This article addresses how vocational knowing and becoming are cultivated in vocational education and training (VET) as part of upper secondary and adult education, as well as in vocational teacher education (VTE). It is based on a study within a Swedish government initiative aimed at promoting the development of school-relevant research and educational practice in partnership between the academia and the school sector and draws on interviews with VET and VTE teachers. Our findings show that VET and VTE teachers share similar ideas of what a good teacher is and does, and how these qualities are cultivated through participation in various communities of practice. VET and VTE teachers also share ideas of what their students need to become skilled professionals. These ideas include critical judgement, the integration of theory and practice, ethical reflection, and the propensity to handle diversity and relate to the Other. We identify and discuss these as aspects of VET and VTE teachers’ vocational phronesis. Implications for VTE include the need for supporting students’ educational journeys, developing teachings strategies for vocational phronesis and reflecting on the purpose of education.

Ett globalt klassrum förbereder studenterna inför en mångkulturell arbetsmiljö. Det bidrar även till Agenda 2030:s hållbarhetsmål. Det visade sig när Högskolan Väst utvecklade en webbaserad kurs för sjuksköterskor på avancerad nivå tillsammans med samarbetspartners i Namibia och Indien.

Internationellt modellutvecklingsprojekt-utveckling av pedagogisk modell, Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)

Att främja inkludering och kulturell mångfald inom utbildning är av avgörande betydelse för att möta kraven i vårt alltmer mångkulturella samhälle. I takt med den snabba globaliseringen och digitaliseringens framväxt står vi inför utmaningar som kräver nya perspektiv och globala lösningar. Den ökade digitaliseringen möjliggör kontakt med omvärlden, ger möjlighet att förvärva kunskap om andra kulturer samt främjar möjligheten att påverka en hållbar samhällsutveckling, utan att nödvändigtvis vara fysiskt på plats.

Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) framstår som en innovativ strategi som möjliggör samarbete mellan universitet från olika länder att skapa gemensamma kurser eller kursmoduler. COIL främjar inte bara kommunikation och kunskapsutbyte, utan möjliggör även möten mellan både mellan lärare och studenter från olika delar av världen. Detta ger möjlighet att utveckla en global synvinkel inom områden som mångfald och hållbarhet. Genom detta tillvägagångssätt finns potential att höja utbildningens kvalitet genom att erbjuda studenterna en mer mångsidig och engagerande lärandeupplevelse. Genom att utmana traditionella gränser skapar COIL en plattform för ömsesidig förståelse och främjar samtidigt en integrerad och global bild av kunskap och samarbete.

År 2021 utlyste Högskolan Väst en ansökningsomgång för strategiska medel med syfte att över en treårs period utveckla internationalisering. Efter en ansökningsprocess tilldelades vår institution (Institutionen för Hälsovetenskap) finansiering för att tillsammans med samarbetspartners i Namibia (UNAM) och Indien (SRM) skapa en webbaserad kurs för sjuksköterskor på avancerad nivå baserad på COIL modellen och kursen tar sin utgångspunkt i Agenda 2030:s hållbarhetsmål.

Studenters utvärderingar visade på att vårt COIL-projektet stärkte studenternas internationella och interkulturella färdigheter genom online samarbete. Genom detta initiativ erbjöds studenterna meningsfullt och värdefullt lärande med andra studenter, och detta skedde utan att behöva resa fysiskt. Ett globalt klassrum främjade förberedelser för en mångkulturell arbetsmiljö och bidrog även till akademiska mål om Agenda 2030s hållbarhetsmål. Genomförandet av detta projekt krävde betydande tidsinsatser, engagemang och samarbete från de deltagande institutionerna. För att säkerställa effektivt samarbete mellan personal och lärosäte var tydlig kommunikation och insatser för att främja samverkan avgörande.

Nursing education plays a pivotal role in shaping future nurse professionals who contribute to social justice and health equity. To achieve this goal, nursing teachers must employ effective learning strategies. One such strategy is norm-criticism, which promotes a critical reflection of the normative preconceptions that impact health equity. This study aimed to identify how nursing teachers approach norm-criticism during learning activities in a campus-based clinical learning environment with a norm-critical profile. Employing an ethnographic approach, we analyzed participant observational data using reflective thematic analysis. Our results revealed three overarching themes: “Teaching nursing disengaged from norm-criticism,” “Teaching norms and deflecting norm-criticism,” and “A hesitant norm-critical teaching.” This study concludes that the teachers did not have the tools or lacked knowledge in norm-critical teaching strategies, likely as consequence of inadequate faculty support and guidance. Ultimately, teachers should have access to norm-critical education and opportunities to learn how to carry out norm-critical teaching.

A continuously growing and mutating market with increasing demands on environmental sustainability, illuminated by unraveling environmental threats, highlights the need for greater resource efficiency in modern manufacturing industries. Machining has become pivotal in the pursuit of sustainability given its superior efficiency in manufacturing of metallic products. In theory, the efficiency of a machining operation is dictated by the material removal rate and chip formation behavior. However, this may also present additional challenges as chips can be difficult to evacuate from the workpiece, and cause chip carryover. Chip management aims to contain manufacturing costs by addressing this issue and simultaneously pursuing higher machining efficiency. Persistent chips trapped in internal cavities is particularly challenging and can affect quality, and result in costly re-manufacturing, scrapping of portions of produced volume. Effective chip management strategies is therefore crucial to avoid these problems. While there is established research on machining theory and chip removal, proposed solutions are often focused on a specific implementation and lack a holistic perspective on the phenomenon. This study aims to fill this gap in the knowledge by providing a strategic and practical application to tie together information that would otherwise be disaggregated. A case study was conducted to investigate the role of machining, and identify the source of chip carryover and its effect on subsequent production stages. Practical verification demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed interventions in reducing production costs by decreasing the cycle time and reducing waste, and improving product quality. The future of sustainable manufacturing processes relies on the adoption of strategies and interventions that contribute to the efficiency and sustainability of the manufacturing industry. This study provides a valuable contribution to this effort. 

Metal cutting is physically defined by a tool separating a chip by developing a stagnation point after the work material has passed a shear plane. This distinguishes the method group metal cutting or machining from shearing and wedging processes. The development of the stagnation point is central to the functioning of a metal cutting process. The stagnation point and its behavior has a great influence on the different load conditions of the tool as it controls both the temperature distribution and the mechanical load distribution around the tool’s edge-line. This publication shows that there is a temperature drop at the stagnation point where the shear stress changes sign, which means that the shear stress at this point assumes the value zero. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that there is a correlation between the position of the temperature dip, its size and the selected cutting data as well as tool geometry and current work material. The knowledge of the interaction between the position of the stagnation point and the tool coating type in combination with the tool’s micro- and macro-geometry will be of importance for the development of high-performance tools optimized for different machining applications. 

We obtain criteria for when a ring with enough idempotents is left/right artinian or noetherian in terms of local criteria defined by the associated complete set of idempotents for the ring. We apply these criteria to object unital category graded rings in general and, in particular, to the class of skew category algebras. Thereby, we generalize results by Nastasescu-van Oystaeyen, Bell, Park, and Zelmanov from the group graded case to groupoid, and in some cases category, gradings. 

