Publikationer från Högskolan i Gävle
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“Det är bara jag, min kropp och andetaget” : Breathwork: upplevelser, välbefinnande och motivation hos praktiserande
No full textStudien syftar till att kvalitativt undersöka breathwork som hälsofenomen samt erfarna breathwork-utövares upplevelser av emotionellt välbefinnande och motivationsfaktorer för fortsatt praktik. Elva semistrukturerade intervjuer genomfördes med personer som praktiserat breathwork minst två gånger det senaste året, och materialet analyserades med tematisk induktiv analys. Resultatet presenteras i tre huvudteman: djupa och intensiva upplevelser, känslomässig balans samt drivkraft. Deltagarna beskrev sensoriska förändringar, fördjupade emotionella och transcendentala tillstånd under breathwork. Vidare upplevdes breathwork stärka känslomässig medvetenhet och välbefinnande, där hälsa, spiritualitet och självinsikt utgjorde centrala motivationsfaktorer. Studien lyfter breathwork som en flexibel och kostnadseffektiv metod med potential att främja emotionell bearbetning och bidra till nya interventioner inom mental hälsovård. Vidare forskning på klinisk nivå rekommenderas för att stärka evidensen.This study aims to qualitatively explore breathwork as a health phenomenon, focusing on experienced breathwork practitioners' perceptions of emotional well-being and motivational factors for continued practice. Eleven semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals who had practiced breathwork at least twice in the past year, and the data were analyzed using thematic inductive analysis. The results are presented in three main themes: deep and intense experiences, emotional balance, and motivation. Participants reported sensory changes, enhanced emotional states, and transcendent experiences during breathwork. Furthermore, breathwork was perceived to enhance emotional awareness and well-being, with health, spirituality, and self-insight identified as key motivational factors. The study highlights breathwork as a flexible and cost-effective method with potential for facilitating emotional processing and contributing to novel mental health interventions. Further clinical research is recommended to strengthen the evidence base
Underliggande förväntningar på frivillig hållbarhetsredovisning : En kvalitativ studie om motiv, innehåll och insamling av data i svenska små och medelstora företags frivilliga hållbarhetsredovisning
No full textSyfte: Syftet med denna studie är att undersöka varför SME engagerar sig i frivillig hållbarhetsredovisning, vad de väljer att redovisa samt belysa processen för insamling av hållbarhetsdata. Metod: Studien utgår från en kvalitativ forskningsansats där semistrukturerade intervjuer genomförts med nio svenska företag verksamma inom olika branscher och geografiska platser. Resultat och slutsats: Studien visar att det primära motivet för små och medelstora företag att frivilligt hållbarhetsredovisa är att stärka sin legitimitet gentemot kunderna. Behovet av legitimitet varierar dock beroende på företagets position i värdekedjan och kundstruktur, vilket speglas i mängden insamlad och redovisad hållbarhetsinformation. Dessutom framgår att hållbarhetsredovisningen främst fokuserar på miljö- och klimatrelaterade frågor, samt att den i marknadsföringssyfte tenderar att publiceras på hemsida, hållbarhetsrapport samt på den sociala medieplattformen LinkedIn. Examensarbetets bidrag: Studien kan vara intressant för små och medelstora företag som frivilligt hållbarhetsredovisar samt för deras intressenter i värdekedjan. Den kan även vara relevant för myndigheter och beslutsfattande organ för att se hur hållbarhetsinformation efterfrågas och offentliggörs i praktiken. Förslag till fortsatt forskning: Vår rekommendation till fortsatt forskning är att utöka antalet undersökta företag samt att i större utsträckning fokusera på specifika branscher. Det vore även intressant att i framtiden undersöka hur CSRD påverkar den frivilliga hållbarhetsredovisningen samt undersöka intressenternas syn på hållbarhetsredovisningen.Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate why small and medium-sized enterprises engage in voluntary sustainability reporting, what information they choose to disclose, and to highlight the process of collecting sustainability data. Method: The study is based on a qualitative research approach, where semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine Swedish companies operating in different industries and geographic locations. Results and conclusion: The study reveals that the primary motive for small and medium-sized enterprises to engage in voluntary sustainability reporting is to strengthen their legitimacy towards customers. However, the need for legitimacy varies depending on the company's position in the value chain and its customer base, which affects the amount of collected and reported sustainability information. Furthermore, it is evident that sustainability reporting mainly focuses on environmental and climate-related issues and tends to be published on websites, in sustainability reports, and on the social media platform LinkedIn for marketing purposes. Contribution of the thesis: This study may be of interest to small and medium-sized enterprises that engage in voluntary sustainability reporting and their stakeholders in the value chain. It may also be relevant to government agencies and policymakers interested in how sustainability information is demanded and disclosed in practice. Suggestions for future research: Our recommendation for future research is to increase the number of companies studied and to focus more extensively on specific industries. It would also be interesting in the future to examine how CSRD affects voluntary sustainability reporting and to explore stakeholders' perspectives on sustainability reporting
