Enablers and Impediments for Collaborative Research in Software Testing: An Empirical Exploration

When it comes to industrial organizations, current collaboration efforts in software engineering research are very often kept in-house, depriving these organizations off the skills necessary to build independent collaborative research. The current trend, towards empirical software engineering research, requires certain standards to be established which would guide these collaborative efforts in creating a strong partnership that promotes independent, evidence-based, software engineering research. This paper examines key enabling factors for an efficient and effective industry-academia collaboration in the software testing domain. A major finding of the research was that while technology is a strong enabler to better collaboration, it must be complemented with industrial openness to disclose research results and the use of a dedicated tooling platform. We use as an example an automated test generation approach that has been developed in the last two years collaboratively with Bombardier Transportation AB in Sweden

Selling heritage in the post-Ottoman Balkans : in, but not of Europe

Normalising subjectivities of ‘Europeanness’ and ‘Westernness’ have effects on the interpretation and consumption of cultural heritage sites in non-Western contexts. Here we examine the liminal space of the ‘post-Ottoman’ West Balkans, a European region with a significant built heritage and contemporary social legacy reflecting the c.500 year rule of the Muslim Ottoman dynasty where large numbers of people converted voluntarily to Islam but in which a syncretic system for the legal toleration and recognition of Christianity and Judaism was also implemented. Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH), Republic of Macedonia (Macedonia) and Albania are selected for contextual study in the West Balkans given that their social complexion is perhaps most obviously a representation of that syncretic legacy and because of their concentration of extant Ottoman heritage sites presentenced to the market. We note first that these countries’ heritage and tourism sectors anticipate and to some extent modify their interpretation to accommodate ‘Western’ consumers affectation of ‘surprise’ and ‘delight’ at the region’s religious diversity, constructing it in binary terms as a ‘remarkable’ crossroads between ‘West/East’ or ‘Christendom/Islam’. We then note occasional counter-discursive interventions by heritage practitioners to offer consumers an interpretive framework in which the syncretic legacy of the Ottoman period is an unremarkable consequence of contingent regional history. To understand why Ottoman heritage is often understood to be in but not of Europe, our analysis brings together and develops recent ‘Post-Saidian’ scholarship which interrogates ‘Europe’s’ discursive erasure of its Ottoman-Islamic-Oriental ‘self’ as well as recent work on the particularities of the syncretic Ottoman mode of social organisation in Europe and its legacy

High aldosterone-to-renin variants of CYP11B2 and pregnancy outcome

Background. Increased aldosterone concentrations and volume expansion of normal pregnancies are hallmarks of normal pregnancies and blunted in pre-eclampsia. Accordingly, we hypothesized an active mineralocorticoid system to protect from pre-eclampsia. Methods. In pregnant women (normotensive n = 44; pre-eclamptic n = 48), blood pressure, urinary tetrahydro-aldosterone excretion and activating polymorphisms (SF-1 site and intron 2) of the aldosterone synthase gene (CYP11B2) were determined; 185 non-pregnant normotensive individuals served as control. Amino acid-changing polymorphisms of the DNA- and agonist-binding regions of the mineralocorticoid receptor were evaluated by RT-PCR, SSCP and sequencing. Results. Urinary tetrahydro-aldosterone excretion was reduced in pre-eclampsia as compared to normal pregnancy (P < 0.05). It inversely correlated with blood pressure (r = 0.99, P < 0.04). Homozygosity for activating CYP11B2 polymorphisms was preferably present in normotensive as compared to pre-eclamptic pregnancies, identified (intron 2, P = 0.005; SF-1 site, P = 0.016). Two mutant haplotypes decreased the risk of developing pre-eclampsia (RR 0.16; CI 0.05-0.54; P < 0.001). In contrast, intron 2 wild type predisposed to pre-eclampsia (P < 0.0015). No functional mineralocorticoid receptor mutant has been observed. Conclusions. High aldosterone availability is associated with lower maternal blood pressure. In line with this observation, gain-of-function variants of the CYP11B2 reduce the risk of developing pre-eclampsia. Mutants of the mineralocorticoid receptor cannot explain the frequent syndrome of pre-eclampsi

