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UBE3D Is Involved in Blue Light-Induced Retinal Damage by Regulating Double-Strand Break Repair
No full textAbstract
Purpose:
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is currently the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Previously, we identified ubiquitin-protein ligase E3D (UBE3D) as an AMD-associated protein for East Asian populations, and here we further demonstrate that UBE3D could be associated with DNA damage response.
Methods:
The established I-SceI-inducible GFP reporter system was used to explore the effect of UBE3D on homologous recombination. Immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry (MS) was used to explore potential UBE3D−interacting proteins and validated with coimmunoprecipitation assays and the pulldown assays. Micrococcal nuclease (MNase) assays were used to investigate the function of UBE3D on heterochromatin de-condensation upon DNA damage. An aged mouse model of blue light-induced eye damage was constructed, and electroretinography (ERG) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed to compare the differences between wild-type and UBE3D+/− mice.
Results:
First, we show that GFP-UBE3D is recruited to damage sites by PCNA, through a PCNA-interacting protein (PIP) box. Furthermore, UBE3D interacts with KAP1 via R377R378 and oxidation of the AMD-associated V379M mutation abolishes KAP1-UBE3D binding. By MNase assays, UBE3D depletion reduces the chromatin relaxation levels upon DNA damage. In addition, UBE3D depletion renders less KAP1 recruitment. Compared with wild type, blue light induces less damage in UBE3D+/− mice as measured by ERG and OCT, consistent with our biochemical results.
Conclusions:
Hence, we propose that one potential mechanism that UBE3D-V379M contributes to AMD pathogenesis might be via defective DNA damage repair linked with oxidative stress and our results offered a potential direction for the treatment of AMD.Abstract
Purpose:
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is currently the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Previously, we identified ubiquitin-protein ligase E3D (UBE3D) as an AMD-associated protein for East Asian populations, and here we further demonstrate that UBE3D could be associated with DNA damage response.
Methods:
The established I-SceI-inducible GFP reporter system was used to explore the effect of UBE3D on homologous recombination. Immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry (MS) was used to explore potential UBE3D−interacting proteins and validated with coimmunoprecipitation assays and the pulldown assays. Micrococcal nuclease (MNase) assays were used to investigate the function of UBE3D on heterochromatin de-condensation upon DNA damage. An aged mouse model of blue light-induced eye damage was constructed, and electroretinography (ERG) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed to compare the differences between wild-type and UBE3D+/− mice.
Results:
First, we show that GFP-UBE3D is recruited to damage sites by PCNA, through a PCNA-interacting protein (PIP) box. Furthermore, UBE3D interacts with KAP1 via R377R378 and oxidation of the AMD-associated V379M mutation abolishes KAP1-UBE3D binding. By MNase assays, UBE3D depletion reduces the chromatin relaxation levels upon DNA damage. In addition, UBE3D depletion renders less KAP1 recruitment. Compared with wild type, blue light induces less damage in UBE3D+/− mice as measured by ERG and OCT, consistent with our biochemical results.
