Publikationer från Karlstads Universitet
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“You really want to call it equal, but it really is not” : A qualitative study about how teachers experience the conditions for conducting education at SiS homes
No full textThe purpose of this study has been to examine how teachers at Swedish SiS homes perceive theconditions for conducting education at special youth homes compared to the “regular” school,focusing on the challenges of conducting education and the education equivalency. The studywas conducted by using a qualitative method through semi structured interviews with five activeteachers at a specific SiS home.The result shows that the teachings at SiS is heavily affected by external frameworks, that isn’tas commonly occurring or isn’t occurring at all in the “regular” school system, but which carriesa heavy impact on education. Security aspects, lack of qualified teachers, limited access toexpedient facilities and the uncertainty regarding the students placement times and their priorschool information are recurring challenges that are raised by the teachers. These externalframeworks have a negative effect on educational equality compared to the “regular” schools.The analysis shows that the education at SiS homes are governed by more, stricter and morecomplex structural factors than in “regular” schools, which affects the possibility of executingeducation equivalent to that outlined by the Swedish curriculum.The study contributes insights into the structural and physical challenges that affects theeducation at SiS, as well as how education at SiS compares to the teachings in “regular” schoolsin terms of educational equality
Normal and shear delamination of paperboards
No full textIn packaging, the structural integrity of paperboard under complex stresses is essential.This study examines the delamination behavior of paperboard under normal andshear loading modes, which are the base for developing mixed-mode models. Four commercialpaperboard grades, sourced from fibers across three geographical regions, areinvestigated using Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) and Split Double Cantilever Beam(SDCB) tests, which are used to calibrate a cohesive zone model from the literature.This model introduces a shape parameter that governs the cohesive traction-separationrelationship, consistent across both normal and shear modes. Experimental findingssupport this approach, demonstrating that, while the shape parameter remains modeindependent,its numerical value varies uniquely for each paperboard quality
Optimization of BFP-algorithm for Compression and Decompression : Optimization with GPU hardware
No full textMobilnätverk och telekom är områden som används dagligen av majoriteten av befolkningen.Tillgång till dessa tjänster är avgörande för flera samhällssektorer, såsomindustri, sjukvård och civil infrastruktur. 5G-celler kräver stora datamängder vid kommunikationmed mobila enheter. För att minska belastningen på bandbredden användskomprimering, vilket reducerar mängden data som behöver föras över länken mellanradioenhet och basstation.Huvudsyftet med detta arbete är att optimera Block Floating Point (BFP)-algoritmenmed hjälp av Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) och undersöka om Nvidia-grafikkort utgören rimlig plattform för att exekvera BFP-algoritmen. Det andra målet är att utvecklaett program som uppfyller de tidskrav som ställs för två frekvensband: lågband ochmidband.Innan själva utvecklingen analyserades pseudokoden för BFP-algoritmen för attidentifiera vilka delar som passar för parallell exekvering. Under arbetets gång användesverktyg och tidsmätningar för att utvärdera prestandan av mjukvaran vid exekvering.Resultaten visar att exekvering av BFP-algoritmen med GPU inte är en optimallösning. Detta beror främst på att själva algoritmen exekveras snabbare än den tid dettar att överföra data till och från GPU, vilket leder till ett ineffektivt utnyttjande avhårdvaran.Mobile networks and telecommunications are areas used daily by the majority of thepopulation. Access to these services is crucial for several sectors of society, such asindustry, healthcare, and civil infrastructure. 5G cells require large amounts of datawhen communicating with mobile devices. To reduce the load on bandwidth, compressionis used, which reduces the amount of data that needs to be transmitted over thelink between the radio unit and the base station. The main purpose of this work is tooptimize the BFP algorithm using a GPU and to investigate whether Nvidia graphicscards constitute a reasonable platform for executing the BFP algorithm. The secondgoal is to develop a program that meets the timing requirements for two frequencybands: low band and mid band. Before the actual development, the pseudocode for theBFP algorithm was analyzed to identify which parts are suitable for parallel execution.During the course of the work, tools and timing measurements were used to evaluatethe software’s performance during execution. The results show that executing the BFPalgorithm using a GPU is not an optimal solution. This is mainly because the algorithmitself executes faster than the time it takes to transfer data to and from the GPU, whichleads to inefficient utilization of the hardware
