Underpinning project; owners' views on technology, economy and project management

The dissertation emphasises the know-how needed by the owner or the developer to facilitate timely and cost-controlled implementation of underpinning projects. The property owner - in Finland, commonly a residents' association - typically commissions a single underpinning project, which means that the owner generally does not have any empirical knowledge of such projects. Property owners typically have a choice of several, sometimes dozens, different technical design solutions. The solutions differ in terms of costs, duration and environmental impacts. Some design solutions are only available for properties in those stages of the life cycle where the foundations are still reasonably sound. In Finland, underpinning is needed in many cities. The centre of Helsinki has seen many large foundation projects since the 1980s. The downtown area has some 120 buildings with wood piling foundations. Respectively, Turku is estimated to have some 400 buildings with wood piling foundations. The projects are relatively large: annually, some 3-5 properties are underpinned, using 400-900 new piles with a typical length of 10m-40m. A database has been compiled from underpinning projects carried out in Turku, with some 200 different parameters stored from approximately 100 projects. The Database on Turku Underpinning Projects (DATU) is one of the largest of its kind in the world. The dissertation develops and compiles a new classification for load transfer structures in underpinning. The classification can be used in the estimates of project duration and costs. The research proposes a new model and classification of damage in wood foundations which can be used in the evaluation of the usability of alternative underpinning methods and in the planning of the timing and the costs of underpinning works. The dissertation introduces models which provide reasonable accuracy in forecasting the costs and duration of underpinning projects. The research provides a new finding about the effect of underpinning on the property value. An accelerated decrease in the property value prior to the time of repair was modelled using reasonably extensive data

Designing a Distributed Address Service for a Challenged Network

Tässä työssä esitetään suunnitelma haasteellisessa verkossa toimivalle osoitepalvelulle. Suurin osa nykypäivänä kehitetyistä verkkopalveluista kohdistuu luotettaviin verkkoihin. Näissä verkkoympäristöissä on tyypillisesti riittävästi siirtokapasiteettia, pienet viiveet ja vain vähän katkoja. Tällaiset ominaisuudet eivät kuitenkaan ole välttämättä voimassa haasteellisissa verkoissa. Näissä verkoissa perinteiset viestintämenetelmät toimivat heikosti tai eivät lainkaan. Useat organisaatiot tarjoavat jäsenilleen jonkinlaisen osoitepalvelun. Palvelut pohjautuvat yleensä jollekin hakemistopalvelinjärjestelmälle ja niiden tarkoituksena on mahdollistaa osoitetietojen hakeminen ja muokkaaminen. Ne eivät kuitenkaan sellaisenaan toimi haasteellisissa verkoissa. Jotta osoitetieto olisi saatavilla haasteellisissakin ympäristöissä, on palvelu suunniteltava näiden verkkojen rajoitteet huomioon ottaen. Suunnittelu aloitetaan tutustumalla haasteellisten verkkojen käyttötarkoituksiin ja rajoitteisiin. Tämän jälkeen tutkitaan olemassa olevia osoitepalveluteknologioita sekä -ohjelmistoja. Työssä käydään läpi myös erilaisia tietomalleja sekä replikointimenetelmiä. Kerätyn tiedon pohjalta esitetään ehdotus osoitepalvelun toteutusmallille. Malli kattaa teknologiavalinnat, viestintärajapinnat sekä tietojen replikointi- ja synkronointimenetelmät. Lopuksi työssä simuloidaan esitettyä synkronointimallia ja analysoidaan saatuja tuloksia.In this thesis, we present a design for an address service that can be used in a challenged network. Most network services developed today are directed at reliable networks. Typically, these network environments provide enough transfer capacity, low latencies and only few disconnections. These properties, however, are not in effect in challenged networks. In these networks, traditional means of communication work poorly or not at all. Many organizations provide an address service to their members. The services are usually based on a directory service system and their purpose is to enable the searching and modifying of address data. They do not, however, work in challenged networks as is. In order to make address data available in challenged environments the limitations of the network need to be taken into consideration while designing the service. The designing begins with an introduction to the purposes and limitations of challenged networks. Next, we examine some of the existing address service technologies and software implementations. The thesis also covers different kinds of data models and replication methods. Based on the gathered information, we propose an implementation model for the address service. The model covers technology choices, communication interfaces as well as replication and synchronization methods. Finally, the proposed synchronization model is simulated and the results are analyzed