Conclusions:
Hence, we propose that one potential mechanism that UBE3D-V379M contributes to AMD pathogenesis might be via defective DNA damage repair linked with oxidative stress and our results offered a potential direction for the treatment of AMD
Leaching of Oxyanionic Trace Contaminants from Metakaolin Geopolymers under Batch or Continuous Water Extraction
No full textAbstract
This study investigates the largely omitted but surprisingly extensive leaching of oxyanionic trace contaminants (vanadium, arsenic, and chromium) from metakaolin geopolymers. Understanding the leaching of these toxic metal(loid)s is increasingly important as geopolymers are considered for applications in which they are in contact with water, such as in wastewater treatment. The leaching was quantified from 1 to 4 mm sized crushed geopolymers with batch and continuous water extraction at a pH of 11–13 (i.e., natural pH of geopolymers). The results revealed that the batch extraction (at a liquid/solid ratio of 10) resulted in a substantial release of vanadium (190–4300 μg/L or 3.8–86 μg/g geopolymer), arsenic (39–460 μg/L or 0.78–9.2 μg/g), and chromium (1.3–130 μg/L or 0.026–2.6 μg/g). These values exceed many regulatory guidelines related to environmental safety. However, the continuous extraction with a flow-through setup indicated that the high initial leaching diminished to safe concentrations ( V (0.8–62.9%) > Cr (0.02–33.2%). As a conclusion, metakaolin geopolymers may require washing before their use when the leaching of oxyanionic metal(loid) contamination is relevant. Additionally, the batch leaching results (at liquid/solid = 10) of metakaolin geopolymers should be considered with caution, as they represent the initially high release of oxyanions, and thus may create an overly adverse impression of the leaching behavior.Abstract
This study investigates the largely omitted but surprisingly extensive leaching of oxyanionic trace contaminants (vanadium, arsenic, and chromium) from metakaolin geopolymers. Understanding the leaching of these toxic metal(loid)s is increasingly important as geopolymers are considered for applications in which they are in contact with water, such as in wastewater treatment. The leaching was quantified from 1 to 4 mm sized crushed geopolymers with batch and continuous water extraction at a pH of 11–13 (i.e., natural pH of geopolymers). The results revealed that the batch extraction (at a liquid/solid ratio of 10) resulted in a substantial release of vanadium (190–4300 μg/L or 3.8–86 μg/g geopolymer), arsenic (39–460 μg/L or 0.78–9.2 μg/g), and chromium (1.3–130 μg/L or 0.026–2.6 μg/g). These values exceed many regulatory guidelines related to environmental safety. However, the continuous extraction with a flow-through setup indicated that the high initial leaching diminished to safe concentrations ( V (0.8–62.9%) > Cr (0.02–33.2%). As a conclusion, metakaolin geopolymers may require washing before their use when the leaching of oxyanionic metal(loid) contamination is relevant. Additionally, the batch leaching results (at liquid/solid = 10) of metakaolin geopolymers should be considered with caution, as they represent the initially high release of oxyanions, and thus may create an overly adverse impression of the leaching behavior
Examination of porosity and reducibility of iron ore pellets in hydrogen-assisted reduction
No full textRethinking Observability Beyond Critical Realism
No full textAbstract
Observability receives scant attention in Information Systems (IS) research, appearing primarily within the framework of Critical Realism (CR). CR draws a sharp line between what can be observed and what remains beyond observation. Its stratified ontology treats observed empirical events as mere effects of generative mechanisms that reside in the deepest, unobservable ‘real’ domain. A closer look reveals that CR holds two parallel views of its ‘real’ domain: (1) a fallible scientific ontology derived retroductively from empirical inquiry, and (2) a philosophical ontology presented as infallible, universal, and timeless. This research note contends that (a) the justification for CR’s philosophical ontology rests on an outdated conception of philosophy as an armchair discipline that provides foundations for empirical science, and (b) the motivations underlying this ontology are both political and theistic. Consequently, CR contributes little to our understanding of observation. Observation does not—and should not—depend on CR or any other philosophical foundation. Observation is best achieved when coupled with instrumentation, experimentation, and an explicit acknowledgment that most of our knowledge depends on testimony.Abstract
Observability receives scant attention in Information Systems (IS) research, appearing primarily within the framework of Critical Realism (CR). CR draws a sharp line between what can be observed and what remains beyond observation. Its stratified ontology treats observed empirical events as mere effects of generative mechanisms that reside in the deepest, unobservable ‘real’ domain. A closer look reveals that CR holds two parallel views of its ‘real’ domain: (1) a fallible scientific ontology derived retroductively from empirical inquiry, and (2) a philosophical ontology presented as infallible, universal, and timeless. This research note contends that (a) the justification for CR’s philosophical ontology rests on an outdated conception of philosophy as an armchair discipline that provides foundations for empirical science, and (b) the motivations underlying this ontology are both political and theistic. Consequently, CR contributes little to our understanding of observation. Observation does not—and should not—depend on CR or any other philosophical foundation. Observation is best achieved when coupled with instrumentation, experimentation, and an explicit acknowledgment that most of our knowledge depends on testimony
The interaction of land use planning and legislation in stormwater management as part of urban development in Finland : planning, design, and steering perspectives
No full textAbstract
In Finland, urban planning plays a pivotal role in managing stormwater and mitigating the growing risk of urban flooding, an issue intensified by climate change-induced rainfall and land use changes. Urban densification has led to a rise in impervious surfaces and a reduction in green spaces, further exacerbating flood risks in vulnerable areas. This research aims to deepen understanding of stormwater management in densifying Finnish urban environments, with a particular focus on legislation and planning practices.
