Publikationer från Karlstads Universitet
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HIP PM compound capsule - Material Characterization with focus on the interface : Master's thesis in mechanical- material engineering
No full textThis study investigates the feasibility of bonding Vanadis 8 SuperClean as a powder metal (PM) and conventional manufactured Orvar 2 Microdized tool steels using Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) to produce hybrid tool steel components. The research aims to evaluate the mechanical, structural and chemical stability of the interface between the two materials. Vanadis 8, known for high hardness and excellent wear resistance, and Orvar 2M, known for toughness and hot work properties, were combined into capsule assemblies and subjected to 1140℃ and 150 MPa. Analytical techniques including Vickers microhardness testing, scratch testing with a diamond spherical indenter, SEM and XRD were employed to evaluate interfacial strength, residual stress, microstructural diffusion and phase transformation. Results showed successful metallurgical bonding with no interfacial cracking, supported by mechanical and structural continuity across the joint. Diffusion of carbon from Vanadis 8 into Orvar 2M was confirmed, leading to local formation of vanadium carbides. The findings suggest strong potential for using HIP to produce functionally graded materials where high performance properties can be localized to critical regions, supporting more resource efficient and application specific tooling solutions
Is financial stress a facilitating factor in cartel formation?
No full textIt is well-known that failing to achieve key organizational goals may pressure managers to commit fraud, but can it be a facilitating factor in cartel formation as well? The purpose of this study is to understand if firms known to have been in a cartel were under financial stress in the period leading up to the cartel formation. A trend analysis is used to examine the performance of the firms before, during, and after the cartel period. The study uses accounting data on firms belonging to sanctioned cartels. In addition, the data is used to determine if firms can achieve joint profit maximization and what happens to firm performance after the cartel is broken down. The results support the proposition that financial stress can be a motivating factor for cartel formation. Moreover, the results show that several firms fall short of benefitting from cartel participation and that cartel breakdown often leads to a worse than initial outcome. The conclusion is that financial stress increases the chances of firms engaging in cartel activity. And, that structural break analyses can likely detect cartels using trends in the performance of firms
Ofrihet på den fria arbetsmarknaden? : Representationer av tvång vid arbetstillstånd och lönesubventioner i fack och arbetsgivarpress
No full textLitteraturen om ofritt arbete framhåller perspektivets samtida relevans för att förstå hur arbetsmarknadsrelationer präglas av tvång som både kan vara resultatet av lagbrott och statliga regelverk. I denna artikel undersöks hur svensk fack- och arbetsgivarpress i städ- och restaurangbranscherna representerar tvingande element i samband med arbetsmarknadspolitiska åtgärder och arbetskraftsmigration. Med fokus på rekrytering, utvinning av arbetskraft och utträde analyseras framställningen av beroendeförhållanden och sociala hierarkier vid arbetsrelationens olika moment. Därmed visas hur maktrelationer på arbetsmarknaden kan normaliseras och utmanas i skärningspunkterna mellan statlig reglering, ekonomiska intressen och politiska ställningstagande gällande ”acceptabla” inslag av tvång
A framework for curricular analysis of powerful knowledge : comparing school biology in England, Finland and Sweden
No full textThis study investigates and compares knowledge types in national curricula embedded in the curriculum tradition (England) and the didactic tradition (Finland and Sweden). In the study, we develop and operationalize a theoretical framework based on educational purposes (academic, citizenship and humanistic purposes) and knowledge categories (substantive, disciplinary, sociocultural applications, pedagogical considerations and student-psychological considerations). The framework is thus embedded in a didactical perspective on powerful knowledge and is used as an analytical lens in a quantitative content analysis, and a consecutive qualitative analysis providing 'thick' descriptions of the biology curricula for each country providing a contextual interpretation of the results. From the analysis, we can conclude that the curricula are different and identify different aspects of knowledge. The English curriculum mainly identifies the products and processes of biology to teach. The Finnish curriculum has a holistic approach connecting the products and processes of biology, with the teaching and learning process and how students should apply the knowledge in society. The Swedish curriculum could be described as a hybrid of the English and Finnish ones focusing on the products and processes of biology and how this knowledge can be applied in society. Implications for teaching and learning are discussed
Medvetenhet och bevarandeattityder kring mangroveträd hos studenter på kandidatnivå i Aklan, Filippinerna
