relying on conventional antibiotics. The approach capitalizes on a two-component system that form antibacterial hydrogels within 1 min and consist of i) an amine functional linear-dendritic hybrid based on linear poly(ethylene glycol) and dendritic 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid, and ii) a di-N-hydroxysuccinimide functional poly(ethylene glycol) cross-linker. Broad spectrum antibacterial effect is achieved by multivalent representation of catatonically charged β-alanine on the dendritic periphery of the linear dendritic component. The hydrogels can be applied readily in an in vivo setting using a two-component syringe delivery system and the mechanical properties can accurately be tuned in the range equivalent to fat tissue and cartilage (G' = 0.5-8 kPa). The antibacterial effect is demonstrated both in vitro toward a range of relevant bacterial strains and in an in vivo mouse model of surgical site infection.

In response to global challenges in resource supply, many industries are adopting the principles of the Circular Economy (CE) to improve their resource acquisition strategies. This paper introduces an innovative approach to address the environmental impact of waste Glass Fiber Reinforced-Polymer (GFRP) pipes and panels by repurposing them to manufacture structural components for new bicycle and pedestrian bridges. The study covers the entire process, including conceptualization, analysis, design, and testing of a deck system, with a focus on the manufacturing process for a 7-m-long prototype bridge. The study shows promising results in the concept of a sandwich structure utilizing discarded GFRP pipes and panels, which has the flexibility to account for variabilities in dimensions of incoming products while still meeting mechanical requirements. The LCA analysis shows that the transportation of materials is the governing contributing factor. It was concluded that further development of this concept should be accompanied by a business model that considers the importance of the contributions from the whole value chain. 

This work meets Metal Additive Manufacturing and Time Series Processing. It presents a four-step analytical procedure addressed to support the discovery of defect causes in 3D metal printing. The method has a phase of data space transformation, where the features space is firstly reduced and secondly exploited in a higher dimensional space. Later, a procedure for knowledge discovery is applied. Finally, by analyzing the results, it is concluded the most probable causes of the high rate of defects in the production phase. This procedure is proved with data obtained from a SLM machine, and the results are convincing.

Det pågår omfattande studier, framför allt i USA och Storbritannien, som undersöker möjligheterna att införa screening med hjälp av blodprover för tidig upptäckt av ett flertal cancerformer, så kallade MCED (Mulitple Cancer Early Detection). Ännu har inget faktiskt screeningsprogram med MCED-screening initierats i världen. I Sverige ställs idag höga krav på evidens från studier för att ett screeningprogram ska kunna införas. Det pågår studier som adresserar frågan om screening, men än så länge saknas mycket information. Med utgångspunkt i denna rapport kan därför inte en initiering av MCEDscreening i Sverige rekommenderas i dagsläget. För att vara i framkant bör Sverige dock följa området nogsamt. Grail är ett väletablerat företag som i augusti 2021 blev uppköpt av Illumina, ett företag som 2020 rapporterade en vinst på 2,34 miljarder USD. Företaget har stora ambitioner för framtida screeningprogram och kan bedömas ha de resurser som krävs att genomföra essentiella studier. De har säkrade medel och genomför projekt för att utveckla sin produkt för att fungera i en screeningsituation. Storbritanniens stora pågående studie ”NHS-Galleri Clinical Trial” beräknas publicera nya resultat under 2023. Om denna studie faller ut väl planeras en utvidgning av studien som ska omfatta en miljon personer. Denna större studie beräknas kunna avslutas 2030. Data att följa i nämnda ovanstående studie är bland annat: - Hur stor population ännu icke diagnostiserade utgör, i empiriska siffror - Utvecklingen av testmetoden gällande sensibilitet och sensitivitet - Patientnyttan, t.ex. ökar överlevnaden mot dagens siffror - Risken för överdiagnostik - Kostnader och logistik som kommer belasta sjukvården En problematik med MCED-screening är att testernas specificitet och sensitivitet behöver vara tillräckligt tillförlitliga för att det inte skall belasta snarare hjälpa samhället. Det är osannolikt att dessa värden kommer att vara 100-procentiga, men hur bra dessa värden bör vara innan man inför en screening är öppet för diskussion, däri ligger problematiken. I rapporten förklaras dessa begrepp i mer detalj. Det bör nämnas att Grail redan har kunnat presentera en ökad prestanda utifrån preliminära resultat ifrån pågående studier som presenterats i en så kallad sub-studie, där sensitivitet, sensibilitet och ”Tissue of Origin” (TOO) har förbättrats ytterligare gällande tolv olika cancerformer. Beräkningar i vår rapport har nyttjat dessa värden för att söka ge en bild över vad som kan förväntas vid ett införande av en Grail-MCED-screening i Sverige. För de tolv cancerformerna kan beräkningarna sammanfattas enligt; - Under förutsättning att det finns adekvat behandling att erbjuda vid tidigare diagnostik, kommer det ske en markant förskjutning av i vilket stadie som diagnostiserade individer detekteras och förhoppningsvis behandlas. Idag behandlas cirka 40 -45% av de cancerdiagnostiserade i stadie III/IV, att jämföras mot de beräknade 6% vid införande av årlig screening. - Ökningen av antalet individer som skulle överleva sin cancer uppskattas till mellan 3 - 5 000 individer, utöver de cirka 9 000 som överlever med hjälp av dagens diagnostik/behandling. - 25 – 35% kostnadsreducering både vad gäller direkta kostnader och samhällskostnader, extrapolerat från IHE rapport (1). Vi har dock inte tagit hänsyn till de kostnadsökningar ett införande av en MCED-screening skulle innebära. Det reella värdet av rapportens beräkningar bör vägas mot de empiriska data som kommer produceras av NHS studie av Grails metod. Starka avvikelser (”positiva/negativa”) från empiriska data kan då ligga till grund för om och i så fall hur pass snabbt man vill driva införande av MCED screening i Sverige. Rapportens sammantagna bedömning är att de av Socialstyrelsen uppsatta kriterier för införande av en screening, inte är uppfyllda i dagsläget. Men vi har även försökt visualisera vad som skulle komma att ske med dagens diagnostiserade cancerpatientgrupper om en MCED-screening införs i ålderspopulationen 40 – 80 år (96% av dagens diagnostiserade), på de tolv cancerformer som metoden visar bäst sensibilitet/sensitivitet mot. Dessa tolv cancerformer utgör 36% av dagens diagnostiserade patienter. Trots att ett införande av screening inte är att rekommendera i dagsläget, finns det alternativ att ta ställning till; - Endast avvakta utredningarna i Storbritannien (till 2023, eller till 2030). - Avvakta utredningarna men initiera samtal med beslutsfattare som styr över de ekonomiska medel som kan bistå med satsningar på större Grailtester i Sverige - Avvakta utredningarna, men initiera samtal med både NHS och Grail i syfte att behålla momentum i detta första initiativ till utredning. Författarnas uppfattning är att Grails teknik är signifikant och kommer med stor sannolikhet bedömas som tillämpbar för MCED-screening i framtiden.

