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Crime Prevention Urban Planning : Borlänge Centralstation as a Case Study
No full textWhile functioning as a vital hub for public transport in both the city and the surrounding region, Borlänge Central Station has also gained a reputation for insecurity, public disturbances and drug-related crime. As such, issues of safety have emerged as a central concern in the municipality´s efforts to redevelop the area. This study explores how the physical and social environment at and around the station shapes experiences of safety and insecurity and identifies opportunities for crime prevention and safety-oriented urban planning. The study will encompass a place-based perspective, the study examines the roles of spatial design, site management and institutional collaboration in relation to safety. Based on fieldwork and semi-structured interviews with key local authorities, the analysis highlights how the characteristics of the area influence opportunities for social control, public presence and movement. The project also employs AI-generated visualizations to explore and communicate potential futures scenarios. The study contributes to broader discussions on urban safety, public space and sustainable development in smaller urban context. The findings indicate that perceived insecurity at Borlänge Central Station is primarily associated with the site´s physical design, social vulnerability and lack of both formal and informal control. Interviewed authorities highlight the need for a more coherent strategy, a clearer division of responsibilities among managing actors, and strengthened forms of collaboration to sustainably enhance safety in the area. The study identifies concrete measures such as increased presence, spatial activation, improved lighting and enhanced visibility as crucial for planning crime prevention. At the same time, it underscores the importance of addressing local safety challenges in relation to broader societal structures, calling for cross sectoral planning and locally grounded strategies for crime prevention.Borlänge centralstation utgör en viktig knutpunkt för kollektivtrafiken i både staden och regionen, men har samtidigt kommit att förknippas med otrygghet, ordningsstörningar och narkotikarelaterad brottslighet. Frågor om trygghet har därmed blivit centrala i kommunens ambitioner att utveckla området. Studien syftar till att undersöka hur den fysiska och sociala miljön vid och omkring stationen samspelar med upplevelser av trygghet och otrygghet, samt att identifiera möjligheter för brottsförebyggande och trygghetsskapande stadsplanering. Utgångspunkten är ett platsbaserat perspektiv där frågor om rumslig gestaltning, förvaltning och samverkan analyseras i relation till trygghetsfrågor. Med hjälp av fältstudier och semistrukturerade intervjuer med olika lokala aktörer, belyser studien hur platsens karaktär påverkar möjligheterna till social kontroll, vistelse och rörelse. Projektet inkluderar även AI-genererade visionsbilder som ett verktyg för att utforska och kommunicera möjliga scenarier för framtida utveckling av stationens närområde. Studien relaterar till en bredare diskussion om trygghet, offentliga rum och hållbar stadsutveckling i mindre urbana miljöer. Resultatet visar att upplevd otrygghet vid Borlänge centralstation främst hänger samman med platsens fysiska utformning, sociala utsatthet och bristande närvaro av formel och informell kontroll. De intervjuade aktörerna lyfter vikten av en mer sammanhållen strategi, tydligare ansvarsfördelning mellan olika förvaltande aktörer samt stärkta samverkansformer för att långsiktigt förbättra tryggheten. Studien identifierar konkreta insatser som ökad närvaro, aktivering av platsen, förbättrad belysning och en god överblickbarhet som viktiga för att planera brottsförebyggande. Samtidigt betonas behovet av att förstå platsens utmaningar irelation till större samhällsstrukturer, vilket kräver tvärsektionell planering och lokal förankring i det brottsförebyggande arbetet
Actitudes lingüísticas de adultos de La Habana : Un estudio de las actitudes lingüísticas de los habaneros en el sociolecto culto de las variedades del español de La Habana y Castilla y León