No full textMangrove forests offer essential ecological services, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity support, and coastal protection. However, these ecosystems are increasingly threatened by both climate change and anthropogenic disturbances. In the Philippines, mangrove degradation is often linked to aquaculture expansion, urbanization, and pollution. Community participation and nature engagement have been linked to stronger and more sustainable mangrove conservation. Understanding how communities value and interact with mangroves can guide more effective strategies. This study investigates the awareness and attitudes of undergraduate students in Aklan, Philippines, regarding the benefits, threats, and conservation of mangrove forests. It was examined whether participation in conservation projects and proximity to mangroves influenced students' awareness and attitudes. A survey with 22 questions was distributed online through six colleges and universities in the province of Aklan. The results showed that mere participation in conservation projects did not significantly affect awareness. However, respondents stating to have learned through conservation programs, and respondents with proximity to mangrove areas were both significantly associated with higher recognition of mangrove benefits and threats. Students with proximity to mangroves also rated the importance of mangrove conservation significantly higher. These findings underscore the importance of integrating education and nature interaction into conservation strategies, and to tailor these efforts to different sociodemographic contexts to foster pro-environmental actions among youth. Mangroveskogar är ekosystem som bidrar med viktiga ekosystemtjänster, såsom koldioxidlagring, biologisk mångfald och kustskydd. Trots detta hotas mangroveskogar i allt större utsträckning av klimatförändringar och mänsklig påverkan. I Filippinerna är förlusten av mangrover ofta kopplad till expansion av fiskodlingar, urbanisering och föroreningar. Samhällsengagemang och naturkontakt har visat sig vara kopplade till ett mer hållbart bevarande av mangroveskogar. Att förstå hur samhällen värdesätter och interagerar med mangroveskogar kan bidra till mer effektiva bevarandeinsatser. Denna studie undersöker kunskaper och attityder hos studenter på kandidatnivå i Aklanprovinsen, Filippinerna, gällande mangroveskogars fördelar, hot och bevarande. Studien undersökte om deltagande i bevarandeinitiativ och geografisk närhet till mangroveskogar påverkade studenternas medvetenhet och attityder. En enkät med 22 frågor distribuerades online genom sex högskolor och universitet i Aklanprovinsen. Resultaten visade att blott deltagande i bevarandeprojekt inte signifikant påverkade medvetenheten. Däremot visade det sig att de som uppgav ha lärt sig genom bevarandeprogram samt de som hade geografisk närhet till mangroveskogar signifikant hade högre igenkänning av mangroveskogars fördelar och hot. Studenter som bodde nära mangroveskogar bedömde också vikten av bevarande av skogarna som signifikant högre. Dessa resultat betonar vikten av att integrera utbildning och naturkontakt i bevarandeinsatser, samt att anpassa dessa efter olika sociodemografiska kontexter för att främja miljövänliga initiativ bland unga.
A Strive for High Motivation in Science Studies : Vocational students' motivation and interest in the course Natural Science 1a1
No full textSyftet med studien var att ge en djupare förståelse för hur elever på yrkesprogram uppfattar kursen Naturkunskap 1a1, med särskilt fokus på motivation, engagemang och relevans. Genom att analysera faktorer som påverkar yrkeselevers inställning till ämnet syftar studien till att identifiera både utmaningar och möjligheter för att stärka naturkunskapens betydelse inom yrkesutbildning. För att besvara studiens syfte och frågeställningar användes en kvalitativ undersökningsmetod och analys, där åtta verksamma yrkeselever som befann sig i slutet av Naturkunskap 1a1 kursen deltog i varsin individuell semistrukturell intervju. I resultatet framkom det varierande beskrivningar av yrkeselevernas motivation och intresse för kursen Naturkunskap 1a1, flera elever som beskrev att de varken var intresserade eller motiverade för kursen. Samtidigt visade samtliga elever intresse för åtminstone något moment i kursen, och i vissa fall fanns både intresse och motivation. Vidare beskrev eleverna att det finns flera olika faktorer som påverkar deras engagemang för undervisningen. Bland annat att kunskaperna inte känns relevanta i förhållande till deras framtida yrke, att relationen mellan eleverna och läraren är viktig, att läraren är engagerad i ämnet och sina elever samt att undervisningens lektionsupplägg har en stor påverkan. Vidare ser flertalet av eleverna en viss koppling till sitt yrkesprogram, och då framför allt de eleverna som går el- och energiprogrammet samt industriprogrammet. Det framkommer även att relevansen och kopplingen inte är tydligt förklarad av läraren, men att eleverna till viss del ser kopplingen själva. The aim of the study was to provide a deeper understanding of how students in vocational programs perceive science education, with a particular focus on motivation, engagement, and relevance. By analyzing factors that influence vocational students' attitudes toward the subject, the study seeks to identify both challenges and opportunities to strengthen the significance of science education within vocational training. To address the study's purpose and research questions, a qualitative research method and analysis were used, involving eight active vocational students who were nearing the completion of the Naturkunskap 1a1 course. Each participant took part in an individual semi-structured interview. The results revealed varied descriptions of vocational students' motivation and interest in the course Natural Science 1a1, with several students stating that they were neither interested nor motivated in the course. However, it was found that all students had an interest in at least some part of the course, and there were exceptions where both interest and motivation were present. Furthermore, students described several factors that influence their commitment in the subject, including the perception that the course content does not feel relevant to their future profession, the importance of the relationship between students and the teacher, the teacher’s engagement in the subject and their students, and the structure of the lessons. Additionally, a majority of students saw some connection between their vocational program and the course, particularly those enrolled in the electrical and energy program or the industrial program. It also emerged that the relevance and connection between the subject and their vocational training were not clearly explained by the teacher, although students were able to recognize some links on their own
