2,921 research outputs found

    Weak-Instrument and Pleiotropy-Robust Methods for Mendelian randomisation, with Applications to Mental Health

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    This PhD dissertation focused on developing and applying new methods for Mendelian Randomisation (MR), a technique that uses genetic variants as instrumental variables in order to assess causal effects of exposures on health outcomes. The major focus of the applied research is psychiatric research and mental health, with a range of analyses that address the topic of causal risk factors for depression with the use of these genetics-informed methods. The first contribution of this dissertation is the development of new methods for pleiotropy-robust MR by leveraging sex specificity of phenotypes. These methods allow for more accurate and robust estimation of causal effects by cancelling out potential pleiotropic effects of genetic instruments. The second contribution is a new method for appraising high-dimensional correlated variables in multivariable MR. This method allows for the inclusion of multiple correlated variables as exposures in MR analyses, through a transformation to groups of exposures that have attractive statistical properties and biological meaning. Finally, the dissertation provides an applied analysis of how inflammation and BMI affect a range of depression phenotypes with cutting-edge methods. This analysis replicates previous results on the harmful effects of overweight on mood and challenges the independent effect of inflammation as proxied by CRP. The introduction of the dissertation is divided into two parts. The first part provides a walkthrough of the epidemiological concepts of bias, randomisation, and causal inference with observational data. The second part is a specific introduction to MR, including its underlying assumptions and limitations, as well as detailed discussion of developments that make it more robust. Overall, this dissertation contributes new methods and applied analyses to the field of MR, with potential implications for researchers and practitioners

    Understanding Agreement and Disagreement in Listeners’ Perceived Emotion in Live Music Performance

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    Emotion perception of music is subjective and time dependent. Most computational music emotion recognition (MER) systems overlook time- and listener-dependent factors by averaging emotion judgments across listeners. In this work, we investigate the influence of music, setting (live vs lab vs online), and individual factors on music emotion perception over time. In an initial study, we explore changes in perceived music emotions among audience members during live classical music performances. Fifteen audience members used a mobile application to annotate time-varying emotion judgments based on the valence-arousal model. Inter-rater reliability analyses indicate that consistency in emotion judgments varies significantly across rehearsal segments, with systematic disagreements in certain segments. In a follow-up study, we examine listeners' reasons for their ratings in segments with high and low agreement. We relate these reasons to acoustic features and individual differences. Twenty-one listeners annotated perceived emotions while watching a recorded video of the live performance. They then reflected on their judgments and provided explanations retrospectively. Disagreements were attributed to listeners attending to different musical features or being uncertain about the expressed emotions. Emotion judgments were significantly associated with personality traits, gender, cultural background, and music preference. Thematic analysis of explanations revealed cognitive processes underlying music emotion perception, highlighting attributes less frequently discussed in MER studies, such as instrumentation, arrangement, musical structure, and multimodal factors related to performer expression. Exploratory models incorporating these semantic features and individual factors were developed to predict perceived music emotion over time. Regression analyses confirmed the significance of listener-informed semantic features as independent variables, with individual factors acting as moderators between loudness, pitch range, and arousal. In our final study, we analyzed the effects of individual differences on music emotion perception among 128 participants with diverse backgrounds. Participants annotated perceived emotions for 51 piano performances of different compositions from the Western canon, spanning various era. Linear mixed effects models revealed significant variations in valence and arousal ratings, as well as the frequency of emotion ratings, with regard to several individual factors: music sophistication, music preferences, personality traits, and mood states. Additionally, participants' ratings of arousal, valence, and emotional agreement were significantly associated to the historical time periods of the examined clips. This research highlights the complexity of music emotion perception, revealing it to be a dynamic, individual and context-dependent process. It paves the way for the development of more individually nuanced, time-based models in music psychology, opening up new avenues for personalised music emotion recognition and recommendation, music emotion-driven generation and therapeutic applications

    Autonomous Vehicles an overview on system, cyber security, risks, issues, and a way forward

