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Kan växter samordna blomningen? : en litteraturöversikt och en pilotstudie där Collinsia heterophylla utvärderas som modell för VOC-medierade reproduktionsstrategier
No full textThe role of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in plant-plant communication has garnered increasing interest. An understudied aspect is that regarding their potential influence on reproductive timing. This study explores, in literature, whether floral VOCs emitted by flowering individuals can alter the phenology or reproductive strategies of neighbouring conspecifics.
Through a synthesis of empirical studies and reviews, this paper discusses the mixed evidence surrounding VOC-mediated flowering synchronisation. It also explores broader theoretical contexts, such as cue reliability, kin recognition, stigma receptivity, microbial modulation of floral VOCs, and the ecological complexity of signal interpretation. While conclusive evidence for intentional synchronisation remains lacking this study proposes further research incorporating genetic relatedness, environmental stress, and microbial influences to deepen our understanding of floral VOCs in plant communication and evolution.
A pilot study is also performed, where Collinsia heterophylla was evaluated for its suitability in future research on VOC-influenced flowering. While it demonstrated some advantageous traits, being an annual, wild species capable of growing and flowering under the experimental conditions, it is also a mixed-mating species which flowers indeterminately, which may limit its usefulness in such studies
We are dreaming about Älghult : our shared rural development – a method study for local future visions
No full textNär samhället genomgår allt snabbare förändringar utmanas etablerade begrepp och processer inom fysisk planering – särskilt den urbana normen som länge dominerat hållbar utveckling, gestaltningspraxis och bostadsförsörjning. Denna avhandling utforskar alternativa sätt att möjliggöra hållbar och inkluderande landsbygdsutveckling genom att ge
lokalsamhällen större inflytande i planerings- och genomförandeprocesser mot en önskad framtid. Studien tillämpas i den lilla orten Älghult i Uppvidinge kommun, som även fungerar som den första pilotbyn i det regionala utvecklingsinitiativet By2030. Målet är att skapa en plattform där lokala drömmar och offentliga visioner kan mötas och utvecklas tillsammans.
För att stödja detta utvecklades en ny metod kallad Drömfångaren, för att samla in och visualisera lokala önskemål och idéer i form av ett diskussionsbaserat
planeringsverktyg, kallat Drömtydaren. I denna pilotstudie
utformas och tillämpas metoden för att kartlägga invånarnas drömmar och reflektioner. Resultatet omfattar hela den metodologiska tillämpningen, inte bara diskussionsverktyget ”Drömtydaren”. Metoden ger en genuin bild av Älghults historia, nutid och möjliga framtid, baserad på hur invånarna ser på orten socialt, kulturellt och som en plats att bo på. Trots att materialet bygger på ett begränsat antal samtal, blottläggs viktiga aspekter som engagerar människor i olika åldrar och antyder en möjlig gemensam
dröm där lokala, kommunala och regionala nivåer kan samverka.
Slutsatsen är att en sådan samverkan är möjlig, men kräver en förnyad förståelse för hur framtidsscenarier formas – och av vem. När lokala drömmar erkänns kan landsbygdens identitet träda fram som en egen berättelse, med egna värden och särdrag. Om dessa behandlas som grundläggande i framtidsskapandet kan landsbygdsutveckling bli långsiktig,
demokratisk, visionär och handlingsinriktad. Allt kretsar kring frågan:
”Vilken framtid vill vi leva i?”As society undergoes increasingly rapid transformation, established concepts
and processes in spatial planning are being challenged—particularly
the urban norm that has long dominated sustainable development,
design practices, and housing provision. This thesis explores alternative
ways to enable sustainable and inclusive rural development by giving local
communities greater influence in planning and implementation processes
toward a desired future. The study is applied in the rural town of Älghult,
in the municipality of Uppvidinge, which also serves as the first pilot village
in the regional development initiative By2030. The aim is to create a platform
where local dreams and public visions can meet and evolve together.