Syftet med denna studie var att utvärdera miljöpåverkan från åtgärder som stenskottsskador på vindrutor kan ge upphov till i form av byte respektive reparation av en ruta. Studien omfattade hela livscykeln från vagga till grav med fokus på klimatpåverkan, men inkluderade även fler miljöpåverkanskategorier. Den funktionella enheten definierades som att åtgärda en vindruta på 15 kg med stenskottsskada genom antingen reparation eller byte av rutan. För reparation inkluderades transport av fordon till och från verkstad samt energi- och materialåtgång under själva reparationen i verkstaden. Byte omfattade i sin tur transport av fordon till och från verkstad, tillverkning av ny ruta, transport av ny ruta till verkstad, energi- och materialåtgång vid själva bytet, samt avfallshantering av den utbytta rutan. Resultaten från denna livscykelanalys visade på tydliga miljömässiga fördelar med att reparera jämfört med att byta en stenskottsskadad vindruta. Baserat på de grundantaganden som gjordes beräknades ett byte ge upphov till en klimatpåverkan på omkring 88 kg CO2-ekv och en reparation omkring 18 kg CO2-ekv. Det innebär en besparing på cirka 70 kg CO2-ekv och att en ruta kan repareras fyra gånger innan klimatpåverkan överstiger den vid ett byte. Majoriteten av påverkan vid ett byte tillskrevs tillverkningen av rutan (ca 56%), följt av transporten av fordonet till och från verkstaden (ca 20%), samt transporten av rutan till verkstaden (ca 14%). Avfallshanteringen och själva bytet på verkstaden hade båda liten påverkan. För en reparation orsakades nästan hela påverkan av transporten av fordonet till och från verkstaden (ca 97%), medan själva reparationsprocessen gav försumbart bidrag. Om flera reparationer genomförs för att undvika ett byte är det därför främst transporten av fordonet till och från verkstaden som är viktig att beakta och minimera för att undvika att reparation ger högre påverkan än byte. En liknande trend som för klimatpåverkan observerades även för miljöpåverkanskategorierna försurning, marin övergödning, terrester övergödning, fotokemisk ozonbildning, fossil resursanvändning och vattenanvändning, där en reparation motsvarade 19-30% av påverkan från ett byte. Övriga studerade kategorier i form av sötvattenövergödning, ozonförtunning och resursanvändning av metaller och mineral visade en mindre skillnad, där en reparation motsvarade 45-52% av påverkan från ett byte. Den mindre skillnaden orsakades av transporten till och från verkstaden, som antogs vara samma oavsett åtgärd. Sammanfattningsvis pekade dessa resultat på att åtgärder mot att reducera klimatpåverkan också verkar ge positiva effekter på andra miljöaspekter. Känslighetsanalyserna som genomfördes identifierade transporten av fordonet till och från verkstaden som en viktig faktor att beakta. Distansen hade stor betydelse för den totala påverkan, men även fordonstyp och drivlina. Transporten av en ny ruta till verkstaden identifierades också som en viktig parameter att ta hänsyn till. Denna transport påverkades i sin tur av vikten på rutan, ytterligare en parameter med signifikant påverkan på resultatet vid byte av ruta. Vidare visade känslighetsanalyserna att så länge en energimix med relativt låg klimatpåverkan används, som exempelvis en svensk, har både själva bytes- och reparationsprocessen liten påverkan. Beträffande avfallshanteringen identifierades viss potential i att återvinna glaset genom den systemexpansion som genomfördes, något som motiverar fortsatt strävan mot återvinning av vindrutor. I övrigt syntes inga stora skillnader i resultat beroende på hur den utbytta rutan avfallshanteras, givet den cut-off-metodik som studien byggde på.

In times of crisis, urgency and lack of data, decision-making may drift away from long-term sustainability. This paper presents a case study of product and process design decisions, and description of an instant green design event workshop (IGDE-workshop). While informed sustainability decisions at best use thorough life cycle assessments, these take a considerable time. Results show that it may be possible to make reasonable environmental design decisions fast in crisis situations with a design event focusing on green design and life cycle thinking. It requires a broad team with decision-making authority and with all available information at hand. The IGDE-workshop gave reasonable input for decision-making in crises regarding ecoefficiency and climate impact, although gaps in other impact categories not covered remains. 

The Mars 2020 Perseverance rover has examined and sampled sulfate-rich clastic rocks from the Hogwallow Flats member at Hawksbill Gap and the Yori Pass member at Cape Nukshak. Both strata are located on the Jezero crater western fan front, are lithologically and stratigraphically similar, and have been assigned to the Shenandoah formation. In situ analyses demonstrate that these are fine-grained sandstones composed of phyllosilicates, hematite, Ca-sulfates, Fe-Mg-sulfates, ferric sulfates, and possibly chloride salts. Sulfate minerals are found both as depositional grains and diagenetic features, including intergranular cement and vein- and vug-cements. Here, we describe the possibility of various sulfate phases to preserve potential biosignatures and the record of paleoenvironmental conditions in fluid and solid inclusions, based on findings from analog sulfate-rich rocks on Earth. The samples collected from these outcrops, Hazeltop and Bearwallow from Hogwallow Flats, and Kukaklek from Yori Pass, should be examined for such potential biosignatures and environmental indicators upon return to Earth. 

Efficient, simple antibacterial materials to combat implant-associated infections are much in demand. Herein, the development of polyurethanes, both cross-linked thermoset and flexible and versatile thermoplastic, suitable for “click on demand” attachment of antibacterial compounds enabled via incorporation of an alkyne-containing diol monomer in the polymer backbone, is described. By employing different polyolic polytetrahydrofurans, isocyanates, and chain extenders, a robust and flexible material comparable to commercial thermoplastic polyurethane is prepared. A series of short synthetic antimicrobial peptides are designed, synthesized, and covalently attached in a single coupling step to generate a homogenous coating. The lead material is shown to be biocompatible and does not display any toxicity against either mouse fibroblasts or reconstructed human epidermis according to ISO and OECD guidelines. The repelling performance of the peptide-coated materials is illustrated against colonization and biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis on coated plastic films and finally, on coated commercial central venous catheters employing LIVE/DEAD staining, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and bacterial counts. This study presents the successful development of a versatile and scalable polyurethane with the potential for use in the medical field to reduce the impact of bacterial biofilms. 

The aim of this article is to explore improvisational handling of critical work practices during the COVID-19 pandemic and interpret these practices from a learning perspective. Based on an interview study with representatives of private, public and intermediary organisations, the study identified three different types of improvisational handling as responses to the pandemic crisis involving ‘scaling up’ and ‘scaling down’ critical work practices. By ‘scaling up’ and ‘scaling down’, we refer to practices for which, due to the pandemic, it has been imperative to urgently scale up an existing operational process or develop a new process, and alternatively extensively scale down or cease an existing process. The types of improvisational handling differed depending on the discretion of involved actors in terms of the extent to which the tasks, methods and/or results were given beforehand. These types of improvisational handling resulted in temporary solutions that may become permanent after the pandemic. The framework and model proposed in the article can be used as a tool to analyse and learn from the changes in work practices that have been set in motion during the pandemic. Such learning may improve the ability to cope with future extensive crises and other rapid change situations. © The Author(s) 2022.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to reflect on interactive research as a means to create relevant knowledge in the domain of operations management in general and specifically in the context of production start-up. Design/methodology/approach: The reflection on the use of interactive research in production start-ups was based on a study of two completed interactive research projects. The lens for reflection was a framework including context, quality of relationship, quality of the research process itself and outcomes. Findings: The context was industrial manufacturing companies in Sweden, with different kind of challenges related to production start-ups, such as collaboration between involved functions and suppliers, competence development and work routines. Indicators of the quality of relationship between researchers and practitioners were initiated development activities and new collaboration between functions, within the company, between companies and in supply chains. The reflection of the quality of the research process itself was based on an interactive research process including four iterative steps with regular follow-ups allowing joint practitioner and researcher reflection on the progress. Identified outcomes included increased awareness and competence on how to deal with production start-ups, improvements of communication, work procedures and structures, better use of competences, increased cross-functional dialogue and cultural understanding. Practical implications: Implications for practitioners are the possibilities for knowledge creation through interactive collaboration in research projects enabling exchange between researchers from complementary fields and other companies dealing with production start-ups. Originality/value: The interactive research approach enables joint knowledge creation in a fast-changing context such as production start-ups as well as value-adding results both for practitioners in industry and for academia. 

