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Trust and Leadership in the Hybrid Workplace
No full textDigitalization of the workplace has transformed work practices and shaped hybrid work contexts. This study explores trust from a leadership perspective in two hybrid organizations, commonly known as global high-tech industrial companies. The study is qualitative with an exploratory approach. Collected data consists of field observations and interviews. The result reveal that trust is understood as a vital leadership tool in hybrid work settings. Practical findings highlight the need for strategic efforts to build and sustain trust. In addition, leaders underscore that trust is linked to clear goals and expectations, addressing respect, loyalty and empathy. Leaders emphasized the importance of regular interactions to foster trustful relationships in hybrid work settings. The result indicate that some leaders perceive that there is no choice but to trust in hybrid work settings.CC BY-NC-ND 4.0</p
Truck mobile energy storage system effects on the costs of electric taxis
No full textThe rapid growth of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) usage causes severe challenges for charging infrastructure. Despite the numerous merits of stationary energy storage systems (SESSs) for charging BEVs, they cannot solve all challenges for financers and EV customers because SESSs involve a series of limitations, such as the lack of proper electrical infrastructure or construction space in some areas, high construction costs, and users’ satisfaction level. For this purpose, truck mobile energy storage systems (TMESSs) can play a complementary role in BEVs’ charging to provide optimal operation of electricity networks or charge management BEVs. In this paper, the effects of TMESSs on decreasing the costs of electric taxis (BEVs) as a part of the public transportation system are analyzed through a multi-charger proposal model in terms of the charging time costs, operation and maintenance costs, and energy costs. A case study in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA, validated the model using GAMS software, demonstrating that TMESSs can reduce taxis’ costs (the total operational costs and the charging time cost) by 49 %, decrease charging time by 55 %, and improve user satisfaction levels significantly. These findings suggest that TMESSs offer a viable solution to lower electric taxi costs while enhancing charging flexibility and efficiency.CC BY 4.0</p
Predictors of Young Adults' Primal World Beliefs in Eight Countries.
No full textPrimal world beliefs ("primals") capture understanding of general characteristics of the world, such as whether the world is Good and Enticing. Children (N = 1215, 50% girls), mothers, and fathers from Colombia, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Philippines, Sweden, Thailand, and United States reported neighborhood danger, socioeconomic status, parental warmth, harsh parenting, psychological control, and autonomy granting from ages 8 to 16 years. At age 22 years, original child participants reported their primal world beliefs. Parental warmth during childhood and adolescence significantly predicted Good, Safe, and Enticing world beliefs, but other experiences were only weakly related to primals. We did not find that primals are strongly related to intuitive aspects of the materiality of childhood experiences, which suggests future directions for understanding the origins of primals.CC-BY 4.0This research was funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development grant RO1-HD054805, Fogarty International Center grant RO3-TW008141, and Templeton Religion Trust grant TRT0298.</p
Hope amid uncertainty : exploring the validity of the State Hope Scale in post-migration adult language learning
No full textWhen language learning takes place post-migration, the challenge is not only to attain fluency. Learning is tied up with life opportunities and is overshadowed by hopes and fears for the future. In the post-migration phase, hopeful thinking can support the acculturation process. Hope is a goal-related construct that captures variation in adaptability in the pursuit of positive outcomes. It involves the interaction of (a) agency (goal-directed energy) and (b) pathways (strategic planning for goal accomplishment). When language learning takes place in situations of uncertainty, Hope can provide insights into adaptive learning behaviour. The purpose of the study was to examine the psychometric properties of the State Hope Scale (SHS) in a sample of adult migrants (n = 211) learning Swedish. First, the factor structure of Hope was investigated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Second, convergent and discriminant validity were examined in relation to the associable constructs of Grit and Academic Buoyancy. Finally, measurement invariance for gender was examined. Findings support a one-factor structure. Consideration is given to (a) psychometric qualities of the SHS, and (b) the role of Hope in L2 psychology. Since language learning always involves a degree of uncertainty, Hope can be a useful construct for studying learner psychology.CC BY 4.0</p
When GenAI creates the interface
