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Survey of aphid-transmitted viruses and associated RNA molecules in Swedish sugar beet crops
Get PDFSugar beet is a crop of great economic importance, contributing significantly to global sugar production. Several viruses that aphids spread across the sugar beet crop have been managed with the application of neonicotinoid insecticides. The Scandinavian sugar beet industry has seen a rise in the number of diseases transmitted by aphids due to the prohibition of the use of neonicotinoids in 2018. The aphid-transmitted disease "virus yellows" has emerged as a major threat to Sweden's sugar beet crop in recent years. As of now, three poleroviruses, namely beet mild yellowing virus (BMYV), beet chlorosis virus (BChV) and turnip yellows virus (TuYV), have been identified in Sweden as associated with the disease. Beet yellows virus has also been identified in Sweden and can cause virus yellows.
The objectives of this thesis were to study the diversity of aphid–transmitted viruses that infect sugar beet in the southern region of Sweden and to test for presence of turnip yellows virus-associated RNA (TuYVaRNA) in sugar beet. Symptomatic sugar beet leaves were collected from seven locations in Skåne in 2023. The samples were subjected to a double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showing that samples collected from four locations were infected with poleroviruses. In this thesis, RT-PCR with universal primers for the coat protein gene of poleroviruses confirmed infection with polerovirus in these four positive samples as well as in one negative sample. Sequencing of cloned RT-PCR products revealed that three samples were infected by BChV and two samples by BMYV. In a phylogenetic analysis, one BMYV isolate showed a close relationship to a previously sequenced BMYV isolate from Sweden, while the other BMYV isolate represented a new genotype. The three BChV isolates were different from the previously sequenced Swedish BChV isolates and were most closely related to an isolate from France. The results showed that the diversity of BMYV and BChV in Sweden is higher than previously thought. New virus genotypes can be transmitted by migrating aphids from one country to another. Mixed infection of viruses could lead to emerging new virus variants as well. Using newly designed primers, RT-PCR amplification was carried out for detection of TuYVaRNA, but the tests were
negative suggesting that the the tested plants might not have been infected with TuYVaRNA
Animals “got to go” : a conceptual proposal for developing wildlife corridors and enhancing the Älby overpass in Nynäshamn Municipality, Sweden
Get PDFNynäshamn municipality, located in Stockholm County, is connected to the capital via National Road 73, which constitutes a barrier to wildlife. A mitigation measure in the form of an overpass was constructed to enhance the lost habitat connectivity. However, the municipality's growth plans include significant expansion of the urban sprawl by 2040, which will threaten wildlife by fragmenting habitats and increasing disturbance near the overpass. This thesis investigates the impact of urbanization on local wildlife and assesses the efficacy of the overpass, aiming to restore wildlife connectivity with green corridors and proposed design improvements to the overpass.
Analysis revealed time-separation in human and wildlife usage of the overpass, suggesting that co-usage is feasible without significant impacts on wildlife. Moreover, the thesis studies the habitat requirements of moose with the aim of improving the overpass efficacy and habitat connectivity. The Wildlife Habitat Relationship (WHR) method identified moose’s habitats and highlighted the scope of their fragmentation, also emphasising overpass to be the only sufficient habitat connection in the area. Consequently, a proposal for a revised overpass was developed together with a design for habitat connectivity in the form of green corridors.
Proposed overpass improvements include removing dense vegetation at the entrance, replacing it with ground cover species preferred by moose, extending acoustic screens to reduce light and noise disturbances, and adding natural features like rock and branch piles inspired by the Sandsjöbacka ecoduct. Moose habitats were conceptualized based on life requisites, including feeding, cover, and reproductive areas, highlighting the importance of lakes, ponds, wetlands, and various vegetation types for habitat connectivity.