Nitinol belongs to the class of smart materials that have attracted the attention of researchers in recent decades due to their new promising industrial applications. Because of the austenite/martensite phase transformation, nitinol offers unique properties: superelasticity and shape memory effect. The former ability can be exploited for sensing, actuating, and damping applications. On the other hand, additive manufacturing of nitinol has started kicking off unimaginable applications exploiting the complexity-for-free characteristics offered by the 3D printing processes. Although stand-alone research on additive manufacturing of nitinol is available, the impact of different manufacturing steps, such as machining and heat treatment, on its superelasticity is severely lacking. This work used a powder bed fusion process using a laser beam to manufacture a Ni50.4Ti49.6 austenitic alloy, which was subsequently heat-treated at different aging temperatures. Subsequently, turning operations were carried out at varying cutting speeds under cryogenic cooling conditions. An in-depth characterization of the surface integrity and SE alterations induced by manufacturing was conducted before and after machining. The outcome of the work provides the best combination of heat treatment and machining parameters that allow for maximum surface integrity and SE. .

This paper explores the concept of green design in the context of production, focusing on investment projects for production equipment design and acquisition by a manufacturing firm. Research towards making manufacturing and production related activities more sustainable is increasing. In the manufacturing sector, environmental sustainability tends to be more commonly approached from the operations perspective. However, the decisions taken in the design phase of the production equipment significantly impact the operations phase. Therefore, proactive design approaches for sustainability applied in product design settings could be transferred to the design of the production equipment to build in green aspects from the outset. This study explores the research questions of what green production equipment design entails and how the concept of green design has evolved in the context of production. Overall, this conceptual paper highlights the importance of incorporating green design principles from the outset of the production design. Transferable methodological issues are also explored for further detailed investigation in the production equipment design context. Strong collaboration between equipment suppliers and the buying manufacturer that aims to integrate sustainability as part of requirements is proposed as an enabler for the way forward. The paper also provides insights into the evolution of the concept in this context for possible future research.

This paper puts forward the Circular Strategies Scanner: a framework that introduces a taxonomy of circular strategies developed for use by manufacturing companies engaging in circular economy (CE) oriented innovation. Currently, a range of frameworks exists that propose a vision for how to operate in a CE, by identifying and organising relevant circular strategies. However, these frameworks have a limited applicability for specific business types, in particular manufacturing, and are unsuitable for use in CE oriented innovation, due to a lacking ability to support innovation processes through: 1) creating a comprehensive understanding of circular strategies, 2) mapping strategies currently applied and 3) finding opportunities for improved circularity across a range of business processes. This paper addresses these shortcomings by proposing a circular strategies framework for the manufacturing context, titled the Circular Strategies Scanner, which provides a comprehensive set of definitions of circular strategies and directly supports the early stages of CE oriented innovation. With this, the paper contributes to the body of work that develops CE transition methodology.

Dispersions of cubic liquid crystalline phases, also known as cubosomes, have shown great promise as delivery vehicles for a wide range of medicines. Due to their ordered structure, comprising alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains, cubosomes possess unique delivery properties and compatibility with both water-soluble and -insoluble drugs. However, the drug delivery mechanism and cubosome interaction with human cells and bacteria are still poorly understood. Herein, we reveal how cubosomes loaded with the human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide LL-37, a system with high bacteria-killing effect, interact with the bacterial membrane and provide new insights into the eradication mechanism. Combining the advanced experimental techniques neutron reflectivity and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring, a mechanistic drug delivery model for LL-37-loaded cubosomes on bacterial mimicking bilayers was constructed. Moreover, the cubosome interaction with Escherichia coli was directly visualized using super-resolution laser scanning microscopy and cryogenic electron tomography. We could conclude that cubosomes loaded with LL-37 adsorbed and distorted bacterial membranes, providing evidence that the peptide-loaded cubosomes function as an antimicrobial unit.

A partial ichthyosaur skeleton from the Toarcian (Lower Jurassic) bituminous shales of the ‘Schistes Carton’ unit of southern Luxembourg is described and illustrated. In addition, associated remnant soft tissues are analyzed using a combination of imaging and molecular techniques. The fossil (MNHNL TV344) comprises scattered appendicular elements, together with a consecutive series of semi-articulated vertebrae surrounded by extensive soft-tissue remains. We conclude that TV344 represents a skeletally immature individual (possibly of the genus Stenopterygius) and that the soft parts primarily consist of fossilized skin, including the epidermis (with embedded melanophore pigment cells and melanosome organelles) and dermis. Ground sections of dorsal ribs display cortical microstructures reminiscent of lines of arrested growth (LAGs), providing an opportunity for a tentative age determination of the animal at the time of death (>3 years). It is further inferred that the exceptional preservation of TV344 was facilitated by seafloor dysoxia/anoxia with periodical intervals of oxygenation, which triggered phosphatization and the subsequent formation of a carbonate concretion. 

The electronic industry faces increasing pressure to enhance product sustainability across the supply chain. Understanding the environmental impact of electronic devices is vital for informed decision-making and meeting customer demands for eco-friendly products among growing environmental concerns and regulatory pressures. This paper evaluates the sustainability impact of a Swedish electronic component manufacturer, TSS AB, specializing in temperature-sensing solutions, considering both the company’s and their client’s perspectives. Employing a life cycle assessment (LCA) and LCA software tools, we comprehensively analyze environmental impacts. Through a cradle-to-grave assessment, we evaluate production processes, reverse logistics, refurbishment, reuse, and disposal, identifying environmental hotspots for improvement. Additionally, we explore the influence of regulatory frameworks on incentivizing sustainable product development. Our findings contribute to the electronics sector’s growing emphasis on sustainability, offering insights for companies aiming for net-zero emissions and circular product lifecycles. 

The Perseverance rover has collected seven oriented samples of sedimentary rocks, all likely older than the oldest signs of widespread life on Earth, at the exposed base of the western fan in Jezero crater, Mars. The samples include a sulfate- and clay-bearing mudstone and sandstone, a fluvial sandstone from a stratigraphically low position at the fan front, and a carbonate-bearing sandstone deposited above the sulfate-bearing strata. All samples contain aqueously precipitated materials and most or all were aqueously deposited. Although the rover instruments have not confidently detected organic matter in the rocks from the fan front, the much more sensitive terrestrial instruments will still be able to search for remnants of prebiotic chemistries and past life, and study Mars’s past habitability in the samples returned to Earth. The hydrated, sulfate-bearing mudstone has the highest potential to preserve organic matter and biosignatures, whereas the carbonate-bearing sandstones can be used to constrain when and for how long Jezero crater contained liquid water. Returned sample science analyses of sulfate, carbonate, clay, phosphate and igneous minerals as well as trace metals and volatiles that are present in the samples acquired at the fan front would provide transformative insights into past habitable environments on Mars, the evolution of its magnetic field, atmosphere and climate and the past and present cycling of atmospheric and crustal water, sulfur and carbon.

