”Det är stökigt att vara vuxen” Några lärares och rektorers upplevda erfarenhet om ar-betet med vuxenelever i behov av stöd inom naturbruks-utbildningar

Idag finns det inte något krav på elevhälsa på komvux eller på yrkeshögskolan. Samtidigt visar flera studier att vuxna elever i behov av stöd ökar. På komvuxutbildning läser eleven gymnasiekurser mot ett yrkesprogram och yrkeshögskolan är en eftergymnasial utbildning som utbildar mot ett yrke. I den här studien inkluderas båda typerna av elever och studerande och kategoriseras som vuxenelever inom naturbruksområdet. Syftet med studien är att undersöka hur rektorer och lärare upplever arbetet med vuxenelever i behov av stöd inom naturbruksut-bildningar. Detta gjordes genom fenomenologisk semistrukturerade intervjuer med 11 lärare och 3 rektorer på naturbruksskolor med vuxenutbildning. Intervjuerna har sedan analyserats och bearbetas, vilket är den mest tidskrävande delen i en fenomenologiskstudie, då bearbetning och analysförfarandet av intervjumaterialet utförs i fler steg. Följande frågeställningar har besvarats 1. Hur upplever lärarna och rektorerna den tillgängliga lärmiljön för elever i behov av stöd inom naturbruksutbildningar? 2. Hur upplever lärarna och rektorerna att specialpedagogen skulle kunna stödja läraren i arbetet kring elever i behov av stöd inom naturbruksutbildningar? 3. Hur upplever lärarna och rektorerna sitt relationella arbete med vuxenelever i behov av stöd inom naturbruksutbildningar? Studien pekar på stora utmaningar i det specialpedagogiska stödet, särskilt gällande resurser och kompetens. Specialpedagogensroll framstår som central för att stärka både elever och lärare, med fokus på studie-teknik och struktur. Balans behövs mellan att ge stöd och att främja elevernas självständighet för att förbereda dem för arbetslivet. Vuxenutbildningens lärmiljöer inom naturbruksutbildningen erbjuder stora möjligheter genom flexibilitet och praktiska moment, där teori möter praktik. Samtidigt kvarstår utmaningar inom lärmiljön, däribland elevers begränsade digitala kompetens, vilket påverkar deras förmåga att effektivt navigera och använda digitala hjälpmedel. Detta belyser vikten av att stärka digitalt lärande och skapa möjligheter för elever att utveckla sådana färdigheter redan i tidiga utbildnings stadier. En annan central fråga rör lärplattformarnas roll i undervisningen. Struktur och likformighet är avgörande för att säkerställa att dessa lärplattform bidrar till en inkluderande och användarvänliga inlärningsmiljö. Distansstudier ger fler tillgång till utbildning men kräver hög självdisciplin hos eleven och tydliga ramar för framgång. Studien visar även på att genom att bygga relationer och skapa en trygg dialog, kan lärare få en bättre förståelse för sina elever och där igenom ge rätt stöd. Detta kräver dock både tid och skicklighet, vilket gör relationellt lärande till en central del av vuxenutbildningen

Generative Adversarial Networks: A Novel Approach to Predictive Modeling in Finance

MSc in FinanceThis thesis examines the application of Generative Adversarial Networks within finance. GANs were initially introduced in Goodfellow, Pouget-Abadie, et al. (2014)’s paper for generating image, audio, and video samples. Since then, research in this area has continued, leading to improved models beyond the traditional framework. For this study, a Wasserstein GAN with a Gradient Penalty (Gulrajani et al., 2017) was employed to investigate its ability to generate synthetic time series data. Initially, the model was trained on data drawn from three independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) sources, then on dependent data generated from synthetic AR(2) processes, and finally on real return data from a stock. The results were promising as WGAN-GP was able to generate data that was close to the true data in most cases. However, there were some notable differences compared to the financial data, mainly related to the model’s inability to capture the kurtosis and fat-tails of the true distribution

Mechanisms of male germ cell development: Centriole regulation, sperm tail formation, and membrane fluidity