Employability, Career Readiness, and soft Skills in U.S. Higher Education: A Literature Review

Given the large financial and time burdens placed on students pursuing a post-secondary degree, universities and colleges can no longer ignore their role in developing graduate employability. For decades higher education in the United States has grappled with preparing graduates for the labor market, creating a liberal education-vocation dichotomy. Yet, a recent literature review suggests that discourse on this topic has shifted. However, this shift is not without its challenges. This paper summarizes the current literature on employability – what it is, why it’s important, its drawbacks, and its efficacy in the context of the U.S. higher education system

Lipase-catalyzed production of structured triacylglycerols

Vegetable oils and fats are major energy sources but also play an essential part in the physical and chemical properties of food products. The current change in the climate is affecting harvest yields, leading to a shortage and increased prices of raw materials that are difficult to replace. In addition, there is an increasing demand for new products with positive health effects.Triacylglycerols (TAGs) with specific properties can be produced using synthesis methods controlling which fatty acids are present in each position of the molecule. These are called structured triacylglycerols (STAGs) and enzymatic transesterification is a good method to produce them. Immobilized lipases are the catalyst of choice for STAG production as they can selectively tailor the fatty acid composition in the triacylglycerol to obtain the desired properties. Few industrial processes have been developed despite the positive aspects of lipase-catalyzed synthesis and the continuously growing application areas. Further implementation of industrial processes requires highly efficient and stable catalysts and optimized reactor systems to overcome the limitations of too high production costs. This dissertation attempts to improve the production of STAGs by the development of a comprehensive lipid analysis method and effective lipase catalysts, and optimization of reaction conditions.Analysis of reaction samples is a central part of research and quality control. There is thus a great need for efficient and cost-effective methods for the analysis of the composition of vegetable oils and fats. In this work, a high-performance liquid chromatography method with charged aerosol detection was developed for complete analysis of lipid samples. Within 80 minutes the method manages to separate free fatty acids, fatty acid esters, monoacylglycerols, diacylglycerols (DAGs) and TAGs, including several regioisomers. The developed method facilitated the performance of the succeeding research.The properties of an immobilized preparation will depend on the combination of lipase and support. In this work, it was found that the immobilization conditions and support material had profound effects on the catalyst activity. Immobilization by adsorption on highly hydrophobic supports resulted in significantly higher immobilization yield and activity, especially when compared to covalent binding. We managed to develop immobilized preparations with activities equal to commercially available preparations and even higher regioselectivity. This shows the possibility of STAG synthesis with high productivity and purity.Transesterification for the synthesis of STAGs is a multistep reaction with DAGs formed as intermediate products. Many factors influence the initial reaction rate, product yield and quality. The effects of water activity, temperature, substrate ratio and ethanol concentration were studied in the reaction between high oleic sunflower oil and ethyl stearate producing 1,2-stearin-3-olein (SOS) using immobilized lipase from Rhizopus oryzae (Lipase DF “Amano” IM). It was found that the factors influencing the enzymatic activity (water activity, ethanol addition, substrate ratio, and temperature) were highly important initially, whereas factors affecting the thermodynamic equilibrium (water activity, ethanol addition, and substrate ratio) dominated later. This emphasizes the importance of controlling the reaction parameters. The product quality was negatively affected by temperature, as an increased temperature promoted acyl migration.A water activity control system based on dry/wet nitrogen gas sparging was developed and implemented in a SpinChem® rotating bed reactor to control the water activity in non-aqueous media during enzymatic reactions. With a stepwise change in water activity from high (0.65) to low (drying of reaction solution), it was possible to increase the initial DAG and product formation while reducing the final DAG content to 3.1%. In addition, a final yield corresponding to 78% of the theoretical maximum was obtained using 0.5% (w/w) enzyme and 7 h of reaction. Excellent regioselectivity of Lipase DF “Amano” IM and minimized acyl migration resulted in only 0.11% undesired incorporation in the sn-2-position

A thirsty dragon: rising Chinese crude oil demand and prospects for multilateral energy security cooperation

