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Exploring the Role of Basic Psychological Needs in the Relationship Between Overparenting and Adolescent Psychological Outcomes
No full textAlthough overparenting in adolescence is generally linked to poorer adolescent outcomes, the underlying psychological mechanisms have been less studied. Data from N = 691 Slovak adolescents (Mage = 15.4 SD = 0.71; 51% girls) were used to examine the role of basic psychological needs (BPN) satisfaction and frustration in the link between overparenting and adolescent internalizing and externalizing symptoms in two separate mother/father SEM models. BPN mediated the association between overparenting and adolescent psychological functioning, with some differences depending on the parent and adolescent gender. Specifically, BPN satisfaction mediated the link between overparenting and externalizing problems, while BPN frustration mediated the link between overparenting and internalizing problems. Understanding how these mechanisms operate differently in relation to internalizing and externalizing problems can inform targeted interventions.CC NC NDFunding: This work was supported by the Agentúra na Podporu Výskumu a Vývoja, APVV-23- 0500.</p
Item response theory modelling of the trait emotional intelligence questionnaire-short form : item streamlining, differential item functioning, and validity in a Swedish multicenter cross-sectional study
No full textBackground Trait emotional intelligence (EI) is often assessed using the 30-item Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Short Form (TEIQue-SF). However, previous research using item response theory (IRT) modelling has identified several underperforming items. This study aimed to psychometrically evaluate, refine, and optimize the TEIQueSF using IRT, with the goals of identifying and eliminating underperforming items, and examining whether items in the refined version function differently across sexes. Furthermore, the study sought to further validate the Swedish version of the TEIQue-SF. Methods This cross-sectional study surveyed 845 first-year students aged 19–59 (87% women) from seven healthcare and social work programs across six universities in southern Sweden. Participants completed the TEIQue-SF and health-related measures for convergent validity. IRT modeling employed the Graded Response Model (GRM) using the 2-Parameter Logistic Model in IRT for Patient-Reported Outcomes (IRTPRO). Marginal reliability and differential item functioning (DIF) were assessed with IRT, internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha and mean inter-item correlations, and validity through evaluating Direct Discrepancy Dynamic fit index (DDDFI) and bivariate correlations. Results The IRT modeling identified underperforming items, leading to a refined 12-item TEIQue-SF that effectively captures trait EI with high-quality items. The item selection process is detailed and supplemented. The shortened measure showed a strong correlation with the original (r=.94), demonstrated good reliability, and exhibited uniform DIF for only one item (Item 15). A comparison of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) model fit statistics using the DDDFI indicated a fair fit for the TEIQue-SF. Consistent with previous research on the TEIQue-SF, both 30-item and 12 item versions demonstrated strong convergent validity with health-related measures within the Swedish context. Conclusions The 12-item TEIQue-SF is a brief, precise, and valid measure for assessing trait EI while preserving its global conceptual structure. IRT modeling and validity testing against health-related measures confirm that 12-item TEIQue-SF effectively captures trait EI.CC BY 4.0</p
How Many Mutual Funds Are Too Many? : Analyzing the effect of having a global index fund in a mutual fund investment portfolio - Evidence from Sweden
No full textThis thesis examines the optimal number and type of mutual funds that retail investors should include alongside a global index fund to effectively balance portfolio risk and return. Utilizing Monte Carlo simulations based on historical return data from 94 mutual funds over a 10-year period, the study evaluates various portfolio configurations comprising passive, active, and global index funds. The results indicate that adding additional funds to a portfolio containing a global index fund reduces several risk measures-namely, terminal wealth standard deviation, time-series standard deviation, mean shortfall, and semivariance. The most substantial diversification benefits are observed with the inclusion of 4 to 6 mutual funds. However, returns generally diminish beyond this threshold, reflecting the classic risk-return trade-off. Portfolios, which are composed of a single global index fund or a combination of a global index fund with one additional passive or active fund, generate the highest returns over both 5- and 10-year investment horizons. Moreover, portfolios incorporating passive or mixed strategies consistently outperform those consisting solely of actively managed funds. These findings highlight the importance of strategic fund selection, accounting for both performance and fees, and offer practical insight for retail investors aiming to optimize short and medium-term investment outcomes
