Publikationer från Uppsala Universitet
Not a member yet
127603 research outputs found
Sort by
"You Cannot Be What You Cannot See" : Women’s Experiences Working in theMale-Dominated Finance Industry: AComparative Study of the UK and Sweden
No full textThis thesis explores women’s experiences in the male-dominated international finance industry,comparing perspectives from the UK and Sweden. It draws on semi-structured interviews withten women working in finance and two industry association representatives. The study examineshow organizational culture, gender norms, personal qualities, social integration and nationalcontext influence women’s ability to enter, integrate and advance in the sector. The findingsshow that while diversity initiatives are common, cultural expectations such as long hours andconstant availability remain deeply embedded and can disadvantage women. Many respondentsdescribed adapting to a culture favoring male-coded traits to gain credibility yet also expressed adesire for more inclusive environments. Critical events including stress and sexual harassmentwere described as shaping career paths. Interviews from both countries revealed similarexperiences, suggesting challenges stem more from the industry than the national context.However, some cross-national differences were evident. UK participants described a morehierarchical structure and a harsher team climate, while Swedish respondents emphasized a moreinclusive organizational culture. Despite these national distinctions, the study finds strikingsimilarities in the types of barriers and challenges women face. It underscores the need to movebeyond surface-level diversity initiatives and address deeper, structural barriers to inclusion.
From Clicks to Commitment : How Young Adults Experience Satisfaction in the Mortgage Journey
No full textThis thesis investigates the mechanisms that influence customer satisfaction among young bank customers, aged 25–35, during the mortgage process in the Swedish banking sector. As digitalization and customer expectations continue to evolve, banks face increasing pressure to understand what drives satisfaction in this growing demographic. This study adopts a qualitative research design, based on eight in-depth semi-structured interviews with recent homebuyers who financed their purchase with a mortgage. The theoretical framework incorporates concepts such as customer satisfaction, perceived value and quality, value co-creation, and customer loyalty. This method was most appropriate in order to identify satisfaction mechanisms of the chosen demographic and contribute new insights to this field of marketing. The findings reveal that satisfaction is shaped by an amalgamation of interactions and customer expectations. Key findings show that for major financial commitments, satisfaction is not merely derived from receiving the lowest interest rates, but rather it is about how trust, clarity, personal development, and feeling supported, are central to a satisfying mortgage experience
Prevalence and types of errors in the electronic health record : protocol for a mixed systematic review
No full textIntroduction In countries with access to the electronic health record (EHR), both patients and healthcare professionals have reported finding errors in the EHR, so-called EHRrors. These can range from simple typos to more serious cases of missing or incorrect health information. Despite their potential detrimental effect, the evidence on EHRrors has not been systematically analysed. It is unknown how common EHRrors are or how they impact patients and healthcare professionals.Methods and analysis A mixed systematic review will be carried out to address the research gap. We will search PubMed, Web of Science and CINAHL for studies published since 2000, which report original research data on patient-identified and healthcare professional-identified EHRrors. We will analyse (1) the prevalence of EHRrors, (2) the types of EHRrors and (3) their impact on care. Quantitative and qualitative findings will be synthesised following the Joanna Briggs Institute Framework for Mixed Systematic Reviews. Identified studies will be critically appraised for meta-biases and risk of bias in individual studies. The confidence in the emerging evidence will be further assessed through the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Findings will be contextualised and interpreted involving an international team of patient representatives and practising healthcare professionals.Ethics and dissemination The study will not involve collection or analysis of individual patient data; thus, ethical approval is not required. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed publication and further disseminated through scientific events and educational materials.PROSPERO registration number CRD42024622849
HLA diversity and signatures of selection in the Maniq, a nomadic hunter-gatherer population in Southern Thailand
No full textThe Maniq, a small and isolated nomadic hunter-gatherer population from the rainforests of Southern Thailand, offer a unique context for investigating how demographic history, genetic drift, and pathogen-driven selection shape human leucocyte antigen (HLA) diversity. Using high-coverage whole-genome data from 21 individuals (12 unrelated), we genotyped HLA alleles with HLA-HD and T1K, identifying 32 alleles in classical and 14 in non-classical HLA genes. Although overall HLA diversity was comparatively low, a few alleles at each locus occurred at high frequency, mirroring patterns observed in other small, isolated populations. Principal-component analysis clustered the Maniq with other Austroasiatic-speaking Semang hunter-gatherers (Jehai, Kintaq) on the Malay Peninsula and, intriguingly, with the Austronesian-speaking Tao of Taiwan, indicating shared immunogenetic features across linguistic boundaries. Despite reduced diversity, multiple loci bore signatures of both long-term balancing and recent positive selection. Several SNPs under selection were in complete linkage disequilibrium with eQTLs known to influence responses to hepatitis B virus (HBV) and other pathogens, suggesting that pathogen-driven pressure-in particular HBV-may have contributed to recent HLA evolution in the Maniq. These findings provide critical insights into how demographic constraints and pathogen landscapes converge to shape HLA diversity and evolution. In light of increasing infectious disease burdens in indigenous communities, our results underscore the importance of studying small, isolated populations to better understand the adaptive significance of HLA genes