Pedagogía de la Innovación – aprendiendo con métodos activos multidisciplinares

[EN] Traditionally, the role of education has been to give knowledge‐based readiness, which later would be applied in practice to various innovation processes in working life. Innovation pedagogy introduces how the development of students' innovation skills from the very beginning of their studies can become possible. The core of innovation pedagogy lies in emphasising interactive dialogue between the educational organization, students, and surrounding working life and society. It aims to develop the student’s innovation competencies which are the learning outcomes which refer to knowledge, skills and attitudes needed for the innovation activities to be successful. It is defined as a learning approach that defines in a new way how knowledge is assimilated, produced and used in a manner that can create innovations. The purpose of this study is to first present the concept of innovation pedagogy and later give examples of the methods used in Turku University of Applied Sciences to implement this pedagogical concept into the everyday life of the university. Innovation pedagogy has been developed in Turku University of Applied Sciences where it also forms part of the strategy in the university. The multidisciplinary projects of applied research and development respond to the customer needs and are integrated with education in a flexible way.[ES] Tradicionalmente, el papel de la educación ha sido el de proporcionar una preparación basada en el conocimiento, que más tarde será aplicada en la práctica de diferentes procesos de innovación en la vida laboral. Pedagogía de la Innovación presenta cómo puede llegar a ser posible el desarrollo de habilidades de innovación en los estudiantes desde el comienzo de sus estudios. El núcleo de la pedagogía de la innovación radica en el énfasis en el diálogo interactivo entre la organización educativa, los estudiantes, y la vida laboral y sociedad circundante. Su objetivo es desarrollar las competencias de innovación de los estudiantes, que son los resultados de aprendizaje que se refieren a conocimientos, habilidades y actitudes necesarias para que las actividades de innovación tengan éxito. Se define como un enfoque de aprendizaje que define de un modo nuevo cómo es asimilado el conocimiento, producido y utilizado de una manera que puede crear innovaciones. El propósito de este estudio es presentar primero el concepto de la pedagogía de la innovación y más tarde dar ejemplos de los métodos utilizados en la Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas de Turku a la hora de aplicar este concepto pedagógico en la vida cotidiana de la universidad. Pedagogía de la innovación se ha desarrollado en la Universidad de Turku de Ciencias Aplicadas en la que también forma parte de la estrategia de la universidad. Los proyectos multidisciplinares de investigación aplicada y su desarrollo responden a las necesidades del cliente y son integrados con la educación de una manera flexible.Kairisto-Mertanen, L.; Räsänen, M.; Lehtonen, J.; Lappalainen, H. (2012). Innovation pedagogy – learning through active multidisciplinary methods. REDU. Revista de Docencia Universitaria. 10(1):67-86. https://doi.org/10.4995/redu.2012.6122OJS6786101Brady, L. (1996). Outcome‐based Education: a critique, in The Curriculum Journal, Vol 7 (1), Spring, 5‐16.Buss, D. (2008). Secret Destinations, in Innovations in Education and Teaching International, Vol 45 (3), August, 303‐308.Davies, A. (2002). Writing learning outcomes and assessment criteria in art and design, available at www.arts.ac.uk/docs/citad_learningoutcomes.pdf pp. 522‐529. (Accessed 15 May 2011).Finland's National Innovation Strategy (2008). http://www.tem.fi/files /19704/Kansallinen_innovaatiostrategia_12062008.pdf.Gibbons M., Limoges C., Nowotny H., Schwartzman S., Scott P. & Trow, M. (1994). The New Production of Knowledge. The dynamics of science and research in contemporary societies. London: Sage.Harden, R. M. (2002). Learning outcomes and instructional objectives: is there a difference, in Medical Teacher, Vol. 24 (2), 151‐155.Harden. R. M., Crosby, J. R. & Davis, M. H. (1999). An Introduction to Outcome Based Education, in AMEE Guide No. 14, part 1. Medical TeacherHussey, T. & Smith, P. (2008). Learning