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Model evaluation of short-lived climate forcers for the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme: a multi-species, multi-model study
No full textWhile carbon dioxide is the main cause for global warming, modeling short-lived climate forcers (SLCFs) such as methane, ozone, and particles in the Arctic allows us to simulate near-term climate and health impacts for a sensitive, pristine region that is warming at 3 times the global rate. Atmospheric modeling is critical for understanding the long-range transport of pollutants to the Arctic, as well as the abundance and distribution of SLCFs throughout the Arctic atmosphere. Modeling is also used as a tool to determine SLCF impacts on climate and health in the present and in future emissions scenarios. In this study, we evaluate 18 state-of-the-art atmospheric and Earth system models by assessing their representation of Arctic and Northern Hemisphere atmospheric SLCF distributions, considering a wide range of different chemical species (methane, tropospheric ozone and its precursors, black carbon, sulfate, organic aerosol, and particulate matter) and multiple observational datasets. Model simulations over 4 years (2008–2009 and 2014–2015) conducted for the 2022 Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) SLCF assessment report are thoroughly evaluated against satellite, ground, ship, and aircraft-based observations. The annual means, seasonal cycles, and 3-D distributions of SLCFs were evaluated using several metrics, such as absolute and percent model biases and correlation coefficients. The results show a large range in model performance, with no one particular model or model type performing well for all regions and all SLCF species. The multi-model mean (mmm) was able to represent the general features of SLCFs in the Arctic and had the best overall performance. For the SLCFs with the greatest radiative impact (CH4, O3, BC, and SO), the mmm was within ±25 % of the measurements across the Northern Hemisphere. Therefore, we recommend a multi-model ensemble be used for simulating climate and health impacts of SLCFs. Of the SLCFs in our study, model biases were smallest for CH4 and greatest for OA. For most SLCFs, model biases skewed from positive to negative with increasing latitude. Our analysis suggests that vertical mixing, long-range transport, deposition, and wildfires remain highly uncertain processes. These processes need better representation within atmospheric models to improve their simulation of SLCFs in the Arctic environment. As model development proceeds in these areas, we highly recommend that the vertical and 3-D distribution of SLCFs be evaluated, as that information is critical to improving the uncertain processes in models
Land–atmosphere interactions in sub-polar and alpine climates in the CORDEX Flagship Pilot Study Land Use and Climate Across Scales (LUCAS) models – Part 2: The role of changing vegetation
No full textLand cover in sub-polar and alpine regions of northern and eastern Europe have already begun changing due to natural and anthropogenic changes such as afforestation. This will impact the regional climate and hydrology upon which societies in these regions are highly reliant. This study aims to identify the impacts of afforestation/reforestation (hereafter afforestation) on snow and the snow-albedo effect and highlight potential improvements for future model development. The study uses an ensemble of nine regional climate models for two different idealised experiments covering a 30-year period; one experiment replaces most land cover in Europe with forest, while the other experiment replaces all forested areas with grass. The ensemble consists of nine regional climate models composed of different combinations of five regional atmospheric models and six land surface models. Results show that afforestation reduces the snow-albedo sensitivity index and enhances snowmelt. While the direction of change is robustly modelled, there is still uncertainty in the magnitude of change. The greatest differences between models emerge in the snowmelt season. One regional climate model uses different land surface models which shows consistent changes between the three simulations during the accumulation period but differs in the snowmelt season. Together these results point to the need for further model development in representing both grass–snow and forest–snow interactions during the snowmelt season. Pathways to accomplishing this include (1) a more sophisticated representation of forest structure, (2) kilometre-scale simulations, and (3) more observational studies on vegetation–snow interactions in northern Europe
Synshemmede i arbeidslivet: Et arbeidsgiverperspektiv
No full textRapporten baserer seg på en undersøkelse blant 954 ledere i norsk arbeidsliv, og kartlegger deres vurderinger knyttet til synshemmede arbeidstakere, tilrettelegging, universell utforming av IKTløsninger, og forventninger til NAVs rolle ved ansettelse av en arbeidstaker med funksjonsnedsettelse. Resultatene viser at det er et stykke igjen før synshemmede har tilfredsstillende adgang til arbeidsmarkedet. Lederne i undersøkelsen har lave forventninger til synshemmede arbeidstakere og mener at dette er den funksjonsnedsettelsen det ville være vanskeligst å tilrettelegge for. På den positive siden ser vi at villighet til å ha utgifter knyttet til universell utforming av IKT-løsninger henger sammen med kjennskap til regelverket om universell utforming, med positive forventninger til synshemmede arbeidstakeres produktivitet og med positive forventninger til at det i liten grad vil være utfordrende å ansette en synshemmet arbeidstaker
The effect of lithology and microstructure on the deformation of unstable rock slopes in northern Norway
No full textRock avalanches are a type of natural catastrophe in Norway with very high consequences, and the alpine landscape makes Troms and Finnmark County the region with the highest frequency of unstable rock slopes. The bedrock geology is highly relevant to assess and understand the failure mechanisms, and mechanical properties that influence deformation in rock slopes. Pre-existing structures and lithological changes may have the potential to affect the mechanical properties in unstable rock slopes. The meta-igneous bedrock at the unstable rock slope Dusnjarga in Kvænangen municipality and the meta-sedimentary bedrock at the high-risk object Gámanjunni 3 in Kåfjord municipality, are both located in Troms and Finnmark county, northern Norway. Failure of Dusnjarga and Gámanjunni 3 can cause catastrophic consequences with possible harm to life and infrastructure.
