Stress är ett växande samhällsproblem och står för en tredjedel av alla sjukskrivningar i Sverige. Många företag uppger att de inte har metoder för att hantera stress. Därmed finns ett stort behov av effektiva metoder för detta. Mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) verkar vara en effektiv metod för att minska stress, men verkningsmekanismerna är ej helt fastställda. Både mindfulness och självmedkänsla förefaller kunna ha inverkan på stress. Syftet med denna studie är att undersöka vilken relation mindfulness och självmedkänsla har till upplevd stress bland universitetsstudenter samt om något av begreppen har en starkare relation till upplevd stress än det andra. Tre validerade självskattningsinstrument, Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), Five Facet Mindfulness Questionaire (FFMQ-S) och Perceived Stress Scale-14 (PSS-14), administrerades till 203 universitetsstudenter. I enlighet med förväntningarna fanns det ett statistiskt signifikant samband mellan FFMQ och SCS. Regressionsanalyser visade att både FFMQ och SCS predicerade poäng på PSS-14 och att SCS kunde predicera poäng på  PSS-14 i högre grad än FFMQ. Kön var också en signifikant prediktor av poäng på PSS-14, men dess prediktiva värde var ej signifikant när FFMQ och SCS inkluderades i regressionsmodellen. Fyndet tyder på att självmedkänsla är en viktig del i hanteringen av stress och bidrar med en ledtråd i verkningsmekanismerna i MBSR och andra copingstrategier. Mer forskning behövs för att vidare utreda kausalitet och hur de olika komponenterna i självmedkänsla verkar på upplevd stress. / Stress is a growing social problem which accounts for a third of all sick leave in Sweden. Many companies say they do not have methods to manage stress. Thus there is a great need for effective methods to manage stress with. Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an effective method to reduce stress, however the mechanisms are not completely understood. Research indicates that Self-compassion seems to have a significant role. Both mindfulness and self-compassion hence seems to be able to have an impact on stress. The purpose of this study is to examine what relationship mindfulness and self-compassion has with perceived stress, and if any of the concepts has a stronger relationship to perceived stress than the other. Three validated self-report instruments, Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and Perceived Stress Scale-14 (PSS14), were administered to 203 university students. The collected data was analyzed with regression analysis. In line with expectations, mindfulness and self-compassion correlated. The results also indicated that both FFMQ and SCS can predict PSS-14 scores, and that scores on SCS could predict scores on PSS-14 to a greater extent than FFMQ could. Gender did also significantly predict scores on PSS-14, but it did not have any significant predictive value when SCS and FFMQ was included in the regression analysis. These findings suggests that self-compassion is an important part of managing stress and therefore might be a significant mechanism of action of MBSR and other coping strategies. More research is needed to further investigate causality, and the function of the various components of self-compassion on perceived stress.

This thesis explores effective and contextually appropriate means through which manufacturing SMEs can create competitive advantage through design and sustainable Product Service Systems (PSS). The exploration focuses on how design capabilities can be developed and used in non-design led contexts to drive an effective adoption of sustainable product service systems, creating competitive heterogeneity. A comprehensive review of literature gave understanding of perspectives to competitiveness issues, how organisations have been supported towards PSS, sustainability and design adoption and related challenges. From this review surfaced the need to be cautious of contextual considerations leading to a Delphi study. The purpose of the Delphi study was to identify factors relevant for SMEs in Botswana to embrace sustainable PSS as a competitive business strategy. Priorities from the Delphi study informed a study aimed at exploring competitiveness experiences of SMEs and their perceptions of sustainability and product service systems. Following the position of experts on industries highly prioritised in Botswana s economic diversification agenda, this was done with a specific industry; the leather industry. Possible opportunities of how design can address challenges identified and how PSS and sustainability can open new business opportunities for SMEs were also drawn from the findings. A systems success framework was developed using the main findings. The framework was tested through workshops with 3 SMEs who were also participants in the previous study. Through interactions with designers, the workshops exposed SMEs to design and PSS. Findings from the workshops indicate that through design capabilities SMEs can recognise opportunities and translate them in a service context to differentiated offerings suitable for their various markets. A designerly approach also offered a simplified but holistic process for SMEs to engage in systems thinking.

