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Insights into silicon cycling from ice sheet to coastal ocean from isotope geochemistry
Get PDFThe polar regions are biologically productive and play a critical role in regional and global biogeochemical cycling. A key nutrient is dissolved silicon, required for the growth of siliceous phytoplankton, diatoms, which form an important component of polar ecosystems. Glacial weathering is thought to be an important dissolved silicon source to coastal waters, especially critical in regions experiencing seasonal silicon limitation of diatom growth. However, complex physical and biogeochemical interactions in fjords and coastal regions modulate the downstream supply of dissolved and particulate nutrients, including silicon. Here, we review the biogeochemical complexities of glaciated margins and the insights into this system that silicon isotope geochemistry offer. We show that stable and radioisotopic measurements and biogeochemical numerical modelling provide a quantitative mechanistic understanding of subglacial silica mobilisation and its cycling across the land-ocean continuum. Subglacial weathering produces isotopically light amorphous silica, which dissolves in seawater to release dissolved silicon. Our findings show that isotopically light, detrital silica, likely containing glacial material, reaches the ocean and there could support a substantial proportion of diatom productivity, especially in the Arctic. Outstanding questions about silicon cycling in these crucial environments will be addressed through novel and cross-discipline approaches that overcome traditionally viewed ecosystem boundaries
Cold Seeps and Coral Reefs in Northern Norway: Carbon Cycling in Marine Ecosystems With Coexisting Features
Get PDFCold seeps and cold-water corals (CWCs) coexist on Northern Norway's continental shelf at the Hola trough between Lofoten and Vesterålen. Here, cold seeps release methane from the seabed, yet none reaches the sea surface. Instead, the methane dissolves and disperses in the ocean where it is ultimately consumed by methane-oxidizing microorganisms. These microorganisms metabolize methane and release carbon dioxide and dissolved organic matter (DOM), which may impact the biogeochemical habitat of CWCs in close vicinity of cold seeps. We investigated the biogeochemistry of carbon, carbon isotopes, nutrients, DOM compositions, and microbial diversity in the water column. Our results indicated that dissolved inorganic carbon concentrations were 29% higher near cold seeps with modified carbon's isotopic compositions. The hydrophysical parameters and surface-to-bottom control of sinking particles mainly govern water column productivity and nutrient cycle. DOM compositions implied that the seep-associated microbiomes modify DOM's chemical diversity and isotopic composition at CWCs and the entire water column near cold seeps. Cold seeps and CWCs coexist in Northern Norway's continental shelves; however, enhanced water temperatures and consequent increase in methane release at cold seeps may modify the carbon cycling in the area, which could mitigate the ecological role and functioning of CWC reefs in the future
Exploring Multimorbidity Patterns in older hospitalized Norwegian patients using Network Analysis modularity
No full textBackground Understanding Multimorbidity Patterns (MPs) is crucial for planning healthcare interventions, allocating resources, and improving patients’ outcomes.
Objective We aim to demonstrate the use of Network Analysis (NA) to explore the MPs in hospitalized Norwegian older patients.
Methods We utilized data from the Norwegian Patient Registry (NPR) of all admissions between 2017 and 2019. The study population included patients ≥ 65 years old with two or more different conditions. Multimorbidity was defined as the co-occurrence of two or more associated chronic conditions. Chronic conditions were identified using the Chronic Condition Indicator Refined (CCIR) list. The association between chronic conditions was determined by calculating Relative Risk (RR) and Phi-correlation to detect pairs of conditions that co-occur beyond chance. A multimorbidity network was created, and MPs were detected using Louvain method for community detection. We suggested a clinical interpretation for these MPs.
Results A total of 539 chronic conditions were used to create a multimorbidity network revealing several MPs. These modules included patterns of vision and hearing disorders, cardiorenal syndrome, metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, respiratory disorders, endocrine and skin conditions, autoimmune and musculoskeletal disorders, as well as mental and behavioral disorders. Using NA centrality measures, we identified the most influential conditions in each module. An interactive network and sunburst graphs for each module are publicly available.