Work-integrated learning in teacher education from the perspectives of both pre-service teachers and teacher educators : an integrative literature review
No full textPrimarily, research on work-integrated learning in teacher education has focused on either pre-service teachers’ learning on and off campus or teacher educators’ daily professional learning. This implies a need for further studies with a combined focus on pre-service teachers and teacher educators. Hence, this integrative literature review is twofold: firstly, to map the published literature on work-integrated learning in teacher education and secondly, to synthesise prior research through a socio-cultural lens, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. The search strategy encompassed articles from 2020 to 2025, and the final material, comprising 21 peer-reviewed articles were analysed and subsequently synthesised from a sociocultural perspective, drawing on ideas of learning as a social activity mediated through interaction with others. Findings reveal constraints and facilitators related to pre-service teachers’ work-integrated learning during placement. Constraints and facilitators for teacher educators related to changed teaching conditions and teaching competence. The concepts of agency and interactional space were employed to synthesise the findings. In conclusion, high agency and a wide interactional space facilitate work-integrated learning for pre-service teachers and teacher educators, whereas restricted agency and a limited interactional space hinder the same.CC BY 4.0</p
Hollow specimen method for mechanical testing in gaseous hydrogen
No full textHydrogen embrittlement remains a problem in many applications. Rocket engines that use hydrogen as a propellant have small margins, operating in harsh conditions with weight-minimizing design requirements, and additive manufacturing is increasingly used to meet these goals. Rapid, inexpensive testing methods for assessing mechanical properties in gaseous hydrogen are needed to characterize additively manufactured alloys. A hollow specimen geometry has been used for evaluating these properties, and a standard was published in 2024. Research using autoclaves indicates that surface condition can influence results. The hollow specimen has an inner surface that is difficult to polish. Studies show that this geometry gives higher relative reductions of area in slow strain rate testing compared to solid specimens in hydrogen. This paper provides an overview of the benefits, drawbacks, status, and future developments of this method. Based on a literature review, it discusses the history, its use in other fields, manufacturing methods, surface condition, gas purity, and comparisons with solid specimens. The method requires attention to inner surface condition as it can influence results when ranking materials based on embrittlement indicators. Current research indicates it is potentially suitable for quasi-static tensile testing, providing a hydrogen embrittlement index based on ductility. Further work is needed to refine testing parameters, investigate reproducibility, and assess its suitability for fatigue testing in gaseous hydrogen.CC BY-NC-ND</p
District Nurses’ Approaches to Strengthening Self-Care in Patients with Type 2-Diabetes : An Integrative Literature Review
No full textBakgrund: Diabetes är en kronisk och globalt växande folkhälsoutmaning som beräknas påverka över 529 miljoner människor världen över. Mer än 95 % av dessa har typ 2-diabetes (WHO, 2024; International Diabetes Federation, 2025). Förekomsten förväntas stiga till 1,3 miljarder år 2050. Sjukdomen kräver ett livslångt engagemang i egenvård, där etablerade levnadsvanor avseende kost och fysisk aktivitet behöver vidmakthållas och anpassas över tid för att förebygga allvarliga komplikationer och minska samhällskostnaderna. I primärvården har distriktssköterskan en central roll i att främja patienters förmåga och motivation till egenvård genom pedagogik, stöd och relationsbyggande. Syfte: Syftet med denna integrativa litteraturstudie är att undersöka hur distriktssköterskans arbetssätt kan bidra till att stärka egenvård