BACKGROUND: Children are a relatively marginalized group when doing research in the context of illness, young children particularly so. This even though children can and should contribute their point of view in providing evidence-based care. This article contributes the experiences of Nurse Researchers in gathering research data in Sweden on the lived experiences of children undergoing needle-related medical procedures, living with home mechanical ventilation or undergoing treatment for cancer.

METHODS: Nine published articles from four unique Swedish PhD dissertations in Caring Science formed the basis for the present paper where various open and critical qualitative approaches for gathering data were used.

RESULTS: Accessing and interpreting the lived experiences of ill children in healthcare research presents methodological, ethical, and cultural challenges. As with health care contexts in other countries, capturing the ill child's experiences in Sweden requires several different methods. Health researchers in Sweden must navigate a complex landscape of communication barriers, emotional and psychological challenges, and structural issues within the healthcare system to effectively access and understand the lived experiences of children.

CONCLUSIONS: This paper adds to the knowledge base of research with a focus on gathering the experiences of children with illness within a Swedish health care context. These insights underscore the importance for all researchers of using child-friendly, inclusive methods to understand children's lived experiences thus ensuring their voices are heard and respected in health research. Children's and families' inability to speak the native language of a country cannot be a hinder for inclusion, but rather be encouraged.

Hardfacing is commonly used in parts recovery and in obtaining surfaces with improved properties. Within this field, it is important to analyze the effect of alloying elements on the properties of the deposited layers. One of the critical parameters affecting alloying performances in SMAW is improper arc length. This article examines the effect of the addition of niobium in different quantities (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8% by weight) to the electrode coating in Fe-Cr-C shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), with short and long arc lengths, on the operational process efficiency, dilution, arc energy, microstructure, and microhardness of the deposited layers. A decrease in operational process efficiency and dilution was found with increases in niobium content. On the other hand, it was found that adding niobium leads to a refinement in chromium carbide sizes, directly affecting the hardness of the obtained deposits. There is a direct relationship between the arc energy, with both short and long arc lengths, leading to a tendency to decrease the dilution in the obtained hardfacing. 

A key challenge in the production of high-grade automotive aluminum components through the High-Pressure Die Casting (HPDC) process is the imperative to minimize imperfection. In addressing this concern, this study utilizes friction stir processing (FSP), a widely recognized intense plastic deformation technique. FSP is applied to systematically alter the microstructure of HPDC Al-4Mg-2Fe, a prominent alloy extensively used in the die-casting sector. By using the pass strategy to incorporate both one-pass and two-pass approaches, the microstructure is selectively altered to establish a defect-free processed zone. The utilization of FSP demonstrates its efficacy in breaking aluminum dendrites and acicular silicon particles, leading to a uniformly dispersed arrangement of equiaxed silicon particles within the aluminum-based matrix. In addition, FSP eradicates porosity and disintegrates needle-like Fe particles, resulting in a more refined and homogeneously distributed structure. Subsequently, the material’s mechanical properties processed by FSP were assessed in the longitudinal direction concerning the processing axis and then compared with those of the original base material. The microstructural refinement and reduction in porosity induced by FSP result in a notable enhancement in hardness, with an increase of 23 % after one pass and 37 % after two passes. The substantial improvement in mechanical properties during the FSP process is predominantly attributed to modifications in the morphology, refinement, and dispersion of intermetallic particles within the matrix. This improvement is further complemented by the ultrafine dispersion of casting defects. This study underscores the efficacy of FSP as a valuable tool for modifying microstructures and improving mechanical properties in HPDC Al-4Mg-2Fe alloys. Such advancements align with the lightweighting objectives pursued by the automotive industry. 

Key performance indexes (KPIs) in various forms have always been used in one way or another in the production and processing of raw materials. The need for KPIs was accentuated with the advent of industrialism in the western world. The way and strategy of manufacturing industrial products has been divided into several so-called developmental transformations. Primarily after the depression of the 1930s and after the Second World War, a way of working and a basic view was gradually created that has resource efficiency and goal achievement as a fundamental idea. This publication describes how KPIs can be used in higher education to create a sustainable academy to meet challenges in industry and society over time. This with a focus on sustainability and continuity as well as a strategic integration between the academy’s various missions. These missions consist of teaching, research and collaboration. Furthermore, according to the Higher Education Ordinance, teaching shall rest on a scientific basis and, when appointing senior positions, equal weight shall be attached to the merits that can be linked to teaching and research. In addition to teaching and research, collaboration must be conducted with the surrounding society. Society places increasing demands on the knowledge conveyed in teaching to harmonize with current needs and to prepare for future needs and challenges. A starting point for the publication is that needs and challenges can best be met through a conscious and strategic integration between the academy’s various missions. Another aspect that is highlighted in this publication is the importance of strengthening the collaboration between basic subjects and more applied and industry-related subjects, which provides renewal in the applied subjects at the same time as the basic research can be utilized at a higher rate. In an industrial perspective, a more continuous TRL scale is obtained, which provides a more effective implementation of research results. A development path that strengthens the Academy’s mission areas is the principle of affiliation of personnel from industry and other sectors of society and increased admission of industrial doctoral students and other external doctoral students. In order to monitor the development of the respective mission areas of academia and its integration, the use of KPIs will be addressed. A discussion of their benefits will be highlighted but also the associated difficulties, especially when conditions change. The conducted literature study shows that there are very few or rather no found publications dealing with KPIs for the integration of the Academy’s different missions. KPIs are well developed for higher education in terms of its implementation and associated economics. Corresponding published work related to KPIs in research deals primarily with conventional academic bibliometrics. 

Laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB) processing of Haynes 282 using a layer thickness of 90-μm is studied for process capability and feasibility for increased productivity. To optimize the build rate while producing metallurgically sound parts, the effect of laser parameters on the resulting melt pool dimensions and porosity are analyzed. In a previous study, individual parameters such as laser power, scan speed and hatch distance and combination have been studied. In this study, three levels of hatch distance have been investigated while varying power and speed to same extent at all three (3) hatch distance. Similarly, the highest power level has been studied for the effect of speed and hatch distance. The melt pool dimensions, and porosity were measured in the plane parallel to the build direction. Comparison of measured responses with individual parameters provides partial trends of melt pool dimensions and porosity. It was observed that high power and/or low speed and low hatch distance increase the melt pool dimensions and reduce porosity until keyhole mode is reached. Variation of two parameters while keeping the third parameter constant was found to affect porosity due to the transition from lack of fusion type defects to keyhole porosities. The presence of dominant type of defect is identified using average feret ratio, which is the ratio of maximum length to minimum length across parallel surfaces inside a defect. It is found successful to use the combination study of process parameters and resultant type of defects to map the process to achieve minimal defects is identified for 90-μm layer thickness, through the combination study of process parameters and the resultant type of defects. 

