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Ympäristötunteet ja ympäristökuvittelut transformatiivisessa kestävän kehityksen oppimisessa : tapaustutkimus Oulun yliopiston kestävän kehityksen sivuaineesta
No full textEducation is seen as one of the pathways towards a more sustainable world. However, research has shown that because modern Western education system perpetuates neoliberal and capitalist values, it must undergo changes or it will be ill-equipped to develop the knowledges, skills, and consciousness that can lead to transformative action and instead may continue to perpetuate unsustainable behaviors (Jickling & Wals, 2008; Sterling, 2011). As a result, there has been growing interest in exploring the role of emotions and imaginations as forms of extrarational knowledge to counterbalance the dominance of objectivism in the current educational system. Emotions studies are well represented in sustainability research, but only a few investigate both emotions and imaginations. This study aims to address this gap by looking at the case of the Sustainable Development (SD) minor at Oulu University to understand how both emotions and imaginations are manifested in the learning experience.
This study uses an embedded single case study design wherein the SD minor is the case under study and the Principles of SD and Eco-critical Sustainability courses are the embedded units of analysis. Assuming a constructivist stance, I ground this research on transformative learning theories and use the model of Grund et al. (2024) as a theoretical framework and basis for the tracing of the occurrence of eco-emotions and eco-imaginations in the transformative learning process. The findings reveal that eco-emotions and eco-imaginations are not intentionally integrated into the SD minor design. However, they remain a core feature of the teaching method and learning experience due to the teachers’ personal motivations, pedagogical choices, and topic selection. Finally, eco-emotions and eco-imaginations are integral to and manifested in every phase of the transformative learning experience and are used not just as modes of expression but as coping, learning, planning, and future thinking tools.
This study contributes to ongoing research in sustainability education by suggesting further exploration into the relationality of emotions and imagination, the validity of emotions and imaginations as embodied ways of knowing and how both emotions and imaginations influence the learning process. This research also hopes to contribute to curriculum design, lesson planning, and transformative social action
Ezetimibe alone for over 75 years old as a primary prevention to decrease cardiovascular events
No full textAbstract
The EWTOPIA 75 (Ezetimibe Lipid-Lowering Trial on Prevention of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in 75 or Older) study supports the reduction in the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events with ezetimibe without statin therapy in persons aged ≥75 years without a history of coronary artery disease. This evidence has also been incorporated into the 2025 Focused Update of the 2019 ESC/EAS Guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemias. What might then be the potential explanations for the observed benefit of ezetimibe to prevent ASCVD in the EWTOPIA 75 study? First, cholesterol absorption efficiency generally increases with age. Therefore, cholesterol absorption-lowering medications, such as ezetimibe, are particularly beneficial in individuals aged 75 years and older, in whom low cholesterol absorption has been associated with fewer recurrent ASCVD events. It is also worth noting that ezetimibe may be more effective than a particular statin in reducing non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), which includes lipoprotein remnant particles. Therefore, the benefits of the achieved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels are not directly comparable between ezetimibe and statin therapy. It remains to be verified in future studies whether ezetimibe monotherapy would be helpful, specifically in older patients. If so, one possible explanation is that, even in the absence of clinical ASCVD, ezetimibe slows and stabilizes the atherosclerotic process that is still advancing. Finally, a trade-off between a less effective LDL-C lowering but a low frequency of adverse effects and drug interactions could lead to better long-term adherence in the setting of primary prevention.Abstract
