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Novel chlorinated phospholipids—possible biomarkers of chlorine gas exposure
No full textBiomarkers are needed to verify suspected exposure to chlorine gas in chemical attacks. Here, we aimed to expand upon the array of known biomarkers of chlorine gas exposure. 1-Palmitoyl- 2-oleoyl-sn-glycero- 3-phosphocholine (POPC), a phospholipid belonging to the phosphatidylcholine (PC) class, was chosen as the study material. The lipids were chlorinated using chlorine gas, followed by analysis for chlorinated PCs using liquid chromatography (LC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS), using unit- (MS, MS/MS) and high-resolution (HRMS, MS/HRMS). By interpreting accurate masses, isotopic patterns, and fragmentation patterns, PC chlorohydrin, PC dichloride, the chlorinated PC with m/z 794.54611 (here denoted as PC A) and 10 novel chlorinated PCs were identified: four PCs chlorinated at the glycerol backbone and six chlorinated peroxy-diphospholipids. Similar experiments with 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (POPE) resulted in the formation of the corresponding chlorohydrin and dichloride, as well as five chlorinated phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs) with chlorine in the glycerol backbone. Surprisingly, no chlorinated forms of 1-palmitoyl-2-stearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (PSPC) were observed in similar experiments. In total, 15 novel chlorinated lipids were found. Furthermore, to determine the relevance of the novel lipids as biomarkers, a pig lung tissue sample was chlorinated in vitro. Two monomeric chlorinated PCs and two chlorinated peroxy-diphospholipids were identified from the chlorine-exposed lung sample, showing that the novel lipid compounds are potential biomarkers for chlorine gas exposure.Peer reviewe
Sustainable and vibrant municipalities build on environmental information
No full textA municipality’s mission is to provide a good living environment for its current and future residents. Climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and financial problems will be increasingly demanding challenges in the future. Systematic utilisation of environmental information in planning and decision-making supports the creation of viable and sustainable municipalities
Relevanssia tavoittelemassa : Voiko tutkimus auttaa meitä ratkaisemaan suuria haasteita?
No full textWhat makes academic knowledge so important, and what are its ultimate goals? Some argue that the pursuit of knowledge is valuable in its own right, while others emphasise its instrumental benefits. In the view of many, research should address the most serious problems of our time. People often use the concepts of relevance and grand challenges to advance such an idea.
This dissertation analyses these two concepts, namely grand challenges and relevance. The premise on which the notion of grand challenges is based is that there are deep and complex societal problems the scientific community could and should address, and which consequently deserve funding and other resources. Studies on grand challenges are often depicted as requiring multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary research, given that real-world problems typically do not conform to the boundaries of academic disciplines. Some academic fields are naturally closer to practical application and could thus adopt the concept of grand challenges more readily.
The work draws from ongoing discussions in the philosophy of science, social epistemology, and science and technology studies, and investigates the epistemic consequences of focusing on relevance and research policy aimed at addressing grand challenges. It consists of an introductory essay and four articles.
Article I analyses research funding programmes for interdisciplinary research, focusing on the conditions and goals set for these programmes. I demonstrate that the social sciences and humanities (SSH) are often placed in a less favourable position compared to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) disciplines.
Article II investigates the idea of grand challenges from the perspective of university and research management, examining how university managers and researchers perceive and utilise the concept. The results show that the notion is highly useful for addressing the needs and interests arising from society, and for demonstrating the societal benefits of university research. However, the specific requirements that grand challenges impose on research are less clear.
Article III compares the use of grand challenges in the United States and the European Union. It shows that the concept has been employed in different ways within these two contexts, leading to contested characteristics within the notion. I argue that research policy should place greater emphasis on ensuring a strong connection between societal needs and the priorities of academic disciplines when designing programmes focused on grand challenges.
Article IV explores the concept of relevance. After reviewing the literature on its use in academic discussions on knowledge production, I show how some accounts focus on how existing knowledge institutions do or could provide users with relevant knowledge, whereas others take a more dynamic approach reflecting on how stakeholder needs should influence knowledge production.
