Publikationer från Högskolan i Gävle
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Performance of the new spatiotemporal airborne infection risk model across varied indoor air flowrates: An experimental study
No full textUnderstanding the complex dynamics of indoor airflows is crucial for mitigating airborne infection risks in ventilated spaces. These airflows can be simplified into two populations: Recirculating air that spreads contaminants and outgoing air that evacuates them. Quantifying these populations involves analyzing mass transfer between zones in the room/building. This study builds on the newly proposed model that enhances the Wells-Riley model by incorporating indoor airflow interaction mechanisms. The study explores the transfer probability between zones and the recirculation and purging flowrate at the target location and its impact on the risk of infection in a ventilated room. Our contributions include: (i) Performance evaluation of the revised model that accounts for transfer probabilities between zones and purging flowrates; (ii) a novel tracer-gas measurement method to determine local purging flowrates; and (iii) an analysis of how different ventilation systems interact with internal room flow. We validated the proposed model through experimental measurements in a climate chamber, examining contaminant source locations under varying ventilation rates using mixing ventilation (MV) and displacement ventilation (DV). Results reveal significant spatial and temporal heterogeneities in contaminant distribution, with MV showing pronounced temporal variability and DV exhibiting significant spatial variations. Under MV, purging flowrates increase with higher ventilation rates, whereas DV shows no such change. Our findings underscore the importance of considering airflow dynamics in ventilation design to effectively reduce contaminant transfer and/or airborne infection transmission
Cognitive reserve and disparities in healthcare usage after traumatic brain injury and stroke: an observational cohort study
No full textBackground: Individuals with more education com-monly have better outcome after brain injury, often attributed to cognitive reserve. However, evidence suggests that individuals with more education have better access to specialized care, potentially affec-ting outcomes. Objective: To investigate differences in healthcare usage based on cognitive reserve and examine the relationship between healthcare usage and outcomes after stroke and traumatic brain injury. Design: An observational cohort study with health-care usage data from 3 years before to 4 years after injury, interviewing patients 5–15 years after injury. Patients: A total of 83 participants suffering a stroke or traumatic brain injury. Results: Healthcare usage over time varied based on educational level (repeated measures ANOVA, F(2, 227) = 4.17, p = 0.008). The differences in healthcare usage between educational levels was significant during the injury year (F(81) = –5.47, p = 0.022). Higher education implied more healthcare usage. Linear regression, controlling for possible confoun-ders, confirmed the relationship between education and healthcare usage, (β = 4.3, p = 0.022). Health-care usage was significantly related to long-term life satisfaction, but not to return to work. Conclusion: Individuals with more education recei-ved more healthcare in the year after traumatic brain injury or stroke. However, this was not related to long-term outcome regarding return to work, but we found a relationship between healthcare usage and life satisfaction.
Quality of life, physical activity, and social determinants in teenagers with cerebral palsy: A cross-sectional study in Sweden
No full textBackground The associations between physical activity and various social determinants with quality of life (QoL) among teenagers with cerebral palsy (CP) are inconclusive. Objective To explore associations between perceived QoL among teenagers with CP in Sweden and participation in physical leisure activity and physical education in school, as well as sex, gross motor function, pain and bother, caregivers’ birth country and socioeconomic status. Methods A cross-sectional study with teenagers who have CP, aged 15–18 years. The survey, including the assessment form Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life-teenager (CP QoL-teen), was sent to all youths in the national patient registry held by the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare (n = 900). Survey data was complemented with data from other national health registries containing information on demographics, physical leisure activity, physical education, and gross motor function. Multivariable linear- and quantile regression analyses were performed. Results The survey was answered by 149 participants. Physical leisure activity was positively associated with the QoL-domain Communication and physical health. Gross motor function was associated with domains referring to physical function and participation; more severe motor difficulties indicated lower QoL. Pain was negatively associated with all QoL domains. Low caregiver educational levels were associated with higher social well-being domain. Conclusion Minimizing pain and facilitating physical activity may enhance QoL for teenagers who have CP. To improve participation for teenagers with severe disabilities, with non-Nordic caregivers, and caregivers without postgraduate education, targeted measures to facilitate participation are needed
The association between transformational leadership andwork-related outcomes in nursing : A descriptive literature review
