Gender and Digital Disconnection: Experiences in Norway

This survey-based study examines digital disconnection experiences among 1,142 respondents in Norway, focusing on self-reported behaviors and opinions regarding digital media non-use in everyday life. Specifically, it highlights gender differences, along with other sociodemographic variations, found in the responses of 552 women and 590 men. The results show that both genders reported spending ‘too much’ time on their smartphones, with women reporting this more frequently. Yet notably, there is no significant difference in self-reported screen time estimates between the two genders. Moreover, women reported imposing more frequent smartphone restrictions in various scenarios, whereas men expressed greater opposition to authorities interfering with Internet and smartphone use. Still, while these differences are significant, the quantitative description reveals them to be rather minor. This study seeks to advance the field of digital disconnection studies by integrating a gender perspective, thereby contributing to its interdisciplinary scope. Furthermore, it aims to establish a foundation for future research, potentially expanding beyond comparative analyses and the gender binary, and fostering more critical perspectives.publishedVersio

Global, regional, and national prevalence of child and adolescent overweight and obesity, 1990–2021, with forecasts to 2050: a forecasting study for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Background Despite the well documented consequences of obesity during childhood and adolescence and future risks of excess body mass on non-communicable diseases in adulthood, coordinated global action on excess body mass in early life is still insufficient. Inconsistent measurement and reporting are a barrier to specific targets, resource allocation, and interventions. In this Article we report current estimates of overweight and obesity across childhood and adolescence, progress over time, and forecasts to inform specific actions. Methods Using established methodology from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2021, we modelled overweight and obesity across childhood and adolescence from 1990 to 2021, and then forecasted to 2050. Primary data for our models included 1321 unique measured and self-reported anthropometric data sources from 180 countries and territories from survey microdata, reports, and published literature. These data were used to estimate age-standardised global, regional, and national overweight prevalence and obesity prevalence (separately) for children and young adolescents (aged 5–14 years, typically in school and cared for by child health services) and older adolescents (aged 15–24 years, increasingly out of school and cared for by adult services) by sex for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021. Prevalence estimates from 1990 to 2021 were generated using spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression models, which leveraged temporal and spatial correlation in epidemiological trends to ensure comparability of results across time and geography. Prevalence forecasts from 2022 to 2050 were generated using a generalised ensemble modelling approach assuming continuation of current trends. For every age-sex-location population across time (1990–2050), we estimated obesity (vs overweight) predominance using the log ratio of obesity percentage to overweight percentage. Findings Between 1990 and 2021, the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents doubled, and that of obesity alone tripled. By 2021, 93·1 million (95% uncertainty interval 89·6–96·6) individuals aged 5–14 years and 80·6 million (78·2–83·3) aged 15–24 years had obesity. At the super-region level in 2021, the prevalence of overweight and of obesity was highest in north Africa and the Middle East (eg, United Arab Emirates and Kuwait), and the greatest increase from 1990 to 2021 was seen in southeast Asia, east Asia, and Oceania (eg, Taiwan [province of China], Maldives, and China). By 2021, for females in both age groups, many countries in Australasia (eg, Australia) and in high-income North America (eg, Canada) had already transitioned to obesity predominance, as had males and females in a number of countries in north Africa and the Middle East (eg, United Arab Emirates and Qatar) and Oceania (eg, Cook Islands and American Samoa). From 2022 to 2050, global increases in overweight (not obesity) prevalence are forecasted to stabilise, yet the increase in the absolute proportion of the global population with obesity is forecasted to be greater than between 1990 and 2021, with substantial increases forecast between 2022 and 2030, which continue between 2031 and 2050. By 2050, super-region obesity prevalence is forecasted to remain highest in north Africa and the Middle East (eg, United Arab Emirates and Kuwait), and forecasted increases in obesity are still expected to be largest across southeast Asia, east Asia, and Oceania (eg, Timor-Leste and North Korea), but also in south Asia (eg, Nepal and Bangladesh). Compared with those aged 15–24 years, in most super-regions (except Latin America and the Caribbean and the high-income super-region) a greater proportion of those aged 5–14 years are forecasted to have obesity than overweight by 2050. Globally, 15·6% (12·7–17·2) of those aged 5–14 years are forecasted to have obesity by 2050 (186 million [141–221]), compared with 14·2% (11·4–15·7) of those aged 15–24 years (175 million [136–203]). We forecasted that by 2050, there will be more young males (aged 5–14 years) living with obesity (16·5% [13·3–18·3]) than overweight (12·9% [12·2–13·6]); while for females (aged 5–24 years) and older males (aged 15–24 years), overweight will remain more prevalent than obesity. At a regional level, the following populations are forecast to have transitioned to obesity (vs overweight) predominance before 2041–50: children and adolescents (males and females aged 5–24 years) in north Africa and the Middle East and Tropical Latin America; males aged 5–14 years in east Asia, central and southern sub-Saharan Africa, and central Latin America; females aged 5–14 years in Australasia; females aged 15–24 years in Australasia, high-income North America, and southern sub-Saharan Africa; and males aged 15–24 years in high-income North America. Interpretation Both overweight and obesity increased substantially in every world region between 1990 and 2021, suggesting that current approaches to curbing increases in overweight and obesity have failed a generation of children and adolescents. Beyond 2021, overweight during childhood and adolescence is forecast to stabilise due to further increases in the population who have obesity. Increases in obesity are expected to continue for all populations in all world regions. Because substantial change is forecasted to occur between 2022 and 2030, immediate actions are needed to address this public health crisis.publishedVersio