Development of the parallel slalom start : A project aimed at promoting parallel slalom
No full textThis report presents a product development project carried out during the spring of 2025 as a degree project for the Bachelor of Science in Innovation Engineering and Design at Karlstad University. The project was conducted by students Elliot Larstorp and Rex Jacobs, with Monica Jakobsson as supervisor and Leo De Vin as examiner. The project comprises 22,5 hp per student. The project was conducted in collaboration with the consulting company Invencon AB and was part of the company’s internal development initiatives. The aim of the project was to promote and increase interest in parallel slalom by developing a starting gate tailored to small ski resorts and local ski clubs. Increased interest in the sport is expected to have a positive impact on the community and contribute to children’s and young people’s physical activity and mental well-being through time spent in nature. The work followed a traditional product development process consisting of six phases: project planning, pre-study, requirements specification, concept generation, concept selection, and construction. The result is presented in the form of a basic prototype, CAD models, and rendered images. The outcome of the project is a starting gate that is simple and adaptable for the user, making it suitable for a wide target group. The solution consists of five integrated subsystems. The concept selection focused on ensuring that the start gate is safe to use, easy to operate, maintenance-free, and able to withstand harsh outdoor environments. This means that the final design fulfills the goals and purpose of the project. By pulling up a handle, pressing the start button, and getting ready, anyone can use the device to start a parallel slalom run
: A modular product development process with focus on function, aesthetics and thenordic climate
No full textThis report presents a bachelor’s thesis in Innovation and Design at Karlstads University, comprising 22,5 ECTS credits. The project was carried out by Agnes Eklund Ramböl and Frida Danielsson during the spring of 2025 in collaboration with the company Invencon AB. The aim was to develop a modular product solution for physical activity and well-being in garden environments, with focus on user needs, Scandinavian design and adaptation to nordic climate.The goal was to create a functional, aesthetic and flexible solution that enabled training at home. This provides healthier lifestyles, lower emissions and long-term economic benefits for users. The modularity of the system allows it to be customized based on the individual's needs and preferences.The project followed a structured product development process, which included project planning, a pre-study, specification, concept development and construction. The work involved literature reviews, market research, interviews, surveys, competitor analysis and a patent study.The result is a modular wooden furniture designed for use in garden environments, combining different outdoor training exercises with opportunities for rest and relaxation with the integrated bench. It also includes a planter which contributes to the outdoor aesthetics. This design approach ensures that the product serves both practical and visual purposes, aligning with the problem statement
Ethnic biases and risk for discrimination in child welfare investigations in Sweden : Caseworkers perceptions on assessment variability and participatory conditions for client families
No full textDrawing on 14 in-depth interviews, the current study examines CWS caseworkers’ perceptions of factors that may influence assessments and decisions in CWS investigations involving ethnic minority families. By applying theoretical perspectives for analyzing the occurrence of discriminatory practices and conditions of participation, a further aim was to explore whether assessment and decision variability in CWS involving ethnic minority families may involve discrimination. The Decision-making Ecology (DME) framework incorporating external, organizational, individual decision-maker and case factors, was applied for organizing the range of influences on child welfare assessment and decision-making by conceptualizing decision outcomes as the result of interrelationships between external, organizational, individual decision-maker and case factors. Further, Arnstein’s ladder was applied for analyzing the distribution of power in decision-making processes. The results showed that caseworkers’ assessments were influenced by a number of factors, including their own attitudes and expertise, the socioeconomic situation of client families, organizational culture, local policies and resources, and external factors such as socio-political governance and legal frameworks. Major challenges were identified across these dimensions, highlighting marginalization among client families, biased attitudes and limited expertise among professionals, and lack of commitment and resources at the organizational and systems levels. These challenges curtail client families’ influence over decisions and their overall situation, highlighting the importance of working proactively to empower and engage CWS-involved individuals in their own investigative processes and in decisions that affect them.
