Recent Development of the Empirical Basis for Prediction of Vortex Induced Vibrations

This paper describes the research activity related to VIV that has taken place at NTNU and MARINTEK in Trondheim during the last years. The overall aim of the work has been increased understanding of the VIV phenomenon and to improve the empirical basis for prediction of VIV. The work has included experiments with flexible beams in sheared and uniform flow and forced motions of short, rigid cylinders. Key results in terms of hydrodynamic coefficients and analysis procedures have been implemented in the computer program VIVANA, which has resulted in new analysis options and improved hydrodynamic coefficients. Some examples of results are presented, but the main focus of the paper is to give an overview of the work and point out how the new results can be used in order to improve VIV analyses

Technological Change and the Politics of Decarbonization: A Re-making of Vested Interests?

publishedVersio

Hvordan redusere energiforbruket til Grødem Kirke?

Denne oppgaven har en teoretisk vinkling på problemstillingen `hvordan redusere energiforbruket til Grødem kirke`. Oppgaven setter ut til å finne løsninger på hvordan det er mulig å senke energiforbruket. Dermed har det først blitt utført energiberegninger i programmet Simien av det aktuelle bygget for å identifisere det faktiske energiforbruket til bygningen. Videre er det vurdert ulike tiltak som det også er utført energiberegninger av for å verifisere effekten. Resultatene viser at det er teoretisk mulig å redusere bygningens energibehov drastisk ved å benytte en rekke tiltak som berører bygningskroppen, ventilasjonssystemet og oppvarmingssystemet. Videre er det også simulert ulike tiltak kombinert i scenarioer for å vise effekten og besparelsene til ulike tiltak sett opp mot hverandre. Tiltakene er realistiske og er fullt mulig å utføre med produkter/løsninger som finnes på markedet i dag. Videre vil valg av tiltak være et økonomisk spørsmål, der investeringskostnad og reduksjon i energibehov må veies opp mot hverandre.This thesis has a theoretical approach on the problem ``how to reduce the energy consumption of Grødem church''. The task sets out to find solutions for how it is possible to lower the energy consumption. Thus, energy calculations have first been carried out in the program Simien of the relevant building in order to identify the actual energy consumption of the building. Furthermore, various measures have been considered, of which energy calculations have also been carried out to verify the effect. The results show that it is theoretically possible to drastically reduce the building's energy needs by using a number of measures that affect the building body, the ventilation system and the heating system. Furthermore, different measures combined in scenarios have also been simulated to show the effect and savings of different measures compared to each other. The measures are realistic and are entirely possible to carry out with products/solutions available on the market today. Furthermore, the choice of measures will be an economic issue, where investment cost and reduction in energy needs to be weighed against each other

Hvordan redusere energiforbruket til Grødem kirke?

Denne oppgaven har en teoretisk vinkling på problemstillingen `hvordan redusere energiforbruket til Grødem kirke`. Oppgaven setter ut til å finne løsninger på hvordan det er mulig å senke energiforbruket. Dermed har det først blitt utført energiberegninger i programmet Simien av det aktuelle bygget for å identifisere det faktiske energiforbruket til bygningen. Videre er det vurdert ulike tiltak som det også er utført energiberegninger av for å verifisere effekten. Resultatene viser at det er teoretisk mulig å redusere bygningens energibehov drastisk ved å benytte en rekke tiltak som berører bygningskroppen, ventilasjonssystemet og oppvarmingssystemet. Videre er det også simulert ulike tiltak kombinert i scenarioer for å vise effekten og besparelsene til ulike tiltak sett opp mot hverandre. Tiltakene er realistiske og er fullt mulig å utføre med produkter/løsninger som finnes på markedet i dag. Videre vil valg av tiltak være et økonomisk spørsmål, der investeringskostnad og reduksjon i energibehov må veies opp mot hverandre.This thesis has a theoretical approach on the problem ``how to reduce the energy consumption of Grødem church''. The task sets out to find solutions for how it is possible to lower the energy consumption. Thus, energy calculations have first been carried out in the program Simien of the relevant building in order to identify the actual energy consumption of the building. Furthermore, various measures have been considered, of which energy calculations have also been carried out to verify the effect. The results show that it is theoretically possible to drastically reduce the building's energy needs by using a number of measures that affect the building body, the ventilation system and the heating system. Furthermore, different measures combined in scenarios have also been simulated to show the effect and savings of different measures compared to each other. The measures are realistic and are entirely possible to carry out with products/solutions available on the market today. Furthermore, the choice of measures will be an economic issue, where investment cost and reduction in energy needs to be weighed against each other

Parental education and the risk of cerebral palsy for children:an evaluation of causality