Male infertility affects ~7 % of men and arises from a complex interplay of genetic, physiological, and environmental factors. This thesis explores novel gene functions crucial for spermatogenesis, offering insights into the molecular basis of male fertility. The number and position of centrioles are strictly regulated in mitotic cells, however, centriole dynamics during male meiosis remain largely unexplored. Beyond their role in genetic segregation, centrioles in male germ cells transform into basal bodies forming sperm flagellum. The first study identifies MEICEN as a novel testis-specific regulator of centriole dynamics and sperm tail formation. MEICEN is a centriolar satellite protein, that controls CETN1 and 2 (Centrin1 and 2) distribution between centrioles and centriolar satellites, ensuring centriole stability and integrity during remodeling. Meicen knockout (KO) mice exhibit supernumerary centrioles, leading to disorganized sperm tails, and ultimately male infertility. These findings establish MEICEN as a meiosis-specific regulator of centriole width and number in spermatogenesis, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms governing male germ cell development. Impaired sperm motility presents a substantial challenge in reproductive medicine contributing to male infertility cases. The second study identifies coiled-coil domain containing protein 28 A (CCDC28A), a germ cell upregulated protein, as essential for sperm tail movement. Knockout models reveal that CCDC28A deficiency disrupts the head-tail coupling apparatus (HTCA), causing sperm tail defects and reduced motility. Transmission electron microscopy reveals disruptions at the capitulum-basal plate junction of the HTCA in CCDC28A mutants, resulting in head bending within the neck region, often accompanied by midpiece thickening. These findings establish CCDC28A as a critical factor in male fertility, contributing to sperm tail morphogenesis through HTCA formation. Membrane composition is vital for male germ cell development. The third study identifies AdipoR2 as a key regulator of the meiosis-specific lipidome. AdipoR2 upregulates the expression of the fatty acid elongase ELOVL2, both transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally, facilitating synthesis of very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLC-PUFA). AdipoR2 knockout testes show VLC-PUFA depletion, palmitic acid accumulation, resulting in cellular membrane stiffening and nuclear envelope invagination. This condition disrupts the nuclear peripheral distribution of meiotic telomeres, leading to errors in homologous synapsis and recombination. Additionally, the stiffened membrane impairs intercellular bridge formation and the germ cell syncytium, disrupting the orderly arrangement of cell types within the seminiferous tubules. These findings highlight the AdipoR2-ELOVL2 pathway’s crucial role in maintaining membrane fluidity for proper chromosome dynamics during meiosis

Voices overlooked: a study of emotional reactions to misrecognition and epistemic injustices in #MeToo testimonies from Sweden and the United States.

This thesis explores the emotional responses to experiences of misrecognition and epistemic injustice as expressed in #MeToo testimonies. Through a comparative analysis of testimonies from Sweden and the United States, the study investigates two questions: (1) What emotions can be identified within testimonies of sexual assault that demonstrate denial of social recognition and experiences of epistemic injustices? (2) Are there any observable differences or similarities in the expressions of emotions resulting from denial of social recognition and experiences of epistemic injustice expressed by survivors in #MeToo testimonies from Sweden and the U.S., and what do they teach us about each country’s emotional regime? Drawing on the theoretical frameworks of Honneth’s (1995) theory of recognition and Fricker’s (2007) concept of epistemic injustice, the study employs an abductive approach and narrative analysis to interpret survivor testimonies. The findings identify a range of emotions: anger, frustration, fear, shame, empathy, disappointment, courage, relief, sadness, pride, and disgust. Thus, #MeToo is not only a platform for disclosure but also for a collective protest that can enable more positive and empowering emotions, even in the face of misrecognition and epistemic injustice. Swedish narratives display a broader emotional spectrum—including emotions of relief, sadness, pride and disgust, that were absent in U.S. testimonies—suggesting a more supportive cultural climate for emotional articulation. While both Swedish and U.S. testimonies reflect shared emotions, such as anger and shame etc., they differ in narrative emphasis, Swedish testimonies often express emotions linked to not being heard, indicating relational misrecognition, whereas U.S. testimonies highlight not being believed, reflecting deeper epistemic injustices. These findings underscore how emotional regimes, including national, cultural and institutional contexts, shape the emotional reactions to social disdain

