Háskólinn á Akureyri

Varanleg URI fyrir þennan undirflokkhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11815/5666

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Niðurstöður 1 - 20 af 316

Valorization of pulp and viscera from hybrid sorubim and pacu by production of protein concentrate using alkaline solubilization
(2025-03) Azambuja, Suéllen Patrícia Held; Nascimento, Kauyse Matos; Cortez-Vega, William Renzo; Cavenaghi-Altemio, Angela Dulce; Gelinski, Jane Mary Lafayette Neves; Fonseca, Gustavo Graciano; Faculty of Natural Resource Sciences
Fish protein concentration (FPC) by alkaline solubilization has proven to be an alternative method in adding value to muscle-based materials. The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of different processes (decanting/sieving or centrifugation), reagents (sodium bicarbonate or sodium hydroxide) and washing cycles (1–4) on the quality of protein concentrates obtained from mechanically separated meat (MSM) and viscera of hybrid sorubim (Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum × P. corruscans) and pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) fishes. The protein concentrate was obtained by washing the viscera or MSM during up to four cycles (4:1 solution:meat ratio). In each cycle, the liquid waste and fat were removed by decanting/sieving or centrifugation. Moisture, crude protein, crude fat and crude ash contents were determined after each washing cycle. The moisture and protein contents increased immediately after the first washing up to 77.88% (dry basis). The lipid content decreased with the cycles down to 2.99% (dry basis). Higher FPC yield was obtained for MSM during the centrifugation process compared to the decantation/sieving process. Two weight yields above 100% were found in procedures with NaHCO3 and MSM of hybrid sorubim and pacu, probably due to the larger capacity of gel formation during protein concentration. Differences related to the fish species were more evident than the processes and utilized reagents.
Development and characterization of fish nuggets obtained from mechanically separated meat of spotted sorubim
(2026-01-22) Cavenaghi-Altemio, Angela Dulce; Fonseca, Gustavo Graciano; Faculty of Natural Resource Sciences
The fish industry has recently sought to diversify its product offerings to meet high consumer demand beyond just fresh fish. The use of mechanically separated fish meat (MSM) enables the production of various products, including breaded items. This study aimed to develop fish nuggets using MSM from spotted sorubim (Pseudoplatystoma corruscans) as the primary raw material, utilizing various formulations, and to evaluate the pH, shear force, microbiological safety, and sensory attributes of the developed products . The varying ingredients (4%) were bamboo fibre (F1 ), collagen fibre (F2 ), and textured soy protein (F3 ). The average pH of 6.5 showed no statistical difference between formulations (p > 0 .05), indicating that the varying ingredients did not affect this parameter. However, shear force varied significantly (p < 0.05), with the highest value of 8 .82 N observed for F3 . Sensory analysis revealed no significant differences (p > 0.05) between formulations for most attributes, except for taste, where F1 scored higher than F2 and F3 . The acceptance index was above 80% for all formulations . F1 showed the highest “certainly would purchase” response at 26.7%. Both F1 and F3 had a combined acceptance rate of 60% for “certainly and probably would purchase”, while F2 had a 50% acceptance rate. The results suggest that taste plays a crucial role in the sensory acceptance of the nuggets, with bamboo fibre positively enhancing flavour.
How different life-history strategies respond to changing environments : A multi-decadal study of groundfish communities
(2025-12) Sólmundsson, Jón; Sigurðsson, Ólafur; Jónsdóttir, Ingibjörg G.; Jónsson, Steingrímur; Faculty of Natural Resource Sciences
In recent decades, climate variability has led to significant shifts in the distribution and prevalence of various fish species in the North Atlantic. These changes are well documented for several groundfish species within the zoogeographical transition waters surrounding Iceland, coinciding with variations in seawater temperature. This study analyses groundfish assemblage structure through the frameworks of life-history theory and biogeography. Utilizing annual bottom trawl survey data from 1987 to 2024, groundfish species in the continental shelf waters around Iceland were categorized into three primary life-history strategies: periodic, opportunistic, and equilibrium, based on their life-history traits. Over the study period, these strategies demonstrated distinct responses to environmental changes, influenced by the biogeography of the species. Increased water temperatures were accompanied by an influx of Atlantic and Boreal species, while species richness for Arctic fish remained similar or decreased. Boreal periodic species emerged as the most prominent in Icelandic waters, maintaining long-term stability in abundance and distribution. However, environmental conditions in recent decades have favoured southerly warmer-water (Atlantic) species across life-history strategies, while most Arctic species have experienced declining abundance trends. Opportunistic strategists exhibited the most pronounced temporal changes during the warming period.
