University of Borås
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Circular Concretre in Sweden
No full textConcrete waste is underutilized in Sweden, being used for backfilling in road applications and constructing landfills. When it shows the potential for use in load-bearing applications, as an alternative to natural aggregates, to produce circular and climate reduced concrete. This paper explores concrete crushed aggregates (CCA) from reclaimed concrete, produced using industrial crushing methods. The regulatory framework supporting recycling has been discussed. The Swedish concrete standard is less adopting to the use of CCA in new concrete in comparison to other European standards specially regarding the use of fine CCA fractions. Results for CCA water absorption and apparent density from lab scale and industrial crushing are shown. The CCA fulfills claims for aggregates for indoor concrete, with improvements in the crushing process, CA can suit requirements for outdoor concrete.
Artificial intelligence and public libraries – opportunities and challenges regarding how it can be implemented in operations and services
No full textThis work aims to investigate how public libraries can utilize artificial intelligence (AI) in their operations regarding tasks and services. The study is conducted as a systematized review of scientific publications and the ”Cultural-historical activity theory” (CHAT) by Engeström (1987) is used for a qualitative thematic content analysis. The work examines how AI implementation affects the libraries' activities and services by looking at which implementations are mentioned, how they relate to the societal and democratic mission of public libraries, as well as social aspects and ethical considerations. In addition to operations, the professional role of public librarians is also included in the study, focusing on how AI competence is addressed in relation to this role. The results indicate that there are many possible implementations for AI in public libraries, ranging from streamlining and automating recurring tasks to personalizing user services. Regarding ethical approaches, the importance of privacy and transparency is particularly highlighted. The social aspects related to the public library, both in terms of a digital and physical space, as well as the presence of librarians, are reported to be significant. In the future, the competence of public librarians needs to include some knowledge about AI both for themselves and to be able to teach it to the citizens
When the standard solution meets research reality
No full textDenna studie undersöker hur generiska digitala plattformar används i forskningsmiljöer med lokalt förankrade arbetssätt och varierande informationskrav. Studien utgår från en fallstudie av en medicinsk forskningsmiljö vid Göteborgs universitet, där en lokalt utvecklad lösning för informationshantering har ersatts av en standardplattform. Med hjälp av semistrukturerade intervjuer, enkätundersökning och dokumentanalys belyser studien hur plattformens funktioner samspelar med krav på struktur, säkerhet, delning och användbarhet. Resultaten visar att även om plattformen tillhandahåller tekniska funktioner som versionshantering, åtkomstkontroll och samarbetsytor, begränsas användningen av prestandaproblem, bristande anpassning och fragmenterad implementering. Användare tenderar att utveckla alternativa lösningar, vilket tyder på en diskrepans mellan systemets logik och forskningens praktik. Analysen bygger på ett teoretiskt ramverk som kombinerar Zachmans systemarkitekturmodell, FAIR-principerna, CIA-triaden, Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) samt begrepp om användbarhet och arbetsflödesanpassning. Studien bidrar med insikter om hur generiska systemlösningar kan stödja eller motverka hållbar informationshantering i akademiska forskningsmiljöer, och understryker vikten av kontextuell anpassning, användarförankrat stöd och tydlig struktur. Studien genomfördes på svenska.This study investigates the use of generic digital platforms in research environments characterized by locally embedded practices and varying information requirements. Based on a case study of a medical research setting at the University of Gothenburg, where a locally developed information management solution was replaced by a standardized platform, the study examines how the platform's features interact with demands for structure, security, sharing, and usability. Using semi-structured interviews, a survey, and document analysis, the research highlights how platform functionality is shaped by everyday needs and constraints. The findings show that although the platform provides technical capabilities such as version control, access management, and collaborative workspaces, its use is often limited by performance issues, poor adaptation, and fragmented implementation. Users frequently develop alternative solutions, indicating a discrepancy between the system’s logic and the realities of research practice. The analysis draws on a theoretical framework combining Zachman’s enterprise architecture model, the FAIR principles, the CIA triad, the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and concepts related to usability and workflow alignment. The study contributes insights into how generic system solutions can support—or hinder—sustainable information management in academic research contexts, emphasizing the importance of contextual adaptation, user-centered support, and structural clarity. The study was conducted in Swedish