outcomes: a conceptual analysis, in Teaching in Higher Education, Vol 13 (1), February, 107‐115.Kairisto‐Mertanen, L.; Kanerva‐Lehto, H.; Penttilä, T. (2009). Kohti innovatiopedagogiikkaa - Uusi lähestymistapa ammattikorkeakoulujen opetukseen ja oppimiseen. Turun ammattikorkeakoulun raportteja 92, Tampereen yliopistopaino, Tampere.Kairisto‐Mertanen, L.; Penttilä, T. & Putkonen, A. (2010). Embedding innovation skills in learning, in Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Universities, ed. Marja‐Liisa Neuvonen‐Rauhala; Series C Articles, reports and other current publications, part 72, Lahti University of Applied Sciences; Tampereen yliopistopaino, Tampere.Kairisto‐Mertanen, L.; Penttilä, T. & Nuotio, J. (2011). On the definition of innovation competencies, in Innovations for Competence Management, Conference proceedings. eds. Torniainen; Ilona, Mahlamäki‐Kultanen, Seija, Nokelainen Petri & Paul Ilsley; Series C, reports and other current publications, part 83, Lahti University of Applied Sciences, Esa print Oy.Kanerva‐Lehto, H.; Lehtonen, J.; Jolkkonen, A. & Riihiranta, J. (2011). Research Hatchery - a Concept for Combining Learning, Development and Research. In Towards Innovation pedagogy. A new approach to teaching and learning in universities of applied sciences, ed. by Lehto, A., Kairisto‐Mertanen L., Penttilä, T. TUAS Reports 100. Turku University of Applied Sciences.Kanerva‐Lehto, H. & Lehtonen, J. (ed.) 2007. Tutkimuspaja - oppimista ja kehittämistä. Reports from Turku University of Applied Sciences 54. Turku: Turku University of Applied Sciences.Lehtonen, J., Kanerva‐Lehto, H. & Koivisto, J. 2006. Tutkimuspaja mahdollisuutena yhdistää opetus ja T&K. Comments from Turku University of Applied Sciences 24. Turku: Turku University of Applied Sciences.Kettunen, J. (2011). Innovation pedagogy for universities of applied sciences, in Creative Education, 2(1), pp. 56‐62.Kettunen, J. (2010). Strategy process in higher education, in Journal of Institutional Research, 15(1), 16‐27.Kettunen, J. (2009). Innovaatiopedagogiikka, Kever‐verkkolehti, 8(2), available at http://ojs.seamk.fi/index.php/kever/article/view/1123/1000. (Accessed 24 June 2011).Lyytinen, S. (2011). Project Hatchery - interdisciplinary learning through project methods, In Towards Innovation pedagogy. A new approach to teaching and learning in universities of applied sciences, ed. by Lehto, A., Kairisto‐Mertanen L., Penttilä, T. TUAS Reports 100. Turku University of Applied Sciences.Nonaka I. & Takeuchi H. (1995). The Knowledge Creating Company: How Japanese Companies Create the Dynamics of Innovation. New York: Oxford University Press.Nowotny, H., Scott, P.and Gibbons, M. (2001). Re‐Thinking Science. Knowledge and the Public in an Age of Uncertainty. London: Polity Press.Nowotny H., Scott P. & Gibbons M. (2003). 'Mode 2' Revisited: The New production of Knowledge. Minerva 41(3), 179 - 194.Nusche, D. (2008). Assessment of learning outcomes in higher education: A comparative review of selected practices, in OECD Education Working Paper No. 15. Paris: OECD.Penttilä, T.; Kairisto‐Mertanen, L. & Putkonen, A. (2011). Messages of innovation pedagogy, In Towards Innovation pedagogy. A new approach to teaching and learning in universities of applied sciences, ed. by Lehto, A., Kairisto‐Mertanen L., Penttilä, T. TUAS Reports 100. Turku University of Applied Sciences.Proitz, T. S. (2010). Learning outcomes: What are they? Who defines them? When and where are they defined, in Educational Assessment, Evaluation and Accountability, 22, 119‐137.Putkonen, A.; Kairisto‐Mertanen, L.; Penttilä, T. (2010). Enhancing engineering students' innovation skills through innovation pedagogy - experiences in Turku University of Applied Scieces, In International Conference on Engineering Education ICEE‐2010, July 18‐22, 2010, Gliwice, Poland.Rogers E. M. (2003). Diffusion of Innovations. Fifth edition. New York: Free Press.Schumpeter J. A. (2003). Entrepreneurship, Style and Vision. Backhaus, J. G. (ed.) Boston: Kluwer Academic Publishers.Spady, W. (1988). "Organizing for the results: The basis of authentic restructuring and reform", in Educational Leadership, 4‐8.Spitzberg, B. (1983). Communication competence as knowledge, skills and impression, in Communication Education, Vol. 32, July, 323‐329