hos patienter med typ 2-diabetes. Metod: Studien är en integrativ litteraturstudie enligt Whittemore och Knafl (2005), vilket möjliggör syntes av både kvantitativ och kvalitativ forskning för en helhetsbild. Systematiska sökningar genomfördes i PubMed och CINAHL, med artiklar publicerade 2015–2025 som fokuserade på distriktssköterskors arbetssätt samt utbildnings- och stödinsatser mot patienter med typ 2-diabetes. Utvalda studier granskades med CASP och MMAT mallar för att säkerställa vetenskaplig kvalitet. Resultat: Analysen av 19 studier (5 kvantitativa, 13 kvalitativa, 1 mixad metod) med totalt 1 191 patienter och 208 distriktssköterskor visade två teman med fem subteman. Första tema: Vårdrelation som grund vid egenvård med subteman: Hälsolitteracitet som kunskapsbro, Kommunikationens kraft, Navigera i vardagen. Andra tema: Stöd till egenvård med subtaman: Distriktssjuksköterskans koordinerande roll i teamet, Familjeengagemang som del av egenvårdsstödet. Slutsats: Distriktssköterskans mest effektiva bidrag till egenvård ligger i det relationella mötet, att anpassa kommunikation, visa närvaro och bygga förtroende snarare än att enbart förmedla teknisk information. Förutsättningar som tid, kontinuitet, kulturell kompetens och organisatoriskt stöd är nödvändiga för att möjliggöra detta. Trots organisatoriska hinder uppvisar distriktssköterskor ofta innovation och flexibilitet i sitt arbete.Background: Type 2 diabetes is a prevalent chronic condition that demands ongoing self-care to prevent complications and reduce healthcare costs. In primary care, district nurses play a pivotal role in educating, supporting, and motivating patients to manage their illness effectively. Aim: The aim of this integrative literature review is to examine how district nurses’ approaches can enhance self-care in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Method: An integrative literature review was conducted following Whittemore and Knafl’s framework. Systematic searches of PubMed and CINAHL (2015–2025) identified 19 peer-reviewed studies with quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods. Studies were appraised using the MMAT and CASP tools to ensure methodological rigor. Results: Analysis of 19 studies (5 quantitative, 13 qualitative and 1 mixed-methods) involving a total of 1,191 patients and 208 district nurses revealed two overarching themes with five sub-themes. The first Theme, The care relationship as a foundation for self-care: Health literacy as a bridge to knowledge, The power of communication and Navigating everyday life. The second Theme, Support for self-care: The district nurse’s role of the care team and The importance of the family. Conclusion: The district nurse’s greatest impact on long-term self-care lies in a relational approach characterized by individualized communication, trust-building encounters, and sustained follow-up. Realizing this potential requires organizational enablers such as protected time, leadership support, cultural competence, and care continuity. Despite systemic constraints, district nurses often demonstrate creativity and flexibility in their practice, advancing equitable and patient-centered diabetes care
Implementation Patterns and Perceived Value of the SEXIT Method in School Health Care
No full textAim: To explore implementation patterns and perceived value of the SEXIT (SEXual health Identification Tool) method in the school health care (SHC) setting in Sweden. Design: Mixed method survey using an online questionnaire with closed and free-text response options. Methods: 115 SHC professionals who had completed SEXIT training responded to an online questionnaire (response rate 26%), between March and May 2024. Closed questions were answered on a five-point Likert scale, and responses trichotomised. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, qualitative data with a deductive qualitative content analysis. CROSS guideline was used. Results: 70 of 115 SHC professionals used SEXIT in their work. Findings suggest that SEXIT is appropriate and useful, supporting communication about topics such as sexual health and violence that both pupils and professionals may avoid addressing. Implementation patterns showed that 61% of those who had completed training also used SEXIT. 63% of those used SEXIT during regular health dialogues, but some did not use it with all pupils. The perceived value was that most SHC professionals felt that SEXIT helped them get a better understanding of the pupil's situation, an objection that it was too time-consuming. Conclusion: Most SHC professionals who had completed SEXIT training used the method regularly and perceived the method as valuable and facilitating discussions about sexual ill health and experiences of violence with pupils. There are indications that SHC services fail to identify particularly at-risk young people. Sexual health inequity persists, as some structurally marginalised and vulnerable youths are excluded from the SEXIT dialogues. A follow-up study will focus on pupils' experiences. Relevance: This study validates SEXIT in a new setting, SHC, and is relevant for the promotion of sexual and reproductive health for all, and for preventing violence and sexual ill health among young people.CC BYFundingThe research was funded by The Swedish Gender Equality Agency(RHS 2023- 00481, RHS 2024- 01244).</p