Conclusion The study demonstrates the use of NA modularity detection in identifying MPs. The findings highlight the complex interaction of chronic conditions in the elderly and the potential of NA methodology in exploring these relationships
Needs, harms, and liberalism
Get PDFAuthors accepted manuscript - submitted to Critical Review of International Social and Political Philosophy (CRISPP): https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/fcri20/current.The harm principle entails the subprinciple that harm to others provides a pro tanto moral
reason for legal or social coercion. We address a ‘scope problem’ for that subprinciple: how
can what counts as harm be restricted sufficiently, without sacrificing extensional adequacy, to
protect the harm principle’s liberal credentials? While recognizing the centrality of such basic
liberties as freedom of speech, freedom of association, and freedom of movement to any
liberalism worthy of the name, a satisfactory solution to the scope problem must secure a
distinction between conduct that harms others and conduct that, while it might negatively affect
others (casually or relationally), does not harm them. We ground such a distinction in a further
distinction between needs and attitudes
Beredskapshjem En kvalitativ studie basert på beredskapshjemmenes subjektive opplevelse av å være beredskapshjem.
Get PDFSammendrag
Bakgrunnen for dette prosjektet er et ønske om å undersøke hvordan beredskapshjem som tar imot barn i akutte situasjoner, opplever å være beredskapshjem. Prosjektet er en del av masterutdanningen i sosialt arbeid som gjennomføres på Universitetet i Tromsø, Norges arktiske universitet, heretter UIT. Prosjektet er delt opp i ulike kapittel hvor det systematisk gjøres rede for prosjektets gjennomføring.
Problemstillingen er På hvilken måte oppleves det å være beredskapshjem?
I dette kvalitative forskningsprosjektet presenteres en rekke begreper som er relevant for forskningen, deretter ser vi på det teoretiske utgangspunktet, som er teorier om samarbeid, faseteori og motivasjonsteori. Videre presenteres tidligere forskning på området beredskapshjem, akutte situasjoner og samarbeid. I metodedelen presenteres på hvilken måte prosjektet er jobbet med, og hvordan jeg har gått fram for å finne svar på problemstillingen. Det er i dette prosjektet rekruttert ulike mennesker som jobber om beredskapshjem til kvalitative forskningsintervju. Her får vi møte 9 mennesker i til sammen 8 ulike intervjuer. Vi skal se på fenomenologi og dens plass i prosjektet. Funnene som kom fram i intervjuene er analysert igjennom Braun og Clarke (2022) tematisk analyse, som igjen har gitt funn i tre ulike temaer, som er, egen livsstil, samarbeid og motivasjon. Deretter følger en drøftingsdel hvor vi ser på funnene i lys av tidligere forskning og teori. Prosjektet avsluttes med en kort gjennomgang av hva vi har vært igjennom, samt svaret på problemstillingen, som er at vi her har fått et lite innblikk i disse beredskapshjemmenes subjektive opplevelse av å være beredskapshjem. Det må poengteres at til tross for disse funnene, kan det være andre beredskapshjem, som opplever det å være beredskapshjem annerledes og funnene kan derfor ikke representere alle beredskapshjems opplevelser
Grønn omstilling på dypt vann?
Get PDFDenne studien undersøker om og eventuelt hvordan CO₂-avgiften og den tilhørende kompensasjonsordningen påvirker fiskeflåtens miljømessige, økonomiske og institusjonelle bærekraft. Bakgrunnen for studien er at fiskerinæringen, til tross for økte klimaforpliktelser og gradvis høyere CO₂-avgift, har hatt en økning i utslipp. Samtidig har næringen vært gjenstand for en kompensasjonsordning som reduserer den økonomiske belastningen knyttet til avgiften. Studien undersøker også om kompensasjonsordningen er institusjonelt bærekraftig. Dette reiser spørsmål om i hvilken grad disse virkemidlene samlet sett bidrar til eller svekker flåtens bærekraft.