Digitalization and Meaning in Journalistic Work (MJoW): The Increasing Importance of the Symbolic Dimension

This article applies the concept of work meaningfulness to bridgedisparate literatures concerning journalists’ feelings toward theirwork. Highlighting the importance of both objective structures andsubjective meaning-making capacities, it defines Meaning inJournalistic Work (MJoW) as the level of, and the interplay between,the structural and symbolic dimensions of autonomy, recognition,and a sense of belonging. The article posits that the structuraldimension (workplace autonomy, good working conditions, andidentification with the media organization) is deteriorating due tothe digitalization of work. Consequently, the symbolic dimension(participation in autonomous meaning systems, acknowledgmentfrom peers and the public, and professional affiliation) is gainingincreased importance. By distinguishing between the structuraland symbolic dimensions, and making the implicit connectionbetween them explicit, the MJoW-framework offers a novel andcomprehensive understanding of what makes digital reportingmeaningful. Such an understanding is highly important at a timewhen journalism is constantly contested, working conditions areworsening, occurrences of threats and harassment are increasing,and work practices are being reshaped at record speed.publishedVersio

Promoting Cognitive Brain Health and Sustained Attention in Adults and Older Adults Through e-Games

The ability to learn new skills as an adult, cognitive stimulation in the ageing process, and a cognitively active lifestyle interest experts in education, public health, and social studies. The game Scrabble, with its enjoyable nature, has gained recognition as an educational resource that facilitates the acquisition and preservation of vocabulary, thereby augmenting both practical and cognitive abilities. This study implemented a descriptive quantitative research design to assess attentional capacity using the Bourdon Attention Test, specifically utilizing the BoPr (Prague Square Modification of the CSAT), within the cohort of Scrabble League e-players and the broader general population. With a focus on promoting cognitive brain health, this study compares sustained attention levels between these groups. A sample of N = 60 participants (divided into Scrabble e-players who participate in a league [N = 30], and a comparison group of the general population [N = 30]) underwent a study comparing their levels of attention achieved in the Bourdon test. A significant difference (p = 0.050) was found in their attention span, favouring the league e-players. The results suggest that Scrabble e-games can potentially improve the cognitive well-being and attention of adults and older individuals. However, further investigation is necessary to understand their capabilities fully. Utilizing Scrabble in the realms of adult education, gerontology, and medical practice could be beneficial for enhancing cognitive brain health.Promoting Cognitive Brain Health and Sustained Attention in Adults and Older Adults Through e-GamespublishedVersio

Emosjonell mestring & ledelse: En kvalitativ studie om hvordan ledere opplever emosjonell mestring

