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Participatory Research Through Design for Societal Change - A Case Study of Co-Designing a Prototype for Enhanced Cognitive Accessibility of an eHealth Service
No full textThis study describes the development of a three-step method called Participatory Research through Design using a co-design and dialogue approach to enhance cognitive accessibility in eHealth services in public healthcare. The method is a combination of Participatory Design, Participatory Action Research and Research through Design (RtD). Together with participants with lived experiences of cognitive impairments we explored the existing personal eHealth services with Participatory Cognitive Barrier Walkthrough and co-designed a prototype for enhanced cognitive accessibility. We used an explorative study design constructing the prototype that presents the preferred state, where the participants' contributions are embedded in the design (e.g., visualization of high-cost protection for healthcare, notifications, read aloud functionality, and photos of drugs). The ownership of the targeted eHealth services was outside the research project, and the co-designed prototype was used as a dialogue tool with stakeholders from the product owner perspective. We propose that our Participatory RtD approach enhances understanding of end-user perspectives in a given context and promote dialogue around complex eHealth services. © 2025 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
A Bi-Objective Policy for Resilient and Sustainable SFC Management in Telco-Cloud Environments
No full textAchieving high availability in Service Function Chains (SFCs) typically requires deploying redundant Virtual Network Function (VNF) instances. However, this redundancy increases resource usage and energy consumption, raising the carbon footprint of the service. Reducing redundancy lowers the energy consumption but impacts the service availability during failures, creating a critical trade-off between service availability and sustainability. To address this, a novel bi-objective policy is introduced that leverages a Tradeoff Aware Embedding (TAE) algorithm using greedy approach for resource provisioning, and a PSO-based Redundancy Optimizer (PRO) that dynamically adjusts VNF redundancy to meet service availability requirements without increasing the carbon footprint. To further enhance the fault tolerance, the policy integrates a Gradient-Boosting (GB) enabled failure prediction and remediation mechanism called Redundancy with Checkpointing (RPC), enabling proactive failure detection and rapid recovery. Simulation results using real-world failure traces demonstrated that the proposed policy with RPC achieved up to 99.987% availability while reducing the carbon footprint of the service by over 87% and service failures by more than 98% compared to the worst-case without redundancy and checkpointing mechanisms
Kees de Groot (ed.), Comics, Culture and Religion: Faith Imagined, London: Bloomsbury Academic, 2023
No full textSpecialist nurses’ experiences of caring for elderly people with dementia in Home Healthcare : A qualitative interview study
No full textBakgrund: Antalet personer med demenssjukdom förväntas öka kraftigt de kommande åren. Allt fler vårdas kvar i hemmet och bör fortsatt få den möjligheten. Demenssjukdom är progressiv som med sitt omvårdnadsbehov förutsätter personcentrerad vård med fokus på autonomi och delaktighet. Det ställer krav på ökad kompetens där specialistsjuksköterskan har en nyckelroll genom avancerad omvårdnad, teamarbete och ledarskap. Syfte: Syftet med examensarbetet var att beskriva specialistsjuksköterskors erfarenheter av att vårda äldre personer med demenssjukdom i hemmet. Metod: Studien genomfördes med en kvalitativ metod baserat på semistrukturerade intervjuer. Totalt genomfördes nio intervjuer med specialistsjuksköterskor inom hemsjukvård med erfarenhet av att vårda äldre med demenssjukdom i hemmet. Materialet analyserades enligt en kvalitativ innehållsanalys. Resultat: Studien synliggör både utmaningar och möjliggörande faktorer i att vårda personer med demenssjukdom i hemmet. De huvudsakliga utmaningarna kretsade kring personens självbestämmande och bristande sjukdomsinsikt men även känslomässiga påfrestningar och organisatoriska begränsningar belystes. Samtidigt framkom flera styrkor där specialistsjuksköterskans fördjupade omvårdnadskompetens sågs som en viktig resurs. Ett personcentrerat förhållningssätt och en fungerande samverkan med helhetssyn om personen framstod som centralt för att möjliggöra god demensvård i hemmet. Slutsats: Vårdandet av personer med demenssjukdom i hemmet är komplext vilket påvisar behovet av ett tydliggörande av specialistsjuksköterskans roll. För att säkerhetsställa en personcentrerad vård krävs stöd och ansvar på organisatorisk nivå. Men trots sin komplexitet erfar specialistsjuksköterskan att demensvården i hemmet både kan vara meningsfull och värdig för personer med demenssjukdom.Background: The number of people living with dementia is expected to increase significantly in the coming years, with more individuals being cared for at home — a possibility that should continue to be supported. Dementia is a progressive cognitive disease that, due to its care needs, requires person-centred care with a focus on autonomy and participation. This demands enhanced competence, where the specialist nurse plays a key role through advanced nursing, teamwork, and leadership. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe specialist nurses’ experiences of caring for older people with dementia in home healthcare. Method: The study used a qualitative method with semi-structured interviews. Nine interviews were conducted with specialist nurses working in home health care and with experience of caring for elderly people with dementia in home healthcare. Analysis was conducted according to qualitative content analysis. Results: The study highlights both challenges and enabling factors of caring for people with dementia in home care settings. The main challenges surrounded the person's autonomy and lack of insight into the illness, but also emotional strain and organizational constraints. It also showed numerous strengths where the specialist nurse advanced nursing knowledge was seen as an important resource. A person-centred approach and a well working collaboration with a holistic view of the person emerged as central to enabling good care for people with dementia living at home. Conclusions: Caring for people with dementia in a home care setting is complex. Several challenges show the need for a clarification of the specialist nurse’s role. This demands support and liability on an organizational level to ensure person-centred care. Despite its complexity, the specialist nurse experiences dementia care in home healthcare as both meaningful and dignified for people living with dementia
The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Individuals with Chronic Pain : A Structured Literature Review on Body-Oriented Interventions for Chronic Pain
No full textBakgrund: Långvarig smärta är ett utbrett folkhälsoproblem som ofta förekommer tillsammans med psykisk ohälsa såsom ångest och depression. Utöver etablerad behandling kan alternativa insatser bidra till att minska vårdbehovet och främja hållbar sjukvård. En sådan metod är mindfulnessbaserad stressreduktion (MBSR), en åtta-veckors intervention med syfte att stärka individens förmåga att hantera smärta och stress. Syfte: Syftet är att undersöka effekterna av MBSR på personer med långvarig smärta, med särskilt fokus på utfall relaterade till smärta samt samtidig förekomst av depression och/eller ångest. Metod: Inklusionskriterier för denna översikt var randomiserade studier som utvärderat effekten av MBSR hos personer med långvarig smärta (≥3 månader) med avseende på utfallsmått relaterade till smärta, ångest och/eller depression. En systematisk litteratursökning genomfördes i databaserna PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO och PEDro. Urvalet gjordes genom granskning av titel och abstrakt, följt av fulltextgranskning för slutgiltig inkludering. Studiernas kvalitet bedömdes med PEDro-skalan och resultatens tillförlitlighet värderades med GRADE. Resultat: Sju randomiserade kontrollerade studier (RCT) med totalt 1577 deltagare med långvarig smärta inkluderades. Kvalitetsgranskningen visade att studierna höll måttlig till hög metodologisk kvalitet. Resultaten indikerade att MBSR generellt hade positiva effekter på det psykiska välbefinnandet, med tendenser till minskad smärta, ångest och depression. Tre av sju studier visade en signifikant minskning av smärta i MBSR-gruppen, medan fem studier rapporterade signifikanta förbättringar i depression. Två av sex studier visade en signifikant minskning av ångest. Det sammanvägda vetenskapliga underlaget bedömdes som lågt enligt GRADE. Slutsats: Denna litteraturöversikt indikerar att MBSR kan ha positiva effekter på smärta samt på komorbida tillstånd som ångest och depression hos vuxna med långvarig smärta, särskilt bland kvinnor. Effekternas storlek och samständighet varierade, och MBSR framstod inte som tydligt mer effektiv än andra aktiva icke-farmakologiska insatser såsom KBT. Det vetenskapliga underlaget är begränsat, och ytterligare välgjorda studier krävs för att fastställa MBSR:s långsiktiga effekter och jämföra metoden med andra behandlingsalternativ.Background: Chronic pain is a widespread public health issue that often co-occurs with mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. In addition to established treatments, alternative interventions may help reduce the need for healthcare services and promote a more sustainable healthcare system. One such method is Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), an eight-week intervention aimed at enhancing individuals’ ability to manage pain and stress. Aim: The aim is to investigate the effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) in individuals with chronic pain, with particular focus on outcomes related to pain and the cooccurrence of depression and/or anxiety. Method: This review included adults aged ≥18 years with chronic pain (>3 months), comparing the effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) to other nonpharmacological treatments or no active treatment, with outcomes related to pain, depression, and/or anxiety. A systematic literature search was conducted in the databases PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and PEDro. Study selection was based on title and abstract screening, followed by full-text review for final inclusion. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the PEDro scale, and the certainty of evidence was rated using the GRADE approach. Results: Seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving a total of 1577 participants with chronic pain were included. Quality assessment showed that the studies were of moderate to high methodological quality. The results indicated that MBSR generally had positive effects on psychological well-being, with tendencies toward reduced pain, anxiety, and depression. Out of seven studies, three reported a statistically significant reduction in pain and five reported significant improvements in depression within the MBSR group. Additionally, two of six studies demonstrated a significant reduction in anxiety. The overall certainty of the evidence was rated as low according to GRADE. Conclusion: This literature review indicates that MBSR may have positive effects on pain as well as on comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression in adults with chronic pain, particularly among women. The magnitude and consistency of the effects varied, and MBSR did not appear to be clearly more effective than other actice non-pharmacological interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The scientific evidence is limited, and further high-quality studies are needed to determine the long-term effects of MBSR and to compare it with other treatment options
Simulation of Price-Based Local Electricity Trading in a Swedish Residential Energy Community
No full textThe building industry stands for a large part of the greenhouse gas emissions and energy use in the world and is therefore an important part to improve. Due to the need for improvements, solutions regarding energy efficiency have increased not only for single buildings but for neighborhoods and smaller districts. One example of this is Positive Energy Districts, which is a community level solution where buildings in the area can exchange energy and be more self-sufficient. This creates a local trade within the area and a reduced grid dependency, which can be beneficial financially, ecologically and socially. Creating microgrids within an area is helpful for the electrical grid because the grid needs stable frequency and renewable energy sources such as PV panels generate electricity irregularly which creates more strain. This study aims to investigate the trading of electricity from PV panels between buildings in the residential area of Rymdgatan, Borlänge. Previous information existing in the area is regarding the Positive Energy Districts (PEDs), which means that an area produces more renewable energy annually than they consume while still being energy efficient and climate neutral. By creating blockchain-based microgrids in an area, energy can be shared between buildings through different types of market mechanisms. There is a lack of implementation regarding these solutions and this study aims to decrease the gap. In this thesis, simulation analysis is used to investigate energy use and electricity trading in the residential area Rymdgatan. The simulation takes place in the program IDA-ICE, where different scenarios of the model will be tested. The work is carried out in two stages: first, the energy performance of the buildings is simulated, then different models for local electricity trading between buildings are analyzed. These scenarios are first baseline, which does not exchange any electricity, then scenario 1 with the set price, scenario 2 with the time-controlled price and scenario 3 with the time-controlled price plus a community level battery implementation. These proposed scenarios will be evaluated on key performance indicators that are self-use rate, self-sufficiency rate, energy costs and carbon emissions. Results show that the electricity produced by the solar panels in the area is only used to 23% with no trading and the rest is sent out to the conventional electricity grid. When adding trading in the area the self-use rate and self-sufficient rate increase and greenhouse emissions decrease. The most effective option in terms of local energy use and emissions reduction is the local trading combined with battery storage. Scenario 3 reflects a significantly improved performance, achieving a 97% self-use rate and 21% self-sufficiency. Electricity imports and costs decreased by 15% and 10% respectively, while carbon emissions were reduced by 15% compared to baseline. The findings highlight it is profitable to trade electricity in an area both financially, ecologically and socially, while it is more effective in combining market-based mechanisms with energy storage to enhance local energy use and reduce environmental impact. The results are also relevant for other areas with similar conditions, but there are opportunities for improvement for the study. Further research in the area could investigate auction-based trading or further development of the battery model
Japanese influences in Western Literary Modernism as literary self-validation and its orientalist implications : Ezra Pound, W.B. Yeats, Gary Snyder, Jack Kerouac, Vladimir Nabokov, and Japan
No full textThis thesis examines Japanese influences in Western literary modernism as a recurrent pattern of literary self-validation, and it does so by modifying Harold Bloom’s concept of the Tessera. Edward Said’s theory of Orientalism and its implications on the Japanese influence tradition in Western literary modernism is also examined by outlining five different traits of it and applying them to the authors and to their works. In addition, Vladimir Nabokov’s “hidden connection” with Japan, as posited by Akikusa, is investigated in-depth, and through this investigation, he is placed at the terminus of a tradition of Japanese influences in Western literary modernism which has previously not been done. In the final reflections section, a theory is presented pertaining to the fluid ontology of literary influences in general and there the author concludes that they can be perceived as a type of literary mirror which he terms the mirror theory
