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Associations between horse owners’ descriptions of gait, jumping and temperament traits and injuries in Swedish Warmblood horses
Full text linkEvaluating Pythium oligandrum as a foliar biocontrol for Alternaria solani and inhibitory effect against co -infections by Alternaria solani and Phytophthora infestans and against Rhizoctonia solani
Full text linkPotato is one of the most important staple crops worldwide. Potato productivity is severely threatened by pathogens such as Alternaria solani (early blight), Phytophthora infestans (late blight), and Rhizoctonia solani (black scurf). Chemical control is the dominant management strategy for these diseases, but it is unsustainable due to the development of fungicide-resistant pathogens, environmental risks, and economic costs. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Pythium oligandrum as a biological control agent through in vitro and in planta experiments. According to the results, P. oligandrum significantly inhibited both A. solani and P. infestans growth when co-inoculated. Dual culture assays of P. oligandrum and R. solani demonstrated strain-specific susceptibility through strong inhibition of AG3 but limited inhibition of AG5. Mycoparasitic interactions of P. oligandrum against R. solani, including hyphal coiling observed in microscopy. In planta trials, the ‘Desiree’ cultivar showed that foliar application of P. oligandrum reduced early blight lesion development rather than soil application. No significant suppression was observed in ‘Kuras’ due to its physiological stress by edema. Collectively, these findings indicate the possibility of P. oligandrum as a sustainable strategy in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) frameworks. Further research on application amounts and time periods, strain compatibility, and host–pathogen–biocontrol interactions will be essential for resilient and environmentally sound production systems
Evaluating the Antagonistic Potential of Pythium oligandrum against Alternaria solani and Its Growth Promotion Potential across Different Potato Cultivars and Soil Types
Full text linkPythium oligandrum is an oomycete known for its dual role as a biocontrol agent and plant growth promoter. This study explored its antagonistic activity against Alternaria solani and its effects on potato growth under different soil types and cultivars. Three main sets of experiments were conducted: (i) in vitro confrontation assays, (ii) growth response of the cultivar ‘Desiree’ and ´Kuras´ across four different soil types, and (iii) growth responses of twelve potato cultivars to P. oligandrum inoculation. In vitro confrontation assays revealed clear suppression of A. solani, confirming the strong antagonistic potential of P. oligandrum. Biotron experiments showed that the effect of P. oligandrum on potato growth varied depending on soil type and cultivar. In the soil type experiment, significant increase in plant height was observed in compost soil and increased tuber yield in 50% sand + 50% compost soil in cultivar ‘Desiree’. Across twelve potato cultivars, responses varied: while ‘Altus’ showed enhanced height and reduced dry weight, ‘Agria’ exhibited reduced height, and other cultivars showed no significant changes. These findings indicate that the effectiveness of P. oligandrum is dependent on soil type and genetic background. Overall, this study supports the potential use of P. oligandrum in sustainable agriculture as an alternative to chemical fungicides while depending on cultivar and soil type
The role of mushroom cultivation in enhancing rural livelihoods and women’s empowerment in the Kegalle District, Sri Lanka
Full text linkThis study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the socio-economic potential and role of mushroom cultivation in rural Sri Lanka, specifically focusing on the Gender Empowerment Perspectives. Addressing a lack of comprehensive empirical research concerning mushroom cultivation's effects on income generation and gender dynamics within rural households, the research investigates its potential to empower marginalized communities, especially women, and improve the economic conditions of smallholder farmers. The study was conducted with cultivators in the Rabukkana and Kegalle Divisional Secretariat divisions, Kegalle District.
The research is grounded in a constructivist epistemology and utilizes a phenomenological research design to explore the "lived experiences" and socioeconomic realities of mushroom farmers. A qualitative approach was employed, relying on methodological triangulation via semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and direct observations. The theoretical framework integrates Kabeer’s Empowerment Theory (Resources, Agency, and Achievements) with Giddens’ Structuration Theory (Structure and Agency) and Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice (Habitus, Capital, and Field).
The findings confirm that mushroom cultivation serves as a viable and accessible livelihood strategy for small-scale and women-led enterprises due to its low land and capital requirements, short production cycle (approximately 2.5 months), and capacity for year-round income. This economic viability establishes the financial contribution as the foundation for agency. The resultant economic independence translates into greater negotiating power, increased autonomy, and active participation in household decision-making regarding expenditures and resources, which are measured as significant Achievements. This enhanced socioeconomic status results in greater respect and visibility for women within their families and the broader community.