What motivates Swedish employees? : A quantitative study on autonomy, social relatedness and competence
No full textBakgrund Arbetsmotivation är centralt både för individers prestationer och verksamheters förutsättningar att nå uppsatta mål. Forskning har visat att tre grundläggande psykologiska behov, autonomi, social tillhörighet och kompetens, främjar inre arbetsmotivation. Ett flertal internationella studier stödjer dessa samband, men forskningen kring ämnet är bristfällig på den svenska arbetsmarknaden. Syftet med studien var att med bakgrund i Basic Psychological Need Theory (BPNT) undersöka eventuella samband mellan autonomi och inre arbetsmotivation, social tillhörighet och inre arbetsmotivation samt kompetens och inre arbetsmotivation. I ett sekundärt syfte undersöktes även könsskillnader i upplevelsen av social tillhörighet vid samma nivå av inre arbetsmotivation. Metod För att undersöka studiens syfte användes kvantitativ metod i form av enkätundersökning som datainsamlingsmetod. Enkätundersökningen utformades utifrån studiens hypoteser och teorin BPNT. För att mäta inre arbetsmotivation, autonomi, social tillhörighet och kompetens hämtades de flesta frågor och svarsalternativ från Center for self-determation theory (2025) medan en del av frågorna operationaliserades utifrån definitionen av inre arbetsmotivation. 133 arbetstagare i Sverige deltog i studien. Resultat Resultatet visade på starka samband mellan autonomi och inre arbetsmotivation och något svagare samband mellan kompetens och inre arbetsmotivation. Det gick inte att se några signifikanta samband mellan social tillhörighet och inre arbetsmotivation. Det gick heller inte att se några signifikanta skillnader mellan kvinnor och män i upplevelsen av social tillhörighet vid samma grad av inre arbetsmotivation. Slutsats Slutsatsen visar att BPNT delvis går att applicera för arbetstagare på den svenska arbetsmarknaden. Autonomi är starkast av behoven för att främja inre arbetsmotivation hos svenska arbetstagare. Studien kunde inte styrka könsskillnader i upplevelsen av social tillhörighet vid samma nivå av inre arbetsmotivation, vilket avviker från tidigare internationella studier. Studien bidrar till en nyanserande bild av BPNT antaganden om att sambandet mellan autonomi och inre arbetsmotivation, social tillhörighet och inre arbetsmotivation och kompetens och inre arbetsmotivation finns oberoende kulturell kontext. Trots att alla hypoteser inte kunde bekräftas bidrar studien med värdefulla insikter om inre arbetsmotivation i en svensk arbetsmarknadskontex och ger nya perspektiv på tidigare globala generaliseringar inom BPNT
Exploring the Usability of a Smart Textile-Based Biofeedback System for Stroke Rehabilitation
No full textDigital learning environment and communication in Canvas : Students and teachers perspective
No full textThis study explores how students and teachers in Swedish higher education experience the use of the Canvas learning management system (LMS) course pages in relation to communication, interaction, structure, usability, and adaptability in distance learning environments. Using a mixed methods approach, data were collected and analyzed to identify patterns, variations, and potential areas for improvement in course design and platform use. The results reveal differences between the two user groups. Regarding communication and interaction, teachers generally perceive Canvas course pages as a functional tool for interaction, whereas students report more varied experiences, indicating a gap between teachers intentions and students actual perceptions. In terms of structure, usability, and adaptability, students experience inconsistency between course pages, which often causes confusion. Meanwhile teachers describe the adaptability of Canvas course pages as beneficial for customization, yet acknowledge a need for clearer guidelines to support student orientation. Discrepancy between the technical possibilities of the platform and how effectively they are used, highlights the significance of information architecture (IA) in LMS. When course structures and navigational logic vary between instructors, it undermines consistency, usability, and findability, core principles of IA, which may negatively impact students ability to access and engage with course content. The study suggests institutions should provide more support and continuous training for teachers, and that students perspectives should be actively integrated into the design of course pages. Findings are discussed through the lens of sociotechnical systems theory, emphasizing the importance of aligning technological design with pedagogical practices, organizational structures, and user needs