The idea of grand challenges is based on the assumption that research can provide new solutions and knowledge about pressing societal problems. The aim in this dissertation is to demonstrate that if research is to address grand challenges effectively, it needs to enhance understanding of the priorities and interests of scientific communities, and to evaluate with a critical eye the directions in which current funding guidelines are heading.Maailmassa on monia suuria ja vaikeita haasteita. Monet ihmiset korostavat, että tiede voi tarjota uutta ymmärrystä ja ratkaisuja näihin ongelmiin. Suuriin haasteisiin viitataan usein tutkimuspolitiikassa annettaessa perusteita sille, miksi tieteellistä tutkimusta ja tutkimuslaitoksia olisi tärkeää tukea.
Väitöskirja analysoi kahta käsitettä, suuria haasteita sekä tutkimuksen yhteiskunnallista relevanssia. Se kartoittaa, millaisia seurauksia relevanssia ja suuria haasteita korostavalla tutkimuspolitiikalla on akateemiselle tiedolle ja tiedeyhteisöille.
Suurien haasteiden tutkiminen asettaa uudenlaisia vaatimuksia akateemiselle tutkimukselle. Haastelähtöiset tutkimusprojektit vaativat usein tieteidenvälistä tutkimusotetta. Samalla ne suosivat helposti tietyillä tieteenaloilla ja tutkimusmenetelmillä tehtyä tutkimusta toisten edelle.
Työ koostuu johdantoesseestä ja neljästä artikkelista.
Artikkeli I analysoi, millaisia reunaehtoja ja tavoitteita tutkimusrahoittajat asettavat tieteidenväliselle tutkimukselle. Tulokset osoittavat, että yhteiskuntatieteet ja humanistiset tieteet (SSH) ovat usein huonommassa asemassa verrattuna STEM-aloilla tuotettuun tutkimukseen. Tämä lisää mahdollisuuksia sille, että SSH-aineet jäävät tieteidenvälisessä tutkimuksessa alisteiseen asemaan.
Artikkeli II tutkii suurten haasteiden roolia ja tehtäviä yliopisto- ja tutkimusjohtamisessa. Tulokset osoittavat, että laaja käsite tarjoaa jokaiselle jotain. Laaja sovellusala jättää avoimeksi kysymyksen siitä, millaisia vaatimuksia suuriin haasteisiin keskittymisestä tarkalleen seuraa.
Artikkeli III vertailee suurten haasteiden käyttöä Yhdysvalloissa ja Euroopan unionissa. Se osoittaa, että käsitettä on käytetty näissä maissa eri tavoin. Euroopassa suuriin haastelähtöinen tutkimus on edellyttänyt usein refleksiivistä tutkimusyhteistyötä yhteiskunnallisten toimijoiden kanssa.
Artikkeli IV analysoi relevanssin käsitettä. Systemaattinen kirjallisuuskatsaus analysoi, millä tavoin relevanssiin käsitteeseen on viitattu akateemista tiedontuotantoa käsittelevässä kirjallisuudessa. Se erottelee relevanssin eri muotoja. Yksi keskeinen erottava tekijä koskee sitä, kuinka suuressa roolissa sidosryhmien tarpeiden ja jatkuvan vuorovaikutuksen tulisi olla relevanssia tavoiteltaessa.
