Evaluation of the usefulness at national level of the dairy cattle health and production recording systems in Great Britain

The aim of this study was to formally evaluate, qualitatively, the ability of existing recording systems to generate accurate and reliable estimates of the frequency of selected health conditions in the dairy herd of Great Britain. Fifty-nine recording systems were identified, of which 36 had their key characteristics defined through a web-based questionnaire. Nineteen of them were further assessed following the SERVAL, a SuRveillance EVALuation framework against a set of 12 attributes: benefit, bias, communication, coverage, data collection, data management, data analysis, data completeness, flexibility, multiple utility, representativeness and stability/sustainability. The evaluated systems showed considerable differences in their coverage, implementation and objectives. There were overlaps in recorded conditions, with Johne's disease, bovine viral diarrhoea, mastitis and lameness being recorded by most of the systems. Selection bias, data ownership and lack of integration of data from different systems appeared to be a key limitation on the future use of existing systems for nationwide monitoring. The results showed that even though the individual systems can provide reliable estimates of dairy health for individual farmers, none of the systems alone could provide accurate and reliable estimates for any of the conditions of interest at national level

Water Pipeline Leakage Detection Based on Machine Learning and Wireless Sensor Networks

The detection of water pipeline leakage is important to ensure that water supply networks can operate safely and conserve water resources. To address the lack of intelligent and the low efficiency of conventional leakage detection methods, this paper designs a leakage detection method based on machine learning and wireless sensor networks (WSNs). The system employs wireless sensors installed on pipelines to collect data and utilizes the 4G network to perform remote data transmission. A leakage triggered networking method is proposed to reduce the wireless sensor network’s energy consumption and prolong the system life cycle effectively. To enhance the precision and intelligence of leakage detection, we propose a leakage identification method that employs the intrinsic mode function, approximate entropy, and principal component analysis to construct a signal feature set and that uses a support vector machine (SVM) as a classifier to perform leakage detection. Simulation analysis and experimental results indicate that the proposed leakage identification method can effectively identify the water pipeline leakage and has lower energy consumption than the networking methods used in conventional wireless sensor networks

Posttraumatic Deprecation or Growth among Norwegian Veterans Who Served in Afghanistan: Influences of Peri- and Post-Traumatic Factors on Personal Development