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Entacapone and Tolcapone after Acute and Repeated Administration: A Comparative Study in the Rat

ABSTRACT Two catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors, entacapone and tolcapone, were compared in the rat to elucidate the actual differences between their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics after single and repeated administration. Their inhibitory potencies were also compared in vitro. After intravenous administration (3 mg/kg), the elimination half-life (t 1/2␤ ) of entacapone (0.8 h) was clearly shorter than that of tolcapone (2.9 h). The striatum/serum ratio of tolcapone was 3-fold higher than that of entacapone. After a single oral dose (10 mg/kg), both entacapone and tolcapone produced an equal maximal degree of COMT inhibition in peripheral tissues, but tolcapone inhibited striatal COMT more effectively than did entacapone. After the 7-day treatment (10 mg/kg twice daily), COMT activity had recovered to a level of 67 to 101% of control within 8 h after the last dose of entacapone. In tolcapone-treated animals, there was still extensive COMT inhibition present in peripheral tissues, and the degree of inhibition was higher than that attained after a single dose. The pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling revealed that a plateau of COMT inhibition near the maximal attainable inhibition was reached already by plasma concentrations below 2000 ng/ml, both with entacapone and tolcapone. Entacapone and tolcapone inhibited equally rat liver COMT in vitro with K i values of 10.7 and 10.0 nM, respectively. In conclusion, tolcapone has a longer duration of action and a better brain penetration than entacapone. The results also suggest that peripheral COMT is inhibited continuously when tolcapone is dosed at 12-h intervals, but this was not seen with entacapone. The second-generation catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT, EC 2.1.1.6) inhibitors, entacapone and tolcapone, are indicated as adjuncts to standard levodopa-dopa decarboxylase inhibitor therapy in Parkinson's disease. They increase the bioavailability of levodopa by inhibiting its peripheral metabolism to an inactive metabolite, 3-O-methyldopa. COMT inhibitors improve the efficacy of the levodopa-dopa decarboxylase inhibitor therapy by prolonging the duration of action and the clinical benefit of levodopa Entacapone and tolcapone apparently behave differently both in experimental animals and humans. However, as a rule, entacapone and tolcapone have been studied only individually; their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics have not been compared thoroughly after single and repeated dosing. Actually, very little is known about their pharmacodynamics in different tissues after repeated dosing. Furthermore, only the relationship between the plasma drug concentration and COMT activity in erythrocytes has been studied previously A few available studies on entacapone and tolcapone in rats suggest that entacapone is eliminated faster than tolcapone and its oral bioavailability is lower than that of tolcapone. After intravenous administration of 10 mg/kg tolcapone, the t 1/2 was 0.9 h and total clearance 470 ml ϫ h Ϫ1 ϫ kg Ϫ1 . The oral bioavailability was 48% for 20 mg/kg and 56% for 40 mg/kg The time course of COMT activity in different tissues has ABBREVIATIONS. COMT, catechol-O-methyltransferase; t 1/2␤ , elimination half-life (␤-phase); S-COMT; soluble catechol-O-methyltransferase; MB-COMT, membrane-bound catechol-O-methyltransferase; AUE, area under the effect-time curve; AUC, area under the plasma drug concentration-time curve; C 0 , initial plasma concentration; E 0 , baseline effect; E max , maximum attainable effect

Regional socio-economic impacts of intensive forest management, a CGE approach

The demand for and supply of forest biomass have both been increasing in recent years, which will set new requirements for forest management. Thus, new studies on regionally suitable forest management regimes to fulfill the needs of potential new investments and the impacts on wood supply potential on regional socioeconomic welfare are called for. The aim of this study was to examine the impacts of intensive forest management due to increased demand for wood biomass, from the regional economy point of view. In particular, the impact of intensive forest management on 1) regional gross domestic product (GDP), 2) private consumption, and 3) employment were assessed. The study was carried out by using computable general equilibrium (CGE) modelling combined with the requisite statistics and simulation of regional forest potential in the future. The results showed that total regional forest biomass supply with more intensive forest management could be increased annually on average by 26% (1.7Mm(3)) by 2030 compared to the business as usual (BAU) scenario. In this study, regional demand was increased by a hypothetical saw mill (0.5Mm(3)) and biorefinery (0.7Mm(3)). Total regional socio-economic benefits could be 2.8% ((sic)150 M) for GDP, 1.5% ((sic) 49 M) for private consumption and 1.6% (780 person-years) for employment, larger by 2030 than in the BAU scenario including multiplier effects. The study demonstrated how much regional socio-economic welfare would increase if regional wood demand with new investments combined with more intensive forest management and wood supply had more attention paid to it.Peer reviewe

