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Langsiktige effekter av flatehogst på jordkarbondynamikk i boreale granskoger
Get PDFIn boreal forests the majority of the carbon (C) stock is located in the soil. The size of
the soil C stock is regulated by the dynamics of C inputs and outputs, which together
determine the current sink or source strength of the ecosystem. However, this
delicate balance is vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbances like harvesting. Clearcutting
is the most common harvesting method in Fennoscandia, but our knowledge
about the long-term consequences of this practice is limited due to the few number
of studies performed in mature forests.
This thesis investigated the current soil C dynamics in mature boreal forests with
different harvesting histories. As part of the EcoForest project, we compared twelve
pairs of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) forests in South-Eastern Norway.
Each pair consisted of one previously clear-cut forest and one near-natural forest
that was never clear-cut. This unique study setup revealed that harvesting history
influences current soil C fluxes from plant litter inputs and soil respiration, although
the difference in the present C balance is likely to be minor. Further, this work finds
little evidence that clear-cutting has long-term effects on initial decomposition of
above- and belowground litters. However, the results indicate that fungal biomass
stocks are larger in near-natural forests compared to clear-cut forests and that this
difference is controlled by the size of the soil organic layer.
In summary, this thesis increases our general understanding of ecological
mechanisms related to C dynamics in mature boreal forests and specifically
provides insights into the long-term consequences of clear-cutting. This knowledge
is valuable in the context of ongoing changes in the C sink-source balance of boreal
forests, which are not yet fully understood.I boreale skoger er mesteparten av karbonet lagret i jorda. Mengden jordkarbon
bestemmes av forskjellene mellom karbontilførsel og -utslipp som også er
bestemmende for om økosystemet i sum fungerer som et sluk eller en kilde for
karbon. Denne sårbare balansen er følsom for menneskelige forstyrrelser, som for
eksempel hogst. Flatehogst er den vanligste hogstformen i Fennoskandia, men vi vet
lite om langtidseffektene av denne praksisen på karbonbalansen, siden det finnes få
studier fra eldre skoger.
I denne avhandlingen har jeg undersøkt jordkarbondynamikk i boreale skoger med
ulik hogsthistorie. Som en del av prosjektet EcoForest sammenlignet vi tolv par
granskoger (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) i Sørøst-Norge. Hvert par besto av en tidligere
flatehogd skog og en såkalt naturskog, som aldri har vært flatehogd. Dette unike
studieoppsettet gjorde det mulig å vise at tidligere hogstpraksis har betydning for
jordkarbonflukser fra plantestrø og jordrespirasjon, selv om forskjellen i den
nåværende karbonbalansen antakeligvis er liten. Videre er det lite som tyder på at
tidligere flatehogst har langsiktige konsekvenser for den tidlige nedbrytningsfasen
av over- og underjordisk strø. Resultatene indikerer likevel at lagrene av
soppbiomasse er større i naturskoger sammenlignet med tidligere flatehogde
skoger, og at denne forskjellen kontrolleres av tykkelsen på det organiske sjiktet.
