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A look into stem rust resistance breeding
Get PDFWheat is one of the largest food commodities globally, but the cultivation of wheat faces many challenges. Among these is the stem rust disease, which historically has caused mass starvation and misery. This thesis explores the stem
rust disease in wheat, and the plant breeding for the potential of resistance to stem rust in the future. As well as challenges in the practical, political and social aspects that lengthen the road to progress. The purpose of the thesis is to spread awareness and knowledge about the subject of plant breeding and the spread of high-threat races of stem rust
Cemeteries' green cultural heritage in sustainable urban development
Get PDFGrundat på litteratur och intervjuer dras slutsatsen att en förändring måste ske om vi ska säkerställa kyrkogårdars gröna kulturarvs kulturhistoriska uttryck för
framtida generationer. Detta då det finns tillvägagångssätt för att möta de problem och hot som detta står inför. Vad som gör detta ännu viktigare är att kyrkogårdarna också spelar en viktig roll i stadslandskapet för de människor som lever i städerna och att det finns en efterfrågan på ytor för rekreation i städer då mängden grönytor minskar. Kyrkogårdarna utgör i detta fall viktiga resurser för samhället då de bortsett från att ha funktionen som begravningsplats bidrar med ekosystemtjänster och kan nyttjas på många sätt, något som kunnat fastlås inte
minst under arbetets intervjuer men också efter att granskat litteratur.
Dock visar både intervjuer och litteratur på problematik dels då kyrkogårdarnas gröna kulturarv står inför flera utmaningar och hot, dels att kyrkogårdars faktiska
möjligheter till utveckling ibland bromsas på grund utav att de går under Kulturmiljölagen och ofta generellt biotopskydd enligt 7 kapitlet 11§ Miljöbalken. Dessa har visat sig ibland utgöra hinder för eventuella förändringar så som byte av växtmaterial till något annat trots att det som används antingen angrips av skadegörare eller sjukdomar. Det går att söka dispens hos Länsstyrelsen då myndigheten har ansvaret för att handlägga ärenden gällande generellt skyddade
biotopskydd samt tillståndsärenden enligt Kulturmiljölagen. Förutsatt att det finns goda argument kan byte av växtmaterial får ske, men att det då väljs ett material
som liknar det tidigare så uttrycket förblir detsamma. Att systemet är uppbyggt på detta sätt är i sig problematiskt då det bromsar upp arbetet med att föra kyrkogårdarnas gröna kulturarv in i framtiden och på så viss också säkerställa
dess kulturhistoriska uttryck genom en bredare användning av växtmaterial och sin tur en bättre resiliens.Based on literature and interviews, it is concluded that a change must take place if we are to ensure the cultural and historical expression of cemeteries' green cultural heritage for future generations. This since there are challenges and threats to face. What makes this even more important is that cemeteries also play an important role in the urban landscape for the people who live in cities and that
there is a demand for spaces for recreation in cities as the amount of green space decreases. In this case, the cemeteries constitute important resources for society
as, apart from having the function as a burial place, they contribute ecosystem services and can be used in many ways, something that was able to be determined not least during the work's interviews but also after reviewing the literature.
However, both interviews and literature show problems, partly because the green cultural heritage of cemeteries faces several challenges and threats, partly because
cemeteries actual opportunities for development are sometimes slowed down since they are subject to the Cultural Environment Act and often general biotope protection according to chapter 7, § 11 of the Environmental Code. These have sometimes shown to be obstacles to possible changes such as changing plant material to something else, even though what is used is either attacked by pests or
diseases. It is possible to apply for a dispensation from the County Administrative Board, as the authority is responsible for handling matters concerning generally
protected biotope protection and permit matters according to the Cultural Environment Act. Provided that there are good arguments, a change of plant material may take place, but then a material similar to the previous one is chosen
so the expression remains the same. That the system is structured in this way is in itself problematic as it slows down the work of bringing the green cultural
heritage of the cemeteries into the future and to a certain extent also ensuring its cultural-historical expression through a wider use of plant material and in turn a
better resilience
Effects of starch intake on muscle enzyme activity in Standardbred trotters
Get PDFTävlingshästar inom trav och galopp kräver en foderstat som tillgodoser deras höga energibehov. För att kunna skapa en energirik foderstat har lösningen i många år varit att utfodra med stora mängder kraftfoder. Dock kan ett stort intag av kraftfoder med högt stärkelseinnehåll medföra flertalet hälsoproblem för hästar såsom ökad risk för magsår, kolik och utveckling av stereotypier. Tidigare studier har även uppmärksammats ett eventuellt samband mellan stärkelseintaget och plasmakoncentrationen av muskelenzymer. Syftet med detta arbete var att undersöka effekten av fodermedel med olika stärkelseinnehåll på muskelenzymaktivitet efter träning hos varmblodiga travhästar.
