Publikationer från Karlstads Universitet
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Evolution of electronic governance for sustainable development of services in the dimension of turbulence
No full textУ даному дослідженні здійснено аналіз векторів еволюції електронного урядування в довоєнний та воєнний період в України. Розглядається сутність стратегії реформування державного управління України, яка була в дії до війни, державна стратегія регіонального розвитку до 2027 роки, а також інші нормативно-правові акти, що формують фундамент ШI для прогресу Е-урядування в Україні. Виявлено турбулентні моменти та труднощі, які виникають під час втілення стратегії е-урядування. Підкреслено, що розвиток Е-урядування відіграє важливу роль у воєнний час, як дієвий інструмент для проведення адміністративної реформи, впровадження антикорупційних ініціатив уряду та підтримки загальнодержавних проєктів. Визначено, що перехід до урядування, орієнтованого на потреби громадян, яке базується на ІКТ, є тривалим процесом, котрий вимагає розробки послідовної стратегії, що окреслить структуру та цілі цього публічного виміру.This research undertakes an examination of the pivotal driving forces that have shaped the progression of e-government in Ukraine, specifically during the pre-war and wartime phases. An in-depth analysis is provided of the fundamental aspects of the Strategy for Reforming Public Administration of Ukraine, effective until 2022, along with the State Strategy for Regional Development extending to 2027, and a variety of other pertinent legislative frameworks that constitute the bedrock of e-government advancement within the nation. Furthermore, the paper identifies critical obstacles and challenges that emerge during the course of implementing the e-government strategy. The study highlights the significance of e-government’s role during times of conflict, acknowledging its value as a potent instrument for enacting administrative reforms, bolstering governmental anti-corruption initiatives, and propelling national projects forward. It is acknowledged that while advancements have been achieved in sectors such as information technology infrastructure, communication networks, and internal automation within the public sphere, Ukraine still needs to catch up in terms of comprehensive e-government deployment and the delivery of electronic services.
Objective. The purpose of the article is monitoring the evolution of the implementation and development of e-government in providing services to citizens in the dimension of turbulence.
Methods. The work used general scientific methodological principles. The study is based on an analytical method to study the essence of e-government technologies and their role in the public administration system. The authors resort to a thorough analysis of published scientific works, provisions of regulatory legal acts, as well as practical experience in the implementation of information technologies by state authorities and local governments.
Results. E-govern-ment and communication tools in the public sector are key, significantly increasing the efficiency and ease of obtaining public services, which, in turn, has a positive impact on the dialogue between authorities and citizens. Therefore, web pages, mobile applications, and digital platforms are becoming increasingly important means of interaction between people and government institutions, providing convenience and speed in an environment of constant change.
Scientific novelty. Тhis study of e-government and communication technologies in public administration is determined by a number of aspects: the work provides a comprehensive analysis and a substantiated assessment of a wide range of technological tools for e-government and communication. Key elements are considered, including electronic document management, online platforms, mobile applications and electronic services. The focus is on innovative approaches and unique solutions that have the potential for practical application in the context of dynamically changing public administration.
Practical significance. The study establishes that a shift towards citizen-focused governance, underpinned by information and communication technologies, represents a long-term endeavor demanding a robust strategy that defines the architecture and objectives of this transition. The paper argues for the necessity of project-based initiatives designed to both develop and implement cutting-edge technologies with the objective of encouraging citizen participation in decision-making processes, ultimately with the goal of bolstering public confidence in governmental bodies and the execution of their policies. In summation, the realm of e-governance presents abundant opportunities for future academic investigation, particularly in the context of devising methods for Ukraine’s post-war economic recovery
Coping strategies for increased wellbeing and mental health among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic - a Swedish qualitative study
No full textOlder adults were particularly vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating significant efforts to avoid contamination. This extraordinary situation posed an increased risk of mental pressure, and the ability to handle stressful situations is affected by several aspects. Therefore, this study aims to explore the coping strategies employed by older adults during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample of 41 Swedish older adults aged 70-85 participated in phone interviews regarding their experiences with social distancing due to COVID-19. The interviews were conducted between April and May 2020, with nine follow-up interviews conducted in November and December 2020. The findings revealed results that despite the challenging circumstances, the participants demonstrated a strong mindset and resilience. Strategies utilised to improve their wellbeing and manage the situation included following recommendations, accepting the situation and maintaining a positive outlook. The influence of previous experiences on their coping strategies was evident. Additionally, the participants expressed a longing for their relatives and a need to adopt new technologies to manage their everyday lives. The follow-up interviews indicated no significant changes in worry or behaviour; if anything, participants were less worried at the beginning of the pandemic. This study contributes to the ongoing discussion on vulnerability among older adults by highlighting the diverse range of coping strategies employed during a prolonged crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. It demonstrated that though they are medically vulnerable, they are situationally resilient and, in many ways, well set to handle a challenging situation. During crises, older adults might need practical assistance. On the other hand, they can be a resource regarding mental preparedness during crises. Further research should explore the possibilities of balancing the needs of older adults and, at the same time, viewing them as a resource during long-time crises.