Tutkimus- ja innovaatiopolitiikassa korostetaan usein, että tutkimuksen tulisi olla relevanttia ja pureutua suuriin haasteisiin. Työ tarjoaa näkökulmia sen ymmärtämiseksi, mitä kaikkea näistä päämääristä voi seurata.ei saavutettavaVäitöskirjan yhteenveto-osa on saavutettav
Applying multispecies justice in nature-based solutions and urban sustainability planning : Tensions and prospects
No full textWhile substantial efforts have been made to identify and address issues of environmental justice in urban areas, the question of how to consider and plan for the concerns of humans and other species remains a major challenge. This paper provides a conceptualisation of what 'justice' might mean from a multispecies justice (MSJ) perspective within the contexts of nature-based solutions (NBS) and urban sustainability planning. We offer a wider conceptualisation of representation, distribution and agency compared with dominant framings in NBS scholarship and provide exemplar cases on how to integrate these concepts in planning discourse. We critically discuss some of the challenges and opportunities of considering MSJ when confronted by established procedures and practices in NBS science and decision-making, focusing on (i) moving beyond existing standards for biodiversity conservation; (ii) embracing MSJ as a process and practice; and (iii) building the capacity of NBS planners to work with MSJ.Peer reviewe
Cross-sectional relationships of circadian misalignment and rest-activity rhythms with occupational attainment in UK Biobank participants
No full textCircadian misalignment and disrupted rest-activity rhythms have been linked to adverse health and educational outcomes, yet few studies have considered their relationships with economic outcomes. We investigate associations between multiple accelerometer-measured circadian misalignment traits (Composite Phase Deviation and the Sleep Regularity Index) and rest-activity rhythm traits (Inter-daily Stability, Intra-daily variability and relative amplitude), with occupational attainment, measured using the average wage paid to an individual's occupation. We use data from 20 356 UK Biobank participants who wore an accelerometer (2013-16), provided employment data for the year they wore the accelerometer, and supplied covariate data at recruitment (2006-10). We use linear regression, with incremental adjustments for four sets of covariates, and stratify our analysis by sex. Our findings provide mixed evidence on the relationship between circadian misalignment and occupational attainment, varying by the measure of circadian misalignment used, and sex. We find fragmented rest-activity rhythms to be associated with higher occupational attainment, which is counterintuitive. Since circadian misalignment is a modifiable trait, our results suggest potential benefits of policies aimed at reducing circadian misalignment, such as altering work schedules and reducing bright light exposure in the evening. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms through which rest-activity rhythms may impact economic outcomes.Peer reviewe
Fundamental questions in meiofauna research highlight how small but ubiquitous animals can improve our understanding of Nature
No full textThis paper identifies the top-50 priority questions for meiofaunal research, highlighting their critical roles in biogeochemical cycles and biodiversity. It calls for a balanced research agenda, international cooperation, and advances in technology to overcome current challenges and unlock meiofauna’s full potential.Peer reviewe
Quantifying the drivers of tree mortality : A case study from urban recreational boreal forest
No full textIncreased tree mortality rates have been observed worldwide in connection to climate warming-related processes, such as drought, heat, fire, and insect pest outbreaks. An understanding of the drivers of tree mortality during the Anthropocene is urgently needed to estimate forest vulnerability in a warmer climate. In this study, we assessed the drivers of tree mortality in an urban recreational boreal forest area in Helsinki, Finland, of approximately 830 ha, where increased tree mortality rates have been recently observed. A time series of aerial images was used to quantify tree mortality over the area to detect dead trees from 2005 to 2021 at seven timestamps. In total, 6008 dead trees were observed from the aerial images collected during the monitoring period. Forest environmental and climatic variables were used to explore the tree mortality drivers for individual trees and tree communities using logistic regression and correlation analysis. Our results showed that drought-related variables, i.e., the standardised precipitation evapotranspiration index and the Palmer drought severity index, were linked with increased tree mortality rates. We found that the stand-level basal area predicted tree mortality risk and was linked to site type; smaller basal area stands were located on rocky dry soils, resulting in a greater probability of tree mortality. We also observed that trees at high elevations or on steep slopes showed a greater mortality risk. Our results can increase the understanding of tree mortality in urban areas and help the planning of built and green areas in a changing climate.Peer reviewe
'Doing' interculturality through multilingual identities : Language fluidity in the internationalisation of higher education in Finland