I studien ingick 76 varmblodiga travhästar med tre olika nivåer av stärkelseintag. Två blodprover togs från varje häst, ett prov innan träning och ett prov efter träning. Totalt togs 210 blodprover. Dessa centrifugerades och plasman analyserades för kreatinkinas (CK), aspartataminotransferas (ASAT), glukos och laktat. Under träning mättes hästarnas hjärtfrekvenser. Foderprover från använda kraftfodermedel analyserades för torrsubstanshalt och stärkelseinnehåll. En statistisk bearbetning och analys utfördes i SAS mixed model.
Studiens resultat visade en statistisk tendens till att det dagliga stärkelseintaget har en effekt på aktiviteten av ASAT i blodplasman, där hästar med högt stärkelseintag hade högre värden än hästar med lågt stärkelseintag (10,3 ukat/l vs. 3,3 ukat/l, p = 0,07). Stärkelsenivån hade däremot ingen signifikant effekt på aktiviteten av CK i blodplasman efter träning. Detta kan bero på att blodprover togs för tidigt, att mer tillförlitliga svar hade uppnåtts om de togs närmre enzymernas höjdpunkt av aktivitet efter träning. Resultaten från detta projekt visade även att både ålder och kön hade en signifikant effekt på muskelenzymernas aktivitet i blodplasman, samt att ston hade högre värden än valacker av båda enzymerna (CK: 5,0 ukat/l vs 3,8 ukat/l, p = 0,005; ASAT: 8,9 ukat/l vs 7,1 ukat/l, p = 0,04). Studiens resultat indikerar på att det dagliga stärkelseintaget kan ha effekt på muskelenzymernas aktivitet, samt att kön påverkar muskelenzymaktivitetet vilket kan hänga samman med att kön är en riskfaktor för att utveckla korsförlamning. Det krävs dock ytterligare framtida studier för att undersöka stärkelseintagets inverkan på muskler och muskelenzymernas aktivitet.Racehorses require a diet that accommodate their high need of energy. In order to create a diet rich in energy a strategy since many years, have been to feed the horses with large amounts of concentrates. Large intakes of starch-rich concentrates can lead to numerous problems such as higher risk of stomach ulcers, colic and development of stereotypic behaviors. Previous studies have observed a potential connection between the starch intake and the plasma concentration of muscle enzymes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of feeding with different starch levels on the activity of muscle enzymes after exercise in standardbred trotters.
The study included 76 Standardbred trotters that were divided into three groups depending on daily intake of starch. Two blood samples were collected from each horse, one during rest and one after exercise. 210 blood samples were taken in total, they were centrifuged, and the plasma analyzed of creatine kinase (CK), aspartate transaminase (AST), glucose and lactate. During the exercise the horse’s heartrates were measured. Feed used in the study were sampled and analyzed for dry matter and starch content. A statistical analysis was performed with the SAS mixed model.
The results showed a statistical tendency for the starch intake to influence activity of AST in plasma where horses fed with high levels of starch had higher activity than horses with low levels of starch (10.3 ukat/l vs. 3.3 ukat/l, p = 0.07). However, the starch intake did not have a significant effect on CK activity in plasma post exercise. The results may have been affected by timing of the sampling and more reliable results would have been achieved if the sampling occurred closer to peak of muscle enzyme activity after exercise. The results also showed that both age and sex have a significant effect on plasma activity of the muscle enzymes. Mares had higher values of CK and AST than geldings (CK: 5.0 ukat/l vs 3.8 ukat/l, p = 0.005; AST: 8.9 ukat/l vs 7.1 ukat/l, p = 0.04). The result of this project indicates that the daily starch intake may influence the activity of muscle enzymes, also that sex influence muscle enzyme activity which may be related to sex being a risk factor of developing exertional rhabdomyolysis. It requires additional research investigating the effects of starch intake on muscle enzyme activity
Oljeprisets påverkan på koldioxidutsläpp i Sverige : regressionsanalys av tidsseriedata i Sverige
Get PDFGlobally, CO2 emissions have increased over the last decades. This trend has been broken in Sweden, where CO2 emissions are declining. Oil is one of Sweden's largest sources of energy, accounting for over 20 % of all energy consumption, and oil combustion is a large source of CO2 emissions. This paper aims to answer the question, “How have oil prices impacted carbon dioxide emissions in Sweden?” which is relevant for policy-making regarding emission reduction, as it can explain how effective economic instruments are in reducing CO2 emissions from oil. The study is conducted by setting up a Multiple Linear Regression Model where the correlational effects of oil prices on CO2 emissions are studied, as well as the effects of control variables. Sweden is the only country studied, between 1980 and 2021, by looking at monthly data. The effects of the oil price increases were lagged to see the effects in different months after the price