I detta uppdrag undersöker vi kemiska tillsatser i plaster som försvårar eller utgör hinder för återvinning av materialet. I denna rapport avser kemiska tillsatser additiv som medvetet introducerats i produkten eller materialet, och det är dessa kemiska ämnens natur som avgör problematiken ur återvinningssynpunkt. Vi fokuserar på byggsektorn eftersom denna sektor använder stora mängder plast av hög kvalité. Trots detta är återvinningsgraden för plast låg och potentialen att öka återvinningsgraden är därmed stor. Ett materials potential för återvinning bestäms av flera faktorer, varav kemikalieinnehåll är en. Det är viktigt att tänka på vilken eller vilka produkter plasten är lämplig att återvinnas till, och hänsyn måste alltid tas till gällande kemikalielagstiftning för just de produkttyperna. Kemiska ämnen som kan vara skadliga för människan och/eller miljön är särskilt viktiga att utreda, men det finns också andra tillsatser i material och produkter som försvårar återvinningsprocessen eller påverkar kvalitén på den återvunna plasten negativt så att marknaden för det återvunna materialet blir begränsad. Ytterligare en faktor att ta i beaktande är hur exponeringen för kemikalierna ser ut, om de är bundna i plasten eller kan emitteras och utsätta människor och miljön för direkta risker. De stora kategorierna i denna kartläggning har varit golv, rör och rördelar, kablar, profiler och lister, isoleringsmaterial, samt tätningsskikt. För dessa produktgrupper dominerar polymertyperna PVC, PE av olika densitetsgrad och comonomer-innehåll, PP (homo- och copolymer), PS och PUR. Då härdplaster, där även PUR ingår, förekommer i form av lacker, adhesiv och ytbeläggningar i byggprodukter behandlas dessa också övergripande. Många materialströmmar finns tillgängliga för återvinning inom kategorin byggplast generellt sett, men möjligheterna och incitamenten att sortera ut dessa i sina ursprungliga fraktioner är låg. Detta beror antingen på att efterfrågan på mekaniskt återvunnet material i dessa produktkategorier inte är stor nog, som för PEX och vissa typer av rör, eller på att volymerna är för låga för lönsamhet. Ett exempel på det sistnämnda är profiler och lister av PVC där etablerad cirkulär återvinning finns ute i Europa, men produktkategorin är för liten i Sverige för att drivkraften ska uppstå. Eftersom flera av de polymermaterial och produkter vi kartlagt i denna rapport har en historisk användning av idag reglerade, eller till och med förbjudna kemiska ämnen, kompliceras återvinningen av byggplast i att de inkommande avfallsströmmarna är av mycket varierande ålder. För att möjliggöra en högre återvinningsgrad och bättre kvalitet krävs därför utökad och mer noggrann sortering så att problematiska, och i vissa fall hälso- och miljöfarliga, innehållsämnen inte följer med i den mekaniska återvinningen, men inte heller så att kvalitativa fraktioner av en viss produkt- och polymertyp avvisas från återvinning av säkerhetsskäl. Ett axplock av problematiska tillsatser är tungmetallstabilisatorer och mjukgörare i produkter av PVC, flamskyddsmedel i isolering av EPS och XPS, samt silanförnätad PEX som innehåller tennkatalysator. Kontaminering i form av härdplastrester, felsorterad PEX i PE-recyklat, samt tejper och fogar på tätskikt utgör de mer oavsiktliga, fysiska hindren för kvalitetsmässig återvinning tillsammans med faktumet att en stor del av kablar och rör helt enkelt inte utvinns ur marken efter sin användningstid. Sammanfattningsvis skulle fler fraktioner av byggplast kunna återvinnas mekaniskt genom att stärka infrastrukturen kring insamling och sortering, men för detta krävs ökad efterfrågan och långsiktig lönsamhet. Kemiska återvinningsmetoder seglar upp som en möjlig lösning för flera av de hinder som identifieras i denna studie, till exempel tvärbundna material, material med hög andel fyllmedel, eller för avskiljning av oönskade tillsatser likt tungmetaller och ftalater. Kartläggningen av detta område får därför ses som en intressant frågeställning för ytterligare arbete.

The insulation in the stator of a low voltage electric motor has a double purpose: ensuring the electric insulation around the stator wiring as well as permitting a good evacuation of the generated heat. Improving the heat transfer properties of the slot liner within the stator while maintaining its electrical insulation properties allows for more efficient electric motors. This paper presents different types of composites based on an aramid matrix with boron nitride, zinc oxide and aluminum oxide fillers. The effect of the different filler materials on the thermal conductivity and the electric insulation properties of the slot liner are presented. Perspectives on the needs for a life cycle assessment of the slot liner constituents are evoked. 

Södertälje kommun har höga ambitioner att drastiskt sänka sin klimatpåverkan och har ambitionen att inte ha några nettoutsläpp av växthusgaser år 2030 (Södertälje kommun Miljö- och klimatstrategi 2022–2030, 2022). För att nå dessa mål spelar avfallssektorn i Södertälje kommun en avgörande roll, vilket också innebär ett behov av större involvering och ett större engagemang från medborgare och företag. Som en del i det arbetet skapades projektet Det inkluderande, hållbara och uppkopplade samhället. Projektet är ett samarbete mellan Södertälje kommun, Telge Återvinning, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden och Umeå Universitet och avser att undersöka hur maskingenererad data kan ha dubbel nytta i att både skapa externt medborgarvärde och internt organisatoriskt värde i Södertälje kommuns omställning till en hållbar stad. Denna rapport inkluderar en nulägesanalys över tre tematiserade områden; digitalisering, livscykelanalys (LCA), och medborgardialog. Södertälje kommun har tillsammans med Telge Nät byggt upp ett så kallat LoRaWAN2 (ett trådlöst nätverk med dubbelriktad kommunikation3) i Södertälje för att underlätta kommunikation mellan sensorer i uppkopplade enheter. 169 papperskorgar har också försetts med sensorer som mäter fyllnadsgrad, vilket genererat ett proof-of-concept för hur uppkopplad utrustning kan möjliggöra ruttoptimering och placeringsplanering. Att koppla upp en papperskorg har i det här fallet inneburit att man fäster en sensor i locket på befintliga kärl. Denna sensor känner sedan av fyllnadsgraden i papperskorgens plastpåse med jämna mellanrum. Initiativet kring uppkopplade papperskorgar har medfört inlärning på flera nivåer – såväl utvecklarna som utformar sensorerna, som medarbetarna som förlitar sig på dem, har behövt tänka i nya banor och ompröva invanda arbetssätt. Värt att notera är att personalen behöver besöka samtliga områden där papperskorgar finns trots sensortekniken i och med att deras arbetsuppgifter även inkluderar renhållning av gator och vård av grönytor. Det vill säga, det föreligger i nuläget inte en kvantitativ ekonomisk vinst utan snarare en kvalitativ nytta i form av ökade möjligheter att planera sin arbetstid vilket kan leda till en renare stad. Bland de system som Södertälje kommun använder ses två som särskilt intressanta i relation till Sakernas Internet (Internet of Things (IoT)) enligt denna nulägesanalys. På en operativ nivå har Infracontrol potential att anta rollen som ”spindeln i nätet” där status på uppkopplad utrustning kan hanteras. På en strategisk nivå erbjuder verktyget Maptionnaire möjligheter att aggregera, analysera, och presentera data från uppkopplad utrustning. För att realisera potentialen hos dessa (och andra) verktyg krävs dock att Södertälje kommun ställer nya krav och utarbetar nya rutiner vid upphandling då kostnaderna för att integrera uppkopplad utrustning annars skulle bli ohållbar. En LCA har genomförts för att utvärdera miljöpåverkan från sakernas Internet i Södertälje centrum för smart sophämtning ur ett livscykelperspektiv. Med koppling till kommunens klimatstrategi har miljöpåverkan med fokus på klimatpåverkan prioriterats. Den visar att IoT-systemet enbart utgör en liten del av klimatpåverkan (122 kg CO2-ekv per år4), vilket främst härrör från gateways (50%) och sensorer (27%) och användning av Internet (23%). Sophämtningen bidrar med cirka 12 ton CO2-ekv per år, vilket främst bidrog till användningen av fossilbaserade avfallspåsar i plast (96%) och Hydrerad Vegetabilisk Olja (HVO)-baserade transporter (4%). Vidare visar LCAn att potential för framtida klimatsmart sophämtningssystemet ligger inom minskad användning av fossila plastpåsar och smart planering av sophämtning för att reducera transporter. Södertälje har redan minskat sin klimatpåverkan från transporter (under 2016) genom byte från diesel till HVO. För ett system med 169 papperskorgar (studiens utgångspunkt) innebar detta 83% minskning, från 2,3 ton till 380 kg. Enbart två ton av denna minskning härrör från fossilfria transporter (resp. 8,75 ton för ett möjligt framtida system med 700 papperskorgar). Dock visar resultaten att ännu mer klimatpåverkan kan minskas genom att inte använda fossila plastpåsar, nästan 12 ton (resp. 50 ton för 700 papperskorgar). Detta motsvarar fem resor till Thailand (2,5 ton per resa) eller utsläpp för fyra invånare (2,8 ton per invånare) för året 2030. För ett system med 700 papperskorgar betyder det minst 20 resor till Thailand eller utsläpp för upp till 20 invånare per år. Vidare har projektet ett fokus på inkludering av medborgare i frågor kring hållbarhet, med syftet att informera, engagera och inkludera medborgare i målet med att uppnå hållbar resurshantering. Medborgardialog kan ske på många olika vis och innebära olika saker. Nulägesanalysen visar att flera olika aktiviteter genomförts på området, och att dessa framförallt kan kopplas till kategorierna ”information” och ”konsultation”, men där också det finns kommande inslag av ”dialog” med till exempel det Hackathon som planeras. Från nulägesanalysen noterades dock en möjlighet till utökat fokus på medborgardialog i Södertälje, samt att det finns en medvetenhet om behovet av att inkludera många olika grupper i denna dialog, men det noterades även en utmaning vad gäller inkludering och olika språk.