Unpacking women’s power on corporate boards: gender reward in board composition
No full textParticipation of women on corporate boards has long been a topic of debate in academia and practice. Yet, the threshold of women's participation in a corporate board to obtain a synergetic impact on corporate sustainability performance remains to be examined. Data from 19 European countries, having 2640 firm-year of observation, this study revealed that women on boards positively affect corporate sustainability performance in the European context, with an approximately 30% participation of women on boards (WoB) ensuring synergetic impact. This study further revealed that after the threshold of WoB participation, the market value of companies tends to be negative in the European setting. An indication of investors' reactions. The issue was first examined through the lens of the resource-based view, social role, agency and critical mass theories and then empirically tested. To reach a conclusion, this study employs both static and dynamic econometric models; thus, the finding is consistent and empirically robust. The research findings contribute to the current discussion on corporate governance and corporate sustainability performances issues, especially in the European context, and have implications for researchers, business practitioners, and policymakers
Airports—Energy and Sustainability Perspectives
No full textThis study explored the role of airports in the aviation sector from both energy and sustainability perspectives, highlighting their potential contribution to reducing the sector’s carbon emissions. The methodology involved a literature review and a questionnaire distributed to both airports and aviation organizations. The results from these approaches indicated varying focuses on tackling the subject. The literature review results indicated a clear preference in the papers for SAF solutions over the development of more environmentally friendly airports. Adoption of 100% SAF in aircraft is still in its early stages of development and can be considered a long-term goal because it requires heavy engineering intervention and alteration of aircraft engines. The transition of airports’ infrastructures, on the other hand, can be visualized as a feasible and attainable goal and hence should be considered a short-term goal to attain. Many airports, including respondents to the questionnaire, have already worked on their infrastructure; however, they also expressed concerns about the lack of enabling policies and incentives. Other action steps, such as close collaborations among stakeholders, enhancing research and development, and government support, were also seen as significant for establishing greener airports. The literature results indicate a major research gap in a significant integral part of the aviation sector (i.e., greener airports). It is therefore important that member states collaborate and work closely with key organizations such as ICAO, IATA, and the UN through the latter’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to breach this research gap and establish more sustainable airports in the near future
Rising Together: The Impact of Female Solidarity on Self-Realization : Celie's Transformational Journey in The Color Purple
No full textThis essay explores Celie’s transformation in The Color Purple, focusing on the role that sisterhood and female solidarity play in her personal development. Through her relationships with women like Shug Avery and Sofia, Celie learns not only to challenge the oppressive circumstances around her but also build a sense of self and claim her independence. This analysis delves into how Alice Walker uses these female bonds to portray a journey of empowerment, examining how the marginalization of Celie due to her race and gender deprives her of agency yet also underscores the significance of solidarity among women in overcoming oppression. By applying Walker’s womanist framework, an approach that centers on the intersection of race and gender, the essay highlights how these supportive relationships enable Celie to gradually reclaim her autonomy and self-worth. By the end of the novel, Celie’s evolution demonstrates the transformative impact of sisterhood, with the connections she forms with Shug and Sofia central to her growth and self-realization.
