Browsing by Author "Johansson, Julia"
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Johansson, Julia (2021)This project focuses on development of novel split intein systems for selection of biological activities utilizing protein splicing. Protein splicing is phenomenon that occurs naturally inside the cell and the reaction is catalyzed by inteins, which connect C-terminal and N-terminal exteins with a peptide bond. The activity of the interrupted protein, consisting the exteins, can be restored after the intein is excised and the peptide bond links the exteins together. This occurrence can be used for selection of cells based on different activities including antibiotic resistance. The project aims to insert an intein in antibiotic resistance gene which could allow controlling the protein activity of the antibiotic resistance gene by protein splitting. This method is based on inserting an intein to the antibiotic resistance conferring enzyme which makes the protein inactive. Creating two separate plasmids that include the intein sequence can be transformed into bacterial cells. Other plasmid includes a deletion in the intein sequence and the cells that include this plasmid only, are not able to survive in the presence of an antibiotic. This is due to inactivity of the intein and thus the inactivity of the enzyme that confers the resistance. Incorporating a second plasmid that includes the corresponding sequence to the deletion, the intein activity can be recovered and thus the protein activity. By this method with cotransformation, both plasmids are transformed simultaneously which recovers the intein activity and further the antibiotic resistance. This could be used for the cell selection since only the cells that harbor both of the two complementary plasmids could restore the antibiotic resistance.
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Johansson, Julia (2024)The housing sector plays a crucial role in global energy consumption and emissions, with the European Union (EU) emphasizing citizen participation in sustainability, and Finland targeting carbon neutrality by 2035. Despite legislative efforts, the extent of residents' active involvement in sustainability remains uncertain. Current housing sustainability studies often overlook the role of individual actors like residents, who actively participate in various phases of sustainability initiatives. This study focuses on resident-driven sustainability projects in housing and understanding residents' perspectives, and then comparing them with those of housing experts in the Helsinki metropolitan region. Utilizing qualitative interviews, this study investigates the perspectives and experiences of both residents (n=9) and housing experts (n=9) regarding sustainability initiatives in housing. The thematic data analysis focuses on understanding residents' priorities, their experiences of sustainability initiatives in housing, and the factors influencing their engagement. The analysis identifies resident-driven sustainability projects that benefit housing communities, including adding biodiversity to the yard areas, neighborhood collaboration, shared investments (bikes and cars), energy repairs, material changes, insulation improvements and urban farming. The results reveal differences in perspectives between housing experts and residents. Residents prioritize practical benefits and cost-efficiency and express the need for low-threshold avenues for communication. Knowledge determines residents' perceptions and engagement with sustainability initiatives. Moreover, transparent governance, accessible communication channels, and inclusive decision-making processes encourage the feeling of ownership within residents and therefore foster their active participation in shaping sustainable housing. Housing experts draw attention to the lack of strategies in housing companies and the slow decision-making processes, where housing companies often react rather than act strategically. They emphasize the importance of tailored engagement strategies. The study highlights the need for strategic planning, including ongoing education and awareness-building efforts to address residents' limited understanding of the practical benefits of sustainability. By presenting sustainability as a solution to everyday housing challenges and recognizing its tangible benefits for residents, housing management can enhance resident buy-in and support for sustainability initiatives. The study calls for a holistic approach to sustainability in housing, integrating the perspectives and experiences of all residents to create more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities for the future. This study contributes to the field of housing sustainability by shedding light on resident-driven sustainability initiatives and creating more resilient and inclusive housing.
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