Sammenlagt bidrar denne avhandlingen til å øke vår generelle forståelse av
økologiske mekanismer relatert til karbondynamikk i eldre, boreal granskog, men
også til mer spesifikk innsikt i langtidskonsekvensene av flatehogst. Dette er
verdifull kunnskap i en tid der vi fortsatt ikke helt forstår de pågående endringene i
karbonbalansen i de boreale skogene
Deterring Money Laundering Through Policy Changes: The Case of Italy
Get PDFABSTRACT
This thesis applies expected utility theory to model how individuals make rational decisions to engage or to abstain from criminal behaviour, based on perceived risks, rewards and moral costs. A two-step model is developed: (1) represents the choice to commit crime; (2) represents the utility of laundering the proceeds of crime. The model is static, reflecting decision-making at a single point in time without accounting for repeated interactions. Italy is then chosen as a case study due to its persistent struggle with organized crime despite having strong formal legislation, offering a compelling case for studying the effectiveness of different policy approaches on illicit behaviour. Available data suggests that while the country has relatively severe penalties, the low detection probability weakens the deterrence effect. Scenarios for Italy indicates that increasing the perceived detection probability is a particularly cost-effective strategy to reduce illicit behaviour. This is further reinforced when complemented with strong moral values. Policy recommendations for Italy include: (1) increased investment in financial intelligence units (Guardia di Finanza); (2) initiatives to promote public responsibility and build trust in institutions; and (3) the development of a standardized, measurable framework for monitoring policy effectiveness. These measures are aimed at strengthening both domestic enforcement, and international cooperation. The findings support a shift from prioritizing sanction severity toward raising detection probability and promoting social integrity as more effective strategy for combating money laundering
Capnocytophaga canimorsus : a hidden threat in our pets : a literature review
Get PDFCapnocytophaga canimorsus er en Gram-negativ stavbakterie, som finnes i normalfloraen i munnhulen til hunder og katter. Bakterien er en zoonose, som vil si at den kan smitte fra dyr til mennesker. C. canimorsus smitter via spytt gjennom bitt, klør og kontakt med åpne sår. Dette er en krevende bakterie å dyrke og diagnostisere, der vanlig diagnostikk baseres på blodkultur, PCR og enten 16s rRNA-sekvensering eller MALDI-TOF.
Bakterien kan gi alvorlige infeksjoner, slik som sepsis, septisk sjokk og organsvikt. Vanlige symptomer på disse infeksjonene er feber, nedsatt allmenntilstand, ulike typer hudutslett og perifer nekrose. De vanligste kliniske parametere ved C. canimorsus indusert sepsis er forhøyet CRP og leukocytose.
Ofte er det personer med underliggende risikofaktorer, som utvikler alvorlig sykdom. Disse risikofaktorene er blant annet aspleni, alkoholisme og immunsuppresjon. Mest utbredt behandling er bredspektret betalaktamantibiotika, karbapenemer og tredjegenerasjons cefalosporiner.
Det finnes svært lite forskning på C. canimorsus, spesielt innenfor dyrkning og anbefalt behandling. Per i dag finnes det ingen tilgjengelig forskning fra Norge.Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a Gram-negative rod bacterium found in the normal flora of the oral cavity of dogs and cats. The bacterium is transmitted via saliva through bites, scratches, and contact with open wounds. Culturing and diagnosing this bacterium are challenging; common diagnostic methods include the use of blood culture, PCR, and either 16s rRNA sequencing or MALDI-TOF.
The bacterium can cause severe infections, such as sepsis, septic shock, and organ failure. Common symptoms of these infections include fever, reduced general condition, various types of skin rashes, and peripheral necrosis. The most common clinical parameters in C. canimorsus-induced sepsis are elevated CRP and leukocytosis.