The EWTOPIA 75 (Ezetimibe Lipid-Lowering Trial on Prevention of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in 75 or Older) study supports the reduction in the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events with ezetimibe without statin therapy in persons aged ≥75 years without a history of coronary artery disease. This evidence has also been incorporated into the 2025 Focused Update of the 2019 ESC/EAS Guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemias. What might then be the potential explanations for the observed benefit of ezetimibe to prevent ASCVD in the EWTOPIA 75 study? First, cholesterol absorption efficiency generally increases with age. Therefore, cholesterol absorption-lowering medications, such as ezetimibe, are particularly beneficial in individuals aged 75 years and older, in whom low cholesterol absorption has been associated with fewer recurrent ASCVD events. It is also worth noting that ezetimibe may be more effective than a particular statin in reducing non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), which includes lipoprotein remnant particles. Therefore, the benefits of the achieved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels are not directly comparable between ezetimibe and statin therapy. It remains to be verified in future studies whether ezetimibe monotherapy would be helpful, specifically in older patients. If so, one possible explanation is that, even in the absence of clinical ASCVD, ezetimibe slows and stabilizes the atherosclerotic process that is still advancing. Finally, a trade-off between a less effective LDL-C lowering but a low frequency of adverse effects and drug interactions could lead to better long-term adherence in the setting of primary prevention
Local environmental and spatial processes, not land use, shape the taxonomic and functional structure of pond zooplankton communities
No full textAbstract
Local environmental and spatial processes, in combination with surrounding land use, are considered key interacting mechanisms shaping the structure of aquatic communities. Traditional approaches have quantified the effects of environmental and spatial processes on community organization by focusing on its taxonomic facet only. The inclusion of functional traits, however, holds the potential to improve our ability to predict community responses to environmental filters, both biotic and abiotic, and major underlying spatial gradients. In this study, we evaluated the relative influence of local environmental conditions, land use and space on the taxonomic and functional composition of zooplankton communities across 47 ponds located in northwestern Spain. Variation partitioning showed that functional traits better reflected both local environmental and spatial effects on zooplankton community variation than species composition alone. Local environmental constraints were the primary source of community variation, although spatial effects also had a significant effect. However, large fractions of variation remained unexplained, a finding that is consistent with the prevalence of idiosyncratic and random stochastic events that have an effect on community structure. Land use did not play a significant role in explaining species distribution or functional trait variation, suggesting that changes in local environmental conditions may have masked the effects of land use on zooplankton community organization.Abstract
Local environmental and spatial processes, in combination with surrounding land use, are considered key interacting mechanisms shaping the structure of aquatic communities. Traditional approaches have quantified the effects of environmental and spatial processes on community organization by focusing on its taxonomic facet only. The inclusion of functional traits, however, holds the potential to improve our ability to predict community responses to environmental filters, both biotic and abiotic, and major underlying spatial gradients. In this study, we evaluated the relative influence of local environmental conditions, land use and space on the taxonomic and functional composition of zooplankton communities across 47 ponds located in northwestern Spain. Variation partitioning showed that functional traits better reflected both local environmental and spatial effects on zooplankton community variation than species composition alone. Local environmental constraints were the primary source of community variation, although spatial effects also had a significant effect. However, large fractions of variation remained unexplained, a finding that is consistent with the prevalence of idiosyncratic and random stochastic events that have an effect on community structure. Land use did not play a significant role in explaining species distribution or functional trait variation, suggesting that changes in local environmental conditions may have masked the effects of land use on zooplankton community organization
Beauty for Everyone(?) – An analysis of facades appreciated and criticized by architects and laypeople
No full textNykyarkkitehtuurissa keskustelu kauneudesta on jäänyt muiden tekijöiden varjoon, vaikka toimivan, käytännöllisen ja funktionaalisen muuttaminen kauniiksi voidaan katsoa olevan arkkitehdin velvollisuus. Keskustelu kauneudesta on ollut aktiivista maallikoiden parissa esimerkiksi sosiaalisen median foorumeilla. Tämä lähtöasetelma on pohjana diplomityössä Kauneutta Kaikille(?). Analyysi arkkitehtien ja maallikoiden arvostamista ja arvostelemista julkisivuista. Työn tavoitteena on syventää ymmärrystä kauneuteen liittyvien makumieltymysten eroista ja yhtäläisyyksistä arkkitehtuurin ammattilaisten ja käyttäjien välillä.