"After Mao Zedongs death in 1976 and the turn to 'Socialism with Chinese characteristics', China opened up economically and, to a lesser extent, politically. That lead to China being the second largest car purchaser in 2011 and the second largest energy consumer the year before. In the last two decades, the country doubled its need for energy. But fossile energy carriers like crude oil are rare and China has to import the black gold from abroad. (The author) argues Chinas engagement in the global energy-sector does not necessarily lead to conflict, but offers chances for cooperation. He draws two scenarios: If everything goes wrong, the conflict for oil will exacerbate and lead to military conflict. China already strengthened its marine in the Indian Ocean, the US and India could do the same. The second scenario shows how cooperation could work: China, the West and India are consumers and thus could foster a common strategy as oil importers. In addition, their economies are highly interdependent and starting off a military conflict would mean damage to all of them. (The author) rather proposes strong cooperation and China's integration into international organizations such as OECDS's International Energy Agency." (author's abstract)"Mit dem Ende der Ära Mao Tse-Tung und der Einführung des 'Sozialismus chinesischer Prägung' öffnete sich das Reich der Mitte wirtschaftlich und, wenn auch weniger, politisch. Die Folge: China war 2011 der zweitgrößte Autoimporteur weltweit und im Jahr zuvor der zweitgrößte Energiekonsument. In den letzten 20 Jahren verdoppelte sich das Verlangen nach Energie in der aufstrebenden Volkswirtschaft. Doch fossile Energieträger wie Erdöl sind rar in China und das Land muss sich im Ausland mit dem schwarzen Gold versorgen. (Der Autor) argumentiert, das Engagement Chinas im Energiesektor muss nicht im Konflikt enden, sondern bietet auch Chancen zur Kooperation. Zwei Szenarien seien möglich: In einem negativen Fall verschärfe sich der Konflikt um die Ressource zu einer militärischen Auseinandersetzung. Schon jetzt habe China seine Marine im indischen Ozean verstärkt, die USA und Indien könnten antworten. Aber es gibt auch Aussichten für eine positive Entwicklung: Das zweite Szenario sieht gute Chancen für eine multilaterale Energiekooperation. Zum einen hätten die Staaten als Konsumenten gemeinsame Interessen an koordinierter Versorgungspolitik, darüber hinaus gebe die Interdependenz der Volkswirtschaften Anreize zur Konfliktvermeidung. (Der Autor) fordert zur engeren Kooperation die Aufnahme Chinas in internationale Organisationen, wie die International Energy Agency der OECD." (Autorenreferat

Ethical Reflections on Career Outcome Data

In higher education’s competitive landscape, driven by rankings, enrollment targets, and demands for return on investment (ROI) of degrees, career outcomes data is seen as a panacea. However, ethical considerations are conspicuously absent from the myriad discussions on career outcomes data collection. Critical issues such as student privacy, data security, accuracy, reliability, and transparency persist. This paper explores the ethical dimensions of career outcomes data collection and reporting, examining current practices, identifying gaps, and proposing solutions that higher education institutions can adopt to enhance transparency, accountability, and public trust