Optimering av Återkallelse- och Blockeringsprocesser inom Pappersindustrin
No full textThis study examines the recall and blocking processes within the paper industry and how these can be optimized through the use of visualization techniques, with the aim of reducing quality deficiency costs and improving resource utilization. The research was conducted as a case study at Stora Enso Skoghall, where interviews and document analysis identified inefficiencies in the processes, such as poor communication, unclear responsibility distribution, and delays due to the waiting period for microbiological contamination (MIBI) test results. The study shows that visualization technology can improve transparency in these processes and enable faster, more informed decision-making by identifying bottlenecks in real-time. By implementing such technology, the company can reduce waste, increase productivity, and reduce quality deficiency costs. An important conclusion is also the need for clear communication and a shared understanding between departments to ensure the effective use of visualization technology. Furthermore, the results show that a culture of continuous learning and adaptation is crucial for optimizing process management and effectively addressing the identified inefficiencies, which in turn can improve resource utilization and reduce costs in the paper industry.Denna studie undersöker återkallelse- och blockeringsprocesserna inom pappersindustrin och hur dessa kan optimeras genom användning av visualiseringsteknik, med målet att minska kvalitetsbristkostnader och förbättra resursanvändningen. Forskningen genomfördes som en fallstudie vid Stora Enso Skoghall, där intervjuer och dokumentanalyser tillsammans identifierade ineffektivitet i processerna, inklusive bristande kommunikation, otydlig ansvarsfördelning och förseningar på grund av väntetider för provsvar vid mikrobiologisk kontaminering (MIBI). Studien visar att visualiseringsteknik kan förbättra transparensen i dessa processer och möjliggöra snabbare och mer informerade beslut genom att identifiera flaskhalsar i realtid. Genom att införa sådan teknik kan företaget minska slöseri, öka produktiviteten och reducera kvalitetsbristkostnader. En viktig slutsats är också behovet av tydlig kommunikation och en gemensam förståelse mellan avdelningar för att säkerställa effektiv användning av visualiseringsteknik. Vidare visar resultaten att en kultur av kontinuerligt lärande och anpassning är centralt för att optimera processhanteringen och för att effektivt hantera de identifierade ineffektiviteterna, vilket i sin tur kan förbättra resursanvändningen och minska kostnader inom pappersindustrin
Budgetlös styrning i praktiken : En fallstudie av Handelsbanken
No full textThis study aims to examine how Handelsbanken applies a budget-free management philosophy in accordance with the Beyond Budgeting principles, with a focus on branch managers’ experiences and the organizational conditions that enable or constrain the model in practice. The study is based on qualitative case study design, utilizing semi-structured interview with seven local managers as well as a document analysis of the bank’s annual reports from two different years. The findings show that Handelsbanken’s management model is built on extentensive decentralization, where local branches are given significant authority to make decisions close to the customer. This model is perceived by the respondents as meaningful, motivating, and conducive to accountability. Budget-free management has become deeply embedded in the bank’s culture and relies on a high level of trust, strong local autonomy, and continuous follow ups through dialogue based tools rather than fixed financial targets. The analysis indicates that the model supports employees’ intrinsic motivation, which can be understood through Self-Determination Theory. At the same time, effective implementation depends on clear structures, shared values, and a stable organizational culture. The study confirms that Beyond Budgeting can serve as a viable alternative to traditional budgeting, but also emphasizes that its success is highly dependent on the context and not easily transferable to other organizations. Finally the study identifies a need for future research that includes additional organizational levels and international comparisons
Out-of-plane properties of paperboards : A focus on the material modeling of delamination in paperboards