Porotalouden sopeutuminen ilmastonmuutokseen : miten ilmastonmuutoksen haitalliset vaikutukset voidaan minimoida? CLIMINI-hankkeen loppuraportti

Ilmastonmuutos ei ole enää tulevaisuuden uhka, vaan jo tämän päivän todellisuutta. Poronhoitajien työympäristönä on muuttuva ilmasto, johon sopeutuminen on jatkuvaa ja kehittyvää. Suomen poronhoitoalueella lämpötilan nousu on ylittänyt maapallon keskimääräisen lämpenemisnopeuden 2–3-kertaisesti. Tämä näkyy muun muassa talvien lauhtumisena ja lumipeitteen myöhäisempänä muodostumisena. Lähivuosikymmenille ennustetut muutokset ovat samansuuntaisia kuin jo nyt havaitut. Muuttuva ilmasto vaikuttaa poron hyvinvointiin ja poronhoitotöihin paitsi suoraan, myös epäsuorasti vaikkapa laidunympäristön muutosten kautta. Elinvoimainen ja hyvinvoiva porotalous tarvitsee riittävät valmiudet sopeutumiseen ja sen suunnitteluun. Käytännön sopeutumista ja sen suunnittelua on vahvistettava myös lainsäädännön ja tukipolitiikan keinoin. Tämän CLIMINI-hankkeen loppuraportin pääsisältö koostuu uudesta, porotalouden tuotanto- ja arvoketjun eri toimijoiden kanssa tuotetusta ilmasto- ja sopeutumistiedosta sekä sen perusteella laadituista toimenpidesuosituksista. Hankkeessa on jo aiemmin tehty yhteenveto tutkimustiedosta poronhoitoalueen ilmastonmuutoksesta ja porotaloudelle aiheutuvista vaikutuksista. Hanketta toteuttivat vuosina 2020-2023 Lapin yliopiston Arktinen keskus, Ilmatieteen laitos ja Luonnonvarakeskus. Hanke sai rahoitusta Euroopan aluekehitysrahastosta (Vipuvoimaa EU:lta 2014–2020; hankekoodi A7577). Työmuotoina olivat kirjallisuuskatsaukset, ilmastoaineistojen analyysi, haastattelut, työpajat (mm. nuorten kanssa alan oppilaitoksissa) sekä politiikka-analyysi. Keskusteluissa pohdittiin muun muassa jo käytössä olevia ja uusia sopeutumiskeinoja porotalouden tuotanto- ja arvoketjussa (esimerkiksi poronhoitokäytänteissä tai poromatkailussa). Työskentelimme myös neljän pilottipaliskunnan kanssa, tavoitteena sopeutumiseen liittyvien hyvien toimintamallien juurruttaminen käytännön poronhoitotyöhön. Toimimme koko poronhoitoalueella, kolmessa maakunnassa: Lapissa, Pohjois-Pohjanmaalla ja Kainuussa. Tässä raportissa esitämme erilaisia toimia sopeutumisen edistämiseksi porotalouden toimijoille käytännön poronhoidosta hallintoon. Tällä tavalla hanke vastaa kansallisen ilmastonmuutokseen sopeutumissuunnitelman väliarvioinnissa esiin nostettuihin tarpeisiin parantaa tietoisuutta muuttuvan ilmaston vaikutuksista sekä kehittää ohjauskeinoja ja sopeutumisen välineitä porotaloudelle. Johtopäätöksemme on, että porotaloudella on työkaluja sopeutua ilmastonmuutokseen, mutta uusiakin tarvitaan. Sopeutumistoimia tarvitaan sekä paliskunnissa että hallinnon ja yhteiskunnan tasolla. Erityisesti tulee pyrkiä kohti suunniteltua, proaktiivista sopeutumistyötä ja sopeutumiskyvyn vahvistamista. Vaikeiden luonnonolosuhteiden aiheuttamien menetysten korvaamiseen liittyvässä lainsäädännössä on parannettavaa. Maankäytön suunnittelu on vahvimpia työkaluja, jolla porotalouden sopeutumista voidaan tukea, tai sen sopeutumiskykyä murentaa. On tärkeää kehittää kriittisten luonnonolojen seurantajärjestelmiä; esimerkiksi laidunten jäätymisen tai homehtumisen havaitsemiseksi. Osaamisen ja yhteistyöverkostojen kehittäminen on myös tärkeä keino vahvistaa sopeutumiskykyä. Sekä perinteisellä tiedolla että koulutuksella on roolinsa. Elinkeino tarvitsee sopeutumissuunnitelman tai ilmastotiekartan, ja paliskunnat ja porotalousyrittäjät tarvitsevat tukea oman sopeutumisensa suunnitteluun. Käytännön työssä sopeutuminen on usein reaktiivista, eli pärjäämistä ja selviytymistä yllättävissä vaikeissa olosuhteissa. Myös paliskunnan toiminnassa tarvitaan suunnittelua, ja varautumista tuleviin muutoksiin. Vaikeiden talvien varalle osataan jo varautua. Jatkossa on varauduttava myös muiden vuodenaikojen vaikeisiin olosuhteisiin, kuten kesän pitkiin hellekausiin. Koska paliskunnat eroavat toisistaan muun muassa perinteiden, ilmaston ja laidunolojen suhteen, sopeutumisen tarpeet ja keinot ovat erilaiset. Huomiota on kiinnitettävä sopeutumistoimien toteuttamiskelposuuteen ja kestävyyteen.Climate change is no longer a threat that lies