No full textThe purpose of this qualitive study is to examine and analyze how the application of generative AI shapes the UX design process, which is reviewed from an ethical perspective to better understand the potential of ethical risks and dilemmas. The study is conducted through semi-structured interviews where the empiricism has been systemically analyzed. The result of the study highlights the advantages and disadvantages of generative AI as well as the ethical dilemmas that follow its use. The main points in the results are how generative AI streamlines the process and functions as support or an extra colleague, while at the same time the need for human oversight is emphasized. That the AI tools being used are not explainable leads to problems with unreliable outputs, integrity, and potential biases. It also turns out that there is currently a lack of guidelines regarding the use, where it more or less is up to the employees themselves to relate to the tools. The conclusion emphasizes that generative AI should be implemented with transparency and that the industry has a responsibility to convey this. While all users of the tools in the industry need both training and clear guidelines to better uphold ethical use.Syftet med denna kvalitativa studie är att undersöka och analysera hur tillämpningen av generativ AI formar UX-designprocessen, vilket granskas ur ett etiskt perspektiv för att öka förståelsen kring potentiella etiska risker och dilemman. Studien bygger på semistrukturerade intervjuer där empirin systematiskt har analyserats. Resultatet i studien lyfter de fördelar och nackdelar med generativ AI samt de etiska dilemman som följer med användningen. Huvudpunkterna i resultatet är hur generativ AI effektiviserar processen samt fungerar som ett stöd eller en extra kollega, samtidigt som behovet av mänsklig övervakning lyfts. Att AI-verktygen som används inte är förklarbara medför problem med opålitliga outputs, integritet, samt potentiella biases. Det visar sig också vara bristande riktlinjer i dagsläget kring användningen där det mer eller mindre ligger till de anställdas egna förfogande att förhålla sig till verktygen. Slutsatsen lyfter att generativ AI bör implementeras med transparens och att företagen har ett ansvar inom detta. Samtidigt som alla som använder verktygen i branschen behöver både utbildning samt tydliga riktlinjer för att bättre upprätthålla en etisk användnin
En studie av sambandet mellan metakognitiva antaganden och upplevd stress i arbetslivet : tEn kvantitativ enkätstudie
No full textStressrelaterad ohälsa ökar i det svenska arbetslivet och kognitiva faktorer som metakognition har föreslagits som en möjlig förklaring. Denna kvantitativa tvärsnittsstudie undersökte sambandet mellan olika metakognitiva strategier och upplevd stress. 110 yrkesverksamma personer deltog och besvarade följande två självskattningsformulär, Metacognitions Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30) och Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10). Pearsons korrelationsanalys och multipel regressionsanalys användes för att analysera sambanden. Resultaten visade att tre av fem metakognitiva delskalor var signifikanta prediktorer för upplevd stress i arbetslivet. Det var positiva föreställningar om oro, och negativa föreställningar om okontrollerbarhet var positivt relaterade till upplevd stress, medan kognitiv självmedvetenhet visade ett negativt samband. Övriga delskalor visade ingen signifikant effekt. Resultaten fördjupar tidigare antaganden om att metakognition alltid är skyddande och belyser istället vikten av vilken typ av metakognitiv strategi som används. Studien bidrar med psykologisk förståelse för stressens inre process och har praktisk relevans för stresshantering i yrkeslivet.Work-related stress is increasing in Sweden and cognitive factors such as metacognition have been suggested as key contributors. This quantitative cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between specific metacognitive strategies and perceived stress in today's work life. A total of 110 participants completed the Metacognitions Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30) and the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10). Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted. Results showed that three of the five metacognitive subscales were significant predictors of perceived stress; positive beliefs about worry and negative beliefs about uncontrollability and danger were positively associated with stress, while cognitive self-consciousness showed a negative association. The other two subscales were not significant. These findings challenge the assumption that greater metacognitive awareness always reduces stress, suggesting instead that the type of metacognitive belief is critical. The study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of stress as an internal psychological process and offers implications for targeted workplace stress interventions
AI-driven Dark Patterns : A study about the impact on autonomy
No full textManipulative design in digital interfaces, also known as AI-driven dark patterns, influences the users decision-making skills and their sense of autonomy. This study shows the importance of awareness within the digital space when it comes to identifying and resisting this type of influence. A quantitative method was used to collect data through a web-based survey. The survey included scenarios that simulated AI-generated manipulation techniques, such as time-limited offers, personalized advertisements, and difficult-to-navigate interfaces. The responses were analyzed statistically to identify correlations between technical competence, concern about AI, and perceived control. The results show that even technically skilled users can be negatively affected. Many respondents reported feelings of stress, frustration, and a loss of control, despite having a high awareness of digital risks. This study confirms that cybersecurity awareness can increase resistance to manipulation, but emotional factors play a critical role
Seeing the Invisible : Healthcare Professionals' Experiences of Encountering Women Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence
No full textBakgrund: Våld i nära relation utgör ett omfattande samhälls- och folkhälsoproblem som kan få allvarliga konsekvenser för kvinnors fysiska, psykiska och existentiella hälsa. Vårdprofessioner har en viktig roll i att identifiera och bemöta våldsutsatthet, men tidigare forskning visar att detta ofta är förenat med svårigheter, både på ett personligt och organisatoriskt plan. Syfte: Syftet var att beskriva vårdprofessioners upplevelser av att möta kvinnor som är utsatta för våld i nära relation. Metod: Studien genomfördes som en litteraturöversikt. Det genomfördes systematisklitteratursökningar och studien kompletterades med osystematiska sökningar. Totalt inkluderades elva vetenskapliga artiklar som analyserades tematiskt. Resultat: Tre huvudteman identifierades: Osäkerhet i att identifiera ett dolt problem, Mellan empati och professionalitet samt Att göra skillnad i det lilla Vårdprofessioner upplevde organisatoriska hinder, känslomässig ambivalens och brist på stöd i mötet med våldsutsatta kvinnor. Samtidigt framkom strategier präglade av lyhördhet, kreativitet och ett starkt engagemang för att skapa trygghet och bygga förtroende. Slutsats: Mötet med våldsutsatta kvinnor beskrivs som komplext och emotionellt krävande. För att möjliggöra ett tryggt, professionellt och vårdande bemötande krävs strukturellt stöd, utbildning, tydliga riktlinjer och stärkt samverkan. Vårdprofessioners roll är central i att synliggöra kvinnans situation och främja hennes hälsa, värdighet och autonomi.Background: Intimate partner violence constitutes a widespread public health and societal problem, with serious consequences for women's physical, psychological, and existential health. Healthcare professionals play a key role in identifying and addressing exposure to violence, but previous research shows that this is often associated with challenges, both on a personal and organizational level. Aim: The aim was to describe healthcare professionals’ experiences of encountering women exposed to intimate partner violence. Method: This study was conducted as a literature review. Systematic literature searches were performed and complemented by unsystematic searches. In total, eleven scientific articles were included and analyzed thematically. Results: Three main themes were identified: Uncertainty in identifying a hidden problem, Between empathy and professionalism, and Making a difference in small ways. Healthcare professionals experienced organizational barriers, emotional ambivalence, and a lack of support when encountering women exposed to violence. At the same time, strategies characterized by attentiveness, creativity, and a strong commitment to creating safety and building trust emerged. Conclusion: The encounter with women exposed to intimate partner violence is described as complex and emotionally demanding. To enable a safe, professional, and caring response, structural support, education, clear guidelines, and strengthened collaboration are needed. The role of healthcare professionals is central in making the woman’s situation visible and promoting her health, dignity, and autonomy
Cybersecurity in Swedish Organisations
No full textThis bachelor thesis examines how medium-sized and large Swedish organizations perceive and manage cyber threats. The aim is to identify common threats, applied strategies, and the connection between strategies and organizational size. The study is based on qualitative interviews with six organizations, evenly distributed between private and public, as well as between medium-sized and large. The results show high awareness of threats such as phishing, ransomware, insider attacks, AI-generated attacks, and denial-of-service attacks. Several organizations use frameworks like ISO/IEC 27001 and the NIS2 directive. Larger organizations have more structured strategies, while medium-sized ones often lack resources. The conclusion is that larger organizations demonstrate more mature cybersecurity practices. Medium-sized organisations are more vulnerable and need better support and increased awareness.Detta kandidatexamensarbete undersöker hur medelstora och stora svenska verksamheter uppfattar och hanterar cyberhot. Syftet är att identifiera vanliga hot, strategier som används samt kopplingen mellan strategier och verksamhetens storlek. Studien bygger på kvalitativa intervjuer med sex verksamheter, jämnt fördelade mellan privata och offentliga, samt mellan medelstora och stora. Resultaten visar hög medvetenhet om hot som phishing, ransomware, insiderattacker, AI-genererade attacker och överbelastningsattacker. Flera verksamheter använder ramverk som ISO/IEC 27001 och NIS2-direktivet. Större verksamheter har mer strukturerade strategier, medan medelstora ofta saknar resurser. Slutsatsen är att större verksamheter har mognare cybersäkerhetsarbete. Medelstora är mer sårbara och behöver bättre stöd och ökad medvetenhet
Facile one-step fabrication of Li4Ti5O12 coatings by suspension plasma spraying
No full textSpinel Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) is a promising anode material for solid state thin film batteries (SSTB) due to its almost-zero volume change and promising Li-ion mobility. However, preparing LTO anodes for SSTB demands tedious vacuum-based processing steps that are not cost effective. In this context, the present study embarks on evaluating the versatile suspension plasma spraying (SPS) approach to fabricate LTO coatings without using any binder. The microstructure and stoichiometry of the fabricated LTO coatings developed through the SPS route reveals retention of ∼76 wt.% of the spinel LTO from the starting feedstock, with minor amounts of rutile and anatase TiO2. The SPS experiments yielded varying thickness build up rates of the LTO coatings depending on the processing parameters adopted. The electrochemical data of the produced LTO based electrode tested in a half-cell through galvanostatic cycling show reversible lithiation and delithiation at expected potential, thereby validating the promise of the SPS technique for potential fabrication of SSTB components once fully optimized.CC-BY 4.0</p