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The ‘in between’ - an autoethnographic and arts inspired approach to sustainability in music therapy
Get PDFI en tid preget av økologisk, sosial og økonomisk uro, undersøker denne masteravhandlingen hvordan musikkterapi kan forstås og praktiseres i lys av bærekraft. Gjennom en autoetnografisk og kunstinspirert tilnærming, der personlige erfaringer, kunstneriske uttrykk og teoretiske refleksjoner flettes sammen, søker forfatteren å utvikle en levende, relasjonell og prosessorientert forståelse av hva det kan innebære å være en bærekraftig musikkterapeut. Oppgaven utfordrer tradisjonell vitenskapelig forskning og struktur, og åpner opp for en polyfoni av ulike stemmer som synger sammen. Bærekraft i musikkterapi forstås her som å være i konstant bevegelse - et ‘mellomrom’ i stadig negotiering. Denne forståelsen utvikles gjennom en refleksjon av språkbruk, begrepsutvikling, musikkterapeutisk praksis, forfatterens egen prosess og mellomrommet mellom disse. Oppgaven forsøker å tilnærme musikkterapeutisk praksis, ikke kun gjennom terapi, men som en livsstil knyttet til verdier, for å best kunne ‘møte dagens behov uten å ødelegge for kommende generasjoners behov’.In a time marked by ecological, social, and economic uncertainty, this master’s thesis explores how music therapy can be understood and practiced through the lens of sustainability. Using an autoethnographic and arts-informed approach—where personal experiences, artistic expressions, and theoretical reflections are interwoven—the author seeks to develop a dynamic, relational, and process-oriented understanding of what it might mean to be a sustainable music therapist. The thesis challenges conventional scientific structures and opens space for a polyphony of voices to be heard in dialogue. Sustainability in music therapy is understood here as something in constant motion—a relational "in-between" in ongoing negotiation. This understanding is shaped through reflection on language use, conceptual development, therapeutic practice, the author's own process, and the interspaces between these. The thesis approaches music therapy not solely as a form of therapy, but as a lifestyle rooted in values that aim to "meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."Masteroppgave i musikkterapiMUTP360MAHF-INMU
Retheorizing Archaeological “Artefacts” as “Belongings”
Get PDFIn this article, we suggest that archaeologists should recognise the limitations of the term “artefact”, because it does not capture the many ways that diverse groups think about and interact with such objects. There are two important reasons for doing this. First, as we show through numerous examples, archaeologists’ conception of portable material objects as “artefacts” is narrow and unlikely to align with the conceptions by the people who left them behind. Second, like the terms “prehistory” and “human remains”, “artefact” is a settler-colonialist construct that elevates Western scientific jargon above terminology that other stakeholders may see as more respectful or appropriate. As an alternative to the term “artefact”, this article explores “belongings” as a way to open up understandings of the many different meanings associated with archaeological objects and to refer more inclusively to them in diverse contexts.publishedVersio
Biliary tract cancer
Get PDFBackground
Biliary tract cancers comprise a heterogeneous collection of malignancies usually described as cholangiocarcinoma of the intra- or extrahepatic bile duct, including perihilar cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer.
Methods
A review of pertinent parts of the ESSO core curriculum for the UEMS diploma targets (Fellowships exam, EBSQ), based on updated and available guidelines for diagnosis, surgical treatment and oncological management of cholangiocarcinoma.
Results
Following the outline from the ESSO core curriculum we present the epidemiology and risk factors for cholangiocarcinoma, as well as the rationale for the current diagnosis, staging, (neo-)adjuvant treatment, surgical management, and short- and long-term outcomes. The available guidelines and consensus reports (i.e. NCCN, BGS and ESMO guidelines) are referred to. Recognition of biliary tract cancers as separate entities of the intrahepatic biliary ducts, the perihilar and distal bile duct as well as the gallbladder is important for proper management, as they each provide distinct clinical, molecular and treatment profiles to consider.