in the future, but one that we are facing today. Reindeer herding is practiced in a changing climate, which requires constant adaptation. The Finnish Reindeer Management Area is warming 2 to 3 times faster than the rest of the world on average. This can be observed, for example, as milder winters and delayed snow cover onset. Changes predicted for the next few decades are in line with those that have already been observed. The changing climate has both direct and indirect impacts on reindeer health and reindeer herding work. Indirect impacts can take place, for example, through changes that occur in grazing environments. In order to remain viable, reindeer husbandry needs sufficient resources and capacity for adaptation. This final report of the CLIMINI project focuses on new knowledge of climate and adaptation produced in cooperation with various actors involved in the production and value chain of reindeer husbandry, and policy recommendations based on this knowledge. The project ran from 2020 to 2023 and it was implemented by the University of Lapland’s Arctic Centre, Finnish Meteorological Institute, and the Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE). The project received funding from the European Regional Development Fund (Leverage from the EU 2014–2020; project code A7577). The working methods included literature reviews, analysis of climate datasets, interviews, workshops (for example with young people at educational institutes in the field), and policy analysis. The discussions dealt with, for example, the existing and new adaptation strategies in the production and value chain of reindeer husbandry (e.g. in reindeer herding practices and reindeer tourism). We also worked with four reindeer herding cooperatives with the objective of piloting—and establishing—operational models for adaptation in reindeer herding work in practice. Our work covered the entire Reindeer Management Area within three regions: Lapland, North Ostrobothnia and Kainuu. In this report, we present various measures targeted to actors within reindeer husbandry intended to promote adaptation. In this way, the project responds to the needs identified in the interim review of the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan to increase awareness of the impacts of climate change and to develop guidance, tools and instructions for the adaptation of reindeer husbandry. We conclude that reindeer husbandry has some tools to respond and adapt to climate change, but new tools need to be developed. Adaptation needs to be addressed by reindeer herding cooperatives as well as at administrative and societal levels. In particular, there is a need for planned, proactive adaptation and strengthening the adaptive capacity of reindeer husbandry. Legislation on compensation for losses suffered due to challenging environmental conditions needs to be improved. Land use planning is one of the strongest tools to support adaptation of reindeer husbandry—or to undermine its adaptive capacity. It is important to develop systems for monitoring critical environmental conditions, for example to detect formation of ice and mold growth on pastures. Development of competence and cooperation networks is also an important way of strengthening adaptive capacity. Both traditional knowledge and education play a role in the process. The livelihood needs an adaptation plan or a climate road map, and reindeer husbandry entrepreneurs need support with planning their adaptation strategies. In practical work, adaptation is often reactive: surviving unexpected and difficult conditions. Reindeer herding cooperatives need support in preparing for change. Coping mechanisms exist for preparing for and responding to difficult winter conditions. In the future, readiness to respond to difficult conditions during the other seasons as well, for example long heat periods during summer, needs to be developed. Because the reindeer herding cooperatives differ in terms of traditions, climate and pasture conditions, they also differ in their need for and means of adaptation. Attention must be paid to the feasibility and sustainability of adaptation measures