The research was structured around three core dimensions: planning, design, and steering. In planning, the study examined the evolution of the local master plan in the case study area over 60 years and assessed how varying amounts of impervious surfaces influence stormwater generation. For design, stormwater volumes were calculated for a selected study area using both manual methods, based on aerial imagery and planning guidelines, and hydrological modeling utilizing actual rainfall events. Regarding steering, the study reviewed stormwater-related local detailed plan provisions across 12 municipalities and analyzed responses from a survey distributed to municipalities with populations over 10,000, focusing on local detailed plan-level stormwater governance.
From a planning perspective, key findings include a 36% reduction in green space within the study area, despite growing recognition of the importance of permeable surfaces. This has led to an almost 250% increase in stormwater in the area. The comparison between manual and modeled calculations in design highlights methodological inconsistencies, showing how understanding densification impact warrants long-term development investigation. From a steering perspective, the study identified gaps in municipal stormwater management and contradictions between survey responses and existing local detailed plan provisions.
While guidelines and regulations are essential for effective stormwater management, this research underscores the disconnect between policy and practice. The findings can inform national stormwater strategies and supportmunicipalities in integrating climate-resilient stormwater solutions into urban planning. Building adaptable cities in Finland requires a more cohesive and proactive approach to stormwater management in the face of climate change. Original papers Jutila, J., Mäki-Asiala, M., Torabi Haghighi, A., Outila, T., Rossi, P. M., & Hentilä, H-L. (2026). Resilience in urban planning : exploring the interaction between car parking and stormwater management at infill development area in the City of Oulu, Finland. Manuscript in preparation. Mäki-Asiala, M., Torabi Haghighi, A., Hosseinzadeh, A., Hentilä, H-L., Jutila, J., Juholin, P., & Rossi, P. M. (2026). Six decades of urban planning and stormwater guidelines : assessing system capacity in Finland. Manuscript in preparation. Mäki-Asiala, M., Tuomela, A., Hentilä, H.-L., & Rossi, P. M. (2025). Steering stormwater management through land-use planning in Finnish municipalities. Journal of Environmental Management, 391, 126423. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126423 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126423 Self-archived version Tiivistelmä
Suomessa kaupunkisuunnittelulla on ratkaiseva rooli hulevesien hallinnassa ja kaupunkitulvien riskin vähentämisessä, jota pahentavat maankäytön muutokset ja ilmastonmuutoksen lisäämät rankkasateet. Kaupunkirakenteen tiivistyminen on kasvattanut vettä läpäisemättömiä pintoja ja vähentänyt viheralueita, mikä lisännyt tulvariskiä haavoittuvilla alueilla. Tutkimuksen tavoitteena on syventää ymmärrystä hulevesien hallinnasta tiivistyvässä suomalaisessa kaupunkiympäristössä, erityisesti lainsäädännön ohjaaman asemakaavoituksen osalta.
Tutkimus rakentui kolmen ydinalueen ympärille: suunnittelu, toteutussuunnittelu ja ohjaus. Suunnittelussa tarkasteltiin asemakaavojen kehitystä 60 vuoden ajalta ja arvioitiin läpäisemättömien pintojen teoreettisen osuuden vaikutusta hulevesien syntymiseen. Toteutussuunnittelussa laskettiin hulevesimäärät tutkimusalueelle manuaalisin menetelmin sekä hydrologisella mallinnuksella hyödyntäen todellisia alueellisia sadantatietoja. Ohjauksessa analysoitiin 12 kunnan kaavamääräykset ja yli 10 000 asukkaan kuntiin lähetetyn kyselyn tulokset hulevesien ohjauksesta asemakaavatasolla.