Digitization of the manufacturing and assembly sector is important to set up Industry 4.0. In this process, one of the key factors is the channel of sharing and distributing information on the shop floor. This study highlights the implementation of digital work instructions in the manufacturing and assembly sectors and finds the benefits that it could bring to the industry. The study was conducted in a large production plant with over five hundred workers in Malaysia and was carried out for almost a year. Whereas, most of the existing studies have been conducted in a controlled environment with a group of inexperienced workers in manufacturing and assembly tasks. In this article, the benefits and challenges of digital work instructions are studied over paper-based textual representation of assembly instructions. The study was conducted among groups of people with different roles, such as electrical assembly, mechanical assembly, and final quality check. The qualitative analysis is carried out based on the survey conducted among operators with different roles. Results show that digitalization eases the work for the quality inspection group. In contrast, people with other tasks are either neutral or find it more difficult to work with digitalized versions over paper-based instructions. In addition to this, some data-driven facts are presented, which help in improving the plant operations. This includes recording material shortages, optimizing working hours, and having real-time updates on production status which leads to effective production planning. At last, with the collected information, manufacturing plants can also optimize power utilization that impacts the environment in a positive direction. 

The demand for customized products in a saturated market of trendy customers forces the manufacturing industries to transform their manufacturing from a high volume of uniformed products to low volumes and a high mix of products. High mix and low volume manufacturing is most often manually performed since existing automation solutions are only profitable for mass manufacturing, due to explicitly designed control software where the product data is implemented as low-level control code. Highly flexible automated manufacturing systems such as Plug & Produce are requested, but challenges still exist before industrial implementation. This article proposes a digitally configurable system where data for new or modified products data is configured from the perspective of the product and its manufacturing processes instead of the manufacturing resources. In a Plug & Produce system, process modules with manufacturing resources are easy to replace for new or modified products and possibly to duplicate if higher capacity is needed. Configurable multi-agent systems are proposed by several researchers as a control system for Plug & Produce. An agent is a piece of autonomous computer code that negotiates with other agents and concurrently solves tasks, distributed on parts and resources. A part is a part of a product and part agents handle manufacturing goals for the parts. Resource agents know their capability and start operating as soon as they are plugged in. Resource agents follow pluggable process modules containing manufacturing resources and act as drivers for the modules. Gantry robots have by design a naturally orthogonal coordinate system and most often lack the functionality to handle work and tool coordinate objects as standard industrial robots do. Work objects refer to a base coordinate system and tool objects contain a reference to the tool center point. These references are in this article integrated into resource agents together. A place coordinate agent has the global perspective of the Plug & Produce cell and provides the process modules with reference coordinates of the place they are plugged into. Coordinates are recalculated from a product perspective into a resource perspective by coordinate transformations built into the skills of resource agents. This structure enables the possibility for process planners in the manufacturing company to make changes on a daily basis. A test with a gantry robot Plug & Produce demonstrator was performed and presented in this article to verify the generic structure of the gantry robot control system into agents. 

Layered stainless steel samples were manufactured using Plasma Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing by depositing alternating layers of two dissimilar stainless steels onto an AISI 316L substrate. The selected materials were the M430 ferritic and M316L austenitic stainless steels. Comprehensive microstructural characterization in different areas, including interfaces between the two different materials, was achieved through optical microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction. Results revealed good weldability among the two-layered steels and on the substrate. Also, a gradient duplex structure was observed mainly at the layer interfaces, suggesting a nuanced blending of properties in the deposited zone. To establish a direct correlation with mechanical properties in the observed structures, macro and micro-hardness tests were conducted along the cross-section. These tests evidenced the presence of a harder phase along the interface compared to the individual materials. The microstructural analysis corroborated the presence of mixing between phases in conjunction with some areas of delta ferrite. 

We investigate properties of group gradings on matrix rings 𝑀𝑛⁡(𝑅), where R is an associative unital ring and n is a positive integer. More precisely, we introduce very good gradings and show that any very good grading on 𝑀𝑛⁡(𝑅) is necessarily epsilon-strong. We also identify a condition that is sufficient to guarantee that 𝑀𝑛⁡(𝑅) is an epsilon-crossed product, i.e. isomorphic to a crossed product associated with a unital twisted partial action. In the case where R has IBN, we provide a characterization of when 𝑀𝑛⁡(𝑅) is an epsilon-crossed product. Our results are illustrated by several examples.

With the development of human-cyber-physical-production systems in intelligent manufacturing, cyber-supported production based on artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly powerful means of controlling machines and collaborating with human users. Semi-autonomous systems with a medium degree of automation enable human-centered, flexible, and sustainable production, for instance, in hybrid decision-making. Especially in applications that do not meet the requirements for full automation and when humans are to be involved in their role as qualified decision-makers, teaming-capable systems are desirable and offer considerable advantages. This paper outlines the transdisciplinary concept of human–machine teaming and the role of human cognition in engineering tasks with multi-criteria decision-making. An illustrative real-life example from thermal spray technology is used to show how explainable artificial intelligence models offer targeted, hybrid cyber decision support. This new approach based on fuzzy pattern classifiers combines expert knowledge- and data-based modeling and enables a transparent interpretation of the results by the human user, as shown here using the example of test data from atmospheric plasma spraying. The method outlined can potentially be used to provide hybrid decision support for a variety of manufacturing processes and form the basis for advanced automation or teaming of humans and cyber-physical-production systems. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted global supply chains and caused widespread shortages of healthcare supplies. This mixed-methods study examined the management of supply shortages in Swedish hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The key findings are that the shortage of supplies was initially severe owing to low regional and national contingency inventory levels, a lack of knowledge of supply chain management, and cost-saving measures. The perceived consequences of the shortage of personal protective equipment persisted in emergency and inpatient departments, in the later waves. Although pharmaceutical shortages later decreased, hospital managers were disappointed that they persisted. This study also highlights the effectiveness of consensus-based hourly supply agreements between service organisations and unit managers, which makes the prioritisation of the limited supply more dynamic. Despite these challenges, hospitals were able to adapt to the supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic; however, the results emphasise the importance of preparedness for future pandemics.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to describe nurse managers' perceptions of the provision of mentoring for newly graduated registered nurses (NGRNs) and its contribution to the work environment in a hospital setting.

BACKGROUND: Nurse managers are responsible for the work environment and for supporting the staff's professional development, which includes giving NGRNs organizational support during their introduction to the workplace. Mentorship is one common way to provide support, but there is a lack of knowledge about how nurse managers view this support.

DESIGN/METHOD: This was a qualitative descriptive study, using a semi-structured interview guide. Fifteen individual interviews with nurse managers were performed in hospital settings. The interview transcripts were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The COREQ guidelines and checklist were used.