Despite the complexity of urbanization impacts this thesis recommends protecting habitat connections by limiting urban sprawl and establishing land protection measures. In conclusion, the thesis presents design recommendations to develop wildlife corridors and improve overpass efficiency, aiming to enhance wildlife populations in Nynäshamn while promoting coexistence and ecological sustainability
Rehoming of cats in Sweden through Blocket.se
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to investigate the situation for rehoming cats in Sweden. What reasons caused the need to rehome cats and also whether or not the advertisements contain adequate information to further contribute to the cats’ welfare with the new owner. The motivation behind this study was to get a better understanding to the challenges that the rehomed cats face. Advertisements were gathered from a Swedish online marketplace called Blocket.se every day during a 13-week period between February and April of 2023. Some advertisements were excluded from this study due to insufficient data. The result after the excluded advertisements, showed that 2363 cats needed rehoming according to the 1972 advertisements gathered from Blocket.se. The most common reasons behind rehoming cats were “allergies”, followed by “problems with other animals in the household” and the third reason was “private” which included changes in the life or family situation, etc. The three most uncommon reasons behind rehoming were “economy”,
“number of animals in the household” and the least common reason was “cat with behavior problems”. More than half of the advertisements contained requests, most of them were clear and demanding about the new owner or the new household, but only a few advertisements contained a
description of the cats' needs. The study showed that there were only minute differences between the number of males versus females which needed rehoming. The main part of the cats that need rehoming in this study were younger cats aged between seven months and two years old. The young age of the cats suggests that many people lack the necessary knowledge regarding cats' needs and their behavior but at the same time, one might not know about his or her allergies and therefore have to rehome the cat at an early stage. Hopefully this study will contribute to the awareness of the
amount of cats needing a new home and also encourage people that adoption is a very liable option
spectroscopic methods to assess the proportion of sapwood and heartwood in sawdust from spruce and pine
Get PDFI dagsläget används splint- och kärnved från gran och tall i olika blandningar vid pelletstillverkning i Sverige. Inom sågverksindustrin används ofta CT-röntgen för detektering av bland annat splint- och kärnved då skillnaderna mellan dessa i stor utsträckning påverkar de sågade produkternas egenskaper. Biprodukten sågspån sorteras i nuläget inte i splint- och kärnved. Försök i laboratorieskala har visat att det är signifikanta skillnader i kvalitet, till exempel hållfasthet, även på pellets producerade av splint- respektive kärnved. Detta arbete har därför fokuserat på metoder för att bedöma andelen splint- och kärnved i sågspån. Med nära-infraröd spektroskopi och multivariat analys har modeller som kan prediktera andelen splint- och kärnved i torrt sågspån tagits fram. Mätningar med NIR gjordes med två olika instrument; Perten och ASD. Resultatet visar att andelen splint- och kärnved kan predikteras med en förklaringsgrad (R2) på 80–98%, beroende på mätinstrument och trädslag. Den bästa prediktering gavs av modeller utifrån mätinstrumentet Perten för tallsågspån. Även skillnader i värmevärdet av tallsågspån mellan splint- och kärnveden identifierades, där kärnveden uppvisar 3% högre värmevärde. Skillnaden var däremot inte signifikant. Ett försök att separera sågspån i rena fraktioner av splint- och kärnved gjordes men utan lyckat resultat. Spånet uppvisar skillnader i flytförmågan vilket kan härledas till skillnaden i densitet, men en tillräcklig separation av spånfraktionerna uppnåddes inte.Currently, a mix of sapwood and heartwood from spruce and pine is used in pellet production in Sweden. In the sawmill industry, CT