AI & RPA´s Impact on Accounting Firms : How Artificial Intelligence & Robotic Process Automation affects small and medium sized accounting firms
No full textThis bachelor's degree thesis examines the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) on small and medium-sized accounting firms in Sweden. A qualitative research method is used and semi-structured interviews with eight respondents. Which researches the introduction of AI and RPA, along with their impact on use, efficiency and professional role as well as the accounting process. The results show that technology has changed the work process, moving from manual work to a more advisory role. The theories that are TAM (Technology Acceptance Model), transaction cost theory and institutional theory, not only show how the costs of the introduction can be a pressure or even user-friendliness, but it also shows how external pressures from customers and authorities have affected the introduction of AI and RPA. The result also shows that AI and RPA not only bring technological advances but also changes in the accounting industry. Denna kandidatexamen undersöker påverkan av Artificiell Intelligens (AI) och Robotic Process Automation (RPA) på små och medelstora redovisningsbyråer i Sverige. En kvalitativ forskningsmetod används och semistrukturerade intervjuer med åtta respondenter. Som forskar införandet av AI och RPA, tillsammans med deras påverkan på användning, effektivitet och yrkesroll samt redovisningsprocessen. Resultaten visar att tekniken har förändrat arbetsprocessen, att man går från manuellt arbetet till ett mer rådgivande roll. Teorierna som är TAM (Technology Acceptance Model). Transaktionskostnadsteorin och institutionell teori, visar inte bara hur kostnaderna av införandet kan vara en påtryckning eller till och med användarvänligheten utan den visar också hur externa påtryckningar från kunder och myndigheter har påverkat införandet av AI och RPA. Resultatet visar också att AI och RPA inte bara ger tekniska framsteg utan också förändringar i redovisningsbranschen
AI i rekrytering : En kvalitativ intervjustudie om HR och rekryteringspersonals erfarenheter av AI-användning i rekryteringsprocessen
No full textDenna kvalitativa uppsats behandlar HR- och rekryteringspersonals upplevelser och acceptans av det organisatoriska fenomenet artificiell intelligens i rekryteringsprocessen. Studien syftar till att fördjupa kunskap om vilka underlättande och utmanade aspekter som kan finnas i samband med detta. Forskningsdata som presenteras består av intervjuer med personal från både kommunal och privat sektor inom Sverige. Tidigare forskning visar att arbetet med AI kan utföra de arbetsuppgifter som är tidskrävande, repetitiva och ger stöd till personal som arbetar inom rekrytering. Samtidigt visar det på utmaningar i hur AI kan förstärka befintliga fördomar. Det som framkom av sökning bland tidigare forskning var en avsaknad av forskning inom svenska organisationer, vilket styrker meningen med forskning inom denna kontext. Resultatet av studien visar att AI-verktyg upplevs kunna bidra till effektivisering, tidsbesparing, avlastning och stöd. AI beskrivs även kunna främja en mer objektiv urvalsprocess. Samtidigt framkommer utmanande faktorer gällande kvalitetsgranskning, regelverk och policys samt förlust av mänsklig kompetens och involvering. Studiens slutsats är av betydelse för den pågående implementeringen av AI i rekryteringsprocesser, genom denna och andra studier identifiera och beskriva de viktiga egenskaper och faktorer som är nödvändiga för att de kommer att användas på ett effektivt sätt.This qualitative essay deals with HR and recruitment staff’s experiences and acceptance of the organizational phenomenon of artificial intelligence in the recruitment process. The study aims to deepen knowledge about which facilitating and challenging aspects can be found inconnection with this. The research data presented consists of interviews with staff from both the municipal and private sectors in Sweden. Previous research shows that working with AI can perform tasks that are time-consuming, repetitive and provides support to staff working in recruitment. At the same time it shows challenges in how AI can reinforce existing prejudices.What emerged from a search among previous research was a lack of research within Swedish organizations, which strengthens the meaning of research within this context. The results of the study show that AI tools are perceived to be able to contribute to efficiency, time saving, relief and support. AI is also described as being able to promote a more objective selection process. At the same time, challenging factors regarding quality review, regulations and policies as well as loss of human competence and involvement emerge. The Study’s conclusion is of importance for the ongoing implementation of AI in recruitment processes, through this and other studies identifying and describing the important characteristics and factors that are necessary for them to be used effectively.