RESULTS: The results describe the nurse managers' perceptions of the provision of mentoring in three themes: Ensuring and sustaining mentoring for new nurses' needs is a struggle in the harsh reality of healthcare, Identifying mentors who are willing and possess the necessary competence for the assignment and Promoting a secure and attractive workplace by mentoring new nurses.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms that nurse managers are important in the provision of mentoring for NGRNs' learning and professional development. Mentoring has a positive spillover effect on the entire unit as a sustainable approach to securing and improving the work environment. Our study also identifies challenges for nurse managers to structure mentoring provision.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: This study highlights the importance of investment in mentoring for the NGRNs' professional development and for patient care. Support is needed from the top level of the organization, but how mentoring should be structured and facilitated needs to be investigated further.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown varying effects on adolescents' mental health, psychosocial functioning, risk behaviours, and victimisation. This study aims to examine the changes reported by a sample of Swedish adolescents (N = 1607) at the end of the first year of the pandemic in relation to these factors. Data were collected with an electronic survey between September 2020 and February 2021, targeting upper-secondary high school students (aged 15-19 years). The results indicate a relatively low overall impact of the pandemic on Swedish upper-secondary school students, with notable gender differences. Compared to adolescent women, a higher percentage of adolescent men reported experiencing elevated levels of anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, anger, and increased illicit drug use as consequences of the pandemic. In contrast, women demonstrated an increase in several salutogenic behaviours. Victimisation rates generally decreased during this period. These findings underscore the importance of heightened awareness among professionals within schools, social services, and healthcare settings regarding the distinct challenges encountered by a larger portion of adolescent men during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden.

Background: In Swedish intensive care units, nine percent of patients do not survive despite receiving advanced life-sustaining treatments. As these patients transition to end-of-life care, ethical considerations may become paramount.

Aim: To explore the ethical challenges that critical care nurses encounter when caring for patients at the end of life in an intensive care context.

Research design: The study used a qualitative approach with an interpretive descriptive design.

Research context and participants: Twenty critical care nurses from eight intensive care units in an urban region in Sweden were interviewed, predominately women with a median age of fifty-one years.

Ethical considerations: This study was approved by The Swedish Ethics Review Authority.

Findings: Critical care nurses described encountering ethical challenges when life-sustaining treatments persisted to patients with minimal survival prospects and when administering pain-relieving medications that could inadvertently hasten patients’ deaths. Challenges also arose when patients expressed a desire to withdraw life-sustaining treatments despite the possibility of recovery, or when family members wanted to shield patients from information about a poor prognosis; these wishes occasionally conflicted with healthcare guidelines. The critical care nurses also encountered ethical challenges when caring for potential organ donors, highlighting the balance between organ preservation and maintaining patient dignity.

Conclusion: Critical care nurses encountered ethical challenges when caring for patients at the end of life. They described issues ranging from life-sustaining treatments and administration of pain-relief, to patient preferences and organ donation considerations. Addressing these ethical challenges is essential for delivering compassionate person-centered care, and supporting family members during end-of-life care in an intensive care context. 

A key feature for urban digital twins (DTs) is an automatically generated detailed 3D representation of the built and unbuilt environment from aerial imagery, footprints, LiDAR, or a fusion of these. Such 3D models have applications in architecture, civil engineering, urban planning, construction, real estate, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and many other areas. While the visualization of large-scale data in conjunction with the generated 3D models is often a recurring and resource-intensive task, an automated workflow is complex, requiring many steps to achieve a high-quality visualization. Methods for building reconstruction approaches have come a long way, from previously manual approaches to semi-automatic or automatic approaches. This paper aims to complement existing methods of 3D building generation. First, we present a literature review covering different options for procedural context generation and visualization methods, focusing on workflows and data pipelines. Next, we present a semi-automated workflow that extends the building reconstruction pipeline to include procedural context generation using Python and Unreal Engine. Finally, we propose a workflow for integrating various types of large-scale urban analysis data for visualization. We conclude with a series of challenges faced in achieving such pipelines and the limitations of the current approach. However, the steps for a complete, end-to-end solution involve further developing robust systems for building detection, rooftop recognition, and geometry generation and importing and visualizing data in the same 3D environment, highlighting a need for further research and development in this field. 

In this study, submerged friction stir welding (SFSW) was performed to weld 6 mm thick AZ31B Mg alloy plates, aiming to explore the impact of rotation speed on microstructure and tensile behavior. The water medium was used to submerge the samples. The SFSW was conducted at three different speeds (815, 960, and 1200 rpm), to assess the impact of rotation speed on SFSWed joint performance. As the rotation speed increased from 815 to 960 rpm, tensile strength increased plateauing over a range of the rotation speed. However, a significant drop in tensile strength occurred at 1200 rpm due to the formation of void defects. The SZ exhibits a size and width increment in the lower part with increasing rotation speed. The hardness of the stir zone (SZ) gradually rose with increasing rotation speed from 815 to 960 rpm. Fracture locations were observed in the thermal-mechanically affected zone (TMAZ) adjacent to the SZ at a rotation speed of 815 rpm, and in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) adjacent to the TMAZ at a rotation speed of 960 rpm. The joint welded at 1200 rpm fractured within the SZ. This study offers valuable insights into the welding and joining field, particularly regarding their mechanical characteristics. 

Duplex stainless steel (DSS), specifically the 2209 grade, is increasingly employed in additive manufacturing, particularly in processes like directed energy deposition using a laser beam with wire (DED-LB/w). However, a significant challenge arises when DSS faces brittleness within the temperature range of 250–500 °C. This study employs advanced characterization techniques, including atom probe tomography (APT) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), to investigate DSS embrittlement after aging at 400 °C for up to 1000 h. The hardness analysis revealed that the higher Ni content in DED-LB/w-fabricated DSS cylinder promotes the age hardening compared to 2205 wrought DSS plate. Furthermore, APT and TEM demonstrated that, alongside the decomposition of ferrite into Fe-rich (α) and Cr-rich (αʹ) phases, clustering of Ni, Mn, and Si atoms contributes to the embrittlement. Although the Ni-Mn-Si-rich clusters could suggest nucleation of G-phase, the G-phase crystal structure was not observed by TEM. This might be attributed to the short aging time or limitations in the characterization technique. This work underscores the impact of characterization techniques on the measurement of spinodal decomposition, with APT providing capability of detecting nanometer sized clusters. By elucidating the complexities of 475 °C-embrittlement in DED-LB/w DSS, this study offers valuable insights for industrial applications and a deeper understanding of age hardening in duplex DSSs under specific manufacturing conditions. 

Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) of thin walls is an adequate technology for producing functional components made with aluminium alloys. The AlMg5 family is one of the most applicable alloys for WAAM. However, WAAM differs from traditional fabrication routes by imposing multiple thermal cycles on the material, leading the alloy to undergo cyclic thermal treatments. Depending on the heat source used, thermal fluctuation can also impact the microstructure of the builds and, consequently, the mechanical properties. No known publications discuss the effects of these two WAAM characteristics on the built microstructure. To study the influence of multiple thermal cycles and heat source-related thermal fluctuations, a thin wall was built using CMT-WAAM on a laboratory scale. Cross-sections of the wall were metallographically analysed, at the centre of a layer that was re-treated, and a region at the transition between two layers. The focus was the solidification modes and solubilisation and precipitations of secondary phases. Samples from the wall were post-heat treated in-furnace with different soaking temperatures and cooling, to support the results. Using numerical simulations, the progressive thermal cycles acting on the HAZ of one layer were simplified by a temperature sequence with a range of peak temperatures. The results showed that different zones are formed along the layers, either as a result of the imposed thermal cycling or the solidification mode resulting from CMT-WAAM deposition. In the zones, a band composed of coarse dendrites and an interdendritic phase and another band formed by alternating sizes of cells coexisted with the fusion and heat-affected zones. The numerical simulation revealed that the thermal cycling did not significantly promote the precipitation of second-phase particles. 