scanning is often used to detect, among other things, sapwood and heartwood, as the differences between these significantly affect the properties of the sawn products. The by-product, sawdust, is currently not sorted into sapwood and heartwood. Laboratory-scale experiments have shown that there are significant differences in quality, such as strength, even in pellets produced from sapwood versus heartwood. Therefore, this work has focused on methods for assessing the proportion of sapwood and heartwood in sawdust. Using near-infrared spectroscopy and multivariate analysis, models have been developed that can predict the proportion of sapwood and heartwood in dry sawdust. Measurements with NIR were performed using two different instruments: Perten and ASD. The results show that the proportion of sapwood and heartwood can be predicted with an explanation degree (R²) of 80-98%, depending on the measurement instrument and tree species. The best prediction was given by models based on the Perten measurement instrument for pine sawdust. Differences in the heating value of pine sawdust between sapwood and heartwood were also identified, with heartwood showing a 3% higher heating value. However, the difference was not significant. An attempt was made to separate sawdust into pure fractions of sapwood and heartwood, but without success. The sawdust exhibits differences in flowability, which can be attributed to differences in density, but sufficient separation of the sawdust fractions was not achieve
The decline of the animals will not be the rise of the city : an investigation of challenges that animal keepers and municipal officials in Södertälje encounter
Get PDFDenna uppsats visar på utmaningar som Södertälje kommuns lantbrukare, som bedriver djurhållning, möter samt vad Södertälje kommun kan göra för att stötta lantbrukarna. Genom kvalitativa intervjuer och sedan en tematisering av materialet identifierades följande utmaningar hos lantbrukare. Lönsamhet och svårigheter med att sälja på en lokal marknad; att vara stadsnära då det innebär ökad konkurrens om mark samt ökade smittrisker; markexploatering och minskar av jordbruksmark samt svårigheter med att vara arrendator; och sist, vilt och vargs påverkan på lantbruket.
Utmaningarna analyserades sedan med de analytiska begreppen handlingsutrymme och egenmakt. Dessa begrepp användes för att synliggöra var lantbrukaren själv har möjlighet att påverka sin situation och var begräsningar uppstår. Samma begrepp användes för att analysera Södertälje kommuns svar på var de kan vara med och stötta lantbrukarna i de utmaningar som identifierats.
Slutsatsen blev att lantbrukarna begränsas av många yttre faktorer som lagstiftningar, globala prissättningar och väderförhållanden. Kommunen begränsas av bland annat LOU, grossistavtal, brist på kunskap om lantbruket och dess komplexitet, begränsad rådighet och att inte ha en ansvarig på kommunen att värna om lantbrukets intressen. Södertälje kommun arbetar dock mycket för att öka lokal upphandling och hitta på innovativa sätt att stötta lantbrukare genom arrenden. Det finns mycket mer som kommunen kan göra, både genom direkta och indirekt påverkan, men det behövs ett mer medvetet agerande från kommunen.This essay shows challenges that Södertälje municipality's farmers specializing in animal husbandry face and what Södertälje municipality can do to support them. Through qualitative interviews and a thematization of the material, the following challenges for farmers were identified. Profitability and difficulties in selling in a local market; peri-urban agriculture as this means increased competition for land and increased risks of infection to the animals; land exploitation and shrinking of agricultural land as well as difficulties with leasehold farmers; and finally, the impact of wild game and wolves in animal husbandry.
The challenges were then analyzed using the analytical concepts of action theory and empowerment. These concepts were used to identify where the farmers can influence their situation and where limitations arise. The same concept was used to analyze Södertälje municipality's response to where they can support the farmers in the challenges identified.
