190942 research outputs found
Sort by
Integrating field camera imagery for monitoring maize phenology, biophysical traits, and agroclimatic factors in smallholder farms
No full textAccurate monitoring of crop phenology, biophysical attributes and agroclimatic variability is essential for optimizing agricultural practices, particularly in smallholder farming systems. In this study, we evaluated how field camera-derived Green Chromatic Coordinate (GCC) reflected variations in agroclimatic factors (rainfall and soil moisture) and biophysical attributes (leaf area index, crop height, chlorophyll content, and stomatal conductance) across agroecological zones (AEZs) in Kenya. Next, we utilized GCC time series to detect six key phenological stages of maize (Zea mays L.) - emergence, stem elongation, tasseling, kernel development, ripening, and senescence - using an amplitude-based relative threshold method. This approach was cross-validated against field observed phenology. Our analysis revealed positive correlations between GCC and plant height, chlorophyll content, and leaf area index (LAI). Daily-scale Pearson lag correlation between GCC and agroclimatic factors revealed that crops in drier ecosystems exhibited shorter response times to agroclimatic fluctuations (32 days to rainfall and 14 days to soil moisture), highlighting site-specific differences in vegetation dynamics captured by field cameras. Furthermore, results indicate that GCC effectively captured phenological stages with high accuracy (R2 = 0.9, RMSE = 7.1–7.7 days), though variability was observed across sites and growth stages. Comparisons between within-site and inter-site validation suggest that localized calibration can improve accuracy. Nevertheless, the method remains robust across varying conditions, which is supported by comparison against established curve-fitting methods. Our findings highlight the potential of field cameras as a cost-effective tool for crop monitoring at a high spatial and temporal scale, with applications in crop phenology detection, biophysical monitoring, and validation of remote sensing products. Integrating this approach into regenerative agriculture frameworks could enhance decision-making and management interventions in smallholder farms. © 2025 The Author(s)Peer reviewe
Mikro-XRF-menetelmän käyttö pallokivien tutkimuksessa
No full textOrbicular rocks are texturally and structurally unique igneous rocks consisting of semi-spherical orbicules within a surrounding matrix. The exact formation mechanisms of orbicular structures are not fully understood. This thesis applies micro-XRF as the primary analysis method for the first time in the study of orbicular rocks. Samples from three different orbicular rock occurrences, Pengonpohja (Kuru), and Hämeenjärvi and Kuusenhako (Suomenniemi), were analyzed using Bruker M4 Tornado micro-XRF scanner. As a supporting analysis method, optical petrographic analysis was conducted on thin sections prepared from the samples. Qualitative element distribution maps of the orbicular rock samples were created, and mineral distribution maps and the modal mineral compositions of each sample were obtained with the AMICS software. The maps were used to study the chemical and mineralogical variation across different parts (core, shell, and matrix) of the orbicular rock structure. A semi-quantitative chemical characterization of the rare earth element-bearing minerals in the samples was conducted. The orbicular rock samples represent different geological settings: the Kuru sample (PPJ-01) represents Svecofennian orogenic setting, while the Hämeenjärvi (HMJ-11) and Kuusenhako (KP1) samples represent anorogenic rapakivi magmatism. While the Suomenniemi samples are granitic and rather homogenous in composition, the Kuru sample shows a transition from a tonalitic core to a dioritic shell, which suggests crystallization from a slightly less evolved melt. The graphic texture and dendritic biotite growths in the Suomenniemi samples may indicate significant undercooling and near-eutectic conditions, while the more varied composition of the Kuru sample suggests more intricate crystallization dynamics, possibly