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    This chapter explores the complex realm of autonomous cars, analyzing their fundamental components and operational characteristics. The initial phase of the discussion is elucidating the internal mechanics of these automobiles, encompassing the crucial involvement of sensors, artificial intelligence (AI) identification systems, control mechanisms, and their integration with cloud-based servers within the framework of the Internet of Things (IoT). It delves into practical implementations of autonomous cars, emphasizing their utilization in forecasting traffic patterns and transforming the dynamics of transportation. The text also explores the topic of Robotic Process Automation (RPA), illustrating the impact of autonomous cars on different businesses through the automation of tasks. The primary focus of this investigation lies in the realm of cybersecurity, specifically in the context of autonomous vehicles. A comprehensive analysis will be conducted to explore various risk management solutions aimed at protecting these vehicles from potential threats including ethical, environmental, legal, professional, and social dimensions, offering a comprehensive perspective on their societal implications. A strategic plan for addressing the challenges and proposing strategies for effectively traversing the complex terrain of autonomous car systems, cybersecurity, hazards, and other concerns are some resources for acquiring an understanding of the intricate realm of autonomous cars and their ramifications in contemporary society, supported by a comprehensive compilation of resources for additional investigation. Keywords: RPA, Cyber Security, AV, Risk, Smart Car

    The Link Between Multilingualism and Intercultural Competence in Language Learning : An Empirical Investigation in Norwegian Secondary Schools

