Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) are an emerging form of technology that allows owners of electricity producing appliances, such as electric vehicles, to partake in a pool of producers of sustainable energy. The Swedish electricity grid owner Svenska Kraftnät hosts a platform where VPPs act as intermediaries between energy producing customers and third party buyers. A requirement to participate in these transactions, however, is to post a bid specifying the amount of power that can be produced from a VPP during a given hour at least 48 hours into the future. This is where forecasting comes into the picture. This report compares the accuracy of eight different machine learning models when tasked with forecasting power output using the same training data from an electric vehicle-based VPP. The study also examines which inferences about customer behavior can be drawn from the same data and give strategic recommendations to VPPs based on the findings of the study. Upon evaluating the results, it was found that deep learning models outperformed autoregressive models, which in turn outperformed Random Forest Regression and Support Vector Regression. As for customer behaviors found in the data, a small negative correlation between spot prices and delivered output was found, suggesting that customers limit their charging when spot prices are high. Further, more power is generally produced during nighttime and on weekends. The data also shows an autocorrelation with a lag of 24 hours, suggesting that charging behaviors on a given day influence charging behaviors the subsequent day. / Virtuella kraftverk (VPPs) är en framväxande form av teknologi som tillåter ägare av elproducerande enheter, till exempel elbilar, att delta i ett nätverk av producenter av hållbar energi. Den svenska elnätsägaren Svenska Kraftnät driver en plattform där VPPs agerar mellanhänder mellan energiproducerande kunder och tredjepartsköpare. Ett krav för att delta i budgivningen är dock att som VPP kunna lägga ett bud som specificerar hur stor effekt som kan produceras under en viss timme, minst 48 timmar i framtiden. Här kommer prognoser in i bilden. Denna rapport jämför precisionen för åtta olika maskininlärningsmodeller som har i uppgift att predicera effektproduktion med hjälp av samma data från ett elbilsbaserat VPP. Denna studie undersöker också vilka slutsatser som kan dras angående kundbeteenden från given data och ger strategiska rekommendationer baserat på studiens resultat. Efter utvärdering av resultaten kunde det konstateras att Deep Learning-modeller överträffade autoregressiva modeller, som i sin tur överträffade Random Forest Regression och Support Vector Regression. Vad gäller kundbeteenden i given data, kan sägas att en låg negativ korrelation fanns mellan spotpriser och effektproduktion, vilket tyder på att kunder begränsar laddning av elbilar när spotpriserna är höga. Vidare kan sägas att mer effekt generellt sett produceras på kvällar och helger. Studiens data visar också på en autokorrelation med en eftersläpning (lag) på 24 timmar, vilket tyder på att laddningsmönster under en given dag influerar laddningsmönster under nästkommande dag.

A wireless sensor network consists of small, limited-resource embedded systems exchanging environment data and activating controls. These networks can be deployed in hostile environments to monitor wildlife habitats, implemented in factories to locate mobile equipment, and installed in home environments to optimize the use of utilities. Each of these scenarios requires network security to protect the network data. The IEEE 802.15.4 standard is designed for WSN communication, yet the standard states that it is not responsible for defining the initialization, distribution, updating, or management of network public keys. Individuals seeking to research security topics will find that there are many 802.15.4-compliant development hardware kits available to purchase. However, these kits are not easily compared to each other without first-hand experience. Further, not all available kits are suitable for research in WSN security. This thesis evaluates a broad spectrum of 802.15.4 development kits for security studies. Three promising kits are examined in detail: Crossbow MICAz, Freescale MC1321x, and the Sun SPOT. These kits are evaluated based on their hardware, software, development environment, additional libraries, additional tools, and cost. Recommendations are made to security researchers advising which kits to use depending on their design needs and priorities. Suggestions are made to each company on how to further improve their kits for security research.

This study aims to identify and examine the key success factors for companies in the financial sector that seek to use artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their operations. Through a quantitative survey conducted among companies already utilizing or planning to use AI technology, the study seeks to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and requirements that companies face in effectively implementing and harnessing AI.    The findings from the study will be utilized to develop advice and recommendations that can support companies in their endeavors to leverage AI technology. By providing insights and strategic guidance, the study can assist companies in planning and executing their own AI initiatives more successfully within the financial sector.    A central research question addressed by the study is: What are the key success factors for companies seeking to use AI to enhance their operations in financial services? Through analyzing the survey responses, the study will contribute to the knowledge of how companies in the financial sector can benefit from AI and overcome potential obstacles. The overarching goal is to promote more efficient utilization of AI technology within financial services while ensuring companies' success and competitiveness in today's fast-paced and technology-driven business environment.    The results indicate that companies in the financial sector recognize the significance of data accessibility and quality as critical success factors, according to the respondents. Furthermore, the findings reveal that ethical, social, and political considerations related to AI are of importance, but there exists a degree of disagreement among respondents regarding the importance of these issues. These conclusions, together with prior research in the field, can inform the development of strategies and actions that foster responsible and successful use of AI in financial services.