Effect of bitter orange or sweet orange juices on the characteristics of beef sausages
(2025) Cavenaghi-Altemio, Angela D.; Martins, Nathalia B.C.; Fonseca, Gustavo G.; Faculty of Natural Resource Sciences
This study evaluated the effects of replacing water with bitter orange and pear orange juices on the properties of beef sausages. Three formulations were prepared: control with water (F1) and two experimental formulations with bitter orange juice (F2) and pear orange juice (F3). Moisture, protein, lipid, ash, carbohydrate content, pH, water activity, shear force, and instrumental color were analyzed. Formulations complied with legislation for moisture (< 70 %), protein (> 12 %), and lipid (< 30 %) content. Moisture content ranged from 55.96 % (F3) to 60.32 % (F1), with the reduction in F2 and F3 attributed to the soluble solids in the juices. Protein content remained stable across formulations (22.24–23.39 %), reflecting the consistent meat proportion. Lipid content varied significantly, with F1 (15.25 %) showing the lowest value and F3 (19.29 %) the highest due to altered lipid retention influenced by acid-matrix interactions. F2 exhibited the highest acidity (0.40 g 100 mL–¹) and the lowest pH (4.68), leading to the lowest shear force (56.68 N). Due to particularities in the preparation, meat and fat portions were analyzed for colorimetry. Lighter sausages with lower redness (a*) values in F2 (5.20) and F3 (4.48) compared to F1 (8.50), and higher yellowness (b*) in F2 (7.26) were observed for the meat portion. The total color difference (ΔE*) values indicated noticeable differences, particularly for F2 and F3 in the meat portion and F3 in the fat portion. These findings demonstrated that orange juices can modify the properties of beef sausages, enhancing their functional attributes, offering opportunities for the development of new food products.
“Outcomes of treatment for people with type 2 diabetes within two nurse-led clinics in primary care in Iceland”
(2025) Birgisdóttir, Matthildur; Skúladóttir, Hafdís; Sigurðardóttir, Árún Kristín; Faculty of Nursing
As the prevalence of type 2 diabetes increases in Iceland, more nurse-led diabetes clinics have been established in primary health. This study aimed to evaluate treatment outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes at two rural nurse-led diabetes clinics and compare these outcomes with guidelines. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in primary care settings in Northern Iceland using secondary data from medical recording systems. The sample (n = 88) included patients with two glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) measurements taken at least 6 months apart (Time 1 and 2). Between Time 1 and 2, HbA1c levels (p = 0.049), body mass index (p = 0.013), and systolic blood pressure (p = 0.040) decreased. At time 2, approximately 70% of patients reached clinical goals for HbA1c levels, 33% for body mass index, 56% for systolic blood pressure, and 49% for diastolic blood pressure. This finding is consistent with those of other European studies in diabetes care. Assessing healthcare outcomes is beneficial for small rural clinics, where work is often conducted in isolation. This programme evaluation study conducted in two nurse-led clinics in Iceland demonstrated improved diabetes outcomes with care aligned with clinical guidelines and provided a baseline for measuring future outcomes.
Applying the guided self-determination counselling method in primary healthcare among people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes : A qualitative study
(2025-11) Kolltveit, Beate Christin Hope; Arnardóttir, Elín; Oftedal, Bjørg Frøysland; Sigurðardóttir, Árún Kristín; Faculty of Nursing
Aim: To explore how nurses experienced using the Guided Self-Determination (GSD) counselling method in primary healthcare for the follow-up of patients at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Design: This study had a qualitative design. Methods: We used individual interviews with nurses in Norway (n = 5) and Iceland (n = 6) to collect data. The nurses had prior to this qualitative study participated in a randomised controlled trial, by applying the GSD counselling method in primary healthcare. The data was analysed by using qualitative content analysis. Results: The findings in this study resulted in the identification of three categories: (1) Promoting change in patient awareness and motivation, (2) Facilitation of health behaviour change, and (3) Challenges in applying the GSD method in patient consultations. The counselling method assisted the nurses to approach patients in a different way and to ask questions that stimulated personal reflection and increased the patients´ health awareness. Patient or Public Contribution: Patient representatives contributed in discussing the relevance of the study objectives and justification for undertaking the research, and in the development of adequate written patient information for the study.