increase. The results were that oil price increases lead to an immediate increase in CO2 emissions while decreasing after a more extended time. The direct effects of an oil price increase suggest that increases in oil price increase CO2 emissions by 0.179 kg per capita and month, which according to economic theory is inaccurate. In the longer time frame, CO2 emissions were shown to be reduced by between 0.24 to 0.42 kg per capita depending on the time after the price increase. However, because of possible biases and endogeneity occurring in this study, the results will explain the correlation between oil prices and CO2 emissions, and not the cause-and-effect relationship. There is therefore no proof of causality in this study. Previous research has suggested that oil demand is inelastic, meaning demand does not change much due to price changes. Here, the opposite is proven since significant effects are found from price changes in oil. These results are important for how policies should be introduced in the future since it found that oil price increases are effective in the long run for reducing emissions. Future studies should include other EU countries if tariffs are to be imposed, and it could also be a good idea to look at a longer time frame and lag the oil price for all months. Instrumental variable regression could also be conducted to get more reliable and unbiased estimators
‘Elephants must also fund their own upkeep…’ : a WPR-analysis of the tensions between the government and conservation NGOs on the management and mitigation of the elephant crisis in Zimbabwe
Get PDFThe purpose of the thesis is to analyse the tensions between the government and conservation NGOs regarding the mitigation of the elephant crisis in Zimbabwe. The thesis aims to examine their contrasting representations of the problem and the discourses/knowledges that inspire their arguments. This is done in order to canvass what subjects, effects, and socio-economic implication the representations of the problem produce.
Analysis of empirical material will be done using Carol Bacchi’s “What’s the problem Represented to be?” approach. The method has the foundation on the notion that problems are not self-evident, but that policies create specific representations of the problem.
The analysis demonstrates that the tensions over the management and mitigation of the elephant crisis in Zimbabwe are not over a self-evident elephant problem. It rather demonstrates that the tensions emanate from contrasting representations of the problem by the government and conservation NGOs. Such contrasts result from contrasting discourses and knowledges that these antagonists base their arguments on. This, in turn leads to tensions regarding the proposed solutions to the crisis
Behavioural problem in rabbits
Get PDFSeveral previous studies have shown that the way many rabbits are kept negatively affects their welfare. They are often kept in an environment where the rabbits' ability to perform their natural behaviours is limited. Rabbits that are unable to express their natural behaviours can develop behavioural problems. The aim of this study was to examine the housing conditions of rabbits, the occurrence of behavioural problems and rabbit owners' knowledge about behavioural problems. To do this, a survey was designed and distributed to rabbit owners.
The results indicated that 38% of the rabbits were kept alone. Most rabbit owners provided hiding places, gnawing materials, and elevated resting spots for their rabbits, but only 79% offered opportunities for digging. Many owners kept their rabbits in large areas, which differs from previous studies where it has been shown that many rabbits are kept in small enclosures. The results also showed that there were some rabbits that exhibited various behavioural problems. The most common behavioural problem was that rabbits were digging in inappropriate places, which could be linked to the lack of other digging opportunities. Less common behavioural problems included aggression, unsociability, and fear of humans, but there were a few rabbits showing these behaviours as well. Knowledge of behavioural problems was limited, there were respondents who seemed to know the causes of behavioural problems, but overall, knowledge could be improved. An area that could be improved is the importance of providing appropriate resources to allow rabbits to express their natural behaviours, which could prevent the development of behavioural problems. Future research is necessary to prevent behavioural problems in rabbits. By spreading knowledge to rabbit owners, we can improve rabbit housing and increase their well-being
Immobilization of lions (Panthera leo)
Get PDFDet finns flertalet situationer då det kan vara nödvändigt att immobilisera ett lejon. Ett kritiskt steg i immobiliseringsprocessen är att välja det mest fördelaktiga läkemedelsprotokollet och därefter administrera det på ett korrekt sätt. Om hela proceduren inte är noggrant planerad och utförd, kan det medföra situationer som är farliga för både djuret och de människor som arbetar med det.