No full textEl estudio tiene como objetivo general analizar las actitudes lingüísticas en el sociolecto culto de las variedades del español de La Habana, Cuba, y de Castilla y León, España. La investigación se ha basado en dos cuestionarios realizados a 48 informantes nativos de La Habana, Cuba. Cada cuestionario incluye una grabación con un nivel culto que presentan las dos hablantes escuchadas. El estudio ha tenido su base en la metodología del proyecto PRECAVES XXI basada en una escala de diferencial semántico y cuestionarios diseñados a partir de la técnica de pares falsos. Las conclusiones del estudio muestran: i) actitudes similares para las variedades cultas de La Habana y Castilla y León, ii) aunque con ligeras diferencias, las valoraciones más positivas son para la variedad de La Habana, las cuales muestran cierta solidaridad, lealtad, orgullo y seguridad lingüística del habanero hacia su propia variedad, iii) un alto conocimiento lingüístico de los habaneros hacia las dos variedades cultas del español, donde destaca significativamente el sociolecto culto de ambas hablantes.The study examines linguistic attitudes towards the educated sociolect of the varieties of Spanish from Havana, Cuba, and Castilian and León, Spain. There search is based on two questionnaires, answered by 48 informants from Havana, who listened to two recordings of an educated sociolect. The research follows the methodology of PRECAVES XXI project based on semantic differential response and questionnaires designed using matches-guise technique. The conclusion of the study shows: i) similar attitudes for both Spanish varieties, Cuban and Castilian, ii) although with slight differences, the most positive attitudes are to be found towards the Havana variety, where the linguistic attitudes show a certain solidarity, loyalty, pride and linguistic security among Havana native speakers towards their own variety, iii) a high linguistic knowledge of informants from Havana, toward the two educated varieties of Spanish, where the educated sociolect of the two speakers emphasizes similar linguistic attitudes among Havana native speakers
“You have to do the same job whether you’re a man or a woman” : A qualitative study about gender-related conditions in the transport industry
No full textProblemformuleringen som utgör grunden för denna studie är bristen på arbetsmiljöforskning inom transportbranschen i en svensk kontext, i synnerhet med fokus på genus. Syftet med studien är att skapa en djupare förståelse för yrkesförares upplevelser och erfarenheter av könsrelaterade förutsättningar i arbetet inom transportbranschen. Teorierna doing gender och genus i organisationer används som studiens teoretiska utgångspunkter. Den tidigare forskningen inom området visar att arbetsvillkoren inom transportbranschen präglas av könsrelaterade skillnader och en kultur som påverkar arbetsmiljön såväl som de kollegiala relationerna. Flera tidigare studier belyser också skillnader i manliga och kvinnliga yrkesförares upplevelser av branschen. Studien har en kvalitativ ansats och ett empiriskt fenomenologiskt förhållningssätt som bygger på Aspers sju steg. Empirin är insamlad med hjälp av åtta semistrukturerade intervjuer med fyra manliga och fyra kvinnliga yrkesförare inom transportbranschen. Resultatet visar på vissa skillnader, men även likheter, i männen och kvinnornas upplevelser och erfarenheter gällande deras könsrelaterade förutsättningar. Vidare belyser resultatet att de flesta arbetsplatserna har en kultur som är könsneutral och fri från könsdiskriminering, men samtidigt finns en hård och skämtsam jargong. Analysen visar att könsrelaterade normer präglar branschen, men också att det finns potential för förändring, vilket öppnar för vidare forskningom hur jämställdhet kan främjas inom transportbranschens kontext. The problem that forms the basis of this study is the lack of occupational health research within the Swedish transport sector, especially with a gender focus. The aim of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of professional drivers’ experiences of gender-related conditions in their work within the transport industry. The theoretical framework is based on the theories of doing gender and gender in organizations. Previous research in the field shows that working conditions in the transport sector are shaped by gender-related differences and a work culture that affects both the work environment and collegial relationships. Several earlier studies also highlight differences in how male and female drivers experience the industry. This study has a qualitative approach and is guided by an empirical phenomenological perspective, following Aspers’ seven-step model. The empirical materials were collected through interviews with male and female professional drivers in the transport industry. The results of this study indicate certain differences, but also similarities, in how men and women perceive and experience their gender-related working conditions. Furthermore, the findings show that most workplaces have a gender-neutral culture where no one is treated differently based on gender, although there is also a tough and humorous tone in the workplace dialogue. The analysis shows that gender-related norms shape the industry, but also that there is potential for change, which opens up opportunities for further research on how gender equality can be promoted within the context of the transport sector