Hypoglycaemia and its associations with diabetes and age-related factors in older home-dwelling people with diabetes
(2025-12) Fløde, Mari; Hermann, Monica; Igland, Jannicke; Hernar, Ingvild; Sigurðardóttir, Árún Kristín; Søfteland, Eirik; Åsberg, Anders; Jenssen, Trond Geir; Haugstvedt, Anne; Faculty of Nursing
Background: Studies have shown high rates of hypoglycaemia among home-dwelling older people receiving home care services. Hypoglycaemia can lead to severe consequences and in worst case, death. Therefore, knowledge about the factors associated with the occurrence of hypoglycaemia in this patient group is important. This study aimed to investigate the associations between hypoglycaemia and relevant diabetes and age-related factors among individuals with diabetes aged ≥ 65 years who received home care services. Methods: This prospective observational study included data from blinded continuous glucose monitoring to identify hypoglycaemia and glycaemic variability. Further, data from blood tests (HbA1c, serum creatinine), medication lists, and questionnaires on cognitive function, functional status with need of assistance, and nutritional status were collected. Data analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact tests and unadjusted logistic regression analyses. Results: In total, 56 individuals participated (52% men, median age 82 years). We identified a statistically significant association between hypoglycaemia and glycaemic variability (p < 0.001). All participants with a coefficient of variation (CV) ≥ 36% had undergone at least one hypoglycaemic event during the study period. Also, participants with CV ≥ 27% had higher risk of hypoglycaemia than those with CV < 27% (OR 5.3, 95% CI 1.6, 17.7). Among the 34 participants with HbA1c ≥ 53 mmol/mol, 32% experienced hypoglycaemia. In total, 93% were treated with medications that potentially interfered with the effect of their diabetes medications, and 64% were treated with medications that potentially affected their ability to detect symptoms of hypoglycaemia. The associations between hypoglycaemia and cognitive, functional, or nutritional status is uncertain due to limitations in sample size. Conclusions: This study highlights a significant association between glycaemic variability and hypoglycaemia among older home-dwelling adults with diabetes receiving home care services. The prevalence of drug-drug interactions raises concerns about diabetes treatment and emphasise the need for targeted interventions to improve safety and care for this vulnerable group of patients.
Navigating growth and sustainability : Analysing the economic impact of tourism in Iceland
(2025-06) Hjálmarsdóttir, Hafdís Björg; Óskarsson, Guðmundur Kristján; Faculty of Business Administration
This study analyses the economic impact of tourism in Iceland, focusing on its contributions to GDP, employment, and foreign currency earnings. This study employs descriptive and comparative secondary data analysis based on available statistics and an extensive literature review to assess the sector’s development, resilience, and sustainability within global and national contexts. The findings confirm that tourism is a key pillar of Iceland’s economy, surpassing traditional export industries in value and generating significant employment opportunities. However, the sector’s volatility exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic and its dependence on international markets reveal structural vulnerabilities that threaten a sustainable future. Beyond economic considerations, this study critically engages with the growing pressures of over-tourism, seasonality, and environmental degradation, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas. Recent scholarship and policy shifts emphasise the need for sustainability indicators, equitable taxation mechanisms, and participatory governance to guide Iceland’s tourism development. This research highlights that balancing economic growth with environmental limits and community well-being is essential for building a more resilient and future-proof tourism model. These insights help inform policymakers, stakeholders, and researchers in aligning tourism strategies with sustainability and diversification goals.
Small power alliances in Europe : The Nordic, Baltic and Visegrád Groups
(2025-10) Hilmarsson, Hilmar Þór; Faculty of Business Administration
The small power alliances discussed in the article are the Baltic, the Nordic and the Visegrád groups. Why were the alliances established and what is their purpose, importance and effectiveness? This article seeks to explain the reasons for the formation of those alliances, how they work and what are their benefits and limitations. These alliances can be used to form a common agenda to strengthen the position of the countries within larger alliances such as the EU, which can be described as a political and economic alliance, and NATO which is a military alliance, as well as within institutions such as the IMF and the World Bank. But for the small power alliances to be effective they need to have a common vision and interests, and to broadly agree on the issues. All these small power alliances have been affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine that not only challenges them but also the EU and NATO, as well as US and European cooperation on security issues.
Meaningful and psychologically rewarding nature-assisted occupations – A feasibility study for improving alternatives in vocational rehabilitation in Iceland
(2025-01-01) Kristjánsdóttir, Harpa Lind; Sigurdardottir, Sigrun; Pálsdóttir, Anna María; Faculty of Nursing
Background: Nature-assisted activities (NAA) have been linked to improved mental health andwell-being, and are often perceived as psychologically rewarding. However, little is known about howthese activities are experienced within vocational rehabilitation programs in the Icelandic context.Objective: This study aimed to explore participants’ experiences of nature-assisted occupations invocational rehabilitation, focusing on their perceived meaningfulness and psychological benefits,to inform the development of nature-based interventions within existing programs.Methods: A mixed-method convergent longitudinal design was used at a vocational rehabilitationcentre in Iceland with 11 participants. Participants engaged in weekly, voluntary two-hour NAAsessions over a period of 4–11 months. Activities included outdoor play, foraging, adventure-basedtasks, as well as outdoor and indoor gardening. Data were collected using the Meaningful andPsychologically Rewarding Occupation Rating Scale and a focus group interview.Results: Quantitative findings: Outdoor and adventure-based activities were rated as the mostmeaningful and psychologically rewarding. Qualitative findings: Participants described increasedenjoyment, personal growth, a sense of freedom, and reduced performance pressure as central totheir positive experiences. Structured and indoor tasks were generally seen as less beneficial.