To support this, a new method called Drömfångaren (”The Dreamcatcher”)
was developed to collect and visualize local desires and ideas in the form
of a discussion-based planning tool. In this pilot study, the method is both
designed and implemented to map residents’ dreams and reflections.
The outcome includes the full methodological application, not merely
the discussion tool—referred to as Drömtydaren (”The Dream Interpreter”).
It offers a genuine picture of Älghult’s history, present, and potential
future, based on how residents view the town socially, culturally, and as a
place to live. Though built on a limited number of conversations, it reveals
key aspects that engage people of various ages and suggests a possible
shared dream where local, municipal, and regional levels could align.
The conclusion is that such alignment is possible, but requires a renewed
understanding of how future scenarios are shaped—and by whom. When
local dreams are acknowledged, rural identity can emerge as a distinct
narrative, with its own values and traits. If these are treated as essential
to future-making, rural development can become long-term, democratic,
visionary, and action-oriented. It all revolves around the question:
”What kind of future do we want to live in?
Balancing effort and precision : camera-trap distance sampling performs as well as the random encounter model to estimate population density of ungulates
Get PDFReliable population densities are vital for effective wildlife management and conservation strategies. In this context, camera traps have become a popular tool for wildlife managers and researchers. The Random Encounter Model (REM) and Camera-Trap Distance Sampling (CTDS) are two methods to estimate the population density of unmarked individuals (i.e., non-individually recognizable). However, these methods have not been previously evaluated together in low- density contexts, such as Scandinavia. Here, I assessed consistency and precision between the two models in six reference areas with five ungulate species in Sweden. I incorporated reported hunting statistics and local knowledge to determine the accuracy of the population density estimates. Further, I assessed the potential impact of extended sampling periods on the models where changes in animal activity are likely to occur due to behavioural and environmental shifts. Comparing REM and CTDS, I did not find significant differences in terms of density estimates in thirteen of sixteen populations. The REM was consistently more precise, with an average coefficient of variation of 0.29 compared to 0.43 for CTDS. Both models aligned with the independent proxies of density. Any potential impact of changes in behaviour influencing density estimates was masked by low model precision for both the REM and CTDS. Given that CTDS requires less effort for image processing, it is an attractive alternative to the REM, especially if the issue of low precision is addressed
Sustainable fishing practices vs. illegal fishing : social and economic perspectives from coastal communities in Sri Lanka's Southern Province
Get PDFIllegal fishing poses significant challenges to marine sustainability and coastal livelihoods in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province. While regulatory frameworks exist, enforcement remains weak, and community participation in fisheries management is limited. This study explores how communication strategies, trust, and governance influence compliance with sustainable fishing practices, focusing on the perspectives of small-scale fishers and institutional actors. Using a qualitative approach, the study conducted ten semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including fishers, local officials, marine police, and industry representatives. Data were analyzed through manual thematic analysis, supported by secondary sources conducted with the assistance of local collaborators. Five major themes emerged: economic pressures driving illegal fishing, weakened community trust and collective action, poor governance and enforcement, barriers to adopting sustainable practices, and the link between fisheries and other industries such as tourism. While participants recognized the ecological consequences of illegal fishing, economic instability, limited enforcement, and political influence hindered compliance. Power imbalances favoured large-scale operators, while small-scale fishers faced systemic disadvantages and exclusion from decision-making. The study highlights the need for stronger community-based governance, improved enforcement, economic alternatives, and inclusive communication strategies. Collaborative partnerships between fishing communities, government, and industries like tourism could create new incentives for sustainability. The findings suggest that addressing illegal fishing requires not only policy reform but also investment in trust-building, livelihood diversification, and local empowerment
Antidepressiva läkemedel i miljön : utvärdering av embryotoxicitet hos zebrafisk
No full textThe increasing presence of antidepressants in aquatic environments has raised concerns about their ecotoxicological effects. This study investigates the developmental and behavioural effects of an environmentally relevant mixture of seven commonly detected antidepressants (Citalopram, Sertraline, Paroxetine, Mirtazapine, Amitriptyline, Venlafaxine, and Desvenlafaxine) on zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio). The exposure consisted of a dilution series based on concentrations reported in Swedish rivers. Zebrafish embryos were exposed from ~0 to 144 hours post fertilization (hpf) following OECD Test No. 236 (with additional endpoints). A ZFET test was conducted to test developmental endpoints, including early movement, heart rate, hatching time, and morphology. At 144 hpf, a light/dark test was performed to evaluate behaviour. Significant effects were observed at the highest exposure level (10 000 times higher than the environmental concentrations), including reduced early movement (p ≤ 0.05), accelerated hatching (p ≤ 0.001), and a decrease in swim distance during darkness (p ≤ 0.001). No significant morphological deformities or mortality were detected across exposure groups.