Health-related quality of life is a significant prognostic factor for recurrence and overall survival in patients with colon cancer
No full textBackground Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is associated with survival in patients with cancer; however, there are few studies on the risk of cancer recurrence. We investigated whether HRQoL can predict disease-free and overall survival (DFS/OS) in patients with non-metastatic colon cancer. Methods This population-based prospective study investigated patients diagnosed with colon cancer between 2012 and 2016. The 30-item European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) was used to measure HRQoL at diagnosis. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were used to analyse the association between QLQ-C30 scores and DFS/OS. Results Of the 323 patients with non-metastatic colorectal cancer, n = 41 (12.7%) were diagnosed with recurrence during mean (standard deviation) DFS and OS follow-up times of 5.9 (2.9) and 6.2 (2.7) years, respectively. Cox regression analysis of HRQoL, adjusted for important clinical and demographic variables, showed that a higher global health status was significantly associated with an improved DFS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.86 per 10 points; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.79–0.94; P < 0.001) as well as OS (HR 0.88 per 10 points; 99% CI 0.80–0.96; P = 0.003). Conclusions These results demonstrate that HRQoL can predict both DFS and OS in patients with non-metastatic colon cancer. HRQoL should be considered an additional tool in non-metastatic cancer for assessing patients at risk of metastatic disease. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT 03910894)
Cannibalism in a changing world - temperature effects : Investigating the thermal effects on cannibalism, body size, and activity level in a damselfly species
No full textClimate change affects species distribution and diversity, partly due to an increased mean temperature. While the effects of temperature on organism growth, development, and survival are well-researched, relatively few studies have investigated how temperature affects competition. Understanding these effects is important, as they may shape intraspecific and interspecific interactions, ultimately affecting communities. In this study, I investigated an extreme form of intraspecific competition, cannibalism, in larvae of the damselfly Lestes sponsa. In a mesocosm laboratory experiment, I examined the effects of temperature on cannibalism, body size, and activity by rearing the larvae at 20 °C, 23 °C, and 26 °C for four weeks. I also studied the thermal effects on the oxygen saturation of mesocosms. Temperature was associated with an increase in cannibalism, although this effect was not statistically significant (p = 0.078), and body size was significantly larger at higher temperatures. However, there was no significant thermal effect on activity or oxygen saturation. These results imply that other factors, such as metabolism or aggressiveness, may explain the increased cannibalism observed at higher temperatures. This study contributes to our understanding of how climate change can influence population and community dynamics, improving our ability to predict future biodiversity changes
Precautionary Provisions in Practice : A Case Study of the Small Cottage Area in Kungsgärdet, Uppsala
No full textDenna studie undersöker hur varsamhetsbestämmelser fungerar i praktiken som ett verktyg för att bevara kulturvärden i befintlig bebyggelse. Genom en fallstudie av småstugeområdet i Kungsgärdet, Uppsala, analyseras om och hur bestämmelserna tillämpas i bygglovsprocessen, samt om de bidrar till att bevara småstugornas karaktärsdrag. Undersökningen bygger på en analys av bygglovshandlingar, samt en inventering av området. Resultatet visar att varsamhetsbestämmelserna i få fall används i bygglovsprocessen och då särskilt av kulturmiljöinstanser i remissförfarandet. Det är svårt att avgöra i vilken utsträckning bestämmelserna påverkar bygglov i praktiken, då hänvisning till dem saknas i motivering till åtgärd och beslut. Inventeringen visar att många karaktärsdrag har bevarats på småstugornas framsidor. Samtidigt förekommer förändringar, särskilt på baksidor, vilket försvårar en entydig bedömning av bestämmelsernas bevarandeeffekt. Slutsatsen är att studiens material och metod inte tillåter några säkra svar om bestämmelsernas faktiska effekt. Avsaknad av referensobjekt och svårigheter att tolka aktörers intentioner genom bygglovshandlingar försvårar analysen. Vidare forskning på ämnet bör göras med kompletterande intervjuer och referensobjekt.This study investigates how carefulness provisions (varsamhetsbestämmelser) function as a tool for preserving cultural values in existing buildings. A case study of the small-house area Kungsgärdet in Uppsala examines whether and how such provisions are applied in the building permit process, and whether they contribute to preserving the architectural character. The study is based on an analysis of building permit documents and a visual survey of the area. The results show that the provisions are only occasionally referenced, mainly by heritage authorities during referrals. It is difficult to determine their actual influence, as explicit references are largely absent in decisions. The survey indicates that many characteristic features remain on front façades, while changes are more common at the back, complicating assessments of preservation impact. The study concludes that no reliable conclusions can be drawn about the provisions effectiveness. Limitations in method and material, including the lack of reference cases, suggest the need for further research, incorporating qualitative interviews and comparative analysis