Profitability in a resource-based industry: : Evidence from Icelandic fisheries, 1990–2022
(2025-09-19) Gunnlaugsson, Stefán Bjarni; Faculty of Business Administration
Governing fisheries for sustainability : How ITQs can contribute to the SDGs
(2025-10-23) Gunnlaugsson, Stefán Bjarni; Faculty of Business Administration
Returns on rights: A 28-year investment analysis of Iceland's ITQ quotas
(2025-11-13) Gunnlaugsson, Stefán Bjarni; Faculty of Business Administration
The present study analyses the return and risk profile of Permanent Quota Shares (PQS) in Iceland's Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) fisheries management system between 1992 and 2019. The hypothetical "armchair fisherman" is defined as an investor who does not partake in fishing activities but holds PQS and leases out the associated catch entitlements. This construct was devised to assess the financial performance of quota ownership as a passive investment. PQS represent tradable rights to a fixed share of the Total Allowable Catch (TAC), with the potential to generate returns through both capital gains and annual lease income. The objective of this research is to examine PQS as investment instruments by comparing their performance to major domestic and international asset classes. The analysis uses a 28-year dataset covering Iceland’s five most valuable demersal species –cod, haddock, saithe, redfish and Greenland halibut – to apply standard financial metrics, including average return, standard deviation and the Sharpe ratio. The results demonstrate that an investor adopting an armchair fishing strategy would have achieved an average annual return of 21.6%, with a Sharpe ratio of 0.72. This significantly outperforms equities, bonds, and other benchmarks. The analysis employs a 28-year dataset encompassing Iceland's five most valuable demersal species – cod, haddock, saithe, redfish and Greenland halibut – to implement standard financial metrics, including average return, standard deviation and the Sharpe ratio. The findings indicate that an investor who had adopted a passive investment approach would have attained an average annual return of 21.6%, with a Sharpe ratio of 0.72. This investment strategy has been shown to significantly outperform traditional benchmarks such as equities and bonds. The findings demonstrate the strong financial performance of PQS and emphasise the importance of governance structures in shaping the distribution of economic rents in rights-based fisheries systems.
Daily dynamics of pro-environmental behaviors and eudaimonic well-being among adolescents
(2026-06) Caldaroni, Silvia; Gerbino, Maria; Schmiedek, Florian; Neubauer, Andreas; Beolchini, Elisabetta; Virzì, Alessia Teresa; Lundie, David; Jónsson, Ólafur Páll; Luengo Kanacri, Bernadette Paula; Camps, Diana; Guttesen, Kristian; Barrero Toncel, Virginia Isabel; Gregori, Fulvio; Quilodrán Fuentes, Valentina Paz; Pastorelli, Concetta; Zuffianò, Antonio; Faculty of Education
Research shows that engaging in pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs) might enhance individuals' eudaimonic well-being, including meaning in life (ML) and closeness to others (CO). Despite adolescents' potential role in shaping sustainable societies and their vulnerability to environmental issues, existing literature has not adequately addressed this age group. Additionally, most of the extant research is built on cross-sectional studies, which target between-person differences and fail to capture within-person fluctuations occurring in everyday life. To address these gaps, this study explored the association of daily PEB with adolescents' daily ML and CO, and whether variations in habitual PEB levels are positively associated with variations in habitual levels of these two dimensions. Additionally, we examined the moderating role of self-transcendence values in the PEB-ML and PEB-CO relations. The study included 78 Italian adolescents (MAge = 14.8, SD = .73, 29.5% females) from a larger cross-cultural research project. Participants completed a daily diary study, reporting their PEB, ML and CO once a day over 28 days. Using Dynamic Structural Equation Modeling, the results revealed a significant positive spillover effect from PEB to ML (B = .258; 95% CI: [.121, .402]), indicating that when individuals engaged in more PEB than usual, they experienced higher-than-usual ML the following day. On the other hand, the spillover from PEB to CO was non-significant (B = .099; 95% CI: [-.034, .226]). Moreover, no link was found between self-transcendence values and these spillover effects. These findings provide insights into possible short-term benefits of PEB for adolescents’ ML and contribute to understanding the role of PEB in promoting youth well-being.
