Oral Health Among Illicit Drug Users in Northern Finland

Abstract The aim of the study was to provide evidence on the oral health of Northern Finnish people with experience of illicit drug use, referenced against the age-matched general population, Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 (NFBC1986). In total, 118/1551 subjects, average age 33/34 years, and 66%/40% males participated in the studies for the people with experience of drug use and NFBC1986, respectively. Most of the people who use drugs were single, unemployed, or retired, and had a low level of education, whereas the opposite was true for NFBC1986. A majority of the people with experience of drug use were active smokers whereas 17% in NFBC1986 reported smoking. The people who use drugs had fewer teeth, more caries lesions, more severe consequences of caries and plaque, and more frequently reduced salivary flow, than the general population. The people who use drugs had poorer oral health compared to the age-matched general population.Abstract The aim of the study was to provide evidence on the oral health of Northern Finnish people with experience of illicit drug use, referenced against the age-matched general population, Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 (NFBC1986). In total, 118/1551 subjects, average age 33/34 years, and 66%/40% males participated in the studies for the people with experience of drug use and NFBC1986, respectively. Most of the people who use drugs were single, unemployed, or retired, and had a low level of education, whereas the opposite was true for NFBC1986. A majority of the people with experience of drug use were active smokers whereas 17% in NFBC1986 reported smoking. The people who use drugs had fewer teeth, more caries lesions, more severe consequences of caries and plaque, and more frequently reduced salivary flow, than the general population. The people who use drugs had poorer oral health compared to the age-matched general population