The conclusion was that farmers are limited by many external factors such as legislation, global pricing and weather conditions. The municipality is limited by, among other things, by the Swedish Public Procurement Act, wholesale agreements, lack of knowledge about agriculture, limited resources and the lack of having an official in charge of protecting the interests of agriculture. However, Södertälje municipality works hard to increase local procurement and find innovative ways to support farmers through leases. There is much more that the municipality can do, both through direct and indirect influence, but more conscious action from the municipality is needed
Social supermarkets : analisi e confronto tra strategie di gestione di surplus alimentare in Svezi
Get PDFFood waste is a global issue with profound environmental, economic, and social consequences, as approximately one-third of all food produced for human consumption is either lost or wasted. Over the past decades, food waste (FW) management strategies have become more efficient, with landfilling gradually declining across Europe in favour of more sustainable options. European directives prioritize the prevention of surplus food production, as well as the reuse, recycling, and recovery of FW. In line with these principles, initiatives such as social supermarkets (SSMs) have emerged to divert surplus food from waste and redistribute it to financially vulnerable populations at affordable prices. This case study conducted a Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a Swedish SSM. To provide a comprehensive evaluation of the environmental impact of SSM operations, system expansions like food substitution and the rebound effect were incorporated. The results were compared to the global warming potential (GWP) of more common FW management options in Sweden, such as anaerobic digestion and incineration with energy recovery. Additionally, the study offered insights into the social aspects of SSMs, emphasizing their potential to complement existing FW management strategies while addressing socio-economic challenges. The data collection employed questionnaires that were administrated to the SSM’s customers. The results show that the SSM is more effective at reducing greenhouse gas emissions (-2.53 t CO2e/FU) than anaerobic digestion and incineration (-0.23 and -0.11 t CO2e/FU, respectively). However, the rebound effect offset 87% of this benefit, with -0.18 t CO2e/FU as a net result. From a social perspective, customers are generally satisfied with the SSM, particularly appreciating the autonomy and dignity it offers in purchasing groceries compared to other forms of food assistance
Exploring lead users as co-creators of innovation in forest sector : insights from Social Practice Theory
Get PDFWithin the broader academic discipline of business administration, this thesis focuses on the
intersection of production, innovation, and forest management practices. It aims to contribute to
the understanding of why lead users adopt drone technology and how they co-create the process of
innovation. Despite advancements in sustainable forest management practices, a gap remains in
the effective utilization of new technologies like drones to enhance operational practices. Building
upon broader concepts such as forest management and sustainability challenges, this study
explores the motivations behind the adoption of drone technology by lead users and the
collaborative efforts involved in the innovation process.
The research examines how lead users in the Swedish forestry sector integrate drones into their
practices, addressing key questions such as the reasons for adopting the technology and the
specific ways they contribute to co-creating innovation. By analyzing the experiences and
practices of these pioneering users, the study aims to illuminate the practical benefits and
challenges associated with drone technology in forestry. This includes understanding how drones
enable more efficient forest monitoring, improve decision-making, and promote sustainable forest
management practices. Through a case study approach, the thesis provides insights into the
practical applications of drone technology, highlighting its potential to transform forest
management by offering faster data collection, improved accuracy, and real-time information. It
also addresses the barriers faced by users, such as regulatory challenges and the need for advanced
skills, providing a comprehensive view of the current landscape and future prospects of drone
technology in forestry.
Furthermore, the study builds on broader sectors such as agricultural practices, where drone
technology is increasingly being adopted to enhance productivity and sustainability. Similar to
forestry, agriculture benefits from drones through precise monitoring and resource management,
which improves crop yields and reduces environmental impact. By drawing parallels between
forestry and agriculture, this thesis underscores the transformative potential of drones across
different sectors, highlighting their role in promoting sustainable and efficient operations.
Ultimately, this study contributes knowledge to the fields of forest management and business
administration, emphasizing the importance of technological innovation in advancing sustainable
practices
Vilka ekonomiska effekter skulle återinförandet av en mjölkkvot ha på Sveriges mjölkproducenter?
Get PDFSyftet med denna studie var att ta reda på vilka ekonomiska effekter ett
återinförande av mjölkkvotsystem skulle ha på Sveriges mjölkproducenter. Att
återinföra ett mjölkkvotsystem är inte något som är aktuellt i dagsläget, men det är
viktigt att förstå vilka effekter ett mjölkkvotsystem skulle bidra med.
Med hjälp av en produktionsgrenskalkyl och en välfärdsanalys har studien kommit
fram till att ett återinförande av mjölkkvotsystem skulle medföra en reglering för
våra producenter, möjligheterna till expandering skulle minska och priserna för
producent och på marknad skulle kunna ändras. En intervju med två av
Skånemejeriers leverantörer har också lyfts då deras syn och erfarenheter av ett
mjölkkvotsystem är viktig. Slutsatserna i studien är att ett mjölkkvotsystem
nästintill enbart skulle ge negativa effekter, det enda som är positivt med ett
kvotsystem för mjölk är att det ger producenterna en viss inkomststablitet när
produktionen regleras.The purpose of this study was to find out what the economic effects a
reintroduction of the milk quota system would have on Sweden´s milk producers.
