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Mysis segerstralei is distributed over a wide geographic area and in habitats with a variety of salinity conditions, including marine and brackish waters around Svalbard. The species has seldom been found in freshwater lakes, and the discovery of M. segerstralei in Lake Pulmankijärvi at the border between Northeastern Norway and Finland, may represent the single known freshwater occurrences in western Europe. Svalbard lake systems are characterized by very low water temperatures, long-term ice cover, and low levels of nutrients. Food is thus limited, and chironomids generally dominate the stomach contents in Arctic charr, the only freshwater fish species on Svalbard. Based on several surveys in more than 30 of Svalbard lakes over many decades, M. segerstralei has only been found as food for Arctic charr in Lake Vårfluesjøen. In a later fishery survey, we studied the diet of Arctic charr in this lake. The stomach contents from Arctic charr sampled in the profundal habitats were dominated by M. segerstralei, but the species was also among the most frequent prey items in the littoral and pelagic habitats. This unexpected occurrence of M. segerstralei demonstrates the high importance of mysids even in a low-productive, High Arctic lake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Burnout is frequent among intensive care unit (ICU) healthcare professionals and may result in medical errors and absenteeism. The COVID‐19 pandemic caused additional strain during working hours and also affected off‐duty life. The aims of this study were to survey burnout levels among ICU healthcare professionals during the first year of COVID‐19, describe those who reported burnout, and analyse demographic and work‐related factors associated with burnout. Methods: This was a national prospective longitudinal cohort study of 484 nurses, physicians and leaders working in intensive care units with COVID‐19 patients in Norway. Burnout was measured at 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up, after a registration of baseline data during the first months of the COVID epidemic. The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), was used (range 0–100), burnout caseness defined as CBI ≥50. Bi‐ and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to examine baseline demographic variables and work‐related factors associated with burnout caseness at 12 months. Results: At 6 months, the median CBI score was 17, increasing to 21 at 12 months (p =.037), with nurses accounting for most of the increase. Thirty‐two per cent had an increase in score of more than 5, whereas 25% had a decrease of more than 5. Ten per cent reported caseness of burnout at 6 months and 14% at 12 months (n.s.). The participants with burnout caseness were of significantly lower age, had fewer years of experience, reported more previous anxiety and/or depression, more moral distress, less perceived hospital recognition, and more fear of infection in the bivariate analyses. Burnout was the single standing most reported type of psychological distress, and 24 out of 41 (59%) with burnout caseness also reported caseness of anxiety, depression and/or post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Multivariate analysis showed statistically significant associations of burnout caseness with fewer years of professional experience (p =.041) and borderline significance of perceived support by leader (p =.049). Conclusion: In Norway, a minority of ICU nurses, physicians and leaders reported burnout 1 year into the pandemic. A majority of those with burnout reported anxiety, depression and/or PTSD symptoms combined. Burnout was associated with less years of professional experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Current risk stratification tools for prostate cancer patients under active surveillance (AS) may inadequately identify those needing treatment. We investigated DNA ploidy and PTEN as potential biomarkers to predict aggressive disease in AS patients. Methods: We assessed DNA ploidy by image cytometry and PTEN protein expression by immunohistochemistry in 3197 tumour-containing tissue blocks from 558 patients followed in AS at a Norwegian local hospital. The primary endpoint was treatment, with treatment failure (biochemical recurrence or initiation of salvage therapy) as the secondary endpoint. Results: The combined DNA ploidy and PTEN (DPP) status at diagnosis was associated with treatment-free survival in univariable- and multivariable analysis, with a HR for DPP-aberrant vs. DPP-normal tumours of 2.12 (p < 0.0001) and 1.94 (p < 0.0001), respectively. Integration of DNA ploidy and PTEN status with the Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (CAPRA) score improved risk stratification (c-index difference = 0.025; p = 0.0033). Among the treated patients, those with DPP-aberrant tumours exhibited a significantly higher likelihood of treatment failure (HR 2.01; p = 0.027). Conclusions: DNA ploidy and PTEN could serve as additional biomarkers to identify AS patients at increased risk of developing aggressive disease, enabling earlier intervention for nearly 50% of the patients that will eventually receive treatment with current protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atresia of the infrarenal inferior vena cava (IVC) is associated with thrombophilia and antithrombin (AT) deficiency (ATD) due to homozygosity for the so-called Budapest 3 variant, c.391C > T, in the gene, SERPINC1. Case presentation: We report on a father and his two sons that had severe thrombosis at a young age. One son had absence of, and the other had very gracile infrarenal IVC. The father had gracile vena iliaca. All had significant collateral building. AT activity was determined with four different methods and varied between moderately reduced and borderline normal values, depending on the method. While all were heterozygous for c.391C > T, the father was also heterozygous for a variant of uncertain significance in SERPINC1. Conclusions: The findings support the association between c.391C > T in SERPINC1, thrombophilia, and atresia of the IVC system and indicate that even heterozygosity for c.391C > T may contribute to such anomalies. ATD detection was hampered by the varying sensitivity of methods used for AT activity measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Academic interest in the relationship between leaders' personality and subordinates' perception of destructive leadership behavior is increasing. However, results so far have been weak, contradictory, and inconsistent to theory. Here, we examine if using facets of neuroticism, rather than the broader trait, can be more informative and increases the predictive power. Next, we explore the interplay between personality dimensions by examining if the relationship between the facet angry hostility in neuroticism and destructive leadership behavior is moderated by the trait agreeableness. Four hundred and twenty emergent leaders were examined in a military selection context, combining the leaders' self-rated neuroticism (T1) with subordinates' subsequent perception of abusive supervision and laissez-faire leadership in a field exercise two weeks later (T2). The results indicated that using facets instead of the broad factor of neuroticism improved the prediction of examined outcomes. Only some of the facets of neuroticism were related to perceived leader behavior, with specific facets being identified for abusive supervision and laissezfaire leadership, respectively. Further, the relationship between angry hostility and both leadership styles was moderated by agreeableness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Monitoring self-reported suicide attempts (SA) with nationally representative surveys is important to initiate suicide prevention strategies. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of SA and compare deliberate self-harm, (DSH), mental health, drug misuse and traumas between SA and non-suicide attempters (NSA). Methods: In this cross-sectional survey of a representative sample (N=1757) of the Norwegian population, we compared people with self-reported SA (n=54) to NSA (n=1703) regarding sociodemographic data, mental health problems, drug misuse and exposure to trauma. Results: The prevalence of SA was 3.1 %. There was a higher proportion of welfare recipients and more deliberate self-harm, mental health problems, drug misuse and traumas in the SA group compared to NSA. Conclusion: This national study confirms the association between suicide attempt and deliberate self-harm, mental health problems, drug misuse and traumas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores labor productivity in Ontario's gold mining industry from 1920 to 1970. The gold produced by a worker is nearly identical in 1920 and 1970, suggesting that the industry experiences no productivity gains over this period. Further, labor productivity in the intervening years was nearly 30% lower than these values, raising concerns about the ability of the industry to remain profitable given a fixed gold price. We look at over 180 different Ontario gold mines comprising nearly the entire industry to determine whether workers become less efficient over time, or whether other factors, such as entry and exit into the industry, declining ore quality, or changes in capital stock, are the primary drivers of this stagnation. This analysis considers the impact of events, such as a sudden 70% rise in the price of gold in 1934, World War II, and the post-war subsidization of the industry on productivity within the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Role conflicts and role ambiguity have been identified as important risk factors for exposure to workplace bullying, particularly when combined with inadequate leadership practices. Even though role ambiguity theoretically can be considered a causal precursor to role conflicts, previous research has mainly examined these role stressors as concurrent predictors of workplace bullying. The present study provides a more nuanced analysis by investigating role conflicts as a mediator in the relationship between role ambiguity and exposure to bullying behaviours. Adding to the understanding of the bullying process we also considered the possible moderating roles of laissez-faire and transformational leadership in the role stressor–bullying relationship. Employing a national probability sample of 1,164 Norwegian workers, with three measurements across a 12-month period, the results showed an indirect effect of employees' role ambiguity on subsequent exposure to bullying behaviours through employees' experience of role conflicts. Moreover, laissez-faire leadership exacerbated, while transformational leadership attenuated, the indirect relationship between role ambiguity and exposure to bullying behaviours through role conflicts. In summary, the present data shows that when the management of organisations neglects its inherent responsibility to adequately address employees' experiences of role ambiguity and role conflicts, the risk of exposure to workplace bullying is likely to increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ongoing COVID-19 studies pay little attention to the risk or protective factors related to psychological stress. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of anxiety, depression and insomnia during the initial phase of the COVID-19 outbreak, and explore factors that might be associated with these outcomes. A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted using snowball-sampling strategy. Participants from 18 years or older filled out an anonymous online questionnaire. A total of 4527 citizens filled out the questionnaire. Prevalence rates were; insomnia 31.8%, anxiety 17.1% and depression 12.5%. Risk factors associated with anxiety, depression and insomnia were being single (OR = 0.75, OR = 0.57, OR = 0.59), unemployed (OR = 0.47, OR = 0.53, OR = 0.73), financial concerns (OR = 1.66, OR = 2.09, OR = 1.80) at risk for complication from COVID-19 (OR = 1.63, OR = 1.68, OR = 1.60), and being generally worried due to the COVID-19 (OR 0 3.06, OR = 1.41, OR = 1.74). Being single, unemployed, at risk of health complications, or having concerns because of financial or other consequences of the pandemic are associated with mental health adversities such as anxiety, depression and insomnia during a pandemic lockdown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Due to the nature of fatigue, a brief reliable measure of fatigue severity is needed. Thus, the aim of our study was to evaluate a short version of the Lee Fatigue Scale (LFS) in the Norwegian general population. Methods: This cross-sectional survey consists of a representative sample from the Norwegian population drawn by The National Population Register in Norway. The study is part of a larger study (NORPOP) aimed at collecting normative data from several questionnaires focused on health in adults living in Norway. Registered citizens between 18 and 94 years of age were randomly selected stratified by age, sex and geographic region. Of the 4971 respondents eligible for the study, 1792 (36%) responded to the survey. In addition to age and sex, we collected responses on a 5-item version of the LFS measuring current fatige severity. The psychometric properties focusing on internal structure and precision of the LFS items were analyzed by a Rasch rating scale model. Results: Complete LFS scores for analyses were available for 1767 adults. Women had higher LFS-scores than men, and adults < 55 years old had higher scores than older respondents. Our analysis of the LFS showed that the average category on each item advanced monotonically. Two of the five items demonstrated misfit, while the three other items demonstrated goodness-of-fit to the model and uni-dimensionality. Items #1 and #4 (tired and fatigue respectively) showed differential item functioning (DIF) by sex, but no items showed DIFs in relation to age. The separation index of the LFS 3-item scale showed that the sample could be separated into three different groups according to the respondents' fatigue levels. The LFS-3 raw scores correlated strongly with the Rasch measure from the three items. The core dimensions in these individual items were very similarly expressed in the Norwegian language version and this may be a threat to the cultural-related or language validity of a short version of the LFS using these particular items. Conclusions: The study provides validation of a short LFS 3-item version for estimating fatigue in the general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To estimate the composition and exposure to clinker and other specific components in personal thoracic dust samples of cement production workers. Methods A procedure for the classification of airborne particles in cement production plants was developed based on classification trees. For this purpose, the chemical compositions of 27,217 particles in 29 material samples (clinker, limestone, gypsum, clay, quartz, bauxite, iron