Taustoittavan kirjallisuustutkimuksen lisäksi menetelmänä käytettiin visuaalista julkisivuanalyysiä. Asetettujen parametrien puitteissa analysoitiin neljän asuinrakennuksen julkisivujen sommittelua. Analysoitavat neljä kohdetta, joista yhtä sekä ammattilaiset että maallikot arvostivat, kaksi kohdetta, jossa arvostukset ja arvostelut menivät ristiin sekä yksi kohde, jota kumpikaan ryhmistä ei arvostanut. Analysoitavat parametrit olivat muoto, jaottelu, kolmiulotteisuus, akselit, rytmitys, symmetriat, viivastot ja suhdejärjestelmien käyttö. Analyysin tulokset arvotettiin ja lisäanalyysin avulla tunnistetiin kauneuden kannalta olennaisimmat tekijät.
Tehdyn analyysin pohjalta kauneuden kokemukselle olennaisimmiksi tekijöiksi tunnistettiin julkisivun jaottelu, akselit, symmetriat, viivastot ja suhdejärjestelmät. Lisäksi voitiin havaita, että näiden toteuttamisessa kannattaa seurata neuroestetiikan tutkimustuloksia esim. suhdejärjestelmiä kannatti käyttää tyypistä riippumatta. Näitä havaintoja voi käyttää apuna erityisesti asuinkerrostalojen julkisivujen sommittelussa.
Avainsanat: Kauneus, julkisivut, asuinkerrostalo, sommittelu, neuroesteettinen, käytännöllinen kauneusIn contemporary architecture, the discussion regarding beauty has been overshadowed by other factors, even though transforming the functional and practical into something beautiful can be considered an architect’s duty. Meanwhile, the debate on beauty has remained active among laypeople, particularly on social media forums. This premise serves as the foundation for the Master’s thesis ”Beauty for Everyone(?) – An analysis of facades appreciated and criticized by architects and laypeople” The aim of the work is to deepen the understanding of the differences and similarities in aesthetic preferences between architectural professionals and users.
In addition to a background literature review, the primary method used was visual facade analysis. Within the framework of set parameters, the compositions of four residential building facades were analyzed. The four subjects were selected based on specific criteria: One project appreciated by both professionals and laypeople, two projects where preferences and criticisms diverged and one project that neither group appreciated.
The analyzed parameters included form, division, three-dimensionality, axes, rhythm, symmetries, grids and the use of proportion systems. The results of the analysis were evaluated, and further analysis was used to identify the most essential factors contributing to beauty.
Based on the analysis, the most critical factors for the experience of beauty were identified as: facade division and axes, symmetries, grids and the application of proportion systems. Furthermore, it was observed that in implementing these elements, it is beneficial to follow research findings from neuroaesthetics; for instance, the use of proportion systems was found to be effective regardless of the specific type used. These findings can serve as a guide, particularly in the composition of facades for residential apartment buildings.
Keywords: Beauty, facades, residential apartment building, composition, neuroaesthetic, practical beaut
Metapopulation-level analyses reveal positive fitness consequences of immigration in a small bird
No full textAbstract
1. Dispersal links eco-evolutionary dynamics of subpopulations in fragmented landscapes and may play a crucial role in the viability of populations by increasing individual fitness and subpopulation growth rates. However, knowledge of individual fitness of immigrants and residents and their offspring at the local and metapopulation levels is often lacking due to the difficulty of quantifying fitness in geographically structured wild populations, which requires extensive field efforts.
2. A comprehensive dataset that includes more than 15 years of individual capture-mark-recapture information and a high-resolution SNP-based pedigree from an insular wild house sparrow (Passer domesticus) metapopulation, was used to examine the fitness consequences of successful immigration for parent and offspring generations, and assess the relative contributions of immigrants and residents to the local pool of recruits versus individuals that recruited in other populations within the metapopulation.
3. We show that immigrants produced more recruiting offspring annually and during their lifetime than residents. Moreover, we found that hybrid recruits (produced by immigrant-resident parents) had higher adult survival and produced more recruiting offspring during their lifetime than recruits produced by two resident or two immigrant parents.