Warm, rainy winter onset increases the risk of hard, icy snow layers and the occurrence of mycotoxins in reindeer winter pastures

When thick wet snow covers unfrozen ground at the beginning of winter, herders fear the development of a hard, icy bottom snow layer and the appearance of noxious moulds (microfungi) in semi-domesticated reindeer pastures. Such winter onsets were experienced in 2019 and 2021 in the reindeer herding area of Finland, after which significant reindeer losses, along with collapses in calf production and slaughter animals, were encountered. We studied the development of weather and snow conditions in the late autumn and early winter of 2021–2022 and measured snow conditions in March 2022 in 11 reindeer cooperatives. We also collected samples from reindeer winter forage plants for mycotoxin analysis. We found that the weather and snow conditions during the late autumn and early winter of 2021 caused the formation of a hard, icy bottom snow layer and the development of mycotoxins in pastures. Alternariol (AOH) and alternariol monomethyl ether (AME), produced by Alternaria spp., were found in all 33 samples (104–2562, 61–808 µg/kg DM) and zearalenone (ZEN) by Fusarium spp. in 16 samples (14–206 µg/kg). Certain significant correlations in the concentrations of mycotoxins with snow conditions and ground surface temperatures were found. We assume that besides difficult grazing conditions in the winters of 2019–2020 and 2021–2022, the presence of mycotoxins in pastures has contributed to reindeer losses and reduced the body condition, health, and reproduction of reindeer. As onsets of winters become warmer and rainier, the risk of similar pasture conditions in reindeer herding may increase

Sex-specific transcriptional and proteomic signatures in schizophrenia

It has remained unclear why schizophrenia typically manifests after adolescence and which neurobiological mechanisms are underlying the cascade leading to the actual onset of the illness. Here we show that the use of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons of monozygotic twins from pairs discordant for schizophrenia enhances disease-specific signal by minimizing genetic heterogeneity. In proteomic and pathway analyses, clinical illness is associated especially with altered glycosaminoglycan, GABAergic synapse, sialylation, and purine metabolism pathways. Although only 12% of all 19,462 genes are expressed differentially between healthy males and females, up to 61% of the illness-related genes are sex specific. These results on sex-specific genes are replicated in another dataset. This implies that the pathophysiology differs between males and females, and may explain why symptoms appear after adolescence when the expression of many sex-specific genes change, and suggests the need for sex-specific treatments.Peer reviewe

Contribution of astrocytes to familial risk and clinical manifestation of schizophrenia

Previous studies have implicated several brain cell types in schizophrenia (SCZ), but the genetic impact of astrocytes is unknown. Considering their high complexity in humans, astrocytes are likely key determinants of neurodevelopmental diseases, such as SCZ. Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived astrocytes differentiated from five monozygotic twin pairs discordant for SCZ and five healthy subjects were studied for alterations related to high genetic risk and clinical manifestation of SCZ in astrocyte transcriptomics, neuron-astrocyte co-cultures, and in humanized mice. We found gene expression and signaling pathway alterations related to synaptic dysfunction, inflammation, and extracellular matrix components in SCZ astrocytes, and demyelination in SCZ astrocyte transplanted mice. While Ingenuity Pathway Analysis identified SCZ disease and synaptic transmission pathway changes in SCZ astrocytes, the most consistent findings were related to collagen and cell adhesion associated pathways. Neuronal responses to glutamate and GABA differed between astrocytes from control persons, affected twins, and their unaffected co-twins and were normalized by clozapine treatment. SCZ astrocyte cell transplantation to the mouse forebrain caused gene expression changes in synaptic dysfunction and inflammation pathways of mouse brain cells and resulted in behavioral changes in cognitive and olfactory functions. Differentially expressed transcriptomes and signaling pathways related to synaptic functions, inflammation, and especially collagen and glycoprotein 6 pathways indicate abnormal extracellular matrix composition in the brain as one of the key characteristics in the etiology of SCZ.Peer reviewe