The potential and utilisation of predictive business analytics

Abstract The purpose of this study is to explore the potential, introduction and implementation of predictive business analytics in management and decision-making. The amount of data is increasing at an accelerating rate, and business analytics provides the means to refine data into knowledge and insights that generate business value. Business environments are also becoming more dynamic and complex, and data can be utilised to create scenarios, detect insights and anomalies, as well as predict and forecast, rather than merely react to what has already happened. To create an understanding of the research phenomenon, this study relies on the literatures of predictive business analytics, business analytics, dynamic capabilities, analytics-enhanced dynamic capabilities, strategic management and data strategies. These theoretical foundations and key concepts highlight predictive business analytics from different perspectives: potential, capabilities and utilisation. The empirical part of this study has been conducted as a set of qualitative case studies. This study explores the resources and challenges faced when building predictive business analytics capabilities, and discusses the potential, introduction and implementation within wellbeing services. The findings of the study highlight the potential of predictive business analytics to show trends, find correlations, create scenarios, conduct simulations, forecast the future, predict resources, and analyse markets. In wellbeing services, possibilities can be related to either services, resources and organisation, finding indicators and triggers, or patient care. To build predictive business analytics capabilities an organisation needs an overall data culture, as well as appropriate skills, tools, and processes. A lack of data culture, data strategy and resources, issues related to data and legislation, as well as organisational change resistance and integration into daily operations are recognised challenges in building these capabilities. Successful utilisation in wellbeing services includes collaboration involving business, data and technology, as well as between in-house and other partners. It also requires managerial and technical skills, as well as the data-oriented transformation of existing functions and organisational culture.Tiivistelmä Tämän tutkimuksen tarkoituksena on tutkia ennakoivan liiketoiminta-analytiikan potentiaalia, käyttöönottoa ja toteutusta johtamisessa sekä päätöksenteossa. Datan määrä kasvaa kiihtyvällä vauhdilla, ja liiketoiminta-analytiikka tarjoaa keinoja jalostaa dataa liiketoiminnallista arvoa tuottavaksi tietämykseksi ja oivalluksiksi. Liiketoimintaympäristöt ovat myös muuttumassa dynaamisemmiksi ja monimutkaisemmiksi, ja dataa voidaan hyödyntää skenaarioiden luomiseen, oivallusten ja poikkeavuuksien havaitsemiseen sekä ennakointiin ja ennustamiseen sen sijaan, että vain reagoitaisiin jo tapahtuneeseen. Tutkimusilmiön ymmärtämiseksi tämä tutkimus nojaa ennakoivan liiketoiminta-analytiikan, liiketoiminta-analytiikan, dynaamisten kyvykkyyksien, analytiikan parantamien dynaamisten kyvykkyyksien, strategisen johtamisen ja datastrategioiden kirjallisuuteen. Nämä teoreettiset elementit ja keskeiset käsitteet korostavat ennakoivaa liiketoiminta-analytiikkaa eri näkökulmista: potentiaali, kyvykkyydet ja hyödyntäminen. Tämän tutkimuksen empiirinen osa on toteutettu laadullisina tapaustutkimuksina. Tässä tutkimuksessa selvitetään ennakoivan liiketoiminta-analytiikan kyvykkyyksien rakentamisen resursseja ja haasteita sekä pohditaan potentiaalia, käyttöönottoa ja toteutusta hyvinvointipalveluissa. Tutkimuksen löydökset korostavat ennakoivan liiketoiminta-analytiikan potentiaalia näyttää trendejä, löytää korrelaatioita, luoda skenaarioita, simuloida, ennustaa tulevaisuutta, ennakoida resursseja ja analysoida markkinoita. Hyvinvointipalveluissa mahdollisuudet voivat liittyä joko palveluihin, resursseihin ja organisointiin, indikaattoreiden ja laukaisevien tekijöiden löytämiseen tai potilaan hoitoon. Ennakoivan liiketoiminta-analytiikan kyvykkyyksien rakentamiseksi organisaatio tarvitsee kokonaisvaltaisen datakulttuurin sekä asianmukaiset taidot, työkalut ja prosessit. Datakulttuurin, datastrategian ja resurssien puute, dataan ja lainsäädäntöön liittyvät kysymykset sekä organisaation muutosvastarinta ja integroiminen osaksi päivittäistä toimintaa ovat tunnistettuja haasteita näiden kyvykkyyksien rakentamisessa. Onnistuneeseen hyödyntämiseen hyvinvointipalveluissa kuuluu liiketoiminnan, datan ja teknologian sekä sisäisten ja muiden kumppanien välinen yhteistyö. Se vaatii myös johtamisen taitoja ja teknistä osaamista sekä olemassa olevien toimintojen ja organisaatiokulttuurin dataorientoitunutta muutosta.Academic dissertation to be presented with the assent of the Doctoral Programme Committee of Human Sciences of the University of Oulu for public defence in Martti Ahtisaari auditorium (L2), Linnanmaa, on 16 May 2025, at 12 noonAbstract The purpose of this study is to explore the potential, introduction and implementation of predictive business analytics in management and decision-making. The amount of data is increasing at an accelerating rate, and business analytics provides the means to refine data into knowledge and insights that generate business value. Business environments are also becoming more dynamic and complex, and data can be utilised to create scenarios, detect insights and anomalies, as well as predict and forecast, rather than merely react to what has already happened. To create an understanding of the research phenomenon, this study relies on the literatures of predictive business analytics, business analytics, dynamic capabilities, analytics-enhanced dynamic capabilities, strategic management and data strategies. These theoretical foundations and key concepts highlight predictive business analytics from different perspectives: potential, capabilities and utilisation. The empirical part of this study has been conducted as a set of qualitative case studies. This study explores the resources and challenges faced when building predictive business analytics capabilities, and discusses the potential, introduction and implementation within wellbeing services. The findings of the study highlight the potential of predictive business analytics to show trends, find correlations, create scenarios, conduct simulations, forecast the future, predict resources, and analyse markets. In wellbeing services, possibilities can be related to either services, resources and organisation, finding indicators and triggers, or patient care. To build predictive business analytics capabilities an organisation needs an overall data culture, as well as appropriate skills, tools, and processes. A lack of data culture, data strategy and resources, issues related to data and legislation, as well as organisational change resistance and integration into daily operations are recognised challenges in building these capabilities. Successful utilisation in wellbeing services includes collaboration involving business, data and technology, as well as between in-house and other partners. It also requires managerial and technical skills, as well as the data-oriented transformation of existing functions and organisational culture.Tiivistelmä Tämän tutkimuksen tarkoituksena on tutkia ennakoivan liiketoiminta-analytiikan potentiaalia, käyttöönottoa ja toteutusta johtamisessa sekä päätöksenteossa. Datan määrä kasvaa kiihtyvällä vauhdilla, ja liiketoiminta-analytiikka tarjoaa keinoja jalostaa dataa liiketoiminnallista arvoa tuottavaksi tietämykseksi ja oivalluksiksi. Liiketoimintaympäristöt ovat myös muuttumassa dynaamisemmiksi ja monimutkaisemmiksi, ja dataa voidaan hyödyntää skenaarioiden luomiseen, oivallusten ja poikkeavuuksien havaitsemiseen sekä ennakointiin ja ennustamiseen sen sijaan, että vain reagoitaisiin jo tapahtuneeseen. Tutkimusilmiön ymmärtämiseksi tämä tutkimus nojaa ennakoivan liiketoiminta-analytiikan, liiketoiminta-analytiikan, dynaamisten kyvykkyyksien, analytiikan parantamien dynaamisten kyvykkyyksien, strategisen johtamisen ja datastrategioiden kirjallisuuteen. Nämä teoreettiset elementit ja keskeiset käsitteet korostavat ennakoivaa liiketoiminta-analytiikkaa eri näkökulmista: potentiaali, kyvykkyydet ja hyödyntäminen. Tämän tutkimuksen empiirinen osa on toteutettu laadullisina tapaustutkimuksina. Tässä tutkimuksessa selvitetään ennakoivan liiketoiminta-analytiikan kyvykkyyksien rakentamisen resursseja ja haasteita sekä pohditaan potentiaalia, käyttöönottoa ja toteutusta hyvinvointipalveluissa. Tutkimuksen löydökset korostavat ennakoivan liiketoiminta-analytiikan potentiaalia näyttää trendejä, löytää korrelaatioita, luoda skenaarioita, simuloida, ennustaa tulevaisuutta, ennakoida resursseja ja analysoida markkinoita. Hyvinvointipalveluissa mahdollisuudet voivat liittyä joko palveluihin, resursseihin ja organisointiin, indikaattoreiden ja laukaisevien tekijöiden löytämiseen tai potilaan hoitoon. Ennakoivan liiketoiminta-analytiikan kyvykkyyksien rakentamiseksi organisaatio tarvitsee kokonaisvaltaisen datakulttuurin sekä asianmukaiset taidot, työkalut ja prosessit. Datakulttuurin, datastrategian ja resurssien puute, dataan ja lainsäädäntöön liittyvät kysymykset sekä organisaation muutosvastarinta ja integroiminen osaksi päivittäistä toimintaa ovat tunnistettuja haasteita näiden kyvykkyyksien rakentamisessa. Onnistuneeseen hyödyntämiseen hyvinvointipalveluissa kuuluu liiketoiminnan, datan ja teknologian sekä sisäisten ja muiden kumppanien välinen yhteistyö. Se vaatii myös johtamisen taitoja ja teknistä osaamista sekä olemassa olevien toimintojen ja organisaatiokulttuurin dataorientoitunutta muutosta