source, coal fly ash, and coal) were determined automatically by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX). The concentrations of the major elements in cement (calcium, aluminium, silicon, iron, and sulphur) were used for the classifications. The split criteria of the classification trees obtained in the material samples were used to classify 44,176 particles in 34 personal thoracic aerosol samples. The contents of clinker and other materials were estimated, and the clinker contents were analysed statistically for differences between job types and job tasks. Results Between 64% and 88% of the particles from material samples were classified as actual materials. The material types with variable composition (clay, coal fly ash, and coal) were classified with the lowest consistency (64% to 67%), while materials with a more limited compositional variation (clinker, gypsum, and quartz) were classified more consistently (76% to 85%). The arithmetic mean (AM) of the clinker content in personal samples was 62.1%, the median was 55.3%, and 95% confidence interval (CI) was 42.6% to 68.1%. No significant differences were observed between job types. However, the clinker content in samples when workers handled materials with high clinker content was significantly higher than when materials with lower clinker content were handled, 85% versus 65% (P = 0.02). The limestone content was AM 14.8%, median 13.2% (95% CI 5.5 to 20.9), whereas the other materials were present with relative abundances of median ≤ 6.4%. Discussion Automated particle analysis by SEM-EDX followed by classification tree analysis quantified clinker with fairly high consistency when evaluated together with raw materials that are expected to be airborne in cement production plants. The clinker proportions for job types were similar. Tasks a priori ranked by assumed clinker content were significantly different and according to expectations, which supports the validity of the chosen methodology. Conclusions The composition of personal samples of mineral aerosols in the cement production industry could be estimated by automated single particle analysis with SEM-EDX and classification by a classification tree procedure. Clinker was the major component in the thoracic aerosol that cement production workers were exposed to. Differences between job types were relatively small and not significant. The clinker content from tasks was in agreement with assumptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Individuals with psychosocial disabilities face substantial barriers that hinder their equal participation in working life, such as discrimination and lack of self-determination. A method developed to increase work integration and self-determination for persons experiencing mental illness is Individual Placement and Support (IPS), which embraces the zero-exclusion principle. This entails that service users themselves should decide when they want to engage in work (re-)integration and that professionals should not, based on their professional assessments, exclude anyone. The study reveals that managers in healthcare and employment services experience practitioners' adherence to a professionalism logic, which hinders self-determination because professionals make pre-assessments to determine who is job ready. However, managers made use of the zero-exclusion principle to promote self-determination and challenge the dominant professionalism logic. Additionally, findings indicate that managers observed a gradual shift in perceptions about job readiness and referrals to IPS over time as practitioners gained experience with the zero-exclusion principle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pain is a serious problem for intensive care unit (ICU) patients, but we are lacking data on pain at the hospital ward after ICU discharge. Aims and Objectives: To describe pain intensity, ‐interference with function and ‐location in patients up to 1 year after ICU discharge. To identify demographic and clinical variables and their association with worst pain intensity and pain interference. Design: A longitudinal descriptive secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial on nurse‐led follow‐up consultations on post‐traumatic stress and sense of coherence after ICU discharge. Methods: Pain intensity, ‐interference, and ‐location were measured using Brief Pain Inventory at the hospital ward and 3, 6, and 12 months after ICU discharge. For associations, data were analysed using multivariate linear mixed models for repeated measures. Results: Of 523 included patients, 68% reported worst pain intensity score above 0 (no pain) at the ward. Estimated means for worst pain intensity and –interference (from 0 to 10) after ICU discharge were 5.5 [CI 4.6‐6.5] and 4.5 [CI 3.7‐5.3], and decreased to 3.8 [CI 2.8‐4.8] (P ≤.001) and 2.9 [CI 2.1‐3.7] after 12 months (P ≤.001). Most common pain locations were abdomen (43%), lower lumbar back (28%), and shoulder/forearm (22%). At 12 months, post‐traumatic stress (PTS) symptoms ≥25 (scale 10‐70), female gender, shorter ICU stay, and more traumatic ICU memories were significantly associated with higher worst pain intensity. PTS symptoms ≥25, female gender, more traumatic ICU memories, younger age, and not having an internal medical diagnosis were significantly associated with higher pain interference. Conclusions: Early after ICU discharge pain was present in 68% of patients. Thereafter, pain intensity and ‐interference declined, but pain intensity was still at a moderate level at 12 months. Health professionals should be aware of patients' pain and identify potentially vulnerable patients. Implication for Practice: Longitudinal assessment of factors associated with pain early after ICU discharge and the following year is a first step that could improve follow‐up focus and contribute to reduced development of chronic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides an overview of the Canadian defence sector following the Cold War. A review of Canadian defence policy in this period indicates that, though the mission of the Canadian military did not change, fiscal realities forced severe restrictions on the size and capabilities of the organization. Comparisons between Canada and other G7 NATO nations indicate that throughout this period, Canada has consistently devoted fewer resources to the military than its allies. A review of Canada's defence industrial base and defence policy indicates that this limited funding has led to a small and uncompetitive defence sector in the Canadian economy. Lastly, a regression analysis of Canada's defence spending is undertaken which reveals that domestic economic variables are the primary determinant of Canadian defence spending during this period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active surveillance (AS) is standard of care for patients with low-risk prostate cancer (PCa), but its feasibility in intermediate-risk patients is controversial. We compared outcomes of low- and intermediate-risk patients managed with multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI)-supported AS in a community hospital. Of the 433 patients enrolled in AS between 2009 and 2016, 358 complied with AS inclusion criteria (Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (CAPRA) score ≤ 5, Gleason grade group (GGG) ≤ 2, clinical stage ≤ cT2 and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) ≤ 20 ng/ml) and discontinuation criteria (histological-, PSA-, clinical- or radiological disease reclassification). Of