The results may indicate a potential disruption of neurogenesis, increasing the risk for impaired development and a decline in fitness. Furthermore, the change in swim distance in darkness suggests a dampened stress response. However, at lower concentrations, the swim distance increased, albeit not significantly. The results may indicate an allocation of resources from non-essential to vital functions in the highest exposure group, keeping the larvae alive. This study highlights the need for further testing at lower concentrations, as well as the potential ecological risk in surface water with high pollution from pharmaceutical industries.Den ökande förekomsten av antidepressiva läkemedel i akvatiska miljöer har väckt oro angående deras ekotoxikologiska effekter. Denna studie undersöker effekter på tidig utveckling och beteende hos zebrafiskembryon (Danio rerio) efter exponering av en miljörelevant blandning av sju vanligt förekommande antidepressiva ämnen: Citalopram, Sertralin, Paroxetin, Mirtazapin, Amitriptylin, Venlafaxin och Desvenlafaxin. Exponeringen bestod av en spädningsserie baserad på koncentrationer rapporterade i svenska ytvatten. Zebrafiskembryon exponerades från ~0 till 144 timmar efter befruktning (hpf) baserat på OECD Test nr. 236 (med ytterligare mätparametrar). Ett ZFET-test genomfördes för att undersöka utvecklingsparametrar, inklusive tidiga rörelser, hjärtfrekvens, kläckningstid och morfologi. Vid 144 hpf genomfördes ett ljus/mörker-test för att
utvärdera beteende. Signifikanta effekter observerades vid den högsta exponeringsnivån (10 000 gånger högre än koncentrationerna rapporterade i svenska ytvatten), gällande minskad tidig rörelse (p ≤0,05), tidig kläckning (p ≤0,001), och minskad simsträcka i mörker (p ≤ 0,001). Inga signifikanta resultat av morfologiska missbildningar eller dödlighet observerades i exponerings-grupperna.
Resultaten indikerar en möjlig störning av neurogenesen, vilket ökar risken för nedsatt utveckling och minskad fitness. Vidare tyder förändringen i simsträcka under mörker på en dämpad stressrespons. Vid lägre koncentrationer ökade dock simsträckan, om än inte signifikant. Resultaten
kan tyda på en omfördelning av resurser från icke-vitala till livsviktiga funktioner i den högsta exponeringsgruppen, vilket kan bidra till en större chans för överlevnad. Denna studie belyser behovet av ytterligare tester vid lägre koncentrationer, samt den potentiella ekologiska risken i
ytvatten med hög föroreningsgrad från läkemedelsindustrin
The economic impact of carbon farming practices at farm level mapping : a systematic literature review
No full textThis thesis investigates the economic impacts of carbon farming (CF) practices at the farm level through a systematic literature mapping of developed countries. CF practices offer promising pathways for agricultural mitigation, though past literature has highlighted trade-offs that hinder their adoption. However, recent studies suggest these trade-offs are not universal. Our research synthesises empirical findings, revealing that CF profitability varies based on specific determinants. Adverse economic outcomes can be mitigated when CF practices improve efficiency, even long-term, or create beneficial synergies. In cases where profitability is limited, policies like ecosystem service payments or developing high-value certification schemes may offset losses. The study also identifies gaps in the literature, particularly in causal investigations, peatland management, economic risk assessment, and the impact of climate change on CF practices. Our results emphasise the need for targeted policy interventions to enhance farmer knowledge and support environmentally valuable but less profitable CF practices
Rewilded cities : a design proposal and investigation of urban rewilding as a concept
No full textUrban förvildning är idéen om att förlita sig på naturens egna processer för att skapa självreglerande och självständiga ekosystem. Konceptet har tidigare varit associerat med landskapsstora projekt, och ibland återinförande av vilda rovdjurspopulationer, men tillämpas i dag i en modifierad version för stadsmiljöer med fokus på biologisk mångfald, förbättrade habitat för mindre djur och insekter, samt klimatanpassning.