involving rapid changes in the physico-chemical formation conditions. In all three samples, rare earth element-bearing minerals are more common in the matrix than inside the orbicule, which acts as further evidence for the contemporary understanding that orbicules crystallize from core outward, and that the matrix is the last to crystallize. The micro-XRF is an effective tool for studying the chemical and mineralogical variation in orbicular rock samples in the hand sample scale. However, for quantitative analysis of mineral chemistry, the accuracy and precision of the method are not on par with methods such as EPMA or LA-ICP-MS.Pallokivet ovat rakenteeltaan ja tekstuuriltaan erottuvia magmakiviä, jotka koostuvat perusmassan seassa esiintyvistä osittain pallomaisista rakenteista. Pallokivien syntymekanismit ovat vielä osittain tuntemattomia. Tässä tutkielmassa mikro-XRF-menetelmää käytetään päätutkimusmenetelmänä ensimmäistä kertaa pallokivien tutkimuksessa. Näytteet kolmesta eri pallokiviesiintymästä (Pengonpohja (Kuru), Hämeenjärvi (Suomenniemi) ja Kuusenhako (Suomenniemi)) analysoitiin Bruker M4 Tornado mikro-XRF-laitteella. Optista petrografiaa hyödynnettiin avustavana tutkimusmenetelmänä. Pallokivinäytteistä tehtiin spatiaaliset alkuainejakaumakartat, joiden perusteella jokaisesta näytteestä luotiin mineraalijakaumakartat sekä selvitettiin näytteiden modaaliset mineraalikoostumukset AMICS-ohjelmistolla. Karttojen avulla tutkittiin alkuaine- ja mineraalijakauman vaihtelua pallokiven eri osien (ydin, vaippa ja perusmassa) välillä. Harvinaisia maametalleja sisältävien mineraalien kemiallinen koostumus määritettiin puolikvantitatiivisesti. Tutkitut näytteet edustavat erilaisia geologisia viitekehyksiä: Kuru (PPJ-01) edustaa svekofennistä orogeenista viitekehystä, kun taas Hämeenjärvi (HMJ-11) ja Kuusenhako (KP1) edustavat anorogeenista rapakivimagmatismia. Siinä missä Suomenniemen näytteet ovat koostumukseltaan graniittisia, Kurun näytteissä havaittava siirtymä tonaliittisesta ytimestä dioriittiseen vaippaan viittaa kiteytymiseen vähemmän kehittyneestä sulasta. Suomenniemen näytteissä esiintyvä graafinen tekstuuri ja dendriittiset biotiittikiteet saattavat heijastaa huomattavaa alijäähtymistä sekä lähes eutektisia kiteytymisolosuhteita, kun taas Kurun näytteen vaihtelevampi koostumus viittaa monimutkaisempiin kiteytymisprosesseihin, joihin saattaa liittyä fysikaalis-kemiallisien olosuhteiden äkillisiä muutoksia. Kaikissa näytteissä harvinaisia maametalleja sisältävät mineraalit ovat runsaslukuisempia perusmassan seassa kuin pallorakenteen sisällä. Tämä vahvistaa nykykäsitystä, jonka mukaan pallokivet kiteytyvät ytimestä ulospäin ja perusmassa kiteytyy viimeisenä. Mikro-XRF on tehokas työkalu pallokivien alkuaine- ja mineraalikoostumuksien vaihtelun tutkimiseen käsinäytemittakaavassa. Mineraalikemian kvantitatiivisessa analyysissa menetelmällä tehtyjen mittausten tarkkuus ja toistettavuus eivät kuitenkaan pärjää esimerkiksi EPMA- tai LA-ICP-MS -menetelmille
Miten perherakenteet ja unettomuusoireet kehittyvät nuorilla ja varhaiskeski-ikäisillä kuntatyöntekijöillä?
No full textTausta: Unettomuusoireet ovat yleinen hyvinvointia heikentävä terveysongelma, ja ne ovat Suomessa lisääntyneet työikäisillä, eli myös perheellistymisiässä olevilla. Työikäisten jaksamisesta huolehtiminen on entistä tärkeämpää, koska huoltosuhde heikkenee Suomessa. Tässä tutkielmassa tutkittiin perherakenteen ja unettomuusoireiden yhteyttä ja niiden muutosta vuosien 2017 ja 2022 välillä. Aiemmissa tutkimuksissa lastensaannin on huomattu olevan yhteydessä muutoksiin unessa.
Menetelmät: Tutkimuksen aineisto perustui Helsinki Health Study tutkimusryhmän kyselytutkimusten aineistoon. Tutkittavaan joukkoon kuului vuonna 2017 19–40-vuotiaita, joista suurin osa oli Helsingin kaupungin työntekijöitä, ja joille kysely lähetettiin vuosina 2017 ja 2022. Tähän tutkielmaan mukaan otetun kohortin koko oli 2917 henkilöä, joista suurin osa (81 %) oli naisia. Tutkimuksessa kartoitettiin perherakenteen ja sen muutosten sekä lasten määrän ja yksinhuoltajuuden yhteyttä unettomuusoireisiin. Taustamuuttujina huomioitiin ikä, sukupuoli ja koulutusaste.