"Åtte av ti Afghanistan-veteraner opplevde personlig vekst etter oppholdet i krigssonen, viser en ny doktoravhandling. Bare 8 prosent opplevde en negativ utvikling. Studien viser også at det var verre for soldatene å være vitne til andres lidelse og død, enn å være i livsfare selv." Soldater står overfor mange risikofaktorer når de deltar i krig. Eksempelvis er det å være i livsfare en kjent risikofaktor for å utvikle psykiske helseproblemer slik som posttraumatisk stress lidelse (PTSD). Likevel, nyere forskning har pekt på at traumatiske krigsopplevelser kan påvirke soldater på flere måter enn man tidligere har trodd. I sin doktorgrad Posttraumatic Deprecation or Growth among Norwegian Veterans Who Served in Afghanistan: Influences of Peri- and Post-Traumatic Factors on Personal Development, har Andreas Espetvedt Nordstrand og kolleger undersøkt forekomsten av både positive (posttraumatisk vekst) og negative personlige endringer hos veteraner etter å ha tjenestegjort i Afghanistan. I tillegg så de på om det er karakteristika ved selve traumet, og ved sosial støtte etter hjemkomst, som påvirker en slik utvikling i enten positiv eller negativ retning. Hovedfunnene i avhandlingen er at en majoritet (80.8%) av Norske Afghanistan-veteraner forteller om en positiv personlig utvikling, eller vekst, som følge av hva de opplevde i Afghanistan. En minoritet forteller om en negativ utvikling (8.1%) eller ingen utvikling (11.1%). Videre fant forskerne at krigsopplevelser som involverte å bevitne lidelse og død hos andre, eller moralske utfordringer, var verre for soldatene enn å ha vært i livstruende situasjoner. Slike ikke-fare-baserte traumer (bevitning og moralske utfordringer) var verre enn fare-baserte traumer (livsfare), både når det gjaldt å drive en negativ personlig utvikling og hadde større forbindelse med godt kjente psykiske helseplager som PTSD og depresjon. Når det gjelder sosial støtte, fant forskerne at dette er et viktig element som understøtter en positiv personlig utvikling/vekst etter krigsdeltagelse. Avhandlingen viser at god sosial støtte faktisk kan bidra til en positiv utvikling selv om soldatene synes det er vanskelig å snakke om sine krigsopplevelser med andre. Denne avhandlingen brukte data fra en større spørreundersøkelse som så på den psykiske helsen hos 4,053 Norske veteraner som hadde tjenestegjort i Afghanistan en eller flere ganger i perioden 2001 til 2011. Konklusjonene man kan trekke ut av denne doktoravhandlingen er at de fleste Norske Afghanistan opplever personlig vekst som følge av sine opplevelser i krigssonen, og sosial støtte etter hjemkomst synes å være en viktig bidragsyter til en slik utvikling. I motsetning til hva mange vil tro, er ikke det å være i livsfare det verste soldatene opplever i Afghanistan. Denne avhandlingen viser at det som er mest forbundet med en negativ personlig utvikling etter tjenestegjøring i Afghanistan faktisk er å bevitne lidelse og død hos andre, eller det å havne i moralsk vanskelige situasjoner.Abstract “Eight out of ten Norwegian Veterans who served in Afghanistan reports personal growth after war-zone experiences. Just 8 percent reported a negative development. The study also shows that witnessing the suffering or death of others is worse than being in life-threatening danger.” There are many risks facing soldiers in war zones, and the possible mental impact of experiencing life-threatening danger, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is well known. However, recent research suggests that the possible effects of military traumas may be more diverse than what was previously expected. In his doctoral thesis Posttraumatic Deprecation or Growth among Norwegian Veterans Who Served in Afghanistan: Influences of Peri- and Post-Traumatic Factors on Personal Development Andreas Espetvedt Nordstrand and colleagues examined the occurrence of both positive (posttraumatic growth) and negative personal changes after deployment to Afghanistan. In addition, they investigated how characteristics of both the trauma itself and social support after deployment, might influence such personal changes in either a positive or negative direction. The main findings of the thesis were that a majority (80.8 %) of Norwegian veterans returning home from deployment reported positive personal changes after war zone experiences in Afghanistan, while a minority reported either negative personal changes (8.1 %) or no changes (11.1 %). Moreover, they found that war-zone incidents involving the witnessing the suffering or death of others, or morally challenging experiences were worse for soldiers that being in danger and life-threatening situations. Such non-danger-based traumas (witnessing and moral challenges), were worse both in terms of driving negative personal changes, as well as in relation to symptoms of mental health problems, when compared to danger-based traumas (life-threat). Finally, they found that social support is a major driver of positive personal changes after deployment. This is even the case if veterans have barriers towards sharing their war-zone experiences with others. The study was conducted utilizing data from a large post-deployment survey looking at the mental health of 4,052 Norwegian Afghanistan veterans who had had a deployment the period of 2001 to 2011. The main conclusions of this thesis are that most Norwegian veterans’ experiences personal growth after war-zone incidents in Afghanistan, and that social support after deployment is an important contributor to such developments. Moreover, contrary to mainstream notions, being in life-threatening situations seems not to be the most disruptive experiences during a deployment. Rather, witnessing the suffering and death of others, and moral challenges are significantly more associated with a negative development.Digital full text not availabl

Adult Height, Insulin Levels and 17β-Estradiol in Young Women

Background: Adult height and insulin levels have independently been associated with breast cancer risk. However, little is known about whether these factors influence estradiol levels. Thus, we hypothesize that adult height in combination with insulin levels may influence premenopausal 17β-estradiol throughout the entire menstrual cycle of possible importance of breast cancer risk. Methods: Among 204 healthy women, aged 25-35 years who participated in the Norwegian EBBA I study, birth weight and age at menarche were assessed by questionnaire, personal health record and interview. 17β-estradiol concentrations were estimated by daily saliva samples throughout one entire menstrual cycle using radioimmunoassay (RIA). Measures of height (cm) were taken as well as waist circumference (cm), body mass index (BMI kg/m2) and total fat percentage (DEXA % fat). Fasting blood samples were drawn, and serum concentrations of insulin were determined. Results: The women reported a mean height of 166.5 cm, birth weight of 3389 g and age at menarche 13.1 years. Mean BMI was 24.4 kg/m2, mean waist circumference 79.5 cm and mean total fat percentage 34.1%. Women with an adult height of more than 170 cm and insulin levels higher than 90 pmol/L experienced on average an 37.2 % increase in 17β- estradiol during an entire menstrual cycle compared to those with the same height, and insulin levels below 90 pmol/L. Moreover, this was also observed throughout the entire menstrual cycle. Conclusion: Our findings support that premenopausal levels of 17β-estradiol vary in response to adult height and insulin levels, suggesting that women who become taller are put at risk for higher estradiol levels when their insulin levels rise of possible importance for breast cancer risk.Anthropolog