Prehistoric history in Swedish primary school education : pupils' expression of empathy after visiting a cultural heritage site
No full textThis study explores the concept of historical empathy in the context of field trips for young pupils to a prehistoric heritage site in Sweden. The example discussed is a field trip to Vitlycke, a heritage and rock carving site with an associated reconstructed Bronze Age farm, where pupils had the opportunity to experience prehistory with all their senses. The study is based on the idea that historical empathy is a process that involves both cognitive and affective dimensions and that both dimensions are important for progress. The pupils were interviewed after the trip and their responses are related to the concepts of perspective recognition and care. The study shows how the cognitive and affective dimensions were interwoven in the pupils' reasoning and how the field trip contributed to an emotional and personal connection necessary for the development of historical empathy. This engagement led to a broadening and deepening of the pupils' cognitive understanding of Bronze Age life and living conditions, while the cognitive understanding of the historical context contributed to a framework in which they could use their imagination. The results also show the importance of giving pupils time to follow up on their experiences after visiting a heritage site
A Network Analysis of the Fear Avoidance Model of Genital Pain
No full textUsing a novel data-driven network approach, this study aimed to examine the interconnection between the key elements of the Fear-Avoidance Model of female genital pain - sexual arousal, fear-avoidant cognitions, and motivational coping - and its associated factors to predict the intensity and frequency of genital pain across women over time. Network modeling allowed for a comprehensive evaluation of the Fear-Avoidance model while capturing the dynamic features of genital pain. We estimated a cross-sectional and a temporal, contemporaneous, and between-persons network model on convenience-based data of 543 female students (mean age = 23.7 years, SD = 3.6) collected at three time points. Results showed that lubrication, pain catastrophizing, pain avoidance, fear-avoidance beliefs, sexual satisfaction, anxiety, and frequency of coital and non-coital sex predicted pain, with lubrication being the most consistent predictor across estimations. The network of women with recurrent genital pain showed a similar pattern as the network of the total sample, except that pain avoidance and fear-avoidance beliefs rather than pain catastrophizing predicted pain directly, and frequency of coital and non-coital sexual activities played a more prominent role. These results suggest that the main problem of genital pain centers around women not being sufficiently aroused during intercourse and inadequate ways of pain coping, which are critical targets of cognitive-behavioral therapy treatment and should be developed further
Implementing digital technologies in the school setting - how does it relate to work environment?
No full textDespite the extensive introduction of digital technologies in working life and the demand for the public sector, including schools, to digitalise, there is limited research on the relationship between digitalisation and the work environment. The aim of this article is therefore to explore how implementation processes of digital administrative and communication systems and teaching tools interact with work-related demands and resources experienced in schools. The Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) and Job Demand-Resources model (JDR) were used to analyse experiences of digitalisation and the work environment of employees, managers, strategists and health and safety officers in schools in Sweden. The study, based on semi-structured interviews with 25 participants, shows that the lack of resources and a too-high workload were reported as problematic and challenging in the introduction of digital technology. Collegial cooperation and decision-making opportunities, on the other hand, seemed to enhance the digitalisation process and to some extent even bridge over the weaknesses of strained time resources and high workload
Crisis communication in the Nordic countries : A comparative study of crisis preparedness brochures
No full textDenmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden share a long historical and cultural bond, with similar democratic values. Geographically, these countries also face many common risks and crises. Therefore, it is interesting to examine how the authorities in these countries, through the crisis preparedness brochures directed to the public in 2024, present crises and management strategies in their crisis communication. The study aims to explore how these framings differ between the countries, despite their many similarities. A reflexive thematic analysis was applied according to Braun and Clarke's (2021) six-step model. The brochures were analyzed separately, which allowed for the identification of recurring themes within each country. These themes formed the basis for a comparative analysis of how crises and management strategies are framed in the different countries' crisis communication, using framing theory and cultural theory as analytical lenses. The analysis of the results shows that Denmark and Norway's brochures present crises as everyday occurrences and manageable, with a focus on practical solutions and mutual support. At the same time, the brochures for Denmark and Finland emphasize a more flexible and voluntary approach in the handling. However, Finland uses a more low-key and nondramatizing language in connection with crises, with a particular emphasis on self-reflection. Norway's brochure, like Finland´s, also frames self-reflection as a central part of the handling strategies. Finally, Sweden's brochure highlights crises as serious threats to societal values and emphasizes the individual's responsibility for both the nation's preparedness and loyalty. These differences indicate that the framings are influenced by underlying cultural values, such as the degree of individualism, collectivism and uncertainty avoidance. According to cultural theory, these values can have a major impact on how crisis communication is designed and interpreted, which in turn can affect how the population reacts to crisis communication and to what extent they follow it.