Södertälje kommun har höga ambitioner att drastiskt sänka sin klimatpåverkan och har målet att inte ha några nettoutsläpp av växthusgaser år 2030. För att nå dessa mål spelar avfallssektorn i Södertälje kommun en avgörande roll, vilket också innebär ett behov av större involvering och ett större engagemang från medborgare och företag. Som en del i det arbetet skapades projektet Det inkluderande, hållbara och uppkopplade samhället. Projektet är ett samarbete mellan Södertälje kommun, Telge Återvinning, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden och Umeå Universitet och avser att undersöka hur IoT-genererad data kan ha dubbel nytta i att både skapa externt medborgarvärde och internt organisatoriskt värde i Södertälje kommuns omställning till en hållbar stad. Denna rapport inkluderar en nulägesanalys över tre tematiserade områden; digitalisering, livscykelanalys (LCA), och medborgardialog. Södertälje kommun har tillsammans med Telge Nät byggt upp ett så kallat LoRaWAN (ett trådlöst nätverk med dubbelriktad kommunikation) i Södertälje för att underlätta kommunikation mellan sensorer i uppkopplade enheter. 169 papperskorgar har också försetts med sensorer som mäter fyllnadsgrad, vilket genererat ett proof-of-concept för hur uppkopplad utrustning kan möjliggöra ruttoptimering och placeringsplanering. Att koppla upp en papperskorg innebär i praktiken att man fäster en sensor i locket på befintliga kärl. Denna sensor känner sedan av fyllnadsgraden i papperskorgens plastpåse med jämna mellanrum. Initiativet kring uppkopplade papperskorgar har medfört inlärning på flera nivåer – såväl utvecklarna som utformar sensorerna, som medarbetarna som förlitar sig på dem, har behövt tänka i nya banor och ompröva invanda arbetssätt. Värt att notera är att personalen behöver besöka samtliga områden där papperskorgar finns trots sensortekniken i och med att deras arbetsuppgifter även inkluderar renhållning av gator och vård av grönytor. Det vill säga, det föreligger i nuläget inte en kvantitativ ekonomisk vinst utan snarare en kvalitativ nytta i form av en potentiellt renare stad. Bland de system som Södertälje kommun använder ses två som särskilt intressanta i relation till Sakernas Internet enligt denna nulägesanalys. På en operativ nivå har Infracontrol potential att anta rollen som ”spindeln i nätet” där status på uppkopplad utrustning kan hanteras. På en strategisk nivå erbjuder verktyget Maptionnaire möjligheter att aggregera, analysera, och presentera data från uppkopplad utrustning. För att realisera potentialen hos dessa (och andra) verktyg krävs dock att Södertälje kommun ställer nya krav och utarbetar nya rutiner vid upphandling då kostnaderna för att integrera uppkopplad utrustning annars skulle bli ohållbar. En LCA har genomförts för att utvärdera miljöpåverkan från Internet of Things (IoT) systemet i Södertälje centrum för smart sophämtning ur ett livscykelperspektiv. Med koppling till kommunens klimatstrategi har miljöpåverkan med fokus på klimatpåverkan prioriterats. Den visar att IoT-systemet enbart utgör en liten del av klimatpåverkan (122 kg CO2 eq per år), vilket främst härrör från gateways (50%) och sensorer (27%) och användning av Internet (23%). Sophämtningen bidrar med cirka 12 ton CO2 eq per år, vilket främst bidrog till användningen av fossilbaserade avfallspåsar i plast (96%) och HVO-baserade transporter (4%). Vidare visar LCAn att potential för framtida klimatsmart sophämtningssystemet ligger inom minskad användning av fossila plastpåsar och smart planering av sophämtning för att reducera transporter. Södertälje har redan minskat sin klimatpåverkan från transporter (under 2016) genom byte från diesel till HVO. För ett system med 160 papperskorgar (studiens utgångspunkt) innebar detta 83% minskning, från 2,3 ton till 380 kg. Enbart två ton av denna minskning härrör från fossilfria transporter (resp. 8,75 ton för ett möjligt framtida system med 700 papperskorgar). Dock visar resultaten att ännu mer klimatpåverkan kan minskas genom att inte använda fossila plastpåsar, nästan 12 ton (resp. 50 ton för 700 papperskorgar). Detta motsvara fem resor till Thailand (2,5 ton per resa) eller utsläpp för fyra invånare (2,8 ton per invånare) för året 2030. För ett system med 700 papperskorgar betyder det minst 20 resor till Thailand eller utsläpp för upp till 20 invånare. Vidare har projektet ett fokus på inkludering av medborgare i frågor kring hållbarhet, med syftet att informera, engagera och inkludera medborgare i målet med att uppnå hållbar resurshantering. Medborgardialog kan ske på många olika vis och innebära olika saker. Nulägesanalysen visar att flera olika aktiviteter genomförts på området, och att dessa framförallt kan kopplas till kategorierna ”information” och ”konsultation”, men där också det finns kommande inslag av ”dialog” med till exempel det hackathon som planeras. Från nulägesanalysen noterades dock en möjlighet till utökat fokus på medborgardialog i Södertälje, samt att det finns en medvetenhet om behovet av att inkludera många olika grupper i denna dialog, men det noterades även en utmaning vad gäller inkludering och olika språk. Denna rapport har fokus på nulägesanalys. I och med denna analys går projektet sedan in i en ny fas, med fokus på test och utvärdering av koncept, med ett fortsatt fokus på digitalisering, miljöbedömning och medborgardialog. Ett hackathon, Hack for Södertälje, planeras också på projektets tema: Det inkluderande, hållbara och uppkopplade samhället.

Syftet med förstudien Den cirkulära bilen var att börja bygga konkreta visioner som möjliggör att Sverige har en cirkulärt anpassad bilflotta med fossilfria och klimatneutrala transporter år 2045 och att bygga en solid bas för ett steg 2-projekt, som i sin tur kommer att ge stöd och kapacitet för aktörer att accelerera den cirkulära bilvärdekedjan. Projektet har samlat 13 parter från hela värdekedjan och gemensamt lagt grunden till vidare arbete i ett fortsättningsprojekt – en ansökan som genererat intresse från ett stort antal parter både befintliga och nytillkommande. Inom studien har startmöten och workshops genomförts där parter samlats digitalt och frågeställningar sonderats. Intervjuer har genomförts med parter där möjligheter och utmaningar med omställningen diskuterats. Studiebesök har genomförts där kunskapsdelning skett och samverkan möjliggjorts. Fysisk workshop har genomförts med samtliga parter. Här tittade man gemensamt på trender och möjliga framtidsscenarios genom hela systemet. Detta gav en bra grund för det vidare arbetet med steg 2. Förstudien har genererat stort intresse från aktörer i hela värdekedjan, skapat nya kontakter och möjligheter till samverkan och blivit uppstarten på en gemensam kunskapsresa för verklig förändring. Studien har initierat arbete brett i värdekedjan kopplat till gemensamma frågeställningar samt framtidsspaningar, vilket möjliggör gemensamt arbete för bred omställning och tydliggjort behovet av åtgärder som förflyttar hela systemet. Detta ses som en god grund för ett steg 2 projekt med förutsättningar för att förverkliga den cirkulära bilvärdekedjan.