On-site cable ice shedding experiment and observation of an atmospheric icing event

Abstract An 85 meters long steel was installed on top of the Olos fell in northern Finland to observe both ice shedding due to controlled impacts and rime ice growth due to cloud droplets. A custom ice dropper was designed and installed on the cable. Ice dropper design was based on sudden release of additional tension due to forced bending of the cable. A cloud droplet sensor (ICEMET) and weather station were installed on site to monitor the liquid water content (LWC), temperature and wind conditions during the field tests. Additionally, a commercial load sensor was attached to the cable and a camera was installed to provide live feed from the weather and ice conditions on the site. A series of remotely operated tests with the ice dropper were performed during the test period when significant amount of ice was observed on the cable. The ice dropper provided mixed results with some events removing successfully up to 30 kg of ice with clear visual evidence. Change in the ice mass was estimated by using a linear regression model based on a physical simulation of the cable created with COMSOL Multiphysics software. Simulation model of the cable related the cable tension to the physical properties of the cable, point load from the ice dropper, additional ice load and thermal expansion and drag forces due to temperature and wind. A total of eight ice dropper tests were analysed with the numerical model. Between two individual ice dropping events ICEMET detected a long period of up to 0.2 g/m3 liquid water content in the air which was visually confirmed by poor visibility in the surveillance camera images and increase of cable tension and diameter of ice layer.Abstract An 85 meters long steel was installed on top of the Olos fell in northern Finland to observe both ice shedding due to controlled impacts and rime ice growth due to cloud droplets. A custom ice dropper was designed and installed on the cable. Ice dropper design was based on sudden release of additional tension due to forced bending of the cable. A cloud droplet sensor (ICEMET) and weather station were installed on site to monitor the liquid water content (LWC), temperature and wind conditions during the field tests. Additionally, a commercial load sensor was attached to the cable and a camera was installed to provide live feed from the weather and ice conditions on the site. A series of remotely operated tests with the ice dropper were performed during the test period when significant amount of ice was observed on the cable. The ice dropper provided mixed results with some events removing successfully up to 30 kg of ice with clear visual evidence. Change in the ice mass was estimated by using a linear regression model based on a physical simulation of the cable created with COMSOL Multiphysics software. Simulation model of the cable related the cable tension to the physical properties of the cable, point load from the ice dropper, additional ice load and thermal expansion and drag forces due to temperature and wind. A total of eight ice dropper tests were analysed with the numerical model. Between two individual ice dropping events ICEMET detected a long period of up to 0.2 g/m3 liquid water content in the air which was visually confirmed by poor visibility in the surveillance camera images and increase of cable tension and diameter of ice layer

