Studying Resilient Action Strategies of First Line Managers

Background: One important key to an organization’s long-term competitiveness is the ability of first line managers (FLMs) to handle their role as a leader in daily work. FLMs main task is to contribute to a high and stable production output according to customer demands from an input that is characterized by instability and variability. To do so, FLMs must develop resilient action strategies – ways of working and daily problem solving that systematically facilitate to cope with instability. In this study protocol we present a methodological approach developed to evaluate and improve these. Methods/Design: The research approach is collaborative and developmental and performed together with two companies. The approach integrates and extends the theory and application of a model on interactive research and a framework on activity analysis. It will be applied using data collection techniques like interviews, diaries, observations, document analysis, and questionnaires. The analysis and development stages will be performed both separate and in collaboration in workshops and the result is planned to end up in the joint writing of a generic handbook on advantageous action strategies for FLMs’. Discussion: This study contributes with a new integration of two methodological approaches which provides a novel way to understand and develop dynamic on-the-job behaviour in work settings

Kärleksrelationens gränser: en explorativ studie av upplevda gränser gentemot andra

The aim of this explorative qualitative study is to examine the experiences of intimate relationships boundaries towards others outside the relationship. A heterogeneous group of seven participants have purposely been recruited, enabling a greater variety in experiences of relationship boundaries. Using thematic analysis, the experiences of relationship boundaries have been identified both as fixed and mobile. The boundaries of sexual activity with others seem fixed to a greater extent than e.g. romantic feelings and fantasies. Moreover are the boundaries dependent on a number of factors such as the relationship with others outside the intimate relationship, gender, hurting the other, openness, feelings, involvement, need for support and number of times. These factors may be explained in terms of appraisal of threat/controllability and utilitarian principles. Finally, a number of approaches to the boundaries have been identified, such as setting out boundaries, adapting and asymmetric adapting. The results of this study may be of use in modulating the perceptions of infidelity in current research and in providing both individuals and relational therapists a greater comprehension of situational and individual variations in jealousy.Syftet med denna explorativa, kvalitativa studie är att genom semistrukturerade intervjuer utforska upplevelser av kärleksrelationens gränser gentemot personer utanför den. En heterogen grupp på sju deltagare har värvats för att möjliggöra större variationer i upplevelser av relationsgränser. Tematisk analys har använts för att identifiera teman i intervjumaterialet. De upplevda relationsgränserna har identifierats som både fasta och rörliga. Gränsen för sexuell kontakt med andra är i högre grad fast än vid till exempel känslor för och fantasier om andra. Gränserna är även beroende av ett antal faktorer, såsom relationen till personen utanför kärleksrelationen, kön, skada, öppenhet, känslor, delaktighet, behov av stöd och antal tillfällen. Orsaken bakom dessa temans påverkan på gränserna, kan vara värdering av hot/brist på kontroll samt utilitaristiska principer hos deltagarna. Därtill har ett antal förhållningssätt till gränserna identifierats, såsom gränsmarkering, gränsanpassning, och asymmetrisk gränsanpassning. Denna studie kan både bidra till att nyansera otrohetsbegreppet samt ge såväl individer som par- och familjeterapeuter en större förståelser för hur svartsjukereaktioner kan variera från person och situation