Severe illness often develops in individuals with underlying risk factors. These risk factors include asplenia, alcoholism, and immunosuppression. The most widespread treatments are broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotics, carbapenems, and third-generation cephalosporins. There is very little research on Capnocytophaga canimorsus, especially regarding cultivation and recommended treatment. No research has been conducted in Norway.B-DY
Integration of immigrants through labour force participation in Norway : effects and challenges
Get PDFNorwegian integration policy emphasizes immigrants’ participation in the labour market, as it is argued to be important for sustaining the welfare state and for the wellbeing and integration of immigrants. To understand and assess this policy focus, this thesis investigates the integration of immigrants though labour force participation in Norway and assesses its effects and challenges. The thesis examines central statements and policy efforts by the Norwegian state, documents some of the effects of labour market participation and the experiences of immigrants and employers, as well as examine some central challenges in achieving the desired goals. The results show that the Norwegian government policies focus on preparing the immigrants for the Norwegian labour market, and that there has been an increasing trend of labour participation among immigrants in Norway. However, a gap remains between immigrants and the rest of the population in terms of the level of employment, the share of employment in full-time positions, income level, the stability of connections to the labour market, and the ability to secure employment that matches qualifications with position and income. Furthermore, some immigrants express that they do not always feel fully valued and appreciated for the competencies they bring with them to Norway, nor for the efforts they make in seeking employment. Many employers express a favourable view of ethnic diversity among their employees, but strict labour requirements and discrimination in the Norwegian labour market are found to be central challenges to immigrants’ labour participation. The findings are discussed by applying the concept of integration, arguing that a more balanced and mutually respectful and responsive integration process is needed to enhance the level of employment and its positive impact on integration, and to better address central challenges related to strict labour market requirements and discrimination.B-D
Initial Characterization of WxL Proteins Derived From Lactiplantibacillus pentosus KW1
Get PDFLactic acid bacteria (LAB) are a gram-positive, non-sporing group of bacteria that have shown potential as vaccine delivery vectors by anchoring heterologous antigens on their cell surface. Various anchoring strategies have been developed to achieve surface exposure of these antigens. Proteins harbouring a Trp-X-Leu motif, named WxL proteins, have been suggested to bind non-covalently to peptidoglycan, making them promising candidates for surface display. However, most existing studies are limited to in silico analyses of the WxL proteins, highlighting the need for experimental validation.
In this thesis, the main goal it to provide an initial characterization of selected WxL proteins from Lactiplantibacillus pentosus KW1. The characterization includes determining the conditions in which these proteins are produced, elucidating their potential functions, evaluating possible binding capabilities, and identifying potential interaction partners. To investigate under which conditions these proteins were produced, vectors harbouring the predicted promoters upstream of WxL clusters, were cloned upstream of a reporter gene (mCherry). To investigate binding properties, the sequences of WxL1, WxL2A and WxL3A, were selected and cloned into vectors for overexpression in Escherichia coli. WxL1 was successfully purified, and binding experiments were conducted under different conditions to test external binding affinity to bacterial surface and purified peptidoglycan. Potential binding was assessed using SDS-PAGE, flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. In silico analysis of one selected gene cluster (c1) was performed to explore potential cooperative interactions among the encoded proteins in the cluster. Based on the in silico findings, interaction studies were conducted to evaluate potential interactions between WxL1 and the downstream gene, named Tmem1, in the c1 gene cluster.
The results indicate that native WxL production is tightly regulated, possibly influenced by promoters responsive to nutrient availability, suggesting a nutrient-dependent expression profile. WxL proteins show affinity for both intact L. pentosus KW1 cells and purified peptidoglycan, with binding occurring under specific conditions such as defined pH levels and ionic strength, and potentially the presence of calcium ions (CaCl₂). Additionally, WxL1 was found to reduce growth and induce aggregation in E. coli, implying a potential role in cell-cell interactions. WxL1 also indicated a high affinity interaction with Tmem1 encoded in the same cluster, indicating a cooperative function potentially facilitating surface localization and enhancing the binding activity of WxL1
Byrommene langs Nedre Akerselva - Et samlingspunkt for mangfold
No full textMasterprosjektet utforsker hvordan byrommene langs
Nedre Akerselva på Grønland i Oslo kan utformes etter
at Nylandsbrua er revet. Siden 1971 har Nylandsbruas
tilstedeværelse i byrommene bidratt til opplevd utrygghet
gjennom mørke områder og begrenset oversikt, samtidig som
det har redusert myke trafikanters mulighet for bevegelse.
Delbydelen skiller seg i tillegg ut fra andre områder i Oslo
ved å ha betydelige utfordringer knyttet til levekår og sosiale
forhold. På samme tid kjennetegnes Grønland av å være
et mangfoldig område, med en særegen stedskarakter,
en flerkulturell befolkning og et rikt utvalg av tilbud. Disse
verdiene står i fare for å gå tapt i alle utbyggingsprosjektene
som er planlagt frem i tid. På bakgrunn av dette har det vært
aktuelt å utforme byrommene med et ønske om å synliggjøre
stedsidentiteten og fremme opplevd trygghet på Grønland.