Opioidtrend hos patienter med långvarig smärta inom svensk smärtspecialistvård : en registerbaserad kohortstudie
No full textBakgrund: Långvarig smärta är ett komplext tillstånd som ofta behandlas med opioider, trots osäker effekt och ökade risker vid långvarig användning. Multimodal rehabilitering (MMR) har föreslagits som ett icke-farmakologiskt alternativ för att förbättra smärthantering och minska opioidförskrivning. Syfte: Att undersöka trenden i opioidförskrivning bland patienter med långvarig smärta inom svensk smärtspecialistvård, med fokus på förändringar från före till efter MMR samt eventuella könsskillnader. Metod: En registerbaserad kohortstudie genomfördes med data från Nationella Registret över Smärtrehabilitering och Socialstyrelsens läkemedelsregister. Studien inkluderade 19 334 patienter som genomgått MMR mellan 2009 och 2015. Opioidförskrivning mättes i definierade dygnsdoser (DDD) per patientmånad under perioden två år före till två år efter MMR-start. För att analysera förändringar över tid och skillnader mellan könen användes en Poisson log-linjär modell, och resultaten rapporteras som hastighetskvoter med 95% konfidensintervall. Etiska överväganden: Studien baseras på aggregerade registerdata och medför ingen risk för identifiering av enskilda individer. Etiskt godkännande har erhållits och informerat samtycke inhämtades vid registrering i kvalitetsregistret. Resultat: Opioidförskrivningen ökade fram till MMR-start och nådde sin högsta nivå strax före behandlingen, jämfört med start (hastighetskvot: 1,44; 95% konfidensintervall: 1,43–1,45). Efter MMR sågs en tydlig minskning, med fortsatt lägre nivåer två år senare jämfört med MMR-start (0,92; 0,91–0,92), trots en något högre genomsnittlig förskrivning perioden efter jämfört med perioden innan (1,06; 1,06–1,06). Män hade i genomsnitt 1,48 gånger högre förskrivning än kvinnor (1,48–1,48). Slutsats: Resultaten tyder på att MMR är associerat med en minskad opioidförskrivning över tid. Den kvarstående höga förskrivningsnivån och könsskillnaderna visar på behovet av fortsatt utveckling av individanpassade strategier för smärtrehabiliteringBackground: Chronic pain is a complex condition often treated with opioids, despite uncertain effectiveness and increased risks associated with long-term use. Multimodal rehabilitation (MMR) has been proposed as a non-pharmacological alternative to improve pain management and reduce opioid prescribing. Aim: To investigate trends in opioid prescribing among patients with chronic pain in Swedish specialist pain care, with a focus on changes before and after MMR and potential gender differences. Method: A registry-based cohort study was conducted using data from the Swedish National Quality Registry for Pain Rehabilitation and the National Board of Health and Welfare's Prescribed Drug Register. The study included 19,334 patients who underwent MMR between 2009 and 2015. Opioid prescribing was measured in defined daily doses (DDD) per patient-month over the period from two years before to two years after the start of MMR. A Poisson log-linear model was used to analyze changes over time and gender differences, with results reported as rate ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Ethical considerations: The study is based on aggregated registry data, posing no risk of identifying individual patients. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was collected at the time of registry enrollment. Results: Opioid prescribing increased up to the start of MMR, peaking just before treatment initiation compared to the start (rate ratio: 1.44; 95% confidence interval:1.43–1.45). A clear reduction was observed after MMR, with sustained lower levels two years later compared to the MMR start (0.92; 0.91–0.92), despite a slightly higher average prescribing rate in the post-treatment period compared to the pre-treatment period (1.06; 1.06–1.06). On average, men had 1.48 times higher opioid prescribing rates than women (1.48–1.48). Conclusion: The results suggest that MMR is associated with reduced opioid prescribing over time. However, the persistently high prescribing levels and observed gender differences underscore the need for continued development of individualized pain rehabilitation strategies
Existential diversity in the classroom : Four religious education teachers teaching experiences and expectations for Gy25