4. Additionally, although contributions to the local pool of recruits did not differ between immigrant and resident parents during their lifetime, immigrant parents produced more offspring that recruited in other populations than resident parents.
5. Our results indicate that the benefits of being an immigrant last at least through the first offspring generation. Such positive fitness effects of immigrants may improve local population viability as well as metapopulation viability. Our study shows the importance of quantifying fitness of successful immigrants at a wide geographic scale in structured populations, because it may be difficult to a priori predict whether dispersers and residents contribute similarly or differently to the dynamics at local population and metapopulation levels.Abstract
1. Dispersal links eco-evolutionary dynamics of subpopulations in fragmented landscapes and may play a crucial role in the viability of populations by increasing individual fitness and subpopulation growth rates. However, knowledge of individual fitness of immigrants and residents and their offspring at the local and metapopulation levels is often lacking due to the difficulty of quantifying fitness in geographically structured wild populations, which requires extensive field efforts.
2. A comprehensive dataset that includes more than 15 years of individual capture-mark-recapture information and a high-resolution SNP-based pedigree from an insular wild house sparrow (Passer domesticus) metapopulation, was used to examine the fitness consequences of successful immigration for parent and offspring generations, and assess the relative contributions of immigrants and residents to the local pool of recruits versus individuals that recruited in other populations within the metapopulation.
3. We show that immigrants produced more recruiting offspring annually and during their lifetime than residents. Moreover, we found that hybrid recruits (produced by immigrant-resident parents) had higher adult survival and produced more recruiting offspring during their lifetime than recruits produced by two resident or two immigrant parents.
4. Additionally, although contributions to the local pool of recruits did not differ between immigrant and resident parents during their lifetime, immigrant parents produced more offspring that recruited in other populations than resident parents.
5. Our results indicate that the benefits of being an immigrant last at least through the first offspring generation. Such positive fitness effects of immigrants may improve local population viability as well as metapopulation viability. Our study shows the importance of quantifying fitness of successful immigrants at a wide geographic scale in structured populations, because it may be difficult to a priori predict whether dispersers and residents contribute similarly or differently to the dynamics at local population and metapopulation levels
Comment on: 'Surgical restabilization reduces the progression of post-traumatic osteoarthritis initiated by ACL rupture in mice' (Lin et al., 2024)
No full textTourism and Resilience
No full textSummary
This chapter aims at providing a timely account of research focusing on tourism and resilience. Studies on the different forms of resilience in relation to tourism are very recent. In the first ever review of works on this topic, Hall (2016) showed how the concept of resilience in the field of tourism was very marginal until the early 2010s. However, as of September 2022, there are around 1,500 contributions featuring resilience and tourism. In the previous five years, there have been around 1,000 works on tourism and resilience addressing conjunctural global events like climate change and COVID19, as well as tourism specific issues like overtourism and destination vulnerability. Undeniably, part of the success in such proliferation of works is due to the relatively flexible approach with the conceptualization of resilience among tourism scholars.Summary
This chapter aims at providing a timely account of research focusing on tourism and resilience. Studies on the different forms of resilience in relation to tourism are very recent. In the first ever review of works on this topic, Hall (2016) showed how the concept of resilience in the field of tourism was very marginal until the early 2010s. However, as of September 2022, there are around 1,500 contributions featuring resilience and tourism. In the previous five years, there have been around 1,000 works on tourism and resilience addressing conjunctural global events like climate change and COVID19, as well as tourism specific issues like overtourism and destination vulnerability. Undeniably, part of the success in such proliferation of works is due to the relatively flexible approach with the conceptualization of resilience among tourism scholars.