Tulokset: Kohortissa 477 henkilöä (16 %) sai esikoisen kyselyihin vastaamisen välillä. Unettomuusoireista kärsivien määrä lisääntyi 2,5 %. Esikoisen saaminen oli yhteydessä sekä unettomuusoireisiin että siihen, että unettomuusoireita raportoitiin vuonna 2022, mutta ei vuonna 2017. Kolme lasta perheessä oli yhteydessä unettomuusoireisiin verrattuna yhden lapsen perheisiin ainoastaan iällä vakioidussa mallissa. Yksinhuoltajuudella ei ollut yhteyttä unettomuusoireisiin verrattuna kahden huoltajan perheiden vanhempiin. Naissukupuolella, nuoremmalla iällä ja matalammalla koulutusasteella havaittiin yhteyksiä raportoituihin unettomuusoireisiin.
Pohdinta: Pääkaupunkiseudun kuntatyöntekijöistä ensimmäisen lapsen saavilla, varsinkin matalasti koulutetuilla, nuorilla ja naisilla, on todennäköisesti suurempi riski kärsiä unettomuusoireista verrattuna lapsettomiin. Tulokset mahdollisesti heijastelevat yhteiskunnan epätasa-arvoisuutta niin sukupuolen kuin sosioekonomisen aseman osalta
Materializing childhood memories: A sociomaterial exploration of memory practices through art-based methodology
No full textChildhood memory has recently become a topic of increasing interest among researchers seeking a more contextualized understanding of childhood. Although many studies have used art-based methodologies – such as drawings and other artworks – to study childhood memories, limited research has focused on the intricate interplay between children and materials in memory practices through creative processes. Memory practices refer to revisiting and reinterpreting past experiences in relation to present and future (Keightley & Pickering, 2012). By drawing on sociomaterial approach to memory practices through art- based methodology, this research views children’s artworks as dynamic and materialized memories where both the child and the material become active participants that link past experiences to present and future possibilities.
The study aims to achieve two objectives: (1) to examine how children transform their memories into artworks, integrating different timelines and experiences, and (2) to explore how materials used in children’s artworks contribute to the process of recalling, reinterpreting and materializing memories.
This empirical study is based on the artworks created by a 15-year-old Mongolian boy, Amka, and an interview conducted with him in 2024 in Helsinki. Having moved to Finland in 2022, Amka shared memories and stories related to these artworks during the interview. Using Visual Network Analysis (VNA), the study examines how his artworks materialize and transform the interplays between social and material actors.. VNA is employed to map and visualize the complex relationships between the child and the materials, emphasizing how these entanglements evolve over time within memory practices.
The findings are presented in two key components. The first focuses on the role of children’s artworks as constellations of memory, featuring multi-layered temporalities. The second discusses the active role of materials in transforming memories into artworks. This study concludes by emphasizing the interconnection between memory and imagination, demonstrating how these processes challenge linear notion of time and disrupt anthropocentric assumptions in education research. However, further research with broader participant group is needed to deepen the understanding of how children and their artworks are entangled in memory practices
Ympäristömykobakteerien aiheuttamat imusolmuketulehdukset lapsilla – diagnostiikka ja hoito tuberkuloosirokotusten loppumisen jälkeen
No full textTuberkuloosirokote poistettiin Suomen kansallisesta rokotusohjelmasta vuonna 2006. Rokote oli antanut suojaa myös ei-tuberkuloottisia mykobakteereja eli ympäristömykobakteereja vastaan, ja tartuntojen määrä kasvoi rokotusohjelman muutoksen myötä. Ympäristömykobakteerit aiheuttavat etenkin imusolmuketulehduksia lapsille.
Helsingin ja Uudenmaan sairaanhoitopiirissä on aiemmin käytetty ympäristömykobakteerien aiheuttaman imusolmuketulehduksen hoitona kirurgista poistoa ja mikrobilääkehoitoa. Nykyisin suositellaan seurantaa ilman mikrobilääkehoitoa. Kirjallisuuden mukaan tämä on maailmalla melko harvinainen hoitotapa, jonka vaikuttavuutta tämän tutkimuksen on tarkoitus selvittää.