: Analysis of Locstone curbstone application without concrete
No full textThis bachelor thesis, carried out in collaboration with Locstone AB, investigates and evaluates an innovative curbstone anchoring system designed to replace traditional concrete-based methods. Conventional curbstone anchoring typically relies on large quantities of concrete, which increases both material use and environmental impact. Locstone’s system, instead, uses a mechanical anchoring method involving a steel arm and backplate, offering a more sustainable and efficient alternative for installation and maintenance.The primary goal of this project was to develop a reliable simulation model that can predict the product's behavior under load without requiring extensive physical testing. The work began with a geometric and material analysis of the anchoring system. Manual calculations were first conducted to establish an understanding of the force distribution and mechanical behavior of the components. Finite element simulations were then carried out using Abaqus, gradually increasing in complexity as software proficiency improved.Various load scenarios were simulated, including vertical, horizontal, and combined forces that mimic real-world situations such as snow plow impacts or traffic collisions. Special focus was given to the behavior of the backplate and hooks under extreme stress. The simulations revealed that the backplate can be intentionally designed to fail before the load-bearing anchoring arm, allowing for controlled failure without full system replacement—a practical benefit in real-world applications.As this is a relatively unexplored area of research, the project required extensive exploration of methods, tools, and computational strategies. This included studying material yield limits, plastic deformation, stress concentrations, and contact behavior between components. Despite limitations in simulation software and available time, a credible simulation environment was created, and several design improvement opportunities were identified.Overall, this work enhances the understanding of how the Locstone system performs under real-world loading conditions and highlights opportunities for further development in design and materials. It also demonstrates how engineering simulation tools can be effectively used for early-stage product development and evaluatio
Digitala verktyg i idrott och hälsa : Möjligheter och utmaningar med digitala verktyg i idrott och hälsa
No full textDesign of valve station for better regulation of gases : Product development process of UHT’s valve station for improved regulation of gases
No full textThis report presents a product development project carried out as a thesis within the Bachelor of Science in Innovation and Design Engineering program at Karlstad University. The project was conducted in collaboration with Uvån Hagfors Teknologi AB (UHT), a leading Swedish company in the metal industry that develops customized systems for metal treatment. The purpose was to investigate factors influencing the controllability of gas flows in piping systems and to develop an improved solution for the valve station in UHT’s CLU converter system. The goal was to enable more controllable flow in the valve station by reducing pressure losses, as gas is to be introduced into molten metal where exact quantities are critical for achieving desired material properties. The project encompassed several stages of a product development process, such as requirement specification, preliminary study, idea generation, and evaluation of proposed solutions using elimination matrices. This was followed by a design review where the solutions were assessed holistically to ensure compatibility between different sections of the valve station. The final solution was visualized through a detailed 3D CAD model. The result was a new valve station with improved piping layout, achieved by reducing the number of bends, enlarging bend radii, and reprioritizing pipe sections. These developments led to a total reduction in the system’s pressure loss coefficient by 13.85%. According to established theories (Alvarez, 2006), the reduction in pressure losses is expected to result in smoother and more laminar flows, thereby improving control capability, reducing material wear, lowering energy consumption, and enhancing the quality of the final product. The solution retained the existing materials and components, which simplifies potential implementation at UHT without major changes to other parts of the system. The project thus demonstrated that significant flow improvements can be achieved through geometry-optimized design of piping systems, contributing to both technical efficiency, improved control capabilities, and reduced material wear
