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Challenges when migrating to cloud services
No full textThe purpose of this study was to investigate whether a migration of data and applications towards the cloud entailed any detectable consequences. After that, our goal was to find some kind of solution to these possible problems. We did literature study and to gain a deeper understanding of these issues this study was supplemented with four semi-structured interviews. Our results show that a generally positive perception of cloud services emerges, where availability appears as the primary driving force. Different organizations have different needs, which is why it is important to determine these needs before a migration.Our conclusion is that one should undertake thorough and well-structures preparatory work. Subsequently, it is recommended to consciously choose and follow one or several established migration strategies
Sustainable Production through Advanced Manufacturing, Intelligent Automation and Work Integrated Learning : Proceedings of the 11th Swedish Production Symposium (SPS2024)
No full textCollaboration between those working in product development and production is essential for successful product realization. The Swedish Production Academy (SPA) was founded in 2006 with the aim of driving and developing production research and higher education in Sweden, and increasing national cooperation in research and education within the area of production. This book presents the proceedings of SPS2024, the 11th Swedish Production Symposium, held from 23 to 26 April 2024 in Trollhättan, Sweden. The conference provided a platform for SPA members, as well as for professionals from industry and academia interested in production research and education from around the world, to share insights and ideas. The title and overarching theme of SPS2024 was Sustainable Production through Advanced Manufacturing, Intelligent Automation and Work Integrated Learning, and the conference emphasized stakeholder value, the societal role of industry, worker wellbeing, and environmental sustainability, in alignment with the European Commission's vision for the future of manufacturing. The 59 papers included here were accepted for publication and presentation at the symposium after a thorough review process. They are divided into 6 sections reflecting the thematic areas of the conference, which were: sustainable manufacturing, smart production and automation, digitalization for efficient product realization, circular production, industrial transformation for sustainability, and the integration of education and research. Highlighting the latest developments and advances in automation and sustainable production, the book will be of interest to all those working in the field.CC -BY-NC 4.0</p
Virtual Commissioning During the Manufacturing Equipment Procurement Process : From an Industrial Expert Point of View
No full textThe procurement process of investing in new manufacturing equipment can be time-consuming and complex. This is especially prevalent in manufacturing companies specializing in production of cutting-edge low volume components. The focus of increased digitalization in the era of industry 4.0 has brought to light novel technologies, such as virtual commissioning, factory scanning, digital twins, and their respective digital models. The aspects of virtual commissioning in relation to the procurement process were investigated through a case study at a manufacturing company. The data collection was explorative and qualitative, including mapping of the case company procurement process and four in-depth interviews with industry experts, performed during spring 2023. The industry experts were selected to enlighten the procurement process from different angles, i.e., project management, electrical installations, robot programming, and maintenance. The findings from the study are fourfold. First, the existing procurement process was mapped and holistically explained from the viewpoints of different work functions. Secondly, improvements to the current procurement process were identified. Thirdly, the current use of virtual commissioning in the procurement process was brought to light. Finally, challenges and possibilities for using virtual commissioning in the procurement process were brought forward. The conclusion displays possible improvements to flow and time aspects of the procurement process and thus application of virtual commissioning is worthwhile to consider. However, the industrial experts, taking part in the interviews, bring forth certain skepticism and challenges of using virtual commissioning. Thus, to move forward, it is important to proactively engage experts and other employees concerned with sought development. This emphasizes the industry 5.0 perspectives of humans’ interaction and critical thinking when facing challenges of industrial digitalization. Future research is therefore encouraged to involve joint discussions between industrial experts in focus group settings and extending the study to incorporate more functions i.e., managers and machine operators.CC BY NC 4.0</p