Könsskillnader i finansiell risktolerans : En kvantitativ studie om hur finansiell risktolerans varierar mellan könen
No full textRisktolerans kan definieras som den maximala mängden osäkerhet som en individ är beredd att acceptera i sina finansiella beslut. Tidigare forskning visar på könsskillnader i finansiell risktolerans, där män i genomsnitt beskrivs som mer riskbenägna medan kvinnor tenderar att vara mer riskaverta. Syftet med denna studie är att undersöka hur finansiell risktolerans skiljer sig mellan män och kvinnor samt att analysera könsskillnader inom tre dimensioner av finansiell risktolerans: 1) investeringsrisk, 2) riskkomfort och erfarenhet, samt 3) spekulativ risk. För att besvara studiens frågeställningar genomfördes en kvantitativ enkätundersökning där insamlade data analyserades med deskriptiv statistik och Mann-Whitney U-test. Resultaten visar inga statistiskt signifikanta skillnader mellan könen för total risktolerans eller för någon av de tre risktoleransdimensionerna, vilket avviker från tidigare forskning. Studien undersöker även sambandet mellan risktolerans och riskpremie, där riskpremie definieras som skillnaden mellan det förväntade värdet av en riskfylld investering (eller ett lotteri) och den säkra summa pengar en individ är villig att ta emot i stället för att behålla chansen att vinna en större summa. Resultaten indikerar att sambandet mellan risktolerans och riskpremie är svagt för både män och kvinnor, vilket antyder att riskpremien kan ha en begränsad roll i att förklara könsskillnader i risktolerans
Sustainable and optimized power solution using hybrid energy system
No full textThis research study aims to develop and implement a sustainable and effective power solution for metropolises with a power demand ranging from 2.5 to 25 MW. The primary objective is to create a hybrid energy system (HES) that integrates various power sources, such as fuel cells and solar photovoltaic (PV), with the existing utility grid, thereby satisfying energy needs while minimizing dependency on conventional fuel-based energy sources like coal and oil. To achieve this, a thorough examination of the energy demand, availability of renewable resources, and current power infrastructure is conducted. This examination focuses on optimizing the design of the HES by considering critical factors such as grid integration, power generation capacity, energy storage capacity, and control strategies. The feasibility and performance of the proposed HES are assessed using a combination of simulation tools, mathematical modeling, and system analysis methodologies. The study carefully evaluates key factors such as system efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness to ensure a durable and economically viable solution. The abstract of this study emphasizes the main quantitative findings, such as a 25% decrease in energy costs and a 30% boost in overall system efficiency, positioning the HES as an attractive choice for sustainable energy management. In addition to the technical aspects, the paper examines the environmental impacts of the HES, particularly its contribution to reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy usage. The research seeks to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of the city's energy supply by reducing reliance on fossil fuels, paving the way for a transition to more resilient and sustainable energy solutions. The findings underscore the potential benefits of incorporating renewable energy resources into the existing system, which could lead to lower greenhouse gas emissions, increased energy independence, and improved energy security for the city or facility
Uncertain new technologies – economics of ground effect vehicle operator
No full textNew technologies and vehicle types have become available for transportation and logistics in the recent decade. One of the such is Ground Effect Vehicle (GEV), which in new reinvented form is using electric propulsion, new lighter materials and could be without onboard pilots. These could be used in coastal and archipelago types of areas, where distances are relatively short. In this research is introduced economic and business case evaluation of GEV in the context of Canary Islands. Aim is to build understanding from financial success of GEV. Simulation model incorporates number of uncertainties, like usage life-cycle of fleet, fleet investment cost, interest rates, lower cargo volume development in the early years and possibility for passenger transports. Analysis shows that success depends quite much on cargo pricing, and the interest of customers to pay premiums from faster delivery. Being operator of GEV offers possibility for profitability, but if most of uncertainties take place, then investments might increase too much and result on significant losses. Research provides added value on discipline development and better alternative on spreadsheet and cost focused models
Vuxnas upplevelse att leva med diagnostiserad födoämnesallergi : En deskriptiv litteraturstudie
No full textBakgrund: Under det senaste 20 åren har födoämnesallergi ökat bland befolkningen i västvärlden. Riskfaktorer till födoämnesallergi är varierande. Patofysiologin till födoämnesallergi är att kroppens egna immunförsvar uppfattar ämnen som ett hot och utgör en reaktion. Symtom vid allergisk reaktion kan vara: påverkan på hud, munhåla, svalg, mag- och tarmkanalen. Allergiska reaktioner delas upp i grad 1 till grad 3 beroende på intensitet. Diagnostiserad födoämnesallergi sker genom bland annat pricktest eller uteslutningsdiet. Behandling av födoämnesallergi är genom antihistamin, kortison och adrenalin. Sjuksköterskans ansvar i omvårdnaden är att främja personen hälsa och välbefinnande. Syfte: Vuxnas upplevelse av att leva med diagnostiserad födoämnesallergi. Metod: Deskriptiv litteraturstudie. Huvudresultat: Vuxna personer genomgår flertalet känslor och en oro i att ekonomin inte räcker till allergifri mat. Genom