European Union (EU) regulations on in vitro diagnostics (IVD) and on serious cross-border threats to health provide for the establishment of European Reference Laboratories (EURLs) and their harmonization and cooperation with National Reference Laboratories (NRLs). While the EURLs under the IVD Regulation will be operational by 1 October 2024, the EURLs under the Regulation on serious cross-border threats to health will be operational by January 2025. Although NRLs may have been operating for a long time on the basis of national legislation, they should now cooperate with each other and with EURLs in a network of centers of excellence for the authorization and post-market surveillance of IVDs and for the epidemiological surveillance and control of communicable diseases. The term “reference laboratory” has long been used colloquially to refer to many kinds of laboratories, regardless of their tasks, competencies, responsibilities and designation. A literature search and analysis confirmed this by showing that a considerable proportion of scientific publications in 2024 use the term “reference laboratory” inappropriately. In order to clarify the roles and functioning of EURLs and NRLs, we have evaluated the relevant current EU provisions and compared the findings with those of reference laboratories designated by other organizations, calibration (reference) laboratories and referral laboratories, which are simply referred to as “reference laboratories”. With the forthcoming implementation of the EU regulations, at least the goals of providing safe and high-quality IVDs and adequate public health surveillance for communicable diseases appear to be achievable. 

A novel ceria-stabilized zirconia-alumina-aluminate composite (Ce-TZP-comp) that is not prone to aging presents a potential alternative to yttrium-stabilized zirconia for ceramic oral implants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term stability of a one-piece narrow-diameter implant made of Ce-TZP-comp. Implant prototypes with a narrow (3.4 mm) and regular (4.0 mm) diameter were embedded according to ISO 14801, and subgroups (n = 8) were subsequently exposed to dynamic loading (107 cycles, 98N) and/or hydrothermal treatment (aging, 85◦C). Loading/aging was only applied as a combined protocol for the 4.0 mm diameter implants. One subgroup of each diameter remained untreated. One sample was cross-sectioned from each subgroup and evaluated with a scanning electron microscope for phase-transformation of the lattice. Finally, the remaining samples were loaded to fracture. A multivariate linear regression model was applied for statistical analyses (significance at p < 0.05). All samples withstood the different loading/aging protocols and no transformation propagation was observed. The narrow diameter implants showed the lowest fracture load after combined loading/aging (628 ± 56 N; p < 0.01), whereas all other subgroups exhibited no significantly reduced fracture resistance (between 762 ± 62 and 806 ± 73 N; p < 0.05). Therefore, fracture load values of Ce-TZP-comp implants suggest a reliable intraoral clinical application in the anterior jaw regions. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of artificial aging on the transformation propagation and fracture resistance of zirconia implants. Methods: One-piece (with integrated implant abutment, 1P; regular diameter [4.1mm]; n = 16) and two-piece (with separate implant abutment, 2P; wide diameter [5 mm]; n = 16) zirconia implants were embedded according to ISO 14801. A two-piece titanium–zirconium implant (Ti-Zr; 4.1 mm diameter) served as a control (n = 16). One subgroup (n = 8) of each system was simultaneously dynamically loaded (107 cycles; 98N) and hydrothermally aged (85°C, 58 days), while the other subgroup (n = 8) remained untreated. Finally, specimens were statically loaded to fracture. Potential crystal phase transformation was examined at cross sections using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A multivariate linear regression model was applied for statistical analyses. Results: The fracture resistance of 1P (1,117 [SD = 38] N; loaded/aged: 1,009 [60] N), 2P (850 [36] N; loaded/aged: 799 [84] N), and Ti-Zr implants (1,338 [205] N; loaded/aged: 1,319 [247] N) was not affected significantly by loading/aging (p =.171). However, when comparing the systems, they revealed significant differences independent of loading/aging (p ≤.001). Regarding the crystal structure, a transformation zone was observed in SEM images of 1P only after aging, while 2P showed a transformation zone even before aging. After hydrothermal treatment, an increase of this monoclinic layer was observed in both systems. Conclusions: The Ti-Zr control implant showed higher fracture resistance compared to both zirconia implants. Loading/aging had no significant impact on the fracture resistance of both zirconia implants. The wide-body 2P zirconia implant was weaker than the regular body 1P implant. © 2021 The Authors. 

This study reports the development of a class of eco-friendly antifouling biocides based on a cyclic dipeptide scaffold, 2,5-diketopiperazine (2,5-DKP). The lead compound cyclo(N-Bip-l-Arg-N-Bip-l-Arg) (1) was synthesized in gram amounts and used to assess the compatibility with an ablation/hydration coating, efficacy against biofouling, and biodegradation. Leaching of 1 from the coating into seawater was assessed via a rotating drum method, revealing relatively stable and predictable leaching rates under dynamic shear stress conditions (36.1 ± 19.7 to 25.2 ± 9.1 ng-1 cm-2 day-1) but low or no leaching under static conditions. The coatings were further analyzed using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), with 1 seen to localize at the surface of the coating in a surfactant-like fashion. When coatings were deployed in the ocean, detectable reductions in biofouling development were measured for up to 11 weeks. After this time, biofouling overwhelmed the performance of the coating, consistent with leaching kinetics. Biodegradation of 1 in seawater was assessed using theoretical oxygen demand and analytical quantification. Masking effects were observed at higher concentrations of 1 due to antimicrobial properties, but half-lives were calculated ranging from 13.4 to 16.2 days. The results can rationally inform future development toward commercial antifouling products. 

Biomass-derived oligo- and polysaccharides may act as elicitors, i.e., bioactive molecules that trigger plant immune responses. This is particularly important to increase the resistance of plants to abiotic and biotic stresses. In this study, cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) gels were obtained by TEMPO-mediated oxidation of unbleached and bleached kraft pulps. The molecular structures were characterized with ESI and MALDI MS. Analysis of the fine sequences was achieved by MS and MS/MS of the water-soluble oligosaccharides obtained by acid hydrolysis of the CNF gels. The analysis revealed the presence of two families: one corresponding to homoglucuronic acid sequences and the other composed by alternating glucose and glucuronic acid units. The CNF gels, alone or with the addition of the water-soluble oligosaccharides, were tested on Chili pepper (Capsicum annuum). Based on the characterization of the gene expression with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) of the C. annuum’s total messenger RNA, the differences in growth of the C. annuum seeds correlated well with the downregulation of the pathways regulating photosynthesis. A downregulation of the response to abiotic factors was detected, suggesting that these gels would improve the resistance of the C. annuum plants to abiotic stress due to, e.g., water deprivation and cold temperatures. 

Smart connected industrial products and the Internet of Things (IoT) are transforming the industrial business landscape in a radical way. To reach the full potential of IoT-Technologies manufacturing firms are forced to rethink almost every aspect of their value creation process. To utilize this promising digital technology and to cope with the new market conditions of IoT environments, research shows that industrial firms have to make a fundamental shift in value creation logic and break free from the value chain perspective of business. Instead they have to embrace a view where value is co-created within ecosystems in both a vertical and a horizontal manner. By exploring the value creation logic of small and medium sized (SME) Swedish industrial machinery manufacturers, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of how manufacturing firms view their value creation processes and how aligned this logic is to the latest research in IoT. The study found that Swedish industrial machine manufacturers do understand the transformative force of IoT-Technologies and see great business opportunities to utilize IoT in their business. The study, however, identified a lack of co-creation and difficulties in embracing an ecosystem perspective. While quick to embrace change on a technical level, respondents still adhere to a firm-centric and linear perspective of value creation, with a strong attachment to the value chain concept. The study suggests that it is not a lack of technical proficiency or engineering know-how, but rather an adherence to goods-dominant logic and attachment to the value chain concept that prevent Swedish SME manufacturers from fully embracing the growing market of industrial IoT. Hence, we see an urgent need for both practitioners and academia to shift their attention from the dazzling potential of cutting-edge technologies to the nitty-gritty business of incorporating co-creation and ecosystem-Thinking into current business practices. © 2020 The authors.