No full textThis work advances the experimental and theoretical understanding of paperboard delamination through two interconnected study phases focusing on experimental work using the Split Double Cantilever Beam (SDCB) test method and cohesive zone modeling. Accurate characterization of paperboards paperboards is crucial in order to understand and simulate the converting process i.e. the creasing and folding process. The initial phase optimized the SDCB specimen configuration to overcome practical limitations of its original design. A systematic Design of Experiments (DOE), supported by Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and experimental validation, led to an optimal design. This design maintains measurement accuracy while ensuring proper Fracture Process Zone (FPZ) development and preventing abrupt crack growth. The optimized SDCB notably reduces specimen weight and length by approximately 40%, enabling single-operator testing. The second phase utilized the Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) and the optimized SDCB in order to characterize four commercial paperboard grades under normal and shear loading. This study extended the CZM framework by demonstrating: Mode-independent shape parameters (cnormal ≈ cshear) across diverse paperboard compositions and layer structures. Near-symmetry between shear and normal cohesive parameters, confirmed byout-of-plane strength-to-length ratios. Consistent predictive performance of the CZM across all four paperboard grades, affirming its reliability. A unified CZM framework that significantly reduces the number of required calibration parameters by leveraging mode-invariant shape parameters and validated near-symmetry. Model validation showed strong agreement with experimental data when accounting for the normalization approach.Detta arbete fördjupar den experimentella och teoretiska förståelsen av delaminering i kartong genom två närliggande studier som fokuserar på experiment med provstaven Split Double Cantilever Beam (SDCB). Detta experiment karakteriserar kartongens egenskaper vid skjuvning ut ur planet. Egenskaperna för skjuvning ut ur planet är avgörande för att förstå och simulera konverteringsprocessen, dvs. bignings- och vikningsprocessen. Det experimentella resultatet är lätt att implementera i Finita Elementanalys (FEA) med hjälp av Cohesive Zone Models (CZM). Exakta simuleringar är viktiga för att designa förpackningar. Den första studien optimerade SDCB-provkroppens gometri. En systematisk Design av Experiment (DOE), understödd av Finitelementanalys (FEA) och experimentell validering, ledde till en ny gometri. Denna design bibehåller mätnoggrannheten samtidigt som den säkerställer korrekt utveckling av sprickprocesszonen (FPZ) och förhindrar abrupt spricktillväxt. Den optimerade SDCB-metoden minskar provkroppens vikt och längd med cirka 40%, vilket möjliggör testning av en enda operatör. Den andra studien använde double cantilever beam (DCB) och den optimerade SDCB-provstaven för att att karakterisera fyra nya kommersiella papperskartongkvaliteter under normal- och skjuvbelastning. Denna studie utökade CZM-ramverket genom att visa: Modoberoende formparametrar (cnormal ≈ cshear) över olika papperskartongsammansättningar och lagerstrukturer. Nära symmetri mellan kohesiva parametrar för skjuvning och normalbelastning, bekräftat av kvoten mellan brotthållfasthet och längd utanför planet. Konsekvent prediktionsförmåga hos CZM för alla fyra undersökta papperskartongkvaliteter, vilket bekräftar dess tillförlitlighet. Ett enhetligt ramverk för CZM som minskar antalet nödvändiga kalibreringsparametrar genom att utnyttja mode-invarianta formparametrar och validerad nästan-symmetri. Modellvalideringen visade stark överensstämmelse med experimentella data vid hänsynstagande till normaliseringsmetoden.This thesis advances the experimental and theoretical understanding of paperboard delamination, a critical factor for optimizing industrial converting processes like creasing and folding. This work is divided into two phases. The first phase focused on optimizing the Split Double Cantilever Beam (SDCB) test method, which is used to study delamination in the shear direction. Using a systematic approach of Finite Element Analysis and experimental validation, a new specimen design was developed to make this testing more efficient. Building on this, the second phase utilized the optimized SDCB and the traditional Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) test for the normal direction to develop a unified Cohesive Zone Model (CZM) framework. The resulting CZM is a robust and streamlined tool for predicting paperboard fracture under both shear and normal loading conditions, thereby improving product durability.This work has been supported by Billerud, Klabin, Stora Enso, Tetra Pak, and WestRock, and the Knowledge Foundationthrough the project ”Characterization of Paperboard for Creasing and Folding (CPCF).”</p
Clinical Insights Regarding Oral Health Among Untreatedand Positive Airway Pressure Treated Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients
No full textOral health-related side effects are common in patients with both untreated and PAP-treated OSA and can hinder adherence toPAP treatment. Despite extensive research on OSA and PAP, oral health experiences of PAP professionals remain unexplored.The aim was to describe PAP professionals' experiences and management of symptoms and treatment effects on oral health in pa-tients with OSA before and during PAP treatment. The study has a qualitative design with an inductive approach, where 17 stra-tegically selected PAP professionals (physicians, nurses, and biomedical scientists) at nine Swedish PAP clinics participated insemi-structured in-depth interviews. The data was analysed with content analysis. Four categories described PAP professionals'experiences before and during PAP treatment. The categories Acknowledging oral health aspects when exploring the clinical dataand Exploring the patients' oral health-related experiences described the OSA diagnosis, intra-oral visual features, and sharedsigns between OSA and oral health. The categories Adjusting the PAP device related to oral health and Managing oral health-related situations during PAP treatment described the oral health-related challenges in patient collaboration and individualisedPAP treatment. In conclusion, oral dryness was an oral health-related symptom of OSA and a side effect of PAP treatment, notedby PAP professionals. Management of oral health-related situations and treatment effects was difficult as there was a lack ofknowledge and no established remedial routine
Multimodal Treatment for Vulvodynia : Evaluation of a Pilot Study Using a Mixed Methods Design
No full textVulvodyni är ett kroniskt smärttillstånd i vulvan som drabbar nästan var femte vaginabärare. Diagnosen har en påtaglig negativ inverkan på livskvalitet, psykiskt välbefinnande och sexuell hälsa. Smärtan är ofta kopplad till psykologiska, sociala och biologiska faktorer. Trots nationella rekommendationer om multimodala behandlingsinsatser, däribland psykologiska och fysioterapeutiska interventioner, saknas sådana behandlingsalternativ inom den svenska hälso- och sjukvården. Syftet med denna uppsats var att utvärdera preliminära effekter samt deltagarupplevelser av en nyutvecklad multimodal behandling för vulvodyni inom ramen för projektet Vulvodyni Intervention (VI). En design med blandade metoder användes, där kvalitativ data samlades in genom semistrukturerade intervjuer och analyserades med induktiv reflexiv tematisk analys. Kvantitativ data från självskattningsformulär insamlade före, under och efter behandlingen analyserades visuellt och presenterades deskriptivt. Deltagarna rapporterade att de generellt var nöjda med den multimodala behandlingen. De upplevde minskad smärta, förbättrad kroppskännedom, förbättrad sexuell funktion samt ökad förmåga att hantera sin smärta efter avslutad behandling. Deltagarna beskrev en känsla av ökad egenmakt och minskad ensamhet i sin upplevelse. Resultaten tyder på att multimodal behandling har potential att förbättra både fysiska och psykologiska utfall för personer med vulvodyni. Studien understryker behovet av fortsatt forskning samt implementering av multidisciplinär vård för vulvodyni i Sverige. Nyckelord: vulvodyni, multimodal behandling, kronisk smärta, sexuell hälsa, blandade metoderVulvodynia is a chronic vulvar pain condition affecting nearly one in five individuals with vaginas, significantly impairing quality of life, psychological well-being, and sexual health. The pain is often associated with psychological, social, and biological factors. Despite national recommendations for multimodal treatment approaches, including psychological and physiotherapeutic interventions, such treatment is absent in the Swedish healthcare context. This thesis aimed to evaluate preliminary effects and participant experiences of a newly developed multimodal treatment for vulvodynia within the framework of the Vulvodyni Intervention (VI) project. A mixed-methods design was applied, combining qualitative data from semi-structured interviews analyzed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis. Quantitative data from self-report measures collected before, during, and after treatment, were visually analyzed and descriptively presented. Participants reported overall satisfaction with the multimodal treatment. They experienced reduced pain, improved bodily awareness, better sexual function, and increased pain coping skills after completed treatment. Participants reported feeling more empowered and less alone in their experience. The findings suggest that multimodal treatment holds promise for improving both physical and psychological outcomes for individuals with vulvodynia. The study underscores the need for continued research and implementation of multidisciplinary care for vulvodynia in Sweden. Keywords: vulvodynia, multimodal treatment, chronic pain, sexual health, mixed-methods Vulvodyni Interventio
Job loss and underemployment : a qualitative study from the Swedish hotel sector