‘There is a fear of not being SUPER knowledgeable’ - social workers striving to enhance children’s participation in the assessment process for disability support : [‘Det finns en rädsla att inte vara SUPER kunnig’ – Omsocialarbetares strävan för att öka barns delaktighet iutredningsprocessen om stödinsatser enligt LSS] -
No full textThere is a need for more knowledge about how to enhance children’s participation in the assessment process when applying for support in accordance with the Swedish Disability Act (SDA). Here, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) has been highlighted as a successful way of letting children have a say in matters that concern their everyday lives. This study examines, from social workers’ perspectives, how increased participation can be made possible for children with disabilities during the process of decision-making and planning for support. Based on focus group interviews (N = 17) and individual interviews (N = 11) the findings reveal that the social worker shows a readiness to listen to children’s voices. However, they experience a range of both facilitating, but predominantly complicating, factors when meeting with the child and their parents. It is argued that the social workers’ professional discretion to some extent is influenced by the prevailing organisational culture, where a permissive work climate and proactive leadership are attributed great importance.Det behövs mer kunskap om hur barns delaktighet kan stärkas i bedömningsprocessen vid ansökan om stöd enligt Lagen om stöd och service till vissa funktionshindrade (LSS). Här har Alternativ och Kompletterande Kommunikation (AKK) lyfts fram som ett framgångsrikt sätt att låta barn komma till tals i frågor som rör deras vardag. Denna studie undersöker, utifrån socialarbetares perspektiv, hur ökad delaktighet kan möjliggöras för barn med funktionsnedsättning under beslutsfattande och planering för stöd. Baserat på fokusgruppsintervjuer (N = 17) och individuella intervjuer (N = 11) visar resultaten att den handläggande socialarbetaren ofta visar en beredskap och vilja att lyssna på barns röster. De upplever dock en rad både underlättande men framför allt komplicerande faktorer i mötet med barnet och dess föräldrar. Studien konkluderar att socialarbetarnas professionella handlingsutrymme för att främja barns delaktighet i utredningsprocessen i viss mån påverkas av den rådande organisationskulturen, där tillåtande arbetsklimat och proaktivt ledarskap tillskrivs stor betydelse.CC BY NC 4.0</p
Adolescent gaming and parent–child emotional closeness : bivariate relationships in a longitudinal perspective
No full textThe aim of this study was to add knowledge of the longitudinal associations between gaming and emotional closeness between parents and their children. We hypothesized that parent–child emotional closeness was linked to less gaming activity over time and that more gaming activity was linked to less parent–child emotional closeness over time. We also tested the moderating efect of child gender on these anticipated links. This study involved a sample of Swedish adolescents, spanning the developmental years from age 12.5 to 17, and included data from two time points (T1; year 2013 and T2; years 2017/2018) with N=782 participants (T1 Mage=12.10, SD=0.40; 49.6% girls). Utilizing a series of Cross-Lagged Panel Models, we found that emotional closeness to both mother and father predicted less time spent on gaming over time. More time spent on gaming predicted less emotional closeness to mother over time. Additionally, gaming activity among girls was specifcally related to less emotional closeness to their father over time. Strengthening parent–child relationships and emotional bonds may be crucial in safeguarding adolescents from developing habits of excessive gaming that could potentially pose problems for their psychosocial development.CC BY 4.0</p
Ethical value conflicts in healthcare and their effects on nurses’ health, turnover intent, team effectiveness, and patient safety : a longitudinal questionnaire study