However, the primary conclusion is that this transformation involves an incremental shift rather than a fundamental transformation of deeply embedded social structures. The division of labor remains gendered: while women overwhelmingly handle core production tasks (e.g., harvesting, watering, bag filling), men typically retain control over tasks requiring mobility, external negotiation, and capital investment (e.g., sterilization, transportation, and marketing). This confirms that individual agency is constrained by the Habitus (ingrained norms) that restricts women's mobility and access to the market Field. Furthermore, the success achieved is unequal, as it is fundamentally mediated by the farmer’s pre-existing Human Capital (educational attainment).
Finally, the long-term sustainability of the enterprise is undermined by persistent structural constraints and policy deficits. Farmers unanimously identified critical gaps, including the lack of cold storage facilities and post-harvest management knowledge, alongside exploitation by middlemen who impose low, non-negotiable prices. The study provides actionable insights for the Agricultural Extension Service (AES) and development organizations, emphasizing that sustained intervention is essential to address these structural barriers and strengthen farmers' collective agency and human capital through targeted training and loan schemes
Imagining the wind : exploring the sociotechnical barriers and potentials of wind energy in Bangladesh
Full text linkEnergy security is a critical issue for the overall development of a small but densely populated country like Bangladesh. On the other hand, issues such as climate change and global warming are placing greater emphasis on producing and using clean energy. Wind energy can be a good alternative for Bangladesh in terms of low land use, reduced dependence on fossil fuels, and clean energy production. This thesis explores the challenges and opportunities of adopting wind energy in Bangladesh, where fossil fuel reserves are depleting, land is scarce, and the impact of global warming is increasing, including the urgent need for sustainable energy. Despite the considerable potential of wind energy, according to a joint study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other existing studies, Bangladesh is still in its infancy in terms of large-scale wind energy deployment. The study investigates the technical, economic, institutional, and socio-cultural barriers to wind energy development based on data collected from semi-structured interviews with multiple stakeholders through a qualitative approach, analysing opinions and policy documents.
I also found that very little research has been conducted on wind energy adoption in Bangladesh from a social science perspective. Therefore, the study draws on two social science concepts; sociotechnical imaginary (STI) and materiality, to illustrate the barriers and potentials of wind energy adoption in Bangladesh. I use the sociotechnical imaginary (STI) framework to analyse how visions of the energy future are constructed, negotiated, and contested among donors, policymakers, experts, and the public. The findings reveal a disconnect between technocratic imaginers, which focus on data-driven planning and global sustainability goals, and weak social imaginers who reflect public scepticism and limited awareness. The concept of materiality is used to show how material constraints of wind power, such as inadequate infrastructure, insufficient wind resource data, and institutional inefficiencies, further hinder progress.
Despite these challenges, observations from interviews and secondary data suggest that emerging government and international policy interest, donor support, and successful pilot projects indicate a new momentum for wind energy in Bangladesh. Finally, this thesis concludes by arguing that a pluralistic and inclusive approach that integrates local knowledge, public engagement, and institutional reform is essential to realize the full potential of wind energy in Bangladesh and ensure a just energy transition
The slow rhythm of the city : a vision for mobility transformation & urban greenery in Lund
Full text linkI takt med att städer världen över omformas för att möta klimatutmaningar och sociala behov har gångbarhet, eller walkability, blivit en central fråga inom stadsplanering och landskapsarkitektur. Detta arbete tar avstamp i Lunds stadskärna och undersöker hur en omfördelning av gaturummets ytor, i kombination med ökad urban grönska, kan skapa en stadsmiljö där fotgängaren återfår en central roll.
Bakgrunden är en mobilitetskultur som länge prioriterat bilen, vilket resulterat i stora ytor för parkering och trafik på bekostnad av vistelsekvaliteter, biologisk mångfald och sociala värden. Samtidigt står städer inför klimatförändringar som kräver nya strategier för termisk komfort, dagvattenhantering och resiliens. Frågan är inte bara teknisk, utan kulturell: Hur kan vi förändra invanda mobilitetsmönster och skapa attraktiva miljöer som gör det naturligt att välja gång framför bil?
Arbetet bygger på en kvalitativ metod och spekulativ design med flera delar: litteraturstudier, fältstudier och historisk analys, workshops med lokala aktörer samt gestaltning av framtidsvisioner.
Projektet är utforskande och visionärt snarare än tekniskt detaljerat. Det syftar inte till att presentera en färdig plan, utan att öppna för diskussion om hur en framtida bilreducerad stadskärna med fokus på gångbarhet kan bidra till social hållbarhet, ökad biologisk mångfald och förbättrad livskvalitet.