Med fokus på denne tematikken, kommer prosjektet med
forslag til løsninger på et overordnet og detaljert nivå. På
det overordnede nivået gjenåpnes Akerselva, Nylandsbrua
nedrampes, og det anlegges en bygate. Prosjektområdet
programmeres også med ulik aktivitet for å fremme
opplevd trygghet. Detaljene er viktige for stedsidentiteten,
og på dette nivået fokuserer vi på mangfold av aktiviteter.
De representerer det allerede eksisterende kulturelle
mangfoldet vi ønsker å styrke. Videre har vi kommet frem
til identitetsskapende elementer og trygghetsskapende
tiltak som tydeliggjøres i utformingen. Kulturelt mangfold,
Akerselva og stedskarakteren er viktige elementer for å
bevare stedsidentiteten og livligheten på Grønland. De
trygghetsskapende tiltakene omfatter belysning, oversikt,
vedlikehold, fysisk orden og tilstedeværelse av andre folk.
Ved å hensynta disse aspektene, ønsker prosjektet å sikre
at utviklingen respekterer og forbedrer det rike kulturelle
mangfoldet som definerer lokalsamfunnet.The master thesis explore how the urban spaces along
the lower part of Akerselva at Grønland in Oslo can be
designed after the reconstruction of Nylandsbrua. Since 1971,
Nylandsbrua has contributed to perceived unsafety due to
reduced overview and dark areas, and the bridge has limited
pedestrians possibility of movement. In addition, the subdistrict
stands out from other areas in Oslo with its significant
challenges related to living conditions and social issues.
Simultaneously, Grønland is characterized as a diverse area
with a distinctive character, multicultural population and a rich
array of amenities. The planned development projects pose a
risk of degrading these central values over time. Therefore, it
has been relevant to design the urban spaces with a desire to
strengthen the place identity and promote perceived safety.
This project contributes through a dual lens – articulating
broader development strategies while simultaneously
attending to detailed spatial solutions. On the broader level,
Akerselva is being reopened, involving the reconstruction of
Nylandsbrua and establishing an urban street. The project
area is also programmed with different activities to promote
perceived safety. The details are vital for the place identity.
At this level, the focus is on the existing cultural diversity.
Furthermore, we have uncovered elements that emphasize
the identity of the place and measures that promote perceived
safety. These elements and measures are integrated in
the design solution. Cultural diversity, Akerselva and the
character of the place are important elements for sustaining
the place identity and the vibrance of Grønland. When
it comes to perceived safety, measures such as lighting,
overview, maintenance, physical incivilities and the presence
of other people are important. By addressing these aspects,
the project aims to ensure that the development respects
and enhances the rich cultural diversity that defines the
community
Miljø- og produksjonsforholds innvirkning på dødelighet og vekst hos atlantisk laks: En casestudie av tre norske oppdrettslokasjoner
Get PDFDrift av oppdrettslokasjoner for atlantisk laks bærer preg av kompleksitet og mange ukontrollerbare faktorer. Samtidig er det både økonomisk og velferdsmessig motivert å kunne ta gode valg for hvordan oppdrettet drives på hver enkelt lokasjon. Dagens forskning er i hovedsak gjennomført i kontrollerte forskningsmiljøer, noe som begrenser forståelsen av hvordan ulike faktorer påvirker produksjon under reelle driftsforhold. Det er derfor behov for studier som undersøker disse sammenhengene i operative oppdrettsanlegg.
Denne studien tar for seg problemstillingen: "Hvordan kan analyser av miljø- og produksjonsdata bidra til å forstå sammenhenger mellom produksjonsforhold, dødelighet og vekst ved operative oppdrettslokasjoner for atlantisk laks?"