Conclusion
Core competencies in knowledge to the diagnosis, management and outcomes of biliary tract cancers are presented.publishedVersio
Tall wind profile validation of ERA5, NORA3, and NEWA datasets using lidar observations
Get PDFThe development of large wind turbines and airborne wind energy (AWE) systems requires reliable wind speed datasets at heights above the atmospheric surface layer. Traditional measurement approaches relying on met masts (meteorological masts) fall short of addressing these needs. In this study, we validate three different model-based datasets, namely the 3 km Norwegian Hindcast archive (NORA3), the New European Wind Atlas (NEWA), and ECMWF Reanalysis v5 (ERA5), using Doppler wind lidar data from several locations in Norway and the North Sea. The validation focuses on altitudes from 100 to 500 m above ground, covering the operational range of large wind turbines and AWE systems. Our findings indicate that ERA5 and NORA3 perform similarly well in offshore locations in terms of bias, correlation coefficient, root-mean-square error, and Earth mover's distance. The choice of an appropriate wind speed database depends on the topography, altitude and error metrics of interest. However, NORA3 outperforms the other two models in two coastal sites and one complex-terrain site. In most cases, the agreement between the models and lidar measurements increases with height.publishedVersio
Berekraftig omstilling: komplekst, krevjande og utan fasit
Get PDFStudien har som mål å bidra til å utvikle ei forståing for korleis det komplekse arbeidet med berekraftig omstilling kan opplevast, med særleg fokus på fôrråvarer og oppfølging av menneskerettar i verdikjeda. Gjennom eit kvalitativ casestudie av dei tilsette i Salmon Group, utvalde oppdrettsselskap og dei tilknytte fôrselskapa, tar oppgåva sikte på å belyse problemstillinga: Korleis opplever dei tilsette i Salmon Group, aksjonærselskapa og fôrleverandørane dei komplekse utfordringane med berekraftig omstilling? Gjennom intervju avdekkjer studien at berekraftsarbeidet vert opplevd som meiningsfullt, men også krevjande. Samarbeid vert trekt fram som avgjerande for å møte nye regulatoriske krav og miljømessige utfordringar, og som eit viktig verkemiddel for å påverke praksis i internasjonale verdikjeder. Studien identifiserer fleire sentrale utfordringar: verdikjedene er lange og komplekse, strekk seg utanfor nasjonale grenser, og ein har avgrensa kontroll utanfor si eiga drift. Manglande openheit og innsikt i leverandørkjeder gjer oppfølginga vanskeleg. Samstundes aukar det med krav og reguleringar som CSRD, CSDDD og Åpenhetsloven, noko som stiller større krav til dokumentasjon og rapportering. Informantane uttrykkjer behov for betre tilgang til påliteleg data og meir transparent informasjon, samt sterkare samarbeid i bransjen for å dele ansvar og kostnader. Marknadsaksept og forbrukarhaldningar vert også peikt på som barrierar for implementering av berekraftige løysingar. Vidare viser studien at berekraftsarbeid krev ressursar og kompetanse, noko som særleg utfordrar mindre aktørar. Rekruttering og spesialisert arbeidskraft, særleg i distrikta, og eit såkalla “haldningskræsj” mellom nytilsette med formell utdanning og ein etablert arbeidskultur kan skape friksjon. Økonomiske barrierar står også sentralt, og mange etterlyser betre økonomiske insentiv og anerkjenning av berekraftige praksisar. Omdømeutfordringar og frykt for negativ medieomtale ved openheit vert også nemnd som eit hinder for ein meir transparent berekraftsprosess. Fleire peikar også på strukturelle endringar i næringa, som sentralisering og oppkjøp, som kan svekkje lokal forankring og redusere mangfaldet i bransjen. Studien konkluderer med at berekraftig omstilling i oppdrettsnæringa er eit langsiktig, komplekst og krevjande arbeid – utan enkle svar og fasitar. Vidare framdrift vil truleg krevje nærare samarbeid, betre verktøy for sporbarheit, og meir openheit.The study aims to contribute to a better understanding of how the complex work of sustainable transition is experienced, with a particular focus on feed raw materials and human rights within the value chain. Through a qualitative case study of employees from Salmon Group, selected salmon farming companies and their associated feed suppliers, the study seeks to answer the research question: How do employees in Salmon Group, shareholder companies, and feed suppliers experience the complex challenges of sustainable transition? Interviews reveal that sustainability is perceived as meaningful but also demanding. Collaboration is highlighted as crucial for meeting new regulatory requirements and environmental challenges, and as an important tool to influence practice in international value chains. The study identifies several key challenges: value chains are long and complex, often extending beyond national borders, limiting control beyond the company’s own operations. Lack of transparency and insight into supply chains makes monitoring difficult. At the same time, increasing requirements and regulations such as CSRD, CSDDD and the Norwegian Transparency Act impose greater demands on documentation and reporting. Informants express a need for better access to reliable data, more transparent information, and stronger collaboration in the industry to share responsibility and costs. Market acceptance and customer satisfaction are also identified as barriers to implementing sustainable solutions. Furthermore, the study shows that sustainability requires resources and expertise, which particularly challenges small actors. Recruitment and specialized labor, especially in rural areas, along with so-called “attitude clash” between newly hired employees with formal education and established workplace culture, can create friction. Economic barriers are also central, with many calling for financial initiatives and recognition for sustainable practices. Reputation challenges and a fear of negative media coverage related to transparency are also mentioned as obstacles to a more open sustainability process. Several also point to structural changes in the industry, such as centralization and acquisitions, which may weaken local ties and reduce diversity in the sector. The study concludes that sustainable transition in the aquaculture industry is a long- term, complex, and demanding process – without simple answers or clear solutions. Further progress will likely require closer collaboration, better tools for traceability, and increased transparency.Praksisbasert masteroppgaveSDG351MAHF-SD