The impact of graphic elements on a visual identity : A pilot study in collaboration with the healthcare company Laevo
No full textI denna studie undersöks hur grafiska element kan utformas för att kommunicera ett företags kärnvärden på ett användarcentrerat sätt inom vård- och omsorgssektorn. Med syfte att undersöka grafiska elements utformning för att skapa en användarcentrerad varumärkesidentitet utifrån företagets kärnvärden och vision om att förbättra äldre personers möjlighet att bo kvar hemma genom innovativa och tekniska lösningar. Undersökningen genomfördes genom en kvalitativ studie där olika prototyper av de grafiska elementen; färg, logotyp och typografi presenterades för att skapa en djupare förståelse för hur dessa upplevs. Genom en iterativ process utvecklades och justerades dessa prototyper utifrån insikter från intervjuer, i syfte att skapa en design som upplevs som användarvänlig. Den färgpalett, logotyp och typsnitt som föredrogs av respondenterna låg till grund för den slutliga designen. Finjusteringar gjordes i färgpaletten på den blå och vita färgen. Logotypen ändrades till en blå färg, förbättrade mellanrum och skärningar för att stärka helheten. Genom att enbart använda ord märke utan symbol skapades en modern och avskalad känsla, där versaler bidrog till tydlighet.Typsnittet Urbanist valdes för sin moderna, lättlästa, tidlöshet och som ansågs lämpade sig mest till företaget. Studien visar att grafisk design uppfattas olika beroende på personliga erfarenheter. Riktlinjer kan hjälpa, men resultatet beror på sammanhanget. En tydlig visuell identitet kan stärka ett företag, men kan inte ersätta god funktionalitet och användarvänlighet, den kan endast komplettera den. För att en grafisk identitet ska stärka ett varumärke eller företags framgång bör den visuella identiteten förmedla modernitet, pålitlighet och trygghet. Inom vård- och omsorgssektorn är vissa delar fördelaktiga, såsom blå och grön samt en logotyp som signalerar trygghet. Typografin bör vara tydlig och lättläst, vilket ger en känsla av pålitlighet enligt den här studien.This study explores how graphic elements can be designed to communicate a company's core values in a user centric way within the healthcare sector. The aim is to investigate graphic elements design, to create a user centric brand identity based on the company's core values and vision of improving elderly people's ability to remain in their home longer through innovative and technological solutions. The research was conducted as a qualitative study in which various prototypes of graphic elements such as color, logo and typography were presented to gain a deeper understanding of how these are perceived. Through an iterative process, these prototypes were developed and refined based on insights from interviews, with the goal of creating a design perceived as user friendly. The color palette, logo and typography preferred by the respondents formed the basis for the final design. Adjustments were made to the palette, specifically to the blue and white tones. The logo was updated to a blue color, with improved spacing and letter cuts to enhance overall cohesion. By using a wordmark only, without a symbol, a modern and minimalist feel was achieved, where the use of uppercase letters contributed to clarity. The typeface Urbanist was chosen for its modern, legible, and timeless qualities, and was considered the most suitable for the company. The study shows that graphic design is perceived differently depending on personal experience. Guidelines can assist, but the outcome depends on context. A clear visual identity can strengthen a company, but it cannot replace good functionality and usability, it can only complement it. For a graphic identity to enhance a brand or company's success, the visual identity should convey modernity, reliability, and security. In the healthcare sector, certain elements are particularly beneficial, such as blue and green colors and a logo that signals trust. The typography should be clear and easy to read, which contributes to a sense of reliability according to this study