Idag används ett flertal olika läkemedelsprotokoll och syftet med den här litteraturstudien är att utvärdera fyra läkemedelskombinationer och deras respektive effekter för att se om någon av dem är att föredra. Genom att använda kombinationer av läkemedel, i stället för monoterapier, kan man minska mängden läkemedel som används på grund av de synergistiska effekter som uppstår mellan de aktiva substanserna. Detta är både mer ekonomiskt fördelaktigt och bidrar till en minskning av aversiva bieffekter hos det immobiliserade djuret.
De läkemedelskombinationer som utvärderades i den här studien är butorfanol-azaperon-medetomidin, butorfanol-midazolam-medetomidin, medetomidin-zolazepam-tiletamin samt xylazinhydroklorid-ketaminhydroklorid. Studien ämnar också undersöka om effektiviteten av immobiliseringen påverkas av att lejonet lever i fångenskap eller är frilevande, samt om det observerats någon skillnad hos ensamlevande kontra flocklevande lejon.
Enligt litteraturen så påverkas immobiliseringen av huruvida ett lejon lever i fångenskap eller inte, både gällande effektiviteten av läkemedlen samt hur man ska planera proceduren. Frilevande lejon kräver en högre läkemedelsdos medan det är enklare att övervaka och motverka eventuella komplikationer hos hållna lejon. Alla läkemedelsprotokoll som undersöktes i den här studien hade dock en adekvat effekt hos både fria lejon och lejon i fångenskap, förutsatt att de administrerades på ett korrekt sätt.
Sammanfattningsvis så är alla protokoll som diskuteras i den här uppsatsen bra alternativ för att immobilisera lejon. Xylazinhydroklorid-ketaminhydroklorid-kombinationen hade emellertid en längre induktionstid och inducerade kräkning hos två av lejonen. En förlängd induktionstid kan potentiellt göra att det blir svårare att lokalisera det immobiliserade djuret och kräkningar kan leda till inandning av regurgiterat material, vilket i sin tur kan orsaka aspirationspneumonier. Därför bör det sistnämnda protokollet användas med försiktighet.There are several situations in which it might be necessary to immobilize a lion. In the immobilization process, a critical step is to select the most advantageous drug protocol and then administer it correctly. If the procedure is not carefully planned and executed, it could prove dangerous to both the animal itself and the people working with it.
Various protocols are being used today, and the aim of this literature study was to evaluate four drug combinations and their effects to see if any of them is preferable. Using combinations of drugs, instead of monotherapy, decreases the amount of drugs needed due to synergetic effects. This is desirable as it is more cost effective and contributes to reduce adverse effects in the immobilized animals.
The combinations reviewed in this thesis were butorphanol-azaperone-medetomidine, butorphanol-midazolam-medetomidine, medetomidine-zolazepam-tiletamine and xylazine hydrochloride-ketamine hydrochloride. The study discusses if the effectiveness of the immobilization differs between captive and free-ranging lions, as well as between solitary and pack living lions.
According to the literature, whether a lion is free ranging or confined has an impact on the effectiveness of the drugs and the planning of the procedure. Free ranging lions require a higher drug dose than captive lions and it is easier to monitor and counteract complications in captive lions. However, all the reviewed drug protocols were shown to have adequate effect in both cases if administered properly.
In conclusion, all protocols mentioned in this thesis are good alternatives for immobilizing lions. However, the xylazine hydrochloride-ketamine hydrochloride combination has a longer induction time and induced vomiting in two lions. A prolonged induction time could potentially make it more difficult to locate the immobilized animal and the vomiting could cause aspiration of the regurgitated matter, which in turn could lead to aspiration pneumonia. Therefore, this protocol should be used with caution
The seropositivity of Toxoplasma gondii in free-roaming domesticated cats in Masai Mara, Kenya
Get PDFToxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite with felids as the definitive host. It can infect almost every animal, including humans, as its intermediate host. It is an important zoonosis, especially for immune-deprived people, such as patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and pregnant women. In patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) it can cause encephalitis and if a woman becomes infected during pregnancy, it can cause brain damage to the foetus or result in miscarriage. The parasite is spread throughout the world, but little research about the prevalence in cats has been carried out in African countries.
This thesis was performed in Masai Mara North Conservancy in Kenya and aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of toxoplasma IgG antibodies in domestic cats. In order to gain information regarding the local people’s interactions with these cats a questionnaire was used to interview 100 households in the area. The questionnaire was performed with help from an interpreter because the majority of people did not speak or understand English.
In total 47 cats were sampled, of which 20 were males and 27 were females. Of the cats, 89.4% had IgG antibodies against toxoplasma, i.e. 90% of the males and 88.9% of the females. No statistically significant difference between the genders could be found. With sample size calculation, the seroprevalence in the area can be estimated to be 89.4 +/- 10% CI80.
