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Publications

NIBIOs employees contribute to several hundred scientific articles and research reports every year. You can browse or search in our collection which contains references and links to these publications as well as other research and dissemination activities. The collection is continously updated with new and historical material.

2024

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Abstract

Timing and quantity of sleep depend on a circadian (ca 24-h) rhythm and a specific sleep requirement. Sleep curtailment results in a homeostatic rebound of more and deeper sleep, the latter reflected in increased electroencephalographic (EEG) slow-wave activity (SWA) during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. Circadian rhythms are synchronized by the light-dark cycle but persist under constant conditions. Strikingly, arctic reindeer behavior is arrhythmic during the solstices. Moreover, the Arctic’s extreme seasonal environmental changes cause large variations in overall activity and food intake. We hypothesized that the maintenance of optimal functioning under these extremely fluctuating conditions would require adaptations not only in daily activity patterns but also in the homeostatic regulation of sleep. We studied sleep using non-invasive EEG in four Eurasian tundra reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) in Tromsø, Norway (69degreesN) during the fall equinox and both solstices. As expected, sleep-wake rhythms paralleled daily activity distribution, and sleep deprivation resulted in a homeostatic rebound in all seasons. Yet, these sleep rebounds were smaller in sum- mer and fall than in winter. Surprisingly, SWA decreased not only during NREM sleep but also during rumination. Quantitative modeling revealed that sleep pressure decayed at similar rates during the two behavioral states. Finally, reindeer spent less time in NREM sleep the more they ruminated. These results suggest that they can sleep during rumination. The ability to reduce sleep need during rumination—undisturbed phases for both sleep recovery and digestion—might allow for near-constant feeding in the arctic summer.

Abstract

In the face of unprecedented challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic, Resilience and Realities - Exploring Pandemic Effects, Governance Challenges, and Economic Insights offers a comprehensive exploration of the intricate interplay between public policies and uncertain times. This enlightening volume presents a thought-provoking collection of chapters that dissect the illusions, opportunities, and complexities surrounding public policies during crises. Spanning two captivating sections, this book embarks on a journey through the labyrinth of pandemic-related public policies, offering fresh insights into the ever-evolving landscape of economic responses and the resilient spirit of entrepreneurship. In the first section, “Illusions of Public Policies Amidst a Pandemic”, readers are invited to dissect the enigma of navigating uncertainties in crisis management. Delve into the gendered impact of the pandemic on academic women, explore the untapped opportunities within the pandemic’s wake, and scrutinize the efficacy of governmental economic strategies. The second section, “Public Policies towards Investment, Technology, and Efficiency”, provides an insightful investigation into the impact of investment in human capital on economic growth. Review the intricacies of financial management within the public sector and gain an understanding of the multifaceted dimensions of technology, investment, and efficiency in public policies. With each chapter, esteemed authors contribute their expertise to illuminate the complexities of these critical topics. Resilience and Realities - Exploring Pandemic Effects, Governance Challenges, and Economic Insights is a vital resource for policymakers, economists, academics, and curious minds seeking a deeper understanding of the intricate nexus between public policies and uncertain times. Explore the wealth of knowledge and insights within these pages and embark on a journey toward a more informed and resilient future. Discover illuminating perspectives, engage in thought-provoking analyses, and embrace the ever-changing landscape of public economics. This book stands as a beacon of knowledge and enlightenment in an era of unprecedented challenges.

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Abstract

Common scab (CS) is a major bacterial disease causing lesions on potato tubers, degrading their appearance and reducing their market value. To accurately grade scab-infected potato tubers, this study introduces “ScabyNet”, an image processing approach combining color-morphology analysis with deep learning techniques. ScabyNet estimates tuber quality traits and accurately detects and quantifies CS severity levels from color images. It is presented as a standalone application with a graphical user interface comprising two main modules. One module identifies and separates tubers on images and estimates quality-related morphological features. In addition, it enables the extraction of tubers as standard tiles for the deep-learning module. The deep-learning module detects and quantifies the scab infection into five severity classes related to the relative infected area. The analysis was performed on a dataset of 7154 images of individual tiles collected from field and glasshouse experiments. Combining the two modules yields essential parameters for quality and disease inspection. The first module simplifies imaging by replacing the region proposal step of instance segmentation networks. Furthermore, the approach is an operational tool for an affordable phenotyping system that selects scab-resistant genotypes while maintaining their market standards.

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Abstract

Semi-natural hay meadows are among the most species-rich habitats in Norway as well as in Europe. To maintain the biodiversity of hay meadows, it is important to understand local management regimes and the land use history that has shaped them and their biodiversity. There is however a general erosion of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), related to hay meadows and other semi-natural habitats. This review aims to examine historical and written sources of land use practices related to hay meadows and to discuss the implications of a re-introduction of TEK in present and future management practices. Traditional land use practices and TEK obtained from written sources from four Norwegian regions and for the country as a whole are compared with present management practices. Written sources show that hay meadows have been managed in a complex but flexible way. Today's management regimes of hay meadows in Norway are streamlined and strongly simplified, most often involving only one late mowing and in some cases grazing. This simplification may result in loss of biodiversity. The potential to include more variety of management practices in hay meadows, by utilizing knowledge from written sources more systematically in combination with farmers’ experienced knowledge (TEK) should be better utilized. Such an approach may secure both the biodiversity in hay meadows and TEK for the future. Former and present landscape ecological contexts in the infield-outlying land system show that management should be done for larger landscapes rather than small, isolated hay meadows, to optimize biodiversity conservation. For this study, we conducted a Norwegian literature review, based on ethnographical and ethnobotanical sources, as well as historical and present agricultural statistics, historical maps, results from research projects, and other sources. Our findings are discussed with similar European studies focusing on the historical management of hay meadows.