With the arising digital disruption and global market pressures, several manufacturing companies have recognized the strategic integration of services as a way to competitive advantage and corporate profitability, they therefore have the desire to differentiate themselves by creating new service-oriented strategies, namely Product-Service Systems (PSS). While transforming towards a PSS provider there are a number of barriers that the organization has to overcome. After an extensive literature review the authors identified 34 such barriers. Tukker (2015) argues that the number of successful adoptions of PSS among manufacturing firms is surprisingly low, despite an increased literature awareness and focus on the barriers. The identified barriers are most often seen through the manufacturers’ perspective and little is mentioned about the customers’ perspective on barriers. The gap that was identified in the literature was the lack of customers’ perspective upon these barriers. This thesis aims to investigate the perceived barriers from both the customers’- and the provider’s perspective, and to examine which barriers the provider should emphasize to have the highest potential to successfully transform into a PSS provider. We used Bosch Rexroth as a focal firm and conducted in total 29 interviews with them and their customers and a workshop with 11 participants from the provider. The data from the provider and the customers were separately analysed until the last step, where it generated a barrier spheres. The spheres were used as a foundation for the emerging framework. The framework’s step wise approach is a guideline for manufacturing firms in their efforts to overcome the barriers in order to successfully adopt PSS. This thesis is a first contribution towards shredding light upon the customers’ perspective of barriers towards PSS. Our research shows that one perspective of these barriers is insufficient, since PSS involves both the provider and the customers it should thereby include both perspectives. The managerial implications of this thesis is partly the framework but also the importance for a provider to work closely to their customers and build strong relationships in order to overcome to barriers towards PSS together.

Este estudo apresenta aspectos relevantes do projeto de desenvolvimento de produto, para produtos que tenham serviços associados com a finalidade de aumento da percepção de valor. Partiu-se da constatação da realidade de mercado de que cada vez mais as indústrias, tradicionalmente reconhecidas pela qualidade tangível de seus produtos, passam a se preocupar com a associação de serviços a esses produtos. O atendimento das necessidades do consumidor com um sistema composto por bens tangíveis e intangíveis passa a ser um diferencial competitivo. Para se identificar os aspectos relevantes relacionados a serviço em um projeto de desenvolvimento de produto, inicialmente realizou-se a revisão bibliográfica sobre metodologias de desenvolvimento de produtos e serviços, de gestão de projeto e de conceitos relacionados a serviços. Os objetivos desta etapa foram o alinhamento de alguns conceitos relacionados ao trabalho e o conhecimento detalhado de tópicos relacionados ao desenvolvimento de serviços associado a produtos. Após este embasamento teórico, realizaram-se estudos de casos com cinco empresas. O objetivo foi identificar como, na prática, as empresas estão tratando o assunto serviço no desenvolvimento de produtos. Estes estudos de caso foram realizados em indústrias alimentícias que atuam no Brasil. O passo seguinte foi fazer considerações sobre as alterações que devem ser realizadas em estratégia, processos e estrutura para se obter o desenvolvimento de produtos com diferencial de serviços de maneira mais eficiente. A conclusão a que se chegou é que se forem realizadas algumas ações relativas à estratégia da empresa, aos processos relacionados ao desenvolvimento de produto e à estrutura que suporta esses processos, podem ser gerados sistemas compostos por produtos e serviços de destaque no mercado. As ações necessárias para o melhor uso de serviços como diferencial competitivo são descritas e os possíveis impactos nas empresas estudadas são apresentados. / This essay presents aspects of product development, taking into account products with associated services whose end-target is the increase of the product\'s value perception. The study stems from the findings that several industries, traditionally recognized for the quality of their tangible products, have progressively been concerned with the services related to their products. Consequently, the ability to duly cater for the consumer\'s needs with a system composed of tangible and intangible parts becomes a competitive differential. In order to identify relevant aspects related to services in product development, initially it was held a literature review on product and service development methodologies, project management and topics related to services. At this stage, some concepts were defined together with some detailed knowledge concerning development of services associated with products. Following this theoretical basis, case studies were performed with five companies. At this stage the objective was to identify how, in practice, those companies were addressing the issue of product service system development. Those case studies were conducted within Brazilian food industries. The next step was to make comments on the changes which, in the strategy, process and structure, would contribute more efficiently to develop products aiming at the differential in services. Such comments led to the conclusion that some actions related to company`s strategy, product development process and structure, once they are performed, they can generate systems composed of more competitive products and services for the market. Lastly, the necessary actions for a better usage of service as competitive differential are described and some foreseeable impacts are presented.