No full textThis study investigates the way(s) teachers and students from international degree programs at a Finnish university negotiate the roles of languages in the internationalisation of higher education and the interplay between interculturality, language and identity in relation to such roles. The data include focus group discussions with teachers and students, students' online forum entries and group discussion reports. The participants assigned contradictory and fluid roles to languages for 'doing' interculturality, including: English as full or partial enabler; Finnish as (in-)dispensable; Other foreign languages as hindrance. The authors identified potentially problematic identities such as 'partial speakers' and 'owners' of Finnish. The participants who displayed a specific form of open-ended interculturality tend to perceive the fluid or partial roles of languages and identities, which exposes a greater complexity of multilingualism. The authors recommend universities to promote a common but diverse ownership of languages to encourage stronger internationalisation.Peer reviewe
Sosiaalisen median käyttö on yhteydessä ruoankulutukseen suomalaisilla aikuisilla
No full textOne key aspect of digital food environments is social media, which has become a major source of food-related content. Studies have found that exposure to social media content depicting unhealthy foods is associated with increased consumption of unhealthy foods, especially among adolescents and young adults. However, there are notably fewer studies investigating how social media use is associated with consumption of healthy foods, and research on older adults remains limited. Therefore, this study aims to investigate how social media use and self-perceived susceptibility to social media influence are associated with consumption of both unhealthy and healthy foods in adults. A cross-sectional study using an anonymous online questionnaire was conducted in Finland between June and October 2024. In the online questionnaire, participants (n=160, aged 18–79, 76% female) were asked to report their socio-demographic characteristics, social media use, self-perceived susceptibility to social media influence, and food consumption with a food frequency questionnaire. Binary logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, and education level was used to examine the associations. More frequent social media use was associated with a less healthy diet, specifically less frequent consumption of nuts and seeds (OR=0.69, 95% CI=0.54-0.88) and fish (OR=0.80, 95% CI=0.65-0.99). Contrary to the hypothesis, more frequent social media use was associated with higher likelihood of consuming foods high in fat, salt and/or sugar in moderation (OR=1.32, 95% CI=1.07-1.63). Additionally, participants who perceived being more susceptible to social media influence were more likely to consume nuts and seeds frequently (OR=1.10, 95% CI=1.04-1.17). In the light of the present study, digital food environments seem to shape our diet. Increasing the visibility of healthy foods on social media could be beneficial, as lack of exposure may contribute to reduced consumption of these foods. Additionally, previous research shows that foods marketed on social media are mostly unhealthy. Therefore, both public and private sector organizations play a key role in promoting the visibility of healthy foods on social media.Yksi digitaalisen ruokaympäristön keskeinen osa-alue on sosiaalinen media, josta on tullut merkittävä ruokaan liittyvän sisällön lähde. Sosiaalisessa mediassa epäterveelliselle ruokasisällölle altistumisen on löydetty olevan yhteydessä lisääntyneeseen epäterveellisen ruoankulutukseen, erityisesti lapsilla ja nuorilla aikuisilla. Tutkimuksia, jotka tarkastelevat sosiaalisen media käytön ja terveellisen ruokien kulutuksen välistä yhteyttä, on kuitenkin huomattavasti vähemmän ja tutkimus vanhemmilla aikuisilla on edelleen rajallista. Tämän takia tämän tutkimuksen tavoitteena on selvittää, miten sosiaalisen media käyttö ja koettu alttius sen vaikutuksille ovat yhteydessä sekä epäterveellisten että terveellisten ruokien kulutukseen aikuisilla. Poikkileikkaustutkimus toteutettiin Suomessa anonyymin verkkokyselyn avulla kesä-lokakuussa 2024. Verkkokyselyssä osallistujia (n=160, 18–79 vuotta, 76 % naisia) pyydettiin raportoimaan sosioekonomiset taustatiedot, sosiaalisen median käyttö, koettu alttius sosiaalisen median vaikutuksille sekä ruoankulutus ruoankäytön frekvenssikyselyn avulla. Yhteyksiä analysoitiin binäärisellä logistisella regressioanalyysillä ja vakioitiin iän, sukupuolen ja koulutustason mukaan. Tulokset osoittavat, että sosiaalisen median tiheämpi käyttö oli yhteydessä epäterveellisempään ruokavalioon, mikä näkyi erityisesti pähkinöiden ja siementen (sekä kalan harvempana kulutuksena. Hypoteesin vastaisesti sosiaalisen media tiheämpi käyttö oli yhteydessä myös epäterveellisen ruokien (ruokien, jotka sisältävät runsaasti rasvaa, suolaa ja/tai sokeria) harvempaan kulutukseen. Lisäksi osallistujat, jotka kokivat olevansa alttiimpia sosiaalisen median vaikutukselle, söivät pähkinöitä ja siemeniä useammin. Tämän tutkimuksen perusteella digitaalisella ruokaympäristöllä näyttäisi olevan vaikutus ruokavalioon. Terveellisten ruokien näkyvyyden lisääminen sosiaalisessa mediassa voisi olla hyödyllistä, sillä niiden vähäinen näkyvyys voi osaltaan vähentää niiden kulutusta. Lisäksi aiempi tutkimus osoittaa, että sosiaalisessa mediassa markkinoidut ruoat ovat enimmäkseen epäterveellisiä. Tämän takia sekä julkisilla että yksityisillä toimijoilla on keskeinen rooli terveellisen ruokien näkyvyyden lisäämisessä sosiaalisessa mediassa