No full textThis article contributes to the discussion about job loss, under-employment and labour market transition by exploring displacedworkers’ experiences and navigation following job loss. Witha focus on their movement in the liminal space between employ-ment, underemployment and unemployment, the article exploresthe factors that influence the strategies displaced workers employduring transition. The study is based on 28 interviews with hotelworkers (including five follow-up interviews) in Sweden who losttheir jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings show howparticipants navigated a changed and constrained labour marketwhere individual strategies were influenced by the ability to utiliseskills, combined with family and life situations. Temporary employ-ment solutions were often used to avoid unemployment; however,this did not effectively prevent hourly and skill-based underemploy-ment. In addition, the findings reveal that the participants’ life andfamily situations acted as both barriers and facilitators in job search,which affected how participants prioritised and navigated their jobtransition
Operational Needs and Civilian Interests : An Analysis of Areas of Land use Conflict in and around the Swedish Armed Forces’ Firing and Training Ranges
No full textDet förändrade säkerhetsläget i Europa och Sveriges inträde i Nato har lett till en kraftig expansion av Försvarsmaktens verksamhet. Det har ökat behovet att använda mark för träning och skjutverksamhet, vilket skapar utmaningar i den kommunala fysiska planeringen. Intressekonflikter mellan militära riksintressen och civila markanvändningar har därmed blivit en alltmer aktuell fråga. Denna studie undersöker intressekonflikter mellan Försvarsmaktens skjut- och övningsfält och deras tillhörande påverkansområden med andra markanvändningsintressen. Fokus är på störningskänslig bebyggelse och riksintressen för natur, kulturmiljövård och friluftsliv/rekreation. Syftet är att analysera hur geografiska informationssystem kan användas för att identifiera, visualisera och visa omfattningen av sådana konflikter. Studien syftar även till att belysa kommunernas upplevelser av planeringsutmaningar i relation till Försvarsmakten. Arbetet bygger på två huvudsakliga metoder. Dels en GIS-baserad analys av geografiska överlapp mellan Försvarsmaktens skjut- och övningsfält med tillhörande påverkansområden och andra markanvändningar. Dels en enkätundersökning riktad till kommuner med skjut- eller övningsfält inom kommunen. GIS-analysen genomförs med hjälp av överlagringsanalyser som visar att överlappning mellan riksintressen och störningskänsliga strukturer varierar kraftigt geografiskt. Enkätsvaren visar att många kommuner upplever begränsningar i planeringen. Begränsningarna sker delvis på grund av Försvarsmaktens särställning i lagstift-ningen men märkts främst på grund av bristande dialog och otillräcklig tillgång till tydlig geodata. Resultaten visar att GIS är ett kraftfullt verktyg för att synliggöra konfliktytor i fysisk planering. Det ger ett mätbart underlag som kan stödja mer transparenta och strategiska avvägningar. Studien pekar även på behovet av bättre informationsdelning och tidigare dialog mellan Försvarsmakten och kommunala planaktörer. Studien bidrar med både systematiska och praktiska insikter om hur GIS kan användas i konflikter mellan nationella intressen och lokal utveckling.Europe’s changing security situation and Sweden’s recent accession to NATO have led to a significant expansion of the Swedish Armed Forces’ activities. This has led to an increased demand for training areas and firing ranges, creating new challenges for municipal spatial planning. As a result, land use conflicts between military and civilian interests have become increasingly relevant. This thesis examines conflicts of interest between the Swedish Armed Forces' firing and training ranges with associated areas of influence and other land use interests. The focus is on disturbance-sensitive buildings and national interests in nature, cultural environment protection and outdoor life/recreation. The aim is to analyze how geographic information systems can be used to identify, visualize, and show the extent of such conflicts. The study explores the municipalities' experiences of planning challenges in relation to the Swedish Armed Forces. The work is based on two main methods, firstly a GIS-based analysis of geographical overlaps between the Swedish Armed Forces' firing and training ranges with associated areas of influence and other land uses. It also includes a survey targeting municipalities affected by these areas. The GIS analysis was conducted through overlay analyses showing that the overlap between national interests and disturbance-sensitive buildings varies geographically. The survey responses show that many of the municipalities experience planning limitations. This is primarily due to a lack of dialogue and insufficient access to clear geodata. The results show that GIS is a powerful tool for making conflict areas visible in spatial planning and provides a measurable basis that can support more transparent and strategic considerations. The work also points to the need for improved information sharing and earlier dialogue between the Armed Forces and municipal planning actors. The study contributes both methodological and practical insights into how GIS can be used in conflict situations between national interests and local development. The study concludes that improved data sharing and early-stage dialogue are essential for reducing land use conflict