In a time of change focusing on the application of technology, there is a high risk of underestimating the compliance of internal needs and adaption to context. The research study employs a qualitative approach using the case study methodology. The source of data comes from five different manufacturing companies categorized as Small to Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs). A multidisciplinary team performed semi-structured interviews and fieldwork at each site, along with regular online meetings with the partners. The study employs five dimensions of the information quality perspective to assess information utilized to support deviation handling and connects the information quality deficiencies to the digital tools' impact. The empirical findings indicate the need for the companies to perform a requirement analysis of information needs before the adoption of digital systems or digital tools, to assess their current state in terms of data and information. The paper discusses the impact digital tools may have on deviation management in SMEs and under which circumstances digital tools could improve deviation management. Lastly, this paper intends to shed light on the utilization of digital technologies for disturbance handling on the production shop floor. © 2020 The authors

Manufacturing companies seek innovative approaches to achieve successful Green and Digital transitions, where adopting lean production is one alternative. However, further investigation is required to formulate the strategy with practical inputs and identify what digital technologies could be applied with which lean principles for environmental benefits. Therefore, this study first conducted a case study in three companies to collect practice-based data. A complementary literature review was then carried out, investigating the existing frameworks and complementing practices of digitalized lean implementations and the resulting environmental impact. Consequently, the Internet of Things and related connection-level technologies were identified as the key facilitators in lean implementations, specifically in visualization, communication, and poka-yoke, leading to environmental benefits. Furthermore, a framework of DIgitalization Supports Environmental sustainability through Lean principles (DISEL) was proposed to help manufacturing companies identify the opportunities of digitalizing lean principles for Environmental sustainability, thus enabling the twin transitions and being resilient. © 2023 The Authors

Internet of things (IoT) is expected to transform the way we live, work, and learn. Using IoT can be a game-changer for municipalities to move towards sustainability. Within the Vinnova financed project, the municipality wants to explore how IoT can enable route optimization and placement planning for increased operational efficiency. The aim of this study is to enhance the knowledge of the environmental benefits of IoT systems in the waste collection system in the city center of Södertälje. This life cycle assessment, LCA, will support the project by identifying environmental hotspots. The LCA study was performed in Jan-Sep 2021. The functional unit of the study has been set to 1 year of IoT system service for 160 litter bins in city center of Södertälje. The studied system is a cradle-to-grave system, including raw materials, sensors and gateways, use phase, and end of life the sensors and gateways, internet connection, as well as the cloud services. Inventory information have been collected mainly from Södertälje, suppliers, and the service providers. Generic data, such as electricity mix, and transports have been taken from the Ecoinvent database and literature. This study has evaluated the environmental impacts of IoT system in Södertälje for the case of smart waste collection system installed in the city center in a life cycle perspective. The objective of the study has been: 1. To estimate the environmental impact (with focus on climate change impact) of IoT system in Södertälje and find out the hotspots within the system in a life cycle perspective. The climate change impact of the IoT system solution in Södertälje is estimated about 120 kg CO2eq per year, which mainly contributes from the gateways (50%) and sensors (27%) and the use of internet (23%). 2. To estimate the environmental impact (focus on climate change impact) of the waste collection system (without IoT system) and find out the hotspots within the system. The climate change impact of the current waste collection system in the city centre of Södertälje contributes approximately 12t CO2eq per year, which mainly contributed from the use of fossil-based plastic trash bags (96%) and the HVO based transport (4%). 3. To compare the current with the future waste collection system (including IoT system for planning and service). To compare the current with the future waste collection system, we use scenarios (see Figure 20 for results). At the starting point of the study (scenario 1), we present results that are based on assumptions and have the same CO2 emissions for the transport and the trash bags. The results were based on diesel (50%) and recycled plastic trash bags (50%). The recycled plastic is made of 80% recycled LDPE and 20% virgin LDPE (Tingstad, 2021). The next step (scenario 2) of the study, we present results that are based on direct data of the current system. The results were based on HVO and fossil trash bags, which results into 11.5 t CO2 for fossil bags and 380 kg CO2eq per year for transport and 120 kg CO2eq extra for the IoT system. The last step (scenario 3) of the study, we present results that are based on future assumptions. The results were based on using no bags and no CO2 emission from bags, which results into 120 kg CO2eq for the IoT system and 380kg CO2eq for the transport and 0 kg CO2eq for the trash bags. The future waste collection system needs to be better than the current system. That means, the future waste collection system needs to reduce the CO2eq emissions by at least 120 kg CO2eq to break-even the extra IoT system. For the IoT system to have an effect, at least 32% of the transport (km) or the number of trash bags used need to be reduced (50 bins of 160 bins), in order to outweighs the extra CO2eq from the IoT system (Figure 21). - A reduction of trp km or trash bags by 32% reduce CO2eq by 120 kg. (=IoT system). - A reduction of trp km or trash bags by 64% reduce CO2eq by 240 kg. (> IoT system).

Internet of things (IoT) is expected to transform the way we live, work, and learn. Using IoT can be a game-changer for municipalities to move towards sustainability. Within the Vinnova financed project, The inclusive, sustainable, and connected society, the municipality wants to explore how IoT can enable route optimization and placement planning for increased operational efficiency. The aim of these environmental studies is to enhance the knowledge of the environmental benefits of IoT systems in three parts of the waste collection systems and services provided in the municipality of Södertälje: Waste collection in the city centre (Telge Återvinning), Textile collection (Human Bridge) and Recycling stations (Telge Återvinning). The LCA results for waste collection in the city centre are documented in Chiew & Brunklaus (2021); while the main LCA results and conclusions for textile collection (part 2) and recycling stations (part 3) are summarized in this report. The results for all three types of waste collection system show that the implementation of the IoT system is quite low (<1%). In this study, the climate impacts of both textile waste collection and recycling stations services per year were identified with LCA. By using the actor analysis, we found that in both the textile waste collection and the recycling stations services, the major climate impacts come from citizens, e.g., in the case of the textile waste collection service. The climate impact of transportation of the citizens to the textile station is 36%, followed by the plastic or paper bags from the citizens is 22% of the total impact of the textile waste, while the transportation of citizens to the recycling stations is even higher, such as 70% of the total impact of the recycling station system. The textile collection and recycling stations showed that citizen’s choice has huge impact on the CO2 emission. Re-used and recycled textiles, instead of incinerating can save up to 23-44kg CO2 per kg of new textile produced. The recycling stations collects almost 9kt of waste, which are consumer products (e.g. bicycles, furniture, electronic devices and car decks). Re-used products can save between 100kg CO2 eq per bicycle up to 300kg CO2 eq per electronic devices, such as electric tools or laptop computers, as well as 28kg CO2 eq per car decks. On the other hand, the service provided by Södertälje has a huge influence on the citizens choice. The “rullande återvinning” (rolling service), in which Telge Återvinning arranged trucks to collect bulky waste closer to the citizen can reduce the emission that is caused by the citizen transportation. In addition, the IoT system installed in the recycling station can provide good information to the citizen to avoid congestion time and paying for an empty visit due to long queue in the recycling stations. The service provided by Human Bridge and Telge Återvinning can be improved. However, both have already started to implement green choices. The environmental choices already made by Human Bridge (part 2) include the choice of thinner and recycled plastic bags and the choice of green electricity. The environmental choices already made by Telge Återvinning (part 3) include the choice of transportation (HVO instead of diesel) and the choice of green electricity. The recommendations for the future could include better service for the citizens (rolling service) and setting requirements on the service provider, such as in the textile collection (fossil-free transport).