Climate disinformation on Google search : A study of Google's visibility of greenwashing in relation to the search engine´s principles of trustworthiness
No full textThis study aims to contribute to the knowledge about climate disinformation on the search engine Google search. Focus lies on greenwashing content on the search engine result page, in relation to Google's principles of Expertise, Experience, Authority and Trustworthiness (EEAT) and Your Money or Your Life (YMYL). Greenwashing is a form of climate disinformation where companies present exaggerated or false climate claims. This study investigates the search terms climate neutral and net zero emissions as well as a sample of companies publicly accused of greenwashing in Sweden. The research questions are: Does Google search contribute to the visibility of greenwashing, and if so, how? How can the search results be understood in relation to Google's principles of trustworthiness? The data collection was performed with the search engine scraper, Result Assessment Tool (RAT). A content analysis with a coding scheme was made to detect greenwashing. Using frame theory, the search results were both analyzed individually and the first two result pages as a whole. The result suggests that Google contributes to the visibility of greenwashing on Google search. This is in line with the report Greenwashing on Google but in this case in a Swedish context. However, more studies are needed to form a firm conclusion. As previous research discusses, the climate crisis can be framed as a public health issue. It could therefore be argued that websites with climate claims that affect people's economy or health ought to be moderated as YMYL and according to the principles of EEAT
AI and accessibility in practice : A study on how artificial intelligence can support information architecture for cognitive accessibility
No full textAs digital services become a natural part of daily life, ensuring accessibility for people with cognitive disabilities remains a major challenge, despite laws and guidelines. This thesis explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to support more accessible information architecture (IA) and improve digital inclusion for users with cognitive needs. Using a mixed-method approach, we combine a survey targeting individuals with cognitive variations, a semi-structured interview with an expert from the National Agency for Special Needs Education and schools (SPSM, in swedish), and practical testing of three digital tools: HeadingsMap, Eye-Able & HelperBird. These tools were evaluated based on their ability to detect and reduce common cognitive barriers, such as confusing layouts, unclear navigation and overwhelming text. The findings show that AI-driven tools can offer real support, simplifying language, clarifying structure and adapting content to individual needs. At the same time, they raise important concerns around data privacy, transparency, and the unintended risk of excluding users through over-customization. This thesis contributes to the growing field of accessible and inclusive design by providing practical insight nto how AI, when thoughtfully integrated, can complement human-centered practices. It's not about replacing people with machines, but about using technology to meet people where they are, and to help make digital services work better for everyone
Is the Bank Losing the Future? : A Study on Work Motivation and Job Satisfaction Among Young Employees in the Swedish Banking Sector
No full textEn ny generation med unga medarbetare träder nu in på arbetsmarknaden, vilket gör det intressant att undersöka hur banker som arbetsgivare kan främja deras arbetsmotivation och trivsel för att på så sätt öka deras vilja att stanna kvar inom sektorn. Detta är särskilt relevant i en kontext där det finns flera indikatorer som pekar på att banksektorn har svårt att möta ungas förväntningar, samt att sektorn inte längre uppfattas som lika attraktiv bland unga arbetstagare. Därav är studiens syfte att fördjupa förståelsen för hur unga bankanställda upplever och beskriver de faktorer som påverkar deras trivsel och arbetsmotivation samt hur detta i förlängningen kan bidra till att deras vilja att stanna kvar inom sektorn. För att uppnå studiens syfte har semistrukturerade parintervjuer genomförts med 12 unga bankanställda. Fördjupad förståelse av det insamlade materialet möjliggjordes genom tillämpning av följande teoretiska perspektiv: självbestämmandeteorin, Herzbergs tvåfaktorsteori, målsättningsteorin, transformativt ledarskap och emotionell intelligens. Resultatet visar att unga medarbetare efterfrågar utvecklingsmöjligheter, goda relationer, balans mellan arbete och fritid samt en arbetsbelastning som uppfattas som både utmanande och tillåter återhämtning. Det som framträdde starkast var däremot betydelsen av chefers utövande av ledarskap, som visade sig vara centralt för att kunna tillgodose de ungas behov. Dessa resultat är betydelsefulla för att öka kunskapen kring hur banksektorn kan arbeta för att skapa en arbetsplats som främjar