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| 2. |
- Andersson, Lena, 1980, et al.
(author)
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Methodological issues on the use of urinary alpha-1-microglobuline in epidemiological studies.
- 2008
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In: Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0931-0509 .- 1460-2385. ; 23:4, s. 1252-1256
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background. Alpha-1-microglobulin (A1M) is a low molecular weight protein that can be measured in urine and used as a marker for tubular function, assuming that the normal variability within and between individuals is known. The aims of this study were to investigate this variability, to find the optimal way of sampling and quantifying A1M in spot urine samples to reflect the 24 h excretion and to examine storage stability. Method. Timed urine specimens were collected from 29 healthy volunteers at fixed time points over 24 h on two separate days. Volumes, creatinine and specific gravity were determined. All samples were analysed with a commercial ELISA for A1M. Results. We found a clear diurnal variation in A1M excretion rate and a gender effect (higher in males). The excretion rate was higher in the daytime, with high urinary flow, compared to overnight values. A1M excretion in spot urine samples was highly correlated with the 24 h excretion at all times except 22:00 in male subjects. Urinary A1M adjusted for creatinine concentration correlated well with the 24 h excretion. Variability within individuals was only 20% of the total variability in 24 h A1M excretion, but 43% in first morning urine. Expressed as CV, the intra-individual variability (between days) was 29% in 24 h excretion. Conclusion. We conclude that diurnal variation and gender should be taken into account when comparing groups. Moreover, in spot samples (e.g. first morning samples) adjustment of A1M for creatinine or specific gravity is a reliable alternative to 24 h urine.
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- Fritz, Johanna, et al.
(author)
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Determinants of Implementing an Information and Communication Technology Tool for Social Interaction Among Older People : Qualitative Content Analysis of Social Services Personnel Perspectives
- 2024
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In: JMIR Aging. - : JMIR Publications Inc.. - 2561-7605. ; 7:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Older people are particularly vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness, which can lead to ill-health, both mentally and physically. Information and communication technology (ICT) can supplement health and social care and improve health among the vulnerable, older adult population. When ICT is used specifically for communication with others, it is associated with reduced loneliness in older populations. Research is sparse on how the implementation of ICT, used specifically for communication among older people in social services, can be performed. It is recommended to consider the determinants of implementation, that is, barriers to and facilitators of implementation. Determinants related to older people using ICT tools are reported in several studies. To the best of our knowledge, studies investigating the determinants related to the social services perspective are lacking. Objective: This study aims to explore the determinants of implementing the Fik@ room, a new, co-designed, and research-based ICT tool for social interaction among older people, from a social services personnel perspective. Methods: This study used an exploratory, qualitative design. An ICT tool called the Fik@ room was tested in an intervention study conducted in 2021 in 2 medium-sized municipalities in Sweden. Informants in this study were municipal social services personnel with experience of implementing this specific ICT tool in social services. We conducted a participatory workshop consisting of 2 parts, with 9 informants divided into 2 groups. We analyzed the data using qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach. Results: The results included 7 categories of determinants for implementing the ICT tool. Being able to introduce the ICT tool in an appropriate manner concerns the personnel’s options for introducing and supporting the ICT tool, including their competencies in using digital equipment. Organizational structure concerns a structure for communication within the organization. Leadership concerns engagement and enthusiasm as driving forces for implementation. The digital maturity of the social services personnel concerns the personnel’s skills and attitudes toward using digital equipment. Resources concern time and money. IT support concerns accessibility, and legal liability concerns possibilities to fulfill legal responsibilities. Conclusions: The results show that implementation involves an entire organization at varying degrees. Regardless of how much each level within the organization comes into direct contact with the ICT tool, all levels need to be involved to create the necessary conditions for successful implementation. The prerequisites for the implementation of an ICT tool will probably change depending on the digital maturity of future generations. As this study only included 9 informants, the results should be handled with care. The study was performed during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has probably affected the results.
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- Gusdal, Annelie K, 1963-, et al.
