Högskolebiblioteket i Halmstad Publikationer
Not a member yet
17134 research outputs found
Sort by
Makten vid matbordet : En kvalitativ studie om hur förskollärare utövar makt genom sina interaktioner med barn
No full textI förskolans verksamhet är måltiden en central del där barn och pedagoger samlas minst tre gånger om dagen för att äta tillsammans. Måltidssituationer kombinerar rutiner, socialt samspel och lärandet vilket gör dem särskilt relevanta att undersöka ur ett maktperspektiv. Syftet med studien är att undersöka hur makt mellan förskollärare och barn tar form under måltidssituationer i förskolan. Genom en kvalitativ metod har videoobservationer med fem verksamma förskollärare genomförts för att få en djupare förståelse för hur makt utövas och uppstår under måltidsituationer i förskolan. I vår studie kommer vi att tillämpa Foucaults maktteori och använda oss av en tematisk analys för att analysera vårt material utifrån begreppen pastoral makt, disciplineringstekniker, normalisering och självstyrning. Analysen visar att maktutövning sker genom olika strategier såsom regler, normer, kroppsspråk och verbala instruktioner. Resultatet belyser även att förskollärares intentioner ofta är att vägleda och stötta, men att det samtidigt finns en risk för att barns inflytande begränsas. Studien bidrar med att insikter om maktens komplexa och ständiga närvaro i förskolans måltidssituationer och understryker vikten av medveten reflektion kring detta i det pedagogiska samspelet.In preschool settings, mealtimes are a central part of the daily routine where children and teachers gather at least three times a day to eat together. Mealtime situations combine routine, social interaction, and learning, which makes them particularly relevant to examine from a power perspective. This study aims to explore how power dynamics between preschool teachers and children are manifested during mealtime interactions in preschool settings. Using a qualitative method, video observations were conducted with five active preschool teachers to gain a deeper understanding of how power is exercised and emerges during mealtimes in preschool. In our study, we apply Foucault's theory of power and conduct a thematic analysis based on the concepts of disciplining, normalization, pastoral power, and self- governance. The analysis shows that power is exercised through various strategies such as rules, norms, body language, and verbal instructions. The results also indicate that preschool teachers’ intentions are often to promote children's discipline, guidance and support, but that there is also a risk that children's influence may be limited. This study provides insight into the complex and constant presence of power in preschool mealtimes situations and highlights the importance of conscious reflection of this aspect within pedagogical interactions
Mekaniska egenskaper hos 3D- printade material och utveckling av en förbättrad skrivarteknologi : Studie av materialegenskaper och maskinutveckling
No full textThis bachelor thesis presents the design and construction of a modified 3D-printer, developed to accommodate a pelletbased extruder. The print quality of the new system will be evaluated, and the performance of the machine will be assessed. This all will be performed in combination with the comprehensive analysis of various polymer materials and their mechanical properties when 3D-printed. This project was conducted in collaboration with R.A.P.S AB in Landskrona, with the objective of developing a printer equipped with new innovative technology capable of constructing geometry with pelletbased material. The material testing is an extension to this by comparing the different mechanical properties when printed in different standards. The project has focus on the work process with design, construction, and testing. It will go over results, setbacks and why different choices were made. It will go over how different limitations have affected the project and how those have been overcome. During this whole work process, standards like ISO 527 have been followed and the vast knowledge base of the 3D-printing community as well as expert opinions
Industrial Contributions from Student-Driven Competitions. : A case study of the World Solar Challenge
