In the dynamic domain of Development, Security, and Operations (DevSecOps), a quantitative approach is critical, with the usage of metrics being a key method to realize this goal. However, there is a notable absence of a set of metrics and assessment specifically for Cloud-Based Web Microservices (CBWMs) within a DevSecOps framework. This study seeks to fill this void by developing a quantitative assessment framework designed for CBWMs in the context of DevSecOps. Utilizing a Multi-Vocal Literature Review (MLR) methodology, we gathered and analyzed 92 documents from 2018 to 2023, sourced from IEEE Xplore, Springer, and Google, to select twelve effective metrics for CBWM assessment within DevSecOps. These metrics, categorized by scale and interrelationships, were chosen due to the tools available in the market for obtaining them, their general applicability across various CBWMs, and their clearly defined measurements and criteria. Each metric is supported by academic and industry literature, providing a comprehensive basis for their selection. Leveraging the Constructive Cost Model (COCOMO) II and the stages of Development and Operations (DevOps) – Plan, Code, Build, Test, Release, Deploy, Operate, and Monitor – our framework outlines an assessment flow that segments into three phases - Development, Integration, and Post-Deployment, aligning with the iterative Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). This structure facilitates continuous improvement of CBWMs within a DevSecOps framework using these carefully selected metrics. / 2025-01-08T00:00:00Z

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We present and study the current research trends and advances for optimizing assemble-to-order systems with stochastic lead times. Assemble-to-order systems are widely used in several industries, where end products consist of multiple components and are customizable. Manufacturers can offer greater flexibility to their customers by delaying the assembly of the components until after the order is placed. This means they do not keep an inventory of end-products. Only components can be kept in the inventory and assembled upon demand. We compare and contrast different formulations and the features of assemble-to-order systems studied in the literature including system configuration, replenishment policy, lead time type, and demand distribution. Single-period systems, periodic-review systems, and continuous-review systems are considered. Current assumptions, formulations, solutions, and challenges are discussed. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

An unprecedented 65.6 million people around the world have been forcibly displaced from their homes; 22.5 million of these individuals are refugees and 10 million are considered stateless (UNHCR, 2016a). Although, the conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic and the large arrival of asylum-seekers at the European borders in 2015 and 2016 gained significant global media attention, the frequently interchangeable use of the terms “migrant” and “refugee” to describe population within news headlines imposes significant implications on the legal protections entitled to each label. Conflating refugees and migrants can undermine public support for refugees and the asylum system at a time when there are more refugees than at any previously recorded time (UNHCR, 2016a). To better understand, two electronic databases CBCA Reference and Current Events and Canadian Periodical Index were searched for headlines containing the key term “refugee(s)” in Canadian English language newspapers. A total of 94 words were identified that offered an indication of the portrayal of refugees in the news media. Fourteen words were categorized as positive, 56 words were negative and 25 words were identified as neutral In addition, a literature review was conducted mirroring the five-stage Arksey and O’Malley (2005) scoping review framework and a data charting form was used to extract descriptive themes. Seven electronic databases (Sociology, Social Sciences Abstract, Web of Science, Communication Source, JSTOR and Social Work) were searched.. A total of 32 studies were selected for the literature review (16 through the database search and 16 through reference list search). From the included literature, five descriptive themes were found: securitization, immigration, legitimacy, economic considerations and othering. Both analyses indicated a dominant securitized discourse that portrays refugees negatively as a threat to the state and revealed a decrease in humanitarian dialogue within news media coverage. Positive representations of refugees were limited to the narrative of a passive victim or contributors to the economy. In addition, refugee voices within news media were restricted to their expression of gratitude towards the state and their compassion. The lack of refugee perspective and the use of journalistic semantic strategies perpetuate a one-sided negative portrayal of refugees. A more balanced media narrative is required to ensure that refugees are being portrayed accurately and their voices are heard. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