Tutkimuksessa tarkasteltiin Helsingin ja Uudenmaan sairaanhoitopiirissä vuosina 2007–2022 hoidettuja alle 16-vuotiaita potilaita, joilla oli ollut ympäristömykobakteerin aiheuttama imusolmuketulehdus pään tai kaulan alueella. Tavoitteena oli selvittää hoitovalintoja, hoidon tuloksia, taudinkuvia, seurantatietoja, laboratoriotestien tuloksia ja komplikaatioita sekä erikoissairaanhoidon käyntien ja yhteydenottojen määriä.
Aineistoon kuului 86 potilasta, ja taudin ilmaantuvuus oli suurinta 1–4-vuotiaiden joukossa. Yleisin tunnistettu laji oli Mycobacterium avium. Suurin osa diagnooseista varmistettiin maailmanlaajuisesti ainutlaatuisella verikokeella, joka mahdollistaa mykobakteeri-infektion diagnosoinnin ilman näytteen ottamista tulehdusmuutoksesta. Valitut hoitotavat olivat seuranta (65 %) tai kirurginen hoito joko avaamalla imusolmuke (19 %) tai poistamalla se kokonaan (17 %). Koko imusolmukkeen poistoon havaittiin liittyvän eniten komplikaatioita, mutta se oli yhteydessä muita hoitotapoja nopeampaan paranemiseen. Vakavia komplikaatioita ei ilmennyt. Seuranta vaikuttaa tulosten perusteella hyvältä hoitotavalta, mutta leikkaus voidaan valita tietyissä tapauksissa riskien ollessa hyväksyttäviä
Characterization of CNPY2 Isoforms in ER Stress Resolution and Neuronal Survival
No full textThe endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is vital for cellular protein balance; its disruption leads to ER stress, which is particularly damaging to neurons and implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. While the ER-resident protein CNPY2 is known to aid neuronal survival under ER stress, the specific roles of its alternative splice variants in this process are largely unknown. Given this gap, it is of particular interest to explore how different CNPY2 isoforms are expressed and function in stressed neuronal cells, with the hypothesis that they contribute uniquely to stress adaptation. To address this, we investigated CNPY2 isoform expression and functional outcomes in neuronal cell models subjected to ER stress. Our study identified two alternative CNPY2 transcript variants, that exhibited transcriptional regulation in response to ER stress. Notably, despite these transcript-level changes, overall CNPY2 protein levels remained relatively stable. Importantly, we demonstrated that the overexpression of a specific CNPY2 isoform, Isoform A, confers a significant protective effect against ER stress-induced cell death. These findings highlight an isoform-specific dimension to CNPY2's role in the neuronal ER stress response, with Isoform A emerging as a potential contributor to cell survival. While this work provides initial evidence for distinct isoform functions and lays groundwork for future investigations into their specific mechanisms, further research is essential to fully elucidate their individual contributions and therapeutic potential in neuroprotection
Financial toxicity related to biological medications – a scoping review of evidence
No full textFinancial toxicity, defined as the significant economic burden and psychological distress associated with high healthcare costs, may constitute a critical issue for patients receiving biological medications. Financial toxicity has been extensively documented among oncology patients, where it has been linked to decreased treatment adherence and lower quality of life. This thesis aimed to describe the existing evidence on financial toxicity related to biological medications.
A comprehensive literature search was conducted across databases Scopus, Medline, Web of Science, CINAHL, and EMB Reviews as part of the present scoping review. The initial set of articles was screened in accordance with the PRISMA framework using Covidence software and rigorously assessed for relevance using a tailored data extraction template. After title/abstract and full-text screening, 24 studies were included in the final analysis. Data were subsequently synthesized to identify major themes, which included direct costs, such as out-of-pocket medication costs, indirect costs, and the psychological and emotional impacts of financial toxicity.