Aim To explore whether increasing parental education has a causal effect on risk of cerebral palsy (CP) in the child, or whether unobserved confounding is a more likely explanation. Method We used data from Norwegian registries on approximately 1.5 million children born between 1967 and 2011. We compared results from a traditional cohort design with results from a family‐based matched case–control design, in which children with CP were matched to their first cousins without CP. In addition, we performed a simulation study to assess the role of unobserved confounding. Results In the cohort design, the odds of CP were reduced in children of mothers and fathers with higher education (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.60–0.75 for maternal education, and adjusted OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.67–0.85 for paternal education). In the family‐based case–control design, only an association for maternal education remained (adjusted OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.64–0.99). Results from a simulation study suggested that this association could be explained by unobserved confounding. Interpretation A causal effect of obtaining higher education on risk of CP in the child is unlikely. Results stress the importance of continued research on the role of genetic and environmental risk factors that vary by parents’ educational level.publishedVersio

The Physical Activity and Fitness in Childhood Cancer Survivors (PACCS) Study: Protocol for an International Mixed Methods Study

BACKGROUND Survivors of childhood cancer represent a growing population with a long life expectancy but high risks of treatment-induced morbidity and premature mortality. Regular physical activity (PA) may improve their long-term health; however, high-quality empirical knowledge is sparse. OBJECTIVE The Physical Activity and Fitness in Childhood Cancer Survivors (PACCS) study comprises 4 work packages (WPs) aiming for the objective determination of PA and self-reported health behavior, fatigue, and quality of life (WP 1); physical fitness determination (WP 2); the evaluation of barriers to and facilitators of PA (WP 1 and 3); and the feasibility testing of an intervention to increase PA and physical fitness (WP 4). METHODS The PACCS study will use a mixed methods design, combining patient-reported outcome measures and objective clinical and physiological assessments with qualitative data gathering methods. A total of 500 survivors of childhood cancer aged 9 to 18 years with ≥1 year after treatment completion will be recruited in follow-up care clinics in Norway, Denmark, Finland, Germany, and Switzerland. All participants will participate in WP 1, of which approximately 150, 40, and 30 will be recruited to WP 2, WP3, and WP 4, respectively. The reference material for WP 1 is available from existing studies, whereas WP 2 will recruit healthy controls. PA levels will be measured using ActiGraph accelerometers and self-reports. Validated questionnaires will be used to assess health behaviors, fatigue, and quality of life. Physical fitness will be measured by a cardiopulmonary exercise test, isometric muscle strength tests, and muscle power and endurance tests. Limiting factors will be identified via neurological, pulmonary, and cardiac evaluations and the assessment of body composition and muscle size. Semistructured, qualitative interviews, analyzed using systematic text condensation, will identify the perceived barriers to and facilitators of PA for survivors of childhood cancer. In WP 4, we will evaluate the feasibility of a 6-month personalized PA intervention with the involvement of local structures. RESULTS Ethical approvals have been secured at all participating sites (Norwegian Regional Committee for Medical Research Ethics [2016/953 and 2018/739]; the Oslo University Hospital Data Protection Officer; equivalent institutions in Finland, Denmark [file H-19032270], Germany, and Switzerland [Ethics Committee of Northwestern and Central Switzerland, project ID: 2019-00410]). Data collection for WP 1 to 3 is complete. This will be completed by July 2022 for WP 4. Several publications are already in preparation, and 2 have been published. CONCLUSIONS The PACCS study will generate high-quality knowledge that will contribute to the development of an evidence-based PA intervention for young survivors of childhood cancer to improve their long-term care and health. We will identify physiological, psychological, and social barriers to PA that can be targeted in interventions with immediate benefits for young survivors of childhood cancer in need of rehabilitation. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/35838

Physical Activity Among Adolescent Cancer Survivors: The PACCS Study

OBJECTIVES Physical activity (PA) may modify risks of late effects after cancer. We aimed to examine levels of PA and sedentary time (ST) in a large, international sample of adolescent childhood cancer survivors in relation to sociodemographic and cancer-related factors and compare levels of PA and ST to reference cohorts. METHODS Survivors from any cancer diagnosis who had completed cancer treatment ≥1 year ago, aged 9 to 16 years, were eligible for the multicenter Physical Activity in Childhood Cancer Survivors study. PA and ST were measured by ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers. We performed linear regression analyses to assess factors associated with moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and ST, and compared marginal means of total PA, MVPA, and ST in 432 survivors to sex- and age-stratified references (2-year intervals) using immediate t-tests for aggregated data. RESULTS Among survivors, 34% fulfilled the World Health Organization's PA recommendation of ≥60 min of daily MVPA on average and their ST was 8.7 hours per day. Being female, older, overweight, a survivor of central nervous system tumor, or having experienced relapse were associated with lower MVPA and/or higher ST. Generally, male survivors spent less time in MVPA compared with references, whereas female survivors had similar levels. Both male and female survivors had higher ST than references in nearly all age groups. CONCLUSIONS The low PA and high ST in this large sample of adolescent childhood cancer survivors is worrisome. Combined, our results call for targeted interventions addressing both PA and ST in follow-up care after childhood cancer