Studien har fokusert på å produsere forskning med praktisk relevans og anvendbarhet. Dette er gjort gjennom kvalitative bidrag fra virksomhetsbesøk og kvantitative analyser av oksygenmetning, tidevann, temperatur, biomasse, dødelighet og vekstdata fra tre operative oppdrettslokasjoner for atlantisk laks.
Studien viser at analyser av miljø- og produksjonsdata gir verdifull innsikt i hvordan oksygenmetning påvirker vekst hos atlantisk laks i oppdrett. Suboptimale oksygenforhold opptrer hyppigst i september og på 15 meters dyp. Tidevannet har betydelig effekt på oksygenmetningen, men denne varierer med årstid og mellom lokasjoner. Resultatene indikerer redusert tilvekst ved lave oksygennivåer, samt at høy utsatt biomasse og lav utsettingsvekt er knyttet til henholdsvis redusert vekst og økt dødelighet. Funnene gir grunnlag for mer målrettet tilpasning av driftsrutiner som avlusning og fôring. For å styrke funnene anbefales videre forskning hvor sensorplassering er standardisert relativt til de lokale miljøforholdene ved lokasjonene, samt studier over flere produksjonssykluser.The operation of Atlantic salmon aquaculture sites is characterized by complexity and numerous uncontrollable factors. At the same time, there are both economic and animal welfare incentives to make informed decisions about how farming is managed at each site. Current research is largely conducted under controlled experimental conditions, which limits our understanding of how various factors influence production under real-life operational settings. There is therefore a need for studies that investigate these relationships in commercial farming environments.
This study addresses the following research question: "How can analyses of environmental and production data contribute to understanding the relationships between production conditions, mortality, and growth at operational Atlantic salmon farming sites?"
The study has emphasized producing research with practical relevance and applicability. This has been achieved through qualitative input from site visits and quantitative analyses of oxygen saturation, tidal currents, temperature, biomass, mortality, and growth data from three operational Atlantic salmon aquaculture sites.
The findings demonstrate that analyses of environmental and production data can provide valuable insights into how oxygen saturation affects growth in farmed Atlantic salmon. Suboptimal oxygen conditions occur most frequently in September and at 15 meters depth. Tidal currents have a significant impact on oxygen levels, though this effect varies across seasons and locations. The results indicate reduced growth under low oxygen conditions, and further show that high ponding biomass and low initial ponding weight are associated with reduced growth and increased mortality, respectively. These findings provide a basis for more targeted adaptation of operational practices such as delousing and feeding. To strengthen the conclusions, further research is recommended with standardized sensor placement relative to local environmental conditions, as well as studies spanning multiple production cycles
The Effects of Voluntary Sustained Exercise Training on Behaviour, Stress, and Pain Mitigation in Juvenile Farmed Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Get PDFExercise is proven beneficial to both mammals and fish, leading to reduced aggression. In mammals, individuals typically choose physical activity over rest, even when experiencing pain. This may be due to the pain-mitigating effects of exercise, as observed in rodents. Whether fish exhibit similar preferences remains unclear. However, the presence of nociceptors and behavioural responses to noxious stimuli in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) indicates that they are capable of pain perception. Therefore, we set out to study if rainbow trout experiencing pain would opt to exercise, and whether exercise resulted in stress- and pain-mitigating effects also in fish.
This study examined how sustained and short-term exercise training impacts behaviour, stress, and pain mitigation in farmed rainbow trout. Pain was induced through a nociceptive challenge involving an injection of acetic acid (0.1%) into the fish's lips. Sustained exercise was achieved through 40 days of activity in an exercise tank with a moderate flow (1.5 BL s-1) simulating natural river conditions, while voluntary short-term exercise (1h) was facilitated by implementing a flow zone (1.5 BL s-1) in an exercise choice arena divided into flow and calm zones.