arbetsmotivation och trivsel, vilket i sin tur skapar långsiktigt engagemang hos unga medarbetare.A new generation of young employees is now entering the labor market, which makes it relevant to examine how banks as employers can enhance their work motivation and job satisfaction in order to strengthen their willingness to remain in the sector. This is particularly important in a context where several indicators suggest that the banking sector struggles to meet young people’s expectations and is no longer perceived as equally attractive among younger employees. The aim of this study is therefore to deepen the understanding of how young bank employees experience and describe the factors that influence their job satisfaction and work motivation, and how these factors in turn may affect their willingness to stay in the sector. To achieve this purpose, semi-structured paired interviews were conducted with 12 young bank employees. A deeper understanding of the collected material was made possible through the application of the following theoretical perspectives: Self-Determination theory, Herzberg’s two-factor theory, Goal-setting theory, Transformational leadership and Emotional intelligence. The results show that young employees value opportunities for development, positive workplace relationships, work-life balance and a workload that is both challenging and allows for recovery. However, what emerged most strongly was the significance of managers’ leadership practices, which proved to be central in meeting the needs of young employees. These findings are important for increasing knowledge about how the banking sector can create a workplace that fosters work motivation and job satisfaction, thereby supporting long-term engagement among young employees
Recurrent Supraventricular Tachycardia Through The Eyes Of The Patient : Describing Experiences and Developing Care
No full textAim: The overall aim of this thesis is to describe how it is to live, with and being cared for, recurrent supraventricular tachycardia, with emphasis on the patient perspective and how to develop care given. Approach and Method: The thesis, which has a theoretical foundation in Caring Science, takes an overall inductive approach based on the patient perspective. The lifeworld theory has been used to describe and understand the patient perspective, although several scientific methods have been used, in order to answer the specific research question. Study I was quantitative with a retrospective descriptive design, and II, III, and IV was qualitative with descriptive designs. Study I describe patients’ unplanned visit (2719) at healthcare facilities with symptoms of tachycardia, analysed with descriptive and comparative statistics. Study II describes catheter ablation as experienced when being treated awake for supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Study III describes patients’ participation in their own health and care process. Both Studies II and III were based on reflective lifeworld approach and interviews (12 and 17, respectively study), using a phenomenological method. Study IV was based on a structured two-phase experience-based co-design (EBCD) methodology, involving participatory workshops with patients (4) and collaborative process development with healthcare providers (7) from specialist care, to reflect on experiences of care to capture and prioritize areas for improvements. A reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse data. Main findings: There is a significant difference in total visits in healthcare centres and/or emergency departments by patients of different sexes. Further, the referral rate is low, especially from healthcare centres to specialist care (cardiologists). Patients undergoing catheter ablation while awake experiences a range of emotions, including reliance on others’ expertise, being actively passive, and striving for a restored health and well-being. The process of undergoing catheter ablation serves as a confirmation of having a physically curable condition, transforming the future from being filled with obstacles due to the tachycardia into an everyday of possibilities. Patient participation involves trust to healthcare that is hampered by lack of continuity. This discontinuity leaves patients with the experience that their lives are on hold in an “existential waiting room” where they trust and hope for treatment for an unpredictable condition that significantly impacts daily life. Participation manifests as a sense of trust in being taken seriously as a whole person, bringing hope for help with their unreliable heart. Reflexive mapping highlighted areas where services were not corresponding with patients’ need and three themes derived: Confidence-building support, Tailored information, and Substantial communication. Conclusions: This thesis’s findings highlight the patients’ need of support and involvements in all levels of healthcare, emphasizing the importance of addressing sex- and age-related differences to ensure equitable care. Repeated interactions with various healthcare providers results in a fragmented