Suunnittelun osalta tutkimusalueella havaittiin vihreän ympäristön teoreettisen osuuden kaavassa laskeneen 36 prosenttia, vaikka läpäisevien pintojen ja viheralueiden merkitys strategisissa tavoitteissa on kasvanut. Tämä johti jopa 250 % hulevesimäärien kasvuun alueella. Toteutussuunnittelun tuloksista selvisi manuaalisen laskennan ja mallinnuksen välisiä eroavaisuuksia. Lisäksi havaittiin, että tiivistymisen vaikutusta tulisi tarkastella myös pidemmän aikavälin kehityksen kautta. Ohjauksen osalta tutkimuksessa havaittiin ongelmia kunnallisessa hulevesien hallinnan ohjauksessa sekä ristiriitaisuuksia kyselyvastausten ja analysoitujen asemakaavamääräysten välillä.
Vaikka ohjeet ja määräykset ovat välttämättömiä, tutkimus korostaa asemakaavamääräysten ja niiden toteutuksen välistä ristiriitaa. Tuloksia voidaan hyödyntää kansallisen ohjeistuksen kehittämisessä ja kuntien päätöksenteossa. Ilmastonmuutokseen sopeutuvat kaupungit edellyttävät yhtenäisempää ja ennakoivampaa hulevesien hallintaa. Osajulkaisut Jutila, J., Mäki-Asiala, M., Torabi Haghighi, A., Outila, T., Rossi, P. M., & Hentilä, H-L. (2026). Resilience in urban planning : exploring the interaction between car parking and stormwater management at infill development area in the City of Oulu, Finland. Manuscript in preparation. Mäki-Asiala, M., Torabi Haghighi, A., Hosseinzadeh, A., Hentilä, H-L., Jutila, J., Juholin, P., & Rossi, P. M. (2026). Six decades of urban planning and stormwater guidelines : assessing system capacity in Finland. Manuscript in preparation. Mäki-Asiala, M., Tuomela, A., Hentilä, H.-L., & Rossi, P. M. (2025). Steering stormwater management through land-use planning in Finnish municipalities. Journal of Environmental Management, 391, 126423. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126423 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126423 Rinnakkaistallennettu versio Academic dissertation to be presented with the assent of the Doctoral Programme Committee of Technology and Natural Sciences of the University of Oulu for public defence in Auditorium IT116, Linnanmaa, on 27 February 2026, at 12 noonAbstract
In Finland, urban planning plays a pivotal role in managing stormwater and mitigating the growing risk of urban flooding, an issue intensified by climate change-induced rainfall and land use changes. Urban densification has led to a rise in impervious surfaces and a reduction in green spaces, further exacerbating flood risks in vulnerable areas. This research aims to deepen understanding of stormwater management in densifying Finnish urban environments, with a particular focus on legislation and planning practices.
The research was structured around three core dimensions: planning, design, and steering. In planning, the study examined the evolution of the local master plan in the case study area over 60 years and assessed how varying amounts of impervious surfaces influence stormwater generation. For design, stormwater volumes were calculated for a selected study area using both manual methods, based on aerial imagery and planning guidelines, and hydrological modeling utilizing actual rainfall events. Regarding steering, the study reviewed stormwater-related local detailed plan provisions across 12 municipalities and analyzed responses from a survey distributed to municipalities with populations over 10,000, focusing on local detailed plan-level stormwater governance.
From a planning perspective, key findings include a 36% reduction in green space within the study area, despite growing recognition of the importance of permeable surfaces. This has led to an almost 250% increase in stormwater in the area. The comparison between manual and modeled calculations in design highlights methodological inconsistencies, showing how understanding densification impact warrants long-term development investigation. From a steering perspective, the study identified gaps in municipal stormwater management and contradictions between survey responses and existing local detailed plan provisions.