The findings of this study revealed a significant preference for exercise when in pain, particularly among fish previously adapted to exercise in the Exercise Choice group. Additionally, fish that had the opportunity to choose exercise exhibited elevated serotonergic, dopaminergic, and noradrenergic activity in the dorsomedial pallium, suggesting that both physical activity and control over the environment supports neurobiological welfare. In contrast, fish that had adapted to exercise but experienced a sudden loss of flow displayed more aggression, snout rubbing, and increased serotonergic turnover, indicating frustration caused by the unexpected loss of a rewarding stimulus. These findings have clear relevance for fish welfare and the aquaculture industry. Providing flow and variation in exercise that allows fish to choose their level of activity could reduce stress and aggressive interactions, in addition to increase health and performance in the fish. This should be considered not only in hatcheries but also during the sea phase to reduce stress-induced frustration when the flow is removed. Future research should therefore explore how voluntary exercise affects stress, behaviour, and pain mitigation under commercial farming practices
Behavioral response to camera traps
Get PDFI studied the behavioral response of three mammals to camera trap
Mapping of mitochondrial haplotypes associated with pyrethroid resistance in the salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis)
Get PDFLakselus er et stort problem for akvakulturnæringen, med negativ innvirkning på fiskevelferd og økte kostnader i forbindelse med dårlig fiskehelse, behandlingstiltak og etterlevelse av regelverk. Medikamentell avlusning er en av verktøyene som næringen har tilgjengelig for å bekjempe lakselus, men resistens har utviklet seg mot mange av de mest brukte substansene. Pyretroider, og da spesielt deltametrin, var tidligere en av de mest brukte midlene, men blir nå nesten ikke brukt på grunn av økt grad av resistens og bekymringer rundt miljøpåvirkningen. Mekanismene bak pyretroidresistens er ikke fullstendig kartlagt. Hos en rekke artropoder antas det at resistens er forårsaket av såkalte knockdown-mutasjoner i genet som koder for spenningsstyrte natriumkanaler, men det har ikke vært mulig å trekke en lignende konklusjon hos lakselus. I stedet så er det funnet bevis som tyder på at mitokondriene kan være involvert. Denne antagelsen styrkes av oppdagelser som at pyretroidresistens hovedsakelig følger maternell nedarving, at ATP-nivåer blir mindre påvirket etter behandling hos resistente lus enn hos følsomme lus, og at det er sett en økt grad av homogenitet i mitokodnrielt DNA i den atlantiske lakseluspopulasjon etter introduksjon av pyretroider. Nåværende status for pyretroidresistens langs norskekysten er dårlig kartlagt. Målet til denne studien var å utvikle en protokoll for å undersøke adulte hunnlus for fire ulike mutasjoner assosiert med resistens i mitokondrielt DNA og sammenligne disse med følsomhetstall fra deres kopepodittavkom.Salmon lice are a large problem for the aquaculture industry, negatively impacting animal welfare and increasing costs associated with poor fish health, treatment and regulations. Medicinal delousing is one of the tools the industry possesses to combat lice infestations, but resistance has developed against many of the substances commonly used. Pyrethroids, especially deltamethrin, was one of the most important substances used, but has now fallen out of fashion because of resistance and environmental concerns. The mechanisms behind pyrethroid resistance is not perfectly understood. In a large number of arthropods resistance is thought to be expressed through knock-down mutations in the gene coding for voltage gated sodium channels, but no such connection has been made in the salmon lice. However, there is evidence suggesting that mitochondrial mutations might be involved. This assumption is strengthened by the discovery that pyrethroid resistance mainly follows a maternal inheritance pattern, that ATP-levels are less affected after treatment in resistant lice, and that the mitochondrial DNA in the Atlantic salmon lice population has become more homogenous after pyrethroids were introduced. The current resistance status along the Norwegian coast is not well categorized. The goal of this study was to develop a protocol to screen adult female lice for four mutations associated with resistance in the mitochondrial genome and to compare these with sensitivity levels established on copepodite offspring.VE