Comprehensive Evaluation of Microstructure, Mechanical Characteristics, and Bending Fatigue Strength in Wire Arc Additively Manufactured Super Duplex Stainless Steel
No full textAbstract
The study investigates the microstructural characteristics, hardness profiles, wall thickness variations, temperature profiles, tensile strength, and fatigue behavior of wire arc additively manufactured (WAAM) super duplex stainless steel (SDSS). Microstructural analysis reveals a complex interplay of phases, prominently featuring equiaxed Body-Centered Cubic (BCC) matrix and smaller, elongated grains of Face-Centered Cubic (FCC) austenitic structure. The WAAM process yields a 40% fraction of the FCC phase, influencing the alloy's microstructural evolution. However, further investigation is required to elucidate the full spectrum of phases present. Hardness analyses show a consistent profile across the deposited component, with an average hardness of approximately 302 HV, indicating uniform mechanical properties. Cross-sectional views depict minor fluctuations in wall thickness, with no visible pores or printing flaws, affirming the printing process's robustness. Temperature profiles during printing indicate a progressive decrease in temperature. Tensile tests reveal higher yield strength in the horizontal orientation, with tensile strength showing improvement compared to manufacturer specifications. Anisotropic mechanical properties are observed, with superior fatigue strength in different orientations. Overall, WAAM SDSS demonstrates promising mechanical properties, highlighting the need for ongoing research and optimization efforts in WAAM processes.Abstract
The study investigates the microstructural characteristics, hardness profiles, wall thickness variations, temperature profiles, tensile strength, and fatigue behavior of wire arc additively manufactured (WAAM) super duplex stainless steel (SDSS). Microstructural analysis reveals a complex interplay of phases, prominently featuring equiaxed Body-Centered Cubic (BCC) matrix and smaller, elongated grains of Face-Centered Cubic (FCC) austenitic structure. The WAAM process yields a 40% fraction of the FCC phase, influencing the alloy's microstructural evolution. However, further investigation is required to elucidate the full spectrum of phases present. Hardness analyses show a consistent profile across the deposited component, with an average hardness of approximately 302 HV, indicating uniform mechanical properties. Cross-sectional views depict minor fluctuations in wall thickness, with no visible pores or printing flaws, affirming the printing process's robustness. Temperature profiles during printing indicate a progressive decrease in temperature. Tensile tests reveal higher yield strength in the horizontal orientation, with tensile strength showing improvement compared to manufacturer specifications. Anisotropic mechanical properties are observed, with superior fatigue strength in different orientations. Overall, WAAM SDSS demonstrates promising mechanical properties, highlighting the need for ongoing research and optimization efforts in WAAM processes
Novel approaches to the stratified management of knee osteoarthritis
No full textAbstract
Knee osteoarthritis is a highly prevalent whole-joint disease that is associated with substantial morbidity. If step changes are to be made in the management of knee osteoarthritis, novel patient stratification approaches are needed to identify the most effective treatment for individual patients. Numerous methods for stratifying patients with knee osteoarthritis can be employed; clinical presentation, including co-morbidity and pain phenotype, can influence treatment decisions, and there is a rich history of imaging biomarker use, both from conventional radiographs and, since its development, via MRI, in identifying patients at risk of disease progression, and the latter facilitates the detection of synovitis. The development of novel biochemical biomarkers and the rapid growth of ‘-omics’ technologies provide fresh opportunities to deploy these advances in the stratification of patients with knee osteoarthritis. The health economic landscape in this area is developing, and scoping work has highlighted the need for further studies.Abstract
Knee osteoarthritis is a highly prevalent whole-joint disease that is associated with substantial morbidity. If step changes are to be made in the management of knee osteoarthritis, novel patient stratification approaches are needed to identify the most effective treatment for individual patients. Numerous methods for stratifying patients with knee osteoarthritis can be employed; clinical presentation, including co-morbidity and pain phenotype, can influence treatment decisions, and there is a rich history of imaging biomarker use, both from conventional radiographs and, since its development, via MRI, in identifying patients at risk of disease progression, and the latter facilitates the detection of synovitis. The development of novel biochemical biomarkers and the rapid growth of ‘-omics’ technologies provide fresh opportunities to deploy these advances in the stratification of patients with knee osteoarthritis. The health economic landscape in this area is developing, and scoping work has highlighted the need for further studies