Conventional path-planning strategies for GMA-WAAM may encounter challenges related to geometrical features when printing complex-shaped builds. One alternative to mitigate geometry-related flaws is to use algorithms that optimise trajectory choices—for instance, using heuristics to find the most efficient trajectory. The algorithm can assess several trajectory strategies, such as contour, zigzag, raster, and even space-filling, to search for the best strategy according to the case. However, handling complex geometries by this means poses computational efficiency concerns. This research aimed to explore the potential of machine learning techniques as a solution to increase the computational efficiency of such algorithms. First, reinforcement learning (RL) concepts are introduced and compared with supervised machining learning concepts. The Multi-Armed Bandit (MAB) problem is explained and justified as a choice within the RL techniques. As a case study, a space-filling strategy was chosen to have this machining learning optimisation artifice in its algorithm for GMA-AM printing. Computational and experimental validations were conducted, demonstrating that adding MAB in the algorithm helped to achieve shorter trajectories, using fewer iterations than the original algorithm, potentially reducing printing time. These findings position the RL techniques, particularly MAB, as a promising machining learning solution to address setbacks in the space-filling strategy applied. 

Although cloud computing offers many benefits, such as flexibility, scalability, and profitability, some small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are still unable to fully utilize cloud resources, such as memory, computing power, storage, and network bandwidth. This reduces their productivity and increases their expenses. Therefore, the central objective of this paper was to examine the key challenges related to the allocation of cloud computing resources in small and medium enterprises. The method used for this study is based upon qualitative research using 12 interviews with 12 owners, managers, and experts in cloud computing in four countries: the United States of America, the United Kingdom, India, and Pakistan. Our results, based on our empirical data, show 11 key barriers to resource allocation in cloud computing that are classified based on the technology, organization, and environment (TOE) framework. Theoretically, this research contributes to the body of knowledge concerning cloud computing technology and offers valuable understanding of the cloud computing resource allocation approaches employed by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In practice, this research is useful to aid SMEs in implementing successful and sustainable strategies for allocating cloud computing resources. 

Aim: This study seeks to build upon a prior investigation into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and to evaluate the prevalence of anxiety among Brazilian children, along with its associated factors, one year after the commencement of the pandemic.

Design: A cross-sectional study.

Methods: A survey was conducted from April–May 2021 in Brazil. Children aged 6–12 and their guardians from five Brazilian regions were included. The Children’s Anxiety Questionnaire (CAQ; scores 4–12) and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS; scores 0–10) were used to measure anxiety.

Results: Of the 906 children, 53.3% were girls (average age = 8.79 ± 2.05 years). Mothers responded for 87.1% of the children, and 70.9% were from the Southeast region. Based on a CAQ score of ≥9 and an NRS score of ≥8, the anxiety prevalence was 24.9 and 34.9%, respectively. Using logistic regression, a CAQ ≥9 score was associated with older children and children with chronic disease or disability. An NRS score of ≥8 was associated with reduced family income during the pandemic, the person caring for the children, and with children with chronic disease or disability.

Conclusion: These findings suggest the need to implement public health actions aimed at children with chronic diseases and disabilities and their parents to guide them regarding the warning signs and negative emotions. This study contributes to characterizing the evolution of the pandemic in Brazil and provides a basis for comparison with the literature from other countries.

Background:

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.

The present work investigates thoroughly the approaches used to model the effect of pulsing the heat source in computational fluid dynamics simulations of melt pools produced with electric arcs. Pulsed arcs are commonly utilized in metal additive manufacturing, welding, and cladding, especially pulsed gas metal arcs to control the metal transfer. They are characterized by periodic changes over time that act on the melt pool through arc heat flux, arc pressure, and electromagnetic force. Different approaches are being used in the literature to close the modelling of these terms with respect to arc pulsation: time-averaged without calibration, with calibration of the electromagnetic force, and time-dependent. Nonetheless, their effects on melt pool predictions remain to be understood.

Therefore, the present work analyses those effects systematically through the arc heat flux, the arc pressure, and the electromagnetic force taken one by one. The simulated cases are based on experimental tests with a pulsed gas metal arc that did provide validation data. The obtained results show that these approaches predict thermal flows with significant differences at the free surface and in the melt bulk. They also highlight that the deviations extend beyond the melt pool area underneath the heat source and give rise to significant dissimilarities in melt pool geometry. We conclude by proposing recommendations for the use of these closure approaches. © 2024

Previous literature has reported increased rates of gambling problems in athletes compared to non-athletes. More liberal gambling-related attitudes have been suggested as a reason, although this rarely has been researched. The present study aimed to examine gambling experience, gambling problems, and gambling-related attitudes and parental gambling experience in high school students, comparing student-athletes to students at conventional schools. This is a cross-sectional web survey study in high school students (N = 473, 53% at sports high schools, 57% male) at eleven schools in the Skåne region, Sweden, who answered a web survey addressed gambling experiences, parental gambling and gambling-related attitudes, and included validated screening instruments for gambling problems and psychological distress. A history of any gambling was common and increased with age. Problem gambling was detected in 10% (13% of males and 5% of females, p <.001), and was associated with paternal and maternal gambling but not with psychological distress. Sports high school students were not more likely (9%) than other students (10%) to endorse gambling problems and history of each gambling type. However, paternal (but not maternal) gambling was more commonly reported in athletes, who also had more positive attitudes to gambling’s effects on society and gambling availability. In contrast to other studies, this study did not demonstrate higher prevalence of gambling or gambling problems among young athletes than among other students, but liberal attitudes towards gambling, and experience of parental gambling on the father’s side, were more common among athletes than among non-athletes. Gambling attitudes in adolescents may need to be targeted in future preventive efforts in young athletes and others. © The Author(s) 2024.

The main objective of this work was to propose and evaluate a methodology for shielding-gas selection in additive manufacturing assisted by wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) with an austenitic stainless steel as feedstock. To validate the proposed methodology, the impact of multi-component gases was valued using three different Ar-based blends recommended as shielding gas for GMA (gas metal arc) of the target material, using CMT (cold metal transfer) as the process version. This assessment considered features that potentially affect the building of the case study of thin walls, such as metal transfer regularity, deposition time, and geometrical and metallurgical characteristics. Different settings of wire-feed speeds were conceived to maintain a similar mean current (first constraint for comparison’s sake) among the three gas blends. This approach implied different mean wire-feed speeds and simultaneously forced a change in the deposition speed to maintain the same amount of material deposited per unit of length (second comparison constraint). The composition of the gases affects the operational performance of the shielding gases. It was concluded that by following this methodology, shielding-gas selection decision-making is possible based on the perceived characteristics of the different commercial blends. © 2024 by the authors.