Both Dusnjarga and Gámanjunni 3 have a high frequency of pre-existing large-scale discontinuities in the back scarp region and consistent brittle structures throughout the instabilities. Many of these discontinuities are recognized in microscopy, suggesting that small-scale structures affect the formation of large-scale discontinuities, and eventually, the presence of these structures can cause a point of rupture initiation on large instabilities.
All investigated thin sections present consistent small-scale joint sets parallel and normal to foliation. Each rock type displays different structures and mineralogy, and the fracture behavior is not random. In addition, observed microfractures appear to propagate easier in a metamorphosed fabric and favor changes in texture. All small-scale observations can be linked to large-scale discontinuities in an unstable rock slope. Lithology has a strong control on the development and evolution of URS-related structures
Exploring Palladium-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling at Nitrile Groups
No full textCarbon-Carbon cross-coupling is a useful method that is used to connect carbons of different molecules to create a larger molecule. This is particularly powerful in synthesis of complicated molecules because it allows for different parts of the target molecule to be worked with separately before they are connected, which reduces the restrictions on the methods used during synthesis. One major drawback of these methods is that the number of functional motifs they work with is quite limited. The earliest reports of metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions were in the late 1950s1 and since then the number of different cross-coupling methods that deal with different functional motifs has steadily increased1-14. Aryl nitriles have not yet been reported as one of the viable functional motifs.
In this thesis, the viability of aryl nitriles towards metal-catalyzed cross-coupling was explored, specifically regarding Palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling, and efforts towards optimizing the procedure for this reaction have been made. Conditions, reagents, and starting materials were tested to make progress toward creating an efficient reaction procedure.
Aryl nitriles were shown to be reliably expected to react in the presence of some palladium catalysts, solvent and temperature were optimized, and multiple co-catalysts were shown to either interfere, promote, or not significantly affect the reaction. A reaction procedure that produced high yields was not found, but the yield of the reaction was increased in comparison to the reference reaction and suboptimal conditions were cataloged. Further avenues for the progression of the study of this reaction are discussed
Characteristics and failure mechanisms of the unstable rock slope Dusnjárga
No full textLarge slowly creeping rock slope deformations, with an annual displacement in the range of millimeters to centimeters, have been prone to rapid catastrophic failures in the past. This master thesis focuses on the unstable rock slope of Dusnjárga in Northern Norway. A sudden rapid failure of Dusnjárga would pose a threat to the local society in Lille Altafjord and Burfjord, due to potential secondary effects such as displacement waves. A detailed investigation of the rock slope is needed to understand its mechanical and kinematic characteristics and to properly assess its hazard.
A two-dimensional (2D) satellite-based method, based on Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (InSAR) from two satellite geometries (ascending and descending orbits), was combined with morphological and structural analyses to assess the kinematics and failure mechanisms of the slope. The 2D InSAR results were decomposed into vertical and horizontal velocities along terrain profiles and compared with simple finite element simulations of known failure mechanisms. Additionally, 3D InSAR was utilized for a certain part of the slope, by combining InSAR from the two satellite geometries with a ground-based radar (GB-radar).
Displacement data from differential Global Navigation Satellite System (dGNSS) and InSAR, indicates that the slope can be separated into an inactive head domain and an active rock slope underneath. Although the head domain is generally inactive, it contains a minor local block with a noticeable displacement rate between 7–15 mm/year. The active rock slope deformation has a peak velocity of 15–20 mm/year in its central domain, with velocities decreasing downslope until it is halved at the toe domain. From examining morphological structures and carrying out structural analyses, the active parts of the rock slope are found to be joint- and foliation-controlled. The foliation and a single joint set are controlling the morphologic elements oriented perpendicular to the slope movement, such as the backscarp, while two sub-vertical joint sets are controlling the lateral limits and spatial lateral variations in velocity.