No full textThis thesis examines how upper secondary religious education teachers in Sweden perceive the opportunities and challenges of teaching in classrooms characterized by existential diversity. Particular attention is given to how teachers incorporate students' own experiences and perspectives in religious education, as well as how they anticipate the upcoming Gy25 curriculum will affect their teaching. The term existential diversity is used to describe a broader spectrum of worldviews. It includes religious, secular, individualistic and spiritual approaches, and goes beyond what is captured by traditional terms such as multi-religious classrooms. The study is based on qualitative, semi-structured interviews with four strategically selected religious education teachers. An abductive approach was applied, combining deductive reasoning based on curriculum theory concepts with inductively identified themes related to sensitive topics and intercultural religious didactics. The results show that religious perspectives are often the most visible in classrooms, and that existential questions are seen as important and expected to receive more emphasis under Gy25. A key challenge identified is managing controversial discussions that arise when students’ personal experiences are included in the teaching. The teachers used strategies such as broadening the discussions to include secular and societal perspectives to handle such situations. While the teachers expressed a willingness to engage with students’ perspectives, they sometimes adopted a more directive role to maintain a respectful classroom climate. The study highlights the need for continuous professional development in intercultural competence, facilitation of dialogue and religious didactics to support inclusive teaching aligned with Gy25.Religion</p
How B2B companies reach a traditional professional group through a user interface : Design and evaluation of a digital artifact
No full textThis bachelor thesis explores how B2B companies can reach a traditional professional group such as the forestry industry through the design and evaluation of a user interface. The study is based on the premise that the forestry sector is characterized by strong traditions and a certain scepticism towards digital solutions, which can hinder the adoption of new technologies. Using a combination of literature review, document analysis, interviews, and questionaries, the research identifies key challenges and opportunities in digital communication with the target group. The results show that visual and userfriendly interfaces play an important role in building trust and engagement among users. The design preferences of the target group are characterized by simplicity, clarity, and credibility, where traditional values and industry-specific experience must be considered. The study also demonstrates that resistance to digitalization often stems from psychological and organizational factors rather than technical barriers, such as fear of change, lack of training, and a strong professional identity. A prototype of a website was designed and evaluated, where the Design and Creation strategy was used in combination with Design Thinking to create an artefact. Providing practical insights into how digital tools can be adapted to increase acceptance among traditional user groups. The thesis offers recommendations for how B2B companies can design digital interfaces that facilitate communication, build trust, and increase user engagement within traditional industries. Further research is suggested on the long-term effects of digitalization and how adaptation to the target group can reduce resistance to new technology.Denna kandidatuppsats undersöker hur B2B-företag kan nå ut till en yrkesgrupp inom en traditionell bransch som skogsbranschen genom design och utvärdering av ett användargränssnitt. Studien utgår från att skogsbranschen präglas av starka traditioner och en viss skepsis mot digitala lösningar, vilket kan försvåra införandet av nya teknologier. Genom en kombination av litteraturstudie, dokumentanalys, intervjuer och enkätundersökning identifierades centrala utmaningar och möjligheter vid digital kommunikation med denna målgrupp.Resultaten visar att visuella och användarvänliga gränssnitt har stor betydelse för att skapa förtroende och engagemang hos användarna. Designpreferenser hos målgruppen präglas av enkelhet, tydlighet och trovärdighet, där traditionella värden och branschspecifika erfarenheter måste beaktas. Studien visar även att motstånd mot digitalisering ofta grundar sig i psykologiska och organisatoriska faktorer snarare än tekniska hinder, såsom oro för förändring, bristande utbildning och stark yrkesidentitet. En prototyp av en webbplats designades och utvärderades, där Design and Creation-strategin användes i kombination med Design Thinking för att skapa en artefakt. Denna prototyp gav praktiska insikter om hur digitala verktyg kan anpassas för att öka acceptansen hos traditionella användargrupper. Arbetet bidrar med rekommendationer för hur B2B-företag kan designa digitala gränssnitt som underlättar kommunikation, bygger förtroende och ökar användarengagemang inom konservativa branscher. Vidare forskning föreslås kring långsiktiga effekter av digitalisering och hur anpassning till målgruppen kan minska motståndet mot ny teknik.