Det går att återfinna projekt av urban förvildning runtom hela världen men trots det finns i dag ingen konkret definition av begreppet och därför tenderar projekten att vara olika. Hittills har däremot de flesta projekt behandlat trädgårds- och parkmark och det finns belägg för att konceptet är i behov för vidareutveckling.
I det här arbetet fokuserar jag därför på att utforska idéen om urban förvildning och hur konceptet kan överföras på ett hållbart sätt till torgmiljöer - specifikt Masttorget i Malmö. Jag testar konceptet genom omgestaltning av torget och diskuterar konceptet och gestaltningen i ett avslutande kapitel.
Sammantaget visar gestaltningen och litteraturinhämtningen att urban förvildning som koncept skulle kunna vara en hållbar strategi för att omvandla torgmiljöer och samtidigt beakta Masttorgets specifika förutsättningar och kvaliteter.Urban rewilding is the idea of letting the natural processes lead to create self-regulating and self-sustaining ecosystems. The concept has previously been associated with a larger landscape scale, and sometimes the reintroduction of wild animal populations, yet the concept is now implemented as an adapted version for urban areas with issues concerning biodiversity, improved habitats for smaller animals and insects, as well as climate adaption.
It’s possible to localise projects of urban rewilding all-around the globe, although there’s no distinctive definition of the concept and therefore the projects tend to be different from each other. Until now, most of the urban rewilding projects has been focusing on gardens and parks and there are argumentations for the concept to be further developed.
In this work, I’m therefore focusing on the idea of exploring the idea of urban rewilding and how the concept can be translated in a sustainable way for plazas – especially the plaza of Masttorget in Malmö, Sweden. I’m exploring the concept through a redesign of the plaza and lastly discussing the redesign together with the overall concept of urban rewilding in a completive chapter.