No full textThis study examines how the industry benefits from student-driven competitions through an in-depth case study of the World Solar Challenge (WSC). The study examines the contribution of student-driven competitions to the technological development of collaborating firms. Drawing concepts of knowledge and technology transfer, open innovation, absorptive capacity, and prior knowledge, this research explores both the nature of contributions and the mechanisms that enable them. A qualitative case study approach was utilized, and empirical data were gathered through semi-structured interviews considering the perspectives of student participants, alumni, industry, and event organizers. The findings show that student teams contribute to the industry through direct technical collaborations such as technology testing and development, as well as indirect, long-term impacts such as talent development, fostering entrepreneurship, and developing sustainable practices. The findings emphasize the potential of student-driven competitions as a complementary channel for traditional university-industry collaboration and suggest implementations for academia and industry actors to strengthen the process
Arbetsmiljö och psykisk hälsa inom socialt arbet : En kvalitativ studie om enhetschefers och socialarbetares upplevelse
No full textStudien syftar till att undersöka hur arbetsmiljön och den psykiska hälsan ser ut försocialarbetare och har utforskat hur enhetschefer arbetar för detta hos de anställda. Istudien intervjuas två enhetschefer och sex socialarbetare som arbetar med barn ochunga inom kommunal verksamhet. I studien genomfördes en kvalitativ metodansatsmed hjälp av semistrukturerade intervjuer och empirin bearbetades utifrån en tematiskanalys. Resultaten visade att majoriteten av socialarbetare upplever stress på sinarbetsplats, en del upplevde en konstant stress och beskrev en stresskultur påarbetsplatsen. De faktorer som påverkade den upplevda stressen var arbetsbelastning,tidsbegränsningar, ärenden som var emotionellt påfrestande samt teknostress. Resultatenindikerar att enhetschefernas arbete med arbetsmiljön är viktigt för socialarbetarna.Enhetscheferna är delvis medvetna om socialarbetarnas upplevelser. De försöker arbetamed både arbetsmiljön och den psykiska hälsan vilket är återkommande teman fördiskussion på APT (Arbetsplatsträff). Andra sätt är genom handledning samt att arbetamed gruppen och skapa ett öppet arbetsklimat. Slutsatsen är att upplevelsen av ettmeningsfullt arbete samt relationerna med kollegorna var några anledningar till attstanna kvar på arbetsplatsen för socialarbetarna. Det kunde även vara stor skillnad i hursocialarbetare på samma arbetsplats upplever arbetsbelastningen eller enhetschefernasarbete med arbetsmiljön och den psykiska hälsan. The aim of this study was to explore how the work environment and mental health areexperienced by social workers in different workplaces. The study also sought toexamine how unit managers work with these aspects among their employees. Two unitmanagers and six social workers who work with children and adolescents in the publicsocial services were interviewed. The study was conducted through qualitativesemi-structured interviews and the empirical data was analyzed using thematic analysis.The results showed that the majority of social workers experience stress in theirworkplace. Some described a constant state of stress and a culture of stress within theirorganization. Factors influencing the perceived stress included workload, timeconstraints, emotionally demanding cases and technostress. The results indicate that theunit managers’ efforts to create a healthy work environment are important for the socialworkers. The managers are partially aware of the social workers’ experiences and striveto both work with the work environment and mental health through, for instance, staffmeetings, supervision, or team development aimed at creating an open and supportivework climate. The conclusion is that an experience of meaningful work and positiverelationships with colleagues are among the key reasons as to why social workerschoose to remain at their workplace. However, there were also notable differences inhow social workers within the same organization perceived their workload and the unitmanagers’ engagement with their work environment and mental health.