From comparing the 2D InSAR velocity vectors to simple finite element simulations, the rear rupture surface was interpreted to have a roto-translational failure mechanism. The controlling structure of the basal rupture surface was proposed to be the foliation, as velocity vectors follows the orientation of the foliation and strength tests revealed anisotropic properties. The foliation at Dusnjárga follows both an anticlinal and synclinal fold, causing diverse stress-regimes and an upwards moving compressed toe area. The rock slope deformation has been classified as an irregular complex bi-planar compound slide. A hazard rating of medium was proposed, but the special geometry at the toe domain could suggest that Dusnjárga will have increased stabilisation in the future
Dental hygienists’ biopsychosocial beliefs and giving autonomy support in treatment of patients: A self-determination theory perspective
No full textObjectives Self-determination theory posits that managers’ autonomy-supportive behaviour and employees’ autonomy causality orientation are motivation constructs to explain internalization of values, functioning and wellness at work. Hypothesis 1 tested whether profiles comprising perceived dental clinic managers’ autonomy-supportive, as opposed to their controlling interpersonal style, and dental hygienists’ autonomy, as opposed to their control and impersonal, causality orientations at baseline, would be positively related to dental hygienists’ biopsychosocial (BPS) beliefs and giving autonomy support in treatment of patients after 18 months. Hypothesis 2 tested whether dental hygienists’ BPS beliefs in treatment of patients will be positively associated with their autonomy-supportive behaviour given to patients after 18 months. Material and methods A prospective cohort design with 299 (Mage = 42.71; SDage = 12.62) dental hygienists completed an online survey at baseline and after 18 months. Results Latent profile and correlational analyses supported the hypotheses. Effect sizes were moderate to large. Conclusions Both perceived managerial styles and dental hygienists’ causality orientations are important for dental hygienists’ BPS beliefs and autonomy-supportive behaviours when working with dental patients
A finite element method for simulating soft active non-shearable rods immersed in generalized Newtonian fluids
No full textWe propose a finite element method for simulating one-dimensional solid models with finite thickness and finite length that move and experience large deformations while immersed in generalized Newtonian fluids. The method is oriented towards applications involving microscopic devices or organisms in the soft-bio-matter realm. By considering that the strain energy of the solid may explicitly depend on time, we incorporate a mechanism for active response. The solids are modeled as Cosserat rods, a detailed formulation being provided for the planar non-shearable case. The discretization adopts one-dimensional Hermite elements for the rod and two-dimensional low-order Lagrange elements for the fluid’s velocity and pressure. The fluid mesh is boundary-fitted, with remeshing at each time step. Several time marching schemes are studied, of which a semi-implicit scheme emerges as most effective. The method is demonstrated in very challenging examples: the roll-up of a rod to circular shape and later sudden release, the interaction of a soft rod with a fluid jet and the active self-locomotion of a sperm-like rod. The article includes a detailed description of a code that implements the method in the Firedrake library
Subsequent ipsi- and contralateral femoral fractures after intramedullary nailing of a trochanteric or subtrochanteric fracture: a cohort study on 2012 patients
No full textBackground: The literature is inconclusive as to whether an intramedullary nail changes the distribution of a subsequent ipsi- or contralateral fracture of the femur. We have compared the incidence, localisation, and fracture pattern of subsequent femoral fractures after intramedullary nailing of trochanteric or subtrochanteric fractures in patients without previous implants in either femur at the time of surgery.
Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed of a two-centre cohort of 2012 patients treated with a short or long intramedullary nail for the management of trochanteric or subtrochanteric fracture between January 2005 and December 2018. Subsequent presentations with ipsi- and contralateral femoral fractures were documented. Only patients with no previous femoral surgery performed, other than the index nailing were followed. Odds ratios (ORs) for subsequent femoral fracture were calculated using robust variance estimates in logistic regression.
Results: The mean age of the cohort was 82.4 years and 72.1% were female. The total number of patients presenting with subsequent femoral fractures was 299 (14.9%). The number of patients presenting with subsequent ipsilateral and contralateral femoral fractures was 51 (2.5%) and 248 (12.3%) respectively (OR 5.0; CI 3.7–6.9). Twenty-six (8.7%) of all subsequent femoral fractures occured in the ipsilateral shaft, 14 (4.7%) in the ipsilateral metaphyseal area, one (0.33%) in the contralateral shaft, and three (1.0%) in the contralateral metaphysis (OR 10; CI 3.6–29).
Conclusion: An intramedullary nail significantly changes the fracture pattern in the event of a second low-energy trauma, reducing the risk of subsequent proximal ipsilateral femoral fractures and increasing the risk of subsequent ipsilateral femoral fractures in the shaft and distal metaphyseal area compared with the native contralateral femur
SIFOs Referansebudsjett for forbruksutgifter 2022
No full textDenne rapporten presenterer referansebudsjettet for 2022. Rapporten er en oppsummering av de viktigste endringene fra fjorårets budsjett, og summerer opp grunnlaget disse endringene er basert på. I 2022-versjonen av referansebudsjettet har grunnlaget for forbruksområdet «Andre dagligvarer» blitt revidert, og nye priser er samlet inn. Nye priser er også hentet inn for budsjettpostene «Reisekostnader», «Bilkostnader», «Barnehage» og «SFO/AKS». Kalkulatoren til referansebudsjettet har i tillegg blitt oppdatert for å ta hensyn til endringer i nasjonale moderasjonsordninger for SFO/AKS. For de øvrige forbruksområdene i referansebudsjettet er prisene justert i henhold til endringer i konsumprisindeksen (KPI)