No full textBackground: Transformational leadership (transformational leadership) has gained prominence in nursing contexts for its potential to enhance nurses’ job satisfaction, reduce turnover intentions, lower levels of burnout, and improve patient outcomes. In a constantly evolving healthcare environment characterized by workforce shortages and rising care complexities, understanding the mechanisms and impacts of transformational leadership on nurses’ work-related outcomes has become increasingly important.Aim: The aim of the literature review is to describe the association between transformational leadership and work-related outcomes in nursing.Methods: This paper was a descriptive literature review. After searching and screening eligible articles in PubMed and Cinahl, fourteen articles were finally adopted, including one mixed study and thirteen quantitative studies.Results: Transformational leadership was consistently associated with higher job satisfaction, more substantial organizational commitment, and decreased turnover intention among nurses. Evidence also indicated that transformational leadership could mitigate burnout, foster organizational resilience, encourage innovative behavior, and enhance patient safety culture. Several mediators—such as employee empowerment, organizational support, or positive work environment—helped explain how transformational leadership influenced nurse outcomes.Conclusions: Transformational leadership is positively linked to critical nurse- and patient-related outcomes. These findings underscore the necessity of championing leadership development programs and supportive organizational climates that empower nurse managers to practice transformational leadership effectively. Future research should explore longitudinal and experimental designs to more definitively establish causality and intervention efficacy
The pain experience of adult patients withcancer pain : A descriptive review
No full textBackground: In the 21st century, cancer will become the main cause of human death from non-communicable diseases, and cancer pain is a high prevalence among cancer patients and a major source of pain for adult patients with cancer pain. Understanding the experience of cancer pain patients can help cancer patients relieve their pain. Nurses play an important role in the treatment of cancer pain. Identifying and understanding the needs of adult patients with cancer pain can help patients achieve better pain control.Aim: The aim was to describe the pain experience of adult patients(18+years) with cancer pain.Design: A descriptive literature review that included research using qualitative methods.Methods: Qualitative studies on the pain experience of adult patients with cancer pain from PubMed via Medline. The authors compared the similarities and differences between the results of 11 selected articles and summarized them.Results: A total of 11 qualitative articles describing pain experience of adult patients with cancer pain were summarized and grouped into two categories and four sub categories. The two categories were (1) Perceived consequences of cancer pain (2)The treatment experience of cancer pain patients.Conclusion:Nurses should deeply learn to improve pain management knowledge, assume the role ofpain education.start from patients, pay attention to their needs, and help patients reduce cancer pain
Att vilja stanna kvar : En tvärsnittsstudie om sambandet mellan sjuksköterskors vilja att jobba kvar, arbetsmiljö och arbetsmotivation
No full textBackground: The shortage of nurses is a challenge both nationally and globally, as the availability of nursing staff does not meet the increasing healthcare needs of an aging population. In order to maintain a functional healthcare system, it is therefore important to retain the nurses working in health and medical care. Aim: The aim of the study is to examine the extent to which work environment, internal- and external motivation, and the presence of agency nurses are associated with intention to leave the workplace among nurses’ within the public healthcare sector. Method: This quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted in autumn 2024. Data were collected through a digital self-assessment questionnaire, including items about work environment, motivation and intention to leave the workplace. Results: The results showed that influence at work, opportunities for professional development and burnout were significantly related to the intention to leave the workplace. However, no associations were found between the proportion of agency nurses and the intention to leave in this study. Conclusion: The results of the study confirm previous research, although no new associations were identified. The results nonetheless underline the importance of organizational measures that promote influence at work, development opportunities and recovery.Bakgrund: Sjuksköterskebristen är en utmaning både nationellt och globalt, där tillgången på sjuksköterskor inte motsvarar befolkningens ökande vårdbehov i takt med att allt fler blir äldre. För att upprätthålla en fungerande vård är det därför viktigt att behålla de sjuksköterskor som arbetar inom hälso- och sjukvården. Syfte: Syftet med studien är att undersöka i vilken utsträckning arbetsmiljö, inre- och yttre motivation och inhyrda sjuksköterskor är associerade till intentionen att lämna arbetsplatsen bland sjuksköterskor verksamma inom den offentliga hälso- och sjukvården. Metod: Studien genomfördes som en kvantitativ tvärsnittsstudie, där data samlades in under hösten 2024 via en digital självskattningsenkät som omfattade frågor om arbetsmiljö, motivation och intentionen att lämna arbetsplatsen. Resultat: Resultaten visade att inflytande i arbetet, utvecklingsmöjligheter och utbrändhet var signifikant relaterade till intentionen att lämna arbetsplatsen. Däremot fanns inga samband mellan andelen inhyrd personal och intentionen att lämna arbetsplatsen i denna studie. Slutsats: Studiens resultat bekräftar tidigare forskning, även om inga nya samband kunde identifieras. Resultaten understryker dock vikten av att arbetsgivare prioriterar organisatoriska insatser som stärker inflytande, utvecklingsmöjligheter och återhämtning
AI-användning i redovisningsyrket – En väg mot ökad effektivitet eller minskat förtroende för redovisningskonsulten?