Studien bygger på en kvantitativ analyse basert på sekundærdata fra Fiskeridirektoratet og Garantikassen for fiskere. Analysen har undersøkt om endringer i kompensasjon og CO₂-avgift gir ulike utfall i miljømessige og økonomiske nøkkeltall. Ifølge teorien kan CO₂-avgiften bidra til å korrigere markedssvikt ved å prise miljøskadelige aktiviteter og dermed legge til rette for utslippsreduksjon. Resultatene viser imidlertid at CO₂-avgiften har begrenset effekt på utslipp i flåten. Fartøygrupper med lavt utslipp, responderer tydelig på avgiftsøkninger, mens utslippsintensive grupper viser liten endring. Kompensasjonsordningen svekker insentivet til å redusere utslipp ved å dekke en vesentlig del av kostnaden, og medfører at en større andel av midlene tilfaller fartøygrupper med høyere lønnsomhet og høy drivstoffintensitet. Dette kan svekke legitimiteten til kompensasjonsordningen.
Økonomisk sett er de fleste fartøygruppene lønnsomme og i stand til å håndtere høyere avgifter. Studien viser at kombinasjonen av CO₂-avgiften og kompensasjonsordningen ikke i tilstrekkelig grad fremmer en bærekraftig utvikling i fiskeflåten. Funnene gir et empirisk grunnlag for å revurdere CO₂-avgiftens og kompensasjonsordningens rolle og utforming.
Nøkkelord: CO₂-avgift, kompensasjonsordning, bærekraft, fiskeflåten, utslippsreduksjonThis study explores whether and how the CO₂ tax and the related compensation scheme affect the environmental, economic, and institutional sustainability of the fishing fleet. The background for the study is that, despite increased climate commitments and a gradually rising CO₂ tax, emissions from the fishing industry have increased. At the same time, the industry has benefited from a compensation scheme that reduces the financial burden of the tax. The study also examines whether the compensation scheme is institutionally sustainable. This raises the question of whether these measures, taken together, help or weaken the fleet’s overall sustainability.
The study is based on a quantitative analysis using secondary data from the Directorate of Fisheries and the Fishermen’s Guarantee Fund. The analysis investigates whether changes in compensation and the CO₂ tax lead to different outcomes in key environmental and economic indicators. According to theory, a CO₂ tax can help correct market failure by putting a price on polluting activities, thus encouraging emission reductions. However, the results show that the CO₂ tax has limited effects on emissions in the fleet. Vessel groups with low emissions respond clearly to tax increases, while high-emission groups show little change. The compensation scheme reduces the incentive to cut emissions by covering a significant part of the costs. As a result, a larger share of the funds goes to vessel groups with higher profitability and fuel intensity. This may weaken the legitimacy of the scheme.
Economically, most vessel groups are profitable and able to handle higher taxes. The study finds that the combination of the CO₂ tax and the compensation scheme does not sufficiently promote sustainable development in the fishing fleet. These findings provide an empirical basis for rethinking the role and design of both the CO₂ tax and the compensation scheme.
Keywords: CO₂ tax, compensation scheme, sustainability, fishing fleet, emission reductio
Environmental impact and efficacy of different antifouling coatings in the Atlantic and Baltic Transition marine regions
Get PDFThis thesis evaluates the environmental impact and efficacy of various antifouling (AF) coatings under field conditions across three marine sites in the Baltic Transition and Atlantic regions. The AF paints tested in the study included five copper-based coatings with varying copper content (6 – 32 wt% Cu2O), one alternative biocidal coating containing tralopyril and one biocide-free silicone foul release coating. Biocide release was quantified using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) and environmental risk was assessed through Marine Antifouling Model to Predict Environmental Concentrations (MAMPEC) via Risk Characterisation Ratios (RCRs).
The results demonstrate that in-situ XRF measurements, when integrated into the new environmental risk assessment (ERA) tool, provide a robust basis for estimating biocide release and assessing environmental risk. Applying this method revealed that most copper-based coatings exceed acceptable environmental thresholds, particularly in Baltic Transition sites, suggesting that they could face challenges under current approval frameworks if evaluated using this method. The tralopyril-based coating exhibited alarmingly high RCRs at all test locations, raising serious environmental concerns about its continued marketing.
When the coatings were compared by performance and environmental risk, the silicone coating emerged as the most promising option, achieving high antifouling efficacy with minimal environmental impact. Additionally, low copper-content coatings demonstrated a favourable balance of acceptable efficacy and lower environmental impact than coatings with higher copper content. Site-specific differences also influenced both fouling intensity and environmental risk, with Baltic Transition sites experiencing heavier fouling but greater copper efficacy. Lower RCRs were generally observed in the Atlantic region for the copper-based coatings, likely due to enhanced water exchange assumed in the MAMPEC model. However, this may lead to an underestimation of environmental risk in sensitive areas like Arcachon Bay.