(author)
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Older Adults’ Use of a Research-Based Web Platform for Social Interaction
- 2023
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In: Healthcare. - : MDPI AG. - 2227-9032. ; 11:3
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Loneliness and social isolation are triggers for unfavorable changes in older adults’ health and well-being. Information and communication technology (ICT) can be used by older adults to mitigate the negative effects of loneliness and social isolation. However, ICT needs to be customized to the specific needs and conditions of older adults. The aim of this study was to explore older adults’ use of a new, co-designed and research-based web platform for social interaction from the perspectives of older adults, researchers, and social services personnel. The study is an intervention study with a multimethod approach in which 20 older adults used the web platform for social interaction “the Fik@ room” for eight weeks. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected pretest, during the test, and posttest. The Fik@ room met the expectations of those older adults who completed the study. It enabled them to expand their social network and develop new friendships, but their experiences of loneliness were not reduced. The involvement of social services personnel in recruitment and support was important in facilitating older adults’ use of the Fik@ room. Our study contributes knowledge about a new, co-designed and research-based web platform, customized specifically for older adults, which is valuable in guiding the design and delivery of future web platforms for social interaction among older adults.
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| 6. |
- Johansson-Pajala, Rose-Marie, et al.
(author)
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A codesigned web platform for reducing social isolation and loneliness in older people : a feasibility study
- 2024
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In: Informatics for Health and Social Care. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1753-8157 .- 1753-8165.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Social isolation and loneliness are associated with negative health outcomes, physical as well as cognitive. Information and communication technology (ICT) can be effective tools for preventing and tackling social isolation and loneliness among older people. Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility of the Fik@ room, a web platform for social interaction designed for older people. A mixed methods design was applied, where both quantitative and qualitative data were collected during a 12-week period (n = 28, Md age 74). Experiences of loneliness were reduced using the Fik@ room. The results highlight the feasibility issues surrounding the recruitment process, adoption, pattern of use, usability, support service, and technical infrastructure. In particular, the importance of offering ICT solutions with few technical issues, and to provide easily accessible and appropriate support. The Fik@ room is a feasible tool for older people to develop new friendships, reduce loneliness, and grow their social networks. However, it is not a communication option that fits all. The results offer a compilation of feasibility issues that can serve as an inspirational guide in the design and implementation of similar technologies.
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| 7. |
- Kehoe, Laura, et al.
(author)
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Make EU trade with Brazil sustainable
- 2019
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In: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 364:6438, s. 341-
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)
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| 8. |
- Lindblad, Sverker, 1946, et al.
(author)
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School lockdown? Comparative analyses of responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in European countries
- 2021
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In: European Educational Research Journal. - : SAGE Publications. - 1474-9041. ; 20:5, s. 564-583
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The purpose of this article is to analyse how education and schooling took part in handling the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in eight European countries (Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Poland and Sweden). The focus is on primary education and on decisions to close schools, or not. Our research was informed by assemblage theory in order to analyse how different components interacted in developing societal responses to mitigate the pandemic. The research was designed as a comparative case study of practical reasoning in diverse contexts. Data sources were the mass media and statements from governments and authorities. Our analyses showed that decisions to close schools, or not, were based on two alternative discourses on schooling. Closing primary schools was a preventive measure underlined by discourses of schools as places for infection. Keeping primary schools open was underlined by a discourse in which schools were conceived of as a place for social supportive measures and caring. Furthermore, the closing alternative was often combined with attempts to replace school practices by distance learning or computerized instruction. Legal constitutions and lawmaking were of significant importance in selecting discourses and the relative impact of different components, mostly political or medical, in responding to the pandemic.
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| 10. |
- Ring, Irene, et al.
(author)
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Chapter 6: Options for governance and decision-making across scales and sectors
- 2018
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In: IPBES. - Bonn : Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem services. - 9783947851089 ; , s. 661-802
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Book chapter (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Within the generic scope of the Regional Assessments of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, the key policy‑relevant questions of the Europe and Central Asia Assessment concern options and opportunities with regard to biodiversity and ecosystem services and their role for human well-being. The assessment examines the opportunities for sectoral policies and policy instruments; managing production, consumption and economic development; and ecological infrastructures and ecological technologies. It explores opportunities to promote food security, economic development and equality while avoiding land and aquatic degradation and conserving cultural landscapes.
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