Background: Communication is key to expressing oneself and, in healthcare, communication may be compromised due to different limitations. In dementia care, relatives often take on the role of caregivers for their loved one and thereby adopt a role of advocacy. With this role communication with healthcare staff becomes a necessity. However, certain factors affect the way communication is perceived. Since nurses in Sweden have laws and ethical codes as well as a description of competence to follow to ensure that health is promoted and good care given, the knowledge of communication factors is a necessity. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the factors affecting the communication between healthcare staff and caregivers in dementia care. Method: The chosen method was literature review and nine scientific articles from 2012-2022 were analysed. Results: The analysis resulted in the following themes and subthemes: Affected perception with the subthemes Frustration, stress and concern, Language barriers.Staff qualifications and commitment with the subthemes Lack of competence, Inadequate information, Staff presence and display of interest. Availability with the subthemes Support and correct information, Teamwork, Cooperation and participation and Good competence. Conclusion: The results showed that communication with caregivers was affected by lack of staff and knowledge in dementia care. When staff were unavailable, caregivers experienced that they were left out and kept uninformed. This caused them to feel frustrated and stressed and affected their communication skills. To prevent this, staff need to gain more knowledge in dementia care, should make themselves available and be able to provide accurate and timelyinformation.

Background: Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life for patients with limited time remaining. In the transition to end-of-life care, the complete focus is on relieving symptoms and easing the patient's pain. It has emerged that patients experience inadequate communication from nurses during their hospital stay, while nurses perceive insufficient knowledge regarding conversations with relatives. Engaging with relatives' experiences at the end of life contributes to a greater understanding of their preferred approach. Aim: To create an overview of relatives' experiences in palliative care. Method: Involves a general literature review that included eight qualitative and four quantitative articles. Results: The articles results pointed to three main themes: the importance of communication for relatives, the impact of the care environment on their palliative care experience, and how the illness affected life outside of caregiving. Conclusion: Insufficient support and communication were crucial factors in relatives the end-of-life experiences. Positive health outcomes were observed in relatives receiving support, information, and discussions in the end-of-life stage. Relatives experienced that the attitude of nurses, influenced their well-being, leading to difficulties in balancing everyday life while maintaining strength in front of the patient.

As Europe confronts a substantial surge in energy demand, the pressing necessity to integrate nuclear energy and others low-carbon energy sources into the energy mix has become evident. This integration is of paramount importance to achieving the objective of zero emissions by 2050, as outlined in various European Union climate policies. The role of nuclear energy, particularly through the deployment of Small Modular Reactors and Generation IV reactors, is pivotal in ensuring a dependable and sustainable energy supply that meets rigorous environmental standards.The public perception of nuclear energy plays a critical role in its acceptance and implementation. This thesis examines the importance of societal views on nuclear power, addressing common concerns and misconceptions through transparent communication and education. Engaging the public in discussions about the advancements in nuclear technology, especially the enhanced safety features and reduced environmental impact of modern reactors, is essential for gaining widespread support. Furthermore, the development of Generation IV reactors is imperative for addressing the challenge of nuclear waste management. These advanced reactors are designed to be more efficient and generate less waste, with some concepts capable of recycling spent fuel and using it as a resource. By focusing on these technologies, it is possible to mitigate the long-term environmental impact of nuclear energy and enhance its sustainability.This research is a purely literature review that highlights the necessity of advancing nuclear technology and fostering public trust to successfully integrate nuclear energy into Europe’s future energy strategy. The achievement of a zero-emissions energy mix by 2050 will necessitate a multifaceted approach that combines technological innovation, robust regulatory frameworks, and proactive public engagement. The findings of this thesis underscore the potential of SMRs and Generation IV reactors to transform the nuclear energy landscape, making them a cornerstone of a clean and reliable energy future.

Multiple sclerosis is a commonly diagnosed neurological disease that currently has no cure. Due to the significant physical and emotional impact that this disease has on the course of life, depressive symptoms frequently occurs among its sufferers. Many interventions have been developed and studied in an effort to reduce the depressive symptoms without the use of traditional antidepressant medications. This integrated literature review examines empirical evidence regarding non-pharmacologic interventions for depression published between 2003 and 2008. Cognitive behavioral therapy, complementary therapy, and support interventions were examined. Although no single intervention was shown to completely alleviate depressive symptoms, most interventions had a favorable impact.