Recent trends in labour productivity and firm profitability : An overview of the Swedish equine sports industry
No full textUsing 14-years of firm-level data (2009-2022), this paper contributes with an examination of growth in key performance measures, such as firm size, profitability and productivity in the equine sports industry. We use registry data on financial accounts covering all active Swedish firms in the industry and perform comparative analyses across firms with different specialization, i.e., breeding, racing and mixed firms. We find the average profitability of firms in the industry to be low, but with substantial variation across specializations that tend to converge over time. The results suggest that the economic viability of the industry is questionable in the absence of lower labor costs and support from other non-equine related economic activities. Overall, the industry is characterized by a wide array of activities and business models and access to external capital and other economic activities are likely to play an important role for the future development of the industry
Is Public Bus Transport Electrification Socioeconomically Viable? : A Case Study of Dalarna
No full textAn attempt is made in this study to determine the socio-economic viability of substituting Dalarna's diesel-run public bus fleet by battery-electric ones, or e-buses. The ten-step approach given by Boardman et al. (2018) and valuation principles in ASEK 8.0 (Trafikverket, 2024) are followed, analyzing monetary and non-monetary costs and benefits for a time horizon of 15 years at a social discount rate of 3.5%. The dynamics evaluated within the cost-benefit structure capture capital investment, operational costs, emissions reduction, and health externalities due to pollutants being emitted. Additionally, a 10,000 iteration-based Monte Carlo simulation is conducted to test the strength of the outcome under uncertainty. The findings exhibit how despite the electrification bringing about substantially larger annual societal benefits in particular through emissions reductions of CO₂, NOₓ, and PM₂.₅, the heavy upfront investment costs result in an overall negative NPV in the current scenario. Such a scenario presently thereby renders an e-bus full-scale implementation an economically invalid choice in Dalarna. Nevertheless, the view should be accepted that under such longer-term developments as battery costs coming down, lifespans of technology being lengthened, or even changes being made to emission valuation mechanisms, the NPV may turn positive, suggesting that it should be looked at again in the future
The Role of Pit Thermal Storage in Future of District Heating : A Case Study on Storage Potential and Cost-Effectiveness for Jönköping Energi
No full textDetta examensarbete undersöker potentialen att integrera ett groplager i Jönköpings fjärrvärmesystem. Arbetet utgår från grundförutsättningar som ett befintligt fjärrvärmenät med varierande produktionskostnader, produktionsanläggningar med olika bränsletyper och kraftvärmeproduktion. Med antaganden om lagringstemperaturer, värmeförluster samt tekniska och ekonomiska parametrar genomförs simuleringar i programvaran Optima för att analysera hur lagret påverkar bränsleanvändningen, produktionskostnader och koldioxidutsläpp. Resultaten visar på att ett säsongslager kan bidra med ökad elproduktion under höga elpriser och minskat behov av spetslast. Ett lager på 5 GWh bedöms vara mest kostnadseffektivt, medan större lager ger ytterligare klimatnytta men innebär större markyta och högre investeringskostnader. Kalkylräntan är avgörande för att kunna räkna hem ett lager. Värmeförlusterna ökar med lagrets storlek, med de specifika förlusterna per GWh minskar vilket tyder på skalfördelar. Utsläppsanalysen visar att med större lagerstorlekar minskar användningen av biobränsle och bioolja, vilket resulterar i lägre koldioxidutsläpp. Arbetet identifierar även flera faktorer som behöver undersökas vidare, såsom geotekniska förutsättningar, möjligheter till investeringsstöd och alternativa tekniska lösningar vid höga temperaturer. This bachelor’s thesis investigates the potential of integrating a pit thermal energystorage system into the district heating network of Jönköping, Sweden. The study is based on the basic conditions such as an existing district heating network system with varying production costs, production units using different fuel types, and combined heat and power generation. Simulations are conducted in the software Optima using assumptions regarding storage temperatures, heat losses, and technical and economic parameters to analyze how the storage system affects fuel use, production costs and carbon dioxide emissions. Results indicate that seasonal storage can enable increased electricity production during high market prices, reduce peak load demand, and improve system efficiency. A 5 GWh pit storage was found to be the most cost-effective option, while larger capacities offered additional climate benefits at the expense of increased land requirements and capital costs. The cost of capital is crucial to being able to get a return on the investment. Although total heat losses increase with storage size, specific losses per GWh decrease, showing clear scaling advantages. Emissions analysis reveals that larger storages reduce the need for biomass and bio-oil, thereby lowering CO₂ emissions. The report also highlights areas for future investigation, including geotechnical feasibility, potential subsidies, and technical solutions for handling high temperature operations.
How Lapland Became Swedish : An analysis of representations of Lapland, its nature, minorities, resources, and communications in shaping Swedish nationality and identity.
No full textThis thesis examines how Lapland and its population were portrayed in the annual publications of the Swedish Tourist Association during the period 1886–1914. Through a qualitative content analysis of various texts such as travelogues, it is analyzed how themes such as communications, nature, natural resources, language and minorities contributed to the construction of a particular image of the area in the far north. These representations are also linked to identity and nation-building. The study shows that Lapland was often portrayed as an exotic and underdeveloped region, but at the same time as a potential resource for the future of the Swedish nation-state. Railway construction, industrialization and increased tourism were presented as keys to civilization and modernity, where Sami or “Finnish” culture and presence were often marginalized or seen as a threat. The essay contributes knowledge about how ideological and cultural boundaries were produced in popular science and tourism contexts during a time when Swedish identity was formulated in relation to the country’s periphery