A multidisciplinary panel of 18 physicians and 3 non-physicians from eight countries (Sweden, UK, Argentina, Australia, Italy, Finland, Norway and the USA) reviewed the literature on diagnosis and management of adult coeliac disease (CD). This paper presents the recommendations of the British Society of Gastroenterology. Areas of controversies were explored through phone meetings and web surveys. Nine working groups examined the following areas of CD diagnosis and management: classification of CD; genetics and immunology; diagnostics; serology and endoscopy; follow-up; gluten-free diet; refractory CD and malignancies; quality of life; novel treatments; patient support; and screening for CD.
R. Siegel, Lindsey A. Torre, I. Soerjomataram
et al.
Objective Early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing in the USA despite rapid declines in older ages. Similar patterns are reported in Australia and Canada, but a comprehensive global analysis of contemporary data is lacking. Design We extracted long-term data from Cancer Incidence in Five Continents and supplemental sources to report on worldwide CRC incidence rates and trends by age (20–49 years and ≥50 years) through diagnosis year 2012 or beyond (Australia, Finland, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, USA). Results During 2008–2012, age-standardised CRC incidence rates in adults <50 ranged from 3.5 per 100 000 (95% CI 3.2 to 3.9) in India (Chennai) to 12.9 (95% CI 12.6 to 13.3) in Korea. During the most recent decade of available data, incidence in adults <50 was stable in 14 of 36 countries; declined in Austria, Italy and Lithuania; and increased in 19 countries, nine of which had stable or declining trends in older adults (Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, New Zealand, Slovenia, Sweden, UK and USA). In Cyprus, Netherlands and Norway, inclines in incidence in young adults were twice as rapid as those in older adults (eg, Norway average annual per cent change (AAPC), 1.9 (95% CI 1.4 to 2.5) vs 0.5 (95% CI 0.3 to 0.7)). Among most high-income countries with long-term data, the uptick in early-onset disease began in the mid-1990s. The steepest increases in young adults were in Korea (AAPC, 4.2 (95% CI 3.4 to 5.0)) and New Zealand (AAPC, 4.0 (95% CI 2.1 to 6.0)). Conclusion CRC incidence increased exclusively in young adults in nine high-income countries spanning three continents, potentially signalling changes in early-life exposures that influence large bowel carcinogenesis.
Fabian Barras, Andreas Aspaas, Einat Aharonov
et al.
In the context of global climate change, geological materials are increasingly destabilized by water flow and infiltration. We study the creeping dynamics of a densely monitored landslide in Western Norway to decipher the role of fluid flow in destabilizing this landslide. In Åknes, approximately 50 million cubic meter of rock mass continuously creeps over a shear zone made of rock fragments, with seasonal accelerations that strongly correlate with rainfall. In this natural laboratory for fluid-induced frictional creep, unprecedented monitoring equipment reveals low fluid pressure across the shear zone, thereby challenging the dominant theory of fluid-driven instability in landslides. Here, we show that a generic micromechanical model can disentangle the effects of fluid flow from those of fluid pressure, and demonstrate that seepage forces applied by channelized flow along the shear zone are the main driver of creep accelerations. We conclude by discussing the significance of seepage forces, the implications for hazard mitigation and the broader applicability of our model to various geological contexts governed by friction across saturated shear zones.
Observational evidence of extreme vertical velocities (|w| ge 12.5 m/s and at times greater than 50 m/s) in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT), has emerged in recent years. We refer to these events as Rogue Vertical Drafts (RVDs). They exceed five standard deviations of observed vertical velocities and appear as paired updraft-downdraft structures in varicose mode. Four-dimensional observations reveal that RVDs are intermittent, recurrent, and unpredictable. On average, they are expected to occur every sim 12 days during summer over Northern Norway, assuming a 1000 s interval. Different instruments may capture only portions of these events, for example, only upward or downward drafts when restricted to a single altitude range. Despite their rarity, their magnitudes and frequency suggest potential impacts on dust-sized matter escaping from planets, natural and anthropogenic space material, and MLT climate and processes. We propose that RVDs are a fundamental yet under-recognized feature of the MLT, underscoring the need for global observations to assess their prevalence and significance.
Shanthi Gretta Pasanha, Annica Andersson, Beth Herbel-Eisenmann
et al.
This paper investigates storylines from newcomers’ perspectives on their experiences of learning mathematics in an introductory mathematics classroom setting in Norway. We engaged in participatory research at a school over time. The data in this article come from observations and conversational interviews. Positioning theory guided our analysis in identifying storylines and related positionings. Our analysis provided us with the following four storylines: (1) newcomers find mathematics easy because they are also learning a new language; (2) newcomers experience tensions when learning mathematics in a new language; (3) newcomers find math teachers extra kind and find that they extend their help to them more than usual; (4) newcomers seek alternative resources for learning advanced mathematics. The identified storylines serve as a valuable resource to understand the newcomers’ wishes and desires for their mathematics education in a context of not yet knowing the language of instruction and educational culture. We recommend listening to newcomers’ perspectives of their experiences and recognizing the strengths they bring to the classroom to understand how they navigate their situation while learning mathematics in multilingual mathematics learning settings.