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    Denne artikkelbaserte doktorgradsavhandlingen er en del av UngsprĂ„k-prosjektet, en forskningsstudie som undersĂžker elevers flersprĂ„klighet og flersprĂ„klige identitet pĂ„ ungdomsskoler i Norge. Doktorgradsprosjektet har som hovedmĂ„l Ă„ utforske sammenhengen mellom flersprĂ„klighet og den interkulturelle dimensjonen i sprĂ„kopplĂŠringen. FĂžlgende forskningsspĂžrsmĂ„l ble formulert: I hvilken grad er flersprĂ„klighet og interkulturell kompetanse sammenkoblet i sprĂ„kopplĂŠringen pĂ„ ungdomstrinnet? og Hvordan kan denne sammenkoblingen utforskes i denne spesifikke konteksten? De tre fĂžrste artiklene setter sĂžkelys pĂ„ teoretiske og metodologiske aspekter. Artikkel 1 introduserer UngsprĂ„k-prosjektets flermetodiske tilnĂŠrming og drĂžfter blant annet ulike mĂ„ter Ă„ studere koblingen mellom flersprĂ„klighet og interkulturell kompetanse i sprĂ„kfagene i norske ungdomsskoler. Publikasjonen foreslĂ„r en todelt tilnĂŠrming som inkluderer en kvantitativ utforskning blant skoleelever og en kvalitativ studie av lĂŠrernes syn pĂ„ koblingen mellom flersprĂ„klighet og interkulturell kompetanse i fremmedsprĂ„ksfaget. I tillegg diskuterer artikkelen teoretiske spĂžrsmĂ„l og fremhever behovet for Ă„ forstĂ„ flersprĂ„klighetsom et komplekst og mangefasettert fenomen som kan vĂŠre assosiert med forskjellige faktorer (f.eks. sprĂ„klĂŠring i skolen, migrasjonsbakgrunn, kunnskap om dialekter og sprĂ„kvariasjoner og reseptiv flersprĂ„klighet). Publikasjonen indikerer ogsĂ„ behovet for Ă„ utvikle et forskningsinstrument som kan bidra til Ă„ utforske elevenes flersprĂ„klighet i dets fulle kompleksitet og i forbindelse med forskjellige faktorer. Artikkel 2 diskuterer utviklings- og valideringsprosessen til et slikt instrument. Publikasjonen introduserer det elektroniske kvantitative spĂžrreskjemaet UngsprĂ„k som ble utviklet til UngsprĂ„k-prosjektet. Med fokus pĂ„ elevenes flersprĂ„klighet, gir det nyutviklede verktĂžyet muligheter til Ă„ utforske faktorer som kan belyse nyansene i elevenes flersprĂ„klighet. Blant disse faktorene undersĂžker spĂžrreskjemaet elevenes Ă„penhet og toleranse for andre sine meninger, og muliggjĂžr dermed utforskning av den potensielle koblingen mellom studentenes flersprĂ„klige og interkulturelle kompetanse. Artikkel 3 analyserer UngsprĂ„k-spĂžrreundersĂžkelsen og fire andre kvantitative spĂžrreundersĂžkelser som har blitt brukt i forskning for Ă„ studere elevers interkulturelle kompetanse. Artikkelen undersĂžker hvordan og i hvilken grad spĂžrreundersĂžkelsene har hĂ„ndtert kulturell differensialisme, som har blitt sterkt kritisert i teoretisk forskning. Artikkelen fastslĂ„r at dette perspektivet fremdeles finnes i flere forskningsinstrumenter og diskuterer noen negative implikasjoner av bruken av slike verktĂžy. For eksempel kan de fremme stereotyper blant deltakerne og gi upĂ„litelige forskningsresultater. I tillegg foreslĂ„r artikkelen hvordan forskere kan unngĂ„ dette problematiske perspektivet i fremtidige empiriske studier. De to neste publikasjonene introduserer de empiriske funnene fra doktorgrad-prosjektet og gir innsikt i sammenhengen mellom flersprĂ„klighet og den interkulturelle dimensjonen i sprĂ„klĂŠring pĂ„ ungdomsskolen. Artikkel 4 utforsker hvordan elevenes flersprĂ„klighet, spesielt assosiert med Ă„ lĂŠre flere (engelsk og fremmedsprĂ„k) sprĂ„k pĂ„ skolen, kan kobles til elevers Ă„penhet. Basert pĂ„ de empiriske dataene som er samlet inn gjennom UngsprĂ„k-spĂžrreundersĂžkelsen fra 593 studenter, antyder artikkelen at det kan vĂŠre en sĂŠrlig kobling mellom studentenes Ă„penhet og fĂžlgende faktorer: lĂŠring av fremmedsprĂ„k i stedet for bare engelsk pĂ„ skolen, elevenes selvidentifisering som flersprĂ„klige og vennskap med jevnaldrende som har andre hjemmesprĂ„k enn norsk. Disse resultatene antyder at utviklingen av elevenes flersprĂ„klighet og flersprĂ„klige identitet gjennom Ă„ lĂŠre flere sprĂ„k pĂ„ skolen kan vĂŠre viktig for Ă„ fremme elevenes interkulturelle kompetanse. Bokkapittel 5 undersĂžker lĂŠrernes syn pĂ„ flersprĂ„klighet, interkulturell kompetanse og forbindelsen mellom disse to i faget FremmedsprĂ„k. Studien analyserer datamateriale fra semistrukturerte intervjuer med seks fremmedsprĂ„kslĂŠrere som jobber pĂ„ norske ungdomsskoler. Analysen viser at lĂŠrere ser pĂ„ fremmedsprĂ„ksfaget som et perfekt rom for Ă„ fremme studentenes interkulturelle kompetanse og flersprĂ„klighet i sammenheng. ForstĂ„elsen av denne sammenhengen er imidlertid avhengig av lĂŠrernes syn pĂ„ elementene som separate fenomener. Studien understreker behovet for Ă„ tilby klare definisjoner av sentrale konsepter i utdanningsdokumenter og Ă„ gi lĂŠrere praktiske retningslinjer for hvordan elementene kan undervises “i tandem” i faget FremmedsprĂ„k.This article-based PhD thesis is part of the UngsprĂ„k project, a mixed methods research study exploring students’ multilingualism and multilingual identity in lower secondary schools in Norway. Investigating the intersection of multilingualism and the intercultural dimension in language education, the present study seeks to answer the following research questions: To what extent are multilingualism and intercultural competence interconnected in secondary school language learning? and How can this interconnection be explored in this specific context? The first three articles focus on the theoretical and methodological aspects of the study. In introducing the mixed methods design of the overall UngsprĂ„k project, Article 1 explores, among other issues, ways of studying the link between multilingualism and intercultural competence in the context of language learning in Norwegian secondary schools. The publication suggests applying a two-fold approach that includes a quantitative exploration of this link in school students and a qualitative study of teachers’ views on the interconnection between the elements in the Foreign Language subject. Moreover, the article addresses theoretical issues regarding such an investigation and highlights the need to conceptualize multilingualism, especially in the Norwegian secondary school context, as a complex, multifaceted phenomenon that can be associated with various factors (e.g., learning additional languages at school, migration background, knowledge of dialects and language variations, and receptive multilingualism). The publication also indicates the need to develop a research instrument that can help explore students’ multilingualism in its complexity and relation to various factors. Article 2 discusses the development and process of validating such an instrument. This publication introduces the electronic quantitative questionnaire UngsprĂ„k, which was developed specifically for the purposes of the UngsprĂ„k project. Focusing on students’ multilingualism, this newly developed tool enables the exploration of many other factors that can potentially shed light on the nuances of students’ multilingualism. Among these factors, the questionnaire examines students’ open-mindedness, thus allowing for the investigation of the potential link between students’ multilingualism and intercultural competence. Article 3 provides a critical analysis of the UngsprĂ„k questionnaire and four other quantitative questionnaires that have been used in language learning research to explore students’ intercultural competence. It examines how and to what extent these tools have addressed the problematic perspective of cultural differentialism, which has been broadly criticized in theoretical research. The publication discusses some negative implications of the use of methodological tools that can reproduce cultural differentialism, such as the fostering of stereotypes among participants and the provision of unreliable research results. In addition, it suggests how researchers can avoid replicating this problematic perspective in future empirical studies. The fourth and fifth publications introduce the empirical findings of the PhD project and provide insights into the link between multilingualism and the intercultural dimension in secondary school language learning. Article 4 explores how students’ multilingualism, especially associated with learning additional (L2 English and L3 Spanish/German/French) languages at school, can be connected to open-mindedness. Based on the empirical data collected through the UngsprĂ„k questionnaire from 593 students, the article suggests that there can be a particular link between students’ open-mindedness and the following factors: learning an L3 (Spanish/German/French) rather than only L2 (English) at school, students’ self-identification as multilingual, and friendship with peers whose home languages include those other than Norwegian. These results suggest that the development of students’ multilingualism and multilingual identity through learning additional languages at school can potentially be important in promoting students’ intercultural competence. The fifth publication, a book chapter, examines teachers’ views on multilingualism, intercultural competence, and the interconnection between the two as elements of the Foreign Language subject. The study draws on data from semi-structured interviews with six foreign language teachers working in Norwegian schools. It reveals that educators consider a foreign language classroom to be a perfect space for promoting students’ intercultural competence and multilingualism in interconnection. However, the understanding of this interconnection depends entirely on teachers’ views of the elements as separate phenomena. The study underlines the need to offer clear definitions of key concepts in policy documents and to provide teachers with practical guidelines on how the elements can be implemented in tandem in a foreign language classroom.Doktorgradsavhandlin