De nos jours, efficacité et précision des diagnostics médicaux sont des éléments essentiels pour la prévention en termes de santé et permettre une prise en charge rapide des maladies des patients. Les récentes innovations technologiques, particulièrement dans les domaines de la microélectronique et des sciences des matériaux ont permis le développement de nouvelles plateformes personnalisées de diagnostics portatifs. Les matériaux électroniques organiques qui ont déjà par le passé démontré leur potentiel en étant intégrés dans des produits de grande consommation tels que les écrans de smartphones ou encore les cellules solaires montrent un fort potentiel pour une intégration dans des dispositifs biomédicaux. En effet, de par leurs natures et leurs propriétés physiques et chimiques, ils peuvent être à la fois en contact avec les milieux biologiques et constituer l’interface entre les éléments biologiques à l’étude, et les dispositifs électroniques. L’objectif de mes travaux de thèse et d’étudier et évaluer les performances des matériaux organiques électroniques intégrés dans des dispositifs biomédicaux en étudiant leurs interactions avec des milieux biologiques et par l’utilisation et l’optimisation de ces dispositifs permettre la détection de métabolites tel que le glucose ou lactate par exemple. Pendant ma thèse, j’ai notamment créé une plateforme de diagnostics combinant à la fois microfluidique et électronique organique permettant la multi détection de métabolites présents dans des fluides corporels humains, j’ai également conçu des capteurs intégrant des transistors organiques au sein des circuits électroniques classiques afin de détecter la présence des cellules tumorales. D’autres applications biologiques ont également été envisagées telles que la détection d’acides nucléiques par l’utilisation d’une approche simple de biofonctionnalisation. Bien que l’objectif ma thèse était de de créer des capteurs biomédicaux en utilisant une approche in vitro, il pourrait être également possible d’intégrer ces dispositifs « in vivo » ou encore dans des e-textiles. / Rapid and early diagnosis of disease plays a major role in preventative healthcare. Undoubtedly, technological evolutions, particularly in microelectronics and materials science, have made the hitherto utopian scenario of portable, point-of-care personalized diagnostics a reality. Organic electronic materials, having already demonstrated a significant technological maturity with the development of high tech products such as displays for smartphones or portable solar cells, have emerged as especially promising candidates for biomedical applications. Their soft and fuzzy nature allows for an almost seamless interface with the biological milieu rendering these materials ideally capable of bridging the gap between electronics and biology. The aim of this thesis is to explore and validate the capabilities of organic electronic materials and devices in real-world biological sensing applications focusing on metabolite sensing, by combining both the right materials and device engineering. We show proof-of-concept studies including microfluidic integrated organic electronic platforms for multiple metabolite detection in bodily fluids, as well as more complex organic transistor circuits for detection in tumor cell cultures. We finally show the versatility of organic electronic materials and devices by demonstrating other sensing strategies such as nucleic acid detection using a simple biofunctionalization approach. Although the focus is on in vitro metabolite monitoring, the findings generated throughout this work can be extended to a variety of other sensing strategies as well as to applications including on body (wearable) or even in vivo sensing.

Problem Dagens företag står inför framtida utmaningar, som förändrad konsumtion, strängare miljörestriktioner och hårdare krav på förlängd produktlivscykel för att nå en mer hållbar utveckling. Produktservicesystem (PSS) utgör en potentiell lösning för dessa utmaningar. Uthyrning har kommit att bli en självklar del inom vissa branscher emedan andra branscher fortfarande bygger på traditionell konsumtion. Textil- och modebranschen är en bransch där ägande fortfarande är den rådande formen. Vår undersökning grundar sig i att undersöka möjligheterna för ett PSS inom denna bransch. Syfte Vårt syfte är att studera branscher där PSS redan är ett vanligt förekommande fenomen för att förstå hur de arbetar med PSS, vilka hinder de ställts inför och hur de överkommit dem. Vi ämnar även undersöka specifika företag inom textil- och modebranschen som erbjuder uthyrning för att skapa en bild av hur de integrerat PSS i sin verksamhet. Vår studie syftar till att undersöka hur PSS är utformat i praktiken, i hopp om att detta kan vara till hjälp för att vidareutveckla PSS för textil- och modebranschen. Metod Metoden grundar sig i en fallstudiedesign med multipla fall. Nio semistrukturerade intervjuer samt en strukturerad intervju har genomförts med företag inom flertalet branscher som har integrerat PSS i sin affärsmodell. En semistrukturerad intervju genomfördes även med en forskare inom ämnet. Slutsats Resultatet visar att flertalet faktorer bör tas i beaktning vid utformning av PSS. Affärsidé, produkt, service, kunder, brand community, teknologi och innovation är alla viktiga delar som sam- och påverkar användarkomfort, äganderelaterade problem, marknadsföring samt uppskalningsmöjligheter. Vidare är varje PSS unikt och bör dessutom anpassas efter respektive kontext. / Program: Textilekonomutbildningen