En undersøkelse fra HR Norge viser at ledelse har blitt mer krevende de siste årene (HR undersøkelsen, 2021). Ledelse involverer balansering av forventninger, relasjoner og organisatoriske dynamikker, samtidig som ledere må håndtere høye forventninger og feil (Karp, 2019). I dagens komplekse arbeidsmiljø må ledere være bevisste på egen atferd og evne til å håndtere både organisatoriske og emosjonelle utfordringer (Karp, 2019; Kaufmann & Kaufmann, 2015; Lazányi, 2009). I denne masteroppgaven skal vi undersøke problemstillingen: «Hvordan opplever ledere emosjonell mestring?». For å undersøke hvordan ledere opplever emosjonell mestring, benyttet vi en kvalitativ metode med dybdeintervjuer som hovedverktøy. Vi intervjuet et utvalg ledere fra ulike bransjer og organisasjoner, for å få innsikt i ulike opplevelser av emosjonell mestring. Intervjuene ble analysert ved bruk av tematisk analyse for å identifisere sentrale mønstre og temaer. Funnene viser at opplevelsen av emosjonell mestring er en kompleks prosess som innebærer flere elementer. Det dreier seg om å utvikle egne erfaringer gjennom å møte utfordringer, håndtere sine følelsesmessige reaksjoner og atferd, samt å opprettholde troen på egne evner. Gjennom å undersøke disse elementene har vi forstått hvor sammensatt emosjonell mestring blant ledere kan være

Navigating Workforce dynamics in the Era of Generative AI

Generative AI has the potential to transform traditional work practices of knowledge workers. This thesis seeks to uncover how leveraging generative AI contributes to the redefinition of knowledge and expertise among knowledge workers. Through an exploratory case study, we base our investigation on theories related to the knowledge spiral and cognitive automation. Using Gioia’s method, we analyze and compare our data to previous literature on substitutive AI decision-making tools. We find that much of the previous literature is also applicable to the use of generative AI, with some differences attributed to generative AI working as a supplement to existing practices rather than as a substitute. Knowledge workers redefine their expertise and knowledge through adaptive learning. They learn from their experiences using the tools for a wide range of tasks and share their knowledge with others. The shared experiences with the tools, their perceived capabilities, and the existing knowledge are internalized. This internalization shapes how they appraise their approach to leveraging generative AI. Their knowledge and expertise are redefined by applying them differently, resulting from a transformation in work methods. The key takeaway from our thesis is the implication that arises from the dynamic interaction of utilizing generative AI as a supplement to existing practices rather than as a substitute. We also highlight the importance of existing knowledge in navigating work processes transformed by generative AI