goda kontakter med omgivningen så upplevde vuxna personer att de kunde hantera vardagen. Medan flertalet personer i omgivningen upplevdes elak. Olika hanteringsstrategier användes vid sociala tillfällen. Vuxna upplevde hälso- och sjukvården som okunnig och många fick söka upp information själv. Slutsats: Stöd i form av vänner, familj och vården behövdes. Legitimerad sjuksköterskas ansvar är att värna om patienten samt informera personen om vad för vård den kan få, dessvärre upplevdes kunskapsbristen vara betydande. Detta indikerar på att kunskap krävs i både diagnostiserad och odiagnostiserad födoämnesallergi. Hanteringsstrategier användes som överlevnadsmetod.Background: Over the past 20 years, food allergies have increased among the population in the Western world. Risk factors for food allergies vary. The pathophysiology of food allergy is that the body's own immune system perceives substances as a threat and starts a reaction. Occurring symptoms of an allergic reaction are skin effects, oral cavities, pharynx, gastrointestinal tract. Anaphylactic reactions divide into grade 1 to grade 3 depending on intensity. Food allergy diagnosis is done through a prick test or exclusion diet. Food allergy treatment is antihistamine, cortisone, and adrenaline. The nurse's responsibility in nursing is to promote patients’ health and well-being. Aim: Adults experience of living with diagnosed food allergy. Method: Descriptive literature study. Main results: Adults experience a range of emotions and worry that personal finances are not enough to buy allergy-free food. Through good contact with their surroundings, adults felt that they could manage everyday life. While most people in their surroundings seemed mean. Most coping strategies was used on social occasions. The health and medical services were perceived ignorant by adults. A lot of people had to seek out information themselves. Conclusion: Support in the form of friends, family and healthcare was needed. The responsibility of a registered nurse is to care for the patient and inform the person about what care they can receive, unfortunately the lack of knowledge was significant. This indicates that knowledge is required in both diagnosed food allergies and not. Management strategies were used as a survival method
Kvinnors upplevelser av att ha genomgått en mastektomi vid bröstcancer : En beskrivande litteraturstudie
No full textBackground: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally and there are significant differences in how early the disease is detected. In Sweden, more than one in ten women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. Survival is mainly determined by the stage at which the disease is detected, where early diagnosis and treatment are crucial factors. In recent years, the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer has increased, while mortality has decreased. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe women's experiences of having undergone a mastectomy due to breast cancer. Method: A descriptive literature review was conducted, analyzing 11 qualitative studies to explore women's experiences. Main Results: The analysis resulted in two main categories: Experiences and factors influencing the decision to undergo a mastectomy and Life after mastectomy: physical, emotional, and social perspectives. The decision to undergo a mastectomy can lead to emotional distress. The decision was strongly influenced by fear of recurrence, as well as cosmetic concerns, negative perceptions of alternative treatments, and advice from family and doctors. After the procedure, many women experienced a changed self- image and an impact on their relationships and intimacy. Stigmatization and physical challenges were common, and coping strategies played a key role in managing the various difficulties associated with mastectomy. Conclusion: The decision is influenced by both internal and external factors, and many women face physical, emotional, and social challenges after the procedure. From a clinical perspective, the literature study can contribute to an understanding of women's experiences, enabling nurses and healthcare providers to offer high-quality care throughout the entire process. Bakgrund: Bröstcancer är den vanligaste cancerformen bland kvinnor globalt och det finns betydande skillnader i hur tidigt sjukdomen upptäcks. I Sverige drabbas mer än var tionde kvinna av bröstcancer under sin livstid. Överlevnaden påverkas främst av vid vilket stadium sjukdomen upptäcks, där tidig diagnos och behandling är avgörande faktorer. Under de senaste åren har antalet diagnoser ökat, samtidigt som dödligheten har minskat. Syfte: Syftet med studien var att beskriva kvinnors upplevelser av att ha genomgått en mastektomi vid bröstcancer. Metod: En beskrivande litteraturstudie genomfördes där 11 kvalitativa artiklar analyserades för att belysa kvinnors upplevelser. Huvudresultat: Analysen resulterade i två huvudkategorier: Upplevelser och faktorer som påverkade beslutet om mastektomi samt Livet efter mastektomi: fysiska, emotionella och sociala perspektiv. Beslutet att genomgå en mastektomi kan innebära känslomässiga påfrestningar. Beslutet påverkades i hög grad av rädslan för återfall, men även av kosmetiska aspekter, negativa uppfattningar om alternativa behandlingar samt råd från familj och läkare. Efter ingreppet upplevde många kvinnor en förändrad självbild samt en påverkan på relationer och intimitet. Stigmatisering och fysiska besvär var vanligt förekommande, och olika hanteringsstrategier spelade en central roll i att bemöta de utmaningar som uppstod i samband med mastektomin. Slutsats: Beslutet påverkas av både inre och yttre faktorer, och många kvinnor möter fysiska, emotionella och sociala utmaningar efter ingreppet. Ur ett kliniskt perspektiv kan litteraturstudien bidra till en förståelse för kvinnors upplevelser där sjuksköterskan och vården kan erbjuda en god omvårdnad genom hela processen.