Designing human-centered learning analytics and artificial intelligence in education solutions: a systematic literature review
Get PDFThe recent advances in educational technology enabled the development of solutions that collect and analyse data from learning scenarios to inform the decision-making processes. Research fields like Learning Analytics (LA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) aim at supporting teaching and learning by using such solutions. However, their adoption in authentic settings is still limited, among other reasons, derived from ignoring the stakeholders' needs, a lack of pedagogical contextualisation, and a low trust in new technologies. Thus, the research fields of Human-Centered LA (HCLA) and Human-Centered AI (HCAI) recently emerged, aiming to understand the active involvement of stakeholders in the creation of such proposals. This paper presents a systematic literature review of 47 empirical research studies on the topic. The results show that more than two-thirds of the papers involve stakeholders in the design of the solutions, while fewer papers involved them during the ideation and prototyping, and the majority do not report any evaluation. Interestingly, while multiple techniques were used to collect data (mainly interviews, focus groups and workshops), few papers explicitly mentioned the adoption of existing HC design guidelines. Further evidence is needed to show the real impact of HCLA/HCAI approaches (e.g., in terms of user satisfaction and adoption).publishedVersio
Conceptions of Correctio: The Rhetorical and Argumentative Use of Correctio in the Letters of Alcuin of York (c.732-804)
Get PDFDenne masteroppgaven setter søkelys på brevsamlingen til Alcuin av York, en av de lærde mennene som mot slutten av 700-tallet samlet seg ved Karl den store sitt hoff i Frankia. Alcuin var en viktig pådriver av karolingerrenessansen på slutten av 700-tallet og inn på 800-tallet. Gjennom en analyse av den retoriske bruken av correctio i Alcuin sine brev belyser denne oppgaven hvordan hans forståelse av correctio ikke bare er gjennomgående i hans politiske ekklesiologi, men at den er fundamental for hans oppfatning av viktigheten av å formidle dette synet til et bredt kristent samfunn, til den kristne respublica. Oppgaven argumenterer for at en slik tilnærming kan gi innsikt i Alcuin sitt kvinnesyn og om de roller som ofte er tilskrevet menn kan bli gjeldende også for kvinner. Oppgaven vil belyse i hvilken grad Alcuin av York sine brev kan tilføyes Speculum principum sjangeren som i middelalderen var med på å definere retningslinjer for sekulære makthavere. Analysen viser at Alcuin sin forståelse av correctio var dypt preget av viktigheten han tilskrev de kristne kardinaldydene, og at correctio for ham i stor grad var knytte til pastorale ideal og caritas, eller nestekjærlighet.Historie mastergradsoppgaveHIS350MAHF-LÆHRMAHF-HI
Discovery and characterization of novel STAT3 and androgen receptor inhibitors in prostate cancer cells
Get PDFProstate cancer (PCa) recurs and leads to incurable castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) after the failure of androgen deprivation therapies (ADT). CRPC development relies on androgen receptor (AR) signalling. The IL-6/STAT3 pathway is also a key driver of CRPC. The crosstalk between IL-6/STAT3 and the AR pathway provides opportunities to explore next-generation agents to treat PCa. In a drug discovery and development program, we have screened nearly 600 natural compounds for STAT3 inhibiting activity. In Paper I, we identified the small molecular compound 154 that exhibited dual effects on IL-6/STAT3 and AR pathways. We show here that compound 154 inhibits AR and STAT3 transcriptional activity, reduces the expression of phosphorylation of STAT3 (Y705) and down-regulates the mRNA levels of AR target genes. Compound 154 also inhibits the protein expression of AR and AR splice variants (ARv567es and AR-V7), without altering AR mRNA levels. Compound 154 binds to AR directly, but not to STAT3 and is identified as an antagonist of the AR amino-terminal domain (NTD) by disrupting protein-protein interactions between STAT3 and the AR NTD. Moreover, compound 154 does not reduce AR nuclear translocation. Thus, compound 154 possesses the potential to become a leading compound in novel therapies against CRPC. In Paper II, two small molecules 323-1 and 323-2 were identified in screening and investigated as modulators of the IL-6/STAT3 pathway, which 1) reduce STAT3 transcriptional activity; 2) inhibit phosphorylated STAT3 on Tyr705; 3) disrupt the STAT3 dimerization by directly targeting the SH2 domain of STAT3; 4) inhibit several kinases, including JAK3, TYK1, and FRAP1, in an expanded in vitro kinase screening. Thus, the compounds 323-1and 323-2 are promising leading compounds for cancer treatment. Together, our lab has identified two potential STAT3 SH2 domain inhibitors and one dual AR/STAT3 inhibitor as new leading compounds