While guidelines and regulations are essential for effective stormwater management, this research underscores the disconnect between policy and practice. The findings can inform national stormwater strategies and supportmunicipalities in integrating climate-resilient stormwater solutions into urban planning. Building adaptable cities in Finland requires a more cohesive and proactive approach to stormwater management in the face of climate change.Tiivistelmä
Suomessa kaupunkisuunnittelulla on ratkaiseva rooli hulevesien hallinnassa ja kaupunkitulvien riskin vähentämisessä, jota pahentavat maankäytön muutokset ja ilmastonmuutoksen lisäämät rankkasateet. Kaupunkirakenteen tiivistyminen on kasvattanut vettä läpäisemättömiä pintoja ja vähentänyt viheralueita, mikä lisännyt tulvariskiä haavoittuvilla alueilla. Tutkimuksen tavoitteena on syventää ymmärrystä hulevesien hallinnasta tiivistyvässä suomalaisessa kaupunkiympäristössä, erityisesti lainsäädännön ohjaaman asemakaavoituksen osalta.
Tutkimus rakentui kolmen ydinalueen ympärille: suunnittelu, toteutussuunnittelu ja ohjaus. Suunnittelussa tarkasteltiin asemakaavojen kehitystä 60 vuoden ajalta ja arvioitiin läpäisemättömien pintojen teoreettisen osuuden vaikutusta hulevesien syntymiseen. Toteutussuunnittelussa laskettiin hulevesimäärät tutkimusalueelle manuaalisin menetelmin sekä hydrologisella mallinnuksella hyödyntäen todellisia alueellisia sadantatietoja. Ohjauksessa analysoitiin 12 kunnan kaavamääräykset ja yli 10 000 asukkaan kuntiin lähetetyn kyselyn tulokset hulevesien ohjauksesta asemakaavatasolla.
Suunnittelun osalta tutkimusalueella havaittiin vihreän ympäristön teoreettisen osuuden kaavassa laskeneen 36 prosenttia, vaikka läpäisevien pintojen ja viheralueiden merkitys strategisissa tavoitteissa on kasvanut. Tämä johti jopa 250 % hulevesimäärien kasvuun alueella. Toteutussuunnittelun tuloksista selvisi manuaalisen laskennan ja mallinnuksen välisiä eroavaisuuksia. Lisäksi havaittiin, että tiivistymisen vaikutusta tulisi tarkastella myös pidemmän aikavälin kehityksen kautta. Ohjauksen osalta tutkimuksessa havaittiin ongelmia kunnallisessa hulevesien hallinnan ohjauksessa sekä ristiriitaisuuksia kyselyvastausten ja analysoitujen asemakaavamääräysten välillä.
Vaikka ohjeet ja määräykset ovat välttämättömiä, tutkimus korostaa asemakaavamääräysten ja niiden toteutuksen välistä ristiriitaa. Tuloksia voidaan hyödyntää kansallisen ohjeistuksen kehittämisessä ja kuntien päätöksenteossa. Ilmastonmuutokseen sopeutuvat kaupungit edellyttävät yhtenäisempää ja ennakoivampaa hulevesien hallintaa
A new scenario architecture to capture granularity of governance within and across Shared Socioeconomic Pathways
No full textAbstract
Scenario work is a prominent possibility to understand and address pressing socio-environmental sustainability challenges of today and tomorrow. Scenarios depict the possible futures for land-use, and land-use pressures. In this conceptual paper, we propose a novel governance-focused scenario architecture consisting of 1) Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs), or exploratory scenario archetypes, which explore future uncertainties affected by chosen drivers; 2) Shared Governance Assumptions: governance modes that define the logic of decision-making across the SSPs, and that change the future governance landscapes; and 3) Detailed Governance Assumptions: specific opportunities for agency offered by the varying future governance landscapes defined by SSP – Shared Governance Assumption combinations. We propose a six-step process to employ our scenario architecture, and use the case of land use and Arctic reindeer herding as a brief illustration. We find that our proposed scenario architecture i) offers a structured way to diversify SSP-based scenario sets and to connect SSPs strongly to policy and governance, ii) can be used to explore actor-based trade-offs, and iii) can be used to as a tool for anticipatory governance. Further work is needed to provide empirical applications of our scenario architecture and to innovatively compare and examine implications of different governance modes to targeted normative objectives (i.e. the granularity of governance) within and across SSPs.Abstract
Scenario work is a prominent possibility to understand and address pressing socio-environmental sustainability challenges of today and tomorrow. Scenarios depict the possible futures for land-use, and land-use pressures. In this conceptual paper, we propose a novel governance-focused scenario architecture consisting of 1) Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs), or exploratory scenario archetypes, which explore future uncertainties affected by chosen drivers; 2) Shared Governance Assumptions: governance modes that define the logic of decision-making across the SSPs, and that change the future governance landscapes; and 3) Detailed Governance Assumptions: specific opportunities for agency offered by the varying future governance landscapes defined by SSP – Shared Governance Assumption combinations. We propose a six-step process to employ our scenario architecture, and use the case of land use and Arctic reindeer herding as a brief illustration. We find that our proposed scenario architecture i) offers a structured way to diversify SSP-based scenario sets and to connect SSPs strongly to policy and governance, ii) can be used to explore actor-based trade-offs, and iii) can be used to as a tool for anticipatory governance. Further work is needed to provide empirical applications of our scenario architecture and to innovatively compare and examine implications of different governance modes to targeted normative objectives (i.e. the granularity of governance) within and across SSPs