Building a Competitive Position in Europe’s Charging and BESS Markets - A study in understanding market competition in Europe and key criteria for an OEM to differentiate with a competitive offer related to charging infrastructure and battery energy storage systems

This study explores how original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can build a competitive position in the emerging European markets for charging infrastructure and battery energy storage systems (BESS) related to heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs). As electrification accelerates, OEMs face increasing pressure to extend their value propositions and move beyond their traditional roles as vehicle manufacturers. The literature review draws on theories that provide an understanding of both key characteristics and competitive dynamics of the market, as well as ways to build a competitive position within this market. A qualitative methodology was applied, including semi-structured interviews with industry consultants and firm representatives, supported by thematic analysis to identify the key criteria that shapes competitiveness in the industry. The findings highlight that while the market is still fragmented and evolving, differentiation is increasingly driven by combining products and services, strategic partnerships, and adaptability to customer needs. This implies that OEMs must develop capabilities beyond manufacturing, particularly in software, data management and collaboration. The analysis shows that success for OEMs depends on the ability to innovate the business model and differentiate by offering turnkey solutions that span all the way from the electric HDV to the installation of charging infrastructure and BESS, as well as providing after sales service and support. These insights offer practical implications for OEMs navigating electrification and contribute to the academic understanding of competitive positioning in emerging markets

Educational work beyond carceral logics—Stereoscopic engagements with educational philosophy and abolitionism

Schools are often burdened with solving societal problems. The way in which these problems are defined by society influences the approaches taken to address them and informs how the work and purpose of schools is understood. In Sweden, one such problem that has received increasing attention in recent years is crime. This dissertation addresses the educational implications of such developments. Framing schools in relation to crime is made possible through carceral logics, which are the taken-for-granted ways of thinking that criminalization, the police, and criminal justice are reasonable solutions to societal issues. The work of this dissertation can be understood as paying attention to the conditions under which education may or may not happen within and beyond carceral logics. This dissertation takes its starting point in the assumption that, if we are concerned about the educational potential of schools, we need to be able to account for the educational implications of and beyond carceral logics within schools. Using a stereoscopic approach that considers both educational philosophy and abolitionism, this dissertation explores the educational implications of and beyond carceral logics within schools through educational-philosophical inquiry. This dissertation argues that educational possibilities are limited in a school of crime prevention and police involvement and proposes how education could be made possible through educational work beyond crime prevention and police involvement. Furthermore, this dissertation imagines practices beyond carceral logics in schools and discusses new possibilities for educational work. The overall contribution of this dissertation offers an argument for what might be educationally lost when the school is framed in relation to crime and imagines beyond the societal demands such a framing imposes. Ultimately, the arguments in this dissertation are discussed through a theorization of educational work beyond carceral logics

Digital care and physical queues - a study on the impact of online doctor costs on accessibility in primary healthcare

Digitala vårdtjänster har blivit alltmer populära i Sverige under de senaste åren, men det råder delade meningar bland forskare och vårdanställda om huruvida dessa har en positiv påverkan på vårdsamhället eller inte. Denna uppsats syftar till att undersöka hur kostnaden för utomlänsersättning i samband med användningen av privata digitala vårdtjänster har påverkat väntetiderna inom primärvården. Detta görs genom en regressionsanalys, där ytterligare variabler så som bra självskattad hälsa, medianålder, ekonomisk standard och eftergymnasial utbildningen kontrolleras för. Undersökningen baseras på data över Sveriges samtliga regioner som samlats in för tidsperioden 2019–2023. I studien undersöks även om väntetiderna skiljer sig åt i landets största regioner jämfört med övriga. Eventuell förändring över tid studeras inte i denna uppsats. Med den data som används i studien kan inget signifikant samband mellan kostnadsandelen för utomlänsersättning i samband med digitala vårdbesök och väntetider i primärvården påvisas. Däremot tenderar ett flertal socioekonomiska faktorer, så som ekonomisk standard och eftergymnasial utbildning ha en påverkan på väntetiderna. Detsamma gäller för självskattad hälsa och om man befinner sig i en av de tre största regionerna i landet eller inte. Resultatet i denna undersökning bör tolkas med försiktighet på grund av bristfällig data. En stor del av den undersökta perioden präglades dessutom av covid-19-pandemin, vilket kan ha påverkat resultatet men inte ryms inom ramen för denna uppsats