Visionen är en stad där gator inte längre är transportkorridorer utan levande mötesplatser. En stad där skillnader i hastighet mellan trafikslag har minimerats, där grönska skapar svalka och sinnesro, och där trygghet är en självklarhet.As cities worldwide are reshaped to address climate challenges and social needs, walkability has become a central issue in urban planning and landscape architecture. This thesis focuses on the historic center of Lund and explores how reallocating street space, combined with increased urban greenery, can create an environment where pedestrians regain a central role.
The background is a mobility culture that has long prioritized cars, resulting in extensive areas for parking and traffic at the expense of spatial quality, biodiversity, and social values. At the same time, cities face climate change, demanding new strategies for thermal comfort, stormwater management, and resilience. The question is not only technical but cultural: How can we shift ingrained mobility patterns and create attractive environments that make walking the natural choice over driving?
The study applies a qualitative approach and speculative design, combining literature reviews, field studies and historical analysis, workshops with local stakeholders, and the development of visionary design proposals.
Rather than presenting a detailed technical plan, the project is exploratory and visionary, aiming to open a discussion on how a future car-reduced city center focused on walkability can contribute to social sustainability, increased biodiversity, and improved quality of life.
The vision is a city where streets are no longer mere transport corridors but vibrant meeting places, a city where speed differences between modes of transport are minimized, greenery provides thermal comfort and sensory richness, and safety is embedded in the urban fabric
How visitors influence behavior and enclosure utilization in the dhole (Cuon alpinus)
No full textThis study focused on dholes (Cuon alpinus) and their reaction to visitors at Nordens ark, Sweden. Other studies have shown that territorial species with a large habitat do not handle life in captivity well and stereotypic behaviors may develop. It is also common that animals change their behavior when humans are present. Since the dhole is an endangered species, it is important to know if they handle captivity well and if they are strongly influenced by visitors. This study focused on behaviors such as observing visitors, resting and social interaction between the individuals, and if they changed depending on whether the zoo was open for visitors or closed, and depending on the visitor intensity on the days they were open. Enclosure utilization was also observed to see if the dholes utilized the entire enclosure and if it changed depending on visitors. Some behaviors were observed by frequency; other behaviors and enclosure utilization were observed through intervals. The dholes mostly utilized one of the open enclosures and only used both when the zoo was closed to visitors. The most observed behavior when the zoo was open were “observing visitors”, carried out mainly by the three juveniles. The behavior “vocalization” was the most observed behavior when the zoo was closed and was mostly performed by the two adults. There were big differences between the juveniles and the adults in how much they performed certain behaviors depending on whether the zoo was open or closed. The juveniles performed behaviors such as “resting” and “movement” more frequently when it was open, and the adults performed them more frequently when it was closed. “Social interaction” was a behavior the juveniles performed to a higher extent than adults and more when the zoo was closed, but the adults performed the behavior more when the zoo was open. “Observing visitors”, “aggressive interaction”, “sitting/standing” and “movement” were the only behaviors that were performed more when the visitor intensity was high. When the visitor intensity was low they stalked visitors more. Dholes are a highly social and curious species, and they could have observed and followed visitors because of curiosity, but it could also be caused by stress. Habituation could be a reason why the adults did not react to the visitors as much as the juveniles. No stereotypic behavior was observed. A part of this study might be inconclusive because the female dhole whelped during the observation period, which then also means part of the results was from her maternal behaviors. The results show there was a difference in behavior depending on visitors. This highlights the need for additional research and more information about dhole behavior in captivity. A more comprehensive study on dhole behavior and the visitor effect, involving a larger sample size, would provide deeper insights into the topic
Exotic pets : Hard to read, scary to treat? A comparative survey study
No full textUppsatsen undersöker djurägares och djurhälsovårdspersonalens kunskapsnivåer och upplevda svårigheter med exotiska sällskapsdjur. Ett flertal studier visar att kunskapsbrist hos både veterinärer och djurägare kan skapa problem som påverkar djurens hälsa och behov av vård.
Studien samlade in data från djurägare och djurhälsovårdpersonal i Sverige för att undersöka kunskap, erfarenheter och utmaningar kopplade till exotiska sällskapsdjur. Två enkäter skapades och distribuerades via Facebook och QR-koder på djurkliniker. Enkäterna riktade sig till djurägare och personal och innehöll frågor om bakgrund, erfarenhet, utbildning och reflektioner. Fokus låg på att förstå djurägarnas och personalens perspektiv och utmaningar.