No full textSyfte: Syftet med denna studie är att undersöka vilka psykologiska och kunskapsmässiga faktorer som påverkar redovisningskonsulters förtroende för artificiell intelligens. Den fokuserar på självförmåga, förtroendebenägenhet till maskiner, integritetsproblem och teknisk kunskap, samt hur dessa påverkar förtroendet för AI-system och intentionen att använda dem i det dagliga arbetet. Metod: För att undersöka förtroendet för AI bland auktoriserade redovisningskonsulter i Sverige har en kvantitativ metod tillämpats. En enkätundersökning skickades ut till samtliga registrerade konsulter via Sunet Survey. Totalt analyserades 74 giltiga enkätsvar med hjälp av deskriptiv statistik, korrelationsanalys och regressionsanalys i SPSS för att pröva hypoteserna. Resultat och slutsats: Analysen visar att självförmåga, teknisk kunskap och förtroendebenägenhet har ett positivt samband med redovisningskonsulters förtroende för AI, medan integritetsproblem har ett negativt samband. Däremot kunde hypotes H3, som förutsatte att upplevd användbarhet skulle påverka förtroendet positivt, inte bekräftas. Detta resultat utmanar tidigare teorier inom teknikacceptans och tyder på att tillit till AI i redovisning i högre grad formas av individens kompetens och trygghet snarare än av teknikens upplevda nytta. Examensarbetets bidrag: Studien breddar förståelsen för hur förtroende för AI utvecklas inom redovisningsbranschen, särskilt i en svensk kontext. Genom att visa att upplevd användbarhet inte har någon signifikant påverkan på förtroendet, bidrar studien till att nyansera vedertagna modeller som TAM och UTAUT. Resultaten betonar vikten av att fokusera på kompetensutveckling, teknisk trygghet och hantering av integritetsrisker snarare än enbart systemets användarvänlighet. Förslag till fortsatt forskning: Framtida studier bör utforska varför upplevd användbarhet inte påverkar förtroendet i denna grupp. Kvalitativa metoder och jämförelser mellan olika yrken eller länder kan ge djupare förståelse för hur förtroende för AI formas i olika kontexter.Aim: The purpose of this study is to examine which psychological and knowledge-based factors influence accountants’ trust in artificial intelligence (AI). It focuses on self-efficacy, trust propensity in machines, perceived privacy concerns, and technical knowledge, and how these factors affect trust in AI systems and the intention to use them in daily work. Method: To investigate the trust in AI among certified accounting consultants in Sweden, a quantitative research method was applied. A survey was distributed via Sunet Survey to all registered consultants. In total, 74 valid responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis in SPSS to test the hypotheses. Results and conclusions: The analysis shows that self-efficacy, technical knowledge, and trust propensity positively influence trust in AI, while perceived privacy risks have a negative effect. However, Hypothesis 3, which stated that perceived usefulness would positively impact trust, was not supported. This challenges previous research and suggests that, within accounting, trust in AI is more strongly shaped by competence and psychological factors than by perceived practical benefits. Contributions of the thesis: The study expands current understanding of how trust in AI develops within the accounting profession, particularly in a Swedish context. By showing that perceived usefulness does not significantly affect trust, the findings nuance traditional models such as TAM and UTAUT. The results highlight the importance of focusing on competence development, user confidence, and privacy risk management rather than on usability alone. Suggestions for future research: Future studies should explore why perceived usefulness does not influence trust in this professional group. Qualitative approaches and cross-professional or international comparisons may provide deeper insight into how trust in AI is shaped across different contexts
ESG-rapportering i förändring: Hållbarhetsrapportering i ett energibolag under omställning
No full textDetta examensarbete undersöker hur ESG-rapportering (Environmental, Social and Governance) har utvecklats över tid inom energisektorn med särskilt fokus på företaget Orrön Energy och dess transformation från fossilbaserad till förnybar energiverksamhet. Studien syftar till att analysera hur hållbarhetsrapporteringen förändrats i takt med införandet av nya regelverk, förändrade affärsmodeller och ökade krav från intressenter. Genom en kvalitativ innehållsanalys av företagets hållbarhets- och årsrapporter mellan åren 2014 och 2024 kompletterad med kvantitativa inslag i form av ordsökning, identifieras mönster i hur ESG-kommunikationen har strukturerats, tematiserats och anpassats över tid. Analysen utgår från stakeholder theory och relaterar till centrala hållbarhetsramverk såsom GRI, CSRD och EU:s taxonomi. Analysen visar att ESG-rapporteringen genomgick en tydlig utveckling under perioden 2014–2020 särskilt vad gäller rapporternas omfattning, struktur och innehåll. Dessa förändringar speglar både ett ökande externt tryck från intressenter och en gradvis anpassning till nya regelverk och rapporteringsstandarder. Utvecklingen tar sig framför allt uttryck i tre dimensioner, ett mer fördjupat och nyanserat innehåll, en ökad betoning på kvantitativa och mätbara indikatorer samt en tydligare anpassning till internationellt etablerade riktlinjer och ramverk.This thesis examines how ESG reporting (Environmental, Social and Governance) has evolved over time within the energy sector, with a particular focus on the company Orrön Energy and its transformation from fossil-based operations to renewable energy activities. The study aims to analyze how sustainability reporting has changed in response to the introduction of new regulations, shifting business models, and increasing stakeholder demands. Through a qualitative content analysis of the company’s sustainability and annual reports from 2014 to 2024, complemented by quantitative elements such as keyword searches, patterns are identified in how ESG communication has been structured, themed, and adapted over time. The analysis is grounded in stakeholder theory and relates to key sustainability frameworks such as GRI, CSRD, and the EU Taxonomy. The analysis demonstrates a clear development in ESG reporting during the period 2014–2020, particularly in terms of the reports’ scope, structure, and content. These changes reflect both increasing external pressure from stakeholders and a gradual alignment with new regulatory requirements and reporting standards. This development is especially evident in three dimensions: more in-depth and nuanced content, greater emphasis on quantitative and measurable indicators, and enhanced alignment with internationally established guidelines and frameworks
Identifying suitable sites for energy generating tiles in mixed urban-rural areas with MCDA and AHP
No full textEnergy-generating tiles promise a unique solution to the sustainable green energy transformation. By producing energy, right under the feet of pedestrians, very close to where it is being utilized, energy production is decentralized. The current state of the technology enables energy generation of 5 watts per footstep. If this technology continues to become more efficient, it is possible that it’s wide-scale deployment in urban environments can become even more economically feasible. In such a scenario, reviewing suitable areas in which they can be effectively deployed in would be valuable for urban planners. Our research plans to deliver such a suitability overview utilizing modern decision-making methods aided by GIS. The area of interest is Norra Stadsdelen, a section of the city of Stockholm, the capital and largest city of Sweden. The suitability criteria will be deduced by electric use, product documentation and instances of earlier deployment of this technology. The expected results are a both a showcasing where the deployment of the technology is most suitable for different electric use as well as a methodology that can be appropriated in other places. Stake-holders can expect to be able to make decisions on whether or not this form of energy generation is suitable to be deployed in their regions. The results reveal a region named Norrmalm within Norra Innerstaden was the most suitable region considered for the development of this technology for the both the purpose of powering public lights and infrastructure that melts snow on roads. The full results are two suitability maps over the entire study area describing the relative suitability for these two electric use It is observed that heavily urbanized areas are considerably more suitable for the deployment of this technology than rural ones
Sustainable Marketing Practices in the Swedish Fashion Industry: Focusing on EnvironmentalSustainable Marketing Practices in the Swedish Fashion Industry: Focusing on Environmental Responsibility
No full textT Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to investigate how Swedish fashion companies integrate sustainable marketing into their strategies, with a focus on environmental responsibility. The study also examines the influence of sustainable marketing on consumer behaviour and perceptions, with particular attention to greenwashing and brand transparency. Method: A qualitative method was applied, using semi-structured interviews with marketing professionals from Swedish fashion companies, supported by secondary data from company reports. Thematic analysis was used to identify key patterns in strategies, challenges, and consumer responses. Results & Conclusion: The findings show that Swedish fashion brands have advanced in adopting sustainable marketing, but face barriers such as consumer scepticism, cost limitations, and regulatory challenges. While sustainability is valued by consumers, there remains a gap between attitudes and purchasing behaviour. Greater transparency and accountability are needed to build trust and reduce greenwashing risks. Contribution: This study adds to the literature on sustainable marketing by highlighting achievements and challenges in the Swedish fashion industry. It demonstrates how sustainable marketing can support environmental responsibility and influence consumer behaviour when effectively implemented. Suggestions for further research: Future studies could use mixed methods or cross-country comparisons to explore psychological and social factors influencing sustainable consumer behaviour. Keywords: Sustainable marketing, Swedish fashion industry, environmental responsibility, consumer behaviour, greenwashing, transparenc