Using a production brand calculation and a welfare analysis, the study concluded
that a reintroduction of the milk quota system would result in regulation for our
producers, reduced opportunities for expansion, and potential changes in producer
and market prices. An interview with two suppliers from Skånemejerier was also
included, as their views and experiences with a milk quota system are important.
The conclusions of the study are that a milk quota system would almost
exclusively have negative effects, with the only positive aspect being that it
provides producers with some income stability when production is regulated
Upplevelser vid vatten
Get PDFVatten är ett formlöst och luktlöst dynamiskt naturligt ämne. Det är först när det interagerar med omgivande material som det skapar karaktär och uttryck. Vattnets unika karaktär och dragningskraft har en förmåga att skapa upplevelser och beröra alla mänskliga sinnen.
Vattnets relation med sin omgivning är en viktig faktor som påverkar upplevelsen av vattnet och hur vi människor uppfattar landskapet omkring oss. Att undersöka relationen mellan de olika elementen är en viktig del för att förstå hur upplevelsen påverkas i både det interna och externa landskapet. Vatten har alltid haft stor betydelse för levnadsmiljöer och för oss människor. Att kunna vara nära vattnet och ta del av dess goda egenskaper stärker upplevelsen och främjar positiva hälsoeffekter.
Tullgarns slott är ett av de elva kungliga slotten i Sverige i statens ägo med kunglig dispositionsrätt och är ett statligt byggnadsminne sedan 1935. Examensarbetet är centrerat runt biologiska reningsdammarna som är en del av Tullgarns slottspark och har renat områdets avloppsvatten fram till 2019 då anläggningen stängdes ned.
Sedan reningsdammarnas avveckling har områdets skick försämrats och dammarnas vattennivå sjunkit drastiskt vilket gjort systemet obrukbart. Rådande situationen skapar en problematik där platsens funktion är förändrad vilket leder till att identiteten som biologiska reningsdammarna inte överensstämmer med verkligheten. Områdets försämrade status och vitalitet försämrar besöksvärdet och påverkar upplevelsen av platsen negativt, även för slottsparken som helhet. De forna reningsdammarna ligger inom statligt byggnadsminne men anses inte ha något betydande kulturhistoriskt värde.
Huvudmetoden är gestaltning med analys genom syntes som en övergripande metod för att svara på syfte och frågeställningar. Processen bygger på kunskapsöversikt, platsanalyser som tillsammans med problemrymden utgör underlaget i det gestaltningsmetoden ska svara på. Ett analysverktyg utvecklades kring åtta upplevda sensoriska kvaliteter och användes för att skapa kunskap om hur gröna miljöer upplevs. Tillsammans med skissprocessen utvecklades ett upplevelsebaserat gestaltningsförslag för de forna reningsdammarna.
Gestaltningsförslaget, Upplevelser vid vatten, bygger på att tillgängliggöra vattnet för att stärka upplevelsen vid platsen. Det är utformat att skapa en målpunkt i slottsparken för att beröra mänskliga sinnen och främja upplevelsevärdet. Det är en plats för rekreation och kontemplation med naturvärden att ta del av. En plats som höjer besöksvärdet för hela slottsparken.
Upplevelsebaserad landskapsarkitektur kan stärka upplevelsevärdet av grönområden och nyttja hälsofrämjande effekter som följer med. I vilken omfattning gestaltningen kan förbättra värdet eller hälsoeffekter är svårt att avgöra och en mer omfattande undersökning.Water is a formless and odorless dynamic natural substance. It is only when it interacts with surrounding materials that it creates character and expression. Water's unique character and allure could create experiences and touch all human senses.