How to schedule night shift work in order to reduce health and safety risks

Objectives This discussion paper aims to provide scientifically based recommendations on night shift schedules, including consecutive shifts, shift intervals and duration of shifts, which may reduce health and safety risks. Short-term physiological effects in terms of circadian disruption, inadequate sleep duration and quality, and fatigue were considered as possible links between night shift work and selected health and safety risks, namely, cancer, cardio-metabolic disease, injuries, and pregnancy-related outcomes. Method In early 2020, 15 experienced shift work researchers participated in a workshop where they identified relevant scientific literature within their main research area. Results Knowledge gaps and possible recommendations were discussed based on the current evidence. The consensus was that schedules which reduce circadian disruption may reduce cancer risk, particularly for breast cancer, and schedules that optimize sleep and reduce fatigue may reduce the occurrence of injuries. This is generally achieved with fewer consecutive night shifts, sufficient shift intervals, and shorter night shift duration. Conclusions Based on the limited, existing literature, we recommend that in order to reduce the risk of injuries and possibly breast cancer, night shift schedules have: (i) ≤3 consecutive night shifts; (ii) shift intervals of ≥11 hours; and (iii) ≤9 hours shift duration. In special cases – eg, oil rigs and other isolated workplaces with better possibilities to adapt to daytime sleep – additional or other recommendations may apply. Finally, to reduce risk of miscarriage, pregnant women should not work more than one night shift in a weekpublishedVersio

A nationwide study on reproductive function, ovarian reserve, and risk of premature menopause in female survivors of childhood cancer: design and methodological challenges

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Advances in childhood cancer treatment over the past decades have significantly improved survival, resulting in a rapidly growing group of survivors. However, both chemo- and radiotherapy may adversely affect reproductive function. This paper describes the design and encountered methodological challenges of a nationwide study in the Netherlands investigating the effects of treatment on reproductive function, ovarian reserve, premature menopause and pregnancy outcomes in female childhood cancer survivors (CCS), the DCOG LATER-VEVO study.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The study is a retrospective cohort study consisting of two parts: a questionnaire assessing medical, menstrual, and obstetric history, and a clinical assessment evaluating ovarian and uterine function by hormonal analyses and transvaginal ultrasound measurements. The eligible study population consists of adult female 5-year survivors of childhood cancer treated in the Netherlands, whereas the control group consists of age-matched sisters of the participating CCS. To date, study invitations have been sent to 1611 CCS and 429 sister controls, of which 1215 (75%) and 333 (78%) have responded so far. Of these responders, the majority consented to participate in both parts of the study (53% vs. 65% for CCS and sister controls respectively). Several challenges were encountered involving the study population: dealing with bias due to the differences in characteristics of several types of (non-) participants and finding an adequately sized and well-matched control group. Moreover, the challenges related to the data collection process included: differences in response rates between web-based and paper-based questionnaires, validity of self-reported outcomes, interpretation of clinical measurements of women using hormonal contraceptives, and inter- and intra-observer variation of the ultrasound measurements.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>The DCOG LATER-VEVO study will provide valuable information about the reproductive potential of paediatric cancer patients as well as long-term survivors of childhood cancer. Other investigators planning to conduct large cohort studies on late effects may encounter similar challenges as those encountered during this study. The solutions to these challenges described in this paper may be useful to these investigators.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>NTR2922; <url>http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=2922</url></p

Future feed control – Tracing banned bovine material in insect meal

In the present study, we assessed if different legacy and novel molecular analyses approaches can detect and trace prohibited bovine material in insects reared to produce processed animal protein (PAP). Newly hatched black soldier fly (BSF) larvae were fed one of the four diets for seven days; a control feeding medium (Ctl), control feed spiked with bovine hemoglobin powder (BvHb) at 1% (wet weight, w/w) (BvHb 1%, w/w), 5% (BvHb 5%, w/w) and 10% (BvHb 10%, w/w). Another dietary group of BSF larvae, namely *BvHb 10%, was first grown on BvHb 10% (w/w), and after seven days separated from the residual material and placed in another container with control diet for seven additional days. Presence of ruminant material in insect feed and in BSF larvae was assessed in five different laboratories using (i) real time-PCR analysis, (ii) multi-target ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS), (iii) protein-centric immunoaffinity-LC-MS/MS, (iv) peptide-centric immunoaffinity-LC-MS/MS, (v) tandem mass spectral library matching (SLM), and (vi) compound specific amino acid analysis (CSIA). All methods investigated detected ruminant DNA or BvHb in specific insect feed media and in BSF larvae, respectively. However, each method assessed, displayed distinct shortcomings, which precluded detection of prohibited material versus non-prohibited ruminant material in some instances. Taken together, these findings indicate that detection of prohibited material in the insect-PAP feed chain requires a tiered combined use of complementary molecular analysis approaches. We therefore advocate the use of a combined multi-tier molecular analysis suite for the detection, differentiation and tracing of prohibited material in insect-PAP based feed chains and endorse ongoing efforts to extend the currently available battery of PAP detection approaches with MS based techniques and possibly δ13CAA fingerprinting.</p