In Norway, contemporary challenges linked to racism, discrimination, and social exclusion advocate for original approaches to enhance inclusion and appreciation of diversity. In this article, we draw on empirical material from two workshops with four youths from diverse backgrounds. The empirical material includes participant observation, group discussions, reflection logs, and informal dialogues. Using transformative learning theory, we explore whether and what kinds of learning processes occur when youths engage and interact in reflective activities aimed at appreciating diversity. Emphasizing the need to expand youths' existing frames of reference and points of view, the empirical material unveils the power of representation. The analysis suggests that although movies might have transformative potential, personal or peers' experiences make the movies “come alive” and more relatable. This increases the level of critical reflection and self-reflection among the youth participants, thus strengthening the transformative potential. Lastly, the analysis shows that both representation and context are crucial in activities seeking to enhance inclusion and appreciation of diversity.
Sneha Pallatt, Sibin Nambidi, Subhamay Adhikary
et al.
Lynch syndrome (LS) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by germline mutations in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes. These mutations result in frameshift alterations, leading to the accumulation of errors within microsatellites. Individuals with LS have an elevated risk of developing colorectal and distant malignancies, including endometrial cancer (EC), which is one of the most common cancer associated with LS. Despite its significance, the association between EC and LS is often underexplored. Given the slow progression of colorectal cancer (CRC), there is an opportunity for early detection and intervention, which can aid in reducing both incidence and mortality through the identification and management of pre-malignant lesions and early-stage tumors in colorectum/endometrium. Recognizing individuals with a heightened risk of CRC is essential for implementing personalized screening strategies. This review summarizes the original research work on LS to find out the correlation of CRC following an endometrial cancer diagnosis in individuals with MMR gene mutations, may involve refine treatment strategies and moreover this review may help clinicians and researchers to get an up-to date information on LS and its advanced treatment possibilities.
Lise Sæstad Beyene PhD, Christine Hammershaug MD, Linda Horne Mæland PhD
In mental health nursing, nurses utilise their own personality and skills to create and maintain therapeutic relationships with patients. In such relationships, they come close to patients, show empathy, and hold patients’ emotional distress. Nursing in mental healthcare involves many emotionally challenging situations and is strenuous work. These demands can lead to high stress levels and feelings of inadequacy, which may negatively impact nurses’ quality of life and job satisfaction. Self-care is essential for mental health nurses to manage stress and maintain their well-being. Despite its importance, there is only limited research on nurses’ self-care. This study aims to explore mental health nurses’ experiences with self-care in their daily work. A descriptive phenomenological design was employed, and thematic analysis was conducted on data gathered from 1 focus group interview involving 4 mental health nurses working in acute mental health wards at 4 hospitals in central Eastern Norway. The theme maturing into self-care is a process , was based on 2 sub-themes: becoming aware of self and learning to set boundaries for self. The theme dealing with self-care is challenging , was based on 3 sub-themes: distinguishing between work and leisure , balancing between own needs and those of others , and venting emotional pressure. Mental health nursing is emotionally demanding, affecting mental health nurses’ quality of care and their own well-being. To sustain their ability to support others, formal structures must be in place to ease emotional burdens over time, creating a work environment where self-care is essential.
The Cancer Registry of Norway (CRN) is a part of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) and is tasked with producing statistics on cancer among the Norwegian population. For this task, CRN develops, tests, and evolves a software system called Cancer Registration Support System (CaReSS). It is a complex socio-technical software system that interacts with many entities (e.g., hospitals, medical laboratories, and other patient registries) to achieve its task. For cost-effective testing of CaReSS, CRN has employed EvoMaster, an AI-based REST API testing tool combined with an integrated classical machine learning model. Within this context, we propose Qlinical to investigate the feasibility of using, inside EvoMaster, a Quantum Neural Network (QNN) classifier, i.e., a quantum machine learning model, instead of the existing classical machine learning model. Results indicate that Qlinical can achieve performance comparable to that of EvoClass. We further explore the effects of various QNN configurations on performance and offer recommendations for optimal QNN settings for future QNN developers.
In April 2021 Stava bridge, a main bridge on E6 in Norway, was abruptly closed for traffic. A structural defect had seriously compromised the bridge structural integrity. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA) closed it, made a temporary solution and reopened with severe traffic restrictions. The incident was alerted through what constitutes the bridge Digital Twin processing data from Internet of Things sensors. The solution was crucial in online and offline diagnostics, the case demonstrating the value of technologies to tackle emerging dangerous situations as well as acting preventively. A critical and rapidly developing damage was detected in time to stop the development, but not in time to avoid the incident altogether. The paper puts risk in a broader perspective for an organization responsible for highway infrastructure. It positions online monitoring and Digital Twins in the context of Risk- and Condition-Based Maintenance. The situation that arose at Stava bridge, and how it was detected, analyzed, and diagnosed during virtual inspection, is described. The case demonstrates how combining physics-based methods with Machine Learning can facilitate damage detection and diagnostics. A summary of lessons learnt, both from technical and organizational perspectives, as well as plans of future work, is presented.
Ole Jakob Jørgensen, Johan Edvard Steineger, Andreas Hillarp
et al.