To commercialize a biomedical product as a medical device, reproducibility of production and time-stability are important parameters. Studies of reproducibility are lacking in the literature. Additionally, chemical pre-treatments of wood fibres to produce highly fibrillated cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) seem to be demanding in terms of production efficiency, being a bottleneck for industrial upscaling. In this study, we evaluated the effect of pH on the dewatering time and washing steps of 2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidinyloxy (TEMPO)-mediated oxidized wood fibres when applying 3.8 mmol NaClO/g cellulose. The results indicate that the method does not affect the carboxylation of the nanocelluloses, and levels of approximately 1390 μmol/g were obtained with good reproducibility. The washing time of a Low-pH sample was reduced to 1/5 of the time required for washing a Control sample. Additionally, the stability of the CNF samples was assessed over 10 months and changes were quantified, the most pronounced were the increase of potential residual fibre aggregates, reduction of viscosity and increase of carboxylic acid content. The cytotoxicity and skin irritation potential were not affected by the detected differences between the Control and Low-pH samples. Importantly, the antibacterial effect of the carboxylated CNFs against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa was confirmed. © 2023 The Authors

Nanocelluloses have good rheological properties that facilitate the extrusion of nanocellulose gels in micro-extrusion systems. It is considered a highly relevant characteristic that makes it possible to use nanocellulose as an ink component for 3D bioprinting purposes. The nanocelluloses assessed in this book chapter include wood nanocellulose (WNC), bacterial nanocellulose (BNC), and tunicate nanocellulose (TNC), which are often assumed to be non-toxic. Depending on various chemical and mechanical processes, both cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) can be obtained from the three mentioned nanocelluloses (WNC, BNC, and TNC). Pre/post-treatment processes (chemical and mechanical) cause modifications regarding surface chemistry and nano-morphology. Hence, it is essential to understand whether physicochemical properties may affect the toxicological profile of nanocelluloses. In this book chapter, we provide an overview of nanotoxicology and safety aspects associated with nanocelluloses. Relevant regulatory requirements are considered. We also discuss hazard assessment strategies based on tiered approaches for safety testing, which can be applied in the early stages of the innovation process. Ensuring the safe development of nanocellulose-based 3D bioprinting products will enable full market use of these sustainable resources throughout their life cycle.

Industry 5.0 emphasises how technology may benefit humans and marks a move towards a socio-technical paradigm. This study looks at how Augmented Reality (AR) can be integrated into human-centered smart manufacturing systems to improve operator performance, especially when it comes to assembly and disassembly work. Relevant AR applications in manufacturing are found through a methodical assessment of the literature, emphasising the necessity of human-centered design methodologies. The paper then offers basic recommendations for integrating AR systems into manual workstations in an efficient manner with the goal of enhancing operator productivity and welfare. The background, motivation and methods are discussed. The main findings include specific considerations for supporting the AR design in assembly, discussing the relevance of targeting group of users, choicing the suitable devices according to the usability and developing effective instructions. 

This investigation delves into the extraction dynamics of 22 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from PFAS contaminated firefighting materials. Two distinct test sets were executed: one contrasting a commercial product with water following an elaborate decontamination procedure, and the other assessing seven washing agents on materials from firefighting installations, with one agent examined at 22 °C and 50 °C. A general tendency for improved desorption at the higher temperature was observed. Furthermore, a discernible influence of the cleaning agent's pH on the extraction of specific PFAS species was observed, elucidating the role of chemical environment in the extraction process. PFAS rebound was studied for a period of up to 157 days, this unveiled a gradual escalation in PFAS22 levels, indicative of a protracted desorption mechanism. Intriguingly, PFAS with abbreviated carbon chains (C4–C6) exhibit superior desorption efficiency compared to their elongated congeners, suggesting a chain-length-dependent decontamination potential. A comparative scrutiny between a commercially available cleaning product, featuring multiple washing and flushing steps, and a water-only treatment regimen underscores the potential efficacy of the former. This exhaustive investigation furnishes nuanced insights into PFAS extraction complexities, offering a foundation for informed decontamination strategies

In the current study we investigate the antifouling potential of three polyphenolic resveratrol multimers (–)-hopeaphenol, vaticanol B and vatalbinoside A, isolated from two species of Anisoptera found in the Papua New Guinean rainforest. The compounds were evaluated against the growth and settlement of eight marine microfoulers and against the settlement and metamorphosis of Amphibalanus improvisus barnacle cyprids. The two isomeric compounds (–)-hopeaphenol and vaticanol B displayed a high inhibitory potential against the cyprid larvae metamorphosis at 2.8 and 1.1 μM. (–)-Hopeaphenol was also shown to be a strong inhibitor of both microalgal and bacterial adhesion at submicromolar concentrations with low toxicity. Resveratrol displayed a lower antifouling activity compared to the multimers and had higher off target toxicity against MCR-5 fibroblasts. This study illustrates the potential of natural products as a valuable source for the discovery of novel antifouling leads with low toxicity. 

The transition from terrestrial to marine environments by secondarily aquatic tetrapods necessitates a suite of adaptive changes associated with life in the sea, e.g., the scaleless skin in adult individuals of the extant leatherback turtle. A partial, yet exceptionally preserved hard-shelled (Pan-Cheloniidae) sea turtle with extensive soft-tissue remains, including epidermal scutes and a virtually complete flipper outline, was recently recovered from the Eocene Fur Formation of Denmark. Examination of the fossilized limb tissue revealed an originally soft, wrinkly skin devoid of scales, together with organic residues that contain remnant eumelanin pigment and inferred epidermal transformation products. Notably, this stem cheloniid—unlike its scaly living descendants—combined scaleless limbs with a bony carapace covered in scutes. Our findings show that the adaptive transition to neritic waters by the ancestral pan-chelonioids was more complex than hitherto appreciated, and included at least one evolutionary lineage with a mosaic of integumental features not seen in any living turtle. © 2022, The Author(s).

Konservat-Lagerstätten, such as the Toarcian (Early Jurassic) Posidonia Shale of southwestern Germany, are renowned for their spectacular fossils. Ichthyosaur skeletons recovered from this formation are frequently associated with soft tissues; however, the preserved material ranges from three-dimensional, predominantly phosphatized structures to dark films of mainly organic matter. We examined soft-tissue residues obtained from two ichthyosaur specimens using an integrated ultrastructural and geochemical approach. Our analyses revealed that the superficially-looking ‘films’ in fact comprise sections of densely aggregated melanosome (pigment) organelles sandwiched between phosphatized layers containing fibrous microstructures. We interpret this distinct layering as representing condensed and incompletely degraded integument from both sides of the animal. When compared against previously documented ichthyosaur fossils, it becomes readily apparent that a range of preservational modes exists between presumed ‘phosphatic’ and ‘carbonized’ soft-tissue remains. Some specimens show high structural fidelity (e.g. distinct integumentary layering), while others, including the fossils examined in this study, retain few original anatomical details. This diversity of soft-tissue preservational modes among Posidonia Shale ichthyosaurs offers a unique opportunity to examine different biostratinomic, taphonomic and diagenetic variables that potentially could affect the process of fossilization. It is likely that soft-tissue preservation in the Posidonia Shale was regulated by a multitude of factors, including decay efficiency and speed of phosphatic mineral nucleation; these in turn were governed by a seafloor with sustained microbial mat activity fuelled by high organic matter input and seasonally fluctuating oxygen levels. © 2023 The Authors. 

There is a current healthcare need for improved prosthetic socket fit provision for the masses using low-cost and simple to manufacture sensors that can measure pressure, shear, and friction. There is also a need to address society’s increasing concerns regarding the environmental impact of electronics and IoT devices. Prototype thin, low-cost, and low-weight pressure, shear, and loss of friction sensors have been developed and assembled for trans-femoral amputees. These flexible and conformable sensors are simple to manufacture and utilize more enviro-friendly novel magnetite-based QTSS™ (Quantum Technology Supersensor™) quantum materials. They have undergone some initial tests on flat and curved surfaces in a pilot amputee trial, which are presented in this paper. These initial findings indicate that the prototype pressure sensor strip is capable of measuring pressure both on flat and curved socket surfaces in a pilot amputee trial. They have also demonstrated that the prototype shear sensor can indicate increasing shear forces, the resultant direction of the shear forces, and loss of friction/slippage events. Further testing, amputee trials, and ongoing optimization is continuing as part of the SocketSense project to assist prosthetic comfort and fit. © 2021 by the authors