The result of the interviews revealed that interactions with cats are more abundant in this community than hypothesized. Of 100 households, 69% answered that they owned one or more cats and 86.2% of non-cat households invited other peoples’ cats into their homes. The majority of the households reported feeding the cats, with milk and meat being the most common food. The interviews also revealed that women have the most contact with cats.
Only 26% (26/100) believed that cats can transmit disease to humans and of them, seven households could name a disease they thought could be transmitted from cats to humans. Two of them believed that cats become venomous when ingesting a snake and that the cat then can transmit the venom to humans. Other diseases mentioned were rabies, tetanus, tuberculosis, and diarrhoea. No one mentioned toxoplasmosis and when told about the disease no one could recall hearing about it before.
The result of this report shows a high seropositivity for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in domestic cats in this area. It also showed that people, especially women, have close contact with cats and highlights the importance of education and information regarding zoonotic diseases. In addition, there was an interest from the community to know more about the topic, which would facilitate information dissemination
Impacts of Covid-19 on Cooperatives in Sweden
Get PDFDifferent organizations face diverse challenges to survive during Covid-19. Rare external disruptions due to
natural causes such as pandemics affect a company's ability to continue operations, from obtaining raw
materials from suppliers to delivering finished products directly to the market. Such as short-term or long-term
closings, decreased job opportunities, failed projects with financial effects, and challenges in executing new
strategies etc. Various authors argue that member-centric cooperatives are more resilient in times of crisis
compared to traditional enterprises. Because cooperatives are owned and controlled by their owners to
maximize the value of members' goods, services, or savings rather than profit as a financial organization, this
thesis aims to examine and finds out how Covid-19 effects Swedish dairy cooperative Arla economically and
how they are coping with the pandemic crisis through a qualitative case study methodology. The purpose of this
thesis is to examine how Arla as a cooperative remains economically viable during covid. The results of
empirical data from semi-structured interviews suggest that the appropriate application of crisis decision-making
framework practices strengthens this organization's workflow and withstands environmental disturbances like
covid to achieve business continuity.
Arla's existing organizational structure, diversified business portfolio, supply chain design, and combination of
global and local business strategies gave them an edge to better manage their operations and helped its
management to be quick in decisions and adopt reactive measures to adjust to the new situation of the pandemic.
This thesis illustrates how appropriate practice of crisis decision-making framework consisting of four elements
(cognition, communication, coordination, and control) of a leading dairy industry in Sweden increased the
ability to act even in unprecedented events such as the corona pandemic
Understanding the entrepreneurial process to adopt renewable energies in Sweden
Get PDFThe alarming magnitude of the global climate crisis is on the rise. Thus, a profound and rapid
energy system transition towards renewable energies is needed. Offshore wind (OSW) parks are a
promising energy source to boost green energy production. While OSW has been adopted in many
European countries (e.g. Denmark and Germany), the uptake in Sweden is slow. Adopting large
infrastructure projects (e.g. OSW) involve a plurality of actors who influence the adoption process.
Studies that examine OSW adoption in Sweden emphasise the policy context for adoption (e.g.
negotiating of a permit).
Fewer studies consider the situation for entrepreneurs seeking to adopt OSW. Therefore, the
paper focuses on the entrepreneurial planning process of adopting OSW in Sweden. Since the
entrepreneur is one of many actors influencing the adoption of OSW, a governance perspective is
applied to investigate the interplay of actors. The paper follows a case-study research design
investigating a planned OSW park project in the Baltic Sea region close to the Archipelago of
Stockholm. Primary data was collected through qualitative interviews with social actors involved in
the case project. In addition, secondary data from documents, videos and webinars were collected
to gain further insights. An in-depth frame analysis was conducted to analyse the interplay of
multiple actors and their exercise of agency and power to influence the adoption of the case project.
The group of identified actors was allocated to the following five actor constituencies: market, state,
community, and the third sector. The actors used different modes of agency to influence the
entrepreneurial process (support, collaboration, and communication).
In conclusion, the study showed that the permit system is the prevailing regime that governs the
adoption of OSW parks in Sweden. The entrepreneurial process to adopt OSW is complex. Thus,
context (e.g. involved actors) is key to understanding the complexity of adopting renewable
energies. Predefined models often do not address this context, making them difficult to apply to the
adoption of large infrastructure projects (e.g. OSW park). Therefore, applying a governance
perspective on the case project was helpful in creating context to understand the real-world
conditions of adopting OSW parks in Sweden