Starka känslor där det redan finns starka känslor – Psykologperspektiv på menscykelpåverkan vid emotionellt instabilt personlighetssyndrom

Psykologer som behandlar patienter med emotionellt instabilt personlighetssyndrom (EIPS) ställs inför flera utmaningar i sitt arbete, en av dessa är hur deras patienter påverkas av sin menscykel. Syftet med studien var att öka kunskapen om hur psykologer är insatta i, förstår och arbetar med menscykelns påverkan på symptom vid EIPS. En tematisk analys av intervjuer med sex psykologer resulterade i fyra huvudteman och elva underteman. Resultaten lyfte psykologernas upplevelse av att vissa av deras patienter påverkas starkt av sin menscykel och att kunskap om menscykeln kan vara en tillgång i behandlingen de ger patienterna. Studien belyste också att psykologernas kunskap varierade mellan individer och att psykologerna önskade mer utbildning inom ämnet. Resultaten visade även på utmaningar för att inkorporera menscykeln i behandling. Slutsatser som dras är att de deltagande psykologerna ser premenstruella förändringar i symptomuttryck vid EIPS, psykologerna ser kunskap om menscykeln som en tillgång i behandling och önskar mer utbildning och rutiner kring ämnet

När ekonomin stryper En kvalitativ studie om Europeiska unionens sanktionsföring i förhållande till ideologiska värden och interdependens

This thesis examines the European Union's sanctions policy regarding human rights and interdependence. Previous research has discussed whether sanctions are effective or result in desirable outcomes. This paper aims to take a step back and understand motives by analyzing consistency in the EU’s decisions to impose sanctions. The question is relevant because formal justification can be used to cloak actual motives, and by examining actual decisions, the analyses shed light on motives. Therefore, the aim is to understand why the European Union sanctions some states but not others, even in states with similar levels of human rights violations. The thesis aims to gain greater insight and understanding on the interplay of ideological and economic values. To understand the European Union's motives, the thesis carries out a motive analysis and compares four cases selected on theoretical grounds. The results show that higher levels of interdependence result in lower tendency to impose sanctions even between states with similar human right abuses. The European Union's close cooperation with the Gulf States deters the use of sanctions in these states. The union's policy on human rights violations does not fully explain actual decisions, and economic motives exist alongside normative and ideological factors

Virtual calm room for inpatients with affective disorder

Inpatient psychiatric care is a cornerstone for people with severe mental disorder who need care during acute episodes of illness. Traditional methods using pharmacological treatments have been the main option to patients. During recent decades digitalization in healthcare has been rapidly increasing and both healthcare staff and end-users should take advantage of innovative methods. The overall aim of this thesis is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the effects and experiences of a virtual calm room among patients and staff in psychiatric inpatient care units. A multi-method approach with both qualitative and quantitative approaches was used in this thesis. Paper I was a quasi-randomized experimental study evaluating the effects of a virtual calm room compared to a physical calm room in psychiatric inpatient care (N=60). Papers II and IV comprised the use of interviews both with patients and healthcare staff to capture their experiences of the virtual calm room. A mixed-method design approach was used in paper III to explore patients’ (N=59) experiences of being offered the use of a virtual calm room when feeling anxious or worried in a psychiatric inpatient setting. The findings highlighted that patients admitted to psychiatric inpatient care reported improved well-being after using the virtual calm room, which shows that it can be a viable alternative to a physical calm room (study I). The participants mentioned that the virtual calm room induced calmness and awareness, obtaining an overall positive experience (study II). In addition, patients’ experiences of its use supported their openness to innovation, and they perceived the virtual calm room as a modern method, but they also emphasized the importance of human interaction as a key factor in virtual reality implementation, highlighting its contribution to enriching their experience and fostering a sense of connection and support during the process (study III). In the last study (IV), healthcare staff reported that the use of a virtual calm room in a psychiatric inpatient setting was a valuable tool for enhancing patient care and therapeutic relationships. The participants had in general positive attitudes and believed it effectively supported patients with affective disorders. However, greater awareness and information are needed to improve staff familiarity and encourage patient use in the future