Conducting polymer coating is the new developing area in the field of advanced textiles. In this project the rheological behaviour of paste containing conducting polymer was studied during formulation to coating application. The literature study is done by keeping all the contents of project in mind and a wide area of conductive polymer, coating methods, binder system and rheology modifier is covered. The rheological behaviour of different fluid containing newtanion and non-newtanion behaviour is discussed for better understanding of the project working. Polyester fabric was coated by knife coating method. In paste formulation, the chemicals used were polyurethane binder with two HEUR based rheology modifiers. A lot of experiments were performed to determine the right amount of rheology modifier alone or in combination for paste formulation and coating application and interesting findings were observed during the experimental work which had been justified in results and analysis. After application, the coated fabric was checked for resistivity. / Program: Magisterutbildning i textilteknologi

Purpose – The research purpose is to enhance knowledge of how organizations can form a PSS through an IVHM system when information is sensitive. Method – A single case study design of abductive approach was used, with data collection through six semi-structured interviews. Findings – A system combining IVHM and PSS has many potential benefits, however there are several challenges that need to be overcome in order to implementing a successful model. Theoretical implications – This study treads a new area not previously explored in the literature when it combines PSS and IVHM, which relies heavily on information flow to succeed, with a case of information sensitivity. This study hence explores a problematic area for either PSS or IVHM, expanding the current literature and providing initial suggestions of how to navigate this. Practical implications – Firstly, it shows managers the challenges that comes with implementing PSS-IVHM and increasing involvement in the customers’ processes. Secondly, this study shows the theoretical and general challenges of PSS-IVHM and applies the case study’s perspective of information management, granting managers a larger foundation of knowledge before starting their initiatives of PSS-IVHM. Limitations and future research – This study provides a limited amount of empirical data. Therefore, future research should focus on increasing and widening data collection. The study suggests there is a considerable challenge in conservatism within the defence industry and therefore future research is suggested to explore how change management can combat this challenge.

All conducting polymers are potentially electrochromic, owing to the injection of charge carriers that changes their electronic structure and results in a shift of their optical absorption towards higher wavelengths. PEDOT-PSS and PEDOT-S are very promising materials in terms of electrochromic properties, due to the good contrast existing between their doped and undoped forms. However this contrast has to be enhanced in order to design more efficient electrochromic devices, and new solutions should thus be found in order to solve this issue. Surface plasmons are described as electromagnetic waves propagating along the surface between a dielectric and a metal. Coupled to an incident radiation, they create an energy loss in the light transmitted and reflected by the interface. When the metallic surface is periodically corrugated, this absorption phenomenon due to plasmonic resonance occurs at a specific wavelength that depends on several parameters, such as the incidence angle, the dielectric constants of the two media and the grating period. By coating metallic gratings with electrochromic polymers, we may thus be able to trigger a plasmonic absorption at a given wavelength and shift it upon reduction or oxidation of the material. Electrochromic devices consisting of PEDOT-PSS or PEDOT-S spin-deposited on gold and silver gratings were investigated by UV-visible reflectance measurements. The periodically corrugated structures were reproduced from commercial gratings by soft nanolithography and were analyzed by AFM. Some electrochromic cells exhibited new colors or a high shift of the plasmonic resonance upon redox switching of the polymer film. Depending on the step and the nature of the grating employed, this shift could reach 20 nm in the case of PEDOT-PSS and more than 100 nm for PEDOT-S. A theoretical model was found to predict the wavelength of plasmonic excitation and the orientation of the shift.

This paper explores the business implications of Integrated Product and Service Offerings (IPSOs). The objective is to show examples of the business implications of IPSOs from a supplier’s perspective, and to suggest specifications for supporting methods needed for such an industrial company. The paper is largely based on empirical case studies of 120 Swedish manufacturing companies of all sizes. Results from the case studies show that both small and large companies that conduct the transition towards IPSOs face several important strategic challenges, some of them associated with high risk.