Gradients of quotients and eigenvalue problems

Abstract Intertwining analysis, optimization, numerical analysis and algebra, computing conjugate co-gradients of real-valued quotients gives rise to eigenvalue problems. In the linear Hermitian case, by inspecting optimal quotients in terms of taking the conjugate co-gradient for their critical points, a generalized folded spectrum eigenvalue problem arises. Replacing the Euclidean norm in optimal quotients with the p-norm, a matrix version of the so-called p-Laplacian eigenvalue problem arises. Such nonlinear eigenvalue problems seem to be naturally classified as being a special case of homogeneous problems. Being a quite general class, tools are developed for recovering whether a given homogeneous eigenvalue problem is a gradient eigenvalue problem. It turns out to be a delicate issue to come up with a valid quotient. A notion of nonlinear Hermitian eigenvalue problem is suggested. Cauchy–Schwarz quotients are introduced to a have a way to approach non-gradient eigenvalue problems.Abstract Intertwining analysis, optimization, numerical analysis and algebra, computing conjugate co-gradients of real-valued quotients gives rise to eigenvalue problems. In the linear Hermitian case, by inspecting optimal quotients in terms of taking the conjugate co-gradient for their critical points, a generalized folded spectrum eigenvalue problem arises. Replacing the Euclidean norm in optimal quotients with the p-norm, a matrix version of the so-called p-Laplacian eigenvalue problem arises. Such nonlinear eigenvalue problems seem to be naturally classified as being a special case of homogeneous problems. Being a quite general class, tools are developed for recovering whether a given homogeneous eigenvalue problem is a gradient eigenvalue problem. It turns out to be a delicate issue to come up with a valid quotient. A notion of nonlinear Hermitian eigenvalue problem is suggested. Cauchy–Schwarz quotients are introduced to a have a way to approach non-gradient eigenvalue problems

The net ecosystem carbon balance (NECB) at catchment scales in the Arctic

Abstract The Net Ecosystem Carbon Balance (NECB) is a crucial metric for understanding integrated carbon dynamics in Arctic and boreal regions, which are vital to the global carbon cycle. These areas are associated with significant uncertainties and rapid climate change, potentially leading to unpredictable alterations in carbon dynamics. This mini-review examines key components of NECB, including carbon sequestration, methane emissions, lateral carbon transport, herbivore interactions, and disturbances, while integrating insights from recent permafrost region greenhouse gas budget syntheses. We emphasize the need for a holistic approach to quantify the NECB, incorporating all components and their uncertainties. The review highlights recent methodological advances in flux measurements, including improvements in eddy covariance and automatic chamber techniques, as well as progress in modeling approaches and data assimilation. Key research priorities are identified, such as improving the representation of inland waters in process-based models, expanding monitoring networks, and enhancing integration of long-term field observations with modeling approaches. These efforts are essential for accurately quantifying current and future greenhouse gas budgets in rapidly changing northern landscapes, ultimately informing more effective climate change mitigation strategies and ecosystem management practices. The review aligns with the goals of the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AMAP) and Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF), providing important insights for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders working to understand and protect these sensitive ecosystems.Abstract The Net Ecosystem Carbon Balance (NECB) is a crucial metric for understanding integrated carbon dynamics in Arctic and boreal regions, which are vital to the global carbon cycle. These areas are associated with significant uncertainties and rapid climate change, potentially leading to unpredictable alterations in carbon dynamics. This mini-review examines key components of NECB, including carbon sequestration, methane emissions, lateral carbon transport, herbivore interactions, and disturbances, while integrating insights from recent permafrost region greenhouse gas budget syntheses. We emphasize the need for a holistic approach to quantify the NECB, incorporating all components and their uncertainties. The review highlights recent methodological advances in flux measurements, including improvements in eddy covariance and automatic chamber techniques, as well as progress in modeling approaches and data assimilation. Key research priorities are identified, such as improving the representation of inland waters in process-based models, expanding monitoring networks, and enhancing integration of long-term field observations with modeling approaches. These efforts are essential for accurately quantifying current and future greenhouse gas budgets in rapidly changing northern landscapes, ultimately informing more effective climate change mitigation strategies and ecosystem management practices. The review aligns with the goals of the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AMAP) and Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF), providing important insights for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders working to understand and protect these sensitive ecosystems