the 358 patients, 177 (49%) were low-risk and 181 (51%) were intermediate-risk. Median follow-up was 4.2 years. The estimated 5-year treatment-free survival (TFS) was 56% (95% confidence interval [CI] 51–62%). Intermediate-risk patients had significantly shorter TFS compared with low-risk patients (hazard ratio 2.01, 95% CI 1.47–2.76, p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in the rate of adverse pathology, biochemical recurrence-free survival and overall survival between low- and intermediate-risk patients. Two patients developed metastatic disease and three died of PCa. These results suggest that selected patients with intermediate-risk PCa may be safely managed by mpMRI-supported AS, but longer follow-up is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The article compares the effect of European Union (EU)-Russian sanctions imposed in 2014 with the Accepted 17 February 2022 influence of fluctuating oil prices on Danish trade. Design/methodology/approach - In this paper annual import and export trade data between Denmark and 152 countries from the period 2002-18 were computed in STATA/SE 16.1 using the Gravity model to evaluate the effect of economic sanctions and the price of oil. Findings - Results showed that the impact from the fall of oil price exceeded the negative effect from sanctions on Danish export. Additionally, the analyses suggest that the fall in oil price had a negative effect on Danish import. Even so, Danish import significantly increased due to growth in supplies of energy resources from Russia. Originality/value - This study explains the overlapping effects of EU-Russian sanctions and fluctuating oil prices on Danish trade. This methodology can be expanded to encompass multiple countries using the two- sided Gravity model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lifetime prevalence of sexual assault was examined in a representative sample of the general Norwegian adult population (n = 1,792), in addition to the association between sexual assault and health, quality of life, and general self-efficacy. Respondents completed questionnaires assessing these factors. Overall, 6.7% (n = 120) of the respondents (10.9% of women and 1.9% of men) reported an experience of sexual assault. Respondents in the sexual assault group reported significantly worse mental and physical health as well as poorer quality of life and lower self-efficacy, compared with those without sexual assault experience. The most prevalent mental problems in the sexual assault group were depression (61.7%), sleep problems (58.3%), eating disorders (26.7%), and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms at a clinical level (25.0%). The most prevalent physical problems were chronic pain (47.5%) and musculoskeletal disease (30.8%). The proportions of physical and mental health problems were not significantly different between male and female victims. Results indicated that having experienced sexual assault during one's life appears to be associated with lifetime occurrence of multiple health problems for both genders and reduces a person's perceived general self-efficacy and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective We performed a systematic review to assess potential consequences of extended working hours on accidents, near-accidents, safety incidents and injuries (hereafter 'incidents') by considering the overall certainty of evidence. Methods We searched five databases systematically (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Proquest Health and Safety Science Abstracts) and identified 10 072 studies published up to December 2020, 22 of which met the inclusion criteria. We followed a systematic approach to evaluate risk of bias and synthesize results in a meta-analysis. The certainty of evidence was determined by a modified version of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Results Our analyses indicated an association between working >12 hours/day [relative risk (RR) 1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-1.40], or working >55 hours/week (RR 1.24, 95% I 0.98-1.57), and elevated risk of incidents. The certainty of evidence evaluated as low. Weak or no associations were observed for other exposure contrasts: working >8 hours/day (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.72-1.19), or working overtime (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.75-1.55), working 41-48 hours/week (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.92-1.13) or 49-54 hours/week (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.97-1.07). The certainty of evidence was evaluated as low (very low for 41-48 hours/week). Conclusions Daily working hours >12 hours and weekly working hours >55 hours was associated with an increased risk of incidents. The certainty of evidence was low. Hence, further high-quality research is warranted to elucidate these associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examining issue politicization of regulated marketing in Canadian agriculture, this article investigates factors affecting political parties' strategies in response and the ensuing consequences for policy change. It argues that parties adopt a politicization strategy when doing so advances both their ideational and electoral goals. Politicization strategies of Canadian parties are also affected by territorialism's impact on their capacity to align their ideational and electoral goals. When territorialism has favored conservative political parties, they have pursued politicization strategies associated with paradigmatic reforms. When issue politicization transcends regions, national office-seeking parties have adopted depoliticization strategies associated with first- and second-order policy change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigated the organizational challenges related to the development and implementation of virtual reality (VR) technology for operation in a conservative heavy machinery industry. The incorporation of a VR solution for heavy machinery equipment enhanced the safety and convenience of operation under dangerous work conditions. However, the development and implementation processes faced challenges. Furthermore, the adoption of the solution by users was perceived to be slower than anticipated. We aimed to explore the main challenges that the developer organization faced and how it also influenced user organizations. Due to the exploratory nature of the research, qualitative analysis was chosen, interviews were conducted, and thematic analysis was applied. The themes and subthemes were identified and discussed. The results showed the existence of challenges related to technology maturity, managerial challenges regarding communication and support coordination, workload, and multiple stakeholder management. The findings emphasize the importance of attending to the existing and potential organizational challenges before and throughout technological innovation. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed, and a future research agenda is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of substance use in the Norwegian general population and examine whether the risk of various psychiatric or somatic diseases varied according to alcohol- and substance use. A survey was distributed to 5500 persons in Norway, and a sample of 1792 persons responded (36% response rate). Data concerned with the use of substances were cross-tabulated with disease occurrence, and relative ratios (RR) of diseases in groups of lifetime substance users versus abstainers/low frequent users were calculated. Lifetime prevalence estimates were 83.5% for alcohol, 7.9% for cannabis, 8.5% for sedatives, 33.8% for strong analgesics and 2.4% for opioids and for stimulants. Drinking alcohol weekly or daily was associated with lower risk of several diseases, whereas lifetime use of sedatives, strong analgesics and opioids was associated with higher risk. Lifetime use of cannabis was associated with higher risk of depression and lower risk of diabetes and arthrosis. While frequent alcohol use was associated with reduced risk of several diseases, lifetime use of other substances was generally associated with higher risk of disease. The study provides evidence of increased risk of disease among users of illicit substances and prescription drugs. Abbreviations: NORPOP: The Norwegian Population Study; OR: Odds ratio; RR: Relative risk; SES: Socioeconomic status [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a stagewise overview of the important issues that play a role in technology adoption and use in organizations. In the current literature, there is a lack of consistency and clarity about the different stages of the technology adoption process, the important issues at each stage, and the differentiation between antecedents, after-effects, enablers, and barriers to technology adoption. This paper collected the relevant issues in technology adoption and use, mentioned dispersedly and under various terminologies, in the recent literature. The qualitative literature review was followed by thematic analysis of the data. The resulting themes were organized into a thematic map depicting three stages of the technology adoption process: pre-change, change, and post-change. The relevant themes and subthemes at each stage were identified and their significance discussed. The themes at each stage are antecedents to the next stage. All the themes of the pre-change and change stages are neutral, but the way they are managed and executed makes them enablers or barriers in effect. The thematic map is a continuous cycle where every round of technology adoption provides input for the subsequent rounds. Based on how themes have been addressed and executed in practice, they can either enhance or impair the subsequent technology adoption. This thematic map can be used as a qualitative framework by academics and practitioners in the field to evaluate technological changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both Canada and the US have mandated biofuels' use in transport fuel. However, while Canadian biofuel mandates have been largely uncontroversial, US biofuels mandates have been subject to considerable controversy. To explain this cross-national difference, the article examines media coverage of advanced biofuels in American and Canadian newspapers over 2010–2016 and developments with respect to the implementation of advanced biofuel mandates. It finds that while the two countries share commonalities in media frames of advanced biofuels, the overall tone of coverage in the US is much more negative than in Canada. The negative and positive media coverage parallel policy developments in the two countries, suggesting their interactive effects in stabilizing or destabilizing biofuel policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to explore trainees' perceptions and evaluation of Virtual Reality fire extinguisher training. Virtual Reality technology is being adopted by many industries for various purposes including safety training for safety critical industries. The future direction of Virtual Reality training requires an understanding of trainees' evaluation of it; this fact motivated this research. Data were collected from 85 participants using a questionnaire after the training. Observation notes were taken to provide a better understanding of the context. Qualitative research with a thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The results of this analysis revealed that the most salient themes reflect on issues surrounding the realism of the Virtual Reality simulation, namely different emotional and bodily experiences during the training, while the benefits of the training (health, safety, environmental advantages, efficiency and convenience, repeatability and variety of scenarios) make it a good supplement. Nevertheless, improved realism is needed to make it more effective and enhance transfer and acceptance. This study encourages the consideration of important matters (such as realism and emotions) when using Virtual Reality for fire training. It also describes the positive perceptions of this type of training (repeatability of training, safety and environmental concerns). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a nationally representative sample (N = 1,613) and a true prospective design, we show that the link between self‐labelled workplace bullying and exclusion from working life (i.e., becoming a non‐participant in working life) over a 5‐year time lag becomes stronger with increasing numbers of perpetrators involved. The amount of exposure to bullying behaviours could not explain the added effect of multiple perpetrators, indicating that the presence of multiple perpetrators is significant in and of itself. A post hoc descriptive cross‐tabulation analysis also showed that when one or two perpetrators were involved at T1, the rate of exclusion from working life 5 years later did not differ substantially from the normal population's exclusion rate. When three or more perpetrators were involved, on the other hand, the exclusion rate approached 50%, indicating that ≥3 perpetrators could denote a critical cut‐off point for a distinguishable group‐bullying phenomenon, at least with respect to exclusion from working life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual reality (VR) offers novel ways to develop skills and learning. This technology can be used to enhance the way we educate and train professionals by possibly being more effective, cost-efficient, and reducing training-related risks. However, the potential benefits from virtual training assume that the trained skills can be transferred to the real world. Nevertheless, in the current published scientific literature, there is limited empirical evidence that links VR use to better learning. The present investigation aimed to explore the use of VR as a tool for training procedural skills and compare this modality with traditional instruction methods. To investigate skill development using the two forms of training, participants were randomly divided into two groups. The first group received training through an instructional video, while the second group trained in VR. After the training session, the participants performed the trained task in a real setting, and task performance was measured. Subsequently, the user's experienced sense of presence and simulator sickness (SS) was measured with self-report questionnaires. There were no significant differences between groups for any of the performance measures. There was no gender effect on performance. Importantly, the results of the present study indicate that a high sense of presence during the VR simulation might contribute to increased skill learning. These findings can be used as a starting point that could be of value when further exploring VR as a tool for skill development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Harmful use of alcohol is a major public health problem. While harm is often researched in the context of heavy drinking episodes, high-frequency drinking, even when drinking moderate quantities, constitutes a health risk in a longer perspective. The purpose of this paper is to examine the prevalence of daily use of alcohol in the Norwegian general population and to assess sociodemographic, mental health-related and personal resource variables associated with daily use of alcohol. Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional survey concerned with health, illness and serious life events was distributed to 5,500 persons in the general population in Norway (response rate 36%). Sociodemographic variables, personal resource variables (general self-efficacy, optimism and extraversion) and psychological distress (current anxiety and/or depression) were assessed with regards to their associations with daily drinking in unadjusted and adjusted regression models. Findings: Daily use of alcohol was reported by 39 persons (2.2%) in the sample (3.1% of men and 1.4% of women). While general self-efficacy, optimism and extraversion were unrelated to daily drinking, the adjusted model revealed that male sex (OR: 2.18, p < 0.05), being unemployed/not in education (OR: 3.10, p < 0.05) and reporting current anxiety and/or depression (OR: 3.12, p < 0.01) were associated with daily use of alcohol. Originality/value: The study has contributed to the knowledge about daily drinkers in a representative sample of the Norwegian population. A proportion of 2.2% was found to drink alcohol on a daily basis. Compared to their counterparts, the odds of daily drinking were higher for men, unemployed persons and persons reporting current psychological distress. Public health initiatives aiming at reducing harmful use of alcohol may pay particular attention to these subsets of the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the case of the USA Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), this paper contributes to theorizing regarding the factors that affect feedback dynamics of a disruptive technology. Focusing on design elements of the RFS and governance features related to its implementation, it demonstrates the resulting feedback effects on first-generation conventional biofuels and second-generation advanced biofuels. In terms of policy design, the analyses highlight the significance of the calibration of policy instruments and the incorporation of multiple policy goals into a single policy instrument. In terms of implementation procedures, the analyses affirm the significance to feedback dynamics of the regulatory capacity and discretionary authority of administrative agents as well as the influence of interest group coalitions in rulemaking. In the case of second-generation advanced biofuels, the case study also reveals the limits of policy-induced feedback in the presence of regulatory uncertainty and unfavorable financial conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Post‐traumatic stress (PTS) symptoms following intensive care unit (ICU) treatment can lead to post‐traumatic stress disorder and represent a severe health burden. In trauma patients, a strong sense of coherence (SOC) is associated with fewer PTS symptoms. However, this association has not been investigated in a general ICU sample. Aims and objectives: To examine the occurrence of PTS symptoms in general ICU patients early after ICU discharge and to assess possible associations between PTS symptoms and SOC, ICU memory, pain, and demographic and clinical characteristics. Design: This was a cross‐sectional study. Methods: Adult patients aged ≥18 years admitted for ≥24 hours to five ICUs between 2014 and 2016 were recruited. PTS symptoms and SOC were measured at the ward within the first week after discharge from the ICU using the Posttraumatic Stress Scale‐10 and Sense of Coherence Scale‐13. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify associations between PTS symptoms and SOC and the selected independent variables. Results: A total of 523 patients were included (17.8% trauma patients; median age 57 years [range 18‐94]; 53.3% male). The prevalence of clinically significant PTS symptoms was 32%. After adjustments for gender and age, lower SOC (P < 0.001), more ICU delusional memories (P < 0.001), greater pain interference (P < 0.001), not being a trauma patient (P = 0.02), and younger age (P = 0.03) were significantly associated with more PTS symptoms. Conclusions: One third of patients experienced clinically relevant PTS symptoms early after discharge from the ICU. In the present study, SOC, delusional memory, pain interference, younger age, and not being a trauma patient were factors associated with more PTS symptoms. Relevance to clinical practice: Early individual follow up after ICU discharge focusing on pain relief and delusional memory may reduce PTS symptoms, with a potential of improving rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prevalence studies are needed to assess the distribution of diseases. However, in a contrasting health promotion perspective, self-rated health is in itself an important field of study. This study investigated self-rated global health in the general population in Norway.Methods: As part of a national survey, a two-item measure of global health (score range 0-100) was administered to a general population sample, and 1776 of 4961 eligible participants (response rate 36%) responded. Group comparisons were conducted using independent t-tests and one-way analyses of variance, whereas factors associated with global health was investigated with linear regression analysis.Results: In the adjusted analyses, better global health was associated with higher age (β = 0.13, p <  0.001), having higher education (β = 0.10, p <  0.001), being employed (β = 0.21, p <  0.001), and living with a spouse or partner (β = 0.05, p <  0.05).Conclusions: While global health was similar for men and women in the Norwegian general population, other sociodemographic variables were linked with global health. In particular, the link between employment and self-rated global health was strong. The findings are considered representative for the Norwegian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: General self-efficacy (GSE) refers to optimistic self-beliefs of being able to perform and control behaviors, and is linked with various physical and mental health outcomes. Measures of self-efficacy are commonly used in health research with clinical populations, but are less explored in relationship to sociodemographic characteristics in general populations. This study investigated GSE in relation to sociodemographic characteristics in the general population in Norway. Methods: As part of a larger national survey, the GSE scale was administered to a general population sample, and 1787 out of 4961 eligible participants (response rate 36%) completed the scale. Group comparisons were conducted using independent t -tests and one-way analyses of variance. Linear regression analysis was used to examine factors independently associated with GSE. Results: GSE was lower for older compared to younger participants (p < 0.001). It was higher for men compared to women (p < 0.001), higher for those with higher levels of education compared to those with lower levels (p < 0.001) and higher for those in work compared to their counterparts (p < 0.001). Controlling for all variables, male gender and employment were independently associated with higher GSE. Age moderated the associations between gender and employment on one hand, and GSE on the other. The association between being male and having higher GSE was