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Fostering Global Englishes Listeners : Addressing Understanding and Attitudes at a Swedish Upper‐Secondary School
No full textGlobal Englishes language teaching (GELT) promotes, among other things, positive attitudes and maximized understanding to communicate with speakers with a variety of accents. However, research on GELT-informed listening training is rare, and none has addressed both attitudes and understanding of diverse accents. We therefore implemented an intervention to foster listening skills and attitudes needed for Global Englishes communication, drawing on mediated contact and high-variability training. An intermediate-level English class (N = 27) in a Swedish upper secondary school engaged in six 20- to 30-minute activities over 3 weeks, intended to promote positive images of Global Englishes speakers from diverse backgrounds and help learners expand their perceptual repertoire. The activities significantly improved listener intelligibility (actual understanding), listener comprehensibility (ease of understanding), and language-focused accent attitudes toward two speakers whose accents were not represented in the training, compared to a control group (N = 24). However, status-related accent attitudes connected to entrenched language ideologies were unchanged. Post-intervention focus group data (N = 4) provided a more detailed understanding of the effects and limitations of our intervention. Our findings suggest that listening training for a wide range of Global Englishes accent varieties is possible with a limited number of accent samples and can be easily integrated into the English classroom
On deploying eCOmpass : A decision support tool for environmentally friendly retail locations
No full textMuch focus in the joint retailing and transportation domain has been on the transition to e-tailing and the reformation of supply-chain logistics. However, traditional retailing, where consumers visit stores for shopping still dominates and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Retailers continuously expand, contract, and reconfigure their store network for strategic reasons. This paper reports on a project aiming to facilitate the incorporation of environmental consequences into the retailer’s reconfiguration decision process. The paper contributes by providing insights and implementation strategies for deploying eCOmpass, leveraging high resolution spatial data to quantify emissions and optimize facility locations. It describes the design and deployment process of eCOmpass, an online decision support tool that enables retailers to estimate the change in transportation-related CO2 emissions caused by a reconfiguration of their store network. This description encompasses the judgmental choices of data acquisition, optimization technology, and user interface
Contraceptive choices and satisfaction : a cross-sectional analysis of sociodemographic influences
No full textINTRODUCTION: Investigating factors associated with contraceptive satisfaction is important to create a basis for tailored contraceptive counseling. In this study, we aimed to explore how sociodemographic characteristics affected women's level of satisfaction and choice of different contraceptive methods, using data collected during a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in the region Örebro County, Sweden. METHODS: This cross-sectional study utilized data from a previously conducted RCT. Eligible participants were women aged 20-40 years who sought contraceptive counseling. All women who participated in the RCT and completed a follow-up questionnaire were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Between February 2015 and March 2016, 1,946, participants were enrolled in the trial, with 1,198 (61.6%) completing the 2-month follow-up questionnaire. Overall, 81.3% of women reported being 'very satisfied' or 'satisfied' with their contraceptive method. Participants aged 27-40 years used long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) to a higher extent compared with those aged 20-26 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.44-2.56). Older age was associated with lower satisfaction (aOR 0.55, 95% CI 0.33-0.94).Participants with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 more often used LARC (aOR 1.68, 95% CI 1.24-2.28) but were also more likely to report no use of contraceptives at all (aOR 1.56, 95% CI 1.01-2.43) compared with BMI < 25. The level of satisfaction tended to decrease with increasing BMI. Country of birth and educational level were not associated with satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: The use of LARC was more common among women with BMI ≥ 25 and older women. While BMI, education, and place of birth did not affect satisfaction, women aged 27-40 reported lower satisfaction. These findings contrast with prior studies and highlight the complex sociodemographic influences on contraception experiences
Experiences of F@ce 2.0 : a person-centred intervention for home-based rehabilitation after stroke supported by digital technology - a qualitative study