Abstract Objectives The objective of this study was twofold: to determine the prevalence of arterial and venous thromboembolic events in the Norwegian Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) population, and to explore potential factors linked to such events, with particular emphasis on FVIII. Methods Patients with an HHT diagnosis attending the Otorhinolaryngology Department at Oslo University Hospital—Rikshospitalet were included consecutively between April 2021 and November 2022. We recorded the participants' medical history with an emphasis on thromboembolic events. Measurements of blood constituents, including FVIII, FIX, vWF, hemoglobin, iron, ferritin, and CRP were performed. Results One hundred and thirty‐four patients were included in the study. The total prevalence of thromboembolic events among the participants was 23.1%. FVIII levels were high (>150 IU/dL) in the majority of HHT patients (n = 84) (68.3%) and were significantly associated with thromboembolic events (p < .001), as was age. Of the patients with high FVIII levels, 28 (33%) had experienced a thromboembolic event. Furthermore, FVIII levels were measured consecutively in 51 patients and were found to fluctuate above or below 150 IU/dL in 25% of these cases. Conclusion Thromboembolic events are highly prevalent in the Norwegian HHT population and are significantly associated with FVIII levels. FVIII levels can fluctuate, and measurements should be repeated in HHT patients to assess the risk of thromboembolic events. Level of Evidence 4.
The coastal commons are increasingly contested around the world, coming under pressure from competing interests. In particular, the discourses of ‘blue economy’ and ‘blue growth’ have become powerful buzzwords, giving rise to concerns about the impacts on communities depending on coastal resources, such as small-scale fishers. In Norway, aquaculture is the second-most important export industry in the country, but there are increasing conflicts with other interests, including small-scale fishers and coastal Sami. In this article, I trace how the push for gaining recognition for a State-backed fundamental right to fish for small-scale fishers in Finnmark, including coastal Sami, was modified and rescaled to become an issue of balancing competing interests at the local level through municipal planning processes. Drawing on insights from socio-spatial scholarship, I argue that more explicit attention to spatialities of coastal conflicts is important in understanding conflicts in the coastal commons. I propose the term ‘blue spatial justice’ as a means to supplement and enrich the existing concept of blue justice to encompass a sensibility to the spatial dimensions of justice struggles.
Political institutions and public administration (General)
Building segmentation from aerial images and 3D laser scanning (LiDAR) is a challenging task due to the diversity of backgrounds, building textures, and image quality. While current research using different types of convolutional and transformer networks has considerably improved the performance on this task, even more accurate segmentation methods for buildings are desirable for applications such as automatic mapping. In this study, we propose a general framework termed \emph{BuildSeg} employing a generic approach that can be quickly applied to segment buildings. Different data sources were combined to increase generalization performance. The approach yields good results for different data sources as shown by experiments on high-resolution multi-spectral and LiDAR imagery of cities in Norway, Denmark and France. We applied ConvNeXt and SegFormer based models on the high resolution aerial image dataset from the MapAI-competition. The methods achieved an IOU of 0.7902 and a boundary IOU of 0.6185. We used post-processing to account for the rectangular shape of the objects. This increased the boundary IOU from 0.6185 to 0.6189.
This paper introduces a Scandinavian benchmarking platform, ScandEval, which can benchmark any pretrained model on four different tasks in the Scandinavian languages. The datasets used in two of the tasks, linguistic acceptability and question answering, are new. We develop and release a Python package and command-line interface, scandeval, which can benchmark any model that has been uploaded to the Hugging Face Hub, with reproducible results. Using this package, we benchmark more than 100 Scandinavian or multilingual models and present the results of these in an interactive online leaderboard, as well as provide an analysis of the results. The analysis shows that there is substantial cross-lingual transfer among the Mainland Scandinavian languages (Danish, Swedish and Norwegian), with limited cross-lingual transfer between the group of Mainland Scandinavian languages and the group of Insular Scandinavian languages (Icelandic and Faroese). The benchmarking results also show that the investment in language technology in Norway, Sweden and Denmark has led to language models that outperform massively multilingual models such as XLM-RoBERTa and mDeBERTaV3. We release the source code for both the package and leaderboard.
Elisavet Kozyri, Mariel Evelyn Markussen Ellingsen, Ragnhild Abel Grape
et al.
In recent years, there has been considerable effort to promote gender balance in the academic environment of Computer Science (CS). However, there is still a gender gap at all CS academic levels: from students, to PhD candidates, to faculty members. This general trend is followed by the Department of Computer Science at UiT The Arctic University of Norway. To combat this trend within the CS environment at UiT, we embarked on structured discussions with students of our department. After analyzing the data collected from these discussions, we were able to identify action items that could mitigate the existing gender gap at our department. In particular, these discussions elucidated ways to achieve (i) a balanced flow of students into CS undergraduate program, (ii) a balanced CS study environment, and (iii) a balanced flow of graduates into higher levels of the CS academia (e.g., PhD program). This paper presents the results of the discussions and the subsequent recommendations that we made to the administration of the department. We also provide a road-map that other institutions could follow to organize similar events as part of their gender-balance action plan.