För att hålla smittspridningen av Covid-19 nere har regeringar och myndigheter världen över försökt övertala sina medborgare att vidta olika typer av smittskyddsåtgärder. Tidigare forskning tyder på att människor med lågt förtroende för åtgärderna och låg tillit för myndigheter i lägre utsträckning följer utfärdade rekommendationer. Därför syftade den här studien till att få större kunskap kring vad som bidrar till bristande förtroende för den svenska strategin bland personer över 70 år under rådande pandemi. Studien bygger på en uppföljande enkätstudie som undersökt äldre personers uppfattning av information, följsamhet av rekommendationer och mentala hälsa under coronapandemin. Enkäten samlades in mellan mars och april 2021 och inkluderade 984 deltagare. För att besvara denna studies syfte användes en mixad metod. Samband mellan förtroende för strategin och bakgrundsfaktorer samt upplevelsen av information, myndigheter och rekommendationer analyserades med hjälp av Chi 2, medan deltagarnas fritextsvar analyserade med kvalitativ innehållsanalys. Resultatet visar att äldre personer med lågt förtroende för den svenska strategin i högre utsträckning uppfattar att den generella informationen är otydlig och otillräcklig samt att myndigheternas rekommendationer är otydliga och att myndighetsinformationen inte är tillförlitlig. Därtill visar resultatet att otydlig myndighetsinformation, motsägelsefulla informationskällor, brister i förvaltningen och otillräckliga åtgärder kan vara faktorer som bidrar till bristande förtroende för strategin. Trots försök att effektivisera och målgruppsanpassa kommunikationen belyser studien att äldre personer fortfarande upplever att myndigheters kommunikation brister. Avslutningsvis pekar studien på att det finns en viss diskrepans mellan viljan att lita på myndigheter och den faktiska tilliten, där viljan att lita på myndigheter bland äldre tycks vara högre än deras verkliga tillit. / To reduce the spread of Covid-19, governments and authorities around the world have tried to persuade their citizens to take various mitigating measures. Previous research indicates that people with high trust in authorities and the measures follow government recommendations to a greater extent. Therefore, this study aimed to gain greater knowledge about what contributes to a lack of trust in the Swedish strategy among people over 70 during the current pandemic. The study is based on a follow-up survey study that examined older people's perception of information, adherence to recommendations and mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic. The survey was collected between March and April 2021 and included 984 participants. To answer the purpose of this study, a mixed method was used. Relationships between trust in the strategy and background factors as well as the experience of information, authorities and recommendations were analyzed using Chi 2, while participants' free text responses were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The results show that older people with low trust in the Swedish strategy to a greater extent perceive the general information as unclear and insufficient, and the authorities' recommendations as unclear, and the authorities' information as not reliable. In addition, the results show that unclear authority information, contradictory sources of information, deficiencies in the management and insufficient measures can be factors that contribute to a lack of trust in the strategy. Despite attempts to make the communication more efficient to reach the target group, the study highlights that older people still feel that the authorities' communication is lacking. In conclusion, the study indicates that there is a certain discrepancy between the willingness to trust authorities and the actual trust, where the willingness to trust the authorities among older people seems to be higher than their real trust.Keywords:

The master's thesis contains 102 pages, 3 chapters, 8 figures, 10 tables, 64 sources. Import substitution, small business, food industry, agriculture, analysis, scheme, recommendations.The practical importance of the dissertation research lies in the possibility of small enterprises applying the recommendations on cost management in the production of import-substituting goods in accordance with the developed scenarios for implementing a policy of competitive import substitution in small food industry enterprises. This work consists of three chapters. The first chapter examines the theoretical aspects of the strategy of import substitution. The second chapter contains an analysis of the development factors of small enterprises of the food industry of the Russian Federation in conditions. The third chapter presents the algorithm of import substitution in small food industry enterprises, the Scenarios for the implementation of competitive import substitution policy, and also the Recommendations on cost management. / Магистерская диссертация содержит 102 страниц, 3 главы, 8 рисунков, 10 таблиц, 64 источника. Практическая значимость диссертационного исследования заключается в возможности применения малыми предприятиями рекомендаций по управлению затратами в производстве импортозамещенных товаров в соответствии с разработанными сценариями реализации политики конкурентного импортозамещения на малых предприятиях пищевой промышленности. Данная работа состоит из трех глав. В первой главе рассматриваются теоретические аспекты стратегии импортозамещения. Вторая глава содержит анализ факторов развития малых предприятий пищевой промышленности Российской Федерации в условиях. В третьей главе представлен алгоритм импортозамещения на малых предприятиях пищевой промышленности, Сценарии реализации политики конкурентного импортозамещения, а так же Рекомендации по управлению затратами.