This single case explores micro-foundations of traditional manufacturing organizations’ transforming capability to expand the understanding of organizing and continuously supporting an organization in adopting digital technologies. Data collection consisted of five focus groups and nine interviews. In total, 30 unique informants participated. Findings show how informants experience the organization to hem potential conversations due to the organizational structure and the need to communicate between functions. Hence, the potential positive effects of introducing digital technologies might be lost due to not recognizing the need for nonlinear clusters of individuals, groups, and in the end - the organization. By illuminating microfoundations in the transforming capability, this study shows the need to recognize structural and social aspects in the strategic work of implementing digital technologies. © 2024 IEEE Computer Society. All rights reserved.

This action research article presents a case study of a global manufacturing company deploying artificial intelligence (AI) to develop capabilities and enhance decision-making. This study explores considerations and trade-offs involved in introducing AI into daily operations, leading up to the decision to develop AI capabilities in-house or outsource them. The case study offers in-depth technical descriptions of model selection, dataset creation, model adoption, model training and evaluation while addressing organizational obstacles and decision-making processes. The study’s findings highlight the importance of collaboration between technical experts, business leaders, and end-users, as well as the interaction and collaboration between AI systems and human employees in the workplace. The article contributes a practical perspective on AI implementation in manufacturing, emphasizing the need to balance in-house capability development with external acquisition. Although the case study company managed to create an in-house model, factors such as implementation, debugging, data requirements, training time, and performance led to outsourcing the capabilities. However, making this informed decision required capabilities and insights that were acquired through practical work. Consequently, although in-house development can be challenging, it can also enhance organizational capabilities and provide the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions about future development or outsourcing. © 2024 IEEE Computer Society. All rights reserved.

As we have moved into a post-pandemic phase, the hospitality and tourism industry faces a new era where conditions are reshaped through new realities like labor shortages, new work models (digital nomadism, work-from-home), inflation, political uncertainties, new leisure and travel patterns, and increasing tourismphobia among local residents. In addition, the growing awareness of sustainability and climate change are adding new demands and challenges. Thus, there is a need to develop practical and conceptual knowledge on the role of digital transformation in meeting these challenges and for developing an industry that is resilient, sustainable, and responsible in its technology use. © 2024 IEEE Computer Society. All rights reserved.

Nordic public sector organizations offer a rich context to understand activities related to digital innovation. In this paper, we report on a recent qualitative case study carried out in a Nordic government agency. We focus on the early-stage innovation activities at a case organization that investigates blockchain-related technology. We show how a concept of navigating landscapes can help to understand and theorize these dynamics. Our findings distill organizational activities into three types: 1) navigating need-solutions landscapes, 2) navigating organizational landscape, and 3) navigating competence landscape. These findings are of interest to IS scholars as well as practitioners interested in public sector innovation involving emerging decentralized technologies (EDTs). © 2024 IEEE Computer Society. All rights reserved.

Surface tension is an essential material property that defines many aspects of thermal processes involving liquids. Metal materials have high melting temperatures, and surface tension could often be measured around melting temperature and is, therefore, known for many pure materials and simple material systems. However, high-energy input during laser, electron beam, or plasma processes is known to increase the material temperatures far above the melting point. To build theoretical models, simulate processes, and increase process understanding, surface tension values at those high temperatures would be beneficial to know. However, it can be difficult to create stable circumstances and measure surface tension in those conditions. Therefore, it is suggested in this work to indirectly derive surface tension values from the pressure balance inside keyholes created during laser deep penetration processing. A variety of different keyhole shapes were created using dynamic beam shaping by means of coherent beam combining. From the observed keyhole shapes using inline x-ray observations, temperature distributions on the keyhole walls were calculated using ray tracing. The temperature defines the local recoil pressure that counteracts the surface tension pressure, which contains the surface tension value as the only unknown variable. At increasing temperatures above the boiling point, an increasing surface tension was observed. © 2024 Author(s).

Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI) represents a unique combination of the characteristics of grey and spheroidal cast irons, sparking significant interest over the past two decades, particularly as a favoured material in several automotive industry applications, including engine components and heavy-duty vehicle parts. Despite its growing prominence, the full potential of CGI remains underutilised, primarily due to its lower productivity rate compared to grey cast iron. This paper comprehensively reviews existing research on CGI machining, emphasising the challenges and exploring opportunities for development in this field. A detailed comparison between the machining of compacted graphite iron, grey cast iron and spheroidal graphite cast iron is provided, highlighting the unique characteristics associated with CGI. The influence of microstructure and chemical composition on machining processes is thoroughly examined and deliberated. Moreover, this review delves into the effects of various process variables on CGI machining, including cutting tools, lubrication, and cooling methods. The paper concludes by discussing potential future trends and innovations in CGI machining, offering a prospective outlook on how these developments could bridge the productivity and literature gap and enhance the utilisation of CGI in industrial applications. © 2024 The Author(s)

Thermal spray high-entropy alloy (HEA) coatings have demonstrated potential for improving the wear resistance of conventional materials used in extreme engineering environments. In the present work, an equiatomic AlCoCrFeNi HEA coating was manufactured using the high velocity air fuel (HVAF) process. The phase and microstructural transformations in gas-atomized (GA) powder during HVAF spraying were analyzed using SEM, EDS and EBSD techniques. The tribological properties of this HEA coating sliding against an Al2O3 ball at both room temperature (RT) and 600 °C were also evaluated. The GA powder was composed of Body Centred Cubic (BCC) + ordered BCC (B2) phases, which transformed to BCC + B2 + minor Face Centred Cubic (FCC) phases during the HVAF coating process, validating the thermodynamic phase prediction projected by the Scheil simulation for non-equilibrium processing conditions. The rapid solidification and high velocity impact-assisted deformation of GA powder resulted in significant grain refinement in the HVAF coating, which ultimately improved the mechanical properties at both micro and nanoscale levels. The wear resistance of the HEA coating at RT was severely impacted by the relatively brittle BCC/B2 phase structure, leading to susceptibility to abrasive wear and surface fatigue. The wear resistance at 600 °C was slightly lower at RT due to the formation of a brittle oxide layer on the worn surface, which induced surface fatigue and aggravated mass loss of the coating.

This study presents the results of an investigation on the influence of powder feed rate on the microstructure and composition of laser-deposited cobalt–based alloy (MetcoClad21). Optical emission spectroscopy (OES), metallographic analysis, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) was used to characterize the samples and the process. The OES analysis was used to identify element specific atomic emission lines (peaks) within the captured optical process emissions. The elemental composition of the deposited material was observed and peak intensity ratio of certain elements were calculated in situ. The metallographic and EDX analyses were used to measure the cross–sectional–dimensions of the deposition tracks and to analyse the elemental composition of the deposited material. The results showed that the powder feed rate had a significant influence on the microstructure, the cross–sectional–dimensions and the composition within the deposition tracks. Specifically, the authors found that the Fe/Cr peak intensity ratio decreased with increasing powder feed rate, indicating a decrease in the Fe content and an increase in the Cr content of the deposited material. Hence, the peak intensity ratios could have been correlated with the track compositions and the dilution with the Fe-based substrate material. The results of this study have implications for the optimization of laser deposition processes for cobalt–based alloys by an in situ control by OES. 