Digital twin assisted real-time energy management system for smart homes
No full textAbstract
The increasing integration of renewable energy sources into modern power systems has amplified the need for efficient, real-time energy management solutions at the household level. Smart homes, equipped with distributed generation units, energy storage systems, electric vehicles and flexible loads, are emerging as active participants in decentralized energy networks. However, the intermittent nature of renewable generation, dynamic energy pricing, and real-time uncertainties in user behavior pose significant challenges for conventional home energy management systems. This paper presents a digital twin-assisted, edge-based real-time home energy management system designed to optimize energy consumption and operational costs in smart homes. The proposed system integrates a real-time digital twin of the home’s energy ecosystem with machine learning-based forecasting models and edge computing infrastructure. Long short-term memory networks are employed to predict key parameters such as photovoltaic generation, EV availability, and appliance demand, while the digital twin continuously updates forecasts and simulations based on real-time data. The proposed framework was evaluated through comprehensive simulations using 15-min and 1-min scheduling resolutions. Results demonstrate significant improvements in forecasting accuracy, operational cost reduction, and system responsiveness compared to conventional methods. Specifically, the proposed framework achieved up to 10% cost savings under a 15-min resolution and further improvements with a 1-min resolution, highlighting the benefits of fine-grained, real-time control. The synergy between digital twins, edge computing, and machine learning offers a scalable, privacy-preserving, and responsive energy management framework for future smart homes, contributing to enhanced grid resilience and sustainable energy systems.Abstract
The increasing integration of renewable energy sources into modern power systems has amplified the need for efficient, real-time energy management solutions at the household level. Smart homes, equipped with distributed generation units, energy storage systems, electric vehicles and flexible loads, are emerging as active participants in decentralized energy networks. However, the intermittent nature of renewable generation, dynamic energy pricing, and real-time uncertainties in user behavior pose significant challenges for conventional home energy management systems. This paper presents a digital twin-assisted, edge-based real-time home energy management system designed to optimize energy consumption and operational costs in smart homes. The proposed system integrates a real-time digital twin of the home’s energy ecosystem with machine learning-based forecasting models and edge computing infrastructure. Long short-term memory networks are employed to predict key parameters such as photovoltaic generation, EV availability, and appliance demand, while the digital twin continuously updates forecasts and simulations based on real-time data. The proposed framework was evaluated through comprehensive simulations using 15-min and 1-min scheduling resolutions. Results demonstrate significant improvements in forecasting accuracy, operational cost reduction, and system responsiveness compared to conventional methods. Specifically, the proposed framework achieved up to 10% cost savings under a 15-min resolution and further improvements with a 1-min resolution, highlighting the benefits of fine-grained, real-time control. The synergy between digital twins, edge computing, and machine learning offers a scalable, privacy-preserving, and responsive energy management framework for future smart homes, contributing to enhanced grid resilience and sustainable energy systems
The joint impact of greenspace and air pollution on mortality: a nationwide study in Finland
No full textAbstract
Background:
Greenspace has been linked to reduced mortality while air pollution has been associated with increased mortality. We examined whether the joint association of greenspace and air pollution on mortality varies across ages, sexes, educational levels, urban and rural environments, and differential levels of both exposures in a nationwide population of Finland.