Immunomodulatory strategies prevent the development of autoimmune emphysema

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The presence of anti-endothelial cell antibodies and pathogenic T cells may reflect an autoimmune component in the pathogenesis of emphysema. Whether immune modulatory strategies can protect against the development of emphysema is not known.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Sprague Dawley rats were immunized with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) to induce autoimmune emphysema and treated with intrathymic HUVEC-injection and pristane. Measurements of alveolar airspace enlargement, cytokine levels, immuno histochemical, western blot analysis, and T cell repertoire of the lung tissue were performed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The immunomodulatory strategies protected lungs against cell death as demonstrated by reduced numbers of TUNEL and active caspase-3 positive cells and reduced levels of active caspase-3, when compared with lungs from HUVEC-immunized rats. Immunomodulatory strategies also suppressed anti-endothelial antibody production and preserved CNTF, IL-1alpha and VEGF levels. The immune deviation effects of the intrathymic HUVEC-injection were associated with an expansion of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. Pristane treatment decreased the proportion of T cells expressing receptor beta-chain, Vβ16.1 in the lung tissue.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our data demonstrate that interventions classically employed to induce central T cell tolerance (thymic inoculation of antigen) or to activate innate immune responses (pristane treatment) can prevent the development of autoimmune emphysema.</p

Diabetes, periodontitis, and the subgingival microbiota

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes have been associated with increased severity of periodontal disease for many years. More recently, the impact of periodontal disease on glycaemic control has been investigated. The role of the oral microbiota in this two-way relationship is at this stage unknown. Further studies, of a longitudinal nature and investigating a wider array of bacterial species, are required in order to conclusively determine if there is a difference in the oral microbiota of diabetics and non-diabetics and whether this difference accounts, on the one hand, for the increased severity of periodontal disease and on the other for the poorer glycaemic control seen in diabetics

Kunskapsbildning genom mångfald och gränsöverskridande : Utvärdering av Mentorsprogram för kvinnor - samverkan i Jönköpings län 2003-2005

”The Mentorship-program for women – co-operation in Jönköpings Län”, is a regional development project that was extended between 2003-08-19 and 2005-05-31. The main purpose of the program was to support and develop female leaders/coming leaders and also to develop knowledge and collaboration between leaders from different spheres of professional activities. 30 female adepts and 30 male/female mentors participated in the program. Two female entrepreneurs managed it and it was supported and financed through NUTEK, Alfastiftelsen, EFS-rådet i Jönköpings Län, Länsstyrelsen i Jönköpings Län and Landstinget i Jönköpings Län. The program was organized in two parallel tracks: 1.The regular meetings between the adept and mentor and 2.The large-group meetings, where different themes and aspects of leadership were explored. The result from the evaluation shows that it was a successful concept. The support the adepts achieved from the mentors increased their self-confidence and encouraged them to handle difficult situations in a more fruitful manner. The mentors, on the other hand, got a good training in “active listening” and coaching. The mentors also appreciated to “get to know” the younger female leaders doubts and thoughts. It gave them a deeper understanding concerning the conflicts and challenges she must handle in balancing work, career and family situation. During the program progress, the large-group meetings became an arena for mutual exploration and knowledge development in the field of leadership. In small-group discussions, leader’s experiences and perspectives were touched, compared and examined. Organizational culture and management praxis was put in a new light. It widened horizons and gave new perspectives and angles of approach. Voluntary participation and “act on your own responsibility” were two leading principals in the program. From the financiers and project-managers point of view, these two principals were the crucial factors for the decision in joining to the program. However, during the program, it was more and more obvious that these principals turned out to be the major weaknesses in the program. The program’s concept and methods depended on the participants` engagement and active participation. Time is one crucial factor when you are dealing with leaders. When the number of participants in the large-group activities started to decline, in the autumn 2004, the program lost its spirit and became more and more undermined. The program could have been ended in spring 2004, with maintained quality and result. Another weakness lies in the programs organizational structure. It was a regional project with focus on regional development and growth. Development projects are dependent on having a receiver that take care of the result and develops the outcome further. This program had no clear receiver or project owner. Of course, the regional governmental organizations had an “overall embracing regional responsibility”. But it is a big different between “overall embracing responsibility” and really manage and develop the result and lessons learned from the program. The financiers totally invested 1,5milj Swedish crowns in the program. Leaders and organizations put time and effort in it. One important issue to discuss, that should have taken place before the start of the program is – how to get return on investment, (monetary and human). Regional development and change takes time and demands a proactive and patient management