Sexual risk behaviors among young migrants and key populations in Sweden

Background: The approximate number of young migrants (aged 15 to 24 years) is almost 32 million globally. In Sweden, in 2022, nearly 2.5% of all citizens were foreign-born aged 15-24. Previous research has shown that young migrants are at increased risk of engaging in sexual risk behaviors, including sexual minorities, such as men who have sex with men (MSM). In addition, migrants can suffer from poor health due to their migration journey and postmigration living circumstances. The aim of this thesis is to assess the prevalence of sexual risk behaviors and the sociodemographic factors that can influence the sexual risk behaviors among young foreign-born key populations who are at risk for HIV in Sweden. Additionally, to assess the prevalence of sexual risk behavior transactional sex among MSM and foreign-born MSM living in Sweden. Methods: Four papers were completed using data from two cross-sectional surveys: one from a migrant SRHR study conducted in Sweden during 2017-2018 (Papers I and II) and another from the European Men who have sex with men Internet Survey (EMIS) conducted in 2017 (Papers III and IV). In Paper I, 1563 participants aged between 15 and 25 years (56% male, 44% female) were eligible to participate in the assessment of sexual risk behavior prevalence, and in paper II, 976 (54% male, 46% female) participants to assess the prevalence of poor mental health. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the relationship between sexual risk behavior and demographic and migrationrelated variables (Paper I). In paper II, we assess the association between mental health, sexual risk behavior, willingness to take risks, and demographic and migration-related variables. In the EMIS–2017 papers, 4443 MSM participants reporting to live in Sweden are included to assess the prevalence of engaging in transactional sex. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the prevalence of transactional sex and the relationship between transactional sex and demographic and migration-related variables (paper III) and HIV status (paper IV). Results: In paper I, the overall prevalence of sexual risk behaviors in the past year was 33% (n=536). Condomless sex was the most prevalent sexual risk behavior, with increased odds among those coming from the Americas and Europe (compared to Syria) and coming to Sweden to live with a family (compared to those arriving as asylum seekers/refugees), including younger age and living longer in Sweden. Belonging to Islam decreased the odds. Increased odds for engaging in sex under drug influence were among young migrants born in Europe or a MENA country and those who came to Sweden to work or study, while age decreased the odds. Young migrants who came to work or study and lived longer in Sweden had increased odds of engaging in exchanging sex for money or goods. In paper II, 59% of participants reported poor mental health. Participants who reported living 4 and 5 years in Sweden had increased odds of poor mental health outcomes compared to those who lived in Sweden for less than one year. Living alone or with friends they had known earlier (compared to those living with family), being female, coming from Syria, engaging in sexual risk behaviors, and the willingness to take risks increased the odds of reporting poor mental health. Being highly educated, born in Asia, Europe, or Africa, and coming to live with family (compared to coming as an asylum seeker/refugee) decreased the odds of poor mental health. In paper III, we observe that the overall prevalence of engaging in selling sex ever was 13.2% (16% in foreign-born and 12.7% in Swedish-born) and 5.9% in the previous five years (8.4% foreign-born and 5.4% Swedish-born) among participants. Increased odds of selling sex were observed among those who were younger, reporting to struggle on their current income, being foreign-born, not defining their sexual orientation, and reporting to had sex with a woman in the previous 12 months. Low levels of outness decreased the odds of selling sex among Swedishborn MSM, contrary to foreign-born MSM, where higher levels of outness increased the odds of selling sex. Prevalence of buying sex ever was 10.8% (11.6% in foreignborn and 10.7% in Swedish-born) and 6.7% in the previous five years (6.9% foreignborn and 6.6% in Swedish-born). Factors increasing the odds of buying sex were higher education and not having a current partner, while younger age, low level of outness and defining as bisexual (compared to gay/homosexual) decreased the odds, including years of living in Sweden among foreign-born MSM. In paper IV, 5.4% of participants reported living with HIV (8.8% foreign-born and 4.8% Swedish-born). In the overall sample, the factors for increasing odds of reporting living with HIV were buying and selling sex in the past five years, being foreign-born, and really struggling with current income. Factors decreasing the odds for reporting living with HIV were younger age (up to 34 years compared to 65 and above), low levels of outness, always using a condom, including with a non-steady partner , and one to five sexual partners in the previous 12 months. Factor decreasing the odds among foreign-born MSM were 20-39 years old, higher education, living comfortably, always using a condom in the past 12 months and years lived in Sweden. Among Swedish-born MSM, low levels of outness, having one partner, and using a condom always and with a non-steady partner in the past 12 months (compared to never using a condom) were decreasing the odds. Conclusions: One in three young migrants aged 15-25 years living in Sweden reported engaging in sexual risk behavior, predominantly in condomless sex. Those who engage in sexual risk behavior also have increased odds of poor mental health. We observe that foreign-born MSM participants living in Sweden had a higher prevalence of transactional sex engagement than their Swedish-born MSM peers. Transactional sex remains a risk factor for living with HIV among MSM, particularly among foreign-born. Socio-demographic characteristics and migration influence young migrants’ sexual risk behavior. These findings can inform the design of social, economic, and political programs that aim promote safer sexual behaviors among young migrants. These findings can also benefit future targeting and tailoring of HIV prevention and testing programs reaching MSM and meeting the various needs of different MSM subpopulations