No full textObjective: Moral distress emanating from value conflicts comprising ethical dimensions pose a threat to nurses’ health and retention, as well as to the quality of care. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationships between the frequency of ethical value conflicts (EVC), and the perceived distress when they occur, respectively, and nurses’ work-related stress, burnout symptoms, turnover intent, team effectiveness, and patient safety. Method: A two-wave longitudinal cohort questionnaire study was performed among registered nurses at six hospitals in two Swedish regions. Cross-sectional analyses (T1) were based on 1817 nurses in 228 care units (CU), and longitudinal analyses (T1 – T2) on 965 nurses in 190 CU. Hypothesis testing was performed using multilevel controlled regression modeling. Result: The results indicated that nurses who were often exposed to EVC also to a higher extent tended to report these conflicts as stressful. Frequent exposure to EVC induced by insufficient resources, inapt organizational structures or interpersonal staff relations were cross-sectionally associated with work-related stress, burnout symptoms, turnover intent, and team effectiveness. The longitudinal analyses indicated that EVC induced by a lack of resources primarily had negative effects on nurses’ health and well-being. At the CU level, such conflicts also impaired team effectiveness. At the individual level, EVC induced by organizational constraints or interpersonal relations negatively affected care effectiveness. Conclusions: EVC are related to negative consequences in healthcare, and such processes take place both on the individual and organizational levels.</p>CC-BY 4.0</p
Taguchi-based optimisation of FSW parameters for advancement in aerospace materials : Al-Li 2060 alloy
No full textAluminium-lithium (Al-Li) 2060 alloy, a 3rd generation Al-Li alloy, is considered a structural material for aircraft components. This study employs the Friction Stir Welding (FSW) process with a kinematic 5-axis robotic arm to weld 4-mm-thick plates of 2060-T8E30 Al-Li alloy. The focus is on the impact of tool axial force and speeds on the microstructural evolution, mechanical properties, and surface integrity of the welded joints. The applied process parameters included rotational speeds ranging from 800 to 1600 rpm, traverse speeds from 2 to 4 mm/s, and axial forces from 4 to 6 kN. We utilise the Taguchi L9 orthogonal array to optimise the process parameters. The results revealed that rotational speed is paramount for affecting the welds’ quality, followed by axial force and then traverse. Defect-free samples exhibited a fine surface finish, with average roughness values of 3.05 μm and 3.536 μm. The study also showed that 5 kN of axial force, 1200 rpm of rotational speed, and 3 mm/s of traverse speed were the best FSW conditions for getting a maximum stir zone microhardness value of 128.77 HV. This study also shows how to improve the FSW parameters for Al-Li alloys, showing how important precise parameter control is for improving joint strength and weld quality in high-tech aerospace and automotive applications. CC BY 4.0</p
Long-Term Outcomes of Adolescent Outpatient Treatment for Substance Use Problems : Exploring the Co-occurrence of Mental Health and Substance Use Problems.
No full textBACKGROUND: Adolescents with substance use problems (SUP) constitute a group expected to face increased mental health problems (MHP). SUP can exacerbate mental health issues while also serving as a coping mechanism. Understanding the interplay between psychological, substance-related, and social factors is crucial for shaping effective interventions for this demographic. This article presents a three-year follow-up study with adolescents who had outpatient treatment for SUP, focusing on MHP and psychiatric conditions. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the prevalence of ongoing SUP and MHP in adolescents who received outpatient treatment at a specialized substance use clinic three years post-treatment initiation. Additionally, it seeks to explore psychosocial risk factors distinguishing adolescents with solely MHP from those with both MHP and persistent SUP (co-occurring problems) three years post-treatment initiation. METHOD: The study utilizes a longitudinal design, combining structured interview data at intervention onset with national register data at one- and three-years post-treatment initiation. A total of 451 adolescents participated, with 29% females and a median age of 17 years. Descriptive statistics and gender distribution of outcome groups are presented, alongside logistic regressions to assess the predictive value of risk factors for psychiatric conditions, substance use, and co-occurring conditions. RESULTS: Nearly three-quarters of enrolled youth show no ongoing SUP, and one-third exhibit indications of MHP three years after treatment initiation. Risk factors diverge when distinguishing adolescents with MHP from those with co-occurring problems at the three-year mark post-treatment. School problems, depression, female gender, and low primary drug use increase the likelihood of solely exhibiting MHP. CONCLUSIONS: Integrated outpatient clinics like Maria clinics could play a crucial role in early detection and management of both SUP and MHP. The findings offer hope, suggesting positive outcomes regarding substance use even for individuals with heavy risk loads or severe SUP.CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 </p
Quality of life-related and non-quality of life-related issues in ICU survivors and non-ICU-treated controls : a multi-group exploratory factor analysis