Methods:
This study utilized routinely collected individual-level register data from Statistics Finland encompassing all citizens aged 30 years or older in 2000 (N = 3 003 519), followed until 2019. Greenspace was measured using the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), and air pollution by the concentration of fine particulate matter ≤2.5 µm (PM2.5). Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess linear and non-linear associations between EVI, PM2.5, and mortality. Age was modeled flexibly with a natural cubic spline with four knots. Analyses were stratified by sex, educational level, and urbanicity.
Results:
Both EVI and PM2.5 were independently associated with mortality (EVI: HR 0.99; 95% CI: 0.98–0.99 per IQR; PM2.5: HR 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01–1.03), with evidence of an interaction between the two (EVI × PM2.5: HR 0.99; 95% CI: 0.99–0.99). The joint association varied across age, sex, education, urbanicity, and the level of both exposures. PM2.5 was primarily linearly associated with increased mortality, accounting for EVI. In contrast, the relationship between EVI and mortality was less linear and more variable.
Conclusions:
Expanding greenspace may be most beneficial in areas where it is limited and where air pollution levels are high.Abstract
Background:
Greenspace has been linked to reduced mortality while air pollution has been associated with increased mortality. We examined whether the joint association of greenspace and air pollution on mortality varies across ages, sexes, educational levels, urban and rural environments, and differential levels of both exposures in a nationwide population of Finland.
Methods:
This study utilized routinely collected individual-level register data from Statistics Finland encompassing all citizens aged 30 years or older in 2000 (N = 3 003 519), followed until 2019. Greenspace was measured using the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), and air pollution by the concentration of fine particulate matter ≤2.5 µm (PM2.5). Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess linear and non-linear associations between EVI, PM2.5, and mortality. Age was modeled flexibly with a natural cubic spline with four knots. Analyses were stratified by sex, educational level, and urbanicity.
Results:
Both EVI and PM2.5 were independently associated with mortality (EVI: HR 0.99; 95% CI: 0.98–0.99 per IQR; PM2.5: HR 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01–1.03), with evidence of an interaction between the two (EVI × PM2.5: HR 0.99; 95% CI: 0.99–0.99). The joint association varied across age, sex, education, urbanicity, and the level of both exposures. PM2.5 was primarily linearly associated with increased mortality, accounting for EVI. In contrast, the relationship between EVI and mortality was less linear and more variable.
Conclusions:
Expanding greenspace may be most beneficial in areas where it is limited and where air pollution levels are high
Kehon omistajuuden vaikutus havaittuihin toimintamahdollisuuksiin virtuaalitodellisuudessa : tutkimus lateraalisen valmiuspotentiaalin avulla
No full textVirtual reality (VR) enables the manipulation of perception-related factors in an immersive environment, making it a great tool for studying human behavior and interaction. VR allows researchers to make changes to the virtual body representation, which can affect the sense of body ownership. Less is known about how these changes in virtual body representation affect motor preparation related to perceived affordances.
The aim of this thesis is to investigate whether changes in virtual body representation have an effect on motor preparation in a VR-task. Motor preparation was assessed with electroencephalography (EEG), using the lateralized readiness potential (LRP). The LRP reflects hand-specific activity in the motor cortex, before movement execution. The participants completed an affordance-related VR-task with both a humanoid virtual body and a controller-based virtual body.
The analysis was based on stimulus- and response-locked LRP-components. The results showed that the LRP waveforms were mostly similar between the virtual body representations, and no significant differences were observed in the potentials related to motor preparation. Physiological results were supported with behavioral measures and questionnaires. Subjective experiences of body ownership and presence were similar between virtual body representations, while agency was higher with the human-like virtual body.
The findings indicate that differences in virtual body representation alone are not sufficient to produce measurable differences in motor preparation indexed by the LRP in this experimental setup. The work offers methodological insight about the usage of LRP in an immersive virtual environment and it highlights important findings for future studies combining VR and EEG to study motor preparation and embodiment