This article presents a systematic literature review on the Plug and Produce concept in advanced automated manufacturing control systems. Over recent decades, this concept has evolved significantly, with researchers focusing on enhancing its applicability and improving its conceptual, logical, and physical aspects across various sub-areas such as system design, methodologies, and supporting tools within the Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 frameworks. The review offers technical insights on the research domain of Plug and Produce accompanied by an analytical schematic outlining five key evolving research streams ranging from system design framework, and functionality features, up to the empirical application. Additionally, the article discusses important issues surrounding the evolution of Plug and Produce in alignment with emerging trends within Industry 5.0 automation. By analyzing the literature and current trends in industrial automation, the article highlights critical key development directions for shaping the future of manufacturing systems focusing on smart, circular, and human-centric solutions using Plug and Produce. © 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Epidemiological studies show the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adolescents is around 5 %. There is strong evidence for psychosocial interventions and medication for treatment of ADHD core symptoms, but these alone do not always reach a satisfactory outcome. The aim of this small-scale study was to evaluate the impact of tactile massage on ADHD core symptoms in adolescents in a clinical setting. Secondary outcome measures addressed pain perception, ability to fall asleep, and stress levels before, during, and after the intervention.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen adolescents aged 15-17 and previously diagnosed with ADHD received tactile massage sessions in an experimental, single-subject ABA study combined with a group-based evaluation using descriptive statistics. The adolescents and their parents answered questionnaires to follow up on the primary and secondary outcomes.

RESULTS: The results showed a statistically significant reduction in hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention, as well as oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Participants reported that it was significantly easier to fall asleep. There was also a tendency to perceive less pain, but these results were not statistically significant. The compliance in this study was excellent.

CONCLUSION: In this study, tactile massage appears to have had a significantly positive impact on ADHD core symptoms and the ability to fall asleep. The absence of adverse physiological changes and the excellent compliance, coupled with positive results, supports the idea that tactile massage may be considered safe and beneficial for adolescents with ADHD. Our findings need to be further investigated in future research.

Urban air quality is influenced by vegetation through alterations in airflow and pollutant deposition processes. We investigated these interactions by integrating the Vegetation Impact Dynamic Assessment model (VIDA) with the Large-Eddy Simulation model PALM. Our analysis focus on nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter (PM) concentrations at the local scale, considering three tree genera. Our findings reveal the necessity of accounting for both gaseous pollutants and particles separately due to their differing mechanisms of deposition onto leaves. The coupled PALM-VIDA model demonstrates a significant reduction in PM levels across the modelling domain and within street canyons when deposition to vegetation is incorporated. Reduction in NO₂ through deposition to vegetation is lower but human NO2 exposure can still be decreased if tree species selection and placement leads to desirable effects on air flow. Sparse tree arrangements or species with sparse crowns facilitate ventilation and are often better at reducing NO₂ concentrations in street canyons compared to denser vegetation with higher deposition but negative effects on ventilation. Our study informs urban planning and green infrastructure design, underscoring the multifaceted role of urban greenery in air pollution mitigation strategies. Its main conclusion is that both deposition processes and the influence of air mixing and ventilation need to be considered to accurately assess the effects of urban trees on local air quality. Ill-considered placement and species selection may cause a net increase in pollutants underneath the trees. However, careful planning can address this risk and instead improve overall air quality. © 2024 The Authors

BACKGROUND: Participation by all actors involved in health planning is a prerequisite for person-centred care and healthy ageing. Understanding the multiple knowledge needs and the values that shape oral health assessments in home settings is important both to enable participation in oral health planning and to contribute to healthy ageing.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate decisional needs during oral health assessments in ordinary home settings from the perspectives of older adults, home health care nurses and dental hygienists.

METHODS: Data was collected in ordinary home settings through 24 team-based oral assessments and 39 brief, semi-structured interviews including older adults (n = 24), home health care nurses (n = 8) and dental hygienists (n = 7). Data was analysed using content analysis with a deductive approach. The analysis was guided by the Ottawa Decision Support Guide.

RESULTS: The analysis revealed that all participants considered participation in decision-making important but until now, older adults might not have participated in making decisions regarding oral health issues. The older adults considered participation important because the decisions had a strong impact on their lives, affecting their health. The professionals considered decision-making important for knowing what step to take next and to be able to follow up and evaluate previous goals and treatments. Organizational and personal barriers for shared decision-making among home health care nurses and dental hygienists were identified. Of the 24 older adults, 20 had different oral health conditions that objectively indicated the need for treatment. An initial important decision concerned whether the older adult wanted to make an appointment for dental care, and if so, how. Another decisional conflict concerned whether and how assisted oral care should be carried out.

CONCLUSION: It is important for key participants in ordinary home settings to participate in interprofessional teams in home health care. To further anchor this in theory, conceptual models for professionals from different care organizations (municipal care, dental care) need to be developed that also involve older adults as participants. Future research could bridge theory and practice by including theories of learning while exploring interorganizational oral health planning in home settings.

Flexible resources aids in enhancing the resilience of a renewable dominated power system. Space heating systems equipped with heat pumps is one such flexible resource. With this background, the current study deals with the quantification of flexibility potential of space heating systems in houses equipped with various heat pump types. A heat pump model is represented using a vapour compression heat pump cycle. This model is integrated with a thermal model of a house to estimate electricity consumption, for maintaining the indoor temperature at a set value, as flexibility quantification depends on electricity consumption. In addition to this, flexibility potential is quantified by, analysing and incorporating the results on minimum acceptable indoor temperature from twelve interviews with households owning heat pumps, into the integrated model. The results from interviews reveal that, there is an uncertainty in minimum acceptable indoor temperature, as it is dependant on a number of factors such as frequency and duration of interruption, access to additional heating and motivation to be flexible. Hence, to quantify flexibility using thermal simulations, the indoor temperature is reduced from 20 °C to values between 18 °C and 15 °C, based on minimum acceptable temperatures stated in the interviews. The flexibility potential is quantified in terms of an instantaneous reduction in electric power and reduction in electric energy. By reducing the indoor temperature from 20 °C to the aforementioned values at an outdoor ambient temperature of -5 °C, in about a million single family houses in southern half of Sweden, an instantaneous reduction in electric power is estimated to be 1.6 GW, for the power system with 23 GW plannable power. Additionally, considering the recovery of the indoor temperature to 20 °C in 24 h, electric energy reduction is found to be between 4.06 GWh and 7.4 GWh, when the reference indoor temperature is reduced to values between 18 °C and 15 °C respectively, over 17.25 h. Furthermore, with time the amount of flexibility offered reduces, becomes negative during the recovery period and finally reaches zero, when the indoor temperature is restored. The results reveal that space heating systems in houses equipped with heat pumps have the potential to enhance the resilience of the power grid during severe grid disturbances. © 2024 The Authors