No full textBackground: Quality of life (QoL) is a key outcome measure in healthcare. However, the heterogeneity in its definitions presents challenges in the objective evaluation of improvement. Universal questionnaires, tailored for a broad demographic group, inadequately represent the unique experiences of intensive care unit (ICU) survivors, including a lack of ability to discriminate issues related to QoL from issues that do not. Methods: Using a 218-item, 13-domain provisional questionnaire, we assessed 395 adult ICU survivors, with a minimum 72-h stay at one of three Swedish university hospital ICUs, at 6 months to three years post-discharge. Their responses were compared to those of 195 controls, matched for age and sex and randomly recruited from the Swedish Population Registry. By multi-group exploratory factor analysis, we compared dimensionality in QoL perceptions between the two groups, emphasising patterns of correlation to 13 domain-specific QoL questions. Model fit was assessed using information criteria. Internal consistency reliability for each scale was determined using McDonald’s omega or Cronbach’s alpha. All analyses were conducted using Mplus, applying full information maximum likelihood to handle missing data. Results: All domains except Cognition had a subset of questions correlating to the domain-specific QoL question in at least the ICU survivor group. The similarity between the two groups varied, with Physical health, Sexual health and Gastrointestinal (GI) functions mainly correlating the same issues to QoL in the two groups. In contrast, Fatigue, Pain, Mental health, activities of daily living, Sleep, Sensory functions and Work life showed considerable differences. In all, about one-fourth of the issues correlated to QoL in the ICU survivor group and about one-tenth of the issues in the control group. Conclusions: We found most issues experienced by ICU survivors to be unrelated to quality of life. Our findings indicate that the consequences of post-ICU issues may play a more significant role in affecting QoL than the issues themselves; issues restricting and affecting social life and work life were more related to QoL in ICU survivors than in non-ICU-treated controls. Caution is advised before associating all post-ICU problems with an effect on quality of life. CC-BY 4.0This study was financed by departmental resources and grants from Göteborgs Läkaresällskap, Hjärt- och Lungfonden, and ALF (LUA-ALF 74200).Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Ref# NCT02767180; Registered 28 April 2016.</p
The meaning of culture in nursing at the end of life : an interview study with nurses in specialized palliative care
No full textBackground: The countries of the world are becoming increasingly multicultural and diverse, both as a result of growing migration, of people fleeing countries at war but also due to increased mobility related to labour immigration. Culture is a broad concept where the definitions focus on learned and shared values, traditions, and beliefs of a group of individuals. People’s culture affects health and perceptions of illness as well as treatment, symptoms, and care. Moreover, people who are at the end of life, live and exist within all levels and contexts of care. Specialized palliative care requires that the nurse has sufficient knowledge and skills to be responsible for meeting the patient’s nursing needs also on a cultural level, regardless of cultural affiliation. The aim of the study was to highlight nurses’ experiences of the meaning of culture when caring for patients at the end of life in specialized palliative care. Methods: The study was conducted with a qualitative design and inductive approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve nurses in western Sweden. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: The nurses had an awareness of culture as a phenomenon and how it affected palliative care at the end of life. The results showed two categories, Awareness of the impact of culture on nursing and Culture’s impact and influence on the nurse’s mindset and approach, consisting of seven subcategories that highlight the nurse’s experience. It emerged that there are differences between cultures regarding notions of dying and death, who should be informed, and treatments. There were also challenges and emotions that arose when cultural preferences differed among everyone involved. A person-centred approach allowed for recognition of the dying person’s culture, to meet diverse cultural needs and wishes. Conclusion: Providing culturally competent care is a major challenge. There are often no routines or methods prescribed for how nurses should relate to and handle the diversity of cultural notions that may differ from the values and cornerstones of palliative care. Having a person-centred approach as strategy can help to better manage the situation and provide equitable care on terms that respect cultural diversity. © The Author(s) 2024.CC BY 4.0</p