As a prerequisite for all adult learners in life-long learning, self-directed learning has been constantly discussed since the early 1960s. However, in what manner research operationalizes the concepts and what similarities occur across the empirical studies and theoretical studies are still ambiguous. The purpose of this study is to employ an integrative literature review to investigate and disentangle various interpretations of self-directed learning by identifying how the topic is defined and what competencies and strategies are needed for a highly self-directed learner. This is a six-phase study, including: 1) problem formulation; 2) data collection; 3) problem re-formulation; 4) data evaluation; 5) data collection; and 6) presentation of the findings. This study provided a comprehensive perspective of self-directed learning in a dynamically expanding process to include multifaceted interpretations of the topic and advanced research in self-directed learning in an updated, enriched learning environment. Specifically, the researcher updated the evidence for self-directed learning to date, identified all of the potential dimensions of self-directed learning that distinguish a highly-directed self-directed learner and the related instructional strategies, and made suggestions for the future direction of research on the topic. / Ph. D. / This study is the first comprehensive investigation of the topic of self-directed learning by use of an integrative literature review. The researcher strove to disentangle various interpretations of self-directed learning and identify competences and strategies needed for a highly self-directed learner. This study advanced research in self-directed learning in an updated enriching learning environment. Specifically, the researcher updated the evidence for selfdirected learning to date, identified all the potential dimensions of self-directed learning that distinguish a highly self-directed learner, and made suggestions for the future direction for research of the topic. The findings demonstrated that self-directed learning is a highly dynamic and context-specific learning process in which the learner, as a proactive acting agent, interacts with his /her learning environment to accomplish his/her learning goals in a given learning context. In this dynamic and interactive process, the self-directed learner is motivated to control his/her learning, take advantage of his/her personal experience, set his/her realistic goals, believe in his/her ability to implement the plan and persist in accomplishing achievements by using cognitive skills such as metacognition and self-learning strategies such as seeking assistance, resources, and support when needed.

Yes / Big Data (BD), with their potential to ascertain valued insights for enhanced decision-making process, have recently attracted substantial interest from both academics and practitioners. Big Data Analytics (BDA) is increasingly becoming a trending practice that many organizations are adopting with the purpose of constructing valuable information from BD. The analytics process, including the deployment and use of BDA tools, is seen by organizations as a tool to improve operational efficiency though it has strategic potential, drive new revenue streams and gain competitive advantages over business rivals. However, there are different types of analytic applications to consider. Therefore, prior to hasty use and buying costly BD tools, there is a need for organizations to first understand the BDA landscape.Given the significant nature of the BDand BDA, this paper presents a state-ofthe- art review that presents a holistic view of the BD challenges and BDA methods theorized/proposed/ employed by organizations to help others understand this landscape with the objective of making robust investment decisions. In doing so, systematically analysing and synthesizing the extant research published on BD and BDA area. More specifically, the authors seek to answer the following two principal questions: Q1 –What are the different types of BD challenges theorized/proposed/confronted by organizations? and Q2 – What are the different types of BDA methods theorized/proposed/employed to overcome BD challenges?. This systematic literature review (SLR) is carried out through observing and understanding the past trends and extant patterns/themes in the BDA research area, evaluating contributions, summarizing knowledge, thereby identifying limitations, implications and potential further research avenues to support the academic community in exploring research themes/patterns. Thus, to trace the implementation of BD strategies, a profiling method is employed to analyze articles (published in English-speaking peer-reviewed journals between 1996 and 2015) extracted from the Scopus database. The analysis presented in this paper has identified relevant BD research studies that have contributed both conceptually and empirically to the expansion and accrual of intellectual wealth to the BDA in technology and organizational resource management discipline.