Challenges hindering industrialized wooden multi-story construction from a contractor's perspective: a case study from Finland

Abstract Purpose Industrialized construction (IC) is growing globally as an alternative and supplemental construction concept. High expectations have been set for IC to solve existing problems in the industry and enhance productivity. This study aims to identify the most intriguing challenges hindering industrialized wooden multi-story construction (WMC) in the Finnish context from a contractor’s perspective. Design/methodology/approach Methodologically, this study was a qualitative, single-case study with an inductive approach. Data were collected through five semi-structured interviews and analyzed using NVivo software. Observations were coded and classified into 10 categories and finally synthesized into 3 themes. Findings The results revealed that industrialized WMC companies are generating many innovations, primarily occurring at the company level. However, shortages in product systems and operation models, such as concept inflexibility and insufficient design fidelity and quality control practices, hinder the progress of industrialization. The findings also indicate that within the pre-fabrication context, production capacity management and cash flow management are key control factors in industrialized WMC. Strong variation in regulatory interpretation by authorities creates a significant challenge for IC concept development and project management. Originality/value This study endorses the existing research findings, highlights a new perspective on challenges in IC and highlights the importance of increasing cooperation between companies engaged in industrialization measures, accelerating the development of individual companies and fostering a more appropriate industry structure.Abstract Purpose Industrialized construction (IC) is growing globally as an alternative and supplemental construction concept. High expectations have been set for IC to solve existing problems in the industry and enhance productivity. This study aims to identify the most intriguing challenges hindering industrialized wooden multi-story construction (WMC) in the Finnish context from a contractor’s perspective. Design/methodology/approach Methodologically, this study was a qualitative, single-case study with an inductive approach. Data were collected through five semi-structured interviews and analyzed using NVivo software. Observations were coded and classified into 10 categories and finally synthesized into 3 themes. Findings The results revealed that industrialized WMC companies are generating many innovations, primarily occurring at the company level. However, shortages in product systems and operation models, such as concept inflexibility and insufficient design fidelity and quality control practices, hinder the progress of industrialization. The findings also indicate that within the pre-fabrication context, production capacity management and cash flow management are key control factors in industrialized WMC. Strong variation in regulatory interpretation by authorities creates a significant challenge for IC concept development and project management. Originality/value This study endorses the existing research findings, highlights a new perspective on challenges in IC and highlights the importance of increasing cooperation between companies engaged in industrialization measures, accelerating the development of individual companies and fostering a more appropriate industry structure

Alumiini-ioniakuissa käytetyt hiilimateriaalit

Aluminium-ion batteries have emerged as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries due to the abundance, low cost, and high safety of aluminium. Focus of the research has been on the development of efficient cathode materials and electrolytes to address the full potential of aluminium’s trivalent nature. In this literature review the attention is at carbon-based cathode materials, which offer excellent electrical conductivity, structural tunability and cost-effective alternative. This work evaluated the performance of graphite, graphene, and carbon nanofibers as cathode materials, highlighting the effects of modification techniques to make the material more suitable for cathode. For graphite, several approaches were examined, including pre-lithiation, heteroatom doping and particle size optimization. Among these, particle size reduction proved particularly effective, resulting in significant improvements in specific capacity. In the case of graphene, defect concentration and layer orientation identified as critical to performance. Graphene offers advantages also as an additive as substrate or wrapping material for active materials. Carbon nanofibers show to enhance the overall mechanical integrity and durability as an additive material in cathode. Based on this literature review, hybrid electrode materials combining conductive carbon frameworks with active materials represent a promising alternative for commercial aluminium-ion batteries. Continued development in cathode engineering and modification technologies are needed for enabling commercial implementation of aluminium-ion batteries