No full textUNLABELLED: Digital interventions may be a way of increasing access to rehabilitation after stroke, but there is limited knowledge on how they are perceived by stroke survivors. F@ce 2.0 is a home-based person-centred intervention for stroke rehabilitation that focuses on daily activities and participation in everyday life. The intervention spans over 8 weeks and uses Short-Message-Services (SMSs) to support goal achievement. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore and describe experiences of rehabilitation with F@ce 2.0 from the perspective of people with stroke. DESIGN: Qualitative inquiry was based on individual interviews at two time points, post-intervention and 6 months post-inclusion. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. SETTING: Home-based stroke rehabilitation in Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: Twelve stroke survivors with mild to moderate stroke. RESULTS: Three themes and seven sub-themes were constructed. The main themes were 'Setting personally relevant goals requires a trusting relationship',' SMSs as a tool for person-centred rehabilitation' and 'Collaboration with the team is essential for resuming daily activities after stroke'. CONCLUSION: Supporting goal achievement through SMS messages may increase motivation and awareness in stroke rehabilitation. The results, however, illustrate the importance of personal meetings in rehabilitation, both for setting relevant goals and for identifying goal achievement strategies. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04351178; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04351178
Identification of cystatin C as a new marker of glomerular filtration rate, and of shrunken pore syndrome - a new kidney disorder defining selective glomerular hypofiltration syndromes - calls for expansion of the international KDIGO guidelines
No full textCystatin C was identified as a marker of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in 1979, and the parallel analysis of cystatin C and creatinine led to the identification of shrunken pore syndrome (SPS) - a new kidney disorder - in 2015. Since then, it has been shown that cystatin C in many aspects is superior to creatinine as a marker of GFR and cardiovascular risk. SPS, an entity within the selective glomerular hypofiltration syndromes (SGHS), has been demonstrated to be associated with a strong increase in morbidity and mortality in several populations. Despite the seriousness of SPS and SGHS, and the availability of potential treatments, many patients with these conditions remain undiagnosed, due to the limitations of the international Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes Organization (KDIGO) guidelines. Given the significant clinical advantages of cystatin C in diagnosing and treating kidney disorders, there is a need to expand the KDIGO guidelines to include cystatin C measurements alongside creatinine at least in the initial patient evaluation but also in follow-up evaluations. This would improve the early detection and management of patients with kidney diseases, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes. The present discourse summarizes the development of this understanding from the original observations in 1979 and 2015 to the latest findings
Key Factors Shaping Successful Implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT) in Health Care : Qualitative Study
No full textBackground: The utilization of the Internet of Things (IoT) can significantly enhance health care. However, successful implementation of IoT requires a holistic approach including factors beyond technology alone. Objective: This paper seeks to advance understanding of the factors influencing the successful implementation of IoT solutions in the health care sector, expanding beyond a purely technological focus. Methods: Using data from 22 semistructured interviews with a diverse group of stakeholders-including health care professionals, researchers, municipal and regional officials, and private companies-this study examines 5 leading IoT projects in Sweden. Results: Grounded in sociotechnical systems theory, the research identifies five critical subsystems impacting IoT implementation: (1) laws and regulations, which present challenges due to their complexity and misalignment with rapid technological advances; (2) organizational support, highlighting the essential commitment and resources from management to drive innovation; (3) user focus, emphasizing the importance of engaging end-users-such as patients and health care providers-in the design and implementation of IoT solutions; (4) resources, encompassing both financial investments and human capital needed for effective deployment; and (5) infrastructure, which addresses the technological foundations required to support IoT Conclusions: By shifting attention from adoption to the complexities of implementation, this study fills a critical gap in the literature, which has largely emphasized adoption and technical aspects over practical implementation challenges. The findings provide a nuanced understanding of the primary factors influencing IoT implementation in health care, illuminating both the challenges and potential avenues for successful integration. Ultimately, this research advances the sociotechnical systems theory and also offers valuable insights for managers and policymakers tasked with driving digital transformation in health care systems
Me & my family : a programme for children and parents in families with parental substance use problems–an outcome study