Social Media Literacy: Entwicklung einer Browser Extension zur Erkennung und Bewertung maschinell generierter Inhalte auf X
No full textThis thesis explores how a real-time bot detection browser extension can influence Social Media Literacy and critical thinking among personal users on the platform X. As misinformation increasingly spreads through social bots, users require tools that not only detect inauthentic accounts but also support informed decision-making. To address this, a browser extension was developed that integrates visual indicators directly into the X timeline. Using these and a contextual side panel, it provides immediate feedback on account authenticity while incorporating Explainable AI principles to maintain user autonomy and transparency.The study employed a three-phase qualitative methodology: a pre-assessment using think-aloud protocols and interviews to understand user behavior and expectations, a development phase informed by user feedback, and a final evaluation with the same participants. Findings show that the extension increased awareness of bot behavior, supported more cautious media consumption, and fostered critical evaluation skills but also cause overreliance in some cases.The results contribute to the field of Social Media Literacy by demonstrating that real-time interventions can positively influence how users assess content credibility. The thesis highlights the potential of AI tools to support digital literacy while underscoring the risks of overreliance. Future research should explore long-term effects and broader platform applicability to ensure sustainable literacy development.Diese Masterarbeit untersucht, wie eine Bot-Erkennungs-Browserextension in Echtzeit die So-cial Media Literacy und das kritische Denken von Nutzer*innen auf der Plattform X beeinflusst.Da sich Fehlinformationen zunehmend ¨uber Social Bots verbreiten, ben¨otigen Nutzer*innenTools, die nicht nur unauthentische Accounts erkennen, sondern auch die eigene Entscheidungs-findung unterst¨utzen. Zu diesem Zweck wird eine Browserextension entwickelt, die visuelle In-dikatoren direkt in die X-Timeline integriert. Mithilfe dieser und eines zus¨atzlichen Informati-onspanels liefert sie unmittelbares Feedback zur Authentizit¨at von Accounts und ber¨ucksichtigtdabei Explainable AI Prinzipien, um die Autonomie von Nutzer*innen und Transparenz zu un-terst¨utzen.Die Studie folgt einer dreiphasigen Methodik: einer Vorab-Erhebung mit Think-Aloud-Protokollenund Interviews zur Erfassung von Nutzer*innenverhalten und Erwartungen, einer Entwick-lungsphase basierend auf dem Nutzer*innenfeedback sowie einer abschließenden Evaluationmit denselben Teilnehmer*innen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Browserextension das Be-wusstsein f¨ur Bots steigert, zu einem vorsichtigeren Medienkonsum beitr¨agt und die F¨ahigkeitzum kritischen Denken f¨ordert, in einigen F¨allen f¨uhrt sie jedoch auch zu einer ¨uberm¨aßigenAbh¨angigkeit.Die Masterarbeit leistet einen Beitrag zu Social Media Literacy, indem sie zeigt, dass Interven-tionen in Echtzeit das Nutzer*innenverhalten hinsichtlich der Einsch¨atzung von Glaubw¨urdigkeitvon Inhalten positiv beeinflussen k¨onnen. Sie verdeutlicht das Potenzial KI-gest¨utzter Tools zurF¨orderung digitaler Kompetenzen. Zuk¨unftige Forschung sollte langfristige Effekte sowie dieAnwendbarkeit auf andere Plattformen untersuchen.This thesis was also submitted to the Master degree program MultiMediaTechnology at the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, in fulfilment of the requirements for the double degree program with Halmstad University. </p
Effectiveness of Core Stability Exercises on Low Back Pain among Postpartum Women : A Systematic Review
No full textBACKGROUND: Postpartum low back pain (PP-LBP) commonly affects women after childbirth due to core muscle weakness, hormonal changes, and altered biomechanics. It significantly impacts daily functioning and quality of life. Core Stability Exercises (CSE) have been widely used in postpartum rehabilitation, yet their overall effectiveness in managing PP-LBP has not been systematically evaluated. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of core stability exercises, either as a standalone approach or combined with otherphysiotherapy interventions in reducing pain, improving function and enhancing quality of life among postpartum women with low back pain. METHODS: This PRISMA-guided systematic review searched PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Randomized controlled trials and quasi experimental studies published in English between 2004 to 2024 that included postpartum women (≥18 years) with low back pain, accessing CSE interventions with outcomes on pain, functional disability and quality of life. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane ROB-2 tool for RCTs and ROBIN-1 tool for quasi experimental studies. RESULTS: 950 records identified initially, 18 studies met inclusion criteria, including 13 RCTs and 5 quasi experimental studies with total of 772 postpartum women aged 18 to 45 years were included. Sample size ranged from 16 to 80 participants per study. Most studies showedsignificant reductions in pain and disability following CSE interventions. Protocols ranging from 4 to 8 weeks with 3 sessions/week were most common. A combined approach (e.g.postural correction, pelvic floor exercises, and electrotherapy) showed greater improvementsin all outcomes. Quality of life was not directly assessed in the included studies, making it difficult to evaluate the impact of CSEs on this outcome. Supervised and combined intervention strategies appear to yield better results. Risk of bias was generally moderate; most RCTs were rated as “some concern”, and quasi-experimental studies showed a “serious” risk of bias. Some studies also reported secondary benefits in core strength, pelvic floor function, inter-recti distance and urinary incontinence. CONCLUSION: CSEs are effective in managing PP-LBP and improving functional statusparticularly when delivered in supervised or combined formats. These findings support the integration of CSE into postpartum rehabilitation. Furthermore, high-quality studies with longer follow-up and direct quality of life assessment are needed to provide more comprehensive evidence for clinical practice.