Developing a novel tool for assessing olfactory dysfunction: The parosmia, phantosmia, and anosmia test (PARPHAIT)

Background Symptoms of olfactory dysfunction (OD) apply to different conditions, one of which is COVID-19. OD may manifest as a loss or reduction of smell, called quantitative OD, or as a change in the perception of odours, also known as qualitative OD. The symptomatic picture may look different across cases, and impact on the quality of life to varying extents. The methods for measuring symptoms also differ across studies, and involve clinical interviews, objective tests, and questionnaires that may or may not be standardised. When we ask patients about their symptoms, the formulation of items and response options vary across tools, which makes room for interpretation and heterogeneous results. For quantitative OD, objective, standardised tests have been developed and evaluated, whilst for qualitative OD, less is known, and measurement tools could be improved. Based on this unmet need, the current PhD project has focused on the measurement of parosmia and phantosmia, mainly in the context of COVID-19. The overall aim was to better understand the measurement of qualitative OD, and to improve the methods of capturing these symptoms. This aim motivated the following objectives: To provide an overview of the tools that exist in capturing qualitative OD, to explore variations, and to identify discrepancies in the formulations of items and response options in these tools. Based on this overview, we identified a need for a standardised, specific, and clear tool to capture both qualitative and quantitative OD, and this led to developing and testing the novel Parosmia, phantosmia, and anosmia test (PARPHAIT). Methodology This PhD project followed a sequential mixed methods design, consisting of a systematic literature review, quantitative, and qualitative methods. First, a systematic literature review was carried out. The aim was to provide an overview of the tools used to measure qualitative OD, as well as to identify discrepancies in the presentation of items and response options. The primary outcomes were the objective tests and questionnaires, and the item and response formulations. Secondary outcomes involved the number of items, response design, scoring protocol, validation and reliability testing, and demographic variables like age and sex. This process followed a modified PRISMA guideline, and involved searching MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EMBASE, to which the search was restricted to a COVID-19 population. Results were interpreted and presented narratively. Based on the findings of the review, the second study involved developing an initial pool of items, testing its content validity, factor structure, and reliability. The study was primarily quantitative but did also include qualitative methods. An initial 93-item version of PARPHAIT was distributed digitally to a sample of subjects with OD primarily due to COVID-19. They were asked to complete the questionnaire and to rate the clarity, length, and response design, among other aspects, on a scale from 1 to 5, where 5 correspond to “highly suitable”. Following this content validation, correlations between items were assessed before carrying out an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and reliability test. To further validate PARPHAIT’s content and applicability, the third study involved inviting international experts to review and evaluate the questionnaire. This was done qualitatively through individual digital interviews, after which transcribed data were interpreted using a directed content analysis. Coding was done using Nvivo and was primarily deductive according to the interview guide. However, some codes were generated inductively. Results The first study included 72 articles, and these identified four objective tests, seven widely used questionnaires, some of which were standardised, and 43 self-developed questionnaires. The self-developed questionnaires were used mostly for descriptive purposes. Tools were generally heterogeneous, and some were unclear with regards to how symptoms were defined and presented. For instance, a typical question assumed symptoms were constant and unpleasant (e.g. “I always have a bad smell in my nose”). Importantly, parosmia is generally accounted for to a greater extent than phantosmia, which has not been the centre of attention in the measurement of qualitative OD. In the second study, PARPHAIT was completed by 165 participants, ratings were provided by 164, and 85 had additional comments. Some suggested including triggers like peanut butter and egg whites, and others would like a list of descriptors or a free-text entry to explain symptoms in more detail. Some did not consider the parosmia and phantosmia subscales applicable because they had anosmia, and others regarded the formulations of questions and introductory texts as unclear. Inspecting the inter-item correlations led to reducing the total items to 56. The EFA further reduced these to 34, and suggested four factors that were named “Loss of smell”, “Presence, valence, frequency, and intensity of phantosmia”, “Triggers of parosmia”, and “Frequency of parosmia”. All factors had very good to excellent internal consistency (the lowest being α=.88 and the highest α=.95). The third study both confirmed and challenged previous findings. For instance, items specific to a change in the pleasantness and quality of odours did not appear to contribute to capturing symptoms after the EFA and were removed. However, as one of the experts noted: “… there is also the issue of hedonic vs. qualitative changes in parosmia. My suspicion is that these can be independent.” The distinction between these and accounting for both aspects is important, as they make up the very nature of parosmia. Moreover, an odour may be perceived as more or less pleasant, but not necessarily different, or it may be different, but not necessarily more or less pleasant. In addition, some suggested applying response designs according to the type and nature of questions. For instance, one would respond to questions about intensity differently from questions about food triggers. In line with patients’ feedback, formulations could be clearer and other important triggers should be included, like cucumber and toothpaste. A longer time frame was emphasised as well as shortening the total length of PARPHAIT. Conclusions In summary, this PhD project aimed to gain a deeper understanding of how qualitative OD is assessed and to improve such methods. Results identified the need for a standardised, specific tool to capture qualitative OD, and the development of such a tool involved multiple methods and perspectives. Developing PARPHAIT started from addressing patients’ viewpoints, which have contributed to a sound fundament for refining the tool. Statistical tests and experts’ perspectives were then integrated, and changes were applied, leading to the 32-item version of PARPHAIT. Introducing PARPHAIT to a clinical setting may benefit the communication between the patient and clinician, ensure accurate diagnoses and treatment, and improve patient’s own insight into their own condition. In the context of research, PARPHAIT may promote a greater consensus around the measurement of OD and the use of terms. It provides a specific and detailed account of symptoms, and focuses on phantosmia, which previously has not been the centre of attention. PARPHAIT still needs to be refined, validated, and tested in larger samples and different populations. However, PARPHAIT is a promising contribution that adds value both to the clinical context and the scientific community