Artificial intelligence (AI) has helped enhance the management of software development projects through automation, improving efficiency and enabling project professionals to focus on strategic aspects. Despite its advantages, applying AI in software development project management still faces several challenges. Thus, this study investigates key obstacles to applying artificial intelligence in project management, specifically in the project planning phase. This research systematically reviews the existing literature. The review comprises scientific articles published from 2019 to 2024 and, from the inspected records, 17 papers were analyzed in full-text form. In this review, 10 key barriers were reported and categorized based on the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework. This review showed that eleven articles reported technological challenges, twelve articles identified organizational challenges, and six articles reported environmental challenges. In addition, this review found that there was relatively little interest in the literature on environmental challenges, compared to organizational and technological barriers. © 2024 by the authors.

This article aims to increase the body of knowledge on the practical use of business process modeling to support process redesign and organizational development. A qualitative case study inspired by Action Research has been performed in an SME. The data was deductively analyzed using an established project phase model aimed to support Enterprise Modeling activities. The main contribution is the detailed descriptions of the usage of business process modeling for process redesign, adding knowledge to the practice of business process modeling. In addition, this work also increases knowledge of aspects that support the Enterprise Modeling project phase model and provides suggestions for further development of the Enterprise Modeling project phase model. Other contributions highlight the critical issues of having a holistic perspective, including the three levels of inquiry, the need to include parts of later phases in the Enterprise Modeling project phase model in a pre-phase activity, and suggestions to extend the “what to avoid” list. The work also revealed that the list could be used for evaluation purposes. Furthermore, some advice to practitioners in the form of lessons learned has been formulated, e.g., the importance of establishing the problem owner and having the future state in focus instead of the current state.

In the emerging field of Additive Manufacturing (AM), the promise of unparalleled design flexibility, resource efficiency, and rapid prototyping has captivated both industry and academia. While AM techniques offer a wide range of manufacturing possibilities, they also present unique challenges in ensuring structural integrity and material properties. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods, including Ultrasonic Testing (UT), have emerged as invaluable tools for evaluating the internal structure of AM components without compromising their integrity. By employing NDT techniques, it is possible to detect flaws such as porosities, cracks, and other inhomogeneities early in the manufacturing process, thereby improving reliability, extending the lifespan, and reducing the overall environmental footprint of AM products. While the occurrence of defects from processes such as welding is well-established, documented and standardized with regards to NDT, a knowledge gap exists for defects in the field of AM. Specifically, reference reflectors commonly used in the industry, such as side-drilled holes and flat bottom holes, are well understood when machined into components using traditional (subtractive) means. AM offers more flexibility, e.g., adding closed internal reference reflectors directly from the build-process. Twelve straight blocks were manufactured using Laser Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) with carefully selected artificial defects. All defects were created by CAD (Computer Aided Design) seeding, i.e., introducing voids into the CAD-model. The blocks were inspected using Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing as well as conventional ultrasonic testing. It was shown that the as-built surface of PBF-LB has an adverse impact on the ultrasonic testing signal response, and the detectability of defects was quantified under the different conditions (machined surface compared to as-built). It was shown that the build direction has an impact on the morphology and the UT signal response from internally seeded defects.

I en alltmer global värld flyttar människor och behöver söka försörjning men också lära sig nya språk. För att möta detta behov anordnas i Sverige kombinationsutbildningar, där svenska läses i kombination med en yrkesutbildning, där även praktik ingår.

Den här studien fokuserar på hur en handledare på praktikplats kan underlätta elevens språk och yrkesrelaterade inlärning genom att skapa en gränsöverskridande handledningspraktik. Syftet med studien är att undersöka handledningspraktiken i kombinationsutbildningar. Forskningsfrågorna är:

Vilka gränsöverskridande insatser görs för att underlätta för eleven att lära sig språk och yrke samtidigt?

Hur kan handledare skapa en gränsöverskridande praktik som innehåller affordances för lärande?

I denna etnografiska studie undersöks en kombinationsutbildning med inriktning lokalvård. Dataproduktionen består av 241 timmars observationer av svensklektioner, yrkeslektioner och arbete på praktikplats. Materialet har analyserats utifrån teorier om gränsöverskridanden (Akkerman & Bakker, 2011) och affordances (van Lier, 2000).

Förväntade resultat visar att handledaren på praktikplatsen skapar en gränsöverskridande praktik som består av ungefär två timmars teoretiska studier varje dag eleven tillbringar på praktiken. Gränspraktiken ger eleven flera möjligheter att använda målspråket både muntligt och skriftligt. Studien har relevans för Nordand 16 genom att den belyser hur en handledningspraktik kan stötta elevers inlärning av såväl andraspråket som yrkeskunskaper. 

I en alltmer global värld flyttar människor och behöver söka försörjning men också lära sig nya språk. För att möta detta behov anordnas i Sverige kombinationsutbildningar, där svenska läses i kombination med en yrkesutbildning, där även praktik ingår. Den här studien fokuserar på hur en handledare på praktikplats kan underlätta elevens språk- och yrkesrelaterade inlärning genom att skapa en gränsöverskridande handledningspraktik. Syftet med studien är att undersöka handledningspraktiken i kombinationsutbildningar. Forskningsfrågorna är: Vilka gränsöverskridande insatser görs för att underlätta för eleven att lära sig språk och yrke samtidigt? Hur kan handledare skapa en gränsöverskridande praktik som innehåller affordances för lärande? I denna etnografiska studie undersöks en kombinationsutbildning med inriktning lokalvård. Dataproduktionen består av 241 timmars observationer av svensklektioner, yrkeslektioner och arbete på praktikplats. Materialet har analyserats utifrån teorier om gränsöverskridanden (Akkerman & Bakker, 2011) och affordances (van Lier, 2000). Förväntade resultat visar att handledaren på praktikplatsen skapar en gränsöverskridande praktik som består av ungefär två timmars teoretiska studier varje dag eleven tillbringar på praktiken. Gränspraktiken ger eleven flera möjligheter att använda målspråket både muntligt och skriftligt. Studien belyser hur en handledningspraktik kan stötta elevers inlärning av såväl andraspråket som yrkeskunskaper

Lifespan in schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) is up to 20 years shorter than average. Introduction of new antipsychotic pharmaceuticals has not made any major improvement. Parallel care is provided as usual standard care (USD) in out-patients settings. The study aim was to evaluate if inclusion of Measurement Based Care (MBC) may prolong patients’ lifespan. In total, 171 patients were followed with annual semi-structured examinations of psychiatric status, social situation, and somatic illnesses over 20 years, by case managers. Findings indicate that MBC contributed to prolonged lifespan in SSD from 55.6 to 69.4 years from beginning to end of the study.