How have the Reforms over 50 Years Affected the Professionalization of Staff in Swedish School Age Educare Centers (SAEC)
No full textProfessionalization is the process by which an occupation becomes a recognized profession. This involves setting standards, qualifications, and practices. It includes education, training, and social processes that turn workers into professionals. Key aspects are standards, professional associations, knowledge base, certification, occupational closure, and ethical guidelines (Englund & Solbrekke, 2015). Professionalization can be driven from the bottom-up by workers, top-down by employers or the government, or a mix of both. The outcome is establishing satisfactory capabilities and recognition as a profession (Brante, 2013). Relevant professionalization research for staff in Swedish SAEC is scant (Holmberg, 2021), but there have been many changes for this professional group (Boström & Orwehag, 2025). Therefore, we examine in this study the reforms carried out in Sweden over 50 years in relation to professionalization theory (Brante 2013). It is based on statistical data between 1971 and 2021, key figures for the SAEC, and document analyses of completed reforms. Empirical data is analyzed based on a top-down perspective with deductive content analysis (Graneheim & Lundman, 2004) based on basic concepts in professionalization theory. Preliminary results show, firstly, that during the epoch, around 25 reforms were carried out concerning organizational structure, curriculum, and educational level. The requirements for entering education have been raised, the content has changed substantially but the needs of the labor market have not been synchronized with the real need, leading to an accelerating shortage of qualified personnel. On the other hand, the profession has been significantly reshaped through standards, credentialing requirements, and curriculum content, which are important steps in professionalization. However, a solid knowledge base (research) and occupational closure, as well as ethical guidelines, remain. We conclude that the reforms were two-edged regarding the professionalization of the staff. Examples of different directions in the reforms, increasing e.g. certification, regulated content (in curricula) and (indirectly) decreasing: e.g. reduced autonomy through subordination under the school, reduced proportion of certified/qualified staff at SAEC
Solution annealing of PBF-LB manufactured 2507 super duplex stainless steel : a computational thermodynamics approach
No full textThe use of additive manufacturing, especially laser beam powder bed fusion (PBF-LB), is becoming increasingly popular for producing super duplex stainless steel (SDSS) parts. However, the rapid cooling rate, complex thermal cycles, and eventual nitrogen loss during processing can result in an unbalanced ferritic microstructure and the formation of intermetallics; hence, solution annealing heat treatment following the PBF-LB process is required. The present study aims to compare the as-built and heat-treated microstructures of 2507 SDSS manufactured via PBF-LB with varying solution annealing times. Computational thermodynamics were used to establish the solution annealing temperature (CALPHAD) and time (DICTRA). The as-built microstructure comprises predominantly ferrite, intragranular chromium nitrides with a small amount of grain boundary, and intragranular austenite. The experimental results showed the formation of a balanced two-phase ferrite and austenite microstructure within 2 min of solution annealing time, in good alignment with the DICTRA calculations. This microstructural balance was maintained with increased solution annealing time up to 60 min. The solution-annealed microstructure revealed the dissolution of intragranular chromium nitrides, the growth of grain boundary austenite, and the formation of intragranular and Widmanstätten austenite. This study exemplifies how computational thermodynamics can be successfully used in the design of solution annealing heat treatment for 2507 SDSS manufactured via the PBF-LB process.CC-BY 4.0</p