Comparing structural credit models and their applicability to banks

Throughout this thesis we have presented a narrow overview of the research field of structural credit models and their applicability to banks. We have focused on two of the newer contributions to the field by Nagel and Purnanandam (2019)(NP) and Atreya, Mjøs and Persson (2019)(AMP), and provided a thorough, but not exhaustive, comparison and evaluation of these models. We have found that the different approaches of the two models provide logical results for both risk-neutral probability of default (RNPD)1 and credit spreads2, each displaying strengths and weaknesses compared to the banking industry. Both models account for the crucial characteristic of banks in that the value of their loans, and therefore their assets, have a naturally capped upside. Accordingly, both models rely on the use of a standard Brownian motion to describe the uncertainty of borrower asset values, and then value the banks claim on these through their respective loans. In our comparison we find that the NP model provides somewhat higher estimates for both RNPD and credit spread relative to the AMP model for different borrower risk parameters. We then discuss various characteristics and assumptions of both models as explanatory for the observed deviation between the models. We also discuss whether each of these characteristics appear realistic in light of the banking industry. Lastly, we touch upon additional common deviations from the banking industry of structural credit models like the ones we compare. Here we point to the complexity of loan types, debt structure, bank income sources and bank’s borrowers as difficult elements to incorporate in detail. Nonetheless, we argue that the models in focus presents reasonable simplifications of the complex banking industry.nhhma

Gender differences in mental health outcomes among Afghanistan veterans exposed to war zone trauma

Research has sought to identify whether women have an increased risk of developing mental health problems following military trauma compared to men, but the results are mixed. This study examined gender differences in a range of mental health outcomes within three levels of war zone trauma exposure and investigated gender differences in risk and protective factors associated with clinical mental health problems. Using data from a cross-sectional, postdeployment survey, a sample of Norwegian veterans of recent military operations in Afghanistan (N = 6,205, 8.3% women) were sorted according to reported war zone trauma exposure level (low, medium, high), then assessed for symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), posttraumatic distress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and alcohol problems. The findings revealed that men who reported low war zone exposure had lower levels of posttraumatic distress symptoms than women, d = -0.20, p = .040, but were more likely to report symptoms of alcohol problems within the low, d = 0.33, p < .001; medium, d = 0.39, p < .001; and high, d = 0.37, p = .049, exposure groups; however, these differences disappeared when all symptom variables were combined into one clinical mental health problem variable. Women with a clinical mental health problem were less likely to report war zone exposure than men, OR = 0.93, 95% CI [0.90, 0.97], p = .001. Findings suggest that although gender differences in mental health symptoms exist, male and female veterans with mental health problems may share more similarities than previously recognized.publishedVersio