Выпускная квалификационная работа (магистерская диссертация) посвящена исследованию организации потребительского кредитования, проблем и современных тенденций развития. Предметом исследования выступают экономические отношения, возникающие в процессе организации потребительского кредитования. Основной целью магистерской диссертации является разработка рекомендаций и мероприятий по развитию потребительского кредитования в ПАО «Сбербанк России». В заключении подводятся итоги проведенного исследования, делаются основные выводы. / Final qualifying work (master's thesis) is devoted to the study of the organization of consumer lending, problems and current trends. The subject of the research is the economic relations arising in the process of organization of consumer lending. The main purpose of the master's thesis is to develop recommendations and measures for the development of consumer lending in PJSC «Sberbank of Russia». In conclusion, the results of the study are summarized, the main conclusions are made.

Final qualifying work (master's thesis) is devoted to the study of the financial causes of bankruptcy. The subject of the study are the economic relations arising in the process of bankruptcy. The main purpose of the master's thesis is to develop recommendations to improve the financial stability of the enterprise in the framework of bankruptcy proceedings. In conclusion, the results of the study are summarized, the main conclusions are made. / Выпускная квалификационная работа (магистерская диссертация) посвящена исследованию финансовых причин банкротства предприятий. Предметом исследования выступают экономические отношения, возникающие в процессе банкротства предприятия. Основной целью магистерской диссертации является разработка рекомендаций по повышению финансовой устойчивости предприятия в рамках процедуры банкротства. В заключении подводятся итоги проведенного исследования, делаются основные выводы.

Die vorliegende Arbeit untersucht die aktuelle wissenschaftliche Evidenz zur Diagnostik und Therapie neuropsychologischer Störungen nach Hirnschädigung, wie sie bis 2020 in Leitlinien publiziert wurde. Deren Umsetzung ist nur möglich, wenn die institutionellen Rahmenbedingungen dies erlauben. Unter Einbezug der klinischen Erfahrung wurden daher auf Basis der Leitlinien Standards für eine wissenschaftlich fundierte neuropsychologische Diagnostik und Therapie erarbeitet. Es entstanden Best-Practice-Empfehlungen zu Strukturund Prozessqualität, insbesondere zu Intensität und Häufigkeit der Interventionen. Diese werden für die wichtigsten neuropsychologischen Funktionsbereiche vorgestellt. Sowohl die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neuropsychologie e. V. (GNP) als auch die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neurologie e. V. (DGN) unterstützen diese Empfehlungen. Sie richten sich an Neuropsycholog_innen sowie an Einrichtungsleitende und Sozialversicherungsträger und definieren die Rahmenbedingungen für eine auf den individuellen Fall angepasste leitliniengerechte neuropsychologische Behandlung. / Recent years have seen the establishment of evidence-based guidelines for neuropsychological diagnostics and therapy; however, implementing these guidelines depends on structures and processes necessary to enable essential aspects like therapy frequency and intensity. The present work examines the current scientific evidence for the neuropsychological treatment of traumatic and nontraumatic brain injury, as published in guidelines up to 2020. Standards for evidence-based neuropsychological diagnostics and therapy were developed on this basis, including clinical experience and additional literature research. Best-practice recommendations on both general and specific structural and process quality emerged, especially on the intensity and frequency of interventions. These are presented for the most important neuropsychological functional areas. The German Neuropsychological Society (GNP) and the German Society for Neurology (DGN) support these recommendations. They are aimed at neuropsychologists as well as facility managers and social insurance providers, and they define the framework for guideline-based neuropsychological treatment adapted to individual cases.