Förstärkt vittring av basalt: effekterna av inokulering av svamp, citronsyra och kolsyrning
No full textAnthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions are driving global warming, leading to planetary impacts suchas sea level rise, ecosystem collapse and extreme weather events. To mitigate these risks, IPCC hasstated that strategies like carbon dioxide (CO2) removal are needed alongside emission mitigation. Onesuch method is enhanced silicate weathering, which accelerates the natural CO2 drawdown from silicateweathering. This project examines three potential ways of increasing silicate (basalt) weathering. Three factorsare tested: 1. Biological enhancement (fungal inoculation with Talaromyces rugulosus), 2. carbonation(bubbling of CO2), and 3. acidification (using citric acid). Through 48 flow-through reactors, eachcontaining 100g of basalt, these factors were tested in various combinations to evaluate their effect onbasalt weathering. The reactors were irrigated with citric acid of different concentrations twice weeklyover seven weeks with 100 mL of the respective irrigation solution. After each irrigation event, theleachate was collected for analysis. The following geochemical analyses were conducted on the leachate:pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved carbon species, and cation analysis. After the experiment, the solidmaterial from all reactors was analysed using Raman spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope andBrunauer-Emmett-Teller (B.E.T) analysis. The results showed that citric acid was the dominant factor influencing weathering. Its acidic nature,complexation, and chelating mechanisms strongly increased mineral dissolution, as observed throughan increase in cation release and specific surface area. The increase was proportional to increasing citricacid concentrations. A trend for irrigation frequency and weathering was also observed. Longer intervalsbetween irrigation led to increased pH and electrical conductivity, suggesting more weathering. Foreither fungal inoculation or carbonation, no clear trends indicating an effect on weathering could beobserved, at least not in comparison to the pronounced impact of citric acid.
In the Embrace of the Factory : A Study of Place Identity in the City of LM
No full textIn this essay, an area in the Stockholm suburbs has been investigated in relation to the concept of place identity. The object for the study has been the City of LM situated at Telefonplan in the city district of Midsommarkransen. A tour of the site and architecture have been carried out in the area along with photographs taken of significant components for the purpose. The collected material for the study, such as the architecture and other interesting parts of the area as well as documentary material and literature have then undergone analysis. The theoretical framework in the study consists of a selection of authors who deal with the subject of place identity and studies on the definition of place. This selection consists of Kevin Lynch, Christian Norberg-Schulz, Henri Lefebvre, Yi-Fu Tuan and Simon Unwin. The results of the study indicate that the studied object, the city of LM, possesses certain components that suggest a strong place identity as established in its visual and structural components as well as experience-based phenomena and historical narratives.
Surface Treatment of Lithium Nickel Manganese Oxide Cathodes (NMx) for Electric Car Batteries
No full textTodays lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) rely heavily on the supply of nickel, manganese and cobalt metals (NMC) for usage in cathode materials, but this dependence on cobalt presents significant challenges, such as price volatility and ethical concerns associated with mining, particularly as most cobalt originates from the Democratic Republic of Congo and is processed in China. This necessitates the wests demands to explore cobalt-free alternatives like nickel-manganese oxide (NMx). While promising, NMx suffers from among other things limited long-term cycle stability. This thesis aimed to improve the long-term cycle stability of NMx by applying a protective cobalt-based surface coating using a solid-state synthesis method. The goal was to significantly reduce the overall cobalt content compared to traditional NMC. NMx was mixed with varying amounts of cobalt(II) hydroxide and heat treated. The resulting materials were then characterized using techniques such as SEM/EDX, XRD, XPS, and tested electrochemically via galvanostatic cycling. Characterization, specifically XPS depth profiling, indicated that a uniform and protective cobalt surface layer was not successfully formed on the NMx particles with the method used. Cobalt concentration remained relatively constant with sputtering depth, contrary to expected results of a successful coating. Unexpected cobalt-rich spherical particles were also observed via SEM/EDX. Consistent with the lack of a formed coating, electrochemical testing showed no significant improvement in long-term cycle stability compared to the uncoated NMx material. All samples exhibited a similar substantial capacity drop after approximately 80 cycles. The conclusion is that the solid-state method did not yield the desired protective coating, potentially due to the precursor particle size. Future work could investigate alternative methods, such as a wet chemical approach involving dissolution and precipitation, to achieve better cobalt distribution and coating formation