Resultatet visade att både djurhälsovårdpersonal och djurägare upplever brister i kunskap och tillgång till vård för exotiska djur. Många veterinärer och djursjukskötare känner sig osäkra på att behandla exotiska djur på grund av begränsad erfarenhet och brist på expertis. Djurägare lyfte fram svårigheter med att hitta korrekt information och få tillgång till veterinärvård, särskilt akutvård samt att den låga statusen för exotiska djur i samhället och vårdsystemet utgör en stor utmaning. För att möta dessa utmaningar behövs förbättrad undervisning inom veterinär-utbildningar, fortbildning för yrkesverksamma och ökad tillgång till pålitlig information för djurägare.The thesis examines the knowledge levels and perceived difficulties among pet owners and animal healthcare professionals regarding exotic pets. Several studies show that a lack of knowledge among both veterinarians and pet owners can create problems that affect the animals' health and care needs.
The study gathered data from pet owners and animal healthcare professionals in Sweden to explore knowledge, experiences, and challenges related to exotic pets. Two surveys were created and distributed via Facebook and QR codes at animal clinics. The surveys targeted pet owners and staff and included questions about background, experience, education, and reflections. The focus was on understanding the perspectives and challenges of pet owners and professionals.
The results showed that both animal healthcare professionals and pet owners experience a lack of knowledge and access to care for exotic animals. Many veterinarians and veterinary nurses feel uncertain about treating exotic pets due to limited experience and lack of expertise. Pet owners highlighted difficulties in finding accurate information and accessing veterinary care, especially emergency care, as well as the low status of exotic pets in society and the healthcare system, which presents a major challenge. To address these issues, improved education within veterinary programs, continuing education for professionals, and increased access to reliable information for pet owners are necessary
Samstämmigheten mellan veterinärer vid bedömning av bakbenshälta hos häst
Full text linkDen allra vanligaste orsaken till hälsoproblem på häst är ortopediska besvär, varför vikten av korrekt diagnostisering och behandling av hältor är av mycket stor vikt. Det klassiska sättet att hantera hältor är att utföra en utökad allmänklinisk undersökning där rörelseapparaten undersöks grundligt palpa-toriskt samt att en subjektiv bedömning av rörelsemönstret utförs. Flera tidigare studier där veterinärers förmåga att bedöma hälta har utförts och samstämmigheten mellan veterinärer har inte visat sig vara speciellt hög i synnerhet vid bedömning av bakbenshältor. Objektiva mätmetoder har tagits fram för att fungera som ett hjälpmedel i bedömningen av hältor och speciellt användbar är den objektiva rörelseanalysen vid fall med lindriga, svårbedömda hältor. De objektiva mätsystemen är även ett bra sätt att få reda på var i stegcykeln hästen är halt; har hästen en frånskjuts- eller en belastningshälta? Målsättningen för det här examensarbetet var att utvärdera hur väl subjektiv bedömning av bakbenshälta fungerar som verktyg för att skilja mellan frånskjuts- och belastnings-hälta.
En webbaserad enkät med sammanlagt 48 filmer på bakbenshalta eller ohalta hästar sammanställdes och skickades till veterinärer. Filmerna bestod av 28 hästar som varit patienter vid Universitetsdjursjukhuset i Uppsala samt tio hästar med inducerade bakbens hältor. Tio filmer upprepades för att kunna bedöma intra-rater agreement för deltagarna. Deltagarna bestod av veterinärer som jobbar med hästar i sin vardag. Dessa fick bedöma om de tyckte att respektive häst på varje film var ohalt eller hade en bakbenshälta, och om de bedömde att hästen var halt skulle de även välja mellan vänster och höger bakben samt om de bedömde hältan som frånskjuts- eller belastningshälta.
Av de 104 deltagarna som påbörjade enkäten bedömde endast nio deltagare tillräckligt många filmer för att inkluderas i statistiken. Samstämmigheten mellan veterinärerna analyserades med Cohen:s kappa för att även ta i beaktande sådan samstämmighet i bedömningen som sker via slumpen. Veterinärerna var acceptabelt samstämmiga när de bedömde om respektive häst var halt eller inte, samt när de bedömde vilket ben hästen var halt på. Samstämmigheten mellan veterinärerna vid bedömning av om respektive häst hade en frånskjuts- eller belastningshälta var dock lika med slumpen eller sämre än slumpen, det vill säga samstämmigheten var dålig.As the most common health problem in the horse is related to orthopedic disorders the weight of correct diagnosis and treatment for lameness in the horse is of utmost importance. The classical approach to the lameness examination is an extended general exam of the patient involving palpation of the locomotion system and subjective evaluation of the gaits. Agreement between veterinarians when evaluating lameness in the horse has been the subject of many studies, and the agreement has not proved itself to be particularly good, especially when evaluating hindlimb lameness. Methods for objective evaluation have been developed and they have proven to be a remarkably helpful aid in evaluation of mild and more challengingly evaluated lameness. Objective evaluation of lameness in the horse also enables an accurate measure of in which part of the stride cycle the lameness occurs; does the horse have a push-off or impact lameness? The goal of this study was to evaluate how well subjective evaluation of lameness works when assessing whether a hindlimb lameness is of push-off or impact type.