Då data som transporteras över trådlösa nätverk sänds genom luften i form av radiovågor är det viktigt att säkra upp nätverkskommunikationen med nya, erkändasäkerhetsstandarder. Däremot är användningsgraden av nyare säkerhetsstandarder inom Wi-Fi, specifikt WPA3 och PMF, låg. Samtidigt finns ett behov att öka förståelsen för relevanta metoder för kunskapsinhämtning. Syftet med studien är att ge rekommendationer för hur små och medelstora företag kan öka säkerheten i trådlösa nätverk. Studien identifierar orsaker till den låga användningsgraden av nyare säkerhetsstandarder i trådlösa nätverk och även hur nätverksadministratörer håller sig uppdaterade om standarderna. En kvalitativ ansats valdes för att besvara studiens syfte, vilket genomfördes med hjälp av 23 semi-strukturerade intervjuer med nätverksadministratörer i Sverige. Studiens resultat visar på ett tydligt tema där klientbasen i nätverken är huvudanledningen till avvaktandet med att implementera nyare säkerhetsstandarder, där kompabilitet upplevs som ett problem samtidigt som det råder okunskap om standarderna. Bland respondenterna anses metoden praktiskt laborerande vara mest effektiv för kunskapsinhämtning och fortbildning, ofta i samband med läsande av teori för att bilda en grundläggande förståelse. Studien landar i rekommendationer om de nyare säkerhetsstandarderna och kunskapsinhämtning riktade mot nätverksadministratörer, företag och även myndigheter och organisationer som bidrar med riktlinjer om trådlösa nätverk. / As data transmitted over wireless networks is sent through air, in the form of radio waves, it is important to secure network communication with new, recognized security standards. However, the adoption rate of newer security standards in Wi-Fi, specifically WPA3 and PMF, is low. At the same time, there is a need to increase understanding of relevant methods for knowledge acquisition. This study’s purpose is to provide recommendations on how small and medium-sized enterprises can increase the security of wireless networks. The study identifies reasons for the low adoption rate of newer security standards in wireless networks and how network administrators stay updated on the standards. A qualitative approach was chosen to address the study's purpose, which was conducted through 23 semi-structured interviews with network administrators in Sweden. The study's results reveal a clear theme where the client base in the networks is the main reason for reservations to implement newer security standards, with compatibility being perceived as a problem alongside a lack of knowledge about the standards. Among the respondents, practical experimentation is considered the most effective method for knowledge acquisition and continuous education, often combined with reading of theory to form a fundamental understanding. The study concludes with recommendations on the newer security standards and knowledge acquisition targeted towards network administrators, companies, as well as authorities and organizations that provide guidelines on wireless networks.

Soils in many regions in North America, including Quebec, are selenium (Se) deficient. To date, no field study has been conducted in Quebec regarding the Se status of horses. The objectives of this study were (1) to measure plasma Se in horses from different geographical locations in the province of Quebec and (2) to survey the Se consumption of the sampled horses. Four samplings were done on 59 horses over a 1-year period. Plasma was analyzed for Se, vitamin E and GSH-Px. Hay, concentrate and water were also analyzed for Se. Horses were classified in four groups for statistical analysis according to their forage:concentrate consumption respectively: group 1- 100% : 0%; group 2- 75-99% : 1-24%; group 3- 51-74% : 25-49%; group 4- < 50% : ≥ 50%. Owners were asked questions from a survey questionnaire at each visit. Results demonstrate that plasma Se varies according to BCS (P = 0.031) (n = 224 measures, 1 measure/horse/season), the season (P = 0.015) and the feeding group (P< 0.001). Plasma vitamin E was affected by the sex (P = 0.047) (mares: n = 37, geldings: n = 18, stallions: n = 4), the exercise level (P< 0.001) and the season (P< 0.001). GSH-Px activity was influenced by the type of feeding only (P = 0.002). When comparing plasma Se, vitamin E and GSH-Px results along with the answers of the survey questionnaire, it is possible to conclude that feeding practices of horse owners in Quebec are not appropriate to meet the Se requirements of horses. / Les sols de plusieurs régions en Amérique du Nord, incluant le Québec, sont déficients en sélénium (Se). À ce jour, aucune étude sur le terrain n’a été menée au Québec en ce qui concerne le statut en Se des chevaux. Les objectifs de cette étude étaient (1) de mesurer le Se sanguin chez des chevaux de différentes régions du Québec et (2) de recenser la consommation de Se des chevaux échantillonnés. Quatre échantillonnages ont été réalisés sur 59 chevaux durant une période d’un an. Le plasma a été analysé pour les éléments suivants : le Se, la vitamine E (interagit avec le Se en tant qu’antioxydant) et la glutathion peroxydase (GSH-Px). Le foin, les concentrés et l’eau consommés pas les chevaux ont aussi été analysés pour le Se. Les chevaux étaient classés en quatre groupes en raison de leur consommation de fourrages:concentré respectivement : groupe 1 - 100% : 0%; groupe 2- 75-99% : 1-24%; groupe 3- 51-74% : 25-49%; groupe 4- < 50% : ≥ 50%. Les propriétaires ont été sondés à chaque visite en utilisant un questionnaire validé. Les résultats démontrent que le niveau de Se plasmatique varie en fonction de l’état de chair (P = 0.031) (n = 224 mesures, 1 mesure/cheval/saison), de la saison (P = 0.015) et du groupe alimentaire (P< 0.001). La vitamine E plasmatique était influencée par le sexe (P = 0.047) (juments : n = 73, hongres : n = 18, étalons : n = 4), le niveau d’exercice (P< 0.001), et par la saison (P< 0.001). L’activité de la GSH-Px variait en fonction du groupe alimentaire (P = 0.002). À partir des résultats sanguins et des réponses au questionnaire, il est possible de conclure que les pratiques alimentaires des propriétaires de chevaux du Québec ne sont pas appropriées afin de répondre aux besoins en Se des chevaux.