Global burden and strength of evidence for 88 risk factors in 204 countries and 811 subnational locations, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Background Understanding the health consequences associated with exposure to risk factors is necessary to inform public health policy and practice. To systematically quantify the contributions of risk factor exposures to specific health outcomes, the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021 aims to provide comprehensive estimates of exposure levels, relative health risks, and attributable burden of disease for 88 risk factors in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, from 1990 to 2021. Methods The GBD 2021 risk factor analysis used data from 54 561 total distinct sources to produce epidemiological estimates for 88 risk factors and their associated health outcomes for a total of 631 risk–outcome pairs. Pairs were included on the basis of data-driven determination of a risk–outcome association. Age-sex-location-year-specific estimates were generated at global, regional, and national levels. Our approach followed the comparative risk assessment framework predicated on a causal web of hierarchically organised, potentially combinative, modifiable risks. Relative risks (RRs) of a given outcome occurring as a function of risk factor exposure were estimated separately for each risk–outcome pair, and summary exposure values (SEVs), representing risk-weighted exposure prevalence, and theoretical minimum risk exposure levels (TMRELs) were estimated for each risk factor. These estimates were used to calculate the population attributable fraction (PAF; ie, the proportional change in health risk that would occur if exposure to a risk factor were reduced to the TMREL). The product of PAFs and disease burden associated with a given outcome, measured in disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), yielded measures of attributable burden (ie, the proportion of total disease burden attributable to a particular risk factor or combination of risk factors). Adjustments for mediation were applied to account for relationships involving risk factors that act indirectly on outcomes via intermediate risks. Attributable burden estimates were stratified by Socio-demographic Index (SDI) quintile and presented as counts, age-standardised rates, and rankings. To complement estimates of RR and attributable burden, newly developed burden of proof risk function (BPRF) methods were applied to yield supplementary, conservative interpretations of risk–outcome associations based on the consistency of underlying evidence, accounting for unexplained heterogeneity between input data from different studies. Estimates reported represent the mean value across 500 draws from the estimate's distribution, with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs) calculated as the 2·5th and 97·5th percentile values across the draws. Findings Among the specific risk factors analysed for this study, particulate matter air pollution was the leading contributor to the global disease burden in 2021, contributing 8·0% (95% UI 6·7–9·4) of total DALYs, followed by high systolic blood pressure (SBP; 7·8% [6·4–9·2]), smoking (5·7% [4·7–6·8]), low birthweight and short gestation (5·6% [4·8–6·3]), and high fasting plasma glucose (FPG; 5·4% [4·8–6·0]). For younger demographics (ie, those aged 0–4 years and 5–14 years), risks such as low birthweight and short gestation and unsafe water, sanitation, and handwashing (WaSH) were among the leading risk factors, while for older age groups, metabolic risks such as high SBP, high body-mass index (BMI), high FPG, and high LDL cholesterol had a greater impact. From 2000 to 2021, there was an observable shift in global health challenges, marked by a decline in the number of all-age DALYs broadly attributable to behavioural risks (decrease of 20·7% [13·9–27·7]) and environmental and occupational risks (decrease of 22·0% [15·5–28·8]), coupled with a 49·4% (42·3–56·9) increase in DALYs attributable to metabolic risks, all reflecting ageing populations and changing lifestyles on a global scale. Age-standardised global DALY rates attributable to high BMI and high FPG rose considerably (15·7% [9·9–21·7] for high BMI and 7·9% [3·3–12·9] for high FPG) over this period, with exposure to these risks increasing annually at rates of 1·8% (1·6–1·9) for high BMI and 1·3% (1·1–1·5) for high FPG. By contrast, the global risk-attributable burden and exposure to many other risk factors declined, notably for risks such as child growth failure and unsafe water source, with age-standardised attributable DALYs decreasing by 71·5% (64·4–78·8) for child growth failure and 66·3% (60·2–72·0) for unsafe water source. We separated risk factors into three groups according to trajectory over time: those with a decreasing attributable burden, due largely to declining risk exposure (eg, diet high in trans-fat and household air pollution) but also to proportionally smaller child and youth populations (eg, child and maternal malnutrition); those for which the burden increased moderately in spite of declining risk exposure, due largely to population ageing (eg, smoking); and those for which the burden increased considerably due to both increasing risk exposure and population ageing (eg, ambient particulate matter air pollution, high BMI, high FPG, and high SBP). Interpretation Substantial progress has been made in reducing the global disease burden attributable to a range of risk factors, particularly those related to maternal and child health, WaSH, and household air pollution. Maintaining efforts to minimise the impact of these risk factors, especially in low SDI locations, is necessary to sustain progress. Successes in moderating the smoking-related burden by reducing risk exposure highlight the need to advance policies that reduce exposure to other leading risk factors such as ambient particulate matter air pollution and high SBP. Troubling increases in high FPG, high BMI, and other risk factors related to obesity and metabolic syndrome indicate an urgent need to identify and implement interventions.publishedVersio

Affordances of Digital Detox Applications: Exploring Gamification and Undesign as Design Principles

While smartphones and mobile apps offer convenience and entertainment, they also contribute to distractions and experience of stress in users’ lives. In response to these challenges, digital detox – the voluntary restriction of digital media use – has surged as a significant sociocultural phenomenon. To meet this growing demand, numerous products and services, particularly mobile applications with self-restricting features, have emerged. This study investigates the affordances of digital detox applications that incorporate gamified and self-inhibiting design to limit smartphone usage. Adopting the conceptual frameworks of gamification and undesign, we conducted an app walkthrough study analyzing four smartphone apps: Forest, Hold, Cleverest, and Freedom. Our analysis provides a systematic overview of how gamification and undesign elements are integrated into smartphone applications. Additionally, we explore the connection between these affordances and the monetization models of the apps, revealing the paradox of using technology to mitigate technology overuse. This study provides critical insights into implications of digital detox apps, contributing to the broader discourse on digital disconnection and well-being research.publishedVersio