Vestnorden : A functional region?
(2013-06) Eyþórsson, Grétar Þór; Hovgaard, Gestur; Faculty of Business Administration
This article discusses the issue of what kind of a region Vestnorden is. The need for such a discussion arises from the challenges posed by globalisation for the idea and construction of the West Nordic space, and the need to observe how this regional unit counters these processes. The article is based on an analytical framework which presupposes that a functional region has to consist of four elements. First, whether the space has its own institutions for decision making; second, how far there is economic complementarities among the involved nations and territories; third, to what degree they have common economic interests; and finally, to what extent social, cultural and historical ties exist between the territories involved. The article argues that there is an urgent need to discuss and reorient the institutional functionality of Vestnorden as a regional unit.
The impact of amalgamations on services in Icelandic municipalities
(2018) Eyþórsson, Grétar Þór; Karlsson, Vífill; Faculty of Business Administration
Do municipal amalgamations affect interregional migration?
(2019-06) Karlsson, Vífill; Eyþórsson, Grétar Þór; Faculty of Business Administration
This paper examines the change of interregional migration following municipal amalgamations. Interregional migrations are mostly triggered by differentials in household utilities, local economic conditions, amenities and the like. Thus, it is reasonable to believe that if an amalgamation of municipalities leads to a better service or lower local taxes in a community, it would attract new inhabitants and thus, increase the net-migration - as suggested by Tiebout (1956). A macro panel data set from Iceland was used that represents several essential variables of the housing market for 79 municipalities in Iceland during the period from 1993 to 2006. The results returned mixed effects on net migration. The amalgamations seem to have had both negative and positive effects on net-migration due to the differences in the number of municipalities in each merger and the similarities in the population sizes of the previous municipalities that joined each merger.
Local democracy in the West-Nordic countries
(2020) Eyþórsson, Grétar Þór; Faculty of Business Administration
Digital currencies, SWOT analysis
(2023-08-25) Sigurðsson, Kjartan; Eyþórsson, Grétar Þór; Kristjánsdóttir, Helga; Faculty of Business Administration
The paper highlights the increased international trade and discussion in recent years of digital currencies, also known as virtual currencies or cryptocurrencies, including the bilateral trade coin bitcoin (BTC). Scholars have emphasised the need to consider different preconditions, focusing primarily on domestic perspectives of payment intermediation within individual countries. The inclusion of digital currencies in global trade is motivated by the recognition that time is playing an increasingly important role in trade dynamics. Scholars have presented arguments on the potential impact of CBDCs (central bank digital currencies), highlighting their ability to facilitate secure and seamless payment transactions in line with the primary objective of central banks. Conversely, sceptics argue that the mere issuance of CBDCs can potentially undermine the stability of the financial system. High interest rates tend to reduce the amount of cash in circulation. Therefore, higher interest rates do not stimulate digital currencies as investors seek to keep their funds tied up rather than floating. The purpose of this research is to consider the concept of digital currencies in global trade, reflecting the increasing importance of time in trade. Older generations have been reluctant to embrace this new way of doing business, and many questions have arisen. For example, digital currencies compete with traditional currencies, making government control difficult. There are also issues of trust, credibility, volatility, use across countries, use across time zones, trading time, uncertainty, disruption to current centralised economic systems, lender of last resort in the form of a central bank, as well as distance and culture in international trade. The methodology used is the well-known and classic SWOT analysis, which provides tools for analysing the pros and cons of digital currencies. It sheds light on the advantages and disadvantages of digital currencies, including strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. The results vary depending on the weight of the four measures provided. The practical implications are that it is important to be aware of the measured factors when trading: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. Finally, it is believed that the value/originality of the research sheds light on issues that people need to be aware of when considering entering into a transaction using some form of digital currency.
COVID-19 handling strategy in Iceland : Centralised and expert-led
(Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd., 2024-11-01) Eythórsson, Grétar Thór; Haug, Are Vegard; Faculty of Business Administration
In this chapter, material from a case study based on interviews in northern Iceland’s Akureyri municipality is used to shed light on how and which governmental-level decisions or recommendations on crisis reactions were made and how actors at different levels reacted to and implemented these. The mayor of Akureyri, who had a very good oversight of how things developed, was interviewed, along with the chairman of the municipal council. This interview data is used here to investigate how decisions, including either recommendations or restrictions from the state level, were perceived at the local level. The findings will be considered in relation to how Iceland succeeded in fighting the pandemic.

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