Analysis of the Relation Between Groundwater Recharge, Climate, and Measurement Methods in a Global Recharge Dataset
Get PDFSustainable water resource management depends on maintaining a balance between groundwater inputs and outputs, with recharge serving as the primary input. However, groundwater recharge is inherently variable across both space and time, and direct measurement is not practically achievable. Instead, a variety of indirect estimation methods are employed, each carrying its own assumptions and uncertainties. This variability and methodological complexity underscore the need for a deeper understanding of the factors influencing recharge, especially under diverse climatic conditions. While previous studies highlighted a strong relationship between climate aridity and recharge fractions, the global impact of other variables, such as precipitation extremes, and measurement techniques, remains underexplored. This study addresses that gap by analyzing a global dataset comprising over 5,000 locations and 24 independent variables, including precipitation, precipitation intensity parameters, aridity, temperature seasonality, and digital elevation model (DEM). The analysis was initiated with statistical correlation tests and advanced through increasingly complex predictive models, including linear regression, sigmoid and polynomial functions, and machine learning techniques such as random forests and neural networks. Results revealed strong to moderate correlations between recharge fraction and several key variables, notably precipitation, precipitation intensity parameters (where a and α represent average rainfall intensity, and β and b describe variability), silt content, aridity index, DEM, and temperature seasonality. Conversely, slope and several other variables showed weak or no significant relationships. Additionally, the choice of measurement method and prevailing climate conditions were found to influence recharge estimates significantly. These findings highlight the importance of integrating diverse variables and advanced modeling approaches to enhance the accuracy and reliability of global groundwater recharge predictions.Masteroppgave i geovitenskapGEOV399MAMN-GEO
Experiences of contact visits between biological parents and children in foster care: A scoping review
No full textBakgrunn: Fosterhjem er et mye brukt tiltak for barn som ikke kan bo hjemme hos sine biologiske foreldre. Fokuset på at barn og biologiske foreldre skal ha samvær med hverandre har økt, men det er lite kjent hvordan barn og biologiske foreldre opplever samvær. Formål: Denne studien hadde som formål å samle og oppsummere vitenskapelig forskning på opplevelser av samvær fra barn i fosterhjem og biologiske foreldres perspektiv. Metode: Metoden som ble brukt i denne studien var scoping review. Mine inkluderte artikler var hentet fra ProQuest Social Science, PsycInfo, Web of Science og Idunn. Samt referanselister. Totalt ble det identifisert 772 artikler i databasene. Hovedinklusjonskriteriene var: fagfellevurderte forskningsartikler publisert mellom 2002-2022, der brukt metode var intervju eller fokusgruppe. Søkestrategien hadde tre tematiske filtre: «barn i fosterhjem», «biologiske foreldre-barn kontakt», og «opplevelser». Resultat: Det var 23 forskningsartikler som ble inkludert som datamateriale. Temaene jeg fant i analysen var: opplevelser av samvær, samarbeid og kommunikasjon med barneverntjenesten, fosterfamiliens rolle, og relasjonen mellom barn og biologiske foreldre. Oppsummering: Funnene viste at barn i fosterhjem og biologiske foreldre hadde både positive og negative opplevelser av samvær. Hvordan foreldre-barn forholdet var, hva som ble gjort på samvær, fosterforeldrenes holdninger, og barnevernstjenestens involvering, kunne påvirke hvordan samværene opplevdes. Ut fra funnene ser det ut til at sosialarbeidere og fosterforeldre kan bidra til å styrke båndet mellom barnet og de biologiske foreldrene.Background: Foster care is widely used for children who cannot live at home with their biological parents. The focus on contact visits between children and biological parents has increased, but little is known about how children and biological parents experience contact visits. Purpose: This study aimed to collect and summarize scientific research on children in foster care and biological parents’ experiences of contact visits. Method: Scoping review was conducted to retrieve peer-reviewed articles published from 2002-2022, from the following databases: ProQuest, PsycInfo, Web of Science and Idunn. A total of 772 studies were identified through the databases. And references lists were checked. The search strategy consisted of three search filters: “foster children”, “biological parent-child contact” and “experiences”. The focus was on studies that used interviews or focus groups. Results: A total of 23 studies were included in the analysis. The main topic addressed was: experiences of contact visits, communication and cooperation with the child welfare service, the foster family's role, and relationship between the child and biological parents. Summary: Findings from the study show that children in care and their biological parents have both positive and negative experiences from contact visits. How the parent-child relationship was, activities that were done at contact visits, foster parents’ attitudes, and the child welfares involvement, could influence the experience of contact visits. It seems that social workers and foster families can play a role in strengthening the relationship between children and their biological parents.Masteroppgave i barnevernMABARN351MAPS-BAR