Most of the studies focused on the direct (out-of-pocket) costs. The review suggests that high out-of-pocket costs are the main cause of financial stress for patients using biological medicines. These costs were often compounded by indirect expenses, such as lost income and travel, and by insurance-related barriers like high co-payments and limited reimbursement. While several studies acknowledged the psychological and emotional impact of financial burden, this aspect was widely underreported, with only few studies including patient-reported outcomes or validated quality-of-life measures.
This review highlights the complex nature of financial toxicity among patients using biologic therapies. The findings highlight a need for improved support systems that address both the economic strain and psychological and emotional impact experienced by patients. Future research should focus on practical solutions that enhance access to treatment while minimizing financial burden on the patient
Mechanochemical synthesis of functionalized phthalocyanine precursors by nucleophilic aromatic substitution
No full textPhthalocyanines are a prominent class of organic dyes known for their remarkable photochemical
and photophysical properties, making them valuable in a wide range of applications, from
photodynamic therapy to solar energy conversion. Functionalization of these compounds is
particularly important, as it enables the precise tuning of their properties for specific uses. Among
the various methods available for synthesizing functionalized phthalocyanines, the nucleophilic
aromatic substitution (SNAr) of phthalonitrile precursors stands out as one of the most versatile
and widely employed, owing to the broad availability of starting materials and the adaptability of
the reaction.
However, the traditional synthesis of phthalocyanines often relies heavily on polar aprotic
solvents and elevated temperatures, contributing to significant environmental impact. To address
these concerns and move toward more sustainable practices in organic synthesis, mechanochemistry
has emerged as a promising alternative. This solvent-minimizing methodology utilizes mechanical
force to drive chemical transformations, offering a greener approach by significantly reducing both
solvent consumption and reaction times.
Although mechanochemical SNAr reactions have garnered attention in recent years, their
application to the synthesis of phthalocyanine precursors remains unexplored. In this work, we
aimed to assess the feasibility of this approach, systematically optimize the reaction conditions, and
evaluate the robustness and versatility of the methodology. Additionally, the study was extended
to a preliminary investigation into the tetramerization of the resulting precursors, providing early
insights into the potential for a fully mechanochemical synthesis of functionalized phthalocyanines.
Lastly, our approach was briefly compared to conventional solvent-based methods and its strengths
and limitations were assessed
ASL-patogeenisen variantin muokkaus CRISPR/Cas9:llä in vitro
No full textArgininosuccinate lyase deficiency (ASLD) is a rare inherited metabolic disorder resulting from pathogenic variants in the ASL gene. The ASL enzyme has a critical function in the urea cycle by breaking down argininosuccinate (ASA), a key diagnostic marker of ASLD. In its more severe forms, the disorder can lead to elevated ammonia levels in the blood, neurological damage, and may even be life-threatening. Current therapeutic strategies, including protein-restricted diets, arginine supplementation, nitrogen scavengers, and occasionally liver transplantation, offer limited effectiveness. Thus, there is a clear need for more effective and precise therapeutic options.
In this study, we explore the therapeutic potential of a CRISPR-based strategy for ASLD, utilizing adenine base editors (ABEs) delivered via lipid nanoparticles and enveloped delivery vehicles (EDVs). To model ASLD, we began by reprogramming biopsy-derived cells from individuals homozygous for the Finnish founder variant (c.1153C>T [p.Arg385Cys]) to generate human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), which were subsequently differentiated over an 18-day period into hepatocyte-like cells. We evaluated different mRNA constructs encoding ABEs, as well as EDVs containing ABEs as ribonucleoprotein complexes, in hepatocyte-like cells. The EDV strategy achieved marginal editing of the pathogenic ASL variant in hepatocyte-like cells, as well as the lipid nanoparticle-based approach resulted in marginal editing outcomes. This study highlights a robust and clinically relevant method for correcting the disease-causing ASL mutation, offering compatibility with scalable production and potential for therapeutic application.Argininosukkinaattilyaasin puutos (ASLD) on harvinainen periytyvä aineenvaihduntahäiriö, joka johtuu ASL-geenin patogeenisistä varianteista. ASL-entsyymillä on kriittinen tehtävä ureasyklissä hajottamalla argininosukkinaattia (ASA), joka on ASLD:n keskeinen diagnostinen merkkiaine. Vaikeammissa muodoissaan häiriö voi johtaa kohonneisiin ammoniakkipitoisuuksiin veressä, neurologisiin vaurioihin ja voi olla jopa hengenvaarallinen. Nykyiset terapeuttiset hoidot, mukaan lukien proteiinirajoitteiset ruokavaliot, arginiinilisä, typenpoistoaineet ja satunnaisesti maksansiirto, tarjoavat rajoitetun tehokkuuden. Näin ollen tarvitaan selvästi tehokkaampia ja tarkempia hoitovaihtoehtoja.