    Impacts of coffee fragmented landscapes on biodiversity and microclimate with emerging monitoring technologies

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    Habitat fragmentation and loss are causing biodiversity declines across the globe. As biodiversity is unevenly distributed, with many hotspots located in the tropics, conserving and protecting these areas is important to preserve as many species as possible. Chapter 2 presents an overview of the Ecology of the Atlantic Forest, a highly fragmented biodiversity hotspot. A major driver of habitat fragmentation is agriculture, and in the tropics coffee is major cash crop. Developing methods to monitor biodiversity effectively without labour intensive surveys can help us understand how communities are using fragmented landscapes and better inform management practices that promote biodiversity. Acoustic monitoring offers a promising set of tools to remotely monitor biodiversity. Developments in machine learning offer automatic species detection and classification in certain taxa. Chapters 3 and 4 use acoustic monitoring surveys conducted on fragmented landscapes in the Atlantic Forest to quantify bird and bat communities in forest and coffee matrix, respectively. Chapter 3 shows that acoustic composition can reflect local avian communities. Chapter 4 applies a convolutional neural network (CNN) optimised on UK bat calls to a Brazilian bat dataset to estimate bat diversity and show how bats preferentially use coffee habitats. In addition to monitoring biodiversity, monitoring microclimate forms a key part of climate smart agriculture for climate change mitigation. Coffee agriculture is limited to the tropics, overlapping with biodiverse regions, but is threatened by climate change. This presents a challenge to countries strongly reliant on coffee exports such as Brazil and Nicaragua. Chapter 5 uses data from microclimate weather stations in Nicaragua to demonstrate that sun-coffee management is vulnerable to supraoptimal temperature exposure regardless of local forest cover or elevation.Open Acces

    How I met your V2X sensor data : analysis of projection-based light field visualization for vehicle-to-everything communication protocols and use cases

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    The practical usage of V2X communication protocols started emerging in recent years. Data built on sensor information are displayed via onboard units and smart devices. However, perceptually obtaining such data may be counterproductive in terms of visual attention, particularly in the case of safety-related applications. Using the windshield as a display may solve this issue, but switching between 2D information and the 3D reality of traffic may introduce issues of its own. To overcome such difficulties, automotive light field visualization is introduced. In this paper, we investigate the visualization of V2X communication protocols and use cases via projection-based light field technology. Our work is motivated by the abundance of V2X sensor data, the low latency of V2X data transfer, the availability of automotive light field prototypes, the prevalent dominance of non-autonomous and non-remote driving, and the lack of V2X-based light field solutions. As our primary contributions, we provide a comprehensive technological review of light field and V2X communication, a set of recommendations for design and implementation, an extensive discussion and implication analysis, the exploration of utilization based on standardized protocols, and use-case-specific considerations

    30th European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2023)

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    This is the abstract book of 30th European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2023
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