Word of mouth signaling: A quantitative study on a customer review-based approach to social media ads and the trustworthiness of selective exposure

The persuasive power of customer reviews is recognized by marketers and businesses across various industries. Numerous researchers have explored the framework and effects of these reviews, investigating what motivates consumers to read and write them and their broader implications. This topic is particularly intriguing for marketers since these reviews are consumer generated and not directly controlled by businesses. The question arises: how can marketers leverage this potential marketing content? Specifically, can the successful integration of eWOM in social media advertisements enhance brand trust and subsequently increase purchase intentions? While it is commonly believed that positive reviews boost sales and negative reviews hinder them, the reality is more complex. Factors such as the type of product, the platform where the review is read, the review's content, and the reviewer's identity can all influence the impact. In our study, we analyzed the effects of customer reviews versus business statements on trust and purchase intention. We exposed two groups to an identical Instagram advertisement by the fictional company “Rørlegger AS,” with the only difference being the caption (customer review vs. business statement). The results did not show a significantly higher direct effect of customer reviews on purchase intention compared to business statements. Additionally, trust had a significant effect on purchase intention, but there was no mediated effect of trust in the overall sample. However, we found a moderated mediation effect of gender. Specifically, female participants reported significantly higher trust levels when exposed to customer reviews, which indirectly influenced their purchase intentions

Angiogenic and vasoactive proteins in the maternal-fetal interface in healthy pregnancies and preeclampsia

Background Preeclampsia is characterized by maternal endothelial activation and placental dysfunction. Imbalance in maternal angiogenic and vasoactive factors has been linked to the pathophysiology. The contribution of the placenta as a source of these factors remains unclear. Furthermore, little is known about fetal angiogenic and vasoactive proteins and the relation between maternal and fetal levels. Objective We describe placental growth factor, soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1, soluble endoglin, and endothelin 1–3 in 5 vessels in healthy pregnancies, early- and late-onset preeclampsia. Specifically, we aimed to (1) compare protein abundance in vessels at the maternal-fetal interface between early- and late-onset preeclampsia, and healthy pregnancies, (2) describe placental uptake and release of proteins, and (3) describe protein abundance in the maternal vs fetal circulations. Study Design Samples were collected from the maternal radial artery, uterine vein and antecubital vein, and fetal umbilical vein and artery in 75 healthy and 37 preeclamptic mother-fetus pairs (including 19 early-onset preeclampsia and 18 late-onset preeclampsia), during scheduled cesarean delivery. This method allows estimation of placental release and uptake of proteins by calculation of venoarterial differences on each side of the placenta. The microarray-based SomaScan assay quantified the proteins. Results The abundance of soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 and endothelin 1 was higher in the maternal vessels in preeclampsia than in healthy pregnancies, with the highest abundance in early-onset preeclampsia. Placental growth factor was lower in the maternal vessels in early-onset preeclampsia than in both healthy and late-onset preeclampsia. Maternal endothelin 2 was higher in preeclampsia, with late-onset preeclampsia having the highest abundance. Our model confirmed placental release of placental growth factor and soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 to the maternal circulation in all groups. The placenta released soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 into the fetal circulation in healthy and late-onset preeclampsia pregnancies. Fetal endothelin 1 and soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 were higher in early-onset preeclampsia, whereas soluble endoglin and endothelin 3 were lower in both preeclampsia groups than healthy controls. Across groups, abundances of placental growth factor, soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1, and endothelin 3 were higher in the maternal artery than the fetal umbilical vein, whereas endothelin 2 was lower. Conclusion An increasing abundance of maternal soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 and endothelin 1 across the groups healthy, late-onset preeclampsia and early-onset combined with a positive correlation may suggest that these proteins are associated with the pathophysiology and severity of the disease. Elevated endothelin 1 in the fetal circulation in early-onset preeclampsia represents a novel finding. The long-term effects of altered protein abundance in preeclampsia on fetal development and health remain unknown. Further investigation of these proteins’ involvement in the pathophysiology and as treatment targets is warranted.publishedVersio