Tässä tutkimuksessa tutkitaan CRISPR-pohjaisen hoidon terapeuttista potentiaalia ASLD:lle hyödyntämällä lipidinanopartikkeleiden ja viruksen kaltaisten partikkeleiden (EDV) kautta toimitettuja adeniinipohjaisia editoreja (ABE). ASLD:n mallintamiseksi aloitimme ohjelmoimalla biopsiasta peräisin olevia soluja homotsygoottisilta yksilöiltä suomalaisen perustajamuunnoksen (c.1153C>T [p.Arg385Cys]) pohjalta tuottamaan ihmisen indusoimia pluripotentteja kantasoluja (hiPSC), jotka myöhemmin 18 päivän aikana eriytettiin hepatosyyttimäisiksi soluiksi. Testasimme erilaisia mRNA-konstruktioita, jotka koodaavat ABE:itä, sekä EDV:itä, jotka sisältävät ABE:itä ribonukleoproteiinikomplekseina, hepatosyyttimäisissä soluissa. EDV-strategialla saavutettiin patogeenisen ASL-variantin marginaalinen muokkaus hepatosyyttimäisissä soluissa, sekä lipidinanopartikkelipohjainen lähestymistapa johti marginaalisiin muokkaustuloksiin. Tässä tutkimuksessa kätetetään vankkaa ja kliinisesti relevanttia menetelmää sairautta aiheuttavan ASL-mutaation korjaamiseksi, mikä tarjoaa yhteensopivuutta skaalautuvan tuotannon kanssa ja mahdollisuuksia terapeuttiseen käyttöön
Five-Element Music Therapy in the Stress Management of Chinese Master's Students: A Questionnaire Study on Chinese Students in Higher Education in China and Finland
No full textIn recent years, more and more people have paid attention to the mental health of higher education students. As a non-pharmacological intervention, music therapy has shown great potential in reducing stress and regulating emotions. Five-Element Music Therapy is one of the types of music therapy. It is a method based on the traditional Chinese Five Elements theory, and it has been explored in previous research. However, the acceptance of using it to relieve stress among Chinese students (studying in China and abroad) and its suitability and potential for psychological support in higher education are still not investigated sufficiently. Therefore, this thesis explores how Chinese master's students in China and Finland know, accept, and are willing to use Five-Element Music Therapy to relieve stress, in order to understand the potential of using it to relieve stress for promotion among Chinese university students.
This thesis collected data through questionnaire from Chinese master's students studying in China and Finland. The questionnaire measured stress levels, daily stress-relief methods, opinions about music-based stress relief, music preferences, and knowledge and acceptance of Five Elements music. It also gains student opinions on the possibility of promoting the development of Five-Element Music Therapy in universities. In order to know the differences between the two groups of students regarding their sources of stress, music preferences, and acceptance of Five Elements music, this thesis uses quantitative research methods. It mainly includes descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test and chi-square test.
Results showed that Chinese master's students, both in China and Finland, had some stress, but it was not serious. However, for different stressors, there are some differences in their stress indices. More than 90% of participants thought music was an effective way of relieving stress and they had a high acceptance of Five-Element Music Therapy. Students who always use music and have learnt instruments are more likely to use music to relieve stress, and those who choose to use music to relieve daily stress will have higher interest in Five Elements music. Most students had not heard of the Five Elements music, but more than 70% were interested in Five-Element Music Therapy and supported it as a way to relieve stress for the Mental Health Assistance in higher education.
This study provides evidence for understanding the current stress situation among Chinese master's students and supporting the inclusion of Chinese traditional music therapy for mental health systems in higher education. It also offers some ideas for the modern promotion of Five-Element Music Therapy. Furthermore, the findings gave a foundation for future cross-cultural research in music therapy and gave more options for psychological interventions for students