Overall, the redesign and the knowledge production shows that the concept of urban rewilding would able to work as a sustainable strategy for the redesign of existing plazas, as simultaneously consider site specific conditions and qualities
Public Participation GIS for flood and stormwater resiliency : a study of Public Participation GIS as a tool in the design process for flood and stormwater resiliency in the Kävlinge river catchment
No full textRivers are the supporters of some of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world. Yet, in Europe, they have been subjected to severe degradation over centuries which impacted not just the river itself but the whole catchment and floodplain. There has been argued that in order to steer river management towards more sustainable direction it will require transdisciplinary research with diverse stakeholders. This could prevent injustice in source and flood risk distribution and can contribute to a just distribution of ecosystem services. Public Participation Geographical Information Systems (PPGIS) present itself as an effective tool in revealing stakeholders’ values and collecting local knowledge. This study applies and explores PPGIS as a tool in the design process of planning for flood and stormwater resiliency in the Kävlinge river catchment. The different methods used in this thesis study are literature, GIS site analyses, site visit, PPGIS survey and designing. The study found that PPGIS contributed to the design process by revealing local experiences, identifying a priority area, and generating new solutions to improve the environmental quality of the study area. This study shows that PPGIS is a promising tool in river catchment management if improvements are made to target more and a varied group of respondents
Equitable adaptation? : intersectionality shapes farmers' adaptation to climatic and non-climatic stressors
Get PDFIn light of the increased impacts of climate change, farmers’ adaptation is highly inequitable. Yet, much adaptation literature investigating justice concerns draws on a single-axis analysis of inequities, overlooking how overlapping categories of discrimination create unique experiences of injustices. To enrich the debate on intersectional inequities in adaptation, this study aims to investigate and develop an understanding of how farmers’ intersecting identities shape equitable adaptation to stressors posed by climatic and non-climatic changes. Drawing on approximately 30 semi-structured interviews and participatory observations with farming households in rural Nepal, the thesis demonstrates that inequity is intersectional, which in turn, nurtures inequitable adaptation. The results show more specifically (1) what climatic and non-climatic changes related stressors are perceived and experienced amongst farmers, (2) how farmers adapt to the perceived stressors, (3) how intersectionality shapes adaptation to the perceived stressors. More specifically, farmers from across two districts in Nepal, Ramechhap and Dolakha, are experiencing and adapting to the growing stressors of increased temperatures, erratic rainfall, insect invasions, wildlife conflicts, migration and work burden. Associated adaptation strategies identified in this thesis are adjustments in livestock management, collective actions, and support from local governments. Findings reveal, however, that adaptation capacities are differentiated between farmers depending on their overlapping social identities. For instance, the findings show that gender and age intersect to exclude old female farmers from households’ decision-making on livestock adjustments. Another example is gender and education, leading to the exclusion of uneducated female farmers from participating in community groups through which collective actions are taken. For male farmers, intra-group differences also appeared to shape adaptive capacities, most specifically at the intersection of disability and socioeconomic status, leading to an exclusion of these farmers from receiving adequate adaptation resources from the local government. By addressing the role of intersectionality in shaping equitable adaptation, the thesis expands the discussion on adaptation within globally marginalised, yet heterogeneous, rural communities. In particular, the thesis sheds light on how an intersectional lens can sharpen climate justice dimensions by illustrating how intra-group differences shape procedural (decision-making), distributive (economic) and recognitional justice dimensions for farmers with intersectional identities
Gibberellinsyrans pussel : kottsättningens hemligheter
Get PDFIf you throw a rock in a Scandinavian forest, chances are high you could hit a
Norway spruce tree. These trees are not only an ecological and cultural mainstay
of Sweden, they also grow on one fourth of all productive forest land and thus
contribute significantly to forestry and forest product exports, which make up 9%
of all exports from Sweden (Skogsindustrierna 2025). However, trying to grow
Norway spruce commercially is an investment that you may never enjoy. Trees
grow and live slowly, that's not new. But our human innovation constantly
improves our ability to mend this “issue”. This thesis outlines the working
towards furthering our collective understanding of the function and origin of an
enzyme which plays an important role in regulating a major plant hormone
responsible for, among other things, inducing flowering. More flowers (spruce
cones), equals more saplings, which equals more trees.
This enzyme is called PaGA2ox1 in Norway spruce, and in this thesis we aimed to
isolate and synthesize the complementary DNA for the gene responsible for it,
and then clone this gene into a bacterial vector suitable for in vitro assays and
analysis of the enzyme's function. As well as to perform a phylogenetic analysis
which provides a family tree on an evolutionary scale with several different
species. Lastly, we wanted to compare the smallest genetic changes on a single
nucleotide base scale, between genotypes of varying degrees of average cone-
setting amounts, to the larger Norway spruce population of genotypes. The
advancements and strides made in these areas within this thesis, will thus help to
exacerbate future learning about this enzyme and its relatives. As well as offer
valuable insight into the methods necessary for reaching these goals, further
easing the work of greater, more dedicated projects in the future