Østfold University College

About: Østfold University College is a education organization based out in Halden, Norway. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Context (language use) & Health care. The organization has 438 authors who have published 1213 publications receiving 12510 citations. The organization is also known as: HiØ.

Extended FLRW Models: dynamical cancellation of cosmological anisotropies

Abstract: We investigate a corner of the Bianchi models that has not received much attention: ``extended FLRW models'' (eFLRW) defined as a cosmological model with underlying anisotropic Bianchi geometry that nevertheless expands isotropically and can be mapped onto a reference FLRW model with the same expansion history. In order to investigate the stability and naturalness of such models in a dynamical systems context, we consider spatially homogeneous models that contain a massless scalar field $\varphi$ and a non-tilted perfect fluid obeying an equation of state $p=w\rho$. Remarkably, we find that matter anisotropies and geometrical anisotropies tend to cancel out dynamically. Hence, the expansion is asymptotically isotropic under rather general conditions. Although extended FLRW models require a special matter sector with anisotropies that are ``fine-tuned'' relative to geometrical anisotropies, our analysis shows that such solutions are dynamically preferred attractors in general relativity. Specifically, we prove that all locally rotationally symmetric Bianchi type III universes with space-like $ abla_\mu\varphi$ are asymptotically shear-free, for all $w\in[-1,1]$. Moreover, all shear-free equilibrium sets with anisotropic spatial curvature are proved to be stable with respect to all homogeneous perturbations for $w\geq -1/3$.

Housing Careers, House Price Dispersion and the Housing Market Multiplier

Abstract: Housing markets reflect our housing consumption profile over the life cycle. As we age, marry and have kids, we seek larger dwellings and to a greater extent owner-occupied housing. The up-trading process has two key characteristics: first, it is equity induced. Second, it impacts both the supply and demand sides of housing markets. This is our point of departure. The paper combines a housing ladder with a house price index to show how up-trading amplifies shocks and introduces a multiplier into the housing market. The interplay between market segments results in up-trading induced price dispersion and a price response in the segments on top of the ladder that exceeds those of segments further down, even when shocks are equal across market segments. Finally, as up-trading impacts both housing supply and housing demand, even balanced shocks to net demand might impact house prices. Focusing on different market segments, shocks to demand might have both direct (the size effect) and indirect (the up-t...

Computer-Aided Breast Cancer Diagnosis from Thermal Images Using Transfer Learning

Abstract: Breast cancer is one of the prevalent types of cancer. Early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer have vital importance for patients. Various imaging techniques are used in the detection of cancer. Thermal images are obtained by using the temperature difference of regions without giving radiation by the thermal camera. In this study, we present methods for computer aided diagnosis of breast cancer using thermal images. To this end, various Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) have been designed by using transfer learning methodology. The performance of the designed nets was evaluated on a benchmarking dataset considering accuracy, precision, recall, F1 measure, and Matthews Correlation coefficient. The results show that an architecture holding pre-trained convolutional layers and training newly added fully connected layers achieves a better performance compared with others. We have obtained an accuracy of 94.3%, a precision of 94.7% and a recall of 93.3% using transfer learning methodology with CNN.

Effects on sleep from group activity with a robotic seal for nursing home residents with dementia: a cluster randomized controlled trial.

Abstract: Objectives: Sleep disturbances are common in people with dementia and increase with the severity of the disease. Sleep disturbances are complex and caused by several factors and are difficult to treat. There is a need for more robust and systematic studies dealing with sleep disturbances in older people with dementia. The aim of this study was to investigate effects from robot-assisted (Paro) group activity on sleep patterns in nursing home (NH) residents with dementia. Design: A cluster randomized controlled trial. Setting: Special care units in 10 NH in Norway. Participants: A total of 60 participants over 65 years with dementia were recruited. Thirty participants were recruited to the intervention group and 30 participants to the control group. Intervention: Participants participated in group activity with Paro for 30 minutes twice a week over 12 weeks or in control group (treatment as usual). Measurements: Sleep–wake patterns were assessed objectively by 7 days of wrist actigraphy before and after the intervention. Data were collected between March 2013 and September 2014. Data were analyzed using mixed models. Results: Positive effects on change in sleep were found in the intervention group as compared with the control group. The intervention group increased percentage of sleep efficiency, increased the amount of total sleep time and reduced number of nocturnal awakenings. In addition, a significant effect was found in reduced awakenings after sleep onset. Conclusions: Social stimulation through engaging group activity could contribute to improved sleep in people with dementia in NH. Increased sleep efficiency and total sleep time, in addition to fewer night awakenings, affect central indicators of good sleep quality across the life span. Improved sleep quality will also affect quality of life and comorbidities in vulnerable groups. We believe group activity with Paro to be an accessible and feasible non-pharmacological treatment for those who enjoy Paro.