more pronounced in younger age, as was the association between being employed and having higher GSE. Conclusions: Male gender and being employed were related to higher GSE among persons in the general population in Norway, and these associations were stronger among persons of younger age. The findings are considered fairly representative for the Norwegian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the turn of the millennium, a growing academic interest has emerged regarding the dark side of leadership, both in general and specific contexts. Characteristics of military organisations may either reduce or exaggerate the prevalence and impact of destructive leadership. It is therefore pertinent to explore antecedents and outcomes of destructive leadership in the military context as compared to other settings. Here, we systematically reviewed the current literature and performed a meta-analysis of destructive forms of leadership in a military context. The reviewed studies (K = 27) primarily employed context-free instruments, applied cross-sectional designs, and examined outcomes of destructive leadership. Both active (e.g., abusive supervision) and passive (e.g., laissez-faire) forms of destructive leadership were examined in the meta-analysis (K = 22, N = 10,716). The mean correlation to performance, attitude, health, and well-being was −.29 for active destructive leadership, −.29 for passive forms of destructive leadership and, in comparison,.32 for constructive and effective forms of leadership. Our findings demonstrate that passive and active forms of destructive leadership in a military context may contribute equally to detrimental outcomes, and that successful strategies to prevent and handle consequences of destructive leadership must address both forms of unwanted leadership behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conflict management climate is an important organizational resource that is theorized to prevent interpersonal frustration from escalating into harsh interpersonal conflicts and even workplace bullying. The present study investigates whether team-level perceptions of conflict management climate moderate the relationship between previously investigated psychosocial predictors of workplace bullying (i.e., role conflicts, workload, cognitive demands) and perceived exposure to bullying behaviors in the workplace. We collected data from crews on ferries operating on the Norwegian coastline consisting of 462 employees across 147 teams. As hypothesized, multilevel analyses showed positive main effects of role conflict and cognitive demands (but not workload) on exposure to bullying behaviors. Also, the hypothesized moderation effect of team-level conflict management climate on the relationship between individual-level job demands and exposure to bullying behaviors was significant for role conflict and cognitive demands, but not for workload. Specifically, the positive relationships between the two job demands and exposure to bullying behaviors were stronger for employees working in teams with a weak (vs. a strong) conflict management climate. These findings contribute to the bullying research field by showing that conflict management climate may buffer the impact of stressors on bullying behaviors, most likely by preventing interpersonal frustration from escalating into bullying situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article contributes to scholarly understanding of how policy ideas and institutions interact to affect policy change by investigating why legislation mandating the use of biofuels in transport vehicles has been upheld in the USA but scaled back in the European Union. To explain this puzzle, the article advances propositions regarding the role of multidimensional policy ideas, policy anomalies and institutional gatekeepers in legislative agenda-setting. Using structural topic modelling and qualitative methods, the analyses demonstrate that differences in action frames follow from agenda-setting institutions. The corporate structure of the European Commission ensures that EU agenda-setters are reasonably attentive to policy anomalies. By contrast, individuals with agenda-setting authority in the US Congress are liable to discount anomalies by limiting their focus to certain aspects of multidimensional policy issues. Moreover, individuals with gatekeeping authority may prevent repeal bills from accessing the legislative agenda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper uses a financial and operational data set of Canadian gold mines between 1939 and 1945 to analyse the efficacy of two government labour market policies implemented in World War II. An early war policy designated the gold mining industry as vital for the war effort to boost gold output in order to purchase foreign reserves. The late war policy resulted in restrictions that prevented labour movement into and between the mines. We find that the first policy is largely ineffective in its goal. Although the market allocated labour to the lowest cost producers, the policy caused only a modest increase in gold output. To evaluate the second policy, we estimate the cost curves of the individual mines. The results indicate an inefficient allocation of labour across mines. The gold mining industry experiences operating costs 22% higher than with efficient labour allocation during this late war period. The estimated efficiency loss to the industry is nearly $58.4 million 1940 Canadian dollars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Synurophyceae is a well-supported clade of ecologically important heterokont algae found largely in freshwater planktonic habitats worldwide, whose members have cell coverings consisting of species-specific siliceous scales overlapped in a highly organized manner. Many synurophytes have been described as endemic and are found only in specific regions of the world. A thriving population of the European endemic, Mallomonas intermedia, was discovered in a remote desert pond situated in the Virgin Valley, Nevada, USA and in a stratigraphic sequence from the middle Eocene fossil locality known as Horsefly in British Columbia, Canada. Both North American finds were closely compared with populations from Europe, confirming the identifications. Before these discoveries, this species was recorded from numerous waterbodies exclusively in Europe, but was lacking from hundreds of sites examined from other continents. Its presence in western North America during the warm middle Eocene confirms that historically this species had a significantly wider distribution and may be best classified as a palaeoendemic. Additional species uncovered from a second fossil locality that are closely related to M. intermedia further support the presence of this lineage in North America during the Eocene. The living population in northern Nevada presents an enigma. Does this remote desert population represent a remnant population that has gone undetected until now, or is it a recent arrival from an unknown region by an unknown vector? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Fear of flying is one of the most common phobias. It hinders people in performing their work and hampers family relations. Even though flight traffic has increased, there are new fears. Valid studies are needed to answer whether there have been changes in the prevalence of flight anxiety, are there sex differences in relation to fear of flying, use of alcohol, and tranquilizers, which situations cause the most flight anxiety, and whether the above factors have changed compared to a similar study from 1986. METHODS: A questionnaire was distributed to a representative random sample of the Norwegian population (N = 5500), where 36% answered. To assess flight anxiety across the time period, we used similar instruments to those we used in 1986. RESULTS: The prevalence of an assumed flight phobia decreased from 8% in 1986 to 3% in 2015. The percentage of those reported to never fly had decreased from 5% in 1986 to 0.5% in 2015. There were 11.0% who always used alcohol in 1986 and 7.5% in 2015 and 3% and 2%, respectively, always used tranquillizers. More women reported being afraid of both flying and other situations compared to men. Turbulence, unknown sounds, and fear of terror attacks caused the most anxiety. DISCUSSION: Flight anxiety still affects a considerable proportion of the Norwegian population and more women than men report that they are afraid of flying. However, in spite of methodology, people are significantly less afraid of flying than in 1986. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the direction of associations between perceived leadership styles of an immediate leader and state anxiety among subordinates using time-lagged data from a large and heterogeneous probability sample of Norwegian employees. It was hypothesised that high levels of transformational leadership would be associated with a decrease, whereas high levels of laissez-faire leadership would be associated with an increase, in subsequent levels of anxiety. Reciprocal associations were also expected in that higher levels of anxiety were hypothesised to be related to subsequent increase in reports of laissez-faire, and decrease in reported exposure to transformational leadership. The sample comprised 1149 Norwegian employees. The design was a two-wave full panel study with a six-month time interval between the baseline and follow-up assessments. Contrary to hypotheses, neither transformational nor laissez-faire leadership were significantly related to subsequent levels of state anxiety. In support of hypotheses, baseline low levels of state anxiety were associated with reporting the immediate leader as less transformational and more laissez-faire six months later. In conclusion, the findings challenge theoretical models that explain leadership as a one-way superior–subordinate influence process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Drawing on the resource-based view, the purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which the level of the organization's human resource management (HRM) practices, perceived financial resources and organizational size predict the existence of a well-developed ethical infrastructure against workplace bullying.Design/methodology/approach The human resource (HR) managers or the main health and safety representatives (HSRs) in 216 Norwegian municipalities responded to an electronic survey, representing some 50 percent of the municipalities.Findings The level of high-quality HRM practice predicted the existence of an ethical infrastructure against workplace bullying, particularly informal systems represented by a strong conflict management climate. Perceived financial resources did not predict the existence of such ethical infrastructure. Organizational size predicted the existence of policies and having training against bullying.Practical implications This study informs practitioners about organizational resources associated with organization having a well-developed ethical infrastructure against workplace bullying. A high level of high-quality HRM practices seems to be more important for the existence of a well-developed ethical infrastructure against workplace bullying compared to financial resources and organizational size, at least as perceived by HR managers and HSRs.Originality/value This study provides empirical evidence for the importance of having a high level of high-quality HRM practices as predictors of the existence of ethical infrastructure to tackle workplace bullying. An essential finding is that the existence of such an infrastructure is not dependent on distal resources, such as organizational size and perceived financial resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate if blood biomarkers could indicate early signs of lung damage or cardiovascular risk due to exposure to grain dust. Materials and methods: Pneumoproteins and markers of inflammation and platelet activation were analysed in blood samples of 102 grain elevator and compound feed mill workers. Differences between exposed (n = 67) and controls (n = 35), and associations with exposure measurements and respiratory health were investigated by multiple linear regression analyses. Results: Concentrations of CC-16 and IL-6 were higher in exposed workers compared with controls (p < 0.001 for both), whereas fibrinogen was lower (p = 0.005). Concentrations of CRP, TNF-α, sCD40L and sP-selectin were similar in both groups. Serum CC-16 was significantly higher in workers with farm childhood, regardless of exposure. The impact of farm childhood on CC-16 interacted with smoking. None of the biomarkers were associated with exposure measurements or any of the tested respiratory health parameters. Conclusion: Dust exposure induced inflammatory and anti-inflammatory reactions, but did not induce systemic inflammation and had no effect on platelet activation. No cause-effect relationship could be established in spite of relatively high exposure levels, particularly to endotoxin. Whether increased serum CC-16 is an early sign of lung damage or a reversible defense reaction remains unclear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is generally recognized that banking services are spatially differentiated, and the geographic extent of bank markets is often an important issue in bank mergers and holding company acquisitions. Nonetheless, there have been few attempts heretofore to measure the importance of location in a customer's bank choice, nor have the implications for banking competition been fully considered. We hypothesized a model in which two bank offices' relative shares of the accounts from an area were dependent upon their relative geographic convenience, relative ages, and relative prices. We then estimated the nonprice parameters of this equation using data for small demand deposit accounts for the Atlanta area. Geographical convenience as represented primarily by the office's distance from the area and secondarily by journey to work patterns, proved most important in explaining bank office shares, followed by relative ages of the offices. We also found indirect evidence of the importance of price or quality differences. The strong relationship between bank shares and distance implies that bank service areas are somewhat segmented, i.e., that a bank tends to draw most of its accounts from its immediate area, and that other factors affect but do not break down this pattern. Since this implies that the demand curve faced by individual bank offices is less elastic or competition is less effective than if distance were not an important determinant and the bank's customers were scattered evenly over the area, we conclude that market shares and concentration ratios for any arbitrary region are not reliable indicators of the degree of competition. What are needed are measures of the effect of market structure on the elasticity of individual banks' demand curves and this effect can be estimated using the model of this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]