The assessment of qualitative olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 patients: a systematic review of tools and their content validity

Background: There is a lack of overview of the tools used to assess qualitative olfactory dysfunction, including parosmia and phantosmia, following COVID-19 illness. This could have an impact on the diagnosis and treatment offered to patients. Additionally, the formulations of symptoms are inconsistent and often unclear, and consensus around the wording of questions and responses is needed. Aim of study: The aim of this systematic review is to provide an overview of tools used to assess qualitative olfactory dysfunction after COVID-19, in addition to addressing the content validity (i.e., item and response formulations) of these tools. Methods: MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EMBASE were searched 5th of August 2022 and updated on the 25th of April 2023 to identify studies that assess qualitative olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 patients. Primary outcomes were the tool used (i.e., questionnaire or objective test) and item and response formulations. Secondary outcomes included psychometric properties, study design, and demographic variables. Results: The assessment of qualitative olfactory dysfunction is characterized by heterogeneity, inconsistency, and lack of validated tools to determine the presence and degree of symptoms. Several tools with overlapping and distinct features were identified in this review, of which some were thorough and detailed, while others were merely assessing the presence of symptoms as a binary measure. Item and response formulations are also inconsistent and often used interchangeably, which may lead to confusion, incorrect diagnoses, and inappropriate methods for solving the problem. Conclusions: There is an unmet need for a reliable and validated tool for assessing qualitative olfactory dysfunction, preferably one that also captures quantitative olfactory issues (i.e., loss of smell), to ensure time-effective and specific assessment of the ability to smell. A consensus around the formulation of items and response options is also important to increase the understanding of the problem, both for clinicians, researchers, and the patient, and ultimately to provide the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.publishedVersio

Capturing qualitative olfactory dysfunction with PARPHAIT: the parosmia, phantosmia, and anosmia test

Background: The assessment of qualitative olfactory symptoms is characterised by heterogeneous and unstandardised tools. To improve the means of capturing symptoms and subsequent treatment and care, this study aimed to develop a novel questionnaire, the parosmia, phantosmia, and anosmia test (PARPHAIT). Methods: PARPHAIT was distributed to 165 participants with qualitative olfactory symptoms mainly due to COVID-19. The con tent was evaluated in participants with olfactory dysfunction, and an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and internal consistency assessment was performed to assess underlying constructs and their reliability. Results: PARPHAIT was scored as suitable, although suggestions for improvement were made. The EFA suggested a four-factor model with 34 items, all having factor loadings over 0.63. The factors had good to excellent reliability. Conclusions: This study aimed to develop a novel questionnaire, PARPHAIT, and evaluate its content and factor structure. The content and format were satisfactory, but had potential for improvement. EFA resulted in a four-factor, 34-item model with good to excellent internal consistency. PARPHAIT is only just developed and will need to be validated in different populations and con firmed with respect to its factor structure. However, PARPHAIT bears potential of being a robust, comprehensive - yet symptom-specific -, and standardised tool of capturing olfactory dysfunction.publishedVersio

17-beta-Estradiol in relation to age at menarche and adult obesity in premenopausal women

BACKGROUND: We hypothesize that premenopausal endogenous estradiol may be associated with age at menarche and adult overweight and obesity, potentially contributing to breast cancer risk. METHODS: We assessed age at menarche by questionnaire among 204 healthy Norwegian women, aged 25 – 35 years. Measures of body composition included body mass index (BMI, kg/m2), waist circumference (WC, cm), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and fat percentage dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, (DEXA). Daily salivary 17-b-estradiol (E2) concentrations were collected throughout one entire menstrual cycle and assessed by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Linear regression analyses and linear mixed models for repeated measures were used and potential confounding factors and effect modifiers were tested. RESULTS: Among women with an early age at menarche (12 years), the overall mean salivary E2 concentration increased by 3.7 pmol/l (95% confidence interval, 1.8 – 5.7 pmol/l) with each 9.8 cm (1 SD) increase in WC, which represents a 20.7% change in the mean for the total group. Among the same early maturers, a 1 SD (0.06) change in WHR was directly associated with a 24.0% change in mean E2 concentration for the total group. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the hypothesis that early age at menarche, together with adult overweight and obesity, result in high levels of 17-b-estradiol throughout the menstrual cycle.AnthropologyHuman Evolutionary Biolog