A web-based survey with 48 videoclips of sound horses and horses with hindlimb lameness was compiled. The videoclips consisted of 28 horses that were patients at the University Animal hospital in Uppsala, 10 horses with induced hindlimb lameness and 10 videoclips that were repeated so that intra-rater agreement could be assessed. The survey was then sent out to veterinarians that work with horses in their day-to-day job. For each videoclip the participants in the survey were asked to first evaluate whether the horse was lame or not. If they judged the horse to be lame, they were then asked to choose which hindlimb was lame and if the lameness was of push-off or impact type.
Of the 104 participants that started answering the survey only 9 participants evaluated an adequate amount of videoclips to be included in the statistical analysis. Inter-rater agreement between the participants was analyzed with Cohen’s kappa which is a statistical tool that takes into consideration the amount of agreement that would naturally happen by chance. Inter-rater agreement between the veterinarians was acceptable both when evaluating whether the horse was lame or not and when deciding on the lame limb. Inter-rater agreement when deciding the type of lameness, push-off or impact, however, was equal to or worse than what would happen by chance
Ståndortsanpassning i första gallring
Full text linkMoelven Skog är en del av Moelven-koncernen och ansvarar för råvaruförsörjningen till bolagets industrier i Sverige. Företaget har en lång historia och är en av Europas största aktörer inom sågade trävaror, med fokus på hållbarhet och utveckling.
Denna studie koncentreras på ståndortsanpassning vid första gallring. Ståndortsanpassning innebär att ta hänsyn till markförhållanden, biotiska faktorer, ståndortshistorik, klimat och beståndsegenskaper. I gallring är det viktigt att ta bort trädslag som missgynnas av växtplatsen och låta rätt trädslag stå kvar. Detta har en positiv effekt på kvarstående träd och mark. Några viktiga parametrar att ta hänsyn till vid ståndortsanpassning är markens kvalitet, vattenförsörjning och konkurrens mellan träd.
Syftet med studien var att ta reda på hur väl Moelven Skog ståndortsanpassar i första gallring, och därtill analysera hur väl dessa anpassningar bidrar till att maximera beståndets utveckling utifrån lokala förutsättningar. Därtill ska frågeställningarna som ställts upp i studien besvaras.
Denna studie har innefattat flera olika metoder, litteraturstudie för bakgrundskontroll, fältinventering för jämförelse av insamlade data, HPR-data och traktdirektiv samt en intervjumetod med skördarförare.
Huvudresultatet visade att Moelven Skog i huvudsak ståndortsanpassar väl, där skördarförarnas expertis och erfarenhet är av stor betydelse. Samtliga maskinlag ståndortsanpassar på ett liknande sätt. Det saknas dock ofta information om ståndortsindex och ståndortsanpassning i traktdirektiven.
Slutsatserna från studien är att Moelven Skog i huvudsak ståndortsanpassar väl, det behövs mer information i traktdirektivet gällande ståndortsanpassning samt att HPR och fältinventerade data stämmer till största delen väl överens.Moelven Skog is part of the Moelven Group and is responsible for the raw material supply to the company’s industries in Sweden. The company has a long history and is one of Europe’s largest players in the sawn timber industry, with a focus on sustainability and development.
This study focuses on site adaptation in first thinning. Site adaptation involves considering soil conditions, biotic factors, site history, climate, and stand characteristics. In thinning, it is important to remove tree species that are disadvantaged by the site and allow the right species to remain. This has a positive effect on the remaining trees and soil. Key parameters to consider in site adaptation include soil quality, water supply, and competition between trees.
The purpose of the study was to assess how well Moelven Skog adapts to the site in the first thinning and to analyze how these adaptations contribute to maximizing the stand’s development based on local conditions. Additionally, the research questions set out in the study were to be answered.
This study employed several different methods, including a literature review for background, field surveys to compare HPR data with tract directives, and an interview method with harvester operators.
The main result showed that Moelven Skog generally adapts to the site well, with harvester operators’ expertise and experience being of great importance. All machine crews adapt to the site in a similar manner. However, there is often a lack of information regarding site index and site adaptation on the tract directives.
The conclusions of the study are that Moelven Skog generally adapts to the site well, more information on site adaptation is needed in the tract directives, and that HPR data and field-surveyed data largely align well