Financial riskmanagement off cash flow in the Swedsih forest industry
No full textThis thesis investigates how companies within the Swedish forest industry protect cash flows through financial riskmanagement. The study is grounded in the forest industries significance to the Swedish economy and its exposure to macroeconomic fluctuations affecting interests rates, raw materials, and currencies. Using a qualitative research approach and semi-structured interviews with representatives from eight leading forest industry companies, the study analyses which risks are perceived as most critical and what tools and methods are employed to manage them. The findings show that companies extensively use financial derivates such as forwards, swaps and in some cases options to hedge their future cash flows. Currency risk is the most frequently managed exposure, while electricity price volatility and interest rate risk are also highlighted as important. Several firms also employ scenario planning and stress testing to anticipate future emphasize the need to improve internal communication, increase automation, and better integrated risk management into day-to-day operations. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of how cash flow risks are managed within a capital intensive and export dependent industry.
Vem sitter i styrelsen - och spelar det roll? : En kvantitativ studie om styrelsens sammansättning och ESG-score
No full textI en tid med ökade krav på hållbart och ansvarsfullt företagande har ESG blivit en avgörande faktor för företags framgång och legitimitet. Styrelsen spelar en central roll i detta sammanhang genom sitt ansvar för bolagets övergripande styrning och strategiska inriktning, vilket har direkt påverkan på företags hållbarhetsarbete. Med utgångspunkt i Upper Echelon Theory, Resource Dependence Theory, Critical Mass Theory och Intressentteorin, undersöker denna studie sambandet mellan ESG-score och styrelsesammansättning i svenska börsnoterade aktiebolag. Studien strävar efter att öka förståelsen för vad som driver företags hållbarhetsarbete och vilken betydelse specifika egenskaper i styrelsen har på företags ESG-score. Studien analyserade 136 företag under åren 2019–2023 med hjälp av Ordinary Least Squares-regressioner. Studien identifierade ett positivt signifikant samband mellan andel kvinnor i styrelsen och ESG-score, dock kunde någon tröskeleffekt inte påvisas. Vidare fann studien ett positivt samband mellan hållbarhetskommitté och ESG-score. Resultaten indikerade vidare att högre styrelseålder hade en positiv effekt på ESG-score. Sammantaget tyder resultaten på att styrelsens sammansättning har en betydelse för företags hållbarhetsprestation, men det är snarare en kombination av olika egenskaper än enskilda faktorer som påverkar företagets hållbarhetsarbete. In an era of increasing demands for sustainable and responsible business conduct, ESG has become a crucial factor for corporate success and legitimacy. The board of directors plays a central role in this context, as it is responsible for the company’s overall governance and strategic direction, which directly influences corporate sustainability efforts. Drawing upon Upper Echelon Theory, Resource Dependence Theory, Critical Mass Theory and Stakeholder Theory, this study investigates the relationship between ESG-score and board composition in Swedish publicly listed companies. The purpose of this research is to increase understanding of what drives companies’ corporate sustainability performance and the significance of specific board characteristics on ESG- scores. The analysis was conducted on 136 companies over the period 2019-2023 using Ordinary Least Squares regressions. We find a positive and significant relationship between the proportion of women on the board and ESG-score; however, no threshold effect could be observed. Furthermore, a positive relationship was found between the presence of a sustainability committee and ESG-score. The results also indicated that a higher board age had a positive effect on ESG-scores. Overall, the results suggest that board composition is important for corporate sustainability performance, although it is more likely to be the combination of various characteristics rather that individual factors that influences a company’s sustainability efforts.