A case study of Arcachon Bay was performed to model the annual metal loads resulting from using either of the five studied copper-based AF coatings. The model estimated that continued use of copper coatings, similar to those currently in use in the area, could result in annual copper emissions of up to 8 tonnes per year, posing considerable risks to the local marine ecosystem, particularly to oyster populations. However, this load could be reduced to around 2 tonnes annually if boaters switch to a low-copper alternative, or even eliminated entirely by adopting biocide-free silicone coatings. These findings highlight the potential environmental benefits of transitioning to more sustainable antifouling strategies without compromising fouling control
Striving for Decent and Formal Work Opportunities: How Young People Navigate Employment in Bujumbura
Get PDFThis research explores how young people currently in higher education or with completed university degrees in Bujumbura, Burundi, experience and navigate access to decent and formal employment. Despite formal education being widely viewed as a pathway to personal development, social status, and decent work, many young Burundians face structural, and social barriers that prevent them from translating their educational qualifications into meaningful job opportunities. Drawing on the Capability Approach, the study investigates not only what young people are able to do and be in the labor market, but also the freedoms and constraints that shape these possibilities. The research is grounded in qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews with 34 youths and a document analysis of international documents related to employment. The research reveals four key themes; the value placed on education; the strategies youth employ to access decent and formal job opportunities; barriers within the labor market; and the broader personal and social consequences of persistent unemployment and underemployment. Further the research highlights the presence of systemic barriers such as favoritism, political affiliation, gender-based harassment, and the scarcity of formal employment. Despite these challenges, the study finds that young people are not idle, instead demonstrate significant agency in a constrained labor environment, often relying on personal networks, pursuing short-term gigs and entrepreneurship
FIXING THE BROKEN GLASS: INITIATIVES FOR RECONCILIATION AND SOCIAL COHESION IN THE GAMBIA
Get PDFThis study explores the reconciliation and social cohesion mechanisms in The Gambia by exploring the role of religious leaders and civil society actors in promoting reconciliation and social cohesion. Through in-depth interviews, this research aimed to understand the role religious leaders and civil society actors play in reconciling people and to explore the local initiatives that support their efforts to foster a peaceful and cohesive society.
The study adopted a qualitative research design, which enabled an in-depth assessment of the role of religious leaders and civil society actors in promoting reconciliation and social cohesion as well as the local strategies to complement their efforts. The study utilizes social capital theory and the peace from below approach as its theoretical framework.
The study found that religious leaders and civil society actors play a pivotal role in promoting reconciliation and social cohesion, thus building a peaceful and cohesive society. This research further revealed that the utilization of local initiatives is paramount for a sustainable reconciliation process. Finally, this study recommends that further research is needed in assessing the role of traditional leaders and women in the peacebuilding process through an in-person interview
Sanctions at the Gateway: The Unseen Human Rights Costs of U.S. Policy in Iran
Get PDFIn Iran, practicing digital rights involves contending with layers of regulation and constraint. Alongside domestic measures that influence online practices, another force compounds the pressures faced by Internet users, which is U.S. sanctions. This thesis investigates how U.S. sanctions affect Internet freedoms in Iran in interaction with existing regulatory dynamics. Originally, these sanctions were designed to target the Iranian state, but in practice, their impact extends to different aspects of ordinary people’s lives, including access to tools needed to bypass Internet restrictions and practice their digital rights.
Drawing on eight expert interviews and analyzed through the Cyber Justice framework, the study introduces the concept of Layered Digital Marginalization to explain how multiple barriers collectively constrain freedom of expression, access to information, and privacy. Despite efforts to mitigate civilian harm, findings of this study suggest that ambiguities in policy, corporate over-compliance, and a lack of responsiveness to users’ lived experiences continue to restrict meaningful digital engagement.
The study recommends that sanctions policies and digital governance frameworks be restructured to prioritize the lived realities of users and safeguard digital rights through inclusive, human-centered approaches