The relationship between water and its surroundings is an important factor that influences the experience of water and how we perceive the landscape around us. Investigating the relationship between the different elements is a key part of understanding how the experience is affected in both the internal and external landscape. Water has always been of great significance to living environments and to us humans. Being close to water and enjoying its beneficial properties enhances the experience and promotes positive health effects.
Tullgarn Palace is one of the eleven royal palaces in Sweden owned by the state with royal disposal rights and has been a national heritage building since 1935. The thesis is centered around the biological purification ponds that are part of Tullgarn Palace Park and have purified the area's wastewater until 2019 when the facility was closed down.
Since the decommissioning of the purification ponds, the condition of the area has deteriorated and the water levels in the ponds have drastically decreased, rendering the system unusable. The current situation creates a problem where the site's function has changed, leading to the identity of the biological purification ponds not matching reality. The deteriorated status and vitality of the area reduce its visitor value and negatively impact the experience of the site, including the palace park as a whole. The former purification ponds are within a national heritage site but are not considered to have significant cultural-historical value.
The main method is design with analysis through synthesis as an overarching method to answer the purpose and research questions. The process is based on a knowledge overview and site analyses, which together with the problem space form the basis that the design method should address. An analysis tool was developed around eight perceived sensory qualities and used to create knowledge about how green environments are experienced. Together with the sketching process, an experience-based design proposal for the former purification ponds was developed.
The design proposal, Experiences by Water, is based on making the water accessible to enhance the experience of the site. It is designed to create a focal point in the palace park to touch human senses and promote the experiential value. It is a place for recreation and contemplation with natural values to enjoy. A place that raises the visitor value for the entire palace park.
Experience-based landscape architecture can enhance the experiential value of green areas and utilize the health-promoting effects that come with it. To what extent the design can improve the value or health effects is difficult to determine and requires a more comprehensive investigation
Kaninholmens dagvattenpark
Get PDFDegraderingen av naturliga våtmarker som följd av mänsklig aktivitet har lett till stora förluster i biologisk mångfald värden över. Att konstruera nya våtmarker kan vara en strategi för att mildra de negativa effekterna. Dagvattendammar kan utöver dess funktion att rena vatten och förhindra översvämningar även vid en medveten gestaltning erbjuda nya habitat, såväl som upplevelsevärden för människor. I detta arbete tas ett gestaltningsförslag fram för en dagvattenpark vid trädgårdsvägen, norr om Kaninholmen i Tyresö med syfte att stärka både de ekologiska och sociala värdena på platsen. Gestaltningsförslaget, som baseras på konceptet ”Från ordning till organisk” integrerar bland annat inhemsk vegetation, en komplex strandlinje, varierade slänter och rekreativa platser för att öka både platsens biologiska mångfald samt att bli en plats av besöksvärde för de boende i närområdet. I processen används platsanalys, inventering av lokala arter samt teorin Perceived Sensory Dimensions för att balansera platsens ekologiska och sociala värden. Slutsatsen som dras är att trots att vissa kompromisser är nödvändiga, är det möjligt att kombinera dessa värden vilket ger potential att bidra positivt både till den lokala miljön och gemenskapen i området.The degradation of natural wetlands as a result of human activity has led to significant losses in biodiversity worldwide. Constructing new wetlands can be a strategy to reduce the negative effects. Stormwater ponds, in addition to their function of water purification and flooding prevention, can, through intentional design, also provide new habitats as well as recreational values for people. In this project, a design proposal for a stormwater park at Trädgårdsvägen, north of Kaninholmen in Tyresö is presented, with the aim of strengthening both the ecological and social values of the site. The design proposal, based on the concept “From Order to Organic,” integrates native vegetation, a complex shoreline, varied slopes, and recreational spaces to increase both the biodiversity of the area as well as to become a place worth visiting for local residents. The process involves site analysis, inventory of local species, and the theory of Perceived Sensory Dimensions to balance the ecological and social values of the site. The conclusion drawn is that while certain compromises are necessary, it is possible to combine these values which gives the potential to contribute positively to both the local environment and the community in the area