No full textMe & my family is a knowledge- and motivation-based programme that includes eight weekly sessions provided by the social services for families in which there are parental substance use problems (SUPs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the programme outcomes in terms of child and parental well-being, family climate, and parental alcohol and drug use. The study involved self-reported ratings from 59 children, aged 5–20 years, and 67 parents, of whom approximately two-thirds completed the programme and provided the self-ratings before, on completing, and three months after the intervention. Findings included a significant increase in family closeness and a significant reduction in family chaos after the intervention, which persisted three months post-intervention. Children also reported a reduction in self-rated conduct problems, whereas parents reported a similar reduction in self-rated symptoms of anxiety and depression. Parents also reported less alcohol and drug consumption post-intervention relative to baseline ratings. The findings suggest that the Me & my family programme supports child and family well-being and could potentially protect children from later detrimental outcomes. The results need to be replicated to evaluate the effectiveness of this programme compared with other programmes within the social services. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group
You fold the robes to perfection! A story from doing working participant observation
No full textThis note tells a story of working participant observation. It shares a narrative of how working as a housekeeper, as part of a project about dignity and decent work, opened up the researchers to stories beyond the work tasks. The note weaves a tale around one particular worker, and highlights how as researchers, being embedded, and embodied within their research allowed for insights and reflections that a "common" interview would not have gained. It highlighted the positives and tensions of being "in between" an insider and an outsider as a researcher. The note concludes with a reminder or perhaps a caution that we are all, bodies, minds, our "selves," part of the research process and the necessity to be reflexive, thoughtful, and engaged with our research remains essential as we look to expand how we gain knowledge into (service) work and employment
Trust and easy access to home care staff are associated with older adults' sense of security : a Swedish longitudinal study
No full textAIM: Older adults are increasingly encouraged to continue living in their own homes with support from home care services. However, few studies have focused on older adults' safety in home care. This study explored associations between the sense of security and factors related to demographic characteristics and home care services. METHODS: The mixed longitudinal design was based on a retrospective national survey. The study population consisted of individuals in Sweden (aged 65+ years) granted home care services at any time between 2016 and 2020 (n=82,834-94,714). Multiple ordinal logistic regression models were fitted using the generalised estimation equation method to assess the strength of relationship between the dependent (sense of security) and independent (demographics, health and care-related factors) variables. RESULTS: The sense of security tended to increase between 2016 and 2020, and was significantly associated with being a woman, living outside big cities, being granted more home care services hours or being diagnosed/treated for depression (cumulative odds ratio 2-9% higher). Anxiety, poor health and living alone were most strongly associated with insecurity (cumulative odds ratio 17-64% lower). Aside from overall satisfaction with home care services, accessibility and confidence in staff influenced the sense of security most. CONCLUSIONS: We stress the need to promote older adults' sense of security for safe ageing in place, as mandated by Swedish law. Home care services profoundly influence older adults' sense of security. Therefore, it is vital to prioritise continuity in care, establish trust and build relationships with older adults. Given the increasing shortage of staff, integrating complementary measures, such as welfare technologies, is crucial to promoting this sense of security
Self-reported body function and daily life activities 18 months after Covid-19 : A nationwide cohort study
No full textAIMS: This study aimed to investigate body function and daily life activities 18 months after Covid-19 infection, depending on the initial severity of disease and according to sex. METHODS: All 11,955 individuals on sick leave due to Covid-19 during the first wave of the pandemic in Sweden were invited to answer a questionnaire regarding experiencing negative changes in body function and daily life activities approximately 18 months after the start of sick leave. The analysis of data included descriptive statistics, group comparisons and multivariable binary logistic regressions (two groups). RESULTS: Of 5464 responders (45.7%), 4676 (85.6%) reported experiencing at least one problem with body function, and the reported prevalence of problems with daily life activities was 46%. The most frequently reported problems were fatigue (66.3%), cognition, sleep and movement. In general, women and those initially hospitalised reported more problems. In the regression analyses, problems with body function could partly explain whether individuals experienced problems with daily life activities. However, only fatigue and movement significantly contributed throughout all groups (p<0.001). Furthermore, the odds ratios for fatigue were larger in regressions for women than for men. CONCLUSIONS: In this nationwide study, more than 8 out of 10 individuals experienced problems with body function 18 months after being on sick leave due to Covid-19, with women and those initially hospitalised reporting more problems. Problems with body function, such as fatigue, could partly explain problems with daily life activities. However, the mechanisms behind the consequences are not yet clear and need to be further investigated