Utmattningsegenskaper hos elektriska stål : Utvecklande och validering av ny metod för att estimera utmattningsegenskaper hos tunna plåtar av elektriskt stål i en permanent magnetrotor stack
No full text Electrical steels are commonly used in the rotor in electrical motor applications. The rotors contain a series of punched electrical steel sheets laminated together, forming the rotor geometry. In the rotor, permanent magnets are mounted and together with the stator, which creates the magnetic field, they produce a torque. For these electrical motors, there is demands on soft magnetic properties, but also on the mechanical properties. One of the mechanical properties of importance is fatigue, where the electrical motor should not experience any catastrophic failure caused by fatigue, during its operation span. There is a general understanding of the fatigue aspects of electrical steels in the rotors of electrical motors. As of today, fatigue testing of thin steel sheets has been conducted, but there is very limited testing done on specimen with small cross-sections that represent the bridge locations of the rotor laminate. The purpose of this thesis work is to investigate deeper on how the fatigue aspects of electrical steels depend on the small cross-section, punched edge effect and few but large grains. A new test specimen was developed to evaluate fatigue properties using the staircase method together with the S-N curve. These tests are of interest as they portray the fatigue aspects and mechanism of thin small cross-section “bridges” in the rotor stack laminates. Detailed microscopy of the material and fracture surfaces were performed to explain fatigue mechanisms and behaviour. This thesis work is highly relevant to the dimensioning of thin bridges in the rotors for high-speed electrical motors, as the development of electrical motors with higher rotational speeds are becoming more relevant. Elektriska stål används ofta i rotorn inom applikationer av elektriska motorer. Rotorerna är uppbyggd av lager med stansade plåtar av elektiskt stål som lamineras ihop, som sedan formar den slutliga rotorgeometrin. I rotorn är magneter monterade permanent och tillsammans med statorn, som genererar det magnetiska fältet, producerar dem ett vridmoment. För dessa elektriska motorer, finns det krav på goda mjukmagnetiska egenskaper, men också krav på de mekaniska egenskaperna. En av de mekaniska egenskaperna som är viktig är utmattning, där elektriska motorer inte får utsättas för katastrofala brott orsakade av utmattning under sitt operationsspann. Tills idag har det utförts utmattningsprov på plåtar av elektriska stål, men ett limiterat antal tester har utförts på provstavar med liten tvärsnitsarea som representerar bryggorna i rotorn. Syftet med denna masteravhandling är att djupare utforska hur utmattnings egenskaperna hos elektriska stål kan bero på liten tvärsnittsarea, effekten av stansade kanter och få men stora korn. En ny provstav har blivit utvecklad för att evaluera utmattningsegenskaperna genom att använda staircase-metoden tillsammans med S-N kurvan. Dessa tester är av intresse eftersom dem efterliknar utmattningsegenskaperna hos tunna bryggor i rotorn med liten tvärsnittsarea. Detaljerad mikroskopi av materialet och brottytorna genomfördes för att förklara utmattnings-egenskaperna och beteenden. Denna masteravhandling är högst relevant inför att bättre dimensionera de tunna bryggor i rotorn hos